June 14, Utpal: A Chance To Make Progress
This is the 19th summer that a group of runners has gathered on this sidewalk here in Queens NY to embark upon a monumental challenge. Each has been summoned by some deep inner call within themselves to come and run for 18 hours a day, and do what is nearly impossible for most of us to even comprehend, complete 3100 miles within 52 days.
There is a tangible and profound sense of peace that spreads out well beyond the limited dimensions of the concrete as they, and all those gathered around and about them, meditate in a brief silence before the start. There is no shouting, no awkward demonstration of bravado, no trivial display of strength and cunning. This is not that kind of race where this kind of mind set or behavior could possibly help. Each runner has to pull from within themselves enduring qualities that are well above and beyond just strength of mind and talent of the human body. Time and again it has been shown by all who run here, that this race has more to do with the unbounded power of spirit within than the limited capacity of mind and muscle.
But it also must be noted that this impossible Self Transcendence task of running 3100 miles has been completed 131 times over the past 18 years. 37 different athletes have come and found within themselves the strength, courage, and inner resourcefulness to complete the distance. But of course just to stand at the line and strive and to endure its unbelievable challenge makes a champion of all who come and take part.
Read more http://perfectionjourney.org/2015/06/14/june-14-a-chance-to-make-progress/#more-43561
