In 2017, Barkley Marathons fanatic and someday ultrarunner Henry Speir wrote a weblog publish entitled “Barkley Self-Evident Truths,” and he has helpfully tweeted this collection of maxims to remind Barkley attempters of some easy details about their possibilities in a race which may greatest be described as “diabolical.”
Right here’s the second half of that listing.
Barkley Marathons, April 1st, 2007
Flyin’ Brian Robinson does some interloopal self-care in path to a 4 loop DNF(he completed the subsequent yr).#BM100 pic.twitter.com/wvp7Ko9m9K
— Henry Speir (@henryspeir) March 15, 2023
Friendship is fleeting
#11: Whereas “on the market,” the ephemeral “Barkley friendship” will be very fleeting, but in addition very helpful. The profitable Barker will instantly acknowledge when it’s now not helpful, and transfer on with haste. (Be conscious, nonetheless, of Barkley self-evident fact #5). Corollary: The profitable Barker will immediately spot the mopey, blue, dead-weight Barker and put distance between them earlier than he’s contaminated with unfavorable, self-justifying speak about quitting.
#12: All different issues being equal, through the nighttime, the profitable Barker will leverage pairing or teamwork prospects with these round him. (Being conscious, after all, of Barkley self-evident fact #11.)
Corollary: The Barkley virgin is far much less prone to be scraped at evening. (See additionally Barkley self-evident fact #9)
#13: Whereas “on the market”, the course is in command; between loops, YOU are in command. The profitable Barker will visualize, plan and parsimoniously handle each minute between loops. What you do or fail to do right here could possibly be the start of the top of your Barkley outing.
Neglect all the things you suppose you understand
#14: In case you haven’t spent a lot time with a USGS 7.5 min topo quad and might’t inform the distinction between a draw and a spur, return, re-read and double down on Barkley self-evident fact #8.
#15: Ultrarunners: Notice that every one that path operating coaching and expertise you will have is simply tangentially helpful at being profitable on the Barkley. Moreover, a few of the expertise and habits you’ve gained on this pursuit may even be considerably counterproductive on the Barkley. That’s not to say that it’s not helpful in any respect; it’s simply not as helpful in getting ready you for the Barkley as you possible assume it to be. (See additionally Barkley self-evident fact #1.) Corollary 1: “Mudder/Demise/ToughGuy” sort operating occasions and expertise are much more ineffective. Corollary 2: The most effective complete Barkley coaching is through the occasion itself; in case you are in, preserve transferring ahead—your subsequent likelihood is at minimal a yr, however extra possible greater than a yr away!
#16: Data and understanding of the particular Barkley course and learn how to navigate round it’s elementary to success and goes with out saying; nonetheless, equally as necessary and helpful, however typically neglected, is the “large image” of the park, its options and the way they’re all interconnected and the way the Barkley course matches and flows inside/across the park. (Attributed to 2010 Barkley finisher Jonathan Basham; additionally: laz, Furtaw and others)
#17: Implicit in your need to enter the Barkley and being granted entry into the occasion is your steadfast dedication to self-extract and make your method again to camp by yourself energy, besides below essentially the most excessive of circumstances. In case you had the power and fortitude to get on the market, then you must have the ability to get again by yourself…with out bothering the locals, and bringing disgrace and shame to your self and the Barkley. (Partially attributed to “Pit Viper,” circa 2007, and others, earlier than and since. See additionally Barkley self-evident fact #16 and #10.)
Right here’s our crew, doing a creative illustration of runners gorging down energy in camp quickly. #bm100 #barkleycats #kittykontent pic.twitter.com/LACSNuQMhu
— Catherine Wilt ✌ (@EnviroCatTN) March 14, 2023
#18: Navigating across the Barkley course is little doubt a problem. Nevertheless, the first driver for inflicting the as soon as aspiring Barker to stop is the cumulative impact of the brutal climbs and descents. (See additionally Barkley self-evident fact #3.)
#19: The Barkley is a riddle wrapped in a thriller inside an enigma. (Inspiration attribution: Winston Churchill)
#20: The Barkley is the final word revealer of fact. Most will discover out that they aren’t as robust as they hoped they might be (or as most understand them to be); a choose few will turn out to be legends. All will probably be grateful and higher for the expertise.
