GARY ROBBINS TRAINS FOR THE BARKLEY | Where Dreams Go To Die (Advanced Preview) - TheGingerRunner

GARY ROBBINS TRAINS FOR THE BARKLEY | Where Dreams Go To Die (Advanced Preview) - TheGingerRunner

Intro: This is a quick summary of GARY ROBBINS TRAINS FOR THE BARKLEY | Where Dreams Go To Die (Advanced Preview) from TheGingerRunner. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points:

  • Overnight, gear‑heavy trail run to mimic Barkley Marathon demands (8‑10 lb backpack, up to 9 lb total gear).
  • Goal: accumulate ~20,000 ft of vertical gain/loss in a single night (≈10 hours on the course).
  • Emphasizes navigation, night‑time footing, and handling unpredictable weather (rain, fog, snow).
  • Nutrition and calorie intake are critical; low energy can cause early fatigue.

Workout Example:

  1. Load a backpack with 8‑10 lb of essential gear (water, food, extra clothing, emergency supplies).
  2. Start at trailhead around 10:00 PM and run continuously for ~10 hours, aiming for 20,000 ft of total ascent + descent (e.g., multiple climbs of 4‑5 k ft each).
  3. Keep moving even in low visibility; practice spotting footing and using a headlamp.
  4. Take short nutrition breaks every 45‑60 min to avoid hitting the wall.
  5. Finish before sunrise (≈6:00‑7:00 AM), logging total distance (≈15‑23 mi) and elevation.

Closing Note: Try this night‑time, gear‑laden run to boost your endurance and confidence for rugged trail races. Adjust the backpack weight and climb targets in the Pacing app to fit your current fitness level, and remember—watch the full video for Gary’s deeper insights and motivation! Happy training!

References

Workout - Gary's Barkley Simulation

  • 60min @ 9'00''/km
  • 480min @ 7'30''/km
  • 60min @ 11'00''/km
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