All 3 races

5k

½
Marathon

Full
Marathon

If you do the ½ and the full marathons they call it the “Goofy Challenge”.

Since I flew all the way down to
Florida anyway I thought I would throw that in too.

Unofficially that is known as the “Dopey Challenge”

My girlfriend accompanied me to run the 5k and be a spectator at the ½ and the full after that. I guess acts of idiocy need to be seen too.

The flight to
Orlando got us there late Thursday night. By the time we got to the hotel and checked in it was 12:30 am Friday. They only had a smoking room left for that night despite the reservations. I had to get up at 5:00 am so I just wanted to get to bed.

Morning came too quick. Race time was 7:00 am and we still had to check in before the race. We managed to get ready and over to Disney by 6:15 am. Then they had a problem finding our names on the registration list. They had us fill out new forms and we got our numbers and t-shirts. I had to have my race t-shirt after all.

The 5k had a Pirate and Princess theme. I didn’t dress up as either a pirate or a princess. It started and ran through the MGM part of Disney

The weather for the weekend was warm and humid. That wasn’t so bad for the 5k.

I took it easy and ran with Melissa.

She was very helpful in making sure I didn’t overheat, and dumped a cup of water on me at the last aide station. (It took 6 months to plot her revenge but she got it)

We got our HUGE 5k medals at the finish.

I ran at her pace so we finished at about 37 minutes. Nothing speedy but a nice run to loosen the legs up for the next 2 days.

3.1 miles down

Another early day. Got to the start area around 4:30 am. We had to be in the corral around 5:00 am for some reason. Lots of standing around.

For the ½
Marathon, my kilt was the racing outfit of the day. I also wore a tech tank top with my daughter’s picture on it.

We met up with Anton who was also sporting the kilted look. He actually had the same Tartan pattern too. Since chafing was not an option we both were wearing shorts under our kilts. It was the popular question of the day as we passed people. Unfortunately, the warm and humid weather got even warmer and humider for this event, so it was probably not the day for kilts.

This race started promptly at 6:00 am at EPCOT and works it way over to theMagic
Kingdom and then back over to EPCOT for the finish. I made sure I took a walking break at the aide stations so I could drink without choking. I also made a point to dump some cold water on my head to keep cool.  Melissa was an excellent spectator and brought the cowbell to cheer me on. I saw her just as we got over to the

Anton and I encountered many on the course (runners and spectators) who mistakenly thought we were wearing skirts. Of course we had to respond in our best brogue “IT’S A KILT!!!” Then there were questions to follow about what was under them.

The aid stations were plentiful, and the bands, DJ’s, and even a choir, along with the spectators kept you moving along.

If that wasn’t enough, Anton and I talked (okay maybe it was mostly me talking, his ears were bleeding) through the race. With the finish line in sight we made an effort to high five every costumed Disney cast member until we crossed the finish line at the 2:03:59 mark. I heard my cowbell as I did.

I am looking forward to those race pictures.

The Donald Duck ½ marathon medals were given out, and the Goofy wristband was changed for tomorrow.

13.1 miles down for today, 16.2 miles down so far.

Sunday was another early day. Arrived at Disney around 4:15 am today. It was a little cooler and not quite as humid but a bit foggy.  I didn’t want to overheat on the longer course so no kilt today.  I wore my tank top (with the blood washed out) and my DeSoto 4 pocket tri shorts to give my quads some support. They were lighter than the kilt and should keep me cooler in the long haul. Anton also skipped on the kilt. We headed over to the corral around 5:00 am again. I had Neosporin and waterproof Band-Aids to protect my previous days’ chafed nipples.

We bumped into Britt in the corral while we were waiting for the race to start.

The race once again started relatively on time at 6:00 am.

I probably over-hydrated the day and night before knowing it was going to get hot and stay humid during the marathon. I also was trying to replenish what I depleted the day before. The only downside to this was several more pee breaks than I anticipated. No biggie, this weekend was for fun.

We circle Epcot once and then off to theMagic
Kingdom. I was sweating early and I took advantage of every aide station. I walked thru and drank the Powerade and some water.

Sweating began early. When we got to theMagic
Kingdom I met my imported fan Melissa, with the cowbell clanging loudly.

