I’ve run more than 100 km this week, and at a faster pace than I have for months. My Achilles has protested a little, but it continues to improve. This coming week I’ll be doing a lot of cycling, so the lower volume of running should give the injury a bit of rest. I’m hoping it will be almost better in a week’s time.

As for the cycling, I am taking Barry for a three day ride through the countryside. Regular followers of the world run will recall that Barry ran with me through Bulgaria and Turkey and towards the end of the Australian leg. He is attempting his first Tour de Bois next month, so I’m introducing him to the world of multi-day cycling through the country to give him a sense of what it’s all about.

Don’t forget to watch the one hour documentary about my run around the world on ESPN at 9 pm on Tuesday night. You will need access to pay TV. If that’s impossible, I expect to be able to post a link afterwards that enables viewing the show on line. I may miss it myself, as we’ll be out in the country. I hope I can find a pub or club with pay TV.

My book about the run is now complete and with the publisher for proof reading. Preliminary reaction has been very positive. As previously mentioned, it won’t be in the book shops until the middle of next year.

Today’s race from the past is the 1987 City to Surf. I was in good form that day and expected a sub 50 minute result. But I was also inexperienced and went out much too quickly. When I passed the first kilometre mark in 2:55, just 30 metres from the leaders, I knew I’d blown it. That was way too fast, and I was never going to be able to sustain such pace. As you can imagine, I died a horrible death during the rest of the race, running about two minutes slower than I expected. It was also one of the most painful races I’ve ever run. That’s what happens when you start to quickly.

On This Day

Sep 28, 2012

Distance today = 55.59 km; Total distance = 12,335.06 km; Location = Erie, Pennsylvania – 42 02.984′ N, 80 04.724′ W; Start time = 0822, Finish time = 1639

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/227805738

It was a slightly flatter day, but I noticed the difference. I felt quite strong at the end of nearly 56 km, and I put it down to the fact the hills weren’t as steep as they have been during the past week.

I am now just outside the city of Erie, which is located on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes. It will be the third of these lakes I’ve seen on the run, and the first since Chicago.

This afternoon a reporter from the Erie Times, Jack, met me on the road to do an interview and take some photos. The scenery was very impressive, so I expect the article will feature a good shot.

I passed a Hawthorn Street today – a bad omen for the Sydney Swans in the AFL Grand Final. I haven’t seen anything to suggest a winner in the Rugby League Grand Final as yet.