by Anna Bradford. Updated June 2005
Runner's Questions My longest training run was 26.2 miles, and there's no way I could have gone another 24. Why do you say that's enough training? I don't know, but it works. Most of the Reston Runners completing the JFK since 1995 have used the simple training plan of training for a marathon, running the marathon in October or November, resting, then running JFK. Most of us don't "race" an ultra marathon, so the pace is much more relaxed, social, and free of pressure. Approaching the event like a long day of hiking (start before breakfast, finish just after dinner) and taking the focus off mile splits makes the day pass more quickly.
What happens if I want to drop out? Most runners want to drop out at some point (or at many points), and many runners hit a series of "walls" during their run. Most of these low points are followed by periods of relative comfort; you just need to have patience and realize it will get better. Remember you can practically walk the whole way and finish in time. And remember, too, that your crew traveled all the way out to Hagerstown, Maryland to get you through this event.
What happens if I need to drop out? (i.e., break a leg or get heat stroke) Your crew can take you to the finish, giving their other runner to a nearby crew.
How many folks drop out? Surprisingly few. Since 1995, 287 Reston Runners have started and only 11 did not finish. That means 96% of Reston Runners who start, also finish.
What's the weather like and what should I wear? The start tends to be pretty cold (20?-30?), and daytime temperatures range from 25? to 65? most years. It can be snowing, raining, icy, or warm and pleasant: pack for all conditions. Plan to start in winter gear, and shed clothing at the first few aid stations. Some runners like to change their shoes after the Appalachian Trail section; others stick with one pair for the day.
What should I eat? Eat what you have an appetite for on race day. You will need to take in more calories than just the sports drink, given the total effort for the day, but eating too much can cause tummy aches. Test different foods before race day to see what agrees with you- gels, Powerbars, M&Ms, bananas, oranges, granola bars, chips, various sandwiches and soups are available on the course. Eat salty foods, or take electrolyte tablets. Melons and salty potatoes are favorites, but must be given to your crew ahead of time since the aid stations do not provide them.
What if I get separated from the other runner my crew is taking care of? Your crew will be managing this situation closely, talking with other crew close by. One of their runners may be "handed off" to another crew, and you will be told when it happens.
Will this hurt? Yes....
What are these teams all about? Reston Runners enters teams of 3-5 runners for the official team competition. JFK officials calculate scores by adding times of the first 3 finishers for the team. Teammates are not expected to stay together. All teams must be same-sex, and team applications must be sent in the same envelope.
Should I wear trail shoes? Trail shoes are certainly not a "must" for this event, although many runners choose to wear them for the Appalachian Trail section.
Support Crew Questions What am I supposed to do? Your primary task is to provide your runners encouragement and aid. This means carrying their supplies, meeting them at pre-determined aid stations, assessing their needs and helping them in any way they see fit. Runners really like information, including how far it is to the next stop, where their friends are, when you plan to see them next. You will also be asked to keep their splits- a grid will be provided.
How will I know where to go? You will be given written directions to each of the aid stations. You can also download maps off the Reston Runner JFK Website. From time to time the race officials tell us not to go to some of the aid stations because the parking is so tight- but they don't let you know until race day. Best advice: go to the aid station and see if you can park. Or if your runners are getting spread out, miss an aid station to be sure to get the front runner.
What should I bring? See "What to pack" on the crewing tips page. Be sure to include warm clothes, food for yourself, and chairs. Your runner will give you plenty to carry around for the race.
When can I go home? When your runner is reconnected with his/her ride home.
What if I decide I want to register as a runner instead of crew? No problem. The race does not usually fill up, and often even race-day registration is possible. Let Anna know you want to switch, and she'll help make sure your runners have adequate support arranged, and offer logical options for support for you.