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My first marathon! (aka total boredom)

 

So, Reminiscing about"THE MARATHON"-

 

No Blinding Light

No Spiritual Breakthroughs

No Afterglow from Accomplishment

Just Double Jetlag.

 

The Odyssey begins with my flying into the USA the evening before ‘The big M' due to circumstances beyond my control. Having an extremely late night, 3.75 hours of sleep- high on jet lag and starting at 7am the next morning   - believe me, I would have planned this better if I could have.

 

Anyway, here I must admit I did not train - don't spit on me all at once! I have been steadily becoming more unfit and lazy as the years have progressed and somehow I have not worked through all the excuses in the book yet on why not to run.

 

So, the start was great! So many people- one was forced to do little snail hops- would have been quicker walking- but somehow looked totally defeatist at this point of the play. Jogged a bit. It was ages until we got to a sign post."At Last!" I thought. It was only 1 mile- GREAT!

 

I was very good and did not let the old mind tell me anything such as"ARE YOU CRAZY? You must be crazy- 1 mile, and you are dead- 1 mile! How are you going to do 25 more and some? You noo-noo! You Idiot! Give up now and sleep!"

 

So I just kept looking at the scenery around me. Thankfully it was very beautiful as we were running so early.   The light and air felt very clean. Running with other people really helped kill the boredom. More of that later.

 

Also I would personally measure the 3 mile circuit so there would first be the extra pretty bit: in shade and light; then the first refreshment stand; another long run mainly in no shade but going on forever, with finally the second station that my friend was helping at- so I always got the biggest encouragement here (life saver). Then another pretty bit and finally one would hit the singers.

 

Here one was on the homeward strait and this was the best bit- as one would turn a corner and see cheering people in the distance coming very slowly closer. Even when the body was dead the pride would kick in which would carry one until after the crowd at least!

 

So this went on for a while. I ran until 12 miles and really decided that I was much happier walking! The force of self preservation (laziness) is strong within me!

 

I was very happy walking   - I would get a little blue every now and then as so many people were passing me and distance took SO LONG. I would play the game of deliberately NOT looking at the mile signs so I would get a surprise later that would carry me a while on the large number I had run!

 

Then disaster struck.   The mind and body just became bored. They wanted to do something different- anything different really   - did not matter what! I was at 17 miles and I was So Bored that the last 3 miles had been torture. I just could not concentrate on turning the brain off. At this point unless something changed I was going to give up.

 

Luckily for me (not for him- hee-hee) my Father came over to say hi. And I blackmailed him to walk with me a while. I felt like a petulant teenager. I just kept repeating to him"I am SO BORED!!!!!!! I am not really tired, nothing hurts, I am just BORED!" He could not stop chuckling. I instructed him to tell me a story- anything NOT BORING- that he proceeded to do- very badly I may add!

 

Then he ended up keeping me company for the next 9 miles. Ho Ho! And people think I am a push over! Yak-Yak-Yak!

 

We chattered which was very nice and I was happy so I walked faster and faster. In the end we were walking at about a 12 minute pace! I was even overtaking some runners- Joy!

 

At the last straits my ego let me run and I was surprised at how much energy I had. I finished and sat down as soon as I could. Such joy to just sit!

 

Well conclusions- I never thought I would be crazy enough to even attempt this. But it is true. It is all in the mind. It is just a number. Anything can be achieved if we can just turn the brain switch to OFF! I will definitely be running another one- fear of the unknown has been washed away.

 

Who knows with a little bit of training this time I will try to attempt running the whole time. I will also plug my ears into music next time to force the brain to drain!

 

I was hoping for a little weight loss after- but no such luck- if anything I think I put some on with all the crisps I ate!

 

As I said at the beginning- there was no envelopment of light etc etc. But I surely felt that someone was being super-super kind and indulgent towards me up there. Wouldn't be the first time either!

 

 

 

 

Marathon Day

It's marathon day. I am standing at the rear of the field, waiting patiently for the race to start. I have not trained for this race, and have therefore promised myself a leisurely stroll in the countryside, empty of urgency, and of an indeterminate length which I consider to be flexible and open to re-adjustment at all times. 'Let's just see how it goes,' I say to myself. To me, everything at the beginning of the race is rather curious and incongruous - the aid stations, the large numbers of athletes in running clothes, the starting line, the number which I am pinning to myself. I'm not paying much attention to these things, as they are all vaguely disturbing and are somewhat spoiling my very pleasant illusion of informality.

So started the day on August 25, 2004 in upstate New York.

Now, before I go any further I should explain to you what I was even doing on that starting line, as you are most likely wondering by this point. The odd and inexplicable thing, even to myself, is that I actually enjoy these marathons alot. Even though I am so painfully slow; even though I am so challenged in the realms of dynamism, speed and discipline, I still love to simply cover distance. Part of me, inexplicably, loves that slow, patient crawl over the miles, and it feeds something inside me in a way that I can't even begin to understand, let alone explain.

So I began my journey cheerfully enough on that morning, even though I was such an unlikely candidate for the job by any usual and measurable criteria. And for nearly 7.5 hours thereafter I mostly just immersed myself in the beauty of the park. Now, if you were able to actually run that marathon, maybe you didn't have time to stop and stare. I did. I stared alot. Actually, I stared alot without stopping, which is just fine when you're travelling at my pace (no speed wobbles here). And so I gazed at the water and the reflections of the sun. I watched the geese and the swans, which seemed to be everywhere. I looked at the deer which grazed right by the side of the track once the faster runners had disappeared from the course. I watched what (if the world's animators are doing their jobs correctly) can only have been a chipmunk when it scampered across the path right in front of me.

So, I guess that my journey was just different. It wasn't to do with speed or targets or pacing. It certainly wasn't to do with the miles melting away under my feet, or even with the joyful action of running itself - as I mostly just had to walk. It was slow and clumsy, inelegant and laborious,   and probably bordering on the pathetic by many people's standards. And yet how can I be remotely negative about that day? In my heart-of-hearts, really I can't. The surroundings were idyllic, I suffered no illness nor significant discomfort, and my whole being ended up deliciously exhausted by the sheer distance, a unique sensation   which only the marathon distance or greater can yield up. And when, after 7 hours and 22 minutes, I finally staggered home, somebody even put a medal around my neck. Yes, it was all very good.

