Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - latest news
This blog contains the latest news from the 3100.ws blog, which contains latest updates from race directors Sahishnu Szecisul and Rupantar LaRusso and their support staff. In addition, the blog contains the latest entries from Utpal Marshall's 3100 Mile race diary at perfectionjourney.org
And Sahishnu has the final word!
(the following is a slightly edited version of Sahishnu’s speech at the awards ceremony)
Photo: Arpan
Dear Friends, esteemed runners, seekers of the Ultimate Truth, just a mere 36 hours ago we saw the conclusion of the fifteenth edition of the world’s longest footrace on a concrete sidewalk course as ten courageous runners ran in search of their dreams. You can call the race a test of strength, will-power, fortitude and a display of rare talent for running nearly 17 to 18 hours a day. The athletes we are honoring tonight have gone deep within themselves to acquire a resolve and determination rarely seen or even needed to overcome any obstacle. The obstacle in this case is formidable- a relentless pile of laps, hundreds of them every day, every week, until the total reaches 5649- the multiday runners’ version of the top- the summit, if you will, of the linear Everest. In addition, along the way their is the ever-changing or ‘always there’ presence of fatigue, boredom, doubt or a feeling of lonesomeness that few of us have ever experienced.
Photo: Alakananda
Add to that the New York summer with weather so difficult that breathing is a chore; temperatures in the 90’s with humidity, no breezes, reaching 100 sometimes (which is 38-40C), or feeling worse. For 18 hours a day there is no escape, yet, somehow, the runners respond. Douse the head with cold water, wipe the brow, fill the hat with ice cubes and continue on. Some might say- this is pointless, ridiculous, even crazy would be the adjective to the casual observer.
Photo: Arpan
Yet, they go on. Like the struggles of humanity, we must go on. You see, the runners know that if they go on, struggle and strive, the goal will be won. Not just the finish line- it is just a piece of glorified tape. The real Goal is satisfaction through self-offering. Along the way they bring their determination, perseverance and heartfelt oneness with the Goal. They collect the fruits of their labor as they progress- inner strength, new levels of patience, concentration, humility, Light and the ever-increasing satisfaction-smile… The worlds’ longest race teaches us that though the Goal is long, the Journey is richly fulfilling. As Sri Chinmoy often said,”Today’s Goal is Tomorrow’s starting point.”
Thank you, oh runners, for showing us all your heartfelt attributes as we reflect on your marvelous performances and oneness with each other for 54 days (due to extreme temperatures, 2 additional days were added to this year’s race, editor). And thank you for inspiring us to continue with our lives with added intensity and fortitude due to your illuminating examples.
Photo: Jowan
We would like to thank those who helped with the race in so many ways. ..and finally to …Sri Chinmoy himself, who has left the indelible mark on all who have run this race or have seen the beauty behind the Self-Transcendence races. They are special. It is no joke that the impossible race has yielded 109 performances from 31 people in 15 years of existence. The runners have received the Blessings around the course and have continued on, on to reach the Highest. Thank you, Sri Chinmoy, for your Banyan tree of the Marathon Team as it passes 34 years of existence.And now the hero-warriors of this year’s race:
Photo: Alakananda
This young man has come three times to test himself with not the results he had hoped for. Yet, he has remained steadfast and happy. Purna-Samarpan Querhammer reached 1984.46 miles in 37 days, averaging 53.63 miles per day(86.31 km).From Hamburg, Germany- Purna-Samarpan.
Photo: Alakananda
This next man is a five-time finisher of the 3100 mile race, with a best of 49 days,14 hours. This year he fell short, reaching 2732.4752 miles in 53 days 10 hours while averaging 50.601 miles per day (81.435 km). Yet, even though he walked the last few weeks, he remained happy, cheerful, and content while living the journey within as well as without; from Kosice, Slovakia the ever aspiring Ananda-Lahari Zuscin.
Photo: Alakananda
Our next competitor has become only the second woman ever to finish the 3100 mile race. On pace for a faster time, she tore a calf muscle on day 47 only four days or less from finishing the race. She rested a few hours and came back to limp for a day and a half, then fashioned a power-walking style and finally willed herself to run again and finish the task. Surasa has become the epitome of the Never Give Up athlete. She never gave up hope and miraculously finished in eighth place, first woman in 53 days+ 15:54:25 which is an average of 57.771 miles per day( 92.973 km), the always smiling, effervescent Surasa Mairer from Vienna, Austria.
Photo: Alakananda
A happy, cheerful young man was an eleventh hour addition to the race. He was interested in trying the 3100 next year, but due to cancellations was asked less than three weeks before the event if he wanted to be a starter in this year’s race. After consulting with friends, family and work colleagues he sent a message saying ‘I’m in’. That was all he needed to boost his vision and approach, and only four weeks removed from a good performance in the Ten day at Flushing Meadows, he dug in and hung on for dear life. And hang he did. As luck or Grace would have it, Pradeep Hoogakker from the Netherlands finished the 3100 in seventh place in 53 days +09:03:25 which is an average of 58.096 miles per day ( 93.497 km) From Den Haag,the bright star and new national record holder-Pradeep Hoogakker.
Photo: Alakananda
Our sixth place finisher has completed the 3100 miler an amazing seven times in eight attempts, a remarkable feat for anyone. He is ranked 17th on the all-time list. This year, overcoming recurring knee problems and bouts with heat and stomach maladies, Stutisheel Lebedev finished the 3100 mile race in 52 days+ 16:19:18, which is an average of 58.849 miles per day(94.708 km), from Kiev, Ukraine, the great Stutisheel.
Photo: Alakananda
In fifth place stands a man who has run five straight 3100 milers in five years, and is still ranked seventh fastest of all-time ( 45 days 3 hours). He can be found bouncing a ball along his thousands of laps around the block. He has kept his concentration alive. Although attacked by weakness and stress from heat, Atmavir Spacil reached 3100 miles in 50 days+08:59:07, which is an average of 61.542 miles per day(99.043 km). From Zlin, Czech Republic a great athlete- Atmavir.
Photo: Alakananda
In fourth place stands a man who has been told that he should be a swimmer or a biker, he’s too big and too heavy for the 3100 miler. He has quieted all the critics, in his own inimitable way, by running and dedicating his life to this race. He trains all year. He even blogs after each days’ efforts during the race. And is the first one here every day, and the last one to leave. The seven-time finisher, and still ranked 12th all-time, Pranjal Milovnik reached 3100 miles in 48 days+02:27:05, which is 64.449 miles per day(103.721 km), from Bratislava, Slovakia —–Pranjal.
Photo: Alakananda
In third place this year stands a man who is a champion inside and out. A seven-time winner of this race, he is ranked second all-time for 3100 miles. He holds the race record of 24 straight days reaching 70 + miles each day. He has reached the goal eleven times including eight straight years and is one of only two men to average 70 miles per day for a whole race. He has run 34,101.88 miles (54,881.657 km) on this concrete colossus of a course. Finishing this year in 46 days+12:06:08, while averaging 66.684 miles per day(107.285 km) from Helsinki Finland , the great Ashprihanal Aalto.
Photo: Alakananda
This next gentleman was a newcomer to the 3100 miler, but some observers had seen potential in his quick and economic stride, his humble, stoic manner, and his deft ability to recover and get stronger day by day. Not only did he get better day by day, but he ran his way into the annals of 3100 mile race history with a tremendous performance. He is now ranked sixth all-time while reaching 3100 miles in 45 days+02:30:37, which is an average of 68.733 miles per day (110.615 km). In second place from Vinnitsa, Ukraine, the great Igor Mudryck.
