Beast of Burden, Erie Canal, NY

East Coast Trip (2 of 9):

We're having a great vacation in New York State. My running buddy Michelle's training for a 100 mile endurance run in September. Today was a significant step towards that goal - 63 miles on the Erie Canal towpath!

The event was the "Beast of Burden" and participants could undertake 50 or 100 miles. Michelle was registered for the 50 and the race director agreed to her adding extra miles. She established a personal record of 63 miles. Well done, Michelle.

It's very beautiful on the Canal towpath. The weather was perfect. Low 70s°F (low 20s°C), blue sky and a few clouds. Michelle ran the opening 25 miles on her own in 4hr 30, I paced her for the next 25 miles in 5hr 20min, and her brother David did the after dark 13 miles in 3hrs.

The other members of Michelle's crew were unstoppable 4 year old son Jonas, Mom Nancy, Dad Doug, and friends Marie and Ali. Everybody had a nice weekend.

We always make new chums at those events. This weekend, we gave Joanna a lift from the hotel to the event and she won first place in the Ladies 50 mile event. Bill from Nashville, Tennessee celebrated his 62nd birthday with a breath-taking 8hr 32mins in the 50 miler. Gilbert from Maryland endured 24 hours to complete the 100 miles. And Mo, whose parents live in Bath, England was very impressed with my Team GB London 2012 Shirt. To everybody involved in the event - thanks for your company and well done to all the athletes, pacers, crews, volunteers and organizers. Thanks.

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