2002 Self -Transcendence 3100 Mile Race Summary

Aalto Wins Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race Again!

June 17 to August 7, 2001 Jamaica, New York, NY USA

Course .5488 mile/ 883 meters, paved sidewalk, certified. Alternate course-.8197 mile/1318 meters

Start 6:00:00am June 17,2001

Daily Mileage Daily Mileage needed to cover 3,100 miles (4,988.966 kms) in 51 days time limit Miles per day = 60.784 (97.822 km) Miles per hour = 3.376

Week Seven

DAY 49 Asprihanal Aalto,30, from Helsinki, Finland, won the Fifth Annual Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race in a time of 48 days+10:56:12, the sixth fastest time in the history of the race. Mr. Aalto, a deliveryman from the cooler climate of Finland's capital, repeated his triumph of last year by averaging close to 64 miles a day. Mr. Aalto went the nine extra laps to reach 5000 km for the second time(48+13:08:16), savoring his triumph and basking in the glory of finishing this difficult race. He finished some two days ahead of Namitabha Arsic, who ran 60.65 miles to get into position to finish comfortably on Monday evening. Suprabha Beckjord ran 55.73 miles to inch closer to her goal, which she should reach on Wednesday afternoon.

Week Eight

Day 50 The hot, humid weather continued, but so did the dynamic duo who remain in the race. Namitabha is one more days's work away after running 57.3790 miles today. Suprabha ran 55.7396 to pull closer to her Wednesday finish. The temps were in the high 80's, and tomorrow the 90's again. Arsic Finishes Second for Third Straight Year

Day 51 The day was steamy, but Namitabha slogged on and finally finished in the late evening, reaching 3100 miles for the third time in his running life in 50 days+16:23:39. He was exhausted, and will wait till morning to get to 5000 km.He has finished in second place in this race for three straight years. Suprabha went through 3000 miles for the fifth time( 50+14:05:29) and tallied 55.73 sweaty miles, bringing her within 90 miles of the finish line.The air was so thick with moisture and humidity that you could cut it with a knife and find it dripping as much as you were.

Day 52 It was brutal today, the mercury reaching close to triple digits for the afternoon, with thick humidity and hazy sun. Suprabha moved forward for 54.91 miles and a date with the finish line tomorrow afternoon. Namitabha jogged to 5000 km for the third time in race history(51+01:58:31) before it was too hot. Beckjord Conquers Race For Fifth Straight Time

Day 53 Somehow Suprabha got through today, and all the previous years. Another brutal summer day. With her grit, determination, focus, poise and talent, she runs and does these things. Today she became the only person ever to complete all five Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Races, conquering the concrete collossus in 52 days + 10:38:42. She was received by about 100 admirers, who showered her with flowers, gifts, and cheers. Bravo, Suprabha, until next year !

Week Seven

DAY 48 Asprihanal Aalto creeped closer to his second consecutive victory in the 3100 mile race, tallying 63.11 miles, leaving only 50 laps(40+ miles) for Saturday. His split at 3000 miles=47+00:58:53. Namitabha Arsic was not feeling well but managed 55.73 miles. Suprabha slowed a little bit as the sticky, humid air stayed for another day.

DAY 47 Asprihanal Aalto ran 63.11 miles in 94º heat and humidity, somehow getting through the day and leaving himself only 104 miles to go. He should finish Saturday afternoon. Namitabha slogged through with 59.01, followed by Suprabha with 55.73 miles. They are hanging on now, awaiting the relief that spells f-i-n-i-s-h..

DAY 46 It got warm again- high 80's and sticky- but the runners continued their journey of four million steps. Namitabha was day leader with 65.57 miles. Asprihanal logged 63.11 and is only 167 miles away from the finish. Suprabha passed the 2700 mile barrier for the sixth time(45+07:09:56) while running 55.73 miles.

DAY 45 Still a cool, pleasant morning, the last day of July. Asprihanal is still increasing his lead as he ran 63.11 miles, two laps ahead of Namitabha, who waltzed through 2700 miles for the fifth time on this course(44+03:49:50). Mr Aalto has nearly a two day lead over Mr Arsic. Suprabha again ran 56.55 miles, and looks forward to finishing in eight days from now.