With the sun coming up the heat started to become a factor just after the halfway mark. The drinking and walking strategy at every aide station since the beginning was paying off. Passing a few runners who dropped because of the heat was definite proof of that. When we went thru Animal Kingdom they brought back the small roadside signs with little factoids, or questions to contemplate every ¼ mile or so. “Do radioactive cats live 18 years?” I don’t know, but it certainly sparked a new tangent on the conversation.  We would come across an area where they were playing music and we would jump in and do some impromptu Karaoke. There was the aide station around mile 21 supported by the local Hash House Harriers (ON! ON!) which had some “ice cold beer, here”. How could you not partake of such thoughtful hospitality? That was my argument to Anton, which seemed to work. As we slowed down to sip the icy nectar of the gods and went up a short incline the DJ stated playing “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen. We joined the ‘Boss’ and sang along loudly (and probably badly). That little break gave us a little boost and got us on our way. Soon we saw MGM and knew were only a few miles out. MGM went quickly and we were hitting the last leg into EPCOT.  Saw a few more runners dropping off. (Though the race staff was right there to help out.) I was quite fatigued, hot, and my quads were getting sore (even the Biofreeze was not helping anymore). Talking and singing and just goofing around kept our heads in the game and our spirit light. In EPCOT we caught up to a woman with KELLY on the back of her shirt. I started singing the “Kelly” song Woody on Cheers sang to his girlfriend. (Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, K.E.L.L.Y, Kelly) Anton picked up with the “Name Game” song (Kelly, Kelly Bo Belly, me mi mo Melli…….etc). She was a great sport about it but she ran ahead as we hit the last aide station. Shortly after that we caught up with our new buddy Kelly and went through the singing again. At this time we were getting quite punchy so everything was still funny. The last ½ mile around EPCOT and we finally saw the choir. Only 2/10 of a mile to go. Anton and I came to the last stretch and saw the crowd. , and the finish line. A surge of adrenaline pushed me across the finish. Anton had a big smile, knowing I would probably shut up for a while.  Finish time was close to last year 4:37. I may not be fast but I am consistent. We got our Mickey medals.  Melissa handed me my 5k and ½ marathon medals over the fence so I could get my picture with my full race “Bling” on. I walked thru the Goofy Challenge tent and got my last medal. Anton and I got our Goofy Challenge picture together. It was time to hit the pool and take a nap.

42.4 miles, done!

Everything was going smoothly that weekend. Too smoothly, maybe?

The train ride into the city to drop off my bike and pick up my race packet went well. Meeting up with John (Cayman) went off with out a hitch. We went through the race briefing and even got to see Dave Scott (yes, THE Dave Scott!). Packet pick up was quick. Our numbers had to be on our bike before transition so we took care of that in the lobby of the Hilton. A short walk over to the transition area and we were able to rack our bikes, and shortly after, we were back on the train home to
New Jersey.

Sunday morning I got dressed and had my pre-race breakfast. I woke my fiancé(and one of my biggest fans) Melissa. Bleary eyed she got ready and packed up the Mia, the Havanese puppy we were watching for the weekend, and we were off to pick up John.

No traffic, so we got to Johns house quickly. Still no traffic so we were in NYC by 4:15 am. We drove over 2 blocks from the transition and found a parking spot.

Melissa and Mia stayed in the car to sleep while John and I schlepped over to set up our transition area. Only problem was race participant # 208 racked his bike the wrong way the night before into my 2 square feet of space and I had to have a race official move his bike to the other side.

I was done setting up in a few minutes, and then got body marked.

John and I walked up to the swim start, a nice 1 mile walk to warm up.

We were both in early waves. I was in the water, holding onto a rope, waiting for my wave to start. The temperature was about 70 – 72 degrees, but the water had a funny diesel smell. Which may have been a good thing, it probably masked the decaying smell.

I had done this swim before so I was relaxed and ready to go.

That’s when the “smoothly” ended.

Somebody jumped in and ended up pushing the rope down. I held on to this rope so I didn’t float down river with the strong current. I went under while my mouth was opened and I was taking in a breath. Reflexivly I tried to swallow and breathe at the same time and got some nasty river water in my lungs and swallowed a bellyful.

I surfaced quickly and caught my breath. The diesel and dead fish smell, and taste permeated my mouth and nose. 30 seconds, or less to the start at this point.  I felt very nauseous. I coughed, and then hurled into the river. Thankfully the current pulled it away from me.

Then I heard the sound of the horn and our wave started.

I started swimming and I felt I was actually getting into my groove. The diesel and fish taste, with a touch of Apple Pie flavored Clif Shot and peanut butter, was very strong and the nausea returned. About a 10 minutes in( ½ way?) I rolled onto my back for the moment to get some air and then upchucked some more. I swung my arm over and resumed my stroke. The barge was in sight. A few more strokes and I climbed out of the water.

