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Run Eat Repeat

How Much Do You Think I Could Get For A Kidney?

Running

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4 Apr

This weekend is the Barkley Marathons! Have you heard about it? It’s kind of a secret. The first rule of The Barkley Marathon is you don’t talk about The Barkley Marathons. But, I’m not talking about it I’m writing about it so I think it’s okay. Loophole.

Yesterday I watched a documentary about “The Barkley Marathons” aka “The race that eats its young”. It just so happened I heard about it last week and had time to watch it this weekend. Before 7 days ago I had never even heard of it. Aaand it just so happened that the race started yesterday too!

So, when the movie was over and I pulled out my laptop to research how I could meet my untimely death in Tennessee (where the race is located, not like I’m randomly going to go to TN to die for other reasons) I found out it had just started that morning!!!  I was able to follow along via twitter.

(Check out the trailer here)

image

Some things to know about Barkley Marathons (that you didn’t hear here just in case I get busted for ‘talking’ about it because I want to stay in the RD’s good graces):

1. The Barkley Marathons is an ultra race of 5x 20 mile loops, hence the name marathonS. But the actual distance of the course isn’t known since runners cannot wear GPS watches. Many estimate it’s 5x 26 mile loops.

2. It is a very very difficult trail race with elevation gains and losses that are equal to climbing Mt. Everest TWICE.

3. The race began in 1986 and as of the 2015 race only 14 runners have ever finished. That means many years no one finished it!

4. There is no course support, just 2 spots where they leave water out. So you have to carry all the water and fuel you need for each loop. One loop can take upwards of 12 hours.

5. In addition to the $1.60 entrance fee runners must write an essay on why they should be chosen to run.

Every year the Race Director chooses one person to be the ‘human sacrifice’. That person is one that basically ‘has no business being out there’. They come back to the start heart in hand, holding back tears and I think the RD likes that.

That sacrifice spot is also the only way I’d ever get in so I can at least appreciate the need for it.

If you ignored all of this just know… I liked the movie. And I like running. So there is a teeny tiny part of me that would want to do it, at least in theory.

Speaking of having a death wish…

I think I may finally be an adult.

This theory is supported by the following:

I worked on my taxes today. This is the first time someone else hasn’t done them for me.

I would be super proud of myself except, it sucked. I’m not a numbers person. Or a details person. Or a person who likes to be responsible and keep track of bills and stuff.

Being an adult doesn’t really come naturally to me. So after a full day of tax junk and holding back tears I’m now laying on the floor doing nothing. It’s nice.

this is being an adult (480x480)

Luckily, “Help is here”!

this is being an adult 2 (640x800)

(For this at Target)

I owe taxes so I’m considering selling a kidney. I heard they can get you a pretty penny. And I’m sure my kidneys are super healthy because I drink a lot of water and try to take vitamins and stuff. Plus I figure one of my kidneys must weigh at least 3 pounds (they’re big because I drink so much water and they work hard). So I’d get money and lose 3 pounds. Double win!

Question: Should I apply to that race or just lay here forever?

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    20 Comments

    Previous Post: « I Just Want to Document That I’m Throwing These Knives Away
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jodie S says

      2016-04-08 at 8:14 am

      This needs a follow up…Did you see or hear that the 2016 finisher has completed this craziness for the 3rd time!!! Holy crap now there’s a lot of craziness going on inside that man. So cool…I’m pretty sure I’d be crazy by the time I was done loop 1.

      Reply
    2. Katie M says

      2016-04-05 at 7:41 pm

      I just learned that one kidney weighs a little less than 1/2 a pound. So I think you’d be better off keeping yours. But according to “Jerry Maguire”, the human head weighs 8 pounds… LOL 🙂

      Reply
    3. Lauren says

      2016-04-05 at 12:12 pm

      I watched the Barkley Marathon documentary 2 weeks ago! I loved it, but I would never attempt it due to my horrible awful sense of direction and map skills. I’d be out there for months!

      Reply
    4. Di says

      2016-04-05 at 5:34 am

      I watched that documentary too and now I want to try to get in! Which is odd because I’m sure I would quit in the first loop or get seriously lost and end up in another State.

