Route27

Until now, I have never called myself a runner without smirking about it. I don’t have a runners body, quite opposite actually, I havent run in High School (wrestling), and I just took it up as a recreational hobby, but I generally remain slower than most of my friends and running buddies. Granted, I have been running on and off for about 11 years now. My first “race” was the Cleveland Revco 96. I finished five marathons, yet I still felt like an intruder into the sport. I felt that the only reason I did it was by being an runner intruder, no special talent, kind of fat, ex-smoker, just completing the runs through sheer will.

Well, not anymore - I am a RUNNER! Whats brought this change about was my completion of my first ultra marathon, the JFK 50 miler. My buddy TJ talked me into it. At first I didn’t think this would put me in the category of a runner, I mean with a 50 mile race and a cut of time of 12 hours (now realizing that’s on the short side for this type of distance), you cant call it running if you can take a 15 minute mile once in a while.

But actually completing the RUN - and yes, despite the slow average this was very much a RUN, deserving all three caps. My official result: 10:44:09 - yup, thats almost eleven hours. I am limited in describing it to a non-runner, but for any marathoners our there, here is what running a 50 mile ultra feels like:

- go for a slow pace run of 18 miles
- after completing, immediately turn around and do another 18 mile pace run
- after running for more than a marathon now, there is only one thing left to do
- turn around and run a half marathon

The JFK was a great challenge and a great experience. I have seen clarity and asked clarity why I like setting goals and not letting go. It was painfull and rewarding. I don’t think I would ever do it again (don’t ask about the bout with fever)… But keep reading.

Special thanks go to the Reston Runners, Dennis Kelleher the super-duper reston supporter who was assigned to crew for me. Thank You!!

For some testimonial on what the race experience was like for other folks, check out the Reston Runners Experience Articles.