DAY 44 Another pleasant day to contemplate your reality, or to go running.Namitabha had another good day with 63.93 miles, all but assuring himself of a finish line next Monday. Asprihanal followed with 62.29 miles.His finish line will be much sooner. Suprabha again tallied 56.55 miles and hopes for a Wednesday morning, next week finish tape. 75º and clear after a midday sprinkle.

DAY 43 With a relatively cool and overcast day, the intrepid three continued their journeys. Asprihanal Aalto again led the way with 63.11 miles. He passed the 2700 mile mark for the second time(42+04:15:10). Namitabha Arsic tallied 61.47 miles, finishing one minute ahead of Suprabha, who garnered 56.55 miles. Projecting ahead, one could safely say that Asprihanal will finish next Saturday in the evening, barring any injuries or horrendous weather. More later.

Week Six

DAY 42 On a perfect day for running, Namitabha and Asprihanal both ran 63.93 miles. Suprabha followed with 57.37 miles. Mr Arsic slipped through the 2500 mile barrier(41+00:51:50). Suprabha came through the 4000 km mark for the sixth time in 41+10:22:55, then tip-toed through 2500 miles as well(41+15:23:05).

DAY 41 With only about 10 days left in the race, the runners are starting to think about life after the race. Asprihanal led with 61.47 miles, followed by Namitabha Arsic with 59.83, then Suprabha with 57.37. A perfect day in New York, clear air and low humidity fueled their thoughts. The cool temps in the am reminded Asprihanal of the pleasant Finnish summers. Namitabha passed 4000km for the fifth time(40+14:58:51). Tomorrow ends yet another week.

DAY 40 Rains and cooler temps brought relief for the runners and the race. Asprihanal responded with 64.75 miles, passing 2500 miles(39+02:13:48). Namitabha shuffled to 56.55 miles, and was a little weak today. Suprabha rallied for 58.19 and seemed cool and focused, as usual.

DAY 39 On a brutal day in NY.-94º and steamy- the power trio danced again. Namitabha led the way with 62.29 miles. Asprihanal slipped under 60 for the first time since Day 10, recording 59.83 miles. He passed 4000 km for the second time(38+15:30:22). Suprabha remained steady and happy, regardless of the difficult conditions. Why and how? These questions keep comimg up in this observer's mind. But the runners just see and do. Quite simple, really. And they enjoy it.

DAY 38 Back to the 90's and HUMID. Namitabha gets a rare leader day with 63.11 miles. Asprihanal is bothered by the heat and holds back at 61.47 miles. Suprabha is still steady at 58.19. Asprihanal has less than 700 miles to go. How 'bout a nice cool breeze?

DAY 37 Summer is back. Hot and sticky-high 80's. Asprihanal slogged through the day to get 63.93 miles. Suprabha came next with 58.19, looking better than the last few days. Namitabha is still plagued by a bad stomach and is feeling weak from not eating much. Tomorrow it will be in the 90's, with no relief for days. Head for the beach!

DAY 36 The beginning of week six was met with warm, humid weather- high in the 80's. Asprihanal was again the day leader with 65.57 miles. Namitabha was running well but experienced stomach distress late in the afternoon and retired early with 52.46 miles. Suprabha went home a little earlier with 54.91 miles. She will probably need an extra day and a half to finish. Asprihanal is now 95 miles ahead and counting down the laps until the finish.

Week Five

DAY 35 After five weeks, the intrepid threesome are still moving. Best is Asprihanal Aalto, leading again with 65.69 miles, giving him 463 miles for the week. Namitabha needed almost the whole 18 hour day to reach 61.59 miles. Suprabha reached 57.48 for the second straight day. All have less than 1000 miles to go. Temperatures topped 83º and the humidity is rising again.

DAY 34 The summer run continued with Asprihanal Aalto collecting 65.69 miles in his smooth, light style. Namitabha followed with 61.59, his smiling face hiding the efforts to continue. Suprabha passed the 2000 mile mark for the sixth time(33+01:15:40) on her way to another 57.48 mile day. She is ahead of her pace from last year, but trails the per-day average by 13 miles.

