Day 16…Always Newness (July 3, Utpal)
Sergey has been one of the bright surprises of this years 3100 mile race. He has not had a lot of experience in multi day running only having competed in 4 multi day races in the past 5 years. His personal best of 627 miles in the 2016 10 day race hinted at the potential but over the past 15 days his performance here has blossomed.
5 days ago he comfortably ran past that mark of 627 miles and as of this morning, as he starts day 16 he has 911 miles completed. Every new step taking him further and further into personal self transcendence. When we met this morning I joked with him. I asked if he had at last got the hang of the race yet or did he need a few more weeks. “A lot has happened but it has not become any easier.”
“Every day new surprises and new experiences, and new tests. Because of that the race is becoming more and more interesting to me. You don’t know what to expect. Always newness. It forces you to be in good condition, good spirit, and good form.”
“Every day you have to solve new problems, on a physical level, on a mental level, and on a psychic level. But it is good that this race has with it many experienced runners. Who have already overcome this arduous challenge, and they are giving me lots of support.”
“They very gladly and easily share their experience and help me in my hardest moments. Their presence here touches and inspires me.”
“Even though I only have 4 hours of sleep. It is so amazing how fast my body adjusts itself and I find new strength to get up and run again.”