I have been lucky enough to complete, in my very limited way, all three of the Self-Transcendence Marathons which have been held in upstate New York, and I have to say that I really treasure this event. OK, I wish that I were not so painfully slow, and I wish that   I had even an iota of discipline   buried somewhere deep within my being so that I would train more thoroughly for the event. And yet, with all of these difficulties   and incapacities of mine, I still wouldn't miss these marathons for the world. In conclusion, I really   have to send my most sincere thanks to the organisers (who did all the hard work and didn't get to play), and my congratulations to all of the other participants, but particularly to those very few brave   souls who were behind even me   but somehow still managed to finish the race.

Sarada

Swimming Lake Windermere. (Notes from a swimmer accompanying a pair attempting to canoe the length of the lake. )

Roger and I had discussed the possibility of lake Windermere the previous year. It amounts to a 10.5 mile swim through picturesque mountain scenery in water with a summer temperature of 14 to 15 degrees. Last weekend everything finally came together. An unusual event featuring a musical concert led by Suswara in a vast candle lit cave in one of the hills overlooking the lake brought together about 15 disciples. Roger had brought up his canoe and together with Jim who would act as paddler we set about making a few modifications. As things stood the canoe was liable to capsize drowing the crew and more worryingly sending swimming gear, phones and cameras to the bottom of the lake. This was cunningly solved by the the addition of a spar and two empty plastic containers attached to the ends. The addition of a copper pole with an orange flag fluttering on top completed the safety requirements set down by the lake warden.

I had contacted them about the swim expecting to find all sorts of red tape about being allowed to swim in the lake. They were actually extremely supportive and went as far as suggesting the best route and direction. This would be to hug the shoreline and keep to the east of the islands in the middle close to where the steamers ran. The prevailing wind is normally from the south but the weather forecast was predicting a north westerly breeze so we elected to start from the north. In order to bring the canoe back afterwards this meant leaving one car at the other end. I spent a restless night in the Youth Hostel the night before as one often does before these events. It was hard to sleep and this was not helped by the springs in youth hostel beds that creak madly each time you so much as breathe. Poor Jim in the bed below was probably cursing me.

With regard to the swim I was fairly confident that I could complete the distance and the water temperature was quite pleasant compared to the freezing north sea that I had been training in over the previous two weeks. I had completed longer and more arduous swims but that knowledge does nothing to dispel the butterflies and anxious moments. On the morning I think my helpers were so inspired and enthusiastic about getting going that there was no time for any doubts or delays. By 8.30 the canoe was in the water and loaded up with hot thermos flasks, warm clothing and snacks for those in and out of the water.

It was a beautiful sunny day and as expected there was a nice breeze coming down behind us making our makeshift flag look quite regal against the lush green hills. Five minutes later I jumped in to the lake clad in swimming trunks and my yellow cap. As best as I could I made for a castle on the other side. From that point on Roger had decided that the best route would be to follow the shoreline down to the islands at the half way point. As I brought my head round to each side to breathe there would be that wonderful pure smell of fresh water tinged with cold vegetation and then I would look down into the dark green water and see the tiny specks of plant matter looming up toward me. When the sun shone the surface of the water went a light green colour against the dark green of the depths and the little specks in the water seemed to stream past my goggles. The water had a curious faint sweetness I could taste when the drops sometimes entered my mouth as I breathed to each side.

The experience of swimming in fresh water is markedly different from the sea. On the lake you are surrounded by beautiful scenery and a whole array of things of interest. There are woodlands and large houses at the end of immaculate lawns stretching down to the water. The tree lined pathways with private landing jetties and little islands lend wa magical quality to it. In the sea on the other hand a lot of the time there is no view and you spend your time looking down into a cold grey murk. In addition to that you can be made nauseous and sea sick by the movement of the waves. Then there is the salt which causes chafing and your tongue and mouth to swell from the drops of sea water that you inevitably swallow. Of course this is not the only side to the sea, there is the sheer exhilaration of swimming in the waves and the feeling of being at one with the elements. Sometimes if swimming near the coast there can be beautiful views of cliffs and the deep blue skies against the shimmering sun drenched surf. The salt water also makes you more buoyant which is easier on the muscles over a longer distance. Whatever the case you enter into a very different environment as a swimmer. You may be only metres away from friends and support but you feel in another world emotionally.

Water has always been associated with the feelings and deeper intuitive urges of our nature. Your view is restricted to looking out of goggles that are often misted up and distort the vision at the best of times. As you twist your head to one side to breathe you only have a split second to interpret what you see. A few seconds later you have another chance to build up a better idea as you twist your head back again but this time you may be lower or higher down due to the waves and the object of your attention may have disappeared. What may have looked like an elephant just behind you turns out to be an island in the distance and what appeared to be something like the decorated ceiling of a church just to one side of you turns out to be some poles on the boat with some light reflected off a window. The feeling of confusion caused by goggles and movement of water is further exacerbated by the fact that you are in an almost soundless environment under your swimming cap. In fact I've found that low flying military jets overhead are about the only thing that can break into that space. What you do hear is your own breathing as you lift your head up to inhale and then a soothing surging sound as you exhale sending a stream of bubbles into the murkiness of it all.

On the emotional and psychological level there is a similar stirring up of feelings. There is the sense of isolation as well as the feeling of being burdened and having a task to fulfil that others around you seem to be free from. You wish you could be the man strolling along the beach or the tourist hanging over the rails of a small ferry. All the time you know that there is no escape and that you cannot stop and pack it all in. It is cold and uncomfortable and the times and distances seem too much. Inevitably you ask yourself if there is any point in the whole thing. You are not in extreme discomfort but enough not to want to continue for another 5 hours or 10 hours or however long it is likely to take. Feelings towards family, friends and loved ones are thrown into sharp relief as you realise just how important they are to you and how painful it would be to lose them or cause them any suffering. These worries, fears and anxieties seem to revolve about as your mind moves from one thought to another but they slowly give way as you get bursts of energy and moments of intense joy and well being.

