Sopan is running the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race for the 8th time. He is now just 37 and it was as a 24 year old in 2005 that he set the record for being the youngest competitor to complete the race.
This morning on day 8 he says it takes at least a couple of weeks to get into the rhythm and flow of the race. “The body always takes time to adjust. We are constantly pounding on the hard surface here. You cover a lot of ground which makes it extreme. It takes time to get used to that.”
Sopan likes to give talks about his experiences at the races over the years. “I like to talk about Self-transcendence. How outer self transcendence helps to inspire us to transcend ourselves inwardly. Also our inner self transcendence helps us to outwardly transcend ourselves. They go together.”
“This race is a perfect representation of how the inner and outer go together.” When asked if it is possible to transcend yourself when you are in pain and tired. “Absolutely, this is the best time.”
Asked how he can stay remain positive and motivated. “I just try and stay in the moment and enjoy the moment. Not think too much about tomorrow. Just enjoy the race and enjoy being here.”
The board at the start of Day 8
Jumagul ready to count
William’s birthday card for William on display
Aharan getting the food table prepared
Kobi getting a little body work done to him by Vajra
Rupantar fact checking for his daily video
William with shoes
Kaneenika has arrived
Ananda-Lahari
Ushika making an adjustment
Yolanda and head stand
Vasu arrives
Nearly time
To the starting line
Start Day 8
The day starts off overcast and misting
Kobi put in a tremendous effort yesterday and ran 79 miles
He now leads the race with 531 miles
A truly great effort for a first timer
Flower
Vasu did 71 miles
He now has 525 miles. 6 less than Kobi
Alexei working on Vasu’s shoes
Flower
Smarana did 63 miles
He now has 450 miles
Things are going well
Camp
Flower
Surasa did 63 miles
She now has 439 miles
Enjoying a stretch
With Vishvarupani
When a chocolate drink tastes O so good
Green grass
Sopan did 60 miles
He now has 439 miles
Leaving camp
Flower
William did 62 miles
He now has 432 miles
Very consistent
And a picture for all the sponsors who help support his efforts here at the longest race in the world
William’s joke Click to Play:
In camp
Flower
Ananda-Lahari did 58 miles
He now has 429 miles
Watch dog
Flower
Kaneenika did 59 miles
She now has 422 miles
With Dipali
Martina her helper
The long road
Flower
Yolanda did 60 miles
She now has 412 miles
Miles of smiles
Very strong now
Green leaves
Ushika did 57 miles
He now has 411 miles
Not far off the pace
Flower
Sahishnu’s weekly wrap up
Click to Play:
Poem of the Day read by Martina
Click to Play:
Dog delight
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to Play:
Challenge we must
The outer world and the inner world
For our self-transcendence.
Sri Chinmoy, Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, part 9, Agni Press, 1998
Great interview with Sopan. One of the rare ones.
Thanks Utpal for the interview with Sopan.
Years ago when Guru gave concert in Sophia (it was 8000 people plus 2000 disciples) he pointed out that Bulgaria is country with the closest vibration to Sri Aurobindo ashram! Sudahota visited Bulgarian Joy Days few times, too.
Congratulations!