tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78293721795378297862024-03-22T04:24:23.353+05:30My Running DiaryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-34979763544500927162012-08-07T10:38:00.000+05:302012-08-07T10:38:30.825+05:30The Art of Mental Maintenance<br />
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It’s a headline I have poached from today’s newspaper, where
it is an article about the importance of
the mental make up of the Olympic athletes, and the importance of creative
visualization, in order to maximize their talent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I spent the entire summer without running, under the guise
of my learning to swim, awaiting the monsoon.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now that the monsoon is here, rain is scarce! Anyway, now
its too late for me to look for any more excuses not to run, I just need to get
my act together and START!</div>
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Same time last year, when we are one month after we have
registered and committed to the event, I was in peak training, running half marathons
regularly, with ease. And this year, I almost registered for the half! My hands trembled when I had to tick the box
saying 42.096kms.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running the marathon for the first time, is a test to prove
that I can do it – physically.</div>
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To run it for the second time is a mental game, where I need
to forget the experience of the first and start afresh.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As we become experienced marathoners, we learn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The importance of pacing the run right was the highlight of
my race last year. I ran at one constant pace and did not flounder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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This year however, I think I want to go for it!</div>
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Push , like I have done never before, and will cross train extensively
with that. I have learnt this from Santa, a 60 year - young fellow runner, who
has moved into a whole new league with his dedication with running and cycling.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Discipline and motivation are the two factors which I will
need to keep within range and blank out all the rest.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">“Start by doing what’s
necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-75700229053826879682012-04-22T10:13:00.000+05:302012-04-22T10:13:04.540+05:30Shoot for the moon, Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I trudge
up the hill at Babulnath at 6.45 am, huffing and puffing! Oh, How I have
struggled today! As I reach home red-faced- due to the heat and other reasons…….
ashamed at how I feel post my mere 12k run. This was my first real run in the last
45 days- and what was I thinking? That I will traipse through my predetermined 15k?
With much enthusiasm I plan my run the night
before-gathering my gear-alarm….all set, to go for a usual run. I strapped on
my Garmin and started running towards Nariman Point. A few minutes into the run
I checked my pace-oh boy what a mistake it was. It showed 7 minutes a
kilometer! At my worst my slowest has been 6.45. (my best….5.45! </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">J</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On my
way back I met the usual gang and I start running with them , as planned.( a
bad move, as this seasoned bunch has been training all year round!) I was out
of breath in 5 minutes flat- and stuck with them for 3 km and then gave up and
went back to my slow motion pace. I was mentally broken, and I stopped several
times on my way back- for no apparent reason.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So ,yes.
I have learnt my lesson. I do realize that lack of regularity can set you back
a long time. Just because I remember running the SCMM 2012, It doesn’t mean that
my body does!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a
slightly positive note…….i can swim 3/4<sup>th</sup> of a length of the pool
before I give up, to walk to the end. Now the regular swimmers acknowledge my presence
and encourage me. They tell me they are impressed by my progress (I am too!)
and that one day it will all happen. (How! How!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After 6 lengths of this in the pool and I feel
spent. Clearly I am out of shape. i feel I am battling the slog overs. The kilometer
28 to kilometer 40 mark, the most challenging game of mental strength and
physical ability. With the summer holidays approaching, I do hope to discipline
my running as well as my swimming. I will be battling the heat, but that will
make the struggle more interesting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I
have reached rock bottom, and now….the only way is up!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”</span></i></span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-43563665042047269662012-03-23T16:50:00.001+05:302012-03-23T19:37:01.394+05:30joy of learning<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Post
the marathon I rested on my laurels.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> A few days later, there was this incredible feeling of
loss- I felt a void due to the lack of a goal. Pushing my accomplishment out of
my mind I looked ahead. All I saw was the long road ahead with no real aim. Next
year’s marathon is too far and as the summer looms ahead of me, there is no
other run planned. I could, of course continue running, but that somehow was
not motivating enough to get me out of bed in this prolonged Bombay winter.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As the
weather gets warmer, after I ran a half marathon for fun, I had </span><span style="line-height: 14px;">the</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> urge to learn
something new….i want to learn to SWIM! The breast stroke that I had learnt as
a child was enough to save my life, but now I need swimming as a cross trainer
to improve my running……for better lung capacity- to run faster!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">So here
I was-one morning on the day of the spring equinox- bright and early- waiting at
the club for the coach , who had also trained my little fish, Sanjana. And the session
began……step by step; I was initiated into the technicalities. Each step was
apparently simple. The trouble began when half an hour into the class, Sailