"Our society has been wasting a lot of energy in an attempt to oppose each other. I would call on all people to be more humble, taking into account others' opinions. Opposition in no way helps us be psychologically resilient."

This is the opinion of Todor Dimitrov, a lecturer at the Georgi Rakovski Military Academy in Sofia, about the current situation in Bulgaria. His career is linked to the sea and the Navy. He says that the military profession requires a high level of morale and a willingness to sacrifice for the others. That is why the Day of Bravery, May 6, invokes strong emotions in the whole of society:

For the military man, the profession must be first and foremost a vocation, as difficulties make the will stronger. In 2019, the 44-year-old “El Capitan”, as Todor is known among his friends, took part in an extreme challenge to the body and mind. He became the 40th participant to complete the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, which is considered the most extreme endurance event. It is the world's longest certified footrace as the goal is to run 3,100 miles /4988,97 км/ within 51 days on a track that is 883 meters long. If you find it not extreme enough, add to this the atmospheric conditions in the host city - 100% humidity and 40 degrees Celsius air temperature. Running takes place every year from mid-June to early August in New York, but the coronavirus pandemic has cancelled the event this summer.

It is a curious fact that participants in this race are not professional athletes.Another Bulgarian - Tsvetan Tsekov-Shopan is currently the youngest participant to have finished the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race.

"The psychological part of preparation is also very important. It requires you to accept that you can reach the end of the race, which is nearly 5,000 kilometers long. For that to happen, you can't compete as in a regular race, viewing others as competitors. Although there was a ranking, we were all in the same team. The challenge is definitely extreme because you go through all kinds of mental and physical difficulties."

The Bulgarian started practicing running when he was a student and after gradually becoming able of 6 days of running, which is one of the conditions for participation in the ultramarathon, he decided to take part in the race.

"I admit I was in awe of Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race. I impulsively decided to apply in 2019 and told myself that if I was lucky enough, they would approve me. That's how I got involved. My friends supported me and I am very grateful to them,” Todor recalls. "Many people tell me that in one way or another I have motivated them to start or continue to run."

This type of experience certainly changes the life of each participant and is remembered forever. The unconventional situation we are currently experiencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic is also a test of our mental and emotional state, with no clear end. Is there a proven recipe for keeping mental stability intact?

"The most difficult part for people is the psychological aspect of the situation," Todor Dimitrov says. “We need to stay at home longer and keep ourselves in social isolation. So everyone needs to find something that helps them - some hobby for example, so that they can preserve themselves. Psychologists who are my colleagues in the academy think it would take years to bridge this distance between people and overcome the change in society.”

English: Alexander Markov