For months, Dave Szurek, Mark Sells and I had discussed the possibility of participating in the 2000 JFK 50. As the Marine Corps was to be my first marathon, I didn't believe I would be capable of doing both and surviving. I had pretty much decided not to do the JFK 50, when Dave brought the application form over and talked me into it

During the Marine Corps Marathon a tendon in my foot started hurting at mile 16, and the last 10 miles were like running on a razor blade. Needless to say, during the two weeks between the MCM and JFK 50, I had a premonition of impending death. Two days before the run, I called each of my four children, told them I loved them and made amends, just in case something were to happen to me

The Friday before the race, Mona, Mark and I headed off for Boonsboro. Anna had prepared everything wonderfully for everyone - dinner, rooms, even poolside music to keep us awake -- but who could sleep anyway? After being moved to a quiet tower room, I went to bed at 10, and woke up at 11, 12, 1 and 2, finally getting up at 3 a.m. to get ready. Getting ready for me was drinking a can of slim-fast and taking three Advils, the first of many during the day. I had decided to keep the inflammation in my foot down, even if it meant losing my liver during the run

Finally 7:02 came and we started, and it was wonderful. The atmosphere was like a big party. The first 3 miles (all uphill) went by fast, and then came the trail. I wasn't quite prepared for the trail portion of the run. In fact, the only trail I had been on for the past 10 years was the paved trail that I walk the dogs on behind my house. However, I not only didn't fall down on the trail, but I think I managed to look up one time and actually saw a tree

The 26 mile canal portion was great. I tried to run 5 minutes and walk 2. I'd time the miles, trying to stay at a 13 minute pace. I felt wonderful, and nothing hurt, until I hit mile 38. Then my left knee started to hurt on the outside, but only when I ran, so I speed walked

Upon leaving the canal towpath, I entered upon the "gently rolling hills" road to home. However, the first hill didn't roll much. In fact, it was at least 1 mile straight up. With about 5 miles to go, my knee hurt when walking fast, so I slowed down. Mona joined Dave Szurek and I and walked us in the last 5 miles, which was very nice. I had a flashlight and, of course, my reflective vest, and managed to dodge the locals, whose idea of fun on a November Saturday night is going out and yelling at and running the idiots off the road. It kept me mentally sharp

Finally, after 12 hours and 34 minutes, I reached the finish line. I can't describe the feeling of accomplishment I had. I also can't describe the feeling of pain I had after stopping. I had chaffed areas where no man should; I had a blister on my foot as big as a silver dollar, but didn't realize it was there until I took my shoe off. Upon stopping, my legs tightened up to the point where I had trouble walking to the gym to take a hot shower

Mona and I got a pizza on the way home. After gorging on pizza and bourbon, I went to bed. Sunday morning I woke up and felt great - until I tried to get out of bed, and realized every muscle in my body was stiff. However, after a few days, I felt fine. I was tired for a week or so and my blood pressure stayed high for 10 days, but is now back down. I've been jogging 4 or 5 miles every other day, starting the Saturday after the run, and nothing seems to be damaged

In conclusion, let me say that the JFK 50 is a wonderful, wonderful experience. For me, it was easier than the marathon. I definitely will do it again, and am thinking about the Bull Run Run in the spring. Of course, kudos go to my wife, Mona, and our support crew, who fed, clothed and cheered for us along the way

Finally, what can I say about Anna Bradford? Though she finished 3 hours before me, she would ask my wife at every station, "How's Bob doing?" She was like a mother with 25 children out there that Saturday, and she was truly concerned about each one of us. She waited at the end until the last of us straggled in before she would call it a night. I think I can say on behalf of all the Reston Runner participants in the 2000 JFK 50, Thanks Anna. We appreciate it