Posted: December 5, 2005

Ultra Running: Lundblad Crushes JFK 50 Miler Record

By Jonathan Poston

Boonesboro, Maryland - Saturday, November 19, 2005, 7:00AM/ET

The JFK 50 miler lured over 1000 race registrants to Boonesboro, MD on Saturday. Among the 951 finishers was Anne Riddle Lundblad of Asheville NC, who broke the JFK women’s course record by 21 minutes with a finishing time of 6:29:42. The previous record was set decades ago in 1984. Lundblad, who also placed 2nd in the World Championship 50k in Japan this year,says,"the JFK is one of the most competitive ultras in the east (US). With 951 finishers it is also the largest [Ultra] in the US."

JFK drew other female world class competitors, like National 50k trail champ Julie Udchachon, who Lundblad said, “were making time predictions” and were formidable opponents.

Lundblad cranked up the day with a breakfast consisting of a bagel with peanut butter and a cup of coffee. She had five gels during the race and consistently guzzled down Gatorade. She came into the race feeling prepared saying, “I knew I was in good shape. I had a good race at Mt. Masochist 50 mile+ the month before. I was a little nervous running two big ultra marathons [MT. Masochist and JFK] so close together and had some nagging injuries popping up." Lundblad, known for her mental training tactics, used the personal affirmations, “strong and tough and no sign of weakness” to keep her focused and determined throughout the race.

This win was a “big one” for Lundblad. “ It was great to end the season, where I did everything I set out to do, on a positive accomplishment. "