Race Day—JFK 50 Miler

so many stories. Let's Go!

Felicia and me at the start. Photo credit: Sheila W.

Start Line: Race day 11/23/24

Felicia and I arrived in Boonsboro, MD around 5:30 a.m. Felicia has been my Saturday run buddy for over seven years. Her remarkable resilience and strength got her to this start line. She’s faced tremendous adversity and challenges over the years, and I was honored to toe the line with her.

We walked up the sidewalks not sure where to go. The race started at 6:30 a.m. I already needed to find the porta potties. We looked lost as a stranger approached us, “If you’re looking for the fire station it’s just up the street, cross here and it’s on your left. They have porta potties and you can hang out inside to stay warm.”

“Thank you!”

I was so happy she told us. We jogged across the street and headed to the fire station. Over a dozen runners were inside, sitting or standing, and there was no line for the bathrooms.

Jackpot!

We ran on the side streets as our warm-up before the race then headed inside the fire station to stay warm before making our way to the start line. I took in a gel for some calories. I sipped from my flask for hydration. The words of my coach replayed in my mind— You want to keep your nutrition stores topped off, don’t get behind.

Nutrition was my main concern. I’d learned from past races that my nutrition timing was crucial to my performance. My coach encouraged me to take in calories every 45 minutes and to drink 10-12 oz of fluids every hour. My focus would be on this task.

Julie, don’t skip the aid stations.

I would check out every aid station. I would grab something.

I would smile and say thank you.

*****

We had 25 minutes before the start. I took some deep breaths to calm my nerves. When my watch read 6:20 a.m., we made our way to the start line. People were everywhere. We squeezed through the crowded sidewalks and found a spot on the street.

I looked out over the pack of runners. The giant arch, START, a football field away.

Are we too far back? Should we get closer?

My wild mind.

This is a good spot. I don’t want to start too fast.

My goal was to be mindful of my pace early on and to walk the steep elevations before entering the trail. Many runners we met at the EXPO warned us, “Be conservative in those early miles.”

I nodded in appreciation. These were runners who had finished this race more than five times. I listened.

*****

Spectators crowded the sidewalks, streetlights casting a dim glow as we awaited the start. We were minutes away before heading towards the Appalachian Trail.

I smiled. I’m so happy I get to do this.

I looked down at my watch, 6:29 a.m.

I turned to Felicia, “Here we go! Let’s have fun!” Suddenly, the race started, and a sea of bobbing heads surged ahead in the distance.

We began a slow jog, weaving around runners to get a little space. I heard cowbells, cheering, and laughter. The crisp mountain air sharpened my focus. The beat of my trail sneakers eager to run on the Appalachian Trail.

TBC…

see you back on Thursday. :)

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