The JFK 50 Miler November 17th

My son Scott and I have signed up for the JFK 50 miler. It will be his first ultra and my first 50 miler. We both are anxiously engaged in training for it.

This week's runs have been light compared to last week. I feel much refreshed. And now with the motivation for the JFK all my training runs are different. Fear of pain and failure can do that.

This is from the JFK website http://www.jfk50mile.org/ :
Event History

For those who did not know all of the history surrounding the event, as they say, here is the rest of the story.

The JFK 50 Mile was first held in the spring of 1963. It was one of numerous such 50 mile events held around the country as part of President John F. Kennedy's push to bring the country back to physical fitness.

When Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963, most of these events were never held again. The one here in Washington County, MD changed it's name from the JFK 50 Mile Challenge to the JFK 50 Mile Memorial in 1964. The JFK 50 Mile in Washington County, MD is the only original JFK 50 Mile Challenge event to be held every year for the last 44 years. The 45th Annual JFK 50 Mile will be held on November 17, 2007.

Although open to the public, the JFK 50 Mile is in spirit a military race. It always has been and always will be. In 1963, the initial inspiration behind the event came from then President John F. Kennedy challenging his military officers to meet the requirements that Teddy Roosevelt had set for his own military officers at the dawn of the 20th Century. That Roosevelt requirement was for all military officers to be able to cover 50 miles on foot in 20 hours to maintain their commissions. When word got out about the "Kennedy Challenge", non-commissioned military personnel also wanted to take the test themselves as did certain robust members of the civilian population.
Of the many awards presented at the JFK 50 Mile each year, the most prestigious is the Kennedy Cup, which is awarded to the top-finishing military team. Each military team can have a maximum of 10 participants with the finishing times from the top-five finishers combined for the team time. Like golf and cross country, the low (time) score wins.
The military personnel that take part in the JFK 50 Mile are extremely well-prepared, disciplined and (even when greatly fatigued) always courteous to everyone involved with organizing and/or supporting the event. It is always a true honor --and pleasure-- to host U.S. Military personnel at the JFK 50 Mile.

Mike Spinnler
JFK 50 Mile Participant 1971-90
JFK 50 Mile Winner 1982 & 1983
JFK 50 Mile Director 1993-present

Philly Cheese Steaks and "Rocky" Runs...

I went to Philadelphia with Janie this week for her national conference. We had a great time. I was able to get out and see the city form the viewpoint of my running shoes. I love the energy of running in any cities downtown, Philly was no exception. I also enjoyed running over to the Museum of Art and up its famous "Rocky" stairs. I particularly loved running along the Schuylkill River. A great running city!

A Thursday Run Through History...

From our apartment (in the shadows of the Nations Capitol) I began running down G Street to the Anacostia River Trail near the Titanic Memorial. I turned right on the trail and ran past the Fish Market on towards the Jefferson Memorial. Then with the Washington Monument looking down on me I ran around the Tidal Basin to the Potomac River past the steps to the rear of the Lincoln Memorial. From there running along the Potomac I ran past the beautiful Kennedy Center for the Arts and then past the infamous Watergate Hotel. Then past the Washington Waterfront shops. Across the river I could see the Teddy Roosevelt Island. I continued along the waterfront to Georgetown. I finally arrived at the trail head to the famous C&O Canal Historic National Park. From there I returned home the same way.

First Views Of The Appalachian Trail...

Beginning on the trail from Blue Ridge Conservation Center in Harper's Ferry as it heads up to the Appalachian Trail. A local dog went went us for the first half of the 10.5 miles run/hike.

Janie looking fresh early into the run...

Heading down from the Appalachian Trail running through Butterfly Alley.

Could be Sadie's cousin!

The Appalachian trail near Harper's Ferry was extremely rocky. It was very difficult to get into a running rhythm. It was very similar to Cougar Crest near Big Bear or coming down from Mt. Baldy, except not as steep. A wonderful trail. We can't wait to see more of it.

Cascadias...

Running in Rock Creek Park, DC

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

I love Washington DC. It's a runners paradise. I recently relocated here from Redlands, California to live with my new wife, Janie. I must admit I miss the wonderful Pacific Crest Trail in the Mountains near Silverwood Lake. But the DC area has so much to offer. I love running on The Mall. I love running next to so many historic monuments. There are also great trails in and around the city. It has been fun for Janie and I to explore the trails each Saturday. Last weekend we were in Rock Creek Park. Beautiful and so surreal. It is full of great training trails. I've also discovered some great runs next to the Potomac River as well as the C & O Canal Tow Path. I'm anxious to get involved with the ultra running community here. I have read about the great trail runs here on the east coast for the past few years. I will research the upcoming races and pick a nice 50K to train for. My goal is to run some of the 50 Mile and 100 Mile races here within the next year or so. I still want to run some of the western ultras. But for now I have plenty of trails and roads to explore...

I would like to thank my son Scott for inspiring me to 1)keep running, 2)start a running blog, and 3)helping me set it up. Even though we are on opposite coasts we have several ultra marathons races to run together in the future. This will help us both be ready.