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FLRC Newsletter - December 2004 |
| Another View of the JFK 50 Miler | |
The best of the JFK 50 Miler: that’s easy—it’s the people! Everyone that fate brought together on November 20th played an important part in the completion of my most difficult race yet.
It was Dave Morgan, never the spectator, who changed roles, giving so much encouragement, concern, and support. Always waiting at the aid stations, often as long as an hour or more, bag in hand, ready to produce whatever I needed in order to continue. At times walking miles to get there after facing challenging driving conditions on narrow foggy back roads. Even at mile 46, in the pitch black, the tall apparition with the bag appeared. I could barely make him out but the outline of bag made me certain that it was him! He convinced me if I kept on track I could make it—in time.
It was Lorrie Tily, Becky Harmon, and Thaisa Way, the Finger Lakes Women’s Masters Team, new to the 50-mile distance but game to give it their best. Their unabashed enthusiasm in the gym pre-race, and again as we raced to make the start and shared a pit stop, got the race off to a good start. What really stands out is their four-hour plus wait in the cool, dark evening to be there for me at 49-1/2 miles. They cheered, ran, even walked and literally supported me to the finish line. Then they held me up so the medics wouldn’t demand to take me away. Their enthusiastic positive encouragement in that half-mile made all of the pain tolerable. Their presence at the finish, their gift to me of time, , and unwavering support of my achievement brought a new sense of being part of the Finger Lakes Running Team. These three women are the best ambassadors that the FLRC Board and Club could ever have. And I am proud to have been a part of their Team!
The list could go on, especially to include Sharon at aid station 42, who noted my deteriorating condition and rather then try to get me out of the race, helped me into a reflective vest, and got some Gatorade and M&Ms into me. Then she walked and ran with me the next half-mile, giving explicit directions that if I wanted to finish I would have to walk the hills and to try to run on the downhill. She said “get that in your head,” and I was once again back on track to goal!
No list would be complete without mentioning Cathy Troisi who sent numerous details about the course and really helped with pre-race logistics. She gave me support to move forward to face the challenge.
The JFK 50 was the most difficult race I have ever completed. Yes, I have a sense of pride and accomplishment. But more important, I have a renewed understanding that we accomplish nothing alone. But as a partner, a team, and with the help of others, we can succeed at any challenge.
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