Humbled Handler
Since 2005 I have always go over to New York to assist my friend Suprabha who annually runs the 3100 Mile Race. In brief, the 3100 is the longest certified footrace in the world, held by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and the runners run around 2 consecutive marathons a day for under two months. Some of the runners have friends or family helping them, commonly known as handlers, who prepare their drinks, food, vitamins etc. Being a handler, whilst comparatively is alot easier than running, still is quite alot of hard work, especially if the runner is encountering difficulties (bad weather, blisters, that sort of thing). So on the morning after the race had finished, after working the late shift all week, I was feeling quite happy with myself for going out jogging at 6:30am. I ran down to the course and deliberated running a token loop of the course (which is usually prohibited for handlers or friends while the race is underway, as with any length race, due to pacing etc.) There weren’t a lot of people around (since as I mentioned, I was out rather early) and I started out on the loop, feeling for myself the undulations and little hills that made the fatigued runners walk, listened to the hum of early commuters on Central Parkway.
I saw someone little coming towards me in the distance, I wasn't wearing my glasses so it took a while for them to come into focus and I realised it was Suprabha! She was out for a brisk walk, I couldn’t contain my surprise, I mean she has just been running on this block for 18 hours a day for weeks on end.
“Hello, what are you doing out, shouldn't you be recovering?"I asked.
“Well, if I don’t keep moving” she replied “ I'll stiffen up.”
I couldn't beleive it she is so tough yet so cute. Suprabha is really something and I felt honoured to have learnt so much from her over the years. I also felt pretty humbled, there I was patting myself on the back for being up early and running and she does it because she loves it and everything she has learned from her ultra distance running experiences. She revealed to me the heart of a true ultra-distance runner, continually moving forward even after the race. Traveling a journey of self discovery towards fulfillment and enlightenment.
“My aspiration-heart
And my dedication-life
Know that Infinity’s Light radiates
On each and every mile
Of Eternity’s Road”
