From: David Hughes
Subject: A Hundred Miles of Briars 
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 10:53:16 -0500  


I finally finished one hundred miles at the Barkley that counted .  
Although it was extremely difficult, I stayed the course during rain, 
heat, cold, discouragement, disillusionment, and injury.  I plodded 
on in the dark all by myself long after others had finished their 
loop and headed for the showers.  I can now rest knowing I stuck it 
out for a full hundred miles.  
 
It only took me ten years for a total time of 59:27:01:
1995  11:45:23   
1999  11:21:35
2000  12:24:01
2001  12:03:20
2004  11:52:42
1994,1996, 2003  no loops that counted
 
PS-- Thanks to Laz (and Carl and Davy) for hosting us again.  It 
was pure unrestrained fun. Once again he offered a first class 
event and sacrificed a lot of his time.  On the other hand, he 
had three days of personal enjoyment laughing at our pitiful attempts.
 
We're all amazed at the super athletes who do keep going long after 
many have quit the course.  All of you Barkley runners, no matter 
how much of the course you got around, are my heroes.  I especially 
admire the newcomers who despite knowing how tough the course is have 
the courage to show up and do your best.  Hopefully many of us will 
be able to return for our yearly sawbriering.  And maybe I'll figure 
out what to eat so I can carry my sorry self out onto the second 
loop.  Well, at least I didn't get lost this year.
 
I'd love to read any stories or lessons learned any of you might 
have.  Because we all know we'll do more loops next year.
 
David A. Hughes, BCE, P.E.      
"... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing 
our eyes on Jesus ..." (Heb. 12:1,2, NAS)