As the event progresses and you have some mileage and time under your belt the goal comes into a clearer focus. Physical tiredness and muscle ache start to set in but you know deep down that you will complete the distance. Time starts to pass by much more quickly and the tricky feelings and emotions seem to fade away leaving you in touch with a core of inner strength. There is a curious relationship between helper and swimmer in the early stages. As soon as you start and especially at the beginning you feel very dependent on the helpers who are with you. They are your lifeline to normality and to you they are in a safe zone away from this battleground of fears, isolation and physical discomfort. You really want them to take control of looking after you, telling you when it it is time for your drinks and deciding on the route and everything to do with the outer body of the event. However as a helper you feel quite beholden to the swimmer as if they are the ones in charge and you are just secondary. You fear doing something wrong or disturbing them in some way. This couldn't be further from the truth as all you want is their feeling of oneness and support for you. You don't want them to feel any anxiety towards you. I've noticed on the channel swims that the best thing is when they are very visible and are looking at you. If they disappear from sight it is quite depressing and best is also if they appear happy and not concerned. In your slightly confused state if you see them standing up and pointing at something you immediately start to think there must be something dangerous up ahead like a submerged live electricity cable that has surfaced just in front of you or some unusual and dangerous sea creature.

We made it across to the shore with the castle quite quickly. This was a relief as we had to pass across the route taken by the steamers carrying hundreds of people up and down the lake. By chance over that half hour period we had obviously managed to go in between the sailings. Much was going through my mind but I felt reasonably strong as we went in close to the densely wooded shore.

After about an hour I signalled that it was time for a hot carbohydrate drink and for them to decide when each hour had passed and to inform me the drinks were ready. Jim smiled and handed me the white drinking bottle which was full to the brim. It was too much liquid but was probably good to take on plenty at this early stage. I told Jim that it could be much less and could be a wee bit warmer too next time. Luckily it was a calm and beautiful day which meant they were having a good time. By the time the next hour came along Roger was looking relaxed and was consulting the map to check our position and the best route. We were amongst some yachts and islands on the western side of the like next to the town of Windermere and Bowness. A welcome drink appeared and as I took it I noted that at that particular point I could touch the bottom with my toes. A few minutes earlier as I had been swimming I noticed long spindly weeds growing up from the bottom and gently scraping along my arms implying it was quite shallow. In a lake that is not an unpleasant feeling whereas at sea if it is not seaweed then it is usually the tendrils of a jelly fish which will result in a slight sting something similar to walking through stinging nettles. Having completed 2 hours I knew that the halfway point couldn't be far away and of course in my mind I imagined that it was possible that we had already crossed it. My energies seemed to go through a slight low but then I started to think that I had completed 7 or 8 swims of 9 miles in the pool and this was only 1.5 miles longer so it should be possible. My speed picked up quite well as we left the islands and headed out into the middle of the lake. There seemed to be quite a few of the smaller steamers crusing by on either side of us. They were giving us a wide berth so the orange flag on the copper pole was standing us in good stead. When I gave it to Roger I realised it was a wonderful lightning conductor so we agreed that at the first clap of thunder we would ditch it. In fact the night before the forecast had mentioned thunder but there was certainly no sign of it. The canoe went through a small area in the middle of the lake bounded by 4 red buoys and a danger marker in the middle. I was suddenly scared to swim through this and was sure that it was some kind of submerged wreck full of explosives from the war but it turned out just to be a very shallow area as I looked down and saw brown sand underneath me. At the third hour I asked for some banana as I was starting to feel a bit hungry and was going through a slightly slow patch.

We rounded another headland and I noticed that the flag was flying in the other direction showing that the wind had changed to the south meaning that we were going into it. The water was certainly more choppy and they told me later that it was hard to paddle at this stage. A small motor boat appeared and a man watched us for a while before saying a few things to Roger. I thought he was complaining about something but decided not to stop and just to plough on. Later I heard it had been the lake warden coming to check everything was alright and if we needed help. He had said we were making good progress and had completed about 7 miles. I didn't hear any of this of course as I prefer not to know the distances - that way I can invent things in my mind and don't have to deal with the reality of it.

At the 4th hour we were nestling in close to the eastern shore near some jetties and canoeists. The wind was rustling in the trees near by as I took a longer break and a good long drink. I started to feel quite a muscle ache now and definitely slowed down. In my head I had decided it was probably about another 3 miles or 1.5 hours swimming. After 20 minutes Roger informed me there was only another 2km left. I calculated that it was only 8 lengths more than a mile in the swimming pool and it would only take me 40 minutes. Actually thinking about it now I realise I had miscalculated and in fact in the pool it would have taken me about 35 minutes at the most.

My stroke rate went up quite considerably and I felt strong again. It's amazing how the sense of joy and relief at hearing that kind of news can take away all your physical aches and pains. I saw a building in the distance in the sunlight and Roger informed me that it was on the other side of the lake from where we would finish but about the same distance. I know from experience that these things can seem close but the harder you swim the more they start to recede into the distance. It's almost as if you have to get close enought to the object to seewhat it really is before you realise how far away it is.

After 5 hours and 18 minutes we reached the landing jetty at Fell Foot park which marks the end of the lake. Roger and Jim navigated the canoe onto the landing stage and gave me thunderous applause although it was really them that deserved it. There had been a great bonding as they canoed the length of the lake and I swam it. Each time they pulled on the paddles I watched and felt that we were making progress. It's a great way to help in an event rather than being in a car or sitting down on the sidlines. At that point all that remained was to get dry, load up the canoe and jump into Roger's car. Everything had gone so smoothly that the fact Roger had left his car key in his bag at the other end of the lake was passed off as being just 'the nature of the beast'. (Note from Roger - if the photos I took actually come out, they will be added shortly!)

 

I was still suffering from having just arrived the previous night by plane from England, but I can say that the marathon certainly cured my jet lag!

At first I was holding back as I'd been injured and hadn't been able to run at all for four weeks before the marathon. I was sticking to a ten minute pace then in the third lap I joined Suswara who was doing a run/walk thing; I started doing that too and it really helped.

I turned he race into a social event, finding different people and groups of people to run with - some   complained that every time they saw me I was talking or laughing and seemed to be having way too much fun. Whatever way you need to take to get to the finish, I'l take it!

