Bonum Cursum

Savickis life journey

ostatnie wpisy

  • There was a race: From Metropolis Marathon to Today

    There are some races that stay with you not only because of the finish line but because of the journey, the challenges, and the unexpected twists that make them unforgettable. One such race for me was the Marathon Metropolii, a unique event that originally involved running from Bydgoszcz to Toruń or vice versa. It was an ambitious and grueling race that tested our endurance, but over time, it has evolved into what is now simply known as the Toruń Marathon. Despite the changes, the memories from that time remain vivid in my mind, especially the one race that will forever be etched in my memory.

    I’ll never forget the day I ran the Marathon Metropolii, when the weather decided to greet us with a brutal heatwave. The temperature soared, and we found ourselves running under the intense sun, with only the intermittent sprinklers along the route to offer any relief. We dashed through these makeshift showers, hoping for a moment of coolness, but the heat was relentless, and it made every step feel heavier than the last.

    I had asked my parents to join me that day, and I’m so glad I did. Their support was crucial, providing me with water, encouragement, and the strength to keep pushing forward. However, when I crossed the finish line, I felt like I had nothing left to give. My body was drained, and I was in what felt like the worst shape I’d ever been in after a race. It wasn’t until I sat down and started to feel dizzy that I realized how much I had overdone it. After a quick check-up at the medical tent and a couple of IV drips, I began to recover, but it was clear that I had pushed myself too far.

    What followed, though, was the real challenge. Just a few days later, I had university exams. The blisters and bruises from the race made it impossible to wear regular shoes, so I showed up to my exams in flip-flops, hoping the professors would understand. I can’t say it was the most comfortable exam experience, but it added a strange twist to my memories of that race—one that mixed physical exhaustion with mental pressure.

    Looking back, the Marathon Metropolii, which eventually became the Toruń Marathon, is more than just a race. It’s a symbol of perseverance, of pushing through the toughest of conditions, and of the unpredictable nature of life. The marathon’s transformation from a Bydgoszcz-Toruń relay to a Toruń-based race mirrors how life evolves, often in ways we don’t expect, but the spirit of the challenge remains the same.

    That day in Toruń, in all its heat and exhaustion, will always be a part of my story—a reminder of how far we can go when we push ourselves to the limit, even when the journey is tougher than we could have imagined.

    PS: Two days later, I had exams at university. I could barely walk, and I couldn’t even put on my regular shoes due to the blisters. It was a curious feeling when the examiners noticed that my dress shoes had cut-out heels to relieve the pain. I’m sure they were wondering what kind of „professional” showed up to an exam looking like that, but hey, that was part of the adventure!

  • Crossing borders, keeping traditions.

    This year I had the chance to take part again in the Polish–German Friends Run, an annual event that always feels more like a joyful reunion than just a sporting challenge. The run starts in Poland and finishes across the border in Germany, symbolizing not only physical endurance but also friendship and connection between our two countries. As always, familiar faces greeted me at the start line. Many of us have been coming year after year, so the run has become a tradition—a rhythm of friendship, laughter, and shared effort. This time, a bigger group than usual arrived, which gave the event fresh energy. It was exciting to see new people joining our circle, adding to the mix of old companions who already know each other so well. After crossing the finish line, we wanted to continue the tradition of a good old barbecue. The smell of grilled food, laughter, and stories shared around the fire are as much a part of the event as the run itself. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. Rain started falling, and we had to improvise. Even so, the spirit wasn’t broken. People huddled together, shared food in a more modest way, and still managed to enjoy each other’s company.

    That’s what makes this run so special: no matter the weather, no matter the obstacles, it’s always about the people. The same faces return every year, building bonds that go beyond borders. And every time, new friendships are added to the circle. For me, this year’s Friends Run was not only about finishing the route but also about cherishing that feeling of togetherness that never fades. P.S. I remember that this race used to be held twice a year—first starting in Poland and then in Germany. It was a really good idea, even if the tradition wasn’t fully continued. Still, the event as it is now remains something special.

  • Approach of autumn and the rhythm of life

    The time of autumn races is approaching, bringing both excitement and a lot of preparation. The calendar is filling up with dates, events, and deadlines, and there seems to be more on my plate every day. Thankfully, my wife is helping me — handling all of this alone would be unbearably boring!

    At home, the rhythm of life shifts. The garden needs to be prepared for winter — harvesting the last vegetables, protecting delicate plants, and making sure everything survives the cold months. The house also demands attention: cleaning, organizing, and rotating clothes through every wardrobe like a big fan, making sure everything is ready for the season.

    Between autumn and winter, there is a special kind of nervous excitement that I enjoy. It’s that mix of anticipation and preparation, the feeling that something is about to change while everything is still in motion. We always make time to go out and do some sport. That fills me with energy and helps me face all the tasks ahead. Family is, of course, a central priority. Caring for loved ones and thinking about the smaller brothers around us — pets, birds, and wildlife — reminds me that everyone deserves support to survive a good winter.

