My Barkley Training Run Failure

This was supposed to be my biggest training run for the Barkley Marathons - 8 repeats of Mount Wrightson. Find out what happens in today's episode of The Steep Life.
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The Steep Life is a daily video blog (vlog) following Jamil Coury's training and life. Filmed & produced by Jamil Coury, founder of Aravaipa Running & Run Steep Get High.
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[@Howtowithpaulaandjohn]

Not a failure. Some days training is just brutally boring! And you were smart to realize that it wasn't benefiting you anyway. Hope you don't mind me sharing here ,but today I ended my 1,033 day run streak so this was an appropriate video for me. At first I cried about it, but after an hour or so, a feeling of relief came over me for finally making a decision that I knew was necessary. Sucks because I wanted to get at least 3 full years and I'm pretty close, but my injury is not healing. I am now free to take a break from running and then start back when I can.

[@TrailRunningWales]

The only failures I've had are when I decide not to finish a run early and end up getting injured. There's always another day to train. There are always more mountains to climb.

[@josphellihsilak4588]

Trail Running Wales couldn't be said any better.

[@petershearouse661]

Haha, so sick. Run 38 miles with 15k vert and somehow we can convince ourselves we failed. Nice run Jam, you're going to do great at Barkley.

[@runsteepgethigh]

🤷‍♂️

[@bendman336]

This is the kind of content we need more of in our sport. It’s more than just conventional vlog-styled content, giving us a window into your training is so insightful and helpful. It’s inspiring to see you rely on your intuition to get the most out of your training. Also, glad you changed the name back to the old one! 🤘🏽

[@JoseG373]

You need some audiobooks man. They are a life saver

[@reneestevens5074]

Not challenging me that much, said nobody after doing 3 Wrightson trips in a row. Way to make it look easy Jamil! :)

[@runsteepgethigh]

😬

[@lh3540]

I literally just had this emotion. "I'm not fatigued, my feet don't hurt...I'm BORED." This is actually weirdly motivational. (and thanks to whoever recommended audio books)

[@JamieHanks]

Jamie with the tiny house from Ohio, ran the BCT100K******* nice 50k training run! That's all I did for the 100k, not on the same level as the BARK of course, but your experience, fitness and love for the outdoors will give you what you need to reach the goal. mad love brother, you inspire me regardless of the outcome of anything.

[@pavelp5231]

Jamil: You seems so nice and kindly. A realy appreciate your videos. Very good inspiration!

[@cristianizzini-enduranceat6505]

Mate, I don't see any failure in this. Training is training. It's all about trying things out and be smart about it so comes race day, you'll be prepared. Good work, I am inspired....

[@golfpunk0r]

I can't believe Barkley is so soon! No failure Jamil, BIG ups and downs right? Enjoying watching these videos I haven't run since my last race ... 27th of December, it's been bloody hard, mentally hard, but I know I have to get back, got to get out of this rut, so these videos are re-igniting the spark and I have a couple of Aravaipa races on my bucket list to get to for sure in the next year or two! Bring on the Barkley, excited for you! It's a special thing to be a part of for sure :)

[@bossteb5407]

Go for it Rosa!

[@DartmoorPaul]

What a view from the summit!! A great piece of viewing whilst stuck indoors during Covid virus troubles. AWESOME as usual Jamil

[@aphex3k]

Train smart, not unnecessarily hard 😉

[@PoetWithPace]

totally agree

[@googleboughtmee]

Great vid man. That's still a huge workout by anyone's standards and you're feeling good & healthy, way to go.

[@johnmarshall9820]

You can only take what the day gives you. Sometimes the legs win, sometimes the mind does.

[@JavierMartinez-fw5rf]

thanks bro because of you I been running while watching your videos KZbin IV been running right beside you I thank you

[@sigepohio]

Shout out to reusing the juice bottles as big water bottles/containers. I recycle, but reusing is even better and the bottles aren't broken when you finish the juice. Glad I'm not the only one who does that! Great attitude about the "failure" on the training run. You got decent miles and vert in, that's a good thing. And most of all, you're not injured so you can keep building on in the next run and the run after that. Pulling for you to finish that 5th loop at Barkley!

[@christopherfletcher5384]

Your best Barkleys are ahead of you keep on keepin on! Your gonna smash it!!!

[@christopherfletcher5384]

You're gonna smash it!!!