I ran with Suswara, Karteek and Homagni for a long time. It was great; I had a very good experience. Usually the energy just runs out at some point, but this time as I was holding myself back a bit there were no major fatigue problems. I finished 26 minutes slower than my previous marathon, last year's Self Transcendence Marathon, but I was happy (considering I'd got off that plane at 8pm the night before, and I had a cold as well!). Back in England I'd told so many people that I was going to run a marathon that I just had to do it. Besides, if you don't run you have to be a helper and stay for three hours after the race clearing up - I prefer the pain of running to the pain of clean up!

I was very happy afterwards, recovered quickly and felt fresh again very soon after finishing.

My future plans are go get back to my old form and run 3.30 again. I intend to make a very serious comeback!

(editor's note: the above is transcribed from an interview with Devashishu in Suswara's sitting room, and as I don't do shorthand it isn't quite word for word, but its close! Thanks to Devashishu for allowing us the honour of an interview - we know its not easy for him to queeze it into his hectic work schedule.)

On 25th August I completed the Self Transcendence Marathon. Now this might not sound like such a big deal to many but for me it was a minor miracle. My last marathon was the New York in 2000, which I completed in a P.B. of 4.56.00. However, physically I struggled to recover from the race and for a few months running was problematic. When I was finally feeling myself again, I went out one morning full of enthusiasm, over did it and promptly got the first serious running injury of my life! The injury was to my hip flexor muscle, although it took me a year and numerous sports therapists to establish this fact. For the first year I couldn't even walk far without pain and virtually all exercise caused problems, so it was a case of pilates (good but dull) or nothing. During the second year cycling became possible and walking easier but running was still a complete no-no. It wasn't until half way through the third year, after months of treatment from a brilliant cranial osteopath, that I was finally able to start running again. Even then I had to be very careful, sticking to short runs a couple of times a week. Finally at the start of this year, I was introduced to the Egoscue exercises which focus on rebalancing posture, putting right bad habits that you have had for years. Through doing these regularly I was able to run more frequently and with less discomfort. At this point, encouraged by Sri Chinmoy, I started to do the Self Transcendence races again. It gave me so much joy to see my very slow times gradually improve over the weeks and I will never forget the feeling of absolute euphoria and gratitude when I completed my first 4 mile race. So it was that in April, with some trepidation, I signed up for the Self Transcendence Marathon due to take place in August. I knew that I would not be as prepared for it as I would normally like (four months is not really long enough to prepare for a marathon when 5 miles seems like an almighty challenge!) but I felt that if I could fit in some long runs over the summer, then I would at least be able to complete the course. Well, the long runs never materialised. For the first time in my life, I seemed to spend the whole of the summer under the weather. What with two infections, an upset back and stress at work, I arrived in New York with a maximum of 7 miles achieved on any single run. Not good! The thought of the impending marathon terrified me and filled my every waking and sleeping thought. In vain did I try to suppress images of the pain I was going to endure on August 25th. But I kept telling myself ' just start, you can always pull out when it gets too tough'. Not starting the race wasn't an option, I had promised I would do this so as long as I wasn't sick or injured, I would be on that start line. The dawn of the 25th finally arrived. Actually we were all up and out before the dawn to get to the 7am start on time. Anyway, I got to the start in time for Sri Chinmoy's pre race message. Unfortunatley I couldn't hear it as I was at the back of 750 runners but I felt his peaceful, meditative presence and as I crossed the start line, I saw his light flooded smile. After the first lap my body settled into the running and before I knew it, I was at the 8 mile mark, from then on it was all self transcendence as I was going further than I had run in nearly 4 years. It certainly wasn't hard to feel inspired as this course has to be the most perfect marathon course in the world. Each loop is 3 miles; long enough for you to feel you've achieved something with each lap, but short enough for you to survive until the medical tent if you get any problems. And boy is it beautiful. The course takes you round a lake, with the water glistening invitingly, and all around is nothing but trees. Only a couple of points are unshaded, so although it was a hot 'New York in August' day, to my knowledge no-one suffered from heat exhaustion. There are drink stations at each mile where you are guaranteed a roar of encouragement and once a lap you get to see Sri Chinmoy's huge smile, I was quite certain that this alone was enough to get me round the next lap. I also had my mother at the main drink/food station and although she claims to have done virtually nothing, her support was invaluable. Pretty soon I was at the half way point, okay so the leader was on his final lap but I didn't care. I knew that I would finish. Yes the second half was going to be considerably slower and I could already feel my body protesting, but I was going to complete the race! In all sincerity, I have rarely been happier. I'll admit that miles 15 to 20 were tough, but once I knew I only had two laps to go it was all joy. When I crossed the finish line in a personal worst of 6.09.00, I had the biggest grin on my face. When Sri Chinmoy called me up immediatley after to take my photo, I had tears running down my face as I tried to offer him all my gratitude. If it hadn't been for his ceaseless encouragement and a good bit of grace from above, there is no way I'd have done a marathon this year. I also had the joy of seeing my sister complete her first marathon (noticeably quicker than me) and my father complete his umpteenth despite an ongoing hip problem. It was a really great day. Next year I will have to concentrate on time again and try to improve on my P.B., but for now, weeks later, I can still hardly believe that I did it. I work in a running shop (Run and Become, Become and Run) and as customers start to ask my time, I will proudly announce 6.09.00. Sure a few may look disgusted, but I know that the majority will share in my joy of completion. If nothing else, none of our customers need ever feel intimidated by our shop as they know they can all complete a marathon quicker than at least one of the staff! I almost forgot to mention the real miracle of the day; although just about every part of my body screamed with pain at some point, my old hip injury remained completely silent. If anyone is looking for a marathon to do next August in New York, believe me, this is the best marathon you will ever find. Shankara Smith London

The great day arrived and as usual no time to fret or worry, which is good.   To be at the lake at dawn is totally awesome.   The colour of the sky, all pink, is gently reflected on the lake, so beautiful.   A perfect start I would say.   For a while I drink in the fragrance of the early morning, the smell of the trees, and the beauty that is all around me.

Then it's time to go to the start line.

This time, I couldn't hear the pre-race prayer, but I could feel it.   The prayer and silence at the beginning seeps into you and carries you along.

