The Blogspot "East-West Philosophy of Ultra Running" takes a look at answering this question and also poses a few more questions to get you thinking. Here are some excerpts:
- Ultra running: A primer for love?-"The reality of love, or experiencing “running bliss” is that it is marked by the interweaving of the “perfect and imperfect, finite and infinite and absolute and relative.” It takes practice, knowledge, understanding and patience to make this transition from operating primarily from our outer layers to that of our core."
- Ultra runners: Masochists or pleasure seekers?-"With every step on the trail I could feel the flood of pain. It would start at the ball of my foot and travel quickly up the sides, bringing about the nauseating feeling of separation at the arch. But it is the jarring pain beneath my heel that keeps my mind from indulging too deeply in this sensation. I begin to wonder why I keep going…"
- Approaches to peak performance-"In a peak experience or performance, our thoughts are slowed down and we are able to focus our attention or awareness on single objects for extended periods. The question is how can we arrive at this state of awareness in light of the chaotic and complex default state of our minds. "
"...mindfulness leads to a state of tranquility or bliss by helping us to recognize the impermanent nature of all phenomena. In terms of ultra running, this can be interpreted to mean the recognition that all states of mind, whether frustration, pain, sadness or happiness, are temporary. "
"An interesting question is whether top performing ultra runners, who use either focusing techniques or instinctively practice mindful awareness have a happier disposition marked by positive attitudes. "
In order to get a feel for what Diane Chesla is saying, I have taken some of these excerpts out of their context. Please take the time to read the whole article.
Diane Chesla is a member of the Seaton Mudpuppies.
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