“I feel that the world needs dynamism.  The outer world needs dynamism and the inner world needs peace.  As seekers, we have to pray and meditate in order to have peace.  To be dynamic we need physical fitness at every moment, and running helps us considerably to keep physically fit.” ~ Sri Chinmoy

Cairo – Rome – Amsterdam ✈️

First half of World, economy.  Second half… so much better.  YES!

FIRST CLASS to Amsterdam.  Tight connection in Rome (& extra carry-on), no time to check bags.  And FOOD.  Airline dinner would be my only calories Friday.  Touchdown: Schiphol Airport.  Many thanks to the fine folks of KLM who gave Triple 8 a nice shout-out & photo opportunity 😊

1am check-in.  Nicest of our hotel digs & five hours sleep.  New continent/day, same drill.  Shower, marathon clothes, luggage downstairs in the lobby.  Race Day 5.  Appreciative of the journey but today… everything opposite Cairo.  Low energy, spirit vacant.  First day felt I was just showing up.  Silent.  Breakfast’d separate from the Group.  Hoping the crisp temperature change would help push/inspire.  Legs like lead.  No pain, cement logs.  Big lumbering weights attached my hips.

2 short out-n-backs then 8 laps in Bos Park.  Scenic wetland run ‘round a North Sea canal – speed skating in high Winter, rowing practice this day.  Weekend day.  Expecting a larger runner crowd, though most Half-competing.  2 cups of orange juice, quiet reflection.  Camera done; race time.

Cold, quiet, damp.  Bird calls.  Folks dog-walking.  Happy pup sounds.  Sub-10 out-n-back miles.  Walked/jogged Lap 1 ‘round Bosbaan.  Running low, no energy.  Ear buds in.  Kicked up the tunes.

Lap 3: Push to the Bridge.  Walk.  Run Bosbaan length to the opposite end – & REPEAT.

Halfers joining the journey crowded the trek but BOOSTED spirits.  New energy, runner chat.  Wouldn’t walk again ‘til lap 6.  Forward movement; slow n steady.  Water/juice.  Water/juice.  20th bathroom stop (slight exaggeration).  Peanut butter n banana (sans bread) mi new amigo.

Slogged the long stretches of Canal.  Cool winter weather a HUGE PLUS.  push, push, PUSH.

Strangely emotional.  Dizzy.  Mind cloudy.  Gotta finish.  And SLEEP.  Tomorrow USA – I’ll refuel there.  Food, no food, don’t care anymore.  Shower, airport, SLEEP.  Maybe sleep on the 20-minute van ride to Schiphol.  All consuming thought 💤

Finish Banner.  Medal, done.

Five continents, five days.  Too much.  Spirit BROKEN, openly wept.  Tomorrow USA.  HOME 🇺🇸

Sri Chinmoy Inspiration Marathon