    This season is a gentle (chaotic?) reminder to juggle work, family, and fun — though honestly, my wife does most of it while I like to think I’m helping. With her energy, a dash of humor, some sport to recharge, and careful wardrobe rotations, we somehow survive the autumn whirlwind and slide into winter feeling ready, slightly triumphant, and surprisingly alive.

  • There was a race: July Half – Marathon in Okonek

    In the heart of Poland, amidst the peaceful landscapes of Okonek, there once existed a vibrant event that brought together running enthusiasts from near and far—the Lipcowy Half-Marathon. This race was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of community, endurance, and the shared love for sport. Sadly, the echoes of pounding feet and cheering crowds have faded, leaving only memories of a race that once thrived, but no longer appears on the local calendar.

    SERDECZNIE ZAPRASZA

      22 LIPCA 2012 r. 

    NA XXV PÓŁMARATON LIPCOWY

    - 29.06.2011.biegacz.jpg

    start godz. 1000

    The cancellation of this event has left a void in the hearts of those who once eagerly laced up their running shoes every year, ready to take on the challenge. The reasons behind the disappearance of the Lipcowy Half-Marathon are as varied as the stories of the runners who once raced its course. Financial difficulties, logistical problems, or a shift in focus to other events—all of these played a role in the unfortunate removal of this race from the local sports scene. However, the legacy of the Lipcowy Half-Marathon still lives on in the memories of its participants and the bonds forged during the race. The camaraderie among runners, the cheers from spectators, and the sense of accomplishment at the finish line have left a lasting mark on the collective memory of the community. Though the race no longer takes place on the streets of Okonek, its spirit endures in the stories and experiences of those who once gathered to celebrate the joy of running. I remember this event not only for the physical challenge it presented but also for the people I met along the way. It was during the Lipcowy Half-Marathon that I crossed paths with some truly remarkable individuals—runners from various parts of Poland and beyond. Interestingly, many of them turned out to be from my own hometown, a serendipitous connection that deepened the sense of belonging and friendship among us. In a small town, where the unexpected moments of recognition create lasting bonds, the race wasn’t just about the distance, but about connecting with others.

    During that time, I also had the pleasure of meeting the then-mayor of Okonek, a man who turned out to be incredibly welcoming and kind. He shared stories of the town’s history and his passion for fostering community spirit. His hospitality left a lasting impression, and his presence at the event added a personal touch, making the whole experience feel more like a local celebration than just another race. The fact that the Lipcowy Half-Marathon is no longer held doesn’t erase these connections or the memories of that day. For many of us who participated, the event represented much more than just a race. It was about the bonds formed through shared effort and the joy of achieving something together. The streets of Okonek may no longer witness the excitement of runners racing towards the finish line, but the memories we carry from those years remain as vivid as ever. The Lipcowy Half-Marathon may be gone, but its impact on the community lives on, forever etched in the hearts of those who were a part of it.

    PS: I’m adding my old article about this event.

    Wyblakła linia mety. Wspomnienie Półmaratonu Lipcowego.

  • Personal path to transcendence and life beyond limits

    The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race in New York is not only the world’s longest certified footrace, it is also a symbol of the limitless possibilities of human aspiration. Every summer, a handful of athletes run almost unimaginable distances — 3,100 miles in 52 days — circling a block in Queens until they have covered nearly 5,000 kilometers.

    Right now, for me, this race is something I can only watch from a distance. I read the updates, I follow the runners progress, and I try to imagine what it must feel like to take part. It seems like a dream, something far beyond my current reality.

    How do the runners achieve such a level of endurance? It does not happen overnight. Most of them have been running for many years, building strength and resilience through countless marathons, ultra-marathons, and daily training. They prepare their bodies, but also their minds and hearts. Because to survive such a distance, physical talent is not enough. They need inner peace, focus, and the ability to keep moving when every part of the body demands to stop.

    This is why the word “transcendence” is at the very heart of the race. It means going beyond what seems humanly possible — beyond fatigue, beyond doubt, beyond pain. Runners like Andrea Marcato from Italy, who has already won the race several times, or Mahasatya Janczak from Poland, who became the first Polish finisher in 2023, show what dedication can achieve. Their success is not only about physical training, but also about transcending the mind’s limitations and touching a deeper source of strength within.

    I first came across the word transcendent not in philosophy or literature, but through sport. It surprised me, because I had always thought of transcendence as something abstract, connected with spirituality or art. But when I read about the Sri Chinmoy 3100-Mile Race, I understood the word in a new way. For the first time, it was not just about ideas or beliefs, but about the human body, endurance, and the struggle to go beyond limits.

    Seeing how runners use the concept of transcendence gave the word a new meaning in my life. It showed me that transcendence is not only about escaping the ordinary, but about transforming the ordinary, step by step, hour by hour. A person can transcend by running one more mile when the legs already want to stop, or by finding calmness when the mind is restless.

    In this sense, transcendence becomes not only a word, but a way of living a practice of moving beyond yesterdays limits to discover tomorrow’s possibilities.

    PS: If you want to know more, the race is run on a loop. You can also watch live updates, webcams, and follow the leaderboard.

    For that, use the official race site: 3100 Sri Chinmoy Race – Official Page

    “I cannot change the wind, but I can adjust the sails.”