I ran off the barge, made a right and started my ½ mile run to the yellow transition area. My wetsuit was unzipped and rolled down to my waist soon after. The improvised showers were mounted near the exit so I ran under them and got a little bit of (hopefully) clean water to swish around in my mouth and spit out.

The coughing returned, and I vomited again. The aftertaste was revolting.

The transition area was a long run. I got to my area and did a quick change, wet suit, came off, my number was on underneath, got on my helmet, clipped my strap, put on my socks and shoes, ran my bike out, and mounted up.

The course went back by the transition, and then made a hard right into a steep but short hill. I knew to gear down on the approach so I was able to climb up and out onto the course quickly.

I picked up some speed and went up a few gears as I got onto the Henry Hudson. Once my cadence on the CatEye was at about 85 I settled in.

The road got a little steeper and I had to push a little which caused another wave of nausea. After peaking the hill, and on my way down I puked again, not quite avoiding my leg and back wheel.

About a 1/3 of the way into the course I could see some of the Pro field coming back. They were flying, and making it look so easy.

I was feeling a little shaky as I got to the turn around in the
Bronx. I drank some Gatorade and had a Orange Crème Clif Shot.  My stomach grumbled but I felt a little better.

The route passed back over the bridge and I could see the
Hudson again. There was another small climb and I felt queasy again. I held it until I got a slight downhill and I had to throw up again. Orange Crème and Gatorade don’t taste so good on the way back up.

Only a few miles to hold it together until I got to the transition.

The last turn around and I felt a little relief but I was feeling the effect of running on fumes. I slowed down and dismounted and trotted in to rack my bike. My helmet strap was unclipped and I was ready to slip into my running shoes. Participant # 208 had racked his bike the wrong way again and created chaos in my area and no where to rack my bike.  I had to resist the urge to throw his bike, so I went around and  re-racked his bike to get it out of my way. I got my shoes, and visor on, then ran out of transition.

I grabbed a quick cup of water a volunteer offered at the first table. That went down and stayed down. The first turn out of the park and up the hill came up and I got my running legs. A short  path led me out to

It was a flat, fast stretch over to
Central Park. I saw Melissa and Mia just before I got to the park. I ran over to the sidewalk to get a quick kiss from my fans. This at least lifted my spirits. 1 mile down, only 5 to go.

The aide station was right inside the park so I grabbed some Accelerade and water. The Accelerade didn’t taste right and came back up almost immediately. I drank the water and that seemed okay.

I felt so thirsty, shaky and nauseous but there was less than 5 miles now to the finish, so I chugged along.

As the aide stations came up I just drank the water, which stayed down and seemed to make me feel better.  The mile marker just weren’t coming quick enough. I had run numerous races in the park, and done this triathlon before so I knew the course. It just seemed like it was longer today.

Mile 5 came and went and there was a nice downhill. I could hear the crowd and announcer from the finish area and it gave me a little rush of adrenaline. I saw the finish line and focused on it. Then it was done.

I felt completely wiped out, drained(literally) as I walked with other finishers. I got my iced towel, and a finishers hat from the volunteers so that made it all worth it.

It wasn’t my best race day, but I made it.

Saturday I had a wedding reception to attend. The return drive was long. We got to crash at a friends house that was near the race start. I got to sleep by midnight. Five hours of rest before I have to get up and get ready to go.

I was very sluggish at 5am. I had a bagel with peanut butter and some Naked Juice for breakfast. Loaded up the car and then we were off to West Point.

We arrived a little after 6am. I went over to packet pick up and got my goods and went back to the car. I got myself prepped, and checked the inflation on my tires. Gathering my stuff I went to the transition area got my body marked and set up.

After a healthy lubing up with bodyglide I slipped on my wetsuit, zipped up and went to the beach to get a quick dip in the water before the race started. The water was cool but comfortable. I got out as the Race Director made his anouncements.

The Army crew at West Point runs a great event, very organized and timely. This means the first wave which was supposed to start at 8:00 am, started at 8:00 am.

My wave was set to start at 8:06. Melissa wished me luck as my group was ushered into the corral, and over the timing mats. A multitude of beeps followed us from the beach into the water. It was a treading water start so we had to swim out a few meters to the starting rope. I positioned myself in the middle of the group and behind a few people. I appreciate the swim in this lake because it is so clean.

