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and daniel.oscar.diaz, read the first part of the story here:
(Listen or read to part 2 of the story… JFK 50 Miler)
A steep incline became visible. My thoughts drifted to Nollaig, her own challenging journey flooded my mind. This climb seemed trivial compared to her challenges. I dedicated each step of the first mile to her resilience. I maintained a steady pace until the rising elevation transformed my stride into a determined walk.
I wasn’t alone. Around me, most runners had switched to walking on the steep paved road. I recalled reading about the initial 5.5-mile section, which begins on a road and connects to the Appalachian Trail at the 2.5-mile mark and climbs 1,172 feet in elevation.
I pumped my arms to help me pick up speed. I was losing distance from the other runners who were walking. I marveled at their pace. As I made the climb around the bend, the elevation eased a bit. I began to run. I alternated this run-walk several times until I found myself on the Appalachian Trail. Dirt under my feet and enormous trees to my right and left. I took a deep breath—happy to be in the woods. I sipped from my flask.
I reminded myself to stay focused on my nutrition timing. Early and often had always been a good mantra for me. I had two soft flasks in my running vest filled with Skratch, a hydration powder that easily mixes with water. I carried a ziplock bag with two scoops of this powder in case I needed to mix it at an aid station.
I carried Pepto Bismol, the chewable kind. I had no idea how my stomach would respond. In my front right pocket I stashed chapstick, tissues, and a few more gels, and in my back pocket I carried 50 names created with beads on a string.
Each name, each mile became a tribute—celebrating the courage of those touched by cancer, remembering their strength and resilience. The final three miles honored my crew back home: Delaney, Brindsley, and Jeff. Jeff’s recent remission filled me with tremendous joy and gratitude. God is so good.
*****
I heard the Applachalain Trail was a little technical and very rocky…this isn’t bad at all. I was cruising along the trail, dancing over roots and some rocks happy to be picking up the pace. I had a chance to look up to enjoy the sunrise and views through the trees…little did I know what was up ahead.
A single file line of runners ahead of me and behind me. I was comfortable with the pace of the runner ahead of me. Am I being too conservative? The trail was narrow and in order to pass the proper etiquette was to announce— “On your left.”
This would give the runner time to slide over to pass with courtesy. I was relieved I didn’t need to do this yet. I was timid about this part. I didn’t want to pass someone and then fall in the process, wonder if that causes them to fall too?, and I wanted to be mindful of my pace. This was a 50-mile race after all.
My goal for this section— stay upright and get to the first crew stop in three hours. I was confident I could accomplish that. So far the trail was flat, leaves matted down by yesterday’s rain making the rocks easily visible, and the runners in front of me moving right along. I looked at my watch, 45 minutes, fuel time. I squeezed down an energy gel without slowing over the rocks. At this moment I heard, “On your left.” I sidestepped to the right of the trail as three or four runners zoomed by me.
Okay, so that’s how it’s done.
I sipped from my flask. I looked down at my watch. Should I go too? Just then the runner ahead of me tripped and fell. He bounced back up like a rubber ball. I was amazed. He was back up and running like nothing happened.
Did he just fall? Is he okay? I stayed behind him.
The trail was getting rocky. Julie pick up your feet.
Pay attention. I had to go pee.
Did I miss the first aid station?
…To Be Continued…Part 3 to come next Monday in your inbox.
Thankful Thursday…
Thank you
for the shout-out and for sharing my stories with your readers.Thank you
for your great recipes, friendship, and amazing cookbook!Thank you to my crew— Jeff, Brindsley, and Delaney, for supporting my running dreams and always cheering me on.
Thank you, new subscribers, for joining the Run to Write Community— Wayne, shyam, d.schoenemann-schule, nollaigbrennan (please forgive me if I pronounced your name wrong), megrungirl1117, Iamjustacy, Alexandra, mgallenaz, and tereza_frasio.
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