Day 15… Highest Self-Transcendence-Height (June 30)

Shin splints are an insidious ailment that have reeked misery and havoc on ultra runners quite possibly from the time early man tried to see just how far he could. Ushika is deep into his 4th day of continual pain in his lower legs and though his mileage has suffered he has somehow allowed the pain to only bother his outer extremities and not his mood or mental outlook.

Between he and his helper Max, they have investigated every possible solution and remedy and are currently working with a kind of hinge device to relieve pressure. It is a new experience for both of them and then again, when in the 3100 not about new challenges and experiences.

The two of them are an ideal team. This was clearly evident last year and Max is once again working tirelessly to support Ushika. Having him around Ushika says, “is the best solution I could dream of.”

Max is fully committed to his role. He says he got a good feeling last year when he was first asked. “I wanted to dive into this world so I saw my chance and took it.” He says the race last year changed him. “It changed my whole personality, my whole being, so I hope it gets changed again.”

Ushika says that he continues to work on his devotion in this years race. “It is a life long process. My goal is to try and speed it up here.”

As for his physical problems and how he is coping, “I could say that I am surprised myself. I can see that it is all grace. I don’t have any anxieties, or mental problems.” Ushika is not sure how he would have coped if the problems had occurred last year but feels that this time he is better equipped to deal with it.

He feels that there is a great difference between the concept of devotion and to actually live it. “To think of the process is totally useless but you have to go for it. You have to try and cry and then let it come.”