[@Peter-ri9ie]

Man, you make good videos! Really appriciate your effort. True inspiration! 🙏🏻

[@irunovermountains]

Shit happens dude. Keep truckin’. These things are par for the course with ultra running. Mad respect regardless ✊🏼

[@hectorcortes1980]

Massive respect for you JAM

[@tubesockets120v]

Keep moving ahead Jamil.

[@bradleyfinn8482]

You should change the title. You didnt fail. Your explaination was completly justified. On to the next one bud! Most times rest is just as important as the push

[@JmacfitnessBlkRkBlackrock]

Your mind got in on you but learn and move on well done love the honesty

[@grahamfox4279]

Thanks for the journey! Why not listen to a podcast while running?

[@Crismans843]

This is really interesting stuff. Please keep posting.

[@marisol5841]

No failure here Jamjam😊 this training session did not go as expected and sometimes happens.

[@katchmeifyoucan1131]

PLEASE stop saying that you're a failure!!! People (me mainly) would LOVE to be able to train and run like you!!!! Keep running!!!

[@kimchurdar788]

Going up and down Flat Iron in the Superstition Mt.'s several times may be an option to help give you the technical, steep climbing challenge you are looking for. It is like two Camelback climbs in one climb. Good Luck on your Barkley Race this year!

[@kimchurdar788]

here is the round trip stats hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=45

[@runsteepgethigh]

Thanks for the suggestion. I used that one a few years back and didn't find it really was that great for repeats. Too many people and not "runnable" enough on the downhill.

[@RunningWithCameras]

Can't wait to see how you do in Barkley this year. You've got this. Keep making those training deposits in the bank. It'll pay off!

[@CaseModVideos]

Recommendation - if possible start with a history of yourself and add some fascinating details . . . your age, years in this sport . . were you on your High School Track Team ? What do you run the mile in ? The 10k ? What was your hottest ultra ever ? Just an idea.

[@SkepticalZack]

Man we have all been there with a plan. Don’t let it detour you form tomorrow!

[@JavierMartinez-fw5rf]

you been keeping me on my toes bro

[@samcraft2029]

I didn't realize boredom could be such an obstacle. So what do you think about when you're running at night in Barkley?

[@runsteepgethigh]

Getting to the next book 😉

[@MsSupaflyguy]

Run Steep TV Excellent!

[@gobil5274]

Absolutely, it is a killer. I have audio books or I can't keep it up for hours.

[@Bacat4321]

New at ultramarthon. When you said you got all night? Means that you do repeat loops all nighters?

[@Wolfman1250s]

Crazy dude! I'd havebeen freaking out about falling over in the dark lol

[@THERE4fabrications]

Shucks, too bad you did not have anyone to train with, at least part of it. I would have joined the adventure if I were in your neck of the woods. Looked like a great time.

[@charlessquire]

Dude that was still an epic sesh

[@racecarps]

Off subject: Thanks for showing your longer training runs! Do you partake in any speedwork training?

[@kurastyles]

Hey Jam Jam. Chalk it up to experience gained and move on to the next one. Love the videos!!

[@runsteepgethigh]

Absolutely! Very happy with this run and my healthy build up!

[@roch1009]

The moon is out, the stars are out, it's nice and cold . . . and BORING ....lolz ... sounds like a version of heaven

[@skaynekurtis]

ugh... how was that 90-min drive back to PHX? A test in it's own right... appreciated the self-honesty...

[@reneestevens5074]

More like 2.5 hours. Wrightson is an hour south of Tucson.

[@bjcarte7]

Hey bro, to upgrade your training, try earth grounding, the best method I have discovered it to sit, stand, and lean against trees....they harness the earth ground energy to a whole new level. I have been tree grounding for the past 3 months consistent, very strong health results, much better endurance and recovery during and after workouts etc.

[@runsteepgethigh]

Cool, thanks! Any other tips?

[@JohnMMcMurry]

It's not a failure, man. You got a lot of work in even if it's not the whole thing. I had a less than stellar ten miles today, but it's on a 15 hour training week..so it makes sense

[@TrialsProgression]

So is it taper time or do you have another big run or training week planned? Being healthy and rested will pay off for you Jamil big time man.

[@Baby75xx]

Have you ever looked in to Tailwind I love it and you do not need anything else at all which is great

[@runsteepgethigh]

Haha. I threw up on Tailwind back in 2013. I can’t use it.

