Race: Beast of Burden – Summer – 50 Mile
Runner: Tyler Martin
Race Date: 08/10/2019
Location: Lockport, NY
Results: 9:33:04, 3rd
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2608441022
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- It was well run.
- The weather was amazing.
- It is along the canal and I like running next to water.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It is a bit boring/similar most of the way.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
There are two moving bridges you have to cross each out and back, you can get caught at these.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This was my first 50 mile race and I was really happy with how it went. I ran the first 30 and and kept up a good a pace with a little walking in the miles beyond that. The overall time I am happy with and was a little shocked to see I was the third 50 mile finisher out of 45. Also I felt I did well with fueling which I was a bit nervous about.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This a 25 mile out and back course (so depending on the distance you do it is 1,2, or 4 trips). You can have pacers after 25, it helps a lot since the course is a bit samey.
The turnaround aid station is in a building, they put a sign to it but it is not super obvious the first time you get there.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Turn off more settings on my watch, it died at 48.8 miles :(. Try more real foods, I ate fig newtons as one of my foods and I liked having that in there to break up the gels.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There isn’t much to know. It’s a very simple course and the few turn offs are marked. There is little cover so make sure to bring sunscreen.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is okay. I enjoy running along the water and it has some nice vistas but it is a basically a path along side a canal the whole way.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
No, there are no hills and it’s a packed rock path almost the entire way.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was very well run. The workers and volunteers knew exactly what they were doing and were extremely helpful.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I don’t know.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Nope, easy to find and not hard to get there.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Pretty standard but they have everything I felt was needed. Water, some drink like gatorade (I don’t remember), watermelon, freeze pops, pickle juice, pretzels, candy, etc….
Weather and typical race conditions
Typically around 80 high and a bit humid. It was an amazing day for it this year 73 high and mild humidity. Also a bit of cloud cover.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
No.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Extremely, my friends and crew were able to see me at multiple points.
How’s the Swag?
It is okay. I guess they did something different this year and gave a discount code to ShirtPickle to order stuff. I ordered a few things and am excited to get that stuff but I haven’t seen it yet.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5 I loved it as my first 50 🙂