races

[Tink]

Happy Holidays Final Kick!
Hope everyone is enjoying the off season.We're on the "Santa Diet"...lots of cookies and egg nog!
Wanted to give an update on "Team Newsome's" latest adventure...
Jon and I finished our first ultra with the JFK50 November 21.It was the best weather in the race's history, wonderful support at all of the aid stations, and fantastic volunteers.
If you have never done this race, here is a brief description of the course. We highly recommend this as a first ultra…
The race began at daybreak in Boonsboro, Maryland with just over 1000 participants. The first 5 miles on the road gained 1172’ of elevation before joining the rocky sections of the AP Trail. Around mile 14, the course dropped over 1000’ with dangerously steep single-track switchbacks. Jon led the way through the entire AP Trail calling out every stump, boulder, hole, and drop since I face-planted horribly here back in June.Needless to say,we were both ready to get off that trail.Was definitely the most stressful time of the race.
The next half of the race was flat along the gravel C&O Canal with aid stations every 4-6 miles. This part was welcomed although the same scenery for 26 miles did get mind numbing! Thankfully, Jon and I were able to race the day together which helped pass the time. We tend to talk and chit chat about everything on our long runs…this definitely was THE longest run ever!!!
Anyway, the remaining 8.4 miles are off the C&O Canal and on the paved rolling country roads to Williamsport which ends up 452’ above sea level. To say the roads are simply “rolling” is an understatement.
Every runner was presented with a lovely reflective construction vest to wear when entering the last 8 miles on the road regardless of how early or late it was getting.It was quite a sight to see the endless line of reflective vests bobbing along the road in the dark these last few miles.
While we didn’t podium and simply raced with the goal to finish, we are happy with the results of crossing the line together in 11hrs 30minutes.
FYI on our nutrition...we were turned on to First Endurance products this past year with my GI issues experienced during long runs and must say they really worked great.
No GI problems, no excessive port-o-pot stops, no cramps.
We wish everyone the best in 2010-ROCK ON!!!

[Marco]

Tink and Jon,

Congrats on completing the JFK50. Glad to hear no stiches were required in November.

Great report. Between your report and other's tales in the past --- this race definitely makes the "gotta do" list.

Are you guys coming down for Shamrock again?