DAY 33 With the weather remaining pleasant and not too hot, the runners continued their extraordinary efforts. Asprihanal led again with 67.33 miles, followed by Namitabha Arsic, who ran 63.23 miles. Mr Arsic passed the 2000 mile mark for the fifth time(32+06:23:3). Suprabha again ran another solid effort of 58.30 miles. All three seem strong and happy.

DAY 32 Asprihanal Aalto topped the 2000 mile mark for the second time(31+05:28:26) as he garnered 66.51 miles and a 70 mile lead over Namitabha. Mr Arsic reached 61.59 miles but was feeling fatigue symptoms. Suprabha ran 58.30 miles to remain 18 miles ahead of last year's pace.

DAY 31 All three had good days today, despite the sticky, hot conditions. Asprihanal led with 66.51 miles, despite two thunderstorms, the first of which contained a huge downpour. Namitabha looked strong with 64.87 miles. Suprabha rebounded with 59.12 miles. Namitabha passed 3000 km (30+03:46:50) ahead of Suprabha(30+13:01:51). This was Suprabha's sixth mark at 3000 km in her career; Namitabha's fifth time through the mark.

DAY 30 Another bright,sunny day means another start, another 60 miles. At least for Asprihanal Aalto, as he floated along the concrete course with 65.69 miles, giving him a 62 mile lead. He passed 3000 km earlier in the day(29+03:56:50) which was 20 hours slower than last year. However, last year he had five lower mileage days in a row beginning with Day 34. Namitabha reached 59.94 miles; Suprabha struggled to 55.02. Everyone is still happy and cheerful as the first month has been completed. More to come.

Day 29 Asprihanal continues to widen his lead with no ill effects on a warm, sunny day. His 65.69 miles bested Namitabha's 61.59 miles as the mercury was in the low 80's with nary a breeze. Suprabha struggled again with 57.48 as the fifth week began. Three weeks left and they are still moving.Asprihanal hits the 3000 km mark tomorrow.

Week Four

DAY 28 After the end of four weeks, we still have three intrepid runners challenging their capacities. Asprihanal Aalto led todays' episode with 64.87 miles, one lap better than Namitabha' 64.05. Suprabha was a little better today, tallying 59.12 miles. A beautiful summer day was in the area- high around 80º. All three still have a mileage cushion with 23 days remaining.

DAY 27 Namitabha took day honors with 63.23 miles. Asprihanal had some troubles but finished with 61.59. Suprabha struggled a bit, managing 56.66 miles on a fairly cool-for mid-July summer day. Tomorrow will mark four full weeks of running, with another three and a half left.

DAY 26 Asprihanal ran well in the early going, and hung on for a 65.69 mile day. He increased his lead to 54 miles over Namitabha , who recorded 61.59 miles. Mr Arsic also passed the halfway mark in 25 days+02:36:42. Suprabha again ran 59.12 miles and passed halfway in 25 days+04:07:44.

DAY 25 The day started dark and dreary but cleared soon after, giving way to blue skies and lower humidity. Asprihanal took advantage with another 68.98 mile day, passing halfway in 24+06:04:54. Namitabha carved out a solid 62.41 miles, reaching 1500 miles in 24+05:12:50. Suprabha was a few steps back in 24+06:03:35, as she took it a little easier today with 59.12 miles.

DAY 24 Asprihanal ran 68.98 miles again, looking no worse for wear, and lengthening his lead to 43 miles over Namitabha, who slipped into second place with 64.05 miles. Mr. Aalto passed 1500 miles (23+12:28:05) and is building momentum. Today's weather was hot and sticky, reaching 92º and sunny. Next two days should be cooler with less humidity.

DAY 23 The good get better. Asprihanal ran another 69.80 miles, including some stunningly fast laps near the end of the day to fashion a 37 mile lead. Namitabha gave chase with 64.05 miles. Suprabha was steady once more with 61.59 miles, but had to stay later to get those laps. The weather is turning hot and sticky -near 90º tomorrow.