Kicking a little to stay afloat, I had my watch ready in chrono. The 30 second warning was given. Soon after they blew the horn and we began.

8:06 exactly.

I was among about 100 others in my wave so there was some bumping but not too bad. Within the first 50 meters the wave settled and spread out. I felt lethargic so I just settled into an easy pace. The first buoy came up and there was a little congestion from the previous 2 waves. The bumping and kicking returned as I made my way throught the line. I saw the next buoy and it looked partially deflated, and I felt the rope floating near me. I had a feeling this would affect something and it did later. I made my way around the second buoy and turned toward the beach. As I was sighting in the beach seemed like it was coming up quickly. My hand touched the sand on the down stroke. I took 2 more strokes and stood up and quickly moved out of the water. Checking my watch I had started only a little over 10 minutes ago. Even on my best day have I swam 800 meters in 10 minutes. My heart rate is a little higher than normal too.

I had reached back and unzipped my wetsuit before my feet hit the sand. Amongst the cheering crowd my lone groupie called my name as I crossed the timing mat. I got a quick kiss and was on my way.

Swim 10:47(?)

I ran into the transition area and located my bike quickly. I stripped off my wetsuit, got on my helmet, sunglasses, socks, and bike shoes. I am feeling chily and congested. Grabbing my bike off the rack I ran out of transition so I could mount my bike.

T1 3:33

Outside the transition I got to the mount line and mouted my bike, one shoe clipped in right away. A few pedal strokes to give me some momentum and balance and I was able to click in to my other pedal. I was in a low gear to start so I upshifted a few gears and got moving. I still don’t feel like I have energy, my legs feel heavy. The bike course starts on the driveway going out of Camp Buckner. When it leaves the course is on the very wide shoulders of a low traffic road(even slower on Sunday mornings).It is monitored by Army MP’s and race officials on Mororcycles. The cadets did a great job of clearing the course of debris too.

The entrance to Camp Buckner came up and I made the hard right. There was a slight incline. This slowly changed into the first hill, then a plateau, then the next longer hill. At my slowest I can see I am only doing about 11 mph. My 2 ring Cervelo tri bike is always a challenge on this course but it is a good workout, and I do get to fly on the downhills. The breeze on the bike makes me feel cold. Now that I have a chance I let a snot rocket fly, both sides and I feel like I expelled a large portion of my brain, though I feel a little less congested.

At the top of the hill it starts to level out a bit, and then it approaches the turnaround, which is about 1/4 of the way. The West Point MP has the little bit of traffic stopped as I move accross from one wide shoulder to the other. Now I put it into high gear so I can crank it down the hill. I am down tight in my aero bars and I push the pedals, my cadence is 105 in my highest gear, and I am going 47 mph. The wind is whistling in my ears. The plateau comes again and I drop a few gears and my momentum caries me to the next short downhill. Once again it levels out and I downshift a little. The entrance to Camp Buckner is too my right and Melissa spots me and waves as I pass. Just about halfway now. The energy that I was lacking before is even less now. My heart rate is higher than what I perceive my effort to be but it is steady.

The course rolls slightly and there are a few smaller hills and plateaus. Then I reach the last big downhill and upshift and push it again.Only 41 mph this time. I need to slow it up before I hit the next turn around. Three quarters of the way now. The return goes into a long steady uphill. I feel like I have nothing left. I am down to 10 mph on this climb. When I reach the top know the worst is over. The last couple of miles are rolling. I see the entrance coming up and make the quick right in. I get another supportive wave from Melissa. A few hundred meters and I see the transition area and slow down. I unclip and dismount slowly, I don’t want to take a spill now. I trot with my bike over the timing mat. 2 out of 3 down.

Bike 52:35 ;-P

Running with my bike thru transition I have my helmet off. I get to my row and rack my bike, and put my helmet on my aero bars. I slip off my bike shooes and slip into my running shoes, put on my knee brace, visor and take a quick swig of gatorade, and I am on my way out the gate.

T2 1:11(not too shabby)

The run is self contained on Camp Bucker and is well manned with cadets and volunteers for support and at the aide stations. My dead bike legs, try to switch over to be even deader run legs. There is a aide station right at the start and I take some water and HEED(?) before I climb up the first short hill. The run course doesn’t have any big hills but it is like a kids roller coaster. I get into my pace, periodically checking my HR which has been running higher than expected even though I don’t feel like I am pushing it. It remains steady, but climbs when I get to a hill. My pace stays consistant. I grab a quick drink and thank the volunteers when I am at the aide stations. I pass the 1st mile marker. The second mile goes quickly, but I feel like I am on auto pilot. Another round of snot rockets empty my sinus cavity ,but my head is still stuffy. I get to the next mile marker just before I pass the transition area again. Less than a mile to go. I pass by the finish area for a last out an back that has a slight hill. I hit the turn around and up the hill. The last stretch rolls down and then up to the finish. I can’t wait to finish. I get under the clock and it is over. My body is shaking, and I have nothing left, my head is pounding.

