Day 218

The home stretch

August 4th, 2012



Pushkar approaches the finish line of the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race.

Day 218

Star shower

August 4th, 2012



Pushkar is the fourth runner to complete the race this year, and the crowd is no less enthusiastic than it was when Grahak first crossed the finish line five days ago.

Day 218

A righteous victory cake

August 4th, 2012


Day 218

Sri Chinmoy looks on

August 4th, 2012


Day 218

The thoughts of a runner

August 4th, 2012



This is how Arpan was freeing his mind from the rigors of the race today.

Day 218

A perilous perch

August 4th, 2012



Ashrita is training for a world's-tallest-pogo-stick record. He has to perform 30 consecutive bounces to qualify.

Day 218

Lunch on the go

August 4th, 2012



No time to sit around and eat!

Day 218

Returning to civilian life

August 4th, 2012



After 48 consecutive days of running — with every fiber of his being dedicated to this race — Pranjal reached 3100 miles yesterday. Today: photography!

Day 218

A bounty of basil

August 4th, 2012



As I passed by this woman's house, I asked her if that was Thai basil growing in her garden. She nodded yes, pantomimed an eating gesture, and pointed at me. I thought she just wanted me to taste it, so I picked off a leaf and popped it in my mouth. Apparently she meant for me to take more than that, though, because she came over to the garden and began pulling off stalk after stalk and shoving them into my hands; I already have a generous bundle here, and you can see she's still going back for more.

It was quite tasty, but I wasn't sure what to do with that much Thai basil. I ended up giving half of it to an Indian guy who called out to me as I walked past his house: "Hey, what's that in your hand?" I told him and offered him some; he smelled it and accepted nonchalantly, as if he regularly acquires surplus produce from strangers strolling by on the sidewalk.

I still had the other half in my hand when I got back to the racecourse at the end of the day, so I gave it to the chefs to use in the runners' meals. I like the idea of them being fed by the same neighborhood that consumes them.

Day 218

Black-eyed Susans

August 4th, 2012


Day 218

Reaching for sustenance

August 4th, 2012


Day 218

Portal of the day

August 4th, 2012



I'll say!

Day 218




Atmavir finishes tomorrow!