2005 (Nov 18) JFK 50 miles

On Friday, November 18, 2005 my family and I went ot the Comfort Suites to pick up my race bib. A big sign welcomed us to the race.

2009-02-09T07:49:35Z

jakob
On Friday, November 18, 2005 my family and I went ot the Comfort Suites to pick up my race bib. A big sign welcomed us to the race.

The pre-race meeting held on race morning in the Boonsboro High School Gymnasium at 4:20am for us using the 5:00am start (instead of the 6 AM).

2009-02-21T12:50:31Z

jakob
The pre-race meeting held on race morning in the Boonsboro High School Gymnasium at 4:20am for us using the 5:00am start (instead of the 6 AM).

While walking to the starting line Boonboro officially welcomed us too.

2009-02-21T12:52:12Z

jakob
While walking to the starting line Boonboro officially welcomed us too.

At 5 AM the race started. Here we're on the Appalachian Trail 1 hour and 37 minutes into the run. This part I walk a lot because I'm not sure what to expect.

2009-06-23T14:13:45Z

jakob
At 5 AM the race started. Here we're on the Appalachian Trail 1 hour and 37 minutes into the run. This part I walk a lot because I'm not sure what to expect.

Still on the Appalachian Trail 1 hour 48 minutes into the run.

2009-06-23T14:20:17Z

jakob
Still on the Appalachian Trail 1 hour 48 minutes into the run.

Sunrise at 7:01 AM. While taking this picture another female runner was watching me and surely hitting a root and falling over. I felt really bad and she emailed me afterwards telling me tha ...

2009-06-23T14:14:31Z

jakob
Sunrise at 7:01 AM. While taking this picture another female runner was watching me and surely hitting a root and falling over. I felt really bad and she emailed me afterwards telling me tha ...

Still walking a lot enjoying the beginning of the day.

2009-06-23T14:11:59Z

jakob
Still walking a lot enjoying the beginning of the day.

The floor was really soft making it very easy for the legs and knees. However, one had to watch out for hidden stones and roots.

2009-06-23T14:10:53Z

jakob
The floor was really soft making it very easy for the legs and knees. However, one had to watch out for hidden stones and roots.

It was rather a bit cold and that's why the heavy clothing.

2009-02-09T07:47:11Z

jakob
It was rather a bit cold and that's why the heavy clothing.

Some parts of the Appalachian Trail were tricky. We constantly had to watch out making it hard to actually enjoy this beautiful trail.

2009-06-23T14:12:22Z

jakob
Some parts of the Appalachian Trail were tricky. We constantly had to watch out making it hard to actually enjoy this beautiful trail.

Getting very close to the switch-backs.

2009-06-23T14:10:43Z

jakob
Getting very close to the switch-backs.

It felt great feeling the sun coming out.

2009-02-09T07:49:51Z

jakob
It felt great feeling the sun coming out.

Almost 4 hours into the run, about 14.5 miles from the start, we arrived at the switch-backs.

2009-06-23T14:13:38Z

jakob
Almost 4 hours into the run, about 14.5 miles from the start, we arrived at the switch-backs.

Some runners flew by this section; especially the 6 AM starters.

2009-02-21T12:50:51Z

jakob
Some runners flew by this section; especially the 6 AM starters.

Here we cross under route 340 which connects with the C&O Canal towpath.

2009-06-23T14:08:30Z

jakob
Here we cross under route 340 which connects with the C&O Canal towpath.

We're very close to the C&O Canal towpath now.

2009-06-23T14:16:29Z

jakob
We're very close to the C&O Canal towpath now.

Whoever cannot cross he train tracks before the train had to wait for a bit including me. Right after the tracks the C&O Canal towpath starts.

2009-06-23T14:17:38Z

jakob
Whoever cannot cross he train tracks before the train had to wait for a bit including me. Right after the tracks the C&O Canal towpath starts.