      Reply
    5. Sue Wong says

      2016-04-04 at 11:32 pm

      Ok, Barkley aside…any plans for an ultra? Or a trail race in the near future? Or maybe an ultra trail? 🙂

      Reply
      • runeatrepeat says

        2016-04-05 at 6:48 am

        Actually I was thinking about doing the Born to Run 50K again. It’s a trail! But it’s coming up soon and I am not sure I can fit it in my schedule. TBD.

        Reply
    6. Elaine says

      2016-04-04 at 6:45 pm

      Oooohh no. Stay on the floor. You could not pay me enough $$$ to ever go out in the woods around Brushy Mountain.
      That said, if you must, I’ll come be your support crew! You’ve got to find someplace to working on hills. And start learning to read trail maps.

      Reply
    7. Georgina says

      2016-04-04 at 4:04 pm

      I watched it last night…insane!!

      Reply
    8. Jaclyn says

      2016-04-04 at 2:37 pm

      Go for it! Just told my crazy cousin about it and he’s looking into it!

      Reply
    9. Katherine @ A (Fit) Girl and Her Dog says

      2016-04-04 at 2:04 pm

      Hang in there! Adulting is super hard, I vote for laying on the floor a bit longer 😉

      Reply
    10. Lindsay Edwards says

      2016-04-04 at 1:44 pm

      I watched that documentary TWICE in a row. That race just blew my mind. I loved listening to the RD talk about all the different, funny things about the race. I think one of my favorite parts of the film was when one of the guys hit the “EASY” button when he made it to the gate after one of his laps, haha. There’s no way in hell I’d survive that race, so I have so much respect for those guys and gals.

      Reply
      • runeatrepeat says

        2016-04-04 at 2:04 pm

        That makes me feel better because I immediately wanted to watch it again the next day!

        Reply
    11. Deb says

      2016-04-04 at 10:32 am

      You should definitely apply for the race. If you need a reference (or witness, or whatever), I’m here for ya!

      And….don’t forget to write your will before going. I’ll take Vegas.

      I have the documentary on my Netflix “Watch List”. But since it’s an hour and a half long, I haven’t watched it..yet. I have a hard time committing that much time to anything…. eh. Now that you’ve recommended it, I guess I’ll bite the time bullet. I’m sure I’ll be thanking you .. so let me just do that now. “Thank You”. 🙂

      Reply
      • runeatrepeat says

        2016-04-04 at 2:05 pm

        Deal!! Ha! Thanks Deb. Tell me about the documentary. I might need to see that one!

        Reply
    12. Kelly says

      2016-04-04 at 10:09 am

      I watched the Barkley documentary this past weekend!! I was totally obsessed by the end.

      Reply
    13. sally @ sweat out the small stuff says

      2016-04-04 at 9:32 am

      I just watched the Barkley documentary too. The best was the Easy Button they hit at the return of each loop. That marathon really is just insane in every aspect.

      Reply
    14. Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says

      2016-04-04 at 8:48 am

      i saw a couple posts about the barkley marathons and wondered what it was…now i know its a trail of terror…but at least its a cheap entry fee lol. What do you get if you finish?!?! Way to go being an adult and doing your taxes, I think that deserves the whole bottle of wine you bought.

      Reply
    15. Sana says

      2016-04-04 at 8:48 am

      My mom did my taxes. And this is the first time I’ve gotten money back in taxes. I also made very little blogging money so that explains it!

      Reply
      • runeatrepeat says

        2016-04-04 at 2:05 pm

        Ask your mom if she can do mine. Thanks xoxox

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Cherry Blossom 10 Miler weekend recap and Duncan gets stitches - says:
      2016-04-04 at 9:30 am

      […] it’s 130 miles with elevation to match climbing and descending Mt. Everest TWICE! And Monica at Run Eat Repeat just posted about it today […]

      Reply

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      Disclaimer: Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise. I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. The views expressed are based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical, nutrition or training advice. Please note that affiliate links and sponsored posts may pop up from time to time. I truly appreciate your support. More »

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