The JFK 50 Miler was...

So how does a 50 mile run sound?!  Crazy huh?  Well for me it was a challenge.  I had only ran one other Ultra marathon (24-hour run in Virginia) in 2012, before the JFK 50 Miler.  I have done many marathons, I felt good and had my great friend Brian Burk encouraging me in the months, weeks and days before the race.  Brian is a huge mentor for me, fellow runner and ultra marathoner.  Additionally, I recently signed up to be a member of the US Military Endurance Sports (usmes.org) organization so we had a total of 6 members at the race.  It is always a good time when you are at race with a group of people.  They all had ran many races so it was good to get some perspective prior to the race.  We also had a great dinner at Olive Garden...that never ending pasta bowl is amazing! And bread sticks and salad to boot!  After dinner we headed back to the hotel, readied our clothes for the race and Brian and I caught up on old times and just life.  I then turned in earlier than normal for a night before a race (10 pm).  I woke at 0400 for a 0430 breakfast with the team and then we left for the high school in Boonsboro at 0500.  As we reached the school it was really starting to hit me that it was prime time and the race was only hours away.  The briefing at the school was well put together, we dropped our after race bags and then the race coordinator gave us the rules for the race, our timing gates throughout the day...yes I had to finish certain sections of the race in a specific timeframe, so I had the pressure of just finishing but also the added pressure of the time gates.  If you missed one of the time gate you would be removed from the course.  I had never ran a race that had timed sections and luckily I never got close to missing one.   

Let me go back to before the race...Brian had described the race to me and even sent me a link to his blog which provided a few videos of the course etc.  He described the quick altitude change but as seen below...it was literally straight uphill in a few places the first 8-9 miles.  Nothing can prepare you for what is ahead of you unless you experience it for yourself, so if you want to find out..sign up for 2017 :):). 

The dramatic increase was then just as dramatic coming down the mountain and off the Appalachian Trail (AT). As I finally reached the bottom of the mountain I arrived at the aid station at 15.5 miles.  It was an amazing stop.  PB and J sandwiches, oranges, gatorade, water, coke, M&M's, and peanuts.  This turned out to be the standard for the aid stations till Mile 42.  At Mile 42 they switched to hot chicken noodle soup...boy did I need that, you will read why here in a minute. 

The next 26 miles or so was defined as "Flat", "Easy Run" along the Potomac river.  HaHa, you can see it is a slight increase the entire way and as you looked out on the Potomac river I was running against the flow of the water.  Yes, they claim that the trail was "flat" was just dead wrong. LOL.  The trail along the river was scenic with the amazing tree foliage and a few deer.  At the beginning of this part of the race it had warmed (62ish degrees), but the trees did well to keep the sun off of us.  At Mile 20 I stopped and went Face book Live showing everyone the beautiful Potomac River.  I then pressed to the Mile 27 aid station and at this point the heat was starting to take a toll.  As I pushed and passed two fellow runners named Robby and Kate, who I had passed a few times earlier in the race.  This is the norm at races.  People speed up and slow down and you will eventually either start running together or walking.  As we ran and walked, we talked of our previous races, and professions.  Both of them had multiple ultra marathons under their belts.  Robby had multiple 100 milers and Kate had done several 50 milers, so I was in good company to finish the race and before I knew it we made it to the aid station at Mile 34.  As we ran into the aid station the weather suddenly took a turn towards winter.  The temp dropped dramatically, the wind kicked in strong and yep rain drops started.  I told them I needed to stop and put on my long sleeve shirt, beanie hat and gloves.  I also took advantage of the theme (It was decorated with a theme of Miracle on 34th St...all Christmas'd up :). I ate some Christmas cookies and PB&J sandwiches.  With this extra time Robby and Kate pressed forward and I thought I would catch up with them.  Needless to say, that never happened. LOL.  As I pressed to the Mile 39 aid station, the temperatures continued to drop and the rain started to really come down, difference now is sleet started to mix in and for a bit it really came down.  I remember thinking...really!  The AT from earlier and now...sleet!  C'MON!!  As I pulled into the Mile 39 aid station I decided to stop and stay under the tent for a few minutes (Turned into 10 mins) to get out of the rain.  It had amazing sandwiches, M&Ms and drinks.  I moved out and meet up with a older gentlemen named Charlie.  It was his first 50 Miler, but he had been running marathons for many years...yep crazy like me!  We reached the Mile 42 aid station and received our "Strip of Courage", it was a reflective arm band required due to darkness.  We left the aid station and finally finished the trail part of the course and moved to the road for the 8 mile home stretch.  Within a half a mile we were greeted by a gentleman providing hot chicken noodle soup.  With the rain and cold and now darkness, it really hit the spot.  We moved on and I noticed a small sign on the side of the road that had the number "8" on it...could this be the sign I was looking for?  Yes, Yes it was, 8 miles left before the finish line. This was my countdown.  I broke out the cell phone and let my teammates know where I was.  8 turned to 7 and 7 turned to 6, then another aid station with hot noodle soup...yep that hit the spot.  6....5....4....3....2...1.  I finally reached the final 1 mile of the race.  I remember thinking, Jason lets kick it into gear and finish strong and you know what, the body responded to the mind :).  At about 1/2 mile to the finish Tiffany my wife Face Timed me and asked how was doing...I said "hurting" but finishing.  I made it to the downtown area and saw the bright lights...yep the bright light at the end of the tunnel.  It was like I was running to Heaven.  LOL.  I made it across the line in 12:20, so proud and happy.  I remember the first aid worker looking at me and saying "need anything?", I don't really remember the response other than "I think so" and "where is the bathroom"...yep I was a bit out of it. 