We're finally on the C&O Canal towpath. It's now time for me doing some running :)

2009-06-23T14:18:45Z

jakob
We're finally on the C&O Canal towpath. It's now time for me doing some running :)

This section is very beautiful too and the soft ground is still very gentle to us. Fortunately, we don't have to worry about stones and roots on this section.

2009-06-23T14:08:58Z

jakob
This section is very beautiful too and the soft ground is still very gentle to us. Fortunately, we don't have to worry about stones and roots on this section.

The C&O Canal towpath is 26.3 miles long; the same as a marathon. I was able to run almost most of it.

2009-06-23T14:12:29Z

jakob
The C&O Canal towpath is 26.3 miles long; the same as a marathon. I was able to run almost most of it.

I'm still wearing all my clothes but I definitely can feel the heat coming on.

2009-02-09T07:48:37Z

jakob
I'm still wearing all my clothes but I definitely can feel the heat coming on.

Just so beautiful

2009-06-23T14:19:02Z

jakob
Just so beautiful

We did share this trail with horses. They were awesome congratulating us for the undertaking.

2009-06-23T14:10:10Z

jakob
We did share this trail with horses. They were awesome congratulating us for the undertaking.

Are you having fun yet? You bet!

2009-06-23T14:12:36Z

jakob
Are you having fun yet? You bet!

During this part of the race I've experienced my very first runner's high. Close to the end of the C&O Canal towpath I suddenly felt great and refreshed. For a little while during this high ...

2009-06-23T14:16:36Z

jakob
During this part of the race I've experienced my very first runner's high. Close to the end of the C&O Canal towpath I suddenly felt great and refreshed. For a little while during this high ...

Trail: Awesome! Weather: Perfect!

2009-06-23T14:11:24Z

jakob
Trail: Awesome! Weather: Perfect!

I bet everybody had an awesome time.

2009-06-23T14:13:49Z

jakob
I bet everybody had an awesome time.

I'm very close to mile 41, where the switches from the C&O Canal towpath to the gently rolling paved country roads for the last 8.4 miles to the finish. At the Dam aid station (mile 41.8) I ...

2009-02-09T07:50:17Z

jakob
I'm very close to mile 41, where the switches from the C&O Canal towpath to the gently rolling paved country roads for the last 8.4 miles to the finish. At the Dam aid station (mile 41.8) I ...

Finally on the country road. We all had to wear a reflective vest for this final part of the race because soon it will get dark and there is traffic on this road.

2009-06-23T14:10:59Z

jakob
Finally on the country road. We all had to wear a reflective vest for this final part of the race because soon it will get dark and there is traffic on this road.

On one side it was nice being on this last part of the race; on the other it was hard on our legs since it was paved street.

2009-02-09T07:50:12Z

jakob
On one side it was nice being on this last part of the race; on the other it was hard on our legs since it was paved street.

Beautiful sunset at 4:30 PM while conquering the last 8.7 miles.

2009-06-23T14:13:07Z

jakob
Beautiful sunset at 4:30 PM while conquering the last 8.7 miles.

11 hours and 55 minutes into the race and ONE MILE TO GO!!!

2009-06-23T14:13:28Z

jakob
11 hours and 55 minutes into the race and ONE MILE TO GO!!!

Finally at the finish line! I've finished in 12 hours and 7 minutes. I'm happy but strangely tired for some reason.

2009-02-09T07:49:29Z

jakob
Finally at the finish line! I've finished in 12 hours and 7 minutes. I'm happy but strangely tired for some reason.

I'm beat but happy. I'm in pain but I feel accomplished. Just 7 months ago I started running after doing no sports whatsoever for over 20 years. Now I just successfully ran my first 50 mile ...

2009-06-23T14:11:48Z

jakob
I'm beat but happy. I'm in pain but I feel accomplished. Just 7 months ago I started running after doing no sports whatsoever for over 20 years. Now I just successfully ran my first 50 mile ...