1:35:15

Then, it is ended!

I left early from work Friday, picked Melissa up from the train station, and then we were off to Newport, Rhode Island.

John(Cayman) arrived earlier in the afternoon and Dave(run sparky run) got there earlier in the evening. We didn’t arrive due to traffic until almost 11:30 pm. Fortunately the race start time is 8:00 am. I could get a solid 6 hours of sleep in. Hopefully.

I took some cough medicine before bed so I could get a good night sleep uninterupted by coughing. It worked but I felt sluggish and dried out in the morning. I took a shower to cler my head and warm up. I still felt congested and started coughing so I decided to take some Dayquil.

It was in the 40’s, but it felt colder. I don’t like being cold but I am okay once I am moving. I wore shorts, and had a long sleeve tight wicking shirt under my tuxedo bike shirt and gloves. It was supposed to warm up into the 50’s by midday, so I could strip down a layer if need be. 

Melissa was going to meet with Dave’s wife and kids later so I let her sleep. I met Dave in the lobby. We had a short 2 mile drive to the start parking lot. We were able to park less than 100 meters from the start.

We went inside the tent and picked up our packets. John(cayman) met us at the pick up. We went back to the car to keep warm, wait for the start, and make sure we had all our stuff ready for the run.

As we were getting out of the car, I saw a couple of friends from NJ, John(different John than Cayman) and Frank. We chatted and then got our stuff and headed with them to the start. I saw Melissa, with the cowbell, and Dave’s wife Barb and his daughters just near the start.

They lined us up on America’s Cup Boulevard. It isn’t a large race, less than 700 participant including relay runners, and there was no half marathon event. I had a long sleeve t-shirt over my Running shirt. The gun goes off, and we got moving quickly, since everyone was chilly. The first part of the course is a nice tour thru downtown Newport near the piers, very scenic. I took off my long sleeve t-shirt after i started warming up.

 After few neighborhoods we head toward Fort Adams. Where we have the first aide station around the 3 mile mark. We head back along the seashore where the waves are breaking on the rocks. The road leads us down Bellevue Ave by many of the old mansions, and bed a breakfasts. We then out and back to a wildlife sanctuary by the beach. The aide stations were few and far between on the first loop, at least 3 miles apart. I had enough gels but not enough water or gatorade. The dayquil helped with the cough but was making me feel dried out again. Bad combination.

I am still running with Dave as we pass by the Vanderbilt house and some other famous landmarks just before we come to the halfway point at Easton’s Beach. We are under 1:55. The first half of the course is moderately hilly, but the loop on the second half has steeper inclines and declines. My legs felt tired from the start and a little heavy but that feeling is getting worse.

There is a great aide station that comes in the middel of a short out and back. There is Halloween music playing and lots of people dressed in costume. I got a lot of comments on my ‘tuxedo’ here. The out and back goes from the wildlife sanctuary, and then works it way around mile 17. Hills that are more chanllenging and frequent come soon after. my legs were not quite cramping but stiffening up. The sun came out and I was feeling less chilly than before.

18 and 19 I was really hurting and Dave was really slowing down to stay with me. I made repeated attempts to tell him to get going but he stayed for awhile. There was alot of walking then running. Finally after mile 24 I told hime I was going to probably have to walk it in. He grudgingly left.

I kept up with the running and walking and then came up to a rough steep hill at mile 25. John passed me at this point. After that I was keeping a consistant shuffle/run thing going. I came down the last hill and Melissa was running toward me slowly. They saw dave finish solo and they wondered what happend to me. Dave told them I was taking it slow and probably walking it in.

Melissa ran the last 1/2 mile with me and let me run thru the finish. I thought it would be worse but I finished in 4:27:25

I got my mylar heat sheet and I hobbled over and met up with Dave and his family and John. Melissa worked aorund the crowd and joined us. We fortunately got on the shuttlew bus quickly. One I passed the finish I was getting cold and stiffening up even worse.

