2023 PB&J 25K: Runner John’s Report

I had questions before writing this.

Can you write a race report about a 25k?? Can you write a race report for a race that you took easy and chilled out with friends ??

It took all of 5 minutes to come to the conclusion: You bet your ass you can!

Change Up!

I had a lot going on race day with my daughter so instead of doing the 50k this year I opted for the 25k. I’ve run the PB&J 50k three times, but this was my first time doing the 25k option! Perfect way to balance out a busy day and still get a run in with friends.

The Plan

I had no plan going into this race other than having a good time. Wasn’t going to push any type of pace or anything. I had a pretty good idea that my girlfriend Denise Freeman would drop me and I had no problem with that either because I just wanted to do my thing.

Race Morning

I was so sleepy. Denise and I woke up late but got to the race with plenty of time. We checked in, dropped off aid, and said hi to everyone.

Go!!!!

The start was really cool for a fatass race because there were so many runners out there! Denise and I were being silly and joking around with friends but I really wanted to start because I was tired. I remember telling people that and someone said “you’ll be alive again once you start moving!”

And I was! I started off with a group of people. I was pretty much aiming to just talk and have fun, including some time with the amazing Sheila Martin and Karen Wille! We talked about, like, everything. The recent UTMB controversy, races, volunteering — and the first 5 miles went by quick because we were basically doing a podcast out there!

Around mile 5, Jimmy Wilson and Amy Zbikowski caught up to me, and we talked all things Maryland.

Aid Station 1 - Mawavi Road

They had Payday bars!!! And Forrest Gump! For a fatass race this aid station was amazing. All kinds of tasty stuff. As I sit here watching football and writing this report, I wish I had all that food right now!

A Nice Stroll

I remember the stretch to aid station 2 being really nice. Weather was great and it was nice and relaxed. I was just catching up with Amy and Jimmy. We talked a lot about races, goals, and a lot of Devil Dog Ultras talk, of course, because we were running in PWFP. The hilarious thing about PWFP that we talked about is I don’t like running in the park at all. The place always has my number. I trip a lot, my stomach is always messed up, and I bonk out! But the reason I’ve done so many Devil Dogs, OSS/CIA, PB&J, and Red Eye events is because of the people who run there. VHTRC, DQTC, Athletic Equation — they all make this place that kicks my ass an amazing experience! Unfortunately I didn’t get to run the ice year at Devil Dog, but I wish I did!! [Editor’s Note: The “ice year” was the first year of the Devil Dog races. The editor was there, and can assure the author that he can thank his lucky stars that he was NOT there. 😁]

Yelp Review At Aid Station 2 - TREC

This aid station at the Turkey Run Education Center (TREC) was incredible. Dark chocolate Oreos! Baklava that looked like birds nests! Dr Pepper! I didn’t want to leave! But we were not far from the end, and I had stuff to do with my kiddo, so I moved out.

Heather the Assassin

We were in our own little world here living our best life over these final three plus miles, when out of nowhere Heather Dougherty yelled: “I’m coming for you, Johnnnnnn!!!”

I was like ‘awwww shit’ — I didn’t want to run but I did push harder, and by the time we got to the bridge I let her and her crew pass me by, because I just couldn’t hang. Like I said, PWFP scares me, and I have to take it easy or I’ll end up flying like Superman over a root!

Last Push To The Finish

Amy, Jimmy, and I kept moving, and this part went by so fast. Usually it takes forever but I really had a great time hanging. We all ran up the finishers’ chute together making a lot of noise. I got my sticker and hung out with Denise. She got me the best Pumpkin chili!!!

Big Thanks

It was clear that a lot time and energy went into this race. It was fully marked and had 2 amazing aid stations. Bravo to the two race directors, organizers, volunteers and runners who made this happen!!! It was a party with some running involved. The 25k also worked great because I got to hang out with my family the rest of the day.

Photos