Away we all go, smiling, happy faces.   At almost every turn there is some sort of inspiration.   The singers, people clapping and cheering you on, the water stations all so encouraging and cheerful.   I really liked the poem reading just beyond the main aid station,   I am not very fast and I have to stop quite a lot, and I had been out there for about five hours.   With three laps still to go, can you imagine my joy, when the poem at that time was: "Never give up.   The distance is shortening, the Goal is beckoning". (Sri Chinmoy).   It was like being lifted and it carried me right to the end.

Any marathon has to be an amazing experience, but the one at Rockland Lake is truly special.   Sure, there are bits that are tough, but the joy, inspiration and support that is given makes it a really remarkable one.

Many, many thanks to all you lovely people who supported and encouraged us, who fed us and took such first class care of us.

For the Grace that allowed me to finish, thank-you Sri Chinmoy.

This year I did my second Self Transcendence Marathon which was also my second ever marathon. I was looking forward to it; to see whether I was going to improve my time because I had done a bit more training than last year. Maybe it was not to the standard recommended in various training programmes but working till 6pm and then going to English classes didn't give me that much time.

Anyway, I felt very happy, getting   up early in the morning (3.45am) in order to allow myself time to get to Rockland Lake. It was a very peaceful morning and when we came to the start, Sri Chinmoy was also there to encourage us and give us his inner blessing. The race started and everyone was full of energy, about 750 of us. I was trying to set my own pace which would keep me running as much as possible. I was stopping only at the water stations, which were positioned about every mile, to get some isotonic drink and water alternately in order not to dehydrate myself. Seaweed providing salt was also available, so these things helped me considerably throughout the race.

I passed 15 miles and after that my muscles became very stiff and tense, which was also painful, so I had to do some stretching exercises and also some walking which was in fact more painful for me because my knees were hurting more than when I ran. Some unexplainable pain in my left arch was also present some of the time, so my battle actually started after I'd done half marathon. What helped me a lot was that there were people cheering you up, many of them I didn't know at all. Sri Chinmoy was also there and every 3 miles, which was one lap, I could see him and express my inner gratitude to him. The second to last lap was the worst because I felt like I had enough strength to finish just one more lap and then go and have a rest.

Luckily I didn't give up and managed somehow to complete the marathon. I'm sure there were people who probably had worse pain than I did and I really admire them. It took much longer for them to finish the marathon but they did it. My time was 5.50.19 and it was half an hour batter than my previous result. I wanted to do it much better but then I was very, very happy that I did it at all. I am defiantly going to train harder for the next one. Sri Chinmoy wrote a considerable amount of poems dedicated to running, some of them set to music. They are really inspiring and sometimes I sing them during my run which gives me great joy and encouragement to continue and transcend myself with what I am already doing.

Sladjana Vracar
Belgrade

For the first time I was able to attend the race from the start. Usually I work at Run and Become during the day and then go on to the race to do the midnight to midday counting shift. But this time I was lucky.

 

It was interesting to see how the race started easily with a low key atmosphere and then, as darkness descended, became more intense and electric. It was as if with the challenge of running through the night came an extra strength and energy. At this time the rest of the world ceases to exist and its just the runners, counters and helpers and together they create this amazing atmosphere. I always feel it   as soon as I arrive at the track in the evening after work and found myself a little surprised in the first few hours because it wasn't there. Then I realised it only comes when it is needed. Ultras are really unlike any other races. The competition is between the runner and the distance not the individual competitors. A successful 24 hour race depends on everyone working together: the lap counters have to communicate with the runners and offer support, encouragement (and accurate lap recording!); the runners support each other and it is not uncommon to see pairs going round together in the middle of the night, keeping each other awake and entertained. Then the helpers and track side refreshment team need to offer not only food and drink but smiles and cheers.

 

This year my job was score board. It took me about 20mins each hour to update the score board so that the runners could see how far they had gone. Then the rest of the hour was free, so I could check out how things were going in the counting area, chat to the refreshment people, or just watch the runners (quite hypnotic, you can do it for hours!). I got to see the runners like Tarit Stott, digging deep down to find the power to get back on the track after injury threatened muscles or stomach upsets had taken them into the warmth of the medical room. And at about 6.30am we were all rewarded for night of no sleep with the most beautiful sunrise, I have never seen a sky painted so beautifully in pink and blue. Then before I knew it we had reached 24 hours and the race was done for another year.

 

I have never run a 24 Hour race but I have helped at many over the years and each time the race draws to an end, I feel such happiness and pride in the runners. I may not have run a step but I have been part of the support group and feel I can fully share in the runners' achievements. Its a case of real oneness. Its then that I appreciate why Sri Chinmoy puts such emphasis on these long races. Not only do people transcend their limitations but everyone involved works together and created an atmosphere of enthusiasm, support and respect. All things that this world needs more of right now.

 

Shankara Smith

Perhaps it wasn't the most auspicious way to start the day. Certainly it was not the way I had envisioned the morning of the day of my first ever marathon. I was willing to forgive the fact that I was being forced to rise slightly earlier than my body clock was used to since I had done the preparation - all 'runners feed bottles' filled with energy drink, tick. Orthotics in correct running shoes, tick. Breakfast in suitable container to be eaten in car, tick. Bag of necessities donated by friend, i.e. tissues, tissue salts, chocolate, tick. Clothes sitting on chair, ready to be thrown on, tick. What could possibly go wrong?

 

 You think that leaving at 5am would be early enough to get anywhere on time. So how was it, suddenly we were sitting in a traffic jam that was not moving. After listening to a short conversation between the other passengers, it seemed very much touch and go as to whether we would arrive in time for the 7am start. Strange things happen to ones brain at this point, it is too early in the morning to feel emotion, in which case, is it so bad if we miss the start, or indeed the whole race? Hmm, but I have put in the training, oh but its not fair if I'm cheated out of my first pre-marathon chats with other marathonees.

 

As luck would have it, after passing the offending truck which was artfully impaled onto the side of the highway, we screeched up to the start with two minutes to spare. With bags flying, I jump out of the car, a quick visit to the Porto sans during which I hear the loud voice of the megaphone; 'Please make your way to the start immediately, the race will start in one minute, I repeat..' Okay, okay, I understand! I rush to the start line, everything is quiet, people standing looking reflective. I realise that the founder of this particular marathon is giving a pep talk before setting us all off, unfortunately we at the back are unable to hear the much needed words of wisdom. Well, never mind, I've made it to the start! Quietly I close my eyes and join in with the feeling. I send up a prayer. Then suddenly there is sound and movement all around. I and all the runners start out race. I know not what to expect, but I do feel the excitement. Off I run and it feels good.

