The 6 day race is less than an hour old. I spend a few minutes running lightly with David Luljak who has not been to the race in 7 years and also with Wai Law who ran his first 6 day race here last year.
They are getting acquainted and of course realize that in the many miles ahead they will probably learn a lot about all the other competitors but perhaps even more about themselves.
I ask what kind of things they have discovered so far, and they both laugh and say that at one time they both lived in Long Island.
David tells me about one of his favorite poems written by Sri Chinmoy. “He said to somebody during the 3100 mile race. When this person was having a particularly bad time.”
Perfect happiness
Is
Enthusiasm minus expectation.
Sri Chinmoy, The God of the mind [songbook]
“I thought that was a good thing to keep in mind. I love this race, and if I don’t expect too much than I won’t feel disappointed. And hopefully enjoy all the great things I think about constantly whenever I run these races.”
The 10 day race of course goes on while the 6 day is about to start. Richard Takata celebrates getting to 200 miles.
Albena is doing her 2nd 6 day race.
Sri Chinmoy at the start of the first 7 day race. October 14th 1988
Whenever we do small things
With great love,
God gives us the most
Powerful and blessingful Smile.
Due to illness Dipali is not well enough to compete this year. She won the race each year for the past 18. She will return again next year.
https://vimeo.com/163947275
She speaks with Rupantar
She is very grateful to her crew who have supported her so much over the years.
Hoskuldur Kristvinsson is a 66 year old runner from Iceland is running his first 6 day race. His goal is to run 420kms a distance which equals 10 marathons.
Click to Play Interview:
Tatiana is running her first 6 day race. Last year she worked in medical.
David Luljak finishing some final paper work before he starts the race.
Johnny before coming to the starting line
He is a 44 year old runner from Sweden is running his first 6 day race.
Things go smoothly though it will rain just a little before the start.
Susan Marshall from New Zealand is running her first 6 day race.
Rimas and Aidas are both here again. Rimas has a personal best of 600 miles, which stands as the Lithuanian record.
The board at the end of 4 days.
Sahishnu introducing the 6 day runners.
Wai coming to the line
Kobi leads with 351 miles for 4 days
It rains briefly.
Achim has 300 miles for 4 days.
Karteek has 192 miles
Getting adjusted by Mitch in medical
albena off to a good start.
Ales sorting out some lap count issues
Ananda-Lahari has 277 miles
Mark Dorion stretching
Andrei Somov without his jokes
Karnayati receiving an email
The message is from Vera. Karnayati says these notes inspire her very much.
Anna, Ed running behind her is still in 2nd place with 311 miles.
Kimberly has 233 miles
A short stop in the kitchen
Budjargal with a clothing adjustment.
He has 262 miles
Pedrag has 214 miles
David getting into his rythmn
Mitch taking lunch
Elena with 231
Richard finding out just how much it can hurt
Misha with 218 and Mahasatya with 234
Nina cleaning up
Finish line
Vinati
Yolanda has 262
Ushika
His feet
The Russian boys
Tatiana enjoying the great outdoors
Soren with 257
Helping out
The weather is nearly perfect
Looking down
Roger missed last year because of a bad fall. He is happy to be back running the 6 day.
Caution
Priyavadin
Heading towards the lake
Nataliya
Everybody likes coconuts
Michel and Lyalya
Magnolias beside the lake
Manoshri in 2nd with 274
Kalpa with 220
Soon the wind will take the seeds away
John
A little added color
Janos
Some different transportation
Georgs washing his clothes
Clothes will dry when the sun comes out
Girbhu
Erlinda Biondic
Enjoying the flowers
Gautami with 260
Johnny coming around the Heart Garden
Today it is Joe Cleary’s 76th birthday
“It is like coming home.” Joe Cleary hasn’t been to the race in a few years. “I think I will be here a little more in the future.”
Joe made his first trip to the race in 2009. “It was my first 6 day. It was momentous.” Joe went 228 miles but was hoping to make 300.
“I was satisfied for sure. Thinking back now I was thinking that I needed more rest, and I took it. I think this time I will be taking less rest. I will be out there longer.”
“There is a time to be on your own and people recognize that. Sometimes you just don’t want to be chatting with people and other times you do.”
Asked what is the attraction of races like this. “I don’t need to figure it out, I just thoroughly enjoy it. I plan to do it until one foot is in the grave.”
Click to Play Interview:
Very nice interview with Dipali! Get your strength back again soon Dipali! Helping is a great contribution and helpers do get special blessings and the atmosphere is amazing, but it is still a big difference to be able to run or do something yourself. This is why helpers in ultras tend to “catch the bug” and end up wanting to take up the challenge themselves!