Today presented an unmistakable reckoning with just how hot and humid it can get during the 3100 mile race. Not a record setting one to be sure but still the kind of day when doing anything outdoors is hard little alone trying to run 60 miles.
When I catch up with Baladev he is mixing his own concoction of salt water. Playing with the fluid as he poured it back and forth between 2 cups. “The salt keeps the body hydrated.”
“The hottest was 30C and today it is going to be 34C. A little bit more and it is humid. The humidity makes it more fun.” (smiles)
Since today officially marks the start of the 2nd half of the race I ask him about that. “I am not thinking about how many days. Or how many days I will be here. I don’t think about tomorrow I only think about today.”
“This lap. You never know what will happen at the next corner.”
“This is a simple life. We all need a simple life to be perfect.”
“When you study something at school you then use that knowledge in the rest of your life. Here when we run we study during the whole race. Naturally we use what we learn here during the rest of the year.”
“We learn many good things like simplicity, patience, courage, and gratitude.”
Baladev says the meditation he experiences here while running is quite different that what he practices at home.
“This is a moving meditation. When you are sitting at home you don’t move. Totally different. I like this one more, because you never fall asleep when you run. When you meditate sitting at home you can go to sleep very easily. When you meditate and run sleeping does not come.”
“Usually the evenings here are very nice, and the early morning.” As Baladev runs away from me I cannot help but notice the message printed in big letters on the back of his shirt, Peace, Love, Joy.
Without a steady mind,
A pure heart
And a simple life,
Nobody can make
The fastest progress.
Click to Play Dipali’s Race Tips:
The Board
This looks to be the first of summer’s really hot days.
A smile from Vajra before he goes
The empty camp
The van arrives
Baladev arrives
Ashprihanal stretching
Checking out the webcam
It is working
Vasu comes
Misha with Aloe Vera on his knee
Rupantar doing his daily video
Baladev working on his shoes
Start Day 27
First steps
Today the weather will be a real test for everybody.
Atmavir ran 68 miles yesterday
He has 1796 miles and is 116 miles ahead of last year
Purple cup
Yuri had a 66 mile day.
Yuru taking no chances with the heat puts ice in his hat
Feels cool right away
He has 149 miles
A little red bird
Getting counted
Ashprihanal once again had the most miles with 70
receiving some encouraging emails.
He has 1727 miles and is 22 miles behind Yuri
Up the hill
On the turn
A little light
Vasu had a slightly better day with 46 miles
Talking with someone on the course and explaining about the race.
He has 1722 miles. Vasu is extremely grateful to all those who have reached out with their encouragement and support.
A gathering
Color co-ordinated
Surasa did 60 miles
She has 1666 miles and is 61 miles ahead of last years pace.
Webcam shot of Surasa taken this evening
A little pink
Kaneenika did 63 miles
She has 1659 miles. 7 miles behind Surasa
She is 101 miles ahead of last year (Patricia working on the garden)
Reaching out
Sopan did 60 miles yesterday.
He has 1520 at the half way mark. He needs to make up the 30 miles over the next 26 days.
“I really love the race. But only when the temperature is below 90 degrees.”
Hard and soft
Beautiful in the mornings
Stutisheel did 61 miles
He has 1493 miles and has to make up 57 miles over the next 26 days
A play with Ashprihanal
Click to Play:
Stutisheel has also apparently made friends with a squirrel who may or may not be able to read.
Rupantar takes a video of the squirrel trying to get into his food
Rupantar then shows the video to Stutisheel.
Who is doing all he can to discourage the relationship. Sign created by Vrishaketu
Coming through camp
Baladev had 57 miles
He has 1485 miles
Ananda-Lahari had 47 miles. He now has 1413 miles
Coming through camp
Ananda-Lahari’s feet
“It has been amazing. This has exceeded all my wildest dreams.” Paramartha has been one of the key helpers at the race this year and this is her first time.
“I come past here at 5 o’clock in the morning and run the track. Then I set up my counting tables. Then I go home and take a shower and I can’t wait to get back. I photograph the runners and then load those photos onto the website.”
“I am passionate about this race. I have changed my entire life so that I can come here. I am all gratitude at this opportunity.”
Paramartha first heard about the race 17 years ago when she became a student of Sri Chinmoy. She says she is inspired by the determination and the stamina of the runners.
“The whole concept of never giving up and also the joy you get from being part of a much much bigger picture. I am not a runner but I feel as though I am contributing my small capacity that makes a difference.”
Click to Play:
Paramartha reads the Daily Poem
Click to Play:
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to Play:
Do you want to be happy?
Then make your life
As soulfully simple
As sleeplessly breathing.
Sri Chinmoy, Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants, Part 61, Agni Press, 1984
