A very big thank you to Jim and Luanne Hook from The Recapture Lodge. A wonderful nights stay in the most idyllic location. We loved it
Waking up at 4am to catch the sunrise from the Valley Of The Gods. What a blessing!
"The morning sunrise awakens us, energises us and illumines us" Sri Chinmoy.
"At sunrise silence sings in the heart of purity" -Sri Chinmoy.
Camille Herron, a highly accomplished ultra-runner and good friend of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and the Peace Run, drove 7 hours to join us for the day of running through Monument Valley.
It was an honor to run with Camille.
We were fortunate to be joined by Jae Gruenke, a dear friend of the team. Jae is a running form and movement coach. She developed "The Balanced Runner" approach and kindly gave our runners some highly beneficial advice.
Jae greatly helped Harita before and during the 3100 last year via zoom and they became good friends, but this was the first time they could meet in person!
A friendly traveller stops to say hi.
Esther learns some techniques from the pro, Camille.
It has been Camille's dream since childhood to run the iconic "Forest Gump Hill", on U.S. Highway 163 in Southern Utah. It became famous from the movie Forest Gump, when Forest suddenly stops running after years of running across America.
We had fun acting out the Forest Gump moment, "I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go home now"
Todorka's first time experiencing the unique land forms of Utah
Onwards down U.S. Highway 163, towards the beautiful monuments.
Camille leads, with the eager young runners in tow.
Maria is an impressive young runner.
Jae working her magic on Harita.
The team was so touched by Jae's beautiful energy and self-giving spirit. She was such a joy and inspiration to spend the morning with. We will all run balanced and free now. She wrote this blog about her experience.
Todorka finds a roadside stall selling the beautiful Navajo turquoise jewelry. For centuries turquoise has been valued by Navajo Nation people, bringing protection during travel, good fortune and health, harmony and connection to the sky and earth.
Running through Monument Valley.
Mateo, Maria and Esther had an amazing amount of miles in them! Fantastic endurance athletes.
Arlinda from Monument Valley stayed with us for two days providing refreshing drinks from the back of her car. She stopped every mile to be there for the runners.
We all loved having Arlinda's company and smiles.
Salil loves this part of America, resonating with the deep spirituality of the Navajo people and the sacred land forms.
Mateo graciously leads us into Monument Valley Village.
View of three huge red sandstone buttes that form part of Monument Valley.
Staying the night in a Tipi at Monument Valley Tipi Village was a great experience.