Photo: Alakananda
And lastly, the final competitor was also a fill-in for the field of ten this year. In April he ran 605 miles in the Ten Day race at Flushing Meadows, a personal best. When he called a few weeks later on another matter, I asked him if he would be interested in coming to the 3100 -in three weeks time. He said later that he inwardly knew what I was going to ask him and he knew his response. Yes, emphatically. He came, and watched and learned on the spot. He ran the first 10 days with 656 miles, the next ten days with 720 miles, and the third ten days with 749 miles, the fourth ten days with 718 miles. Finally he reached the summit of 3100 miles in 44 days+13:38:52, an average of 69.559 miles per day(111.945 km). From Berdansk, Ukraine, please welcome the fastest first timer, the fifth fastest all-time, the Ukrainian record holder , and the new 2011 Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race Champion, Sarvagata Ukrainskyi.
August 4: Fulfill A Dream of the Soul
They assemble on the starting line one last time. Now there are but 3 champions left on this hard but sacred ground. They have covered many thousands of miles these past 53 days. Yet they remain in the exact same spot as where they began. An irony most certainly not lost on those who seek out and crave outer adventure. For a spiritual athlete however the quest is not for victory without, but to try and achieve a self transcendence victory within. Something intangible to most, but no less real than a gleaming trophy sitting in a case.
T
he journey is not about the number of signposts that you have passed along the way, or who you have left behind. It is more that you have been attentive to your own inner voice and just how many you have inspired and gathered up with your heart’s oneness. In so many areas of life we judge and measure and attempt to balance all the conflicting and self important bits of who we are and who we think we are.
Here the playing field is flattest for those runners who can somehow manage to toss away the nagging conflicts that erupt between a lethargic body, a restless vital, and a mind tainted by doubt and fear. It never becomes effortless and yet the greatest burden a runner here has to bear are those stubborn bits dredged up from the shadowed places we all have within.
Photo by Jowan
Sri Chinmoy created this race. His vision now still as bright, gleaming,and fulfilling as it was 15 years ago. His legacy is not an easy thing to measure. One can try and count up all his accomplishments. Somehow attempt to find a formula to measure all his books, his art, his music, his athletic achievements and then again, so much more.
Sri Chinmoy Photo by Bhashwar 1980
Yet if all this were swept away something more significant would still be left. What would remain would be a goal he set, not just for his students but perhaps for all humanity as well. One in which he never tired of illumining for us, and constantly demonstrating, and continually proving that it was possible to achieve. Also, if you allowed him to, he would gladly guide and help you to attain your goal. All this he constantly did, until he breathed his last.
This goal of course is not some secret mystery of life, but always visible should you just open your heart and embrace it. It is not impossible, it is instead inevitable that we all one day will and must take our own self transcendence journey. One that is not reached at the end of 3100 miles but one that tirelessly calls us ever onward into the distant shores of our own beyond.
There are many not so glamorous aspects of the race. Climbing out of the car with all your aches and fatigue refusing to ever let you go.
Ananda- Lahari will not finish the race and yet he will continue until the last drop of time is available to him.
Vajra, a tireless saint doing the most unglamorous job of all.
Pradeep finds himself in a bit of a media spotlight this morning. Friends back in Holland have been arranging for various interviews with newspaper, radio, and television back home. When he was younger he was a champion drafts player and traveled to many competitions around the world.
“My main purpose for doing the race was to have a deep spiritual experience. But I know that other runners after the race, try to inspire their communities or countries with what they have achieved with the help of meditation.
When I came here I never dared to imagine that the media in Holland would be so interested. It is really great, because now of course it is really happening. So it is great that my friends back home want to show it now.” For him as well he is inspired and impressed that all his friends back home have so much enthusiasm and oneness with what he has done here. “They are doing their best to share the inspiration of the race with other people.”
“I got a last minute invitation to join the race. I never really showed the capacity that I could even finish the race. Rupantar tried to protect me from myself. He said, take it easy, don’t even try to finish, just try and do 50 miles a day for the first 3 weeks. Learn form the other runners.” He thinks that both he and Rupantar were surprised at how it all turned out.
“
I also had no clue how well I had recovered from the earlier 10 day race. I said, let me take this opportunity that they are giving me. Let me learn as much as I can and have a great spiritual experience. Who knows maybe next year I will finish. I really didn’t think that I would be able to finish this year.
Half way through the race I started to glimpse that I could finish. More so, my soul, or something higher, really wanted me to finish. Then suddenly it became a struggle with the part of myself that is insecure. That doesn’t want to give everything. That is afraid of the pain and the effort, and the exhaustion. Part of me didn’t want to open up completely and receive the grace.”
“Basically I was making a good effort, even for the first 3 weeks. I was giving 100% of my own personal capacities and then for the rest, I was also praying for God’s will to be done, in and through me. At one point I realized, that if you really want to open up to a higher force, and let that force run through you that is not good enough. You have to claim God’s will and make it your own. Only then can you make 200%, because then you are not only with your own efforts and your own capacity. If you have that Fearless Dedication than you can also draw the Supreme’s capacities. You are not just running for the Supreme you are running as the Supreme. Then, once I glimpsed that than resistance also came.”
“I don’t think that I ever felt really bad. I can say, that I never had as much pain in my life. But somehow, amidst all that I was still quite happy. I didn’t suffer. I didn’t get depressed. Somehow there was such grace and just such a blessing to be here.”
“With Sri Chinmoy as a force behind this race we realize that we don’t run it for ourselves. And somehow with the Japanese monks and the Tibetan monks, I did get the feeling that it was question of personal transformation. Here, even though our capacities are smaller then them.
I
don’t feel that we run for ourselves. Of course we get transformed in the process. This is I think working on a higher level. Of course I don’t have a full understanding of what is going on here, but that is my personal feeling.”
“This is a diamond day in a golden incarnation. It is so special and just to be able to fulfill a kind of dream of the soul within this lifetime. I am sure the Supreme will allow me to do a few things more for him. Personally, I don’t need much more than this. I am quite fulfilled.”
Click to play interview
“On May 30 I sent an email to Den Haag. I was trying to find out if he would be interested in running the 3100 mile race. Which he was interested in doing…..next year. I said, this year. Do you still have the dream?
Pradeep finishes in 7th place in the 3100 mile race. Becoming the first Nether -lander. A new national record of 53 days, 9 hours, 3 minutes and 25 seconds. Which is an average of 58.096 miles per day. He is now ranked 27th on a list of 31, all time finishers.” Sahishnu
Click to play finish
“
I was speaking to Mike from ESPN and he said the course is humble and that really struck me. Because it is not about the venue, or the course itself. It is about how the runners react to the race itself. It’s their reaction and how they overcome the obstacles. It’s all about the runners. It’s not like we are climbing up Mount Everest, or running around the world.”
“It is just a very simple humble course. We are just running on this concrete course, a half mile loop, a city block in Queens. The real emphasis of the race is totally on the runners. How they react to the various circumstances that occur during the race. So that is how the self transcendence comes in.”
Click to play interview
“It is a very special day.” No runner this year has had quite the miraculous experience that Surasa has had. Last year injury kept her from reaching the goal and it attempted to offer the same fate one more time. She declined to accept the offer.
