Ultimate Marathon Tests Endurance

Slathering Vaseline between his toes on a recent Friday, Abichal Watkins explained how the viscous matter allowed him to travel 1,472 miles in 27 days.
"The Vaseline just cuts down on the friction between the toes," he said.
In a footrace like this, even the smallest salve can add miles of salvation.
The Eighth Annual Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race at Thomas A. Edison Vocational Technical High School included 12 runners, 10 of which followed the teachings of Sri Chinmoy. Chinmoy, a spiritual leader from Southern India who now lives and teaches in Jamaica, refers to the race as a way to meditate and find peace.
Watkins, 43, has spent the past nine years of his life running in competitive races, ranging from ultramarathons to 10-day events. But the event that found him smearing Vaseline between bedraggled toenails would have him reach a minimum of 3,100 miles by August 3. Watkins said when the distractions and deadlines of everyday life are gone, he can focus on the moment instead of on putting out the next issue of Multiday Runner, a magazine he publishes.
The race has become kind of like a retreat in some respects," Watkins said. "Behind the mind is this peaceful state that you enter into in the meditation, where the mind just comes to rest.
"Life becomes very simple and very clear and you just have to strive to reach your goals," he said.
Selecting one of the nine pairs of New Balance 854 running shoes, Watkins slipped on size 13s.
"I usually use an 11 1/2," he said. "Shoes are very, very important, because your feet swell."
Looking across the sidewalk that serves as a running track for the footrace, Watkins gazed in the direction of the cups of cream and slices of watermelon that runners drank and ate while moving. He said the marathons six to 12 volunteers care for his every need, from retreading shoes to providing sideline medical care. All he has to do is run from 6 a.m. to midnight.