This is kind of a "swing-for-the-fence" trade, so in that instance, I'd rather buy longer term OTM options (maybe mix in some verticals or calendars to offset some time decay) and keep a good chunk of my cash unexposed.
Right now you get about 5k shares off VXX for $100k.
You can get Sept 25 calls for around $330/contract, so you could control 10k shares (100 contracts) for around $33k and keep 2/3 of your cash completely safe.
If your move to 40 develops, you'll be just as rewarded as if you owned the outright shares.
If something bad happens, you get less hammered (thanks to gamma slowing things down as it moves against you).
Downsides are you're exposed to time decay and the spreads are not as good.