I walked to the high school gymnasium and was greeted with a high five and huge hug from Brian.  I finished! 

What an accomplishment!  This was the toughest race since I started racing in the 2009.  Would I do it again...that requires some praying! 

The below picture gives you a perspective of the entire race.

Until the next race....            

Who Am I Running the 2016 JFK 50 Miler in Honor Of...

Faith.  When that is said, what do you normally think of?  In America right now it is faith in our political systems.  Faith that someone is going to do what they said.  Faith that what you believe in.   Faith is taught in the bible as doctrine.  Faith is all important in the life of the soul.  Without Faith it is impossible to please God.  Faith will get you anything, take you anywhere, but without Faith there can be no approach to most anything, no forgiveness, no deliverance, no salvation, no communion, no spiritual life. Faith is by its very nature scarcely conscious of its own existence.  Like the eye which sees everything in front of it and never sees itself, faith is occupied with the object upon which it rests and pays no attention to itself at all.   

Now who I am running in honor of...As I look back on my assignments through my 24 years in the United States Air Force, one in particular made significant impacts on my personal life. That assignment was at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma.  As we searched for a church (Normal for us at each assignment) the one we planted ourselves in was Lifechurch and that is where met the Earl Family.  Twyler was a leader at the South OKC campus and my wife Tiffany and her made an immediate connection.  With that connection came a connection for me to the entire family and her husband Kellon.  An amazing man who cares deeply about his family and faith.  

About a year and a half ago, one of their sons, Corbin, responded to God's calling to apply, interview and accept an internship at The City Church with one of my favorite pastors Judah Smith.  He knew this is what God had for him to do in a church he had never visited, and a state he had never lived or seen, and knowing the only thing he could take is what he could pack in 2 suitcases and a carry-on...he sold everything...completely out of faith. Since, entering the 40+ hour a week Leadership program last year, he is dependent on the support of others, and any part-time job that he can pick up to pay the bills.  Talk about going out in faith.  There are several first-year interns, but only a handful of second-year interns serving alongside Corbin, and with the JFK 50 being a test of endurance and faith that I can complete it, I thought it fitting that I would run in their honor.  For you to run a Ultra marathon you are going out in Faith, trusting that your training and body will be ready and make it through this most enduring race.  Very much like Corbin, who is going out in complete Faith as an Intern at The City Church. The call for both of us is not to be sprinters, but marathon runners that honor Christ.

To read more about the Intern program at The City Church, see the link for more information: http://interns.thecity.org/

My MCM Marathon Experience Take #3...

Marine Corps Marathon

MCM Marathon take #3!  This was the 41st running of this amazing race and my 21st marathon...amazing!  The weather was a bit warm and as the day progressed it did get rather hot.  It reminded me of the heat and humidity during the USAF Marathon from just a month ago. The Metro here in Washington DC has been doing track repair throughout the city and because of that the race started later than normal at 7:55.  The race gave us until 8:55 to get to the start line due to the track repair.  With that, I finally made it to the start line about 8:20. 

