There are few acceptable reasons for anyone not between the ages of 18 and 25 to be awake at 3:00am - and being driven wildly through the Virginia countryside on the way to run 50 miles shouldn't be one of them. I wonder why I'm doing this, but fortunately, being in an enclosed space with Bill Van Animal is like taking a triple shot of expresso and before long I share his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge.
The wisdom of choosing the 5:00am start becomes appearent as soon as we
pull into the school - and a parking space just feet from the gym door.
This is further confirmed when I breeze directly into a porta-potty and
discover I am the very first person to visit that day - who would have
guessed that they smell all minty fresh in their natural state!
The one down side of the early start is that for "legal reasons" we can't get to the start line by cutting across the field, but must instead follow the road. The race director casually mentioned this would be "about a half mile" which works out to adding an additional 1% to the race! For those of you who think that doesn't mean much, think of how happy you would have been if the finish line were half a mile sooner. Next year we need to work out a shuttle system - another opportunity for the Reston Runners to have a competitive advantage.
After a rolling start that those of us in the middle or back of the pack had no idea had taken place, we were off. The weather was cool and crisp. The heavens were ablaze with the lights of the Milky Way. This would have been enjoyable if one of the guys in my immediate grouping had not persisted in misidentifying constellations (Now that one there is Ursa Major) for the benefit of what appeared to be a prospective girlfriend.
When we finally got to the AT, all the miners's hats and handheld flashlights came on and the runners transformed themselves into a ribbon of coursing light - somewhat remenisient of the Ewok party at the end of "The Return of the Jedi". Navigating the trail in the dark was not as difficult as I had feared, although we were clearly going slower than usual. By the time we reached the fire tower, it was light enought to see without flashlights. We then were shortly treated to a spectacular sunrise over the valley that I twice pulled to the side to stop and admire.
Three hours and twenty five minutes into my run - and one hour and twenty five into his - the front runner passed me. As best I could tell, his feet never touched the ground. He just skipped lightly over the rocks and roots as shouted out a few words of encouragement to we mere mortals and then was gone.
Finally off the mountain, I met up with Tierney, my world class crew member, and drew strength from her and the large group of Reston Runners crew who were there to root on their charges. Next came the dreaded towpath - relieved slightly by a Loudoun Road Runners "unofficial" aid station that dispensed healthy shots of quite adequate Bourbon. Now if only we could get them to set up about four more stops! Over the course of a long sunny afternoon, I was passed by a wide variety of runners, a great number of them wearing the red or yellow of the Reston Runners. First Russ, then Steve and Neil zipped by, along with Loretta, would slowed down for just a moment to say hi and who appeared unphased by the 25 plus miles she had already run. A bit later came the Jim team who were gamely helping along one of their members who must have been regretting having had the flaming burrito surprise for breakfast. MOST of the RRs were pleasant and encouraging although a few appeared to be in the cranky stage of the run and slunk by like audience members trying to avoid eye contact when a stage hypnotist asks for volunteers. Also, it appears not everyone got the memo about ironing one's name on the back of your singlet.
Toward the end of the tow path I was in the cranky stage (NO - I said the blueberry and peach yogurt, not the blueberry and melon!!!) but fortunately, Tierney is an angel and took my tirades in stride.
Once again, the last eight miles were easier and more fun than the eighteen before them. The last two miles in particular were my fastest of the day - despite the cruelty of the organizers in putting a hill at the very end of the run.
After collecting my medal, I put myself into the capable hands of Cliff and his team to try to restore some circulation to my feet and calves. They did a great job, so much so that I was able to get to the breakfast at Anna's the next morning with a minimum of morphine and electroshock. Can't wait 'til next year!