At the beginning of this year, I had listed out my most outstanding memories on this blog. A reader then had suggested in the comments that I try out a marathon. At first I thought she was being sarcastic or at best greatly overestimating my fitness level. At any rate I had refused to consider it seriously.
A little more than a month ago I saw the hoardings for a 10km race in the city I live in and decided to give it a shot.
Today 31st of May 2009 I ran 10,000 meters without pausing for a single second. And I did it in 1 hour 14 mins. That may be a lot slower than the Ethiopian who won the race but I am as happy as any Ethiopian runner.
While few things can match the elation of reaching the finish line, there were definitely a few other moments in the race which will be etched in my memory for a long time to come. The most exciting one of these happened near the RBANMS ground. As I was running there was a large bunch of about 40-50 kids standing by the side of the road with their hands outstretched to greet the runners. As I was running by them I reached out so that my fingers touched theirs for one brief moment as I passed. There were a lot of other people cheering the runners but this group of kids were loud and raucous and made me feel like Sachin.
Now that I feel like a star it is only appropriate that I thank the persons who were part of this victory. I would like to thank my friend and roommate Rishabh Gupta who got our running bibs and goody bags yesterday after much effort and therefore made this run possible. Gowtham for running with me on the day of the race and once before. Nandhi Varman S. for running with me everyday in the preparation phase and introducing me to my optimal pace. Devranjan Mishra for the immortal phrase "running is as much psychological as it is physical". All the people who cheered for me from the side of the road as I ran by (Especially the Kingfisher cheerleaders ;) ) All the others who wished me luck.
You wuz here
13 comments:
Congratulations for your 10K run! BTW, you don't have to run continuously - try taking walk breaks regularly and your timing will in fact improve!
Thanks Jayadeep. Walking breaks take away the momentum I thought. You may be right though, a person who takes 1 hour 14 mins won't have much momentum anyway :) were you there too?
Cool! did you run for yourself or for some charity?
I've resolved to run at every single run/marathon in every city I've lived in - maybe next time ? ;)
I ran for myself only. I shall definitely run next time also... whenever it is :)
Thats amazing. :) Congratulations.
I always wanted to run Marathons,but still seem to be in the prep mode...
Here is a pic from a different marathon, but similar to your fav moment :)
Thanks, Thanks a lot. I didn't acknwledge and thank you properly in the post itself. It was indeed your comment earlier this year that was the inspiration :)
didn't realize that the "she" in the post was me...:)
I read the post again to recollect it.
Looks like we have swapped our wishes :) (as i went for a long trek/camping trip and u did the marathon)
fyi, there is a 5K run for a cause this weekend.
I have exams from 5th to 9th :(. This has also been an excuse for me to stop my daily running though it's not like I'm using the extra time to study. I have my sights on these though. Hope to make it to the South Indian ones at least. Indeed we seem to have swapped our wishes. But my trek plan is still on as I'm sure your marathon plan is too :).
Do you have any source for info and updates on these events? I would definitely like to do more of these.
Check this site, http://runnersforlife.com/
Just become a member.(no need to pay anything).
There is another 8K on 20th June :)
If in town, fyi :)
http://www.ashanet.org/bangalore/teamasha8k/index.html
Hi, yeah I found their link on RFL. Thanks a lot. I am figuring out some way to get to that place though. I've contacted that person and told him I'm coming. They can have on the spot registrations also. I've resumed the running also so hopefully shouldn't be a problem :)
Good to know that you will be able to join.
Yes, spot registration is possible. btw, if you are not in a team, then we can form a single team.
Infact, one of my colleague will confirm by friday afternoon.
I am planning to travel in my age old kinetic to that place.:) Probably, we can go together.
Post a Comment