My First Experience Running the JFK 50 Ultramarathon

Running the JFK 50 ultramarathon in November 2022 was a defining experience, one that challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was a humbling reminder of the delicate balance between preparation and perseverance required to navigate ultramarathon distances. 

The race began with discomfort. For the first 20 miles, I felt unsteady, sick, and out of sync with the terrain. The Appalachian Trail portion, with its twisting paths, frequently left me rolling my ankles, and I struggled to find any rhythm. I realized early on how much I value having control over my running experience—over the time, length, and conditions. In a race setting, much of this autonomy is taken away, which made the experience initially unsettling.

But something shifted after those first 20 miles. I decided to commit to running as much of the race as I could, no matter how daunting the remaining distance felt at the time. Surprisingly, I found myself running sub-10-minute miles late in the race—something I didn't anticipate after 40+ miles. It was a testament to the strength of my physical training; despite my hectic schedule leading up to the race, my body was ready for the challenge.

I finished the race strong. I hit a moment of doubt, reckoned with it for a few miles, and ultimately endured. During that period of doubt, I asked myself tough questions about my motivations and priorities. My answer was to continue onward-- to keep running. The moment of uncertainty became an ideal opportunity to demonstrate my character through action. The perseverance I exhibited simultaneously became yet another example of my ability to continue on. In that sense, the JFK 50 was an excellent test of my process of living. Curiosity and the love of running and being alive fueled me once all my other, less sustaining, pretensions were stripped away. Finishing the JFK 50 gave me newfound trust in my process. The best part was the journey itself.