As if released from the bondage of hot,humid weather, the three stalwarts at the top assaulted the racecourse anew with a flurry of laps. Asprihanal Aalto said he can smell the ocean along the course sometimes, so it was no surprise to see him whisk through 76.83 miles today, leaving only 230 miles to go and a trip to the beach after finishing. Pranab Vladovic ran 71.89 miles, with Grahak Cunningham close behind with 71.34 miles, as the top three are at their peak of fitness and strength. Petr Spacil moved into fourth place with another consistent 65.3 mile day. The energy is definitely palpable along the course.
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Their Job is a Lot Harder than Mine
Their Job is a Lot Harder than Mine by Utpal:
. . . the 3100 mile race is of course nothing like that. There are no tiny bits really. It is just so big in every way, it is difficult to get a hold of. It is hard to understand, hard to even imagine what these athletes have to endure. How can anyone really comprehend, the force that inspires them to take part and go on, day after day . . .
It Must Be God
It Must Be God by Utpal:
. . . Within moments it seems almost futile to try and remain dry, when the rain itself is so relentless. But life at the race goes on. The clock rules and the minutes, still ticking away, have more power over the 3100 mile race, than all the drops combined . . .
Day 40: Vladovic On A Roll
Pranab Vladovic is on a tear, recording his fourth straight 70+ mile day with a nifty 71.89 performance.The early morning showers gave way to drier air quality, which allowed the top six to all fly above the wreck of high heat and humidity and reach at least 60 miles.
It’s About Surrendering
It’s About Surrendering by Utpal:
. . .
The morning dawned so dark today, it was hard to tell, if there was going to be any day at all . . .
The morning dawned so dark today, it was hard to tell, if there was going to be any day at all . . .
Day 39:Beat The Heat
A hot,sticky day could not thwart our heroes from their intended destination-at least the top three, who all landed beyond the 70 mile mark. Pranab Vladovic ran a smooth 71.34 miles;Grahak Cunningham stayed later and reached 70.79 miles, and race leader Asprihanal Aalto made it to 70 miles, passing the 2700 mile split enroute(2700 miles=38 days+10:38:20). A short but furious thunderstorm came up at 1030pm, after hours of lightning and teasing winds.Still, the whole group stayed and continued the onslaught towards high miles. The top seven are in tremendous shape!
Feel Like You can do Anything
Feel Like You can do Anything by Utpal:
. . . On this Tuesday morning, I find, that both Pranab and Asprihanal, ran almost 71 miles yesterday. If Asprihanal can maintain this pace, in about 7 days time, he can roll over in his bed in the morning, instead of rolling out. . . .
Day 38:Sticky Cannot Stop Vladovic and Company
A typical hot,humid New York summer day could not thwart the efforts of Pranab Vladovic and his fellow runners as he led the way with 70.79 miles.Asprihanal Aalto finished with 65.85 miles to inch closer to his coveted goal. Six runners made it past 60 miles as the last gasp of the first heatwave ran its course.
Day 37:The Heat Is Still On
The top seven all went past 60 miles today, as the mercury slipped past 93ºF again, with Asprihanal Aalto and Pranab Vladovic both reaching 70.79 miles. Asprihanal has only 509.28 miles to go to reach the coveted finish line. He will probably finish on Tuesday morning, July 29th. Grahak Cunningham continues to put up big numbers in third position(68.05 miles) as well as Petr Spacil in fifth(64.75 miles). The heat wave should eventually disappear by thursday, to be replaced by (you guessed it!) more heat.
Going Around in Circles as Always
Going Around in Circles as Always by Utpal:
. . . Yesterday Christopher wanted to show me his wakeup hat, and today, he is very delighted to show me something even more impressive. A shirt he has just received from the Swiss disciples, who have signed it, and some have drawn pictures on it. He tells me, that it gives him such joy to wear it, and that he feels the energy and love, they put into it by signing it. No doubt he will not have to wear the wakeup hat at all today . . .