I spoke to the chiropractor, Gaurish today, and he says that from his perspective the injury she maintained this year was so severe there was no way she could go on without extensive rest. He says this as one who is reluctant to offer this doomsday scenario. In fact he did not tell her. He simply shared it with the race directors.
When asked if she ever worried about it. Her answer simply, “I did not think so much. When it happened, it just happened.” Very quickly after she was slowed to a walk, the buffer miles she had in the bank, quickly disappeared. “I didn’t worry about all the miles and all this.”
“I just have to try and then see what happens.” What happened clearly is that she simply didn’t indulge in fear or worry. She remained calm and happy, yet at the same time an iron spirit of never giving up pervaded her presence. Also she says, “everything depends on grace.”
Even when in the early stages when she couldn’t even walk back to the camp, and had to be picked up by a car instead was she overly concerned. “There was not much thinking. You just have to wait and let things be uncovered, day after day.”
She has not returned to her previous running speed but still she moves quite quickly. “I am really surprised that I have this pace. But today I know that I have to be careful and to take it easy. That is my feeling for today. No pushing. No looking at the time.”
As for tomorrow. “It will be very boring not to get up at 5 o’clock. I don’t know how I can manage this. Not to come here.” (laughter)
Click to play interview
Poem of the Day
Recited by Salil
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to play
“
Against all odds. This young lady at age 52, has accomplished the impossible. She had this resolve, this steely determination to finish the race. She believed, she had the faith, and she had the grace from above, and the determination from within to reach the goal. So Surasa Mairer, at age 52, becomes the 2nd woman in the history of the race. She is ranked 28th out of 31 runners. She is the 109th performance in the history of the race. She averaged 57.7 miles per day. She is the 2nd oldest finisher in the race. Finishing the race in 53 days, 15 hours, 54 minutes, and 25 seconds. Congratulations, unforgettable.”Sahishnu
click to play finish
Surasa remarks
The body’s food
Is matter-made.
The soul’s food
Is spirit-made.
Gratitude-life,
Gratitude-heart for God
Is food for the soul.
Perfection-cry
Is food for the soul.
Heart’s awakening
Is food for the soul.
Sri Chinmoy, Transcendence-Perfection, Agni Press, 1975.
August 3: My Soul Was Pleased
Early this morning a young runner got up and set off for a training run with a special lightness in their step and a sense of eager anticipation in their heart. They left before the day became heavy from the sun”s heat. They found cool satisfying steps that led down a familiar country lane, or beside the bright waters of the Black Sea, or maybe it was even on the still streets of Kiev, before the cars filled the city with their confusion and their haste.
Somewhere in the Ukraine or maybe even in the Russian Federation a young runner went out running knowing that by tonight something significant would at last be realized. Something that would take place far away but still be able to uplift their own dreams.
For no matter how you look at it, Stutisheel, over 8 years has been a consistent and true inspirer of distance runners throughout the region. Tonight in what is most certainly an historic event, he will complete the Self Transcendence 3100 mile race for the 8th year.
They may have never met him, perhaps only read one of his books, or attended one of his talks. They may have never even fully committed themselves to the spiritual life, or maybe never even run as far as a marathon. Yet still they have somehow heard of his historic accomplishments and felt in themselves an unmistakable inner thrill.
We know this to be true because once upon a time a young runner from Berdansk, Ukraine, felt this same thing. His name is Sarvagata. In Vinnitsa, also a young runner named Igor was dreaming of the 3100. Both thinking it was impossible, not just to run 3100 miles, but also to spend such a lengthy time here in New York so far far away from home.
Yet in their admiration of Stutisheel they found that the impossible was possible. That he was just the first of many who would follow in his steps and find their own places on the starting line. Find that transcendence is not to be taken lightly but with absolute willingness, cheerfulness, and surrender to whatever the inner experience commands that you do.
Now one can follow Stutisheel’s whole experience this year on his blog or this one. See pictures of all the highs and lows and everything in between. For some it just may be so remote and impossible that they can only shake their heads with wonder. But despite this there is some runner who is out training and preparing themselves even now. Stutisheel’s magnificent accomplishment shines like a distant star in the sky for them. Yet each step they take draws them ever closer, so that one day they too might shine as bright as he.
We don’t really know what it has been like to have been here for these past 8 summers. Each one adding something more to his inner life and to that of his family as well. None of us has a shopping list to pick and choose what experiences we want to have in our lives.
It all looks so mundane and ordinary when you see him sit here like that. Yet in a few hours more he will complete his 7th race. Daughter Alakananda a huge part of this epic journey.
Start
Day 53
This morning the reality has not yet quite sunk in. For Stutisheel just 56 miles remain. Soon the race will be over and yet there is still a lot of experiencing of life to be enjoyed throughout the long day ahead.
He says that for the past week he has been doing his absolute maximum. “I need a little more time to wake up, to feel something.”(laughter)
“A few days ago I asked the Supreme to help me get out of my mind. I see that my mind has been indulging in negativity, and I suffer from this very much.” He says he prayed that he be relieved of this burden until the end of the race. He laughs and says that in this he was successful, “no mind.”
“Somehow after Independence day (July 4), my speed declined.” He says that for sometime he has been suffering from shin splints. “It is a strange pain and I cannot do anything with it. No previous experience helped me.” He says it was Ashprihanal who actually understood what his problem was. “Still nothing can cure it.” He has had it continually for the past 32 days. The other new problem is a sciatic nerve problem. “But I am living with them happily and they are living with me happily also and don’t want to leave.”
“Now it is clear, that I am doing all that I can here. I am quite happy. I was not a slave to inertia, or weakness. I was doing what I can do and my soul was pleased. We have this saying, the body is dying but the soul is flying. I felt it many times during this race.” He says that he also heard this summer that Sri Chinmoy once predicted that no one would ever receive a permanent injury participating in one of these races. “I found that so inspiring.” He illustrates this by saying he was so able to recover from his leg problem last year that he could come back here again this year and once again complete the race.
“Quite often during this race I was comparing myself to the fellow who came here the first several years. Back then, I would say I was a guy with abundant energy. I used to really hold myself the first half of the race. Don’t burn out. Keep it for the second half. Now many say that I am a wise man. I am even. Not sprinting anymore. I just love the speed but I can’t.”
Click to play part one
He describes some of his experiences with the Doctors who came here and tried their absolute best to help and cure all his ills. They always try their best but ultimately the hand of fate will ultimately decide which pain to relieve or injury to cure. “Still I am happy.”
While we are running we pass the Enthusiasm Awakeners who know that this is his last day and they come forward to give him a special cheer. Also, a local morning exerciser. who comes by every day to power walk across the street, comes across to congratulate him.
Stutisheel also has many fond and vivid memories of Sri Chinmoy who he saw here at the race many times. “When Ashprihanal finished this year. I felt Sri Chinmoy’s presence vividly. I was literally crying.” He said he could envision his late teacher sitting at the finish line enjoying the finish. Which for Ashprihanal as well are the brightest moments of his life as well.
“It was I believe 2006. When like this year I was slow, but even slower, and it was a much hotter year than this one. So by the end of the race I was not within the limit of 51 days, and it was so hard. Constant heat, and I was walking, like dead.” He had already completed 3000 miles but was in a tough way. “It was really hard for me.” At that moment Sri Chinmoy was at the course offering prasad to the runners. Because the time limit had passed he was almost certain that Sri Chinmoy would suggest that he stop. Instead he said, “Only 100 miles to go.”
He recalls a previous year when many of the other runners had finished and he was still on the course and struggling. Sri Chinmoy at that time was there celebrating a runners finish and also taking the opportunity to ask who would come back and run the following. He asked each in turn and eventually all agreed to come back. Stutisheel says he had a lap to think it over. Should he or shouldn’t he come again. When he circled back around again he heard his teacher call out.
“Heh Stutisheel, will you run next year? Yes, if yo
u want me too. I want more people to run the 3100. I could not resist his affection and concern. I smiled spontaneously from within, and I said yes, and he was smiling so brightly.”
“I really adore the spirit of self transcendence, and when you do everything that you can, then the Supreme does the rest. That Changes me.” As for a next year, he says, “everything is possible.”
Click to play part two
“I think it is more sad than happy.” Alakananda has been up most of the night working on her slide show and yet wants to be here and help her Dad on his last day. “The last day is always a little bit sad. You know, it is over for the year. But now that we know that it is over for possibly for ever, it is a little more sad. I guess that is life. I feel there is always the next step. You cannot always do the same thing for your whole life, and be happy. Because there might be some other plans for you. You have to be prepared that you have to go somewhere else farther, the next step.”
“
The tough experiences are always very tough of course. But there is not enough love in this world, so those experiences actually make me feel that consciously. That is pretty amazing. I don’t think I have had that before, this is the first year.”
“All the runners are contributing to the general consciousness of the race which is my home.”
Click to play interview
There never seems quite enough room to include all the wonderful people who help out or simply come by to inspire the runners. Felix is a massage therapist who has helped a lot here. He says, “there is a tangible vibration here that you will feel.” Mercedes and her dogs.
Poem of the Day
Recited by Kodanda
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to play
“Finishing in 6th place, in a time of 52 days 16 hours, 19 minutes, and 18 seconds, it is not his fastest but he is still ranked 17th all time out of 31, averaging 58.49 miles per day.
He is the champion of champions. 7 finishes in 8 attempts extraordinary. I don’t know how many times around this course. Thousands and thousands of laps. Self giving laps, thinking about higher realities. He has 7 peaks that he has reached, the Everest of ultra distance running.” Sahishnu
Click to play finish
If you forget to dream
Of higher realities,
The higher realities
Will never be manifested.
Sri Chinmoy, Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Part 22, Agni Press, 2001.
August 2: Then I Knew I Was Going To Make It
There is some strong anecdotal evidence that suggests that at one time there was a sect of Buddhist monks in Tibet called the Lung-go-pa. Theirs was a life of absolute austerity and spiritual discipline. By practicing meditation and pranic breathing exercises they were able to perform incredible feats. It is said they could run tirelessly, for incredible distances across the barren landscape.
To observers it was so effortless it was almost as though they barely touched the ground. Their faces continually turned up to the sky, focusing on a single celestial object.
In her book, “Magic and Mystery in Tibet,” the author Alexandra David_Neel, wrote
“By that time he had nearly reached us; I could clearly see his perfectly calm impassive face and wide-open eyes with their gaze fixed on some invisible far distant object situated somewhere high up in space. The man did not run. He seemed to lift himself from the ground, proceeding by leaps. It look as if he had been endowed with the elasticity of a ball and rebounded each time his feet touched the ground.”
Less mythical and certainly very real are the marathon monks of Japan called Kaihigyo, a Buddhist sect based in Kyoto Japan. They are recognized as spiritual athletes and train extremely hard both in their exercise regime and in their meditation. Their ultimate goal is to one day complete a 1,000 day challenge. Only 46 men have completed this feat of fasting, chanting, and running in the last 130 years.
There is no simple all encompassing description for anything to do with the self transcendence race, other than the two words that make up its name.
After that the mental world flounders at trying to grasp the enormity and significance of how the runners do what they do, and more significantly just how powerful, peaceful, and transformative it is to be there and identify with it.
*Yesterday the injured Surasa increased her mileage once more and completed 106 laps (58 miles) She has 3 days to complete 168 more miles*
Pradeep the birthday boy arrives. He said that for some days he has felt extra enthusiasm and energy. That his soul day would not just be celebrated on Tuesday, but instead the inspiration could be felt for many more days.
S
tutisheel is nearing the end of his race. Sometime near the end of the evening on Wednesday he will be able to complete his 7th 3100 mile race.
For Ananda Lahari, as much as he would dearly like to see 3100 by his name it is simply not going to take place this year.
Start
Day 52
As always the birthday song is sung. His comrades rejoice that they have all shared an incredible and unique experience together. His has been a joyful soulful journey. Atmavir and all the rest who have finished will come by.
“I have to say that when I was thinking how it would be like to have my birthday here, I didn’t know what it would be like. I had hopes that I would be super strong and not tired. That kind of didn’t happen. It took me a while to remember it was my birthday. I dragged myself out of the slumber of sleep.”
“Then I feel as though my consciousness is very light and very happy, even though my body is tired and aching.”
As for which of his 33 birthdays has been the happiest.
Well this one isn’t over but it is going to rank very high.”
“Being together for so many days we all get a real inner connection with the other runners. They become friends on a completely different level. It is just very special to me and fulfilling to be together with them on my birthday.”
“It is not so much the technical things, although it definitely helps. I did a few extra laps the last few days.”
“it it is the joy I suddenly got from seeing Unmukta on the block.” For the past few days a surprise helper has been almost ceaselessly at his side to aide Pradeep.
Pradeep had called him the best birthday present and for even a casual observer he seems to be helping Pradeep tirelessly and selflessly.
Just his appearance alone gave him the confidence to be able to say, “then I knew I was going to make it when I saw him.”
“I already knew that I was getting so much inner support “ I ask if it it was like the frosting on a birthday cake and he says, “no, this is like the whole birthday cake.”
“We are really good friends but at home we usually don’t have time to do things together. I am just really happy that he is inspired by the race, and we can experience this together. Because it is a really special experience for me. I am happy to share it this way with him.”
“On a physical outer level it is also great. It is just very special.”
click to play interview
“I am just using the opportunity to bask in the soul’s effulgence, on the birthday of Pradeep.” For a period this morning Pradeep runs with Stutisheel. With just 4 runners on the course the opportunity to have a companion does not come too often any more. Pradeep is also running faster. He ran 66 miles to Stutisheels 57 yesterday. But for a while at least their pace and rhythm are in sync.
“I am using the draft of Stutisheel, who has seen the goal, and he will reach it tomorrow evening. He is speeding up because it is getting within reach.”
I ask Stutisheel what he feels Pradeep as a newcomer has brought to the 3100. “I don’t feel that he is a new runner. He told me that for many years he was dreaming of participating in this race. This year when he came it was quite natural. He just immediately became a member of the 3100 mile boat. And I am also pretty amazed that I have never seen him down, he always seems okay. He had physical problems but his consciousness was always quite good. He never complains, always smiling.”
I suggest that this has to be the key for the success of all the runners. “It is not a new thing for me but still it is hard to implement. For example when you have something happen to you on the material level, like a blister, or some other injury. You can do things to fix it, and you know it. But when you have inner problems, you know what to do, but the affects can come or not come. It is just up to a higher force. So we just need to be wise and patient.”
I ask Pradeep now that he has run so far can he imagine doing it like Stutisheel has done. “It is amazing somebody doing this race 8 times. The guys who have done it before have cleared the way for all of us. so many things we learn from them. We don’t have to make the same mistakes.” He says that Stutisheel has been telling him many of the stories from the past history of the race particularly when Sri Chinmoy still came. “We are reliving those moments together. It is great it is amazing.”
