Hey everybody, it has been a little while since my last post. I have been busy traveling and training. I do want to be sure to announce that I will be at the Running the Sahara screening on May 13th in Pittsburgh, PA. You can purchase tickets for the event at the Nehst studio site here: http://store.nehst.com/rtsscr51310pa.html.

Even for those of you who have seen the movie already, if you are in the area you should come by. I will be there to answer questions and meet everyone in person. That is something you don’t get on the DVD. Also, Nehst studio is arranging for every attendee to get a digital download of the Running the Sahara movie, so you can watch it on your computer.

Anyhow, if you are in Pittsburgh, come by and see Running the Sahara.

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Here is the event data for those curious about details:

Meet Ultra Marathoner Charlie Engle at the Pittsburgh Premiere of Running the Sahara.

Your ticket includes admission to the screening, virtual swag bag with free movie download, and a post film Q & A with Ultra Marathoner Charlie Engle. Charlie will be available to sign autographs.

Advance online tickets will be available up to 5:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, May 13, 2010. At the door tickets are $25.00 and do not include the virtual swag bag.

Theater: Southside Works Cinemas
Theater Address: 425 Cinema Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: (877) 286-7610
Website: Southside Works Cinemas
Show Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Runtime: 102 min.
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Talent: Charlie Engle

Now I am less than 24 hours from the start and I am actually freaking out a bit. But I actually love the feeling. What could be more exhilarating than trying something that almost certainly will end in failure. It causes me to examine the reasons behind my adventures. Ego is useless at times like this. Humility needs to dominate. Gratitude is the overwhelming feeling right now. I am lucky to be sober, lucky to be going out in the woods for a test of will, lucky to have kids that are wonderful, lucky to be loved by an amazing woman. In short, I am lucky just to have the chance to suffer. In this way, I know that I am truly living.

My girlfriend Norma arrives today to support me. She will be updating on Facebook and Twitter when she can. There is not much of a signal and runners are actually gone for up to 12 hours at a time so information is in short supply sometimes. Thanks to all of you for your amazing support.

Barkley Marathons

Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee



I have been running and racing and adventuring (is that a word?) for a very long time. I like to think that I have a pretty good perspective on the world. I don’t take myself or my running too seriously. I try not to complain too much about my aches and pains because I choose to do these events so complaining about it doesn’t make sense. I think that I have a good way with words when describing how I feel and what I am experiencing.

All that said, let me just say these two urgent words; HELP ME!!!

I have spent the past couple of days in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee. I have been trying to learn around some of the trails in the park. This is the location of the Barkley Marathons. There is a story behind the name and the fact that it is plural but I will tell that one later.

The Barkley is a 100+ mile adventure. Here are a few basic facts.

- Barkley is actually 5 loops of about 26 miles per loop

- The course is unmarked and changes every year

- There is more than 52,000 feet of climbing in the Barkley and 52,000 of descending

- More than 700 runners have attempted Barkley but only 8 have ever completed the entire race

- On average, more than half of the runners will break down in tears at some point (okay I just made this one up but it seems likely)

- The race director changes the course every year specifically to prevent runners from finishing

- The race begins with the lighting of a cigarette

- Virgins (that would be me in this case) DO NOT finish this race unless they have extensive experience in Frozen Head State Park

- I am in way over my head.

Why did I think this was a good idea? I don’t know. Doesn’t it always sound good when we are sitting comfortably on the sofa? I have known of Barkley for many years and have always wanted to give it a try.

Here are a few pictures of what this weekend holds for me:






I have my checklist all made out. I have some of the best possible partners helping me these days and I am very grateful for their support and guidance.

-Mission Skincare for SPF and the all important Anti Friction lube

-Newton Running for amazing shoes

-Balega Socks keep my feet blister free and happy

-Infinit Nutrition is huge for a race like Barkley because nutrition is critical for a 60 hour race

-Princeton Tec lights the way. Darkness is a bad thing at Barkley

-I have been using a special knee brace at night that sends a low level electric charge to the knee all night. This has saved me so far this year. VQ Orthocare provides that.

I am sure there are others but I am off to Frozen Head now.

On April 22nd from 8-9pm I will be speaking at the Children’s Scholarship Fund in Charlotte North Carolina. Anyone can attend, you just need tickets.
Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/default.asp?id=59&objId=1890

Here is the address for the venue:
Knight Theater
430 South Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202

Here is the event poster with more details:

I will be speaking at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio on March 4th for the Presidential Lecture Series.
You can learn more at the Presidential Lecture Series Website.