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.