Click to play interview
“
It is nice. Once you are here you can really see what is involved.” Unmukta started off as a surprise guest of the race but quickly as become an integral part of Pradeep’s running these past few days. But he as well has benefited a lot as well. “I was just realizing it today. It started to sink in how special it is to be here, and also really get the feeling of the race.”
“I am following Pradeep and I realize how intense it is here. He has to keep going. He takes little breaks but immediately he has to get up. Be focused, be disciplined. That is really amazing.”
He has learned many little things that most outside observers cannot see. Like even during his short 15 minute naps, something inner is happening, he gets inner strength. “A powerful recharging. That is how he experiences it.”
He said a lot of factors influenced his decision to come and help out. Ultimately it came down to a feeling, “I should be there, to help out a few days. It is so special. It is so fantastic to be a part of it.”
When asked what has impressed him the most since he came. “I think it is also the oneness. This feeling I already got a little bit at home, how much oneness there is with everybody”
Due to a change of scheduling he is leaving tomorrow, a day before Pradeep’s finish on Thursday night. “I will try and be there inwardly.”
Sri Chinmoy 1979 photo by Bhashwar
“Just to be in this area, is kind of special.” Unmukta has been a student of Sri Chinmoy for many years. He recalls how so much of Sri Chinmoy’s sporting activities took place in and around this area. He was able to share some of this with a younger friend today who had no idea of the long and powerful history this area represents to the entire group. He describes this block simply, “as where it all started.”
“It is beyond the mind to think that they are running 2 and 1/2 marathons every day, for 52 days. That is unbelievable.”
For pradeep, “today is the important day for him. He said, if it goes well today, then he can finish it probably by walking. It has always been a dream for him.”
Click to play interview
Poem of the Day
Recited by Satyavrata
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to play
Question: Can we purify our daily actions?
Sri Chinmoy: Certainly, that is what we are aiming at. If we cannot purify our daily actions, then how are we going to make progress? Again, if we make progress, then only can we purify our life. These things go together. If I become good, only then will I become a good instrument of God. And if I become a chosen instrument of God, then only will I become really divine. They go together. It is like meditation in action. If I meditate well, then only can I think of loving God and serving God. Again, if I serve God devotedly and unconditionally, then only can I think of meditating at my highest. As action and meditation go together, so purity in our day-to-day life and spiritual progress must go together; they are complementary. If we don’t have purity, we cannot make very fast progress. And any progress that we do make does not remain permanently if we do not have purity. So, purity is of paramount importance in the spiritual life.
ri Chinmoy, Sri Chinmoy Speaks, Part 8, Agni Press, 1976.
August 1: Inner Fulfillment
A little more than a year ago scientific researchers finally calculated just which bird had the longest yearly migration route. Prior to then their instruments were just too cumbersome for some species to wear and thus make their calculations. The winner of this dubious distinction is a very small 4 oz bird called the arctic tern. Each year flocks of them travel back and forth from the Arctic to the Antarctic, a journey of some 44,000 miles. Nature has no doubt given them good cause to do this. Their path way is also not a straight one. They often follow special seasonal shifting wind patterns and stop here and there along the way to feed and prepare for extra long legs of the flight.
The runners who come here to the 3100 each year do not have the singular excuse that human nature can provide, to do what they do. Their journey goes no where but around and around. It is a task in which though they are never hungry they are however almost always continually sore and tired. All their human needs and wants could easily be fulfilled back home in their own countries. There is no incentive to do this other than one that is indescribable and is generated by a deep and inner source.
Atmavir today will finish the race for the 5th year in a row today. “I feel very grateful to be here this year, though it was a very difficult year for everybody. For me it was absolutely the toughest one. For me it was a miracle that I was able to compete the race this year.” He says that on the very hot day 2 weeks ago, that when he left the track that night he went home and had tremendous problems. “I felt it might be over.” He says that it was only through divine grace that he was able to complete the race this year. “I am very grateful.”
Despite being so difficult he says, “I got inner fulfillment. There are more things than miles and laps here.” He feels as though he made real progress towards his goal. He then reads a poem which he says helped him tremendously.
How can he be happy
When wild storms are ahead of him?
How can he be happy
When red dangers are beside him?
He can be happy,
He can be happy
Because his Master has said:
“Be happy.”
How can he be happy
When he knows that he has failed
In his life-examination?
How can he be happy
When he knows that he has fought
Against the compassion-warriors of Light?
He can be happy,
He can be happy
Because his Master has said:
“Be happy.”
Sri Chinmoy, The Dance Of Life, Part 16, Agni Press, 1973.
A friend from home sent the poem and he says that receiving it gave him tremendous inspiration. “I feel that oneness of paramount importance in the spiritual life, and to be aware of your goal. I really felt I touched the level that I was aware of my goal, and all the time try and feel oneness with others.”
“This year I felt as though you really had to pray for protection, because it was so intense, right from the beginning, for everybody. I am extremely grateful that many people prayed for us and felt oneness with us, and they supported us in many different ways. Many local disciples they offered their heart. And of course my brothers and sisters from many different countries all over the world. I really felt support from different places. I am really grateful for that and I treasure it very much.”
Click to play interview
For all the true followers of Surasa they are probably not too surprised that this marvelous lady seems to be somehow finding a way to get through her injury. It is not always pretty, it has to hurt, but somehow her formula for facing grim adversity just seems to be working. She doubled her lap count yesterday and managed 100 (54 miles) She has 4 days to do 216 miles. In other words she just has to repeat this again every day in order to succeed.
Start
Day 51
“It takes a lot to do what they do, day in day out.” Bobby is a long time friend of the race. His parent’s home is just a block away and he has often been around to support the runners. Not a stranger to long distances he used to drive across the country in his 18 wheel truck twice a month.
“I go away for 2 weeks and come back, and they are still running. You see them continuously going and going. It really encourages me to go too.”
He tries to do 4 laps each time he is here, and repeat it again in the evening. “When I talk to these runners what I do is not even a warmup. It encourages the whole neighborhood.”
Click to play interview
Sandhani has been a race director since the very early years of the Sri Chinmoy marathon team. The group has continually put on many multiday races and says that it was in 1991 that the seeds for this race were first planted. It took a few years to work out all the logistics of just how to go about doing it successfully. He says that Sri Chinmoy during this period would gently ask about it.
He says that Sri Chinmoy envisioned and wanted it very much. His reaction, “how can we do this?”
“It is a commitment. Obviously we do a lot of work, physical work, and planning.” It also needs the help of many people to cover all the facets of the race. “We are there every day. You don’t work as hard as the runners do physically. But we have to be there as well until the distance is covered by all the runners. There is no letting up any way.”
“I always felt that the multi day races are an amazing manifestation of Sri Chinmoy. The running I find is the medium that he is using. They are uniquely his creation.”
“The main thing was to take care of the runners, as much as possible. They are all really putting themselves out to conquer the distance.” He feels that Sri Chinmoy manifests something powerful and unique, in and through these races. “They are conducted according to his wishes and his vision. I feel that there is something he brings to the earth consciousness, in and through the runners, and everybody who helps, and everybody who is involved.”
He says that Sri Chinmoy used to come by the race at least 2 times a day and even sometimes 4 times. He feels that he had real love and concern for the event and was particularly pleased with all those who could identify with it.
