It seemed like an awesome idea. My friends and I had been doing long runs for over a year, along with a few marathons and 50ks. It seemed like the next logical step, until 2 weeks before race day. That's when all the doubts and fear started creeping in. "Did I run enough miles?" "My right leg's starting to hurt" "Will I be able to do this?" "The forecast is freezing!" "Maybe they're right. I am crazy." Nothing to do at this point but push those doubts aside and forge on. I had my friends Susan and David joining in on the experience as well as Reston Runners for crewing and moral support. It's hard to imagine what you're about to go through never having been there before. Did I mention that this would be my first 50 miler?
Race morning was cold! Thankfully I had Patty and Kelly, my trusty crew, so I bundled up knowing I could shed some layers later if I warmed up. After a small hike to the start, the race went off right on schedule. There was a decent amount of climbing on the road leading up to the trail. Being a first timer I was a little nervous about the slow pace, wondering if I'd be able to make up the time later.Everyone assured me I'd be fine. Finally we reached the AT and although I don't have much trail running experience, I was happy to be there. I had been warned about the rocks but I felt comfortable on the first half leading up to Gathland. This is where I met my crew for the first time. They filled my bottle and told me the trail gets worse and they were right. There was a portion of the trail towards the end that was covered with jagged rocks and it was hard to figure out where to put my feet. The "crazy" part of me actually had fun anyway and even enjoyed the dreaded switchbacks where I had a smile on my face the whole time. Other than some sections of heavy runner traffic, I really enjoyed the trail portion of the race. It did wear out my thighs though so after Patty and Kelly filled my bottle and gave me soup, my tired legs and I headed out towards the C&O towpath. It was beautiful! The water energized me even though there was a decent headwind at times. My plan on this section was to start with an 8 min. run/2 min. walk routine. I was able to maintain that for about 11 miles but with tired legs it got harder and harder to run for 8 minutes straight. When I saw my crew again at mile 27 my legs were burning. They sat me down, filled my bottle again, gave me a potato and a few words of encouragement. I thanked them and set off with achy legs, only half way there. I decided then that a strategy change was in order. I implemented what I call my "surge " technique which has been used successfully in other races. I walk quickly for about 10 - 15 steps while picking a tree or other land mark about 75 yards ahead. Then I "surge" to it at a slightly faster than normal pace which makes up for the walking. Then I just keep repeating this over and over. With this strategy I was able to maintain my pace and energy level. It also kept my mind busy so the miles seemed to go by quicker. I probably drove the other runners crazy surging, walking, surging,walking, but it was the only thing I could think of that would work. Nobody seemed to mind. ("What the heck is that crazy woman doing?") Anyway, it got me all the way to the road section. Once there I encountered more uphill than I expected. I had no choice at that point but to walk the hills and surge whenever and as often as I could. I guess I maintained a decent pace because I finished under my goal time of 10:30 in 10:16:34! As I was approaching the finish line I was expecting to feel those emotions that I had heard so much about. I wasn't experiencing that and I was wondering why because this was such an important goal for me. I crossed the finish line, got my medal, thanked the girl who gave it to me, and then it hit. I was just pacing back and forth in the grass sobbing. I couldn't call my Mom and Dad fast enough. I guess it was just a mix of pride, relief, and immense joy. I was just so happy! When I met my friends Susan and David in the gym it was like a reunion. All 3 of us had made it to the finish with minimal suffering. We had a group hug, ate, and swapped stories about our day. It was an experience we'll never forget.

The race itself was so well organized. All of the volunteers were so positive and supportive all day long despite being outside in wind and freezing temperatures. I can't thank them enough for making my special day so awesome. Mostly though, I want to thank Reston Runners. I can't put into words how indebted I feel to Anna, Patty, Kelly, and all of the other Reston Runners who offered advice, support, smiles, and encouragement before and during this race. I'm in awe of how my friend Susan and I, being from NJ, were excepted into the club with open arms and offered never ending support from beginning to end. This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I have my friends, running partners, and Reston Runners to thank for it. I will never forget this day as my first 50 miler, and can only hope that it will be a stepping stone to perhaps even a more ambitious goal. (100? That's crazy talk.)
Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way. I will be forever grateful!
If this is what crazy feels like, I will gladly wear that title like a badge of honor!