DAY 22 Asprihanal Aalto again dominated a rainy, humid and sometimes sweltering day with 68.98 miles.He is making it look easy at times. Namitabha ran 61.59 miles but looked tired. He passed 1300 miles for the fifth time (21+03:26:24). Suprabha struggled and suffered more blisters, but somehow managed 58.30 miles. She moved past the 1300 mile barrier for the ninth time(21+01:49:15).

Week Three

DAY 21 Asprihanal ran his best day of the entire race with 71.4444 miles, taking a 18+ mile lead over Suprabha. Mr. Aalto ran 473.01 miles for the week. He went through 2000km (20+00:45:04) and 1300 miles(20+14:57:48) with no problems. Suprabha followed 2000 km (20+03:00:40), leading to another solid 61.59 mile day. Namitabha was third to 2000 km (20+04:08:01), running 62.4112 miles as the runners enjoyed clear skies and lower humidity.

DAY 20 The first lead change since Day 4 occurred today as Asprihanal Aalto slipped into the lead with a great 70.62 mile day. Namitabha followed with 64.87 miles, and Suprabha finished with 60.76. The weather was cool in the am and pleasant throughout, with fair skies and breezes. Suprabha had held the lead for nearly 1000 miles. All three have a mileage cushion.

DAY 19 Asprihanal and Namitabha both had their best days since Day 1 with 69.80 and 65.69 miles, respectively. This puts Asprihanal less than a mile behind Suprabha, who again was steady with 61.59 miles. The day was sticky and warm, but never really steambath weather like last week. Everyone's fitness is starting to show.

DAY 18 The rain held off until the last fifteen minutes of the day. In the meantime, Asprihanal creeped closer to the lead with 65.69 miles. Namitabha followed with 63.23, and Suprabha was her consistent self again with 61.59 miles.The temperature rose to 80º on a cloudy, hazy Fourth of July.

DAY 17 Good weather held for another day as all three runners eclipsed the 1000 mile mark. Suprabha crossed first in 16 days+03:37:24, her eleventh time past the kilo post. Asprihanal followed next in 16+07:57:27, his second time. He is on the crest of rejuvenated health, as his 65.69 mile day moved him into second place, only 17 miles back of Suprabha. A week ago he was 32 miles behind her. Namitabha cruised through 1000 miles in 16 days +08:51:50. For the second day in a row, temps failed to reach 80º.All three are showing signs of real fitness for the road.

DAY 16 On a perfect day for running - low humidity and clear skies- Asprihanal Aalto ran his best day since the beginning of the race with 66.51 miles. Namitabha ran 62.41 and Suprabha totalled 61.59. The mercury tried to nudge 78º. All three were truly happy the sauna-like conditions from the previous four days had subsided. Tomorrow all three will pass the 1000 mile mark!

DAY 15 Namitabha Arsic had his best day since Day 2 with a cool-running 64.05, miles, coming on the heels of four hours of rain and thunderstorms that hit the area. Suprabha Beckjord managed to maintain her lead with 59.94 miles, and Asprihanal Aalto was no slouch, as he crept toward the lead as well with 63.23 miles. Temps dropped from 90º(32 C) to 64º in a matter of hours.

Week Two

DAY 14 The second week came to a close on the hottest, most difficult day so far. The intrepid three kept it going in 94º and sticky, humid conditions. Suprabha and Asprihanal both topped 61.59 miles, with Namitabha reaching 59.12 miles. They each consumed gallons of water, with constant refills of little ice packs inside their hats to keep the brain cool.

DAY 13 Asprihanal Aalto had his best day since Day 1 with 65.69 miles. Namitabha ran with more focus and garnered 63. 23 miles. The ever-steady Suprabha ran another 61.59 miles as the temps reached 84º. All three are looking fitter and stronger.

DAY 12 The tough conditions continued as Suprabha and Asprihanal both topped 60 miles, the mercury topping out at 94º F. Namitabha seems to be lacking some pep in his engines for most of each day, and has to run harder late in the day to keep pace. Asprihanal looks a little better each day.