The MCM didn't disappoint for the sights.  Yes, I ran through the part of Washington with the monuments and Smithsonian's, but I was able to see Michael Jackson dancing and performing his famous songs.  I was able to give a thumbs up to Chewbacca and Princess Leia (Yes, full Comic-Con style :)).  I saw Superman at least 5 times during the race...kind of scared me and wonder woman was sighted multiple times throughout the race.  All the Incredible's made it to the race too.  So the Hollywood and California superstars were well represented this year.   

Now back to the race.  The first several miles were crowded.  This is one thing I really don't like about the MCM.  They do have people setup in corrals, but with the mass humanity it still makes it difficult to get into a good rhythm.  I really didn't get comfortable until Mile 10.  With the amount of zigzagging back and forth to dog runners, running on the grass off the road or slowing to a walk at times, I was surprised when I reached the half way point at 1:58. Mile 13-19 seemed to move quickly (Well that is what I was telling myself).  As I made the turn toward Mile 20, thoughts of the finish were starting to come to mind.  My body was feeling good, legs were holding up, but I was slowing a bit.  I made it to Mile 23 and I met up with a friend who was running his first marathon.  He was struggling with cramps in his legs (Had been for several miles), so I decided right there that I was going to get him to the finish line.  We walked and talked for about 2 miles and when we made it to the final mile, we both said...lets run it in. My time was no concern anymore, it was about making sure he finished his first marathon.

The MCM continues to impress.  All the support along the race was incredible.  The Marines were out in full force and did great at the Aid stations.  So another MCM complete! 

Now onto my last race of the year The JFK 50 miler.  Find out in the next few days who I am running in honor of...  

My USAF Marathon Experience...

USAF Marathon experience take #4!! This was the 20th Anniversary of the race and my 20th marathon...that is so cool!  The weather at the start was the story of the week leading up to the marathon.  They were calling for 80% to 90% rain chances and I prepared myself for another long race in the rain.  I have raced several times in the rain, so I knew what to expect. As the days got closer to the big day, the chances diminished to the point, that no chances for rain became the forecast.  Reality:  We had rain the night before and as race day arrived the forecast held true...no rain, but the temps and humidity became the story.  At the start it was in the 70's and 90ish% humidity. For a runner this makes for a miserable run  and I told "G" to prepare for a grueling race. 

As we arrived to the start line, I had to take my traditional "stop" at the port-a-john.  I had several friends with me for the start and we had one of the photo companies take our photo so we could see the damage that was done with a photo at the end.  Then it was time to walk to the start line.  I decided to stay back and start with the 4:10 group, my strategy with the weather was to start slow and save my energy for the later stages. The National Anthem played and the CV-22s flew over the start line...great sight! Then the gun goes off...time to roll!  I look up into the sky and say "G" let's do this!.

The beginning stages were really good.  As I slowed from time to time I would say out loud, come on "G".  I am sure other runners were looking at me like "Who are you talking to?"  But, each time I said it, I felt lighter on my feet and sped up.  Here are my splits during the early stages:

Mile 1: 8:54

Mile 2: 9:30

Mile 3: 8:37

Mile 4: 9:19

Mile 5: 8:53

Mile 6: 8:53

Mile 7: 8:46

Mile 8: 8:40

As I reached Mile 9 I ran through downtown Fairborn.  Each year, that town goes all out for us.  Such a motivator.  THANK YOU FAIRBORN.  Mile 10 took me out of Fairborn and I noticed I had sped up.  I kept telling myself I needed to slow a bit and "G" reminded me of the strategy as I reached Mile 12 and the half-way point.  At the half-way point I was at 1:57 and felt really good.  I was strong through Mile 19.  At Mile 20 I was starting to feel the heat and humidity.  By this point the temps had reached into the low 80's and the humidity had not dropped much.  The Mile 21 flag was in sight and I said out loud come on "G".  This time the response was not the same as earlier.  I know he was with me, but the tank and energy had gone to a new low.  I had stuck to my normal routine throughout the race and walked thru the aid stations, taking both water and gatorade.  But, the wall was to great this day and I hit it Face First and boy did it hurt...bloody hurt :).  I walked most of Mile 21.  I picked back up at Mile 22, but it was slow and only a short time.  This continued until I crossed the finish line. 

