I did not put the JFK in my training plans this year as it was only two weeks after I was scheduled to do the Great Floridian Iron Man Triathlon (GFT). Beginning with JFK in 1999 it has been a great year with a lot of variety and adventure. After completing the run in 1999 I looked at my plans for 2000. I was going to switch from doing primarily long trail running to triathlons which have been very dear to my heart for over 15 years. Besides I turned 55 in August and it was a chance to capitalize on being the baby in my age group in a sport I loved and was good at

The first half of the year had no biking and not much swimming. I focused on finishing the MMT100 mile trail run which I bagged at 60 miles the year before. That brought me to June 1st where I knew I would need to start cross training. I figured the long trail running I had been doing for about two years had brought some mental toughness or at least improve my ability to deal with adverse situations while trying to cover territory

As I began cross training I began thinking of the JFK and how much I enjoyed the experience in 98 and 99 and crewing the two previous years. I had in the back of my mind that you could really do both races, as the cross training should compliment my running

My training over the summer emphasized four things, having fun, doing long bike rides and long swims, doing speed work in all three sports and trying not to over train and get injured. The speed work for running was ecsential as trail running lets you go long but not fast especial when you are a big guy on uneven terrain. To insure I did not over train I eliminated most of the garbage workouts, you know the ones you do because you think you need to be doing something. Rules to follow: When in doubt don't run just to run as this is your best opportunity to get injured. Don't get caught up in the emotions of training with your buddies just because they had a great tough ride or run listed on their schedule. Believe in yourself and feel good about what you are doing even if it doesn't fit your detail plan. (general plans work best for me anyway) Life is a beach so don't screw it up by putting negative thoughts in you head. You know them as ? I should have done this or I didn't do that". Look at Mike B., Chuck T and Jim B. Lack of specific training didn't hold them back After finishing the GFT as I crossed the line and sat down to comprehend what I had just done I was at augh with what had transpired. The emotions brought tears to my eyes as I tried to put perspective to situation for my wife Linda. She had never seen me do one of these before. As I drank several bottles of water my mind began wondering and I began thinking, what is next. You know when you reach a lofty peak you can have a let down emotionally as there is a tendency to view some things as the pinnacle of achievements. I did not want that to happen. Then it popped into my head, why not the JFK. Two weeks recovery, could I do it? Can I recover enough, balance my emotions and make an objective decision to insure I could finish injury free. Wow, what at mental challenge

In a discussion with Al Rider at the last JFK organization meeting he provided me food for thought. If you can run several 800s on the track after a week you should be able to tell if you are recovered to run the 50. Well I didn't do exactly what Al suggested as I was still recovering and I thought 800?s were too long. What I did is active rest such as indoor bike trainer 5 days after GFT. Three days later at the holloween run. I did an easy mile warm up then some fartlick type pick ups. There were 10-15 pickups at distances from 25-75 yards. The speed was there and the legs felt smooth with only tightness in the right hamstring. I then jogged/walked back to my car. You can check my mental state or lack of it for that morning by looking at picture of the costume contenders on the Reston Runners web site. When the other runners returned Ann Bradford was talking to me about the JFK. I decided at that point with no arm twisting the JFK was in the bag and I registered Monday

The night before the race I was excited but not nervous. I mentioned to Anna I had not been this excited about a race for a long time. Looking back it was not because I was reminded the only Reston Runners to DNF at JFK had done the GFT the month before. The excitement was I knew I could finish, the weather was going to be great and I wanted to begin the adventure

The rest is history