Niagara Ultra

This past weekend, I ran the Niagara Ultra in Canada. This is one of my top 5 favorite marathons/ultra-marathons.

Because I am training for the Vermont 100, I asked the race director, Tony if I could start early. He said it was fine, so I set out at about 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning for my 50+ km race. I ran all the way to the Horseshoe Falls which extended my race to at least 60 km. In addition I ran from the hotel (Anchorage Inn at Niagara on the Lake, which I highly recommend for the convenience and nice staff).

Upon starting my race, I ended up going the wrong way for a bit (in the dark I got a little confused). But I quickly figured out the error in my choice of course.

During the race I had several exciting experiences and was lucky enough to run into many old and new friends. I also had a strange encounter about 4:15.

I was running along in the dark, using my Petzl lightweight headlamp to guide me. I saw a cute animal scampering along and thought it was a cat. So I started chasing it excitedly. I got pretty close but noticed it had a strange gait. Well, in the race brochure they do not advertise a family of skunks live under Kinsman Scout Hall. Let this be your warning. A family of skunks live under the race start building:-) Luckily the skunk did not get me because 1) I don't think I would have continued running and 2) I am not sure Southwest would have let me on the flight Saturday evening.

A few minutes after the skunk incident I ran across a fox. It was a good morning for wildlife. I continued running and make it all the way to the falls. It was a great day for a race. I will write more later.

Run safely!