He says Sri Chinmoy had a real love of running. Eventually injuries forced him to stop his own running and eventually in the mid 1980′s he turned his attention to weight lifting. Sandhani says he once asked him once which sport he preferred. The tone of his words conveyed his feelings, there was no comparison. Running gave him infinitely more satisfaction.
“He loved it. Running was a real spiritual metaphor in this world in which we live.” He adds that he is grateful to be able to serve the race and see it to its completion. “It is a great satisfaction.”
Click to play interview
Poem of the Day
Recited by Nishta
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to play
“Ladies and Gentlemen, finishing in 5th place in a time of 50 days, 8 hours, 59 minutes and 7 seconds, which is 61.542 miles a day. This was his 5th consecutive finish. This young man is a really fantastic runner. He still holds the 7th fastest time.” Sahishnu
“I am coming back.” Atmavir
Click to play Finish
Question: Is it better to use heart-power or mind-power?
Sri Chinmoy: If it is the illumined mind, or the mind that has achieved light, then you can use it. But if the mind is still only in the process of searching for good, for light, then use the heart. In the heart, the light of the soul is always more prominent than it is in the mind. Heart-power is one with the soul’s light. Mind-power at times glimpses this light and at times does not.Mind-power is tricky; heart-power is never tricky. Mind-power cherishes separativity; heart-power cherishes oneness. The ordinary mind uses power to dominate, to possess, to lord it over others. It gets joy from a conscious, deliberate, uncompromising sense of separativity. The heart derives fulfillment only from oneness. So let us use heart-power as often as possible. Only if the mind has achieved light should we use it.
Sri Chinmoy, The Giver And The Receiver, Agni Press, 1987.
July 31: To Make Progress
Perhaps if one had the ability to truly listen then you could always somehow hear the sands of time as they slipped away forever. But how does one soberly comprehend this, when you are caught up in those precious moments of glorious celebration, such as when the race began here 50 days ago. Each day that followed a turbulent mix of hope and pain and yes, progress.
Runners, helpers, well wishers all caught up in a dizzy swirl of anticipation. Who dares or wants to see that an inevitable stone faced conclusion was going to simply march forward to end it all. Perhaps not to mortal ears but certainly to some, the distinct discordant note of finality could always be heard, even when the calender made it all seem so so distant and so endless.
Back then certainly I could not peer forward into the murky mists of time. Now of course you don’t need any telepathy, or crystal ball, or conjuring spell. An ever increasing weight of quietness, and a sobering lack of energy is tangible and real here now. The great fat luxury of what appeared to be endless time has now been reduced to just 5 stick thin days.
Four runners have retired victoriously from the course and one was felled by injury. The math is clear, that leaves but 5 gallant souls to continue the great odyssey on their own. The board is static with victory banners, a few are still creeping their way up there as well. But 5 less bodies means 5 less footfalls, 5 less smiles and cheers, and all who are left are more alone on the half mile loop than ever.
Then you have the incomprehensible saga of Surasa. The luxurious reservoir she had in order to reach the goal has been reduced to vapors. 2 days ago she completed just 12 miles and yesterday 27. In front of her is 261 more unflinching miles and 5 hot days in which to do it.
The Las Vegas odds makers certinaly wouldn’t put any money on her chances here, and yet.
And yet today she begins to tentatively run once more, if even for a few steps here and there. To push and prod her way back from the brink of disaster. How this story will conclude I cannot yet see or hear. It is only on the tablet of her heart that it is etched clear. Eventually time will be forced to share it with us all.
Start
Day 50
Atmavir went home last night with the goal clearly insight. He completed 3000 miles before retiring for the day. Sometime on Monday he should arrive at the finish line at last.
There is none of the runners who seem to take as much delight in what they do here as does Ananda Lahari. He never displays even a hint of agitation or worry. Rather he just seems to beam constantly with light and joy.
He is now 5 days away from the end of the race and has an impossible task of trying to complete 5oo miles in that time. I ask him if nobody made him stop after 54 days would he simply keep coming back and keep running.
He says, “maybe like Forest Gump. Go, go, go, go on, and a certain point you say, I am tired. I am going home.”
“Here everything is intense. So it is a great opportunity to make progress, and to serve. When I am at home it is intense but not as intense as here. I go as fast as possible. I can’t really push more.”
“Now I don’t have strength. When you are strong you can push for 2 laps. Now I can’t go any faster.”
“It doesn’t affect me that people have left. It affects me that it is so long.(laughter) But it is hard. You may see the end of the race coming closer but it is tricky. Now it is like 5 days to go, but every day is so long. It can somehow catch you if you are impatient, or that you cannot get there.”
“I am looking forward to it. (the end) I would say that it is clear that I am not going to complete 3100 miles. I like to run but I am just walking, walking. So it is quite hard. It is harder to walk then to run. It will make it easier for me when it ends.”
“I am on my gratitude schedule, but I know that I can do much more. I feel much more gratitude than previous years. But I know it is not infinite gratitude yet. You have to try and do you best. To think of the Supreme as much as possible. It takes time to get to perfection, perfect perfection. I don’t worry that I am not doing so well for a few years. Everything is okay. It is a journey, and we don’t know what we get.”
Click to Play interview
The appearance of Unmukta is a surprise to everyone including Pradeep. Now it is clear that nothing is for certain here but to have a friend at his side for the next few days is a real boon.
Pradeep, whose birthday is on Tuesday looks upon his arrival as a real birthday present.
Last night Nikhad was at the race to shut down as he usually does. You have to put away all the tables and stuff, and then you have to park the vehicles, so it was probably quite a bit past midnight when he was finished with his duties. What he did next is not what he usually does. For then he got on his bike and road almost non stop for the next 5 hours. He had completed 70 miles. The only reason he stopped then was because he then had to set up the camp again for this morning.
“In the pitch dark, I made loops around the 3100 mile course. It was nice. Terrific. I was full of energy.” After 9 this morning he says he will continue his cycling journey. He tells me that once he biked for 66 hours without sleeping and without stopping. So I can do much more than 5 hours.”
When he continues to ride he hopes to go an additional 55 or 60 more miles. Other bikers are also involved in Nikhad’s project, which he is doing to celebrate what would have been Sri Chinmoy’s 80th birthday. “I hope a few more people will participate.”
Click to play interview
Last year the Doctor told me I had gained a lot of weight. My Doctor said, that if you don’t start running or walking you are going to have a problem.” In May of last year Taposh started and hasn’t stopped. He immediately chose the 3100 mile course as his running route and goes to the gym only when the weather is bad.
He works for NYPD traffic control directing traffic. It is standing he says but not really movement. When he first came here he ran really fast and couldn’t even make one lap. “They asked me, why do you run so fast? So they gave me tips and they gave me inspiration. I really appreciate them and am grateful to them. They taught me how to run especially this guy Atmavir.”
He now is up to running about 5 miles a day. Of the course he too finds that it is a spiritual place. He says that last year Dharbhasana and Pushkar told him that being here is not just about the physical. “I realize that, so I am grateful to them and appreciate them.”
Click to play interview
Poem of the Day
Recited by Unmukta
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to Play
I make progress fast
When my mind
Cheerfully loves God.
I make progress faster
When my heart
Soulfully serves God.
I make progress fastest
When my life
Unconditionally obeys God.
Sri Chinmoy, Fast, Faster, Fastest Progress, Agni Press, 1994.
July 30: The Way To The Goal
At the end of its life the Phoenix bird would go to its nest, and once there, be consumed by flames. It is a mythological bird and its story seems to exist in many cultures with some variations.