 

Dipika Smith

London

 

I did not run, but poured water for the runners.   Due to an injury I sustained back in May I found I was unable to train in time for the Self-Transcendence Marathon on August 25th.   I was quite disappointed because I have completed the course twice and was aiming for a P.B.   However, I was glad to be able to help those transcending themselves around Rockland Lake.  

During the hours I spent at the course I saw the runners, for the most part, wearing smiley faces.   Standing in one spot, I was surprised how quickly everyone kept coming round again and again.   When I looked to the other side of the lake I could see the 3 mile loop was no small distance.

The hours passed by quickly for me.   I remember remarking to myself that the hours passed by somewhat more slowly during those times I had run the course myself!   Seeing the runners finish gave ME a sense of sarisfaction, especially when seeing them wearing their finishers' medals.   Job well done!

Stefanie

After a hard day's work in a specialist running shop on the busiest day of the week all you want to do is go home to bed. On a recent Saturday, however, that was not an option. It was the annual Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race at Tooting Bec track and I was counting the runners for the 2nd shift - midnight Saturday to midday Sunday.



After a brief stop at home to shower and put on all the warm clothes I possess, I headed to the racetrack. As I approached I could see the floodlights through the trees illuminating the unique scene on the track. By then, the runners had been going for nearly 10 hours. Some had dropped already, some looked like they were about to and the rest were resolutely plodding on. Relieving the weary day shift counters, I took my place beside my cheery night shift companions, all of whom had also finished a busy day at work. And so the counting began.

Concentration is essential. You can laugh, joke and sing with the other counters but just don't miss your runners. It also helps if you're not too mathematically challenged as calculating multiple lap splits at 4 am can get a little tricky. I made it my aim not to miss my runners even once even though at times they tried to fool me by changing clothes or putting on a hat. Their favourite trick was to come round in exactly double their normal lap split. For example, if they were doing steady 3.30 minute laps, they would occasionally throw in a 7 minute lap just to make me think I'd missed a lap. The excuses were normally something like "I had to change my shoes" or "I was getting something to eat". Once when I shouted "Where have you been?" I got the reply "None of your business!"

And so the night went on. In spite of our regular repetitions of "It's getting light now", "Don't you think it's lighter than it was before?" and "I think it's getting lighter", it remained dark for a very long time. When the dawn eventually came it was magnificent. Striking pink and orange. Suswara (chief lap counter) announced to the counting shed "You can't see it but there's a beautiful sunrise happening behind you" and then panicked as we ran out to watch it, leaving 30 or so runners unattended. (We were back at our posts within seconds - we're professionals after all).



When my fellow night shift counters started to be replaced so they could grab a few hours well-earned rest, I found I was too wired to follow them. Either the inspiration of watching all those runners pushing back the barriers was keeping me awake or it was the coffee, tea, chocolate, sandwiches and biscuits I'd been consuming all night. I was also much too attached to the runners I was counting to even dream of letting someone else take over. I'd been with them this far and I was going to stay with them until the bitter end.

My female runner reached the 100 mile mark and my male runner reached the 100 km mark at exactly the same time. It was a beautiful thing. But for me perhaps the most beautiful moment of the whole event was at 8 am on Sunday morning, when a Starbucks Grande Americano materialised on the table before me. Sahadeva, patron saint of coffee drinkers was responsible, and I offer him my everlasting gratitude.



Finally at midday the gun was fired to signify the end of the race and we all stood to applaud the runners heroic achievements, many of us with tears in our eyes. Physically and emotionally exhausted they thanked us for counting them and we praised their courage and determination. Happiness, gratitude and satisfaction were the prevailing emotions at the award ceremony.

The winner of the women's race turned 63 that day and when we gave her a cake she said, "This is the best birthday I've ever had."

There is a runner who we call "Smiler" because at previous 24 hour races he smiles throughout. And this race was no exception. After the event, looking through the many photos that had been taken, I couldn't find a single shot of him with anything other than a huge smile on his face.

When I left the track that Sunday I was smiling just like him. In the words of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the event:

Runners are smilers, runners
Theirs are the victory banners
Happiness-flowers, oneness-towers
Runners are smilers, runners
A new world builders




Arpita's reflections on just being a helper:

As far as challenges go, running round a 400 metre track for 24 hours must rate amongst the toughest.   Unfortunately, this particular running experience is not for me, but I play my small part by helping out in any way I can.

Having worked the usual busy Saturday at Run and Become in Edinburgh, I flew down to Heathrow, endured the hot and stuffy London tube to arrive at Tooting Bec track around 9pm.   The race started at 12 noon.   It's such a sharp contrast between the hectic rush of the day and arriving at the track.



The patter of runners' feet as they run lap, after lap, after lap, after lap, after lap creates an oasis of calm.   Not what you would expect from such a gruelling race, and make no mistake, these runners are all pushing themselves well beyond the comfort zone.   However, the oneness between the runners and helpers all working towards the same goal: to create the perfect race for each runner, really gives this race its unique atmosphere.

Runners include the immortal Don Ritchie, the amazingly sprightly 71 year old Geoff Oliver and the ever cheerful poised Dan Coffey (73 years old) and Peter Zuidema, from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, Holland.   The women include the again immortal Hilary Walker as well as Jill Green (63 years old) Susan Clements and Helga Backhaus from Berlin who chat away while they run effortlessly round the track.   It seems a pity to select some runners and not others because each runner has their own story and their own inspiration, but I do so only because some of these runners are familiar to me from previous years and others definitely deserve a mention.

My husband, Tarit Adrian Stott definitely deserves a big mention from me as I know the time and commitment, which he gives to his running but this year he wasn't at his fittest and had just come to see what he can do!   Famous last words from a competitive ultra runner!   He managed 100 miles, which in the circumstances was great.   He would probably say otherwise!

Behind the scenes the calm efficiency of Ongkar Tony Smith, the race organiser; the encouraging cheerfulness of the counting crew; the caring service of the refreshment crew all combine to make a flawless race.   No ultra would be complete without a timekeeper and a statistician and Don Turner as usual worked selflessly behind the scenes to provide his customary excellent services.   Also Ian Champion, the Race Referee, with tireless perfection ensured that as runners reached their 100 miles (a significant goal in any 24 hour race) they were recorded.  

