Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race

During the heart of the great depression, in 1930, the city of New York built a water tower to supply the needs of its growing suburban population. For 70 years it was kept full, from a pump beside it, that reached deep into the ground beneath Queens to tap a vast aquifer beneath the borough. Rapid urbanization has its pitfalls and by the year 2000 the water below it was no longer considered safe to drink. At that time Queens was then able to tap into the upstate reservoirs, that already supplied drinking water to most of the city. For 10 years this Jamaica landmark has stood empty and worthless to the community that now looked elsewhere for its needs. After 80 years it is coming down today. For the next few days its demolition will create a snarl of traffic on 164th st and in turn have an affect on traffic throughout the neighborhood. This project will have no impact on the runners or the running of the race. Read more

Today marks the first day of summer for several billion inhabitants of the Northern Hemisphere.  For most of us, these astronomical calculations are significant markers for many of our life’s plans.  Both the summer and winter solstice often has a major affect upon our strategy and attitude about the coming weeks that lie ahead.  No doubt on some deep and molecular level our bodies also make some small but significant adjustments to the amount, or lack of light, that we do and we do not receive from the sun.   Let us not forget also, how the moon’s orbit subtly pulls upon us as well. In other words, as the universe moves around and about us our physical beings have no choice but to be uncontrollably caught up in the swirl and flow of nature’s rhythms. To the 11 runners at the 3100 mile race the arrival of summer is just one of the many things, that we judge to be important, and yet has no particular significance to them whatsoever.  Ultimately they are not immune to the push and pull of the cosmos, but the only true orbit they control themselves and consider of any real importance, is the continuous motion of their own bodies circling around the loop.  They need to make at least 110 laps on the course before they can even think of slipping back into the warm embrace of sleep. Read More…

Archived – click Post Title to view all. Day 20, 8.56 pm local time. Today is an extraordinary day meaning that I am mostly walking. I ran a few laps in the morning until my left foot called a strike. My Achilles tendon was tightened, knees and muscles were sore. I started with a jog trot, but had to give it up. So, I’ve been working since early morning. I have no idea what it might be. Maybe it has to do with the shoes. I felt some pressure around my knees for the last the few day but it was quite bearable. This morning it really started to hurt. Vajra massaged my legs, but it didn’t help. Our chiropractor Gaurish worked on my knees – to no avail. I applied olive oil, put cabbage leaves and bandaged my knees. Hopefully I’ll be able to run tomorrow. It was a good day-off for my body though. What can one do? There are good days and bad days. But the goal is always there and it’s beckoning us. As soon as I started walking, I felt such concern and care from all the runners and helpers. Everybody tried to be helpful. It’s so touching. We are one big family here. That’s what I like about the race most of all. The others are doing fine. It’s no so hot. Dharbasana has adjusted to the race and has been running consistently. Also, Purna-Samarpan has been doing his 111 lap norm for a few consecutive days. He is moving forward very…

More Jowan’s pictures here

And while driving the toy’s ears move ;)