Yes, Runners Are Crazy (But Oh So Awesome)

Last night, I met up with my running group for our Wednesday workout. A little over 3 miles of hill drills. Fun, fun.

But what I was really looking forward to was our guest speaker afterwards–Jamil Coury, founder of Aravaipa Running (that’s our local trail and ultra running series). Jamil has done over 50 ultra races and this past March he attempted the practically impossible (no, really) Barkley Marathon.

Have you ever heard of the Barkley Marathon? Not many people have and I hadn’t until our running group cheered him on when he started. Apparently, this 100 mile marathon is not designed for people to know much about it–which is exactly how it’s race director and according to Jamil, even the runners, like it. It’s not a race you can simply go to a website and register. You get information only by word of mouth and there is a secret application involved. Jamil wouldn’t (couldn’t?) divulge the specifics of how he got in.

The Barkely Marathon takes place every year during spring in the mountains of Tennessee–the high point being 3300 feet with total amount per loop of 12,500 feet and temperatures that range from freezing to sweltering. Jamil recounted how the first day was non-stop rain. The 100 mile race (which really is more around the 130 mile range) has a 60 hour time limit and participants are not given a course map nor are the trails marked. The runners do not know the exact start time but must camp out the night before and wait for the start signal–the race director lighting up a cigarette.

The race consists of five 20 mile loops, the first two clockwise, the next two counter clockwise, and the last loop with different runners going opposite directions. Those completing 3 loops, under a set time limit of 40 hours, accomplish what’s dubbed the “Fun Run”. Jamil was one those people this year. It took him 13 hours to finish the last loop.

There are no aid stations, runners carry with them their own food and water and whatever equipment they can carry (although, no GPS are allowed). Throughout the race, to prove runners are not cheating, the runners search for 10 books hidden along the way. Once found, they must tear out the page number that matches the number on their bib. (ETA: There were 13 books this year)

Jamil's bib

Jamil’s bib

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The book titles reflect the conditions of the course (and/or perhaps even some of the thoughts of the runners?).

During our question/answer session with Jamil, one person asked what the winner got–you know, what were you running for?

Nothing.

That was Jamil’s answer. You weren’t running to win anything.

Yet, people who’ve been unsuccessful in finishing the Barkley Marathon return again and again and again. Of course, Jamil’s plan is to return.

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–Have you heard of the Barkley Marathon? (It’s funny because when you look it up, you get the same information every place you go. It’s like people only divulge certain things. It’s this mystique I find so intriguing.)

–Would you ever do a crazy race like this? (In a different lifetime, yes.)

This is a great site with pics from the race.

 

Taper Time and PRO Compression Socks Winner!

I’m officially in taper mode as my European half marathon approaches. I can’t believe that on Friday we’ll be getting on a plane to Spain!

eeek! :)

eeek! 🙂

Last week was 37 mile week! It seemed to accumulate without me even realizing it but oh do I feel it now. I took Sunday and Monday off to rest mi legs but will do my 6.2sday today and keep it chill.

Yesterday was such an emotional day. If you didn’t catch the Boston Marathon, youtube or find video highlights. It was absolutely amazing. I was able to watch it from the very beginning and even my daughter knew something special was happening as she took a break from playing to catch a glimpse of Rita Jeptoo making her way to the finish line.

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I know you all are ready for the Pro Compression giveaway winner! Thank you all so much for entering–this was my biggest giveaway to date!

Okay, here we go…..Congratulations…..JOY CHAMBERS!! You are the winner of a FREE pair of marathon Pro Compression socks. Check your e-mail for details from me.

Remember that everyone here is a winner. Use the code BLG14 fora 40% discount. Pretty sweet! Sign up for the Sock of the Month to get even more deals.

I hope everyone has a good day!

~helly

–Were you able to watch the Boston Marathon yesterday? What was most exciting for you?

Chubby Bunny!! Adventure Run Fun

The third Thursday of the month Roadrunner Sports holds an Adventure Run. I went to my first one last month and talked about it. Yesterday, was my second time and this time I brought along my husband. I wanted him to take a glimpse into the sometimes questionable behavior of runners and we sure didn’t disappoint.

A quick recap of what the Adventure Run is all about. It’s basically an hour run where you try to go to as many places on that particular day’s map to get raffle tickets for awesome running related prizes–socks, fuel, clothing, and shoes! to name a few. Some places are close by, some places are 2 miles away. The goal is to get as many tickets as you can and make it back by the 7:30 cut off time. The Adventure Run requires a light since you’re basically running around town at night. Good times.

So, before the Adventure Run starts, there are several booths of different business, races, products advertising and wanting to show off their stuff. They entice you with raffle tickets. Nothing excites a runner than the opportunity for free running stuff. At these booths, like at the locations you visit during the run, requires you to perform a task. My husband watched as I did 5 one legged squats at one booth, and joined me for 10 pushups at another. (He did an extra 10 for extra tickets. Great guy!) He didn’t want to join me at the next booth.

Chubby Bunny!!

Two members of my running group were manning the Ragnar Trail Races booth. If you haven’t heard of Ragnar, you should definitely check it out. Ragnar Trail is a trail race like no other where you grab a few of your closest (or not) friends and run relay AT NIGHT for about 50 miles. Sounds fun right!? I’m hoping to do Ragnar Trail or the Ragnar Relay Series which will take me and my pals 200 miles across the state of Arizona. I can’t decide which one to do!

Anyway, at their booth they were giving away extra tickets to those who could stuff as many marshmallows in their mouth. This took me back to my childhood days where my brother and I stuffed insane amounts of gum in our mouths to see who could blow the biggest bubble. I could do this.

Me deciding if I should embarrass my husband or not

Me deciding if I should embarrass my husband or not

Alright, let's do this!

Alright, let’s do this!

Making room.

Making room.

5 jumbo marshmallows later...

5 jumbo marshmallows later…

I didn’t win unfortunately but I did hold my own and managed to score a few extra tickets lol!

After the marshmallow event, my husband and I took a pre-run pic:

LOVE when we can run together!

LOVE when we can run together!

And we were off!

5.25 miles later and without a minute to spare, we were done. These were no easy miles either as my average pace ended up being 8:55.

There was a good crowd waiting for the raffle to start and while my running group had several winners, my husband and I went home empty handed 😦 We had a great time though and laughed at ourselves quite a bit and that absolutely made everything worth it 🙂

 

–How many marshmallows can you squeeze in your mouth? Go ahead and try it, I’ll wait…

–What funny/interesting/out-of-the-ordinary game(s) have you won?

Don’t forgot, your chance to score a FREE pair of marathon PRO Compression socks is HERE!!