Day 18: Talent and Moving Forward

It was a somewhat overcast, sticky kind of day, not too hot, definitely not cold enough to elicit remarkable performances in the 3100 Mile Race. The accumulation of miles must have a negative effect on these veteran runners, right? Not. Don’t tell them that. Determination, and a little better health spawned a whole new level of group performance. Seven of eight made it past 60 miles for the day. Okay, similar to two days before, right. No sir. The overall leader, Ashprihanal Aalto, reached 71.3 miles, and was nearly 9 miles arrears. Smarana Puntigam ran 120 laps, 65.8 miles, but gave up nearly 14 miles to the chap behind him. Second place Nirbhasa Magee and third placer Vasu Duzhiy reached 117 laps, consistent, good running. They conceded almost 16 miles to the cyclone behind. A fit, and growing more confident Anada-Lahari Zuscin, the wild card with elite credential possibility, threw down an 80.12 mile day, just to let people know that his heart was beating. 146 laps is no joke, but rather superb running and excellent pacing. This performance only opens the possibility for more good performances- from everyone. Everyone, even Ushika Muckenhumer,  is now sleeping and dreaming- wondering whether their number is clinched by the stars above or picked to be a Day Leader. You cannot predict, only wonder…

Happy Fourth of July, people.  All of us on the SCMT are grateful we live in a country that allows our strange little race to exist, and sometimes shows the world of the incredible potential of its denizens, here and from all over this world. And a deep bow to all those patriots before, from previous generations, who saw Liberty as a Reality, free from Tyranny.

And finally a big shout out to the Head Principal Mr Moses and Assistant Principal Cleave of Thomas A Edison Career and Technical School for allowing us to go green and tap into their Solar collector.

Be safe and Happy.