What did you do to silence the inner turmoil?

Read to find out...

Part 7 of The JFK 50-mile story is below. If you need a refresher on where we left off here you go—

Are you still running?

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Photo: H3 Photography

I shoved the last piece of banana in my mouth, threw the peel in a black garbage bag—two points!— and wiped my sticky fingers on my shirt. Let’s Go!

My gaze stretched forward, three or four runners in view. The cheers faded. Aunt Phoebe’s critical voice tried to interject, but I refused to let her negative whispers take hold. Instead, I went right to my running prayer—Dear Heavenly Father, Nothing is impossible for you…and remember your why.

I needed to be deliberate with my thoughts these next 16 miles of the race. I would not listen to Aunt Phoebe, my inner judge. I must stay focused.

What did you do to silence the inner turmoil?

I’m so happy you asked.

I played a game.

When I saw another female runner in my sights, I made her my focus (or my aim). There’s number 100, go get her.

I’d keep my eyes fixed on her back, steadily working to close the gap. When I finally caught up, I followed the encouragement Jim shared with me—looking strong! Let’s go!

Why the number 100?

At the pre-race Expo, I met Billy and Spice, who own Cloudsplitter Coffee. They were vendors at the JFK 50-mile race, with a display featuring their coffee products, merchandise, and gold and silver JFK 50 medals from their multiple completions of the race. I was impressed and curious.

The gold medals caught my eye, “Did you win the race? Is that why some of these medals are gold."

Spice smiled. “No, I finished in the top 100. They give the gold medals to the top 100 female finishers.”

“Wow, that’s awesome. Congratulations!”

“Thank you.”

I recalled this conversation on the trail. I focused on the female runner before me and told myself she was number 100, go catch her. The runner would stick with me for a few strides and then fade behind. I would keep my eyes up and find the next female runner— there’s number 100, go get her.

This was my game. It gave my mind a task to focus on instead of the discomfort. I ran hard in the process and maybe, just maybe I would finish under 9 hours and 30 minutes.

*****

My feet struck the ground in a steady rhythm, and my shoulders relaxed when another female runner came up beside me. “Looking strong,” she called out zooming past. Her ponytail waved side to side.

I called out, “Thank you, go get it!”

I kept my eyes on her black shirt. She’s number 100, don’t lose sight, but nature had other plans—my eyes began searching for a porta-potty. Ugh, not again.

What luck, I spotted a blue one several feet ahead.

Oh good! I hoped no one would jump in before I got there. I approached the porta-potty and saw the green circle on the door—it’s open.

I took care of business as fast as I could and raced back onto the trail. Let’s see if I can catch the runner who passed me.

She was 75 or 100 feet ahead. I was gaining ground and smiled—I get to do this.

I managed to catch up to her. We ran alongside and encouraged each other.

“Looking strong!” I smiled. “We are almost to the next crew area. Do you hear it?”

“Thank you.” she grinned. “Yes, I’m so glad to hear them it’s getting too quiet on the trail.”

We continued running together for a few more strides then she trailed behind me—let’s go. I was hoping we could stick together.

I listened to the cheers, as they carried me to the next stop. It was the last crew station, mile 38.4! I scanned the crowd for the yellow shirts and hats. I handed over my empty bottles and chewed a boiled baby potato.

I thought of Loni—mile 37 dedicated to her.

I had two energy gels still in my vest and wasn’t sure if I would be able to stomach anymore. I grabbed a handful of pretzels instead and shoved the full flasks back into my vest.

“See you at the finish,” I called to my crew.

It was great to say—see you at the finish. I would finish. I looked to the river again and smiled. Roughly four more miles then I would be off the C & O Towpath. I looked to the river again and smiled.

Grateful for all the volunteers, medical support, crew, and spectators who showed up. Assisting, cheering us on, blocking the roads, feeding us, and filling our bottles. It was incredible.

Everyone was crushing their roles in this race. I felt so much love and encouragement. My thoughts were interrupted by a roar of water—Dam #4! This is where we exit the towpath and get on the road.

A Boy Scott Troop led the last aid station. I eyed the table, grabbed something to eat and drink then took a sharp right-hand turn onto the road.

The last section of the race—8.4 miles of country roads with rolling hills to take us to the finish—Williamsport, MD.

Here I come!

TBC…. (sorry to keep you hanging…I’m off to enjoy Christmas with friends and family. I’ll be back in your inbox 1/6/2025 to continue the story.)

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If you know someone touched by cancer I hope my conversation with

Michael Chaffin

will be a light. Please feel free to share.

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Thank you for being here with me.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! May your holiday season be filled with joy, light, and laughter.

God bless you,

Julie