DAY 11 A brutal summer day emerged, laden with humidity and temps in the mid nineties, yet the hero runners march on. Asprihanal Aalto set the tone with his best day of the race since Day 1, garnering 63.23 miles and feeling good about it. Suprabha ran another evenly paced day with 61.59 miles. Namitabha struggled with 57.48 miles and bailed a little early to get some rest. tomorrow more of the same.

DAY 10 A typical summer day in the Apple with temps in the high 80's and muggy- perfect for a 60 mile run, you say. Suprabha stayed steady with 61.59, but Namitabha took day honors with 63.23 miles. Asprihanal ran a little better but is still battling ailing shins. We are scheduled to hit mid nineties for next two days.

DAY 9 The weather was beautiful, clear, low humidity, perfect for an ultra. Suprabha and Namitabha both reached 61.59 miles, but Asprihanal faltered a little, only reaching 55.84 miles. His inflamed shin was quiet all day until evening, when the pain returned.

DAY 8 The day proved routine for all three, as they all finished with the same number of miles(61.59), within minutes of each other. Suprahba was rock steady. Namitabha was tired late. Asprihanal was running well, but is still suffering from shin splits and inflammation. Humid, cloudy weather gave way to clearing skies by evening.

Week One

DAY 7 On an unusual day in the race, all three runners ran well. A section of the course was dug up for repairs, so race organizers constructed an alternate course for the few days until work is finished. The new course was utilized after about 21/2 hours after use of the old course. Repairs are expected to take 5 to 7 days. Meanwhile, Namitabha took day honors with 62.98 miles, as all three runners stayed over 60 miles. Showers and muggy conditions prevailed all day and night.

DAY 6 Suprabha maintained her lead over the men with another solid 61.46 mile day. It was sunny with a little less humidity, but still seasonally warm today. Asprihanal looked a little better, with some quick laps when the sun went down. Suprabha 's 372.08 miles for six days is 20 miles ahead of Namitabha, who was still feeling a little tired from his draining experience two days ago.

DAY 5 Heavy rains came in the afternoon of a hot, muggy day, but could not halt the progress of the three intrepid runners. Suprabha ran 61.46 miles to increase her lead over Namitabha Arsic by one more lap. The Yugoslavian recovered enough to start running well, but was cautious with his solid food intake. Asprihanal Aalto is also looking a bit stronger after collecting 61.46 miles today. His shin splints are slowly healing on the run.

DAY 4 Suprabha Beckjord found herself in the lead with 61.46 sweaty, humid miles as Namitabha had a rare sick day- heat exhaustion and nausea forced him home early with 29.08 miles. His 50 mile standard was waived in lieu of recovery. Asprihanal showed some better running today but now shin splints are bothering him. The mercury hit 88º and the sun was intense.

DAY 3 Althiugh the weather was perfect, all three runners experienced fatigue and 'off ' days. Namitabha Arsic led again with 61.46 miles, followed by Suprabha with 58.72 miles and finally Asprihanal with 50.48. It really does take from 2 to 3 weeks before the body is fully acclimated to the long hard days and high mileage.

DAY 2 Namitabha raced to the front and stayed there, getting to 64.75 miles on a bright, sunny day with temps near 80º. Suprabha was her consistent self, garnering 61.46 miles. Asprihanal had problems, including a general fatigue and lack of energy, and could only muster the minimum 50.48 miles. It might have been coming from a cool Helsinki spring into a very warm New York summer weekend. Don't count him out just yet, though- there are still 2950+ miles to go, and anything can happen.

DAY 1 The three runners were greeted by showers for eight hours, but their spirits could not be dampened. Namitabha Arsic ran 77.38 miles as smoothly as ever. Asprihanal Aalto, who had only trained twice since leaving the Ten Day race with a knee injury in early May, ran 71.34 miles to regain some confidence. Suprabha Beckjord ran well throughout the day, especially when the sun came out about 3:00pm. She is trying to become the only five-time finisher in race history. It should be clear and pleasant for the next three days or so. More later.