This race is truly legendary and definitely leaves you inspired to train more for whatever your particular goal is, whether it's two miles or "beyond the marathon".

9 is smaller than 26.2!

The local marathon in my city is two laps of a half-marathon course.   I work in a specialist running store and many customers comment that they find it mentally tough to have to cover the same ground again in the second lap.  

Just before I went to New York for the Self-Transcendence Marathon in Rockland State Park, my co-workers and I would tell customers that we were going to run a 9-lap marathon course. They would look at us as if we were, quite frankly, completely crazy, imagining, I suppose, 9 times the torture for 9 laps compared with 2!

I really like the 9-lap course though, and here are 9 reasons why:

1.   9 is a much smaller number than 26.2 so I could spend the day before the marathon telling my mind that I was only going out for a 9 lap run and strictly avoiding allowing it to think either the word "marathon" or the number "26.2".
2.   You get really excellent support with water stations approximately every mile, and medical/massage etc every 3rd mile, plus saxaphone, drums, singers, aphorisms, clappers and cheerers at regular intervals.
3. You can leave all your psychological crutches (eg energy gels, sports drinks, band-aids, vaseline, pain-killers etc etc) in a reassuringly accessible spot at the side of the track.  
4. You get to see all your friends and say "hi!", sometimes several times, as they lap you or vice versa.
5.   It created a tremendous feeling of oneness as all the runners, fast or slow, were constantly flowing together in the same self-transcendence river.
6.   You get to see the beautiful views of the lake not once but 9 times.
7.   In the early stages of the race there was a tremendous feeling of dynamic joy on the course from the speed of the faster runners.   In the later stages of the race there was a feeling of deep inner peace and silence through the meditative concentration of the slower runners and walkers.   This striking and beautiful experience could only be had in a multi-lap course and I felt it was a real gift and helped to increase not only my feeling of oneness with my fellow runners but also my appreciation for and admiration of each and every one of them.
8.   In the early stages of the race (eg after 1 mile, 3 miles, 7 miles), passing the mile markers for the later laps (eg 1/2 marathon,   18miles, 26 miles...) made me feel that although I had only just begun my journey the goal ahead was already visible and therefore definitely attainable.   This gave me tremendous confidence , enthusiasm and joy.   In the middle stages when fatigue started to suggest that it would like to pay a visit, I found that passing the mile markers from the earlier laps (1 mile, 7 miles, 1/2 marathon...) made me feel how far I had already come from the start line and how distances that had earlier challenged the mind had already long ago surrendered.   This also gave me tremendous confidence,   enthusiasm and joy!
9.   We were blessed by being able to meditate all together before the race with Sri Chinmoy, who came personally to start the race.   He also remained somewhere on the course for the entire time, which meant a brief blessing-meditation for every runner every lap - a total of 10 blessing-meditations for everyone!

(That's one gratitude-reason for each lap!)

I'm already looking forward to next year........

Fran

First Marathon.


Morning came around early with a 3.30 meditation. Feeling calm, energised and inspired, my first marathon beckoned and I have to say I was thrilled at the prospect. These feelings quickly transformed into a mild panic as I discovered a complete absence of running shoes!

A mid-Celebration move to a permanent NY address had been completed (less one pair of trainers) a couple of days earlier and the morning of the race started with a dash to my previous address to get fully equipped.
Training had gone well and on the strength of that and the encouragement of my seasoned runner and smiler brothers in the British and Irish Centres, I was ready.

In my 2 years as a student of Sri Chinmoy, I've seen grace working in many wonderful and surprising ways. The transformation from lethargic couch potato to inspired marathon runner is perhaps one of the more striking in the outer world.

As we stood at the start line, Sri Chinmoy meditated and prepared us inwardly for the challenge ahead. Throughout my training I had visualised Sri Chinmoy and found this to be a source of boundless joy, energy, power and enthusiasm. To run the Self-Transcendence Marathon now, and to see my teacher outwardly as well, was truly amazing.

All my brothers had urged me not to go out too fast, so I started out at a steady 7.45 pace. I had felt quietly confident before the race, but a few nerves crept in as we got underway as this was all unchartered territory. Lacking experience, I was struggling to find the balance between enthusiasm and caution. Then I found myself in step with Ambarish from Ireland, who I'd gone for a few long runs with prior to the race and who'd given me many invaluable tips. As the pace picked up, we joined two more brothers and the joy of running the next 4 or 5 laps was the heart of the race for me. We seemed to find a rhythm and somehow we became a unit-the miles fairly flew by.

Around 18 or 19 miles, the group broke and the race became a little tougher. A little later again and I came to know the experience called the 'wall'. Obviously, I'd heard of it, and even thought I'd felt it a bit in training- my longest run had been 21 miles. I felt that it had probably been hyped and that it wouldn't be too bad. A little further along and I was proved spectacularly wrong! The power in my legs seemed to 'mysteriously' disappear, to be replaced by pain and occasional cramps. My mind began to produce doubt-waves and my performance deteriorated further.

This was countered by something from Sri Chinmoy I'd seen on a T-shirt, along the lines that impossibility must bow to determination. Now it was a battle to maintain even a wobbly trot, it was   my teacher's face in my inner vision which soothed the pain and kept me going.

It really was a race of two parts as Roger from Cardiff had mentioned earlier. The first 20 miles and the last 6. My mind was producing rubbish with such ferocity that when on the last lap at the funnel to the finishing line, I had grave doubts that I'd actually completed the full distance. It was only a full ½ hour of feeling like a fraud after crossing the line, that certain runners came in and I was certain I'd run the full 26 miles 385 yards. Bizarre! Finishing time 3 hr 32 mins.

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the runners and helpers who made this a truly memorable and joyous experience, and to my beloved teacher who made it all possible.

Love and Gratitude,
Steve (Cambridge)

Sri Chinmoy A.C. Self Transcendence 24 Hour Race 2003 (11&12 October)



Dan Coffey, ultrarunner & much valued friend of the Sri Chinmoy AC.

