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In the Booonsboro Gym Reston Runners gathered in mass
We all waited and met with crews to begin this run at last

Friends and foe were everywhere you could see
As many lined up to take a last minute pee

The line to the restrooms was really long
Except at the queue for the outside portajohns

It was dark and cold in the portajohns as you sat or stood
Some had lights others had sweatshirts with hoods

As you came into the Gym it seemed yellow
What is this huge group someone would bellow

Its Anna's Restonites VHRTC Anster Davidson replied The yellow was everywhere there is no place to hide.

Bill, Russ, Jim and Bill VHRTC members were called traitors There was some jealousy by those that wanted to be yellow replicators

As we walked to the start it was cool, clear and brisk
The sun was behind the mountain as some contemplated the risk

Finally the start and off we go
All be it many began very slow

Some ran the three miles up hill to the trail others walked
Most were enjoying themselves and just relaxed and talked

Jim Nagle and John Ashworth were together
Running the hill as they looked light as a feather

Russ and Nigel were out of site
Gone so fast they must have taken to flight

We wonder where Jim D and Neil are at last
These guys are also very fast

The crowd continued to mumble
You know the yellow crush can make you humble

The question was herd of the Restonites how many are there?
Between runners and crew there are a 100 or so everywhere

The AT trail began not too rocky not to tame
We pushed on and to another road we came.

Three walked together up the steep hill.
They were Linda, Joni and big crazy Bill

Soon  Loretta walked past
Boy this gal can go fast

Joni and Linda took up the chase
Bill hung back as he has a slow uphill pace

Finally to a downhill trail they came
Bill darted past the women with no shame

He was later caught on an uphill climb
And again he was left behind

These women looked relaxed, strong and light
This was good evidence none would be walking in the night

Since there was more down than up
Bill took off  hoping to the Jims he would catch up

As Bill gathered water for his bottle he would fill
At Cramptons Gap he saw Jim Nagle was rushing up a hill

Jim noticed Bill and slowed to a walk
They met on the up hill and began to talk

They stayed close together most of the next 6 miles
Passing everyone on the last downhill to the crews with smiles

Bill fumbled through a bag looking for his Asthma inhaler
As without it based on how he felt he could be a failure

The quick running and dust of the trails made his chest real tight
But that didn't stop him from trying to take flight

Finally he got it and ran quickly to the path beyond the track
Only to breathe the medication in and pinch his lip on the cap

At least he beat the train and on the towpath he ran
Leaving Jim Nagle behind was the real plan

The miles of the towpath became quick and fast
But there were no Reston Runners in view to go past

Several aid stations were visited as he went by
But the miles slowed and the pace went awry

At the aqueduct accounting for Reston Runners Cliff sat in a chair It was good to see his smile the crews and all the fanfare

Things for Bill were not well maybe he needed food
So in a chair he sat to try and change his mood

Fumbling through his cooler which for 4 years had never been opened
He wondered and pondered as his crew Alex and Kevin thought he was broken

Finally he ate some cheese and drank
By no means was this race in the tank

He got up and moved his tail down the trail
He knew he could still finish and not fail

As the miles went by
Bill  believed again he could fly

Only after the math did he realize his goal of 8:30
Was not possible even if he dug deep and got dirty

Finally a voice from Jim Nagle came from behind
Get your sorry ass moving VanAntwerp as you I did find

Such a friendly voice was good to hear
Bill's reply was I am no sorry ass as you do not fear

Jim quickly ran past
As Bill still didn't go that fast

Bill was left in the dust
As Jim jogged toward dusk

The relaxation came as this was no longer a race
It's time to enjoy the day in such a beautiful place

The aid stations flew by and the crews were full of smiles
Oh the joy and the scenery and covering so many miles

Time on the towpath was about mile 38
Bill saw Nagle now what was Jim's fate

Jim's butt seemed to be dragging
But Bills mood was not sagging

They picked up the pace and for a mile they ran 8:45
Fast running may hurt but it sure makes you feel alive

Bill slowed as Jim took the lead
Then Loretta went by with real speed

By calculation it was determined
Loretta could break 9:00 if she was so determined

She kicked up the dust heading towards the hill at Dam 4
As she left the trail her time she had never seen before

Go and good luck on getting PRs for Loretta and Jim
I may be behind but all Restonites in front are younger or thin

On the road Bill goes watching Jim in the distance Sometimes catching him while Bill's body adds resistance

Keep pressing onward Jim as you know I am here
My catching up you should not fear

For I am having too much fun
To increase my speed and hurt as I run

With less than two miles to go
Who is this catching Bill as he goes slow

Why it is Joni hammering away
Bill stops to root her on as she is having one great day

She pulls ahead during the last mile as she works her pace Her family, husband, kids and more wait at the finish place

Bill sees the marker for the last mile
Knowing he is near the finish makes him smile

Wait a minute what's that he does see
It isn't  Jim Ashworth  so who can it be

It's Neil from Michigan ahead there in yellow He is such a great guy and a real fast fellow

He stops and waits for Bill to catch up
This is his first 50 and he went out like a young pup

He ran fast through 26
Now he is  walking but he did no list

They walk and talk with less than one to go
It will be great if they crossed as one no matter how slow

As they see the finish they decide to play
They quickened the pace then ran all the way

You may think this is then end But it isn't my friend

It's hardly believed So many finished this deed

Thanks to Anna, masseuses and  crews
We have confidence and good news

Many of us will again return next year
Some with trepidation some with no fear