3 Marathons - 3 Times the Fun

The marathon has long been regarded as the pinnacle achievement of the running world and is mountain summit that Sri Chinmoy himself has scaled on 22 occasions. Therefore to celebrate Sri Chinmoy's 74th birthday on August 27 2005 his student from Australia pledged that they would collectively complete 74 marathons in 74 days leading up to the celebratory day. This would mean that all his able-bodied students would have to complete at least 1 and probably more marathons in the required time. Whether it was inspiration or bravado, I chose 3. My marathon session started on June 3 and coincided with the World Harmony Run in country Victoria. The World Harmony Run is a global torch relay organised by the Sri Chinmoy Centre to spread friendship and global understanding to people in over 80 nations. Because we had several appointments with the Run during the day I decided to start very early in the morning. So from the sleepy hamlet town of Maldon I was driven 42.2 km south along some back country roads to a lonely starting points with the stars and a few grazing cows as my witness. Running in the cool country air was exhilarating. I was supported by a friend who drove his ute alongside to keep me company and well stocked with provisions. We also had the World Harmony torch to keep me warm. One thing that I had not realised though was that the last 5km was uphill which is hardly the experience you would want after 3.5 hours of running. Despite my best efforts I ran a very respectable 4.02. Next time I was determined to choose a flat course. I completed my second marathon on the tree lined running circuit around Princes Park on July 7. The course incorporated 13 laps of the park and an additional 800m the start to make up the full 42.2 km. Absolutely delightful running conditions, cool temperature, clear skies, a flat gravel surface and no wind. I only wish I could have gone a little faster but was satisfied with a time of 3.51. It never ceases to amaze me how in the closing stages of a marathon as the legs move slower the clock appears to tick faster! A kind lady who was passing by took my photo. I found the lap course a little bit taxing on the mind and was determined to choose a more interesting course for my final marathon. I selected a very scenic out and back course along a tree-lined trail following the Yarra River between the suburbs of Richmond and Templestowe. However, I woke up in the morning feeling quite seedy and after running through wind and rain had to drag my unwilling body home the last 10km in a time of 4.22.28. It never ceases to amaze me how many different experiences on can have in running the marathon. However the whole project and three marathons I have run, in celebration of Sri Chinmoy's 74th Birthday has been extremely inspiring. I certainly have less fear about running future marathons and for that I am most grateful.