Here We go..

MId week last week I got an e-mail congratulating me on getting into The Barkley Marathons. I was confused as I had heard nothing from the actual RD of the race. Upon further investigation, I discovered that I am indeed #6 on the events waiting list. Given that 6 are sure to drop out.. it looks like I'll be headed to Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee some time in April to try my luck at the Barkley. What is the Barkley you may ask??

The Barkley Marathons is a 100 Mile Run and a 60 Mile Fun Run held annually in Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg, Tennessee in late March or early April. The course itself, which has changed distance, route, and elevation many times since its inaugural run in 1986, currently consists of a 20-mile (32 km) loop with no aid stations except water at two points along the route and the runner's parked car at the beginning of the loop. Runners of the 100 Mile version run this loop five times, with loops three and four being run in the opposite direction and loop five being runner's choice. Runners of the 60 Mile Fun Run (considered to be harder than Hardrock) complete three circuits of the loop. With 54,200 feet (16,500 m) of accumulated vertical climb, the 100 Mile Run is considered to be one of the more challenging ultramarathons held in the United States, if not the world. In addition to running, competitors must find between nine and 11 books (varies per year) and remove a page from each book as proof of completion.

The cut-off time for the 100 Mile race is 12 hours per loop, and the cut-off for the 60 Mile version of the race is 40 hours overall, which averages out to approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes per loop. Since the race's inception in 1986, only eight runners (Mark Williams 1995, David Horton and Blake Wood 2001, Ted "Cave Dog" Keizer 2003, Jim Nelson and Mike Tilden 2004, Brian Robinson 2008 (course record 55:42:27) and Andrew Thompson 2009) out of more than 650 have completed the 100 Mile race within the official 60 hour cut-off. In 2006 nobody finished even 60 Mile Fun Run in under 40 hours. Best woman achievement is Sue Johnston's 66 miles (106 km) in 2001. More than 30 competitors failed to reach first book (2 miles).
The race is limited to 35 runners and usually fills up quickly the day registration opens. Potential entrants must complete an essay on "Why I Should be Allowed to Run in the Barkley." The course was designed by Gary Cantrell. His idea for the race was inspired upon hearing about Martin Luther King, Jr's assassin James Earl Ray escaping from prison, and making it only 8 miles (13 km) after running 55 hours in the woods. Cantrell said to himself "I could do at least 100 miles." Thus, the Barkley Marathon was born.

So I guess the officially means that with racing ultra season coming earlier then planned, I now need to officially get off my butt and I'm getting off it by challenging myself to a streak. I hope to run at least 1 mile every day of 2010. Now of course I'll run many more miles on quite a few days, but regardless.. the idea is to give my body at least 7 or 8 minutes of exercise, every day, guaranteed. With that being said... I challenge all of you who read this blog to assemble your own challenge.. your own streak.

I'm not sure how someone prepares for Barkley but my mission is to simply prepare by doing what I love to do. Climbing mountains, running long miles and stepping off trail for some bushwhackin' good times. So stay tuned for upcoming days in Pawtuckaway with a map, compass and snowshoes.

My lord... what have I gotten myself into!
SJ