From: "Hills, Robert L 
To: ULTRA@LISTSERV.DARTMOUTH.EDU
Subject: Barkley ate my lunch 
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2004 13:21:09 -0400 


Barkley ate my lunch, or my first DNF.

Just one loop is all it took.

Ok, let's skip the formalities and get to the real business at hand.  I now
completely understand why the Barkley is considered the toughest 100 miler
going; if you think different, then I suggest you pay Frozen Head a visit
next April.

My Day:

1st loop:

Falls = 18 with one being the critical mind setter.
Cuts/punctures = too numerous to count.
Turned ankle = see above.
Vomit = no, but close a couple of times - Turkey and cheese sandwiches are
no longer menu items at my home.

Mind Set:
At Start = yeah 3 or more loops is doable.
At Stallion Mountain = I can still do this, but 3 loops sounds better.
After Little Hell = Two loops is something to brag about.
After Big Hell = Starting to think one loop is fine with me.
Coming Down Big Hell after falling ass over teakettle and smashing hip on
rock = It is not worth it anymore.  If I stop now I may get out of here in
shape to race another day.

Time to complete 20 miles = 11 hours - That's eating on the move, drinking
on the move, stopping only to tear out pages from the books, and running in
some spots.  You do the math, 20 miles in 11 hours??? What gives????

Why I DNF'ed:  This was my first DNF, so why not make it a grand one, on the
toughest course yet conceived.  Also, you just need to count your losses and
call it day.  A night loop would have realistically taken more time than
allotted, I would have returned to the finish eventually only to be Dq'ed,
or worse really gotten hurt out there, all by myself with whatever lurks in
those woods.  A hot shower and steak dinner were calling my name by then
anyway.

So I turned in my pages, was humbled by Taps, cheered when it was done,
thanked Gary, broke camp, and headed for home a day early (my kids missed
me).

So am I wuss, a wimp, a quitter??? You can only know if you have been there.
Anyway, I have something to look forward too next time.

All in all, I had a great time.  Barkley is something I will remember for a
long time.  Great people, great food, great course, fantastic scenery-Thanks
Gary!!

Off to Mohican and Wasatch.

Rob in MO

PS - Craig and John, if you are wondering who left the tank of fuel, I did,
figured you guys could use it more than me, remember I'm not a camper.
Thanks.