This was a continuation of the race last held in 2000, cancelled in 2001 due to 9/11; the following year postponed to allow the 100 mile track race to honour Don Ritchie's world mark of so many years ago - 25 I believe!

 Despite rumours, the Self Transcendence / Sri Chinmoy race is now back on the list so don't believe anything to the contrary!!

This race was first held at New River Stadium, North London for two years before being moved to Copthal Stadium where Don Ritchie ran an astonising 166 miles; then moved to Kingsmeadow Stadium, Kingston where the recording marshall's tent was blown away in very windy conditions; moved to Tooting Bec where it has been held ever since; it might be worth remembering that on the last occasion it rained for the first 23 hours of this event. What would this year bring? I was mulling over these thoughts as I sat lost in the one way raffic system at Streatham with just under an hour and a half to go and still wondering whether there was any truth in the magnificent write up in Runners World re the Hull 24 hour event in July that that was the only 24 hour race being promoted in the UK this year.

However I had total faith in Ongkar Tony Smith, Race Director, who had invited me; he surely would not have left me lost in a one way system if there was no race as erroneously reported! Finally I extricated myself from the system and promptly got lost again; now reslved that I would only stick to the track as I could only go two ways without mch chance of getting lost. I comforted myself with the knowledge that I had packed a silva compass in case I got in trouble on the track, at least I would be able to spot magnetic north and work it out from there! At last I arrived at the track and parked my trusty steed then prepared myself for the coming onslaught; was greeted by many very fit and young looking competitors including the President of the RRC Don Ritchie MBE. I asked him how he would go and he replied that he would be taking it easy as he was getteing on; I believed him, what a mistake!

 Also spoke to David Green about whether numbers were required front and back - he was not sure as this was his first atempt at this kind of race. Fortunately Ongkar had arranged a short but informative briefing about half an hour before the start which answered most of my questions as every race is different. After a week of windy weather I was certain that it would be a continuation of the same but Ongkar Tony Smith had promised good weather and he was a person who kept his word. There was no wind on the Saturday just bright sunshine and warm too; this could not last. It did not, as the night became cold, damp towards dawn, and the night seemed to go on for a very long time. The birds got up at dawn, sang their songs and prmptly went back to bed but finally a new day dawned, the Sun finaly got up, so did the wind and a chill breeze but we wereon the way home by then and nothing could stop us!

Noon arrived and it was all over yet again; if only I had had a few more hours what I could have achieved: at least another mile!

Thanks:

Firstly the lap counters, I had only two, to my knowledge, for the whole time and I had total confidence in them and remembered to thank them. This is the most arduous of tasks as one has to be always alert and polite to a runner who is tired and does not know whether they have been noticed or not. Then those good folk who work behind the scenes preparing hot food and having it available almost at the drop of a hat with a welcoming smile. The magnificent support staff who supplied me with endless cups of tea when I could not digest anything. PS I must remember to get the recipe for bean bake, it smelled so appetising and I was able to manage tw spoonfuls of an excellent meal (I did not waste any as Ken Shaw, Father of the 24 hours event who had turned up to lok after me was able to finish it up and still give very vocal support to all the other runners).

The handlers for the other runners who were always available to urge one on as you passed their "patch" - always the word of encouragement even though one did not know them and this went on for every hour of the race. If you have never done an ultra then this is where you will find true comradeship, friendship and real honesty. Lastly but not the least, mention must be made of the Race Director who updated the leader board every hour and organised the four hour turnround with the help of the race referee Ian Champion, RRC, who kept a very sensible eye on the event the whole time. Finaly the official timekeeper Don Turner, also RRC, who with his assistant made sure that the clock was always running and ensured all the intermediate distances including the most important 100 miles times for the fortunate ten runners rigtht up to the end, and then measured all the final bits of laps around the track for the last minute or so.

The Reader might be forgiven at this stage for wondering what the runners, walkers and shufflers were doing all this time so now I will finish with a resume of activities on the track. The RAce Before the first four hour change of direction it was apparent that Don Ritchie and eof Oliver were not out for an afternoon stroll, with Garth Peterson who believe3 was third in the earlier Hul event they were establishing their credenials. All comparatively young runners, Gath (RRC) 40, Don (Moray R) 59 and Geoff (100 Km Association) a mere 70! Several other runners were to feature in the final analysis including Brian King and Timothy Rayney who bided their time.

Just in case the reader thought that this was a Man's race I must draw your attention to Sandra Brown (Surrey Walkers Club) who walked the whole way and topped 100 miles yet again. She has now done well over 100 24 hour events so is just getting the hang of this event (a few weeks earlier achieved her best position ever in the classic Paris to Roubaix walk, finishing in 6th place!). Also Jane Janman (RRC) another Hull contender who quietly just gets on with it. There were so many individuals who achieved their own greatness whom I should mention but if I do

I will undoubtedly miss out someone who quietly achieved their own personal target and should have got a mention; suffice to say that to me it was an honour to be permitted to take part in such an epic adventure of courage and for some delving into the realms of the unknown. This is why it is called the (Self Transcendence Event). One thinks that it could be possible and then allows the body and mind to prove that it is really possible to achieve. There is a truly magnificent feeling afterwards of achievement.

Of course one hurts both during and after the event but this fades into insignificance on a personal result. Consider Don Ritchie who looked to be on course for somehting fantastiv yet had problems with his feet but still won the event with 117 miles plus. Consider Geoff Oliver who set a new world best for 100km for an over 70 year youngster with 11 hours 02 minutes 02 seconds and then went on to set a 12 hour world age best; I do not know what other records he broke on the way but it must be quite a few! He finally finished up 6th with a distance of nearly 106 miles.

Consider Tadeusz Syty cannot speak a word of English (from Poland) yet achieved an impossible 100 miles when it looked impossible; this was his third Sri Chinmoy race and his third 100 in this event! I will stop here as he was the last century maker in tenth place but this does not in any way belittle the achievements of all who competed and I apologise to all those not mentioned; you were carefully noted by one who now moves with the grace of an ancient sailing ship, becalmed, because I cannot go any faster.

Once again on behalf of all the competitors very grateful thanks to those magnificent folk who gave of their time and talents to enable us to participate in the sport that we love .......and this also includes the Physios, who were available to help when desperately needed.

DAN COFFEY