Barkley Fools!
Where better for a moron to be on April Fool’s Day than training at Frozen Head State Park? That was me! In fact, I only met two other runners and two hikers on the trails after spending almost ten hours on the trails.
I plan to return to the Barkley Fall Classic (BFC) to defend my 2021 title (read more about my 2021 experience here). Rather than relying on other runners and luck, this outing would prepare me for the unmarked turns as well as climbs.
Weather challenges
The trip started out near freezing, so I’m very glad I ran back to the car for my rain gear. Photo credit: Jennifer Thorsen
To no surprise, the trip started with terrible weather. Except the bad weather was before I even left my house. The entire state of Wisconsin was expected to have freezing rain turning to snow, with 2 to 4 inches expected throughout the state. Not a good way to make a four hour drive to catch a flight from Chicago. Luckily, I had the luxury to drive the night before. So my husband and I tag teamed the kids: he returned from his flight from Ohio, we ate supper and then I was off. Upon returning from my trip, I was in the house for all of ten minutes before he had to depart for the airport again.
The lens makes the photo especially eerie standing at the infamous yellow gate. Photo credit: Jennifer Thorsen
Frozen Head State Park is home of the toughest race in the world, the Barkley Marathons. The unique topography not only brings brutal climbs, but unpredictable weather. Case in point, despite a clear sky in Wartburg, we started with a bit of drizzle on April Fool’s Day on our first hike. Knowing the unpredictability of the weather, our route would be climbing, AND the temperature was near freezing when we started, I managed to forget my rain gear. I’m glad I ran back to the car to snag it, especially since I was dressed pretty light. I had gotten my hat and warm gloves wet in a sloppy run just prior to my flight, so I opted to not pack the wet, stinky winterwear, leaving me with just a buff and light gloves. Luckily, that was my biggest problem of the weekend and the remainder of training was near perfect.
Photo scouting
Tentatively crossing the Pillars of Doom for the umpteenth time. Photo credit: Jennifer Thorsen
The trip was instigated as a photo scouting trip for Jennifer Thorsen, who invited me along. Jennifer had photographed the Barkley Fall Classic last year and ended up snagging the cover of Ultra Running Magazine with her great work despite the adverse weather conditions. She wanted to continue to capture epic photos and wanted to scope out the Pillars of Doom and a few more trails she had not run on previously in case this year’s race course used those trails.
When we arrived at the infamous yellow gate, she needed a model and being her lone companion, I was her only choice. (I didn’t break her camera, she was using a lens that was meant to distort the images!)
Her scouting entailed a nine mile loop that started with the 1.8 mile, 1500 foot climb up Bird Mountain Trail. I had the opportunity to transverse the Pillars of Doom more times than I could count on the Cumberland Trail. Unfortunately, practice did not make perfect. Rather, I got more tentative as the mom in me came out with “Don’t get hurt,” resonating in my head. I’m happy to say I walked (not ran) away unscathed.
More miles
After completing the photo scouting mission, I headed back up the Bird Mountain Trail to check out the North Bird Mountain Trail for the first time. Since it took me 2.5 hours to go only 8 miles, I had to adjust my route to ensure I was off the trails by 7 pm. Frozen Head State Park is the first time I had encountered a strict trail curfew (usually I just call my husband to let him know I’m running a bit behind), necessitated after numerous hiker rescues. I was a bit nervous to make it back in time, but I managed to get off the trails by 7 pm, and waved to the park ranger monitoring the parking lot.
The start and end of the Barkley Challenge Loop starts at the visitor center sign.
The next day would be a run on the Barkley Challenge Loop. I’m incredibly grateful for some great company on the trails with a Barkley vet. The tips to navigate the web of trails not shown on park maps was invaluable at the Garden Spot.
After the 20+ mile adventure, I went out for a few more miles and once again was faced with slow miles and limited time to get off the trails by the 7 pm curfew. After hee-hawing, I opted not to do a loop but instead an out-and-back on Chimney Trail since I wasn’t exactly sure if I could make it back in time. Except my procrastination on my decision required me to run the four mile return route more than ten minutes faster after running out of water and spending all day on the trails. I knew I’d have gravity with me, but nonetheless was slowed by fatigue. Gravity prevailed and I was off the trails with a couple of minutes to spare.
Altogether I was happy to run most of the trails at Frozen Head State Park. I got in plenty of time on feet, totaling a slow-moving 60 miles and 16,500 feet of elevation gain in the two days. Not shabby considering I was coming off some down time with my longest run in 2022 being four hours since my last race.
Next up
I’m looking forward to returning to racing with the Kettle Moraine 100 miler in June, my first ever Ornery Mule Racing event. I’m especially looking forward to seeing more great photos by official racer photographer, Jennifer Thorsen.
Be sure to follow this blog as I provide an updates, including training and returning to Frozen Head State Park for the Barkley Fall Classic.
Banner photo credit: Jennifer Thorsen
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