In the end this was not my best race or ideal running conditions.  But, this was not about me and a time, it was about running the race for "G".  The photo below shows the shirt I wore for "G".  I thank "G" for being on my shoulders.  His presence was certainly felt and I know he was encouraging me to complete the race I had begun. 

The story of "G" and my shirt was talked about on the course.  I had two runners stop me at Mile 19 and 20, wanting to know the story behind the shirt.  That was such a blessing for me to walk and discuss with them.  One was a fellow active duty Air Force member from a base in Arizona and the other was a older civilian gentleman.  Both were touched and I was touched in return as the active duty Air Force member from the base in Arizona was running the race in honor of his Son who has a dehabiliting muscle disease and he is only 4 years old.        

Let me close this post by saying THANK YOU to Archie and Jessie Burchard for letting me run this race for "G".  You both are the epitome of faith, dedication, family and what parents are supposed to be to their children!  It was a true honor and blessing!      

Who Am I Running the 2016 USAF Marathon in Honor Of...

As most of you are aware, I run my races with a dedication to someone or an organization in mind.  The 2016 USAF Marathon will be no different. This year the dedicated individual is very close to home.  You see I am running for a very special young man, a son, a grandson, his name....Garrett Burchard or known to many as "G".  G is the son of MSgt Archie and Jessie Burchard.  Archie's father CMSgt Archie Burchard is my and many others mentor, my former boss and standard setter for so many Airmen today.  MSgt Archie Burchard was just a teenager when I first met him.  A bit mischievous at times, but hey what teenager isn't or wasn't right?  I was in that same category as a teenager too :).  Over the years although moving with the military all over the country we stayed in touch and I watched Archie and Jessie grow through Facebook and communications.  I remember when little "G" was born and introduced to Facebook.  After that time I have seen nothing but love, dedication and passion to be the honorable parents we are all called and strive to be.  To say that Archie and Jessie loved little "G" would be the understatement of the millennium.  They absolutely adored him.  Through many of Archie's deployments little "G" was right there helping his mother with what he could.  The Facebook posts were so fun to watch.  That is the beauty of Facebook...we all can see and watch our friends grow up, family events and just some really funny times.  Over that time little "G" grew in front of us all, playing sports and man the fish he caught with his father!  Special times for sure.  This all stopped like a moment in time  early this year.  In a tragic accident little "G" was taken from them.  Yes, he has left this world, but little "G" has left a huge mark on everyone to include myself.  I was deployed at the time and remember reading about it over Facebook.  I just stopped as I read the update.  I read the posts and after a bit sent a message to CMSgt Burchard with my condolences.  There are so many photos of little "G" and as I rolled through them on Facebook this one stood out of the deck and said "This is G".  So Happy and open armed! The picture on the right is the shirt I will wear during the race.

So I dedicate the USAF Marathon 2016 in September to little "G".  I will be thinking of the wonderful times I saw him and his parents on Facebook.  MSgt Archie and Jessie Burchard, you both are the epitome of faith, dedication, family and what parents are supposed to be to their children! 

G....on 17 Sep at 0700 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio please jump on my back and lets take a 26.2 mile run together, keep me company and know that you are so loved!  This one is for YOU!!.

The Locker

As you look at the Locker's pictured above, they seem so simple don't they?  Simple style, plain, rectangle in shape, slates for I guess air :).  They were the worse in high school, weren't they?  We stored all kind of things in them.  Books we would never use :), food, shoes, dirty socks and for some our gym clothes.  Imagine for a minute how that locker could change the course of one's life and the narrow path they were traveling.  Yes, a simple note left in the locker of my Best Friend (little did I know) a little over 26 years ago, changed the course of my life.  You see I left a note one day in Tiffany's locker with a simple "I will call you tonight".  Amazing what a few short words will do if followed thru.  We talked for many hours that evening and have been together ever since.  My narrow path changed that day.  I was heading down a narrow road of destruction.  I was not the role model student and at times not the role model on the golf course either (I played extensively in high school).  Tiffany provided the stability I needed, she dragged me out of the ditch I found myself in and planted me back to center.  We have shared so many great memories over the last 26 years, she has been my best friend and love of my life through it all.  When times have been rough and not going the way I planned there was never a doubt that I could always count on her to be by my side.  I can't imagine doing life without her.  My Best and Forever Friend. 

So yes a Locker might be simple and plain from just looking at it, but that Locker could hold many, many changed lives or memories.  It certainly did for me.