#125 Adrea Kooiman | 10 Years at the Barkley Fall Classic, Chasing the Croix, & Choosing the Hard Road
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"I came because it's not guaranteed. I came because every year the course changes. I came because every single year, regardless of the outcome, I've had to push myself."
What happens when finishing isn't the most important thing?
Andrea Kooiman has lined up at the Barkley Fall Classic ten consecutive years. With five coveted Croix finishes, three marathon finishes, and two DNFs, she knows better than most just how unforgiving Frozen Head State Park can be.
But during this year's race, Andrea faced a decision that tested something deeper than her endurance.
After reaching Laz's infamous decision point with time remaining, she could take the marathon finish or turn around and chase the full 50K. Despite struggling with nutrition and knowing the odds were stacked against her, Andrea chose to keep going.
The result wasn't what she wanted, but the experience revealed plenty about why she keeps coming back.
Andrea joins Troy Meadows to share the highs, lows, and wonderfully absurd traditions of the Barkley Fall Classic, along with the experiences that have shaped her life beyond racing.
Andrea's story reminds runners that the lessons, relationships, and experiences along the way can matter more than the finish line.
Andrea’s Links
WeROCK | We Run Orange County's Kids: https://werunockids.org/
Andrea on Instagram (@runcoachkrun): https://www.instagram.com/runcoachkrun/
Road Runner Sports: https://www.roadrunnersports.com/
Relevant Links
Barkley Fall Classic: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131025
Students Run LA: https://srla.org/
Cascade Crest 100: https://www.cascadecrest100.com/
Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB: https://kodiak.utmb.world/
Rock 'n' Roll San Jose: https://www.runrocknroll.com/san-jose
Los Angeles Marathon: https://www.lamarathon.com/
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Andrea Kooiman, MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows, Barkley Fall Classic, BFC, Barkley Marathons, Laz Lake, Frozen Head State Park, Rat Jaw, Zeke's Ridge, Chimney Top, Croix, Barkley decision point, ultrarunning, trail running, 50K, 100-mile ultramarathon, Cascade Crest 100, running motivation, mental toughness, perseverance, DNF, motherhood and running, family and ultrarunning, WeROCK, We Run Orange County's Kids, Students Run LA, youth marathon training, Road Runner Sports, race announcing, Kodiak by UTMB, running community, women in ultrarunning, endurance coaching, Orange County running, ultramarathon training, finding purpose through running