We got back to the finish party, and they had lots of great food, and drinks under the big tent. I don’t usually get a post race massage but I opted for one this time because I my lets and lower back were so tight.

It did actually help. I was able to get back top the hotel and clean up. We all went over to a seafood place and had a nice post race lunch. Now I hoped this leg issue wouldn’t linger for NYC coming up in a few weeks…

I signed up for the 83rd running of the Yonkers marathon because it was close,(1/2 hour drive), it was inexpensive($25 if you register early, $35 a month before until the morning of the event, and is the 2nd oldest marathon that is still active in the world. I even convinced Dave he should do it. Surprisingly we usually stick together during events, and he listens to my ceaseless banter

This was marathon number 4 this year. The 2 loop, hilly, rolling course is not for setting records. The course is partially open to traffic.  It was also a warm Sunday morning on September 21st.

Approximately 300 participants lined up at the start that morning, in front of the Yonkers library near the piers, overlooking the Hudson. The gun went off at 8:45. The first 100 meters is a slow rise until you pass the library, and make a sharp left to a short steep incline. Then another left to a less steep incline, that goes for a few miles. It is shaded and cooler early on. You can see the Hudson River and the Palisades between the houses to the left. The participants spread out within a mile.

After the first few miles the course makes several rights into steeper climbs. It tops out around mile 7 and then drops quickly. The back section of the course is in an industrial area which is now very scenic.  It rises slowly again and then there are a series of quick inclines and declines. As you near the end of the first loop you run through downtown Yonkers which is not very picturesque either, and in fact seems to be a little sketchy.

There is a slow decline for about 1.5 miles back to the Yonkers library. We cross the halfway point and the 1/2 marathoners finish. My wife Melissa woke from her nap in the car a few minutes before we arrived to cheer us on and gave us some ‘More Cowbell’. 

After a loop we got back to the incline that we started on.

Before mile 14 Dave was feeling woozy and it almost seemed like he was bonking. We walked a bit and I gave him a spare ClifShot and he took some Thermolytes. By mile 14 he seemed to feel a little better but it was getting much warmer, and the inclines seemed steeper. The drop on the back of the course beat up my quads more noticebly than the first time. When we hit the stretch of industrial area again, the sun was overhead and was beating down. It reminded me of what Anton said about the sun being hammer and the road was the anvil. I repeated this to Dave in my cheesiest ‘Ahnold’ accent.

Reapeating this section really beats you down. My legs were getting fatigued and sore. We passed through downtown again and new the finish was almost there. As the last downhill approached my quads were throbbing and I was felling spent. Dave looked like crap too. We came around the last corner Melissa was there to greet us with the cowbell again as we finished 4:28:04.

This was a rough course but the race was well organized and well staffed with volunteers. Aide stations were at every mile. Every aide station had water, and every other aide station had gatorade. They advised ahead of time there would be no gels or food at the aide stations, so I planned for this. Although some of the aide stations supplied some pretzels on their own initiative.

Afterwards they had a huge spread of pasta, and beverages in the library for the runners and they also had enough for the runners supporters as well. They invited my wife to eat up. The schwag factor was awesome. They had a light 1/4 zip windbreaker pullover with embroidered Yonkers marathon logo instead of a t-shirt.

For $25 I got a hard, hilly, warm, catered training run with great aide, schwag, and after run meal. I would hightly recommend it and I plan to do it again next year.

Sadly Anton wasn’t able to join us. He had too much work to do for summer school.

Dave met me at my place and we loaded up the truck with our gear. A couple days earlier he hooked me up with a pair of these cool socks that had a built in gaiter. if you are interested -http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/clothing/socks/inov-8/

I brought the ice bath garbage can 1/2 full with water and several bags of ice for some post run releif.

The weather was great. Upper 60’s to start and we ran on slightly rolling trail. It had a few small stretches of sand, some hard packed dirt, but mostly dirt trails cushioned with pine needles. My knees were loving it.

There were multiple events that day with the same start. 10 miler, 25k, 20 miler and the 50k. The course was a 2.58 mile loop and had to be repeated 12 times for the 50K.

It started a few minutes late which worked out for us since we set up our cooler next to the trail for our customized aide station. Melissa was asked to volunteer so she was going to be on the sidelines to cheer and help out.

The first lap was congested to start, and Dave and I were the last runners in the pack to cross the start line. The course had 2 aide stations at 2 ends of the loop. There was one with cooked potato slices and salt, M&M’s, fruit and other snack stuff, and Gatorade Endurance, water and defizzed cola. The other aide station was just a drink station with Gatorade endurance and water.