[@Baby75xx]

No Way, stay away so LOL

[@PEGF4MG]

Good call man - trust your gut, it’s all part of the bigger picture

[@hcronos]

Looking good man

[@gibson5056]

Do you ever see any crazy wildlife like mountain lions or bears??

[@HIGHVILLELAUNCHER]

What was your sleep schedule leading up to an all-nighter?

[@bossteb5407]

Great workout Jam Jam, I've had a few glithes the last 10 days (due to inflammation of soleus muscle) and now I picked up a flu virus from my kids. :-) I have a 100 miles of Istria ahead, and I think it's happening on the same weekend as Barkley and I am a bit behind my planned schedule, but my leg is getting better, this flu will pass. Anyway, what I wanted to ask you (may sound stupid) is this. I know you can't run while recording and commenting in these videos of yours, but what about when you don't film? I always see you walking up hills and I am always running the most uphills myself. But I am far from your level of fitness, experience or milage. My average on healthy week I do 65-70 km (that's about 45 miles) with 4500-5000m of vert (13k-16k). But my first 100 miler (happened just this January - Ipertrail in Italy/Slovenia) I was 32 hours on the trail and it was at almost sea level. You've finished Hardrock in 29 hours, which is way more phisicaly demanding - so I guess you must be running uphills too? Can you elaborate, please?

[@troyhelmers7515]

I am just curious about how much or I guess how little of the Barkley is actually runnable?

[@brawsky69]

Hey Jamil. Why is the Barkley such a niche race still? With how popular it’s become in running pop culture do you think we will start to see it grow in popularity as a race that the really elite pro guys attempt to do? Or is it just too low key of a race where there’s no financial incentive? Good luck this year. We all know you can finish.

[@runsteepgethigh]

Many elites have tried the Barkley in the past and many do run each year. Not sure who specifically you are hoping would run it?

[@JKO166]

Have you considered using a weight vest to make your vert more taxing?

[@runsteepgethigh]

I haven’t

[@johnholmes2517]

That would drive me insane

[@PoetWithPace]

Not a failure. As has already been said, train smart, not hard :-)

[@lzz288]

When are the barkley marathons being held this year?

[@runsteepgethigh]

It starts 1 hour after Laz blows the conch.

[@ForTheLoveOfRunning]

You have to admit... it's a good problem to have, when the steep trail you've chosen isn't steep enough for your tastes. #steeplife

[@benclover4287]

Should have cracked open those beers!!

[@trukweaz]

What watch is that?

[@erickienle]

What are those sweeeeeeeet blue glasses you're wearing?

[@runsteepgethigh]

Rudy project!

[@inkjob12]

can I ask what brand of Micro Spikes do you use...? Good luck at Barkley....!!

[@runsteepgethigh]

`Randy Cuffaro Kahtoola!

[@inkjob12]

thanks for the info......take care

[@Rayven_cat]

Of course Jamil drives a 5speed!

[@geauxdb1]

Consistency over one run man.

[@sambarber2929]

How many miles is one loop?

[@reneestevens5074]

About 10.8 miles, it is an out and back.

[@salamalecok]

go on mate, it's training, do it again, more weight in the back?, you're awesome, do it ... again

[@beeclimbing9954]

I think the only fail was the use of the expression "...like a little bitch" (14:05) - I don't think (or at least I hope) that's not how you view women :-(

[@Gnomeye]

"This training is too boring. I'm gonna stop." - Jamjam

[@vtrmcs]

No fruits like bananas? Surprised me.

[@UNK0VVN]

38 miles a week is a good week for me xD

[@uloutdoors]

Run Not Steep enough to get High :)

[@Azer_GG]

UHU

[@benanderson4639]

Itd be better training if you didn't take the trail

[@TheOriginalEntz]

Beer is not helping your mindset (and willpower) there at all... the opposite actually. That is the only failure I see in the video.

[@johnholmes2517]

Joesdf Joesdfg nonsense

[@runsteepgethigh]

Beer is a failure?!

[@unkiej]

heavy fail dude!

[@HIGHVILLELAUNCHER]

Are you vegan

[@runsteepgethigh]

yeah

[@HIGHVILLELAUNCHER]

But those donuts a few weeks back

[@BitOftenCtazy]

Work on your head game. Stop making excuses!

[@GolfTee]

Are you vegan?