What is similar throughout all the variations of the tale is how, once it is reduced to ashes, it rises up again to take flight. It somehow lives again as it did before.
Surasa has amazingly reappeared on the course again this morning. Maybe not rising out of the ashes, and certainly not immortal, but just perhaps maybe unstoppable, as she refuses to give up her flight of self transcendence.
“
I am just trying to see if I can walk properly. I like to be here and to be out, and not to lie down. I just came and I will try and see if it gets better.
The first Doctor said that it was a very deep muscle inside my calf and it was injured, and I have to rest for 3 days. Then I should see her and she would tell me if I can walk or run.
After this I thought, I have to try everything.” Then she visited a local auyervedic Doctor who gave her some pills and a massage oil. “Ahh, in 3 or 4 hours you can run.” (Laughter) “And I was looking at him, hunnh? He was absolutely sure, yes. Of course. In 3 or 4 hours you will run.”
After this she went home and applied the oil, took the pills, and came back to the race. So she continued. Not flying, not running, but at least she is walking. “What can I do? You have to take it and accept it. That’s life.”
Click to play Surasa interview
Pranjal patches himself up so that he can once again enter into the battlefield of life. He does not wear beautiful armor, he has no charioteer to speed his way into the fray. No sacred weapons or magic spells to subdue all the enemies he surely must face. No army marches at his side for he goes out alone to face the day.
Yet he does hear a General’s call that beckons him to come forth. One that he can scarce resist and one that is so strong he hears it resonate within every part of his being.
Not just one mighty roar but instead a comforting and consistent command. It is one that gives him strength and courage when the outcome of the battle seems most in doubt, and gives him extra speed when the way is clear.
His trust so complete he holds back nothing to its call. For how can he resist. How dare he fail his one and only sacred task. To not go forth at all is to die a thousand times.
Now there are just 10 miles more to go. Soon it all will be done. Done but not yet over.
On a practical level Surasa has to be taped up this morning to make even walking possible. The only certain thing is her will and wish to continue.
Start
Day 49
A
fter Pranjal finishes today the next to finish will be Atmavir, sometime on Monday. More and more will take up places on the sidelines.
It is while having a discussion with Pranjal that the topic of being forced to stop running comes up. He snaps his fingers and says, it can be over like that. If it were to happen to him he says, “in this case it is really hard. I don’t know if it were to happen to me if it would be so easy to accept it. I mean I would have to, but it is not easy.”
“In my first year I had this ankle injury. It was like the 4th to 7th day. I was thinking that it was over actually. I could not even walk properly. I did 50 laps in 12 hours, then 8 laps in another 3 hours or more. I couldn’t even step on it. I was thinking. That’s it. It’s over.”
“The next day I went to see the Doctor. He looked at my feet and said for 2 weeks you have to stay in bed. With the leg up. Your joints are overloaded. So I looked at him, aw come on. I knew what it was, but what I wanted was to know how to run with it. He said, I cannot run.”
“So I said okay. I will put a bandage around it and run as hard as I can. I will either destroy the ankle completely or get healed. So in 7 laps it was okay. It disappeared. It was over.”
“It was a kind of miracle. I was suffering for 3 days and couldn’t even step on the ankle. Then I just pushed through it and it disappeared. (He completed the race in 59 days and some hours) He has completed the race every year he has entered.
It was a dream of his to run the race for a long time. “I couldn’t imagine me running the race because it was just too expensive. While visiting China in 2004 he decided, “I am just going to run it. I will not think about the money I will just apply.” In that year both Pranb, Ananda Lahari, and he were accepted. “Then the money came after that.”
I ask if he ever wonders if there are others who get the inspiration to come and then simply don’t apply. “The main thing is our doubts. People doubt that they are able to do it. That it is too hard or they are not fit enough. Or they will suffer too much. You just have to look at Sarvagata. The best he has done till now was 60 miles a day for 10 days. Now he has done almost 70 miles a day for, I don’t know how many days.”
“Here on this course something special is happening here. Some kind of special energy. I don’t know what it is but it helps them to do better. But you have to want to do it. You have to feel that you want to do it. Nobody can really push you.”
“This race will change you. Once you go through this race something inside you will change forever. You learn something about yourself. You will find capacity within yourself that you hadn’t even dreamed about before.”
“You have no idea how hard this race is. You can’t even think or imagine how hard it is. Only after you have done it can you realize how hard it is. It is really really hard to even imagine. What you have to go through.”
“I mean in my case, I was given the capacity to do it. So from my point of view it is my duty to use this capacity.” He the suggests that because of this he has to simply go on until the capacity is then taken away.
“Any capacity that you have been given by God you have to use it. It doesn’t matter what the capacity is. Otherwise it will be taken away. It is some kind of grace. This capacity which we get here is a kind of grace. So we have to use it. Otherwise it is just wasted. I don’t think that it is my capacity I feel that it came from somewhere above.”
“It is not that I want or don’t want to run. I will do it as long as I have the capacity to do it.”
“I am giving my best only here. The rest of the year is just preparation for next year. I feel this race is so intense and you have so many experiences inside that it can really feed you all year. I am not as focused the rest of the year like I am right here. Because here I am just focused on what I am supposed to do. Here is only one thing that you have to do. Just to run as much as possible. So it is kind of easy. Out there in the world are so many distractions that can take away your concentration. It is much harder in the outside world.”
photo by Jowan
For him crossing the finish line is not what it is all about. “For me it is just a number, 3100. What is really important is what you experience throughout the whole race.”
The cake and the bells and all the celebration at the finish line, “is just the top of the iceberg. The main thing is under the water. The race is going somewhere in between the start and the end. For me the goal is not important it is the way to the goal.”
Click to play interview
Poem of the Day
Recited by Sasha
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to play
“Can you imagine. A guy as big as him going around this course 5649 times times 7.
The 7th finish for our 4th place finisher this year. In 48 days, 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 5 seconds. It is less than a day behind his record setting pace for himself last year. And when you consider that he lost a whole day because of the heat. He is right there.”
“He is always the first one in the morning and the last one to leave. He averaged 64.44 miles. He is still ranked 12 all time out of 29 finishers.”
“His consistency is remarkable. He is our hero.” Sahishnu
Click to play finish
THE GOAL OF THE BEYOND
Obey and trust,
Trust and obey.
Indeed, this is the short way
To the Goal of the Beyond.
Love and serve,
Serve and love.
Indeed, this is the shorter way
To the Goal of the Beyond.
Surrender and offer,
Offer and surrender.
Indeed, this is the shortest way
To the Goal of the Beyond.
Sri Chinmoy, The Dance Of Life, Part 20, Agni Press, 1973.
Sri Chinmoy Challenge chosen most extreme endurance race in U.S.
We were grateful to receive an e-mail from Art Weinstein, webmaster of Listosaur.com where he says, “I run a small but rapidly growing website that posts stories of general interest. An experienced marathon runner posted a story yesterday, the Top 10 Extreme Endurance Races in the United States. The Sri Chinmoy 3,100-mile event came in No. 1.” The following is about the 3,100 Mile Race. For the full article click on Listosaur.com.
Written by Michelle Leach
You know the definition of “hardcore” in the endurance racing world has changed when No. 10 on the list is a comparatively “easy” marathon run, completed by some of the slower contenders, in five and a half hours — this following a 112-mile bike ride and 2.4-mile swim in choppy ocean waters. But consider the extreme competition on this list. In one race, you may find yourself hauling 32 pounds of pennies through a cold, rainy Vermont backwoods at 4 a.m. while memorizing Greek text. In another, you’ll run two marathons each day for 50 consecutive days, around the same track, over and over and over again. Given the choice, I’ll gladly pick the Ironman World Championship winding through scenic Kailua-Kona, Hawaii any day.
1. Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race
If you live near Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in Queens, New York, and pass by the school track at 6 a.m. on your way to work each morning, you’ll see a group of 10 runners. When you get home, you’ll see that same group of runners — still circling the track. If you were to pass by the track at midnight, there they’d be — the same group — still running! These are obviously special runners, given that over the course of 52 days, they circle this same .5488-mile track in the heat of summer 5,649 times, logging on average 60 miles daily. Some runners go through a dozen pairs of shoes. Even those who find the Badwater Ultramarathon a breeze might have a hard time swallowing the sheer monotony of rounding a half-mile city block day in and day out for close to two months. But for these runners, many of whom are followers of Indian spiritual leader and race founder, the late Sri Chinmoy, running provides an opportunity to overcome their preconceived limitations — what Chinmoy called “self-transcendence.” Like a lot of the races on this list, this, the world’s longest footrace, is less about physical strength and more about pushing the limits of what is possible.
6. Race Across America
Its Not Over Until Its Over
As the head race director I am often asked in one way or another what the 3100 Mile Race is like, that is, how difficult is it. And my answer is generally, “it is really, really difficult.” Someone once said, “its not over until its over”, and in our race that is the one certitude; not until you actually cross the finish line is the race over, no matter how close you are. Ashprihanal was cruising to a personal best, just a “few hundred miles” from the goal, when the heat wave came. He had to surrender to the weather and ended in third place. Surasa, out most consistent runner, with over 2760 miles completed , pulled up with a muscle strain. Purna-Samarpan and Ananda-Lahari will also testify to how difficult the race has been for them as they will not reach the 3100 mile goal. Four runners remain, and all are within the time frame of finishing. We still have a race going on. Stay tuned.
July 29: Another Dream Complete
In most team sports whenever a player is injured or not doing well they can be benched or substituted with someone faster or stronger or simply better suited to face the game conditions. But in individual competition taking a break for long is never an option or a solution.
For individual runners who are competing here ultimately they have only themselves. They are alone on this 3100 mile road and whenever and whatever the experience may be comes, it has to be felt, experienced, and endured by them alone.
Nothing can be avoided or put off until tomorrow. There is no hiding from duty, no shirking of responsibility, you must stand up and confront adversity with who you are and what you have inside. Today Surasa is facing a foe, who with brute and painful force is trying to steal away from her, what appeared just yesterday to be inevitable and an almost certain victory in the 3100 mile race.
When she started on day 47, Thursday morning, she looked as relaxed and confident as she has been all summer. Yet even then the pain was building in her leg and refused to be subdued and beaten back by her will. “These muscles were tight for a long time, especially after the day off. Then in the evening and the next day they were very tight. Then yesterday they were worse. Then all of a sudden, I couldn’t move any more.”
Today is Friday morning and rain drifts across the course in brief yet drenching bursts. Eventually it stops but Surasa does not. Her quest to complete the race bravely and gallantly continues. This morning she has returned to the race after pain forced her to leave the course yesterday. She is walking and it is obviously painful. In front of her appears to be an impossible task. 321 unyielding miles more to go, and now only 7 days left in which to do it.
For now nothing is absolutely clear to her other than to try and complete her task. Yesterday just after it happened, Gaurish, a chiropractor treated her at the camp in the early afternoon, but was unable to detect exactly what was happening to her leg or find the magic cure. He treated her as best he could but could only ultimately suggest rest. He knows full full well that it is not easy to say, ‘no more’, knowing full well that this superb endurance athlete has already gone 2700 miles.
Later he tells me how deeply concerned he was with her. He was worried that because of the unbalanced way that she was walking that she might fall over and cause further injury. He said, “It just goes to show, you never know when your last breath is. It could pretty much happen to anybody. One never really knows. That is the intensity of the 3100.”
Surasa 3 days ago
After her treatment she bravely attempted to continue at least by walking. It turned out to be so painful that she had to be picked up by car and returned to the little camp. “I said no, it makes no sense. I am going so slowly, it is better to take a rest. Maybe it will get better.” Today she is here and trying to walk as best she can. “I cannot move the right way. It is painful but I will see. Maybe we will go to a Doctor and see what has really happened.”
I ask how she is feeling about all this. “I have the feeling that it is not me. They want to bring me to a Doctor, but of course I have already lost a lot of time. We will see now. I had shin splints last year and it feels a bit like it, but I am not sure that it is shin splints. It is not in the normal place that shin splints usually are. But the feeling is the same.”
She stayed at the race yesterday so as to not miss Ashprihanal’s finish. After which she was brought home. “I was happy to see him finish. He also had hard times. It was just nice to see his finish.”
Click to play interview
Update: Surasa later in the morning visited a Doctor in Manhattan who diagnosed a torn Soleus muscle in the calf. She was advised to take at least 3 days of complete rest. As of late this afternoon she has not returned to the course.
It is a nasty wet morning which is soon to be followed by a pleasant late morning and day. The wet conditions will come back by early evening. Aryavan has returned from Europe and proceeds to help out by getting the yellow van going.
Pranjal will finish tomorrow morning and did his usual 114 laps 62 miles yesterday.
In case you might like to know what it is like to finish the race, this man has a good idea. Ashprihanal finished yesterday and is enjoying seeing the race now from the other side of the fence.
Start
Day 48
“This is how the whole summer is like in Holland, especially lately. If the humidity would go down a touch, and stay the rest of the day like this it would be heaven.” Pradeep had another great day yesterday with 115 laps. He has 314 more miles to go but ahead of him is a rainy night which is soon to be followed by another long series of very hot days.
He was inspired by the finishes of the some of the other runners. “It is true. It makes me really happy to see all the finishes. It is like another dream complete. I feel really well.”
He adds, “one other reason I am feeling well is that Tuesday is my birthday. So the finish was supposed to be on my birthday but it changed. Usually when my birthday is coming up I feel good. Something in me feels it coming. It gives me this extra little thing.”
“I am more or less at a 60 mile a day schedule. I am 6 miles ahead of that schedule. I could basically do 59 miles a day. ”
As we are speaking in the morning is still not clear what is going to happen with Surasa and her race. “It is a lesson for all of us. You never know where an injury comes from. You can never blame yourself. One thing you really have to do is try and stay in a good consciousness, and pray for protection, and be grateful. I know most of the time when I have got an injury, it was related to my consciousness. Other people might not notice but it might be some bad thought that keeps recurring. Or you are a little relaxed. You are not so focused. Then these things slip in.”
“”So yesterday I thought, be grateful for any steps you can run, and celebrate that. Don’t take it lightly. It is not possible of course to be all the time focused. Maybe there is a critical amount of time when you have to be like that. Or a critical amount of soulfulness, even if it is not very long but you have to put in and it helps.”
“Basically it is a mystery for all of us. We are all plodding along and trying to see what we can discover about ourselves.”
Click to play Interview
Poem of the Day
Recited by Pradeep
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to play
You want to know
The capacity of my hope?
I tell you
My hope has great capacity
To chant God’s name ceaselessly.
You want to know
The capacity of my dream?
I tell you
My dream has sufficient capacity
To make me another God,
A real God.
Sri Chinmoy, Europe-Blossoms, Agni Press, 1974.
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