Finish Line

‘Perseverance’

My first 10k run in Greater Noida

Why do we run?

What is it that makes us willingly cause pain to our body and mind?

These are some questions that may pop up right before the start of a run.  There are different possible reasons for different runners.  The thing that particulary fascinates me as a runner is the preparation that goes into it. You cannot go out one-day, with your nike’s on, thinking of completing a 10k or a 21k run.  You have got to be prepared, physically and psychologically. There have been collegues who run regularly, extremely fit body-wise, but mentally quite fragile and hardly able to perform under pressure or tight situations.  I just cannot emphasize on the psychological part of it.  It’s just there.  Ineluctable.

Realization comes the hard way.  As was the case with me.  In 2012, I participated in 10k, my first long run, without giving much of a thought.  I considered myself more of a footballer and cricketer rather than a long distance runner, taking  running only after graduating 12^thstandard. It was more of a weight loss bug than some fitness goal.  Getting up at six in the morning for an hour long run is cruel, more so if you’re a hostelite.  The slightest bit of inspiration is killed by the lackadaisical surroundings.  So you make use of whatever’s left and carry on. And hope for the best.  Luckily I passed that initial hurdle.  I wasn’t sure if it was the motivation I carried from a winning goal or a five wicket haul that took me  past the finish line in 54 mins. I was cramped, couldn’t feel my legs.  But it felt different, a feeling which I further wanted to explore.

After finishing my first 21k in Gurugram

 1 hour and 30 mins into the run, I had to tackle my brain, fight it out.  There were voices coming from inside of me, shouting, requesting, begging and mostly forcing me to forfeit.  It wasn’t long before I began inspiring and motivating the self.  And the results weren clear.  I was running harder, faster and suddenly possessed immense self belief to complete the marathon.  My first 21k, a night run in the glitzy cyber-city of Gurugram in 2017.  There was nostalgia of the 10k run and emotions got the better of me.  But it wasn’t of the same magnitude.  Worse.  Cramps stayed longer.  Sense of achievement was infinite.  2:19:58

By then, I wanted more.  I had tasted blood.  Every injury, muscle ache was worthwhile.  So I decided to run another 21k, in the same month.  This time it was a more meticulous approach.  Nervousness had taken a backseat.  Motivated from head to toe, I ran the BSF marathon in Delhi.  Staged right in the heart of Delhi, the route excited me the most.  It flagged off from the JLN Stadium, passing India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan on its way back to the stadium, on a cold October Sunday morning.  Scipting every runner’s delight, wouldn’t have missed this opportunity for the world.  The Airtel half marathon was still in doubts because of environment and smog issues and an enormous prize money therefore attracted the famous African contingent.

#RUNFORMARTYRS marathon at JLN stadium in Delhi organised by BSF 

Post 21k selfie at the JLN Stadium

Half way past my run, I had crossed the India gate.  I was happy with my speed and effort.  Just then, I saw a group of individuals, male and female, sprinting in the opposite direction.  The Kenyan group had taken the return route and were well poised to finish early. And by early, I mean an hour early. Such was the professionalism and competence in those lads.  Lean figure, big strides and eyes focused on grabbing an overwhelming victory.  It was indeed a proud feeling to run alongside such distinguished breed of athletes, and not just for any digital acknowledgement.  I had a better finish this time around.  2:09:46

Running a Marathon is precisely like getting inked.  The first time, you have no clue how much pain to expect, so either you think too much or end up taking things lightly. By the third or fourth appearance, things are righly calculated from your side.  Better prepared mentally to take whatever comes your way.

Becoming a champion doesn’t come easy.  You have to get hit and move on.  True champions do not give up.  They just never give up.

Rocky Balboa-

‘It isn’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keeping  moving forward.’

Post my 21k at Band Stand, Mumbai

3^rdof Feb I decided to go for it again.  A decision taken in November the previous year.  It had been almost 14 months since my last marathon.  Of course I was scared.  Post college, sports activities aren’t in your hands.  If you get lucky, then it’s soccer twice a week. So the fitness level drops. Considerably.  Confidence has always been the key.  In my mind I know that it’s depends a lot on regular practice. And with that comes confidence.

A 40 min run each day at Marine Drive was where I started. I broke it into parts- weight loss, stamina building & mental strength.  The last one being the most important.  Just to make sure, this isn’t the same marathon as the famous TATA Half Marathon.  The reason behind it was the route.  Running for the past 6 months (occasional runs) at Marine drive had bored me to death.  Living in South Bombay for 7 months, exploration was a necessity. The run I chose was from Bandra Fort which went along the coastline to carter road and back.  Two loops.

1 hour and 40 mins into the run, my legs were beginning to give in.  But the strangest thing happened.  As a runner, at the back of your mind, you know you begin to lose hope around the 15 km mark.  I did too and needed encouragement. And that’s when my mind implored me to continue and cross the final hurdle.  Maybe I had worked on the psychological building part more than the physical. But it pushed me.  And I went on.  Witnessing the sunrise at Band Stand, I clinged on to my mind.

A month ago, I wasn’t sure of a run this long, self doubts and nervousness was palpable.  And I won’t deny I hadn’t thought of not running the race.  It did cross my mind.  But I held strong.  Pushed the physical self, settled in the right frame of mind and balanced it out to clock my best time ever. 2:05:33