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.
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.
Luckily, “Help is here”!
(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!
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.
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 🙂
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!
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.
Ok, Barkley aside…any plans for an ultra? Or a trail race in the near future? Or maybe an ultra trail? 🙂
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.
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.
I watched it last night…insane!!
Go for it! Just told my crazy cousin about it and he’s looking into it!
Hang in there! Adulting is super hard, I vote for laying on the floor a bit longer 😉
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.
That makes me feel better because I immediately wanted to watch it again the next day!
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”. 🙂
Deal!! Ha! Thanks Deb. Tell me about the documentary. I might need to see that one!
I watched the Barkley documentary this past weekend!! I was totally obsessed by the end.
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.
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.
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!
Ask your mom if she can do mine. Thanks xoxox