The Story of a "Successful Marriage"

An experienced ultramarathoner understands that the primary difference between preparing for a 50 miler and a marathon is a matter of faith- while no extra miles or hill repeats are typically required to get across the finish line, a strong belief in oneself and the possibility of a finish is a must. First timers often delay for years, uncertain they "have what it takes" to train for and run 50 miles.

Not so at Reston Runners. Over the past 9 years, 117 Reston Runners have lined up at the starting line at the JFK 50 Mile Ultramarathon in November, and most of those done so more than once. Those who choose to run with the club are likely to finish: of the 236 Reston Runner starts, we boast 227 finishes (that's 96%). In 1997, three Reston Runners ran JFK, building to 25 by 2000, then nearly 50 in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Every Reston Runner knows (whether or not they have run JFK) that they are fully trained for the JFK 50 after they finish their fall marathon, and if they haven't run JFK yet, one of their training buddies has.

Reston Runners is a mid-sized running club whose primary focus over the past 25 years has been to support members in their fitness endeavors by offering training programs for children, walkers, women, and marathoners. These days, nearly 100 Reston Runners run a fall marathon, using the club's interval and long-run training programs to prepare them for the task. For most, however, the club's attraction lies in its social focus. In addition to runners and walkers joining together for breakfast after each weekend training run, the club hosts over 20 robustly attended parties, potlucks and picnics each year, encouraging families and friends to join in the fun.

It is that social focus, team spirit, and the inclusion of family and friends that is the Reston Runner Secret Weapon at JFK. While Reston Runners sends 50 runners (and accounts for nearly half of the open teams represented at JFK), we also send over 50 support team members to feed, hydrate, encourage, photograph, cheer and massage their runners throughout the day. Each runner, paired with a like-paced teammate, is supported by two crew members. In addition, a soup crew energizes runners at mile 17 and 38, a statistics team documents runners' splits, photographers capture the excitement for post-JFK party slide shows, and a massage team offers each runner a treatment at the finish. Few runners, faced with that level of support and documentation, would dare DNF if they could possibly help it.

The second secret weapon is the Reston Runner JFK website and communication systems. Runners and crew are continually updated regarding meetings, trail runs, and training and preparation tips via the website and an email listserve. A Google search for JFK 50 produces references to the Reston Runners website, and hopeful ultramarathoners from around the country contact the club for advice in their JFK preparations. Experienced Reston Runner ultramarathoners are assigned email "buddies," offering encouragement and mentoring as the new runners prepare for the big race. Many of these out-of-state contacts join Reston Runners on-line, and are brought "into the fold" as long distance teammates.

Adapting a JFK training program from the fall marathon program for Reston Runners has been simple: with just three extra potlucks and a singlet, each runner and crew member is ready for the task. Throughout the year new runners learn about the JFK from their training buddies and inevitably become curious. The season's first organizational meeting, held in August, offers information for new runners and crew, stories and pictures from years past, and plenty of good food. The second meeting in October is designed to provide more detailed information to first timers about the JFK course and strategies for running. Runners' applications are collected and teammates bond over more food and wine. The final meeting in November, held in the organizer's large dining room in a community house, allows the 100 or so Reston Runners to join together, meet their crew support, collect their singlets (one for runners and a separate shirt for crew), receive final logistical instructions (directions to the hotel and start, where to meet for the pre-race dinner and race day team picture), and drink more wine. By race day, runners and crew are well fed, well hydrated, well informed, and well bonded.

First timers find teammates' enthusiasm and passion difficult to resist, once they have attended one of the meetings. Ultramarathoners share an awe for the sport and their stories communicate the paradoxically humbling yet inspiring experience of participating in one. Family, friends and curious onlookers are encouraged to support the team by crewing, and many crew find themselves running the race in subsequent years, inspired by their fellow runners on race day.

The morning after the race is also a special time for the team: several runners join together each year to prepare a brunch feast for the whole group. As the statistics from the event are proudly displayed on the walls and computer slide shows exhibit the day's photos, runners analyze splits, retell stories, honor and thank their crew, and enjoy the post-race glow together. The next year's JFK plans begin that very next morning, as runners scheme to improve their race strategies and crew begin contemplating their first ultramarathon.

Reston Runners has discovered a formula that supports and encourages "regular runners" to take that leap of faith and line up at the starting line of their first ultramarathon. It's about the excitement of being a part of a team, and not embarking on the journey alone. It's about believing in yourself because everyone else does. And at Reston Runners, it's about good preparation, good peer pressure, good wine, and having a crew devoting their weekend to your success.