John started with us but when we stopped for a potty break he got a little ahead of us. He had some ultra experience so I stuck with Dave since I talked him into this folly.

We were going at a decent clip. The cushy, gently rolling, course with shade most of the time and temperature in the mid 70’s was a big help.

There were a few potty stops and I made sure I took a little nutrition on most loops and something to drink at eavery aide station. I supplemented with a little from our cooler. Just before the end of each loop we were treated to the pop musical brilliance of ‘ABBA’, which was on a continuous loop. Irony anyone? It literally became a running gag each time we passed.

Clouds moved in and kept it cool but they also brought the thunder.

We got thru our 8th loop and then on our way around we saw the first bit of lightning. As we got to the start of the loop they stopped us and told us the course was closed by the Park Rangers for safety.

Dave and I completed 9 loops for about 23.25 miles at about 3:38. John was able to squeeze in another loop which gave him just under 26 miles.

We were very disappointed about getting stopped. I felt great and not as fatigued as expected. At the pace we were going we would have done just over 4 hours for the marathon and easily completed the whole 50k under 5 hours.

I guess I’ll have to wait until next year.

We cleaned up our aide station, and went back to the truck. The ice bath garbage can was waiting. 3 bag of ice went in with the water so in got the water level a few inches from the top. Dave and I took turns jumping in and out of the ice bath for about 20 minutes. John stood by and watched and had a good laugh while we complained about the cold.

We dumped the half melted dirty ice and water and changed for the ride home. The ice bath did the trick.

We were very busy planning the wedding and honeymoon.

Excuse over

JFK Race report to begin.

I had to read Antons to refresh my memeory and look at the pictures too.

It was an amazing, draining, emotional, satisfying experience in so many ways. As Anton can attest, I pretty much talked the whole time so that was a personal accomplishment for me.

After work on Friday before the race my bride to be Melissa and I drove down to Gaithersburg to crash with Anton and Mary Lou. We arrived later that expected and they were already for bed. We got settled in and went to bed too. It was going to be a long day on just a few hours sleep.

2:15 am came early and I didn’t want to believe it. I got dressed kissed a half asleep Melissa goodbye and had a quick bite to eat with Anton as we double checked to make sure we had all we needed to get to the start. We got in the car and off to Boonsboro.

It was a chilly morning and the weather report promised that it would stay that way with potential rain and certainly clouds all day. We arrived a little early and relaxed and did a little race prep before going into the building for the pre reace meeting anf pep talk. Since this was my first time I opted for the 5:00 am start , and Anton graciously offered to do the 5:00 am start so he could be my personal trail guide, and ultra guru. He has done this race many times before and finshed in 10 - 10 1/2 hours so I thought I would stick with him.

The meeting ended and we were off to the start line a short walk away. I was shivering thru my several layers and was anxious and a little nervous approaching the start. 50 miles is a long drive and a daunting thought to travel on foot.

Here we were, in the center of Boonsboro, facing an uphill. We started promptly at 5:00 am. The first 2 miles slowly climbed on the pavement. The ultra guru Anton advised we needed to conserve our energy for later so we did some walking up that hill. We followed the trail of flashlights. At the top we took a right onto the Appalachian trail part of our show. There were porta potties there an we took this opportunity for a quick pee break.

It was a bit darker on the trail so I turned my flashlight on too.

We got to the first aid station, had a few muchies and drink and continued to a really steep paved portion of the trail throught the woods. Steep is an understatement. Walking slow up it was difficult. If this was at the end, I would want to hurt somebody.

Thanfully this ends and we get onto some rolling trail as the day starts to break. The light is dim but enough where we can turn off our flashlights. With the better visibility and less steep trail we are able to pick up the pace.

I start feeling better about things and the pre race jitters and anxious are gone. I start goofing around a little jumping once in awhile of a low rock accumulating “style points” and even running out of my shoe.

However, it is all fun and games until someone horrendously twists and ankle. That someone was not me but Anton. He who was cautious while I was getting all my “style points”. I could tell by how the blood drained out of his face that this hurt.

We slowed down, and I asked him if I could do anything for him. Anton just wanted to “walk it off”. At this point he would only have to “walk it off” for another 44 miles.

I have to give him credit. Either he did walk it off or he can hide the pain. We picked up the pace for a couple of miles and it seemed like we were back in business. I was back to my jesterly ways and getting more “style points” when I heard distinct sound of a misstep followed by the loud grunt of pain.

Once again Anton played it tough and walked it off. That didn’t take long and we started picking up the pace again. Then it happened again. We went through this a few times and it seemed like the trail was out to get him.

At some point during all this trauma on the “Ankle Mangle” trail Anton was getting a little down and I gave him the “Some days you are the bug and some days you are the windshield.” talk and that gave him a smile. He certainly felt like the “bug” that day. I was still feeling strong and was having my “windshield” day.

Anton checked his watch at some of the leaders of the 7:00 am start group was passing us like we were standing still. He told me that when he did the JFK in the past that he was usually much father along. Despite all the pain he was fighting I was completely enjoying this experience. He felt a little guilty and kept apologizing for holding me back.

Like I had any shot of winning this thing? I just kept telling him how I was just enjoying my day. After he said it one too many times I did say “You say I’m sorry again, and I’ll pee in your shoe.” No apologies were needed. It was understood I was there because I wanted to do this together. I knew he was in a lot of pain and I didn’t want to feed into his pain and make him feel worse either. Looking at his foot and seeing his ankle the size of a friggin’ cantaloupe was enough.

There was a basic tenet I learned in my youth and reinforced when I was a Marine about never leaving a man behind. I was not going to leave Anton behind. He supported me and talked me into doing the JFK with the full confidence that I could do it. I felt that I could too, and I wanted to make sure he would make it too. I told him I would go on if he really couldn’t make it but I would get him to an aide station before doing so.

He was okay with that idea and we left it at that. It really never came up again.

We got down to the canal path around the 15 mile mark and that leveled out the trail. It is going to be flat for about the next 26 miles. We just completed the hilly 15 mile warmup to a marathon.

We switch to the next phase of the race strategy. Anton sets his watch so we can go with a run/walk plan. It might have started out with an ambitious 5 or 6 to 1 ratio in the beginning.  We also walk thru the incredibly well stocked aide stations every few miles.

The volunteers were fantastic. I can’t say enough about them.

As the miles pass there are some dead spot where I am even having problems coming up with something to say. The beep of the watch goes from warning to something grow to loathe. My legs feel heavy and sore. Once we get in the thirties I felt like I was past the hump but mentally I was a little sluggish. Was this the ”Ultra Wall”? I don’t know since I had never run this far before. 

At the aide station in the mid thirties we pass the wall realizing the light is at the end of the tunnel. Our spirits lift and I am getting my second wind.

On this flat easy trail Anton finds a root that almost trips him up and I see the pain comback. The back ankle again. I thought he was going to quit right ther for a moment. He got it together quickly. We got back to our conversation and “Yellowbeard'’ came into our race strategy. We got a good laugh and that helped us along.

The last aide station on the canal path comes up and we are finally to the 8 mile cooldown after our 15 mile + warmup on the Appalachian trail, followed by our canal path marathon. We get a quick snack, drink and refill our camel baks. It is also time to turn of the beeps.

I just follow Antons lead. Walk the hills and run the flats and downhills. At this stage with 42 miles behind us we question every possible bump in the road to see if it qualifies an an uphill. It become quite the running gag (pun intended). Our emotions ar e running high. We are punchy, fatigued, and certainly in a bit of pain.

The sun is going down. We started in the dark, and we are finishing in the dark. We see the lights ahead. Then a few meters before the finish we see Mary Lou and Melissa cheering is un to finish. Anton and I join hands so we come across the finish line together. 50 miles in 12:43.

I already know I am doing this again in 2008.

We walk inside to the school and get some food. I am hungry and have some pizza and some gatorade. I feel relieved, sore, a little dizzy, and and bit sad that the day is over.

There is a short drive back to Anton and Mary Lou’s where we will crash for the evening.  I get my first glimpse of Anton’s ankle without sock or shoe and it was huge and purple. He was going to be in a lot a pain for a few days.

Melissa and Mary Lou tell us about their day together as Mary Lou prepares some eats and they get out a few beers to celebrate. The first sip is like nectar and the food is delicious but I can’t take more than a few bites before I need to lay down and then get back up to have some more food. I don’t know if it was bonking or just not running anymore and drinking gatorade anymore, but I was feeling nauseous. I took a shower and I had to level out or I was going to throw up. I seem to stabilze a little before we go to bed.

Sleeping was rough. I was twitchy and had to go to the bathroom frequently. I hurt all over.

It a took a few weeks to get back to normal. Months later I still am overwhelmed by the experience. I look forward to running it again this year. See ya soon Anton!