Barkley Marathons and Everesting Recap

Andrea Larson recaps her experience on the infamous Barkley Marathons course climbing hills so steep that her poles couldn't grip the ground, wading through rivers, battling cold that froze jugs at the water drops, and of course finding books hidden in the woods. She also reveals the scene cheering on the race's most finishers, including watching Laz bolt for his bell for the "bell lap" after not using it in six years!

Highlights include:

3 min: Barkley lore
- How the race started
- Why the race starts with the lighting of a cigarette
- The need for hiding books
- Why Laz said no woman can finish Barkley
14 min: Barkley insights
- (Mis)counting pages
- Preserving the wilderness
- 100% self-extraction
- What makes the Barkley so hard
17 min: Multi-faceted
- How adventure racing is good preparation
- Why one dimensional runners are doomed
- Overcoming the weather
20 min: Gear
- Watches
- Trekking poles
- Filtering water
22 min: Training
- Running on a broken treadmill
25 min: Why visit Frozen Head State Park
29 min: Navigation
- How to earn bib #1
- Why not to follow a veteran
44 min: Course insights
- First decent fumble
- Hills, hills, hills including comparison to Rib Mountain
- Description of Rat Jaw
- Nailing the final descent
- Interpreting Laz-speak
48 min: Takeaways
- Similar wedding planning
- Empowerment and opening doors
52 min: Q&A
- Motivation and mantra
- Why so many Barkers have PhDs
- Difference between Barkley Fall Classic and Barkley Marathons
- Barkley physical demands vs. Everesting
66 min: Everesting recap

Banner photo: Lazarus Lake pauses for taps for Andrea Larson.

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