JFK 50 Mile report: part 3

The next mile marker/aid station was around 27 miles. It seemed and felt like a long haul between the 15.5 marker and this next one. I passed some folks, some folks passed me, walking, running, shuffling..most people were very nice, offering "hellos" or encouraging words or other comments like, "what ARE we doing out here"

Other than my quads which were tired as hell, I felt great. No stomach issues, no feet problems and aerobically, I felt strong. It was surreal to be on the path for so long...the colors of the leaves kept changing...one section would be bright red, then next, a section of bright orange and green...I kept powering along as much as i could while chugging down another gel and snacks at an in beetween aid station. I knew there were time cut-offs for the mile markers, but I didn't recall what they were exactly.

As I pulled into 27 mile aid station, I took off my long bottoms and grabbed some grub. I told BP and Trinity I wasn't sure I would make it pass the next marker at approx 38 miles. They were encouraging and supportive and I gave them hugs and headed on out.



The next few miles did me in. My legs were tiring more and more. I was only running about 5 minutes and walking 3 minutes, etc...At a low point, SCOTT, flew by...he was smokin'. We exchanged hellos and he was gone. How the heck was he running so fast? My mind kept changing from thoughts of, "i should stop at 38" to "no way...i'll be so close, i will finish"
Basically these were my only thoughts for the next 7 miles when an inpromptu decision was made for me. There was an aid station at 34.4 miles and the race official said I could not go on. I had missed the time cut-off by 15 minutes. I was so shocked because I thought the next cut-off was at 38 miles. (there was one at 38, but this was also one I had somehow misread)
There were people right behind me who had to stop as well and like me, they had been surpised.

After my initial shock, I was really disappointed because I wanted to make it to 38, at least. That is where BP and Trinity were waiting for me. I knew the possibility of finishing 50 was becoming unlikely, but to have someone tell you that you have to stop is even more deflating. I understand why the cut-offs are necessary, but my feelings are the same. On a race of this sort, I WANT to be able to call it a day. Not a clock or a human. I want to be able to decide my body and mind are done. I didn't get that chance.

More runners came in to the aid station and we waited in the growing cold for a van to take us to the mile 38 or the finish line. As I looked at the faces of my comrades, I could see they were disappointed also for not getting the chance to make their own choice as to when to stop or even finish. Our day was done.

The van came and about 15 of us piled in. I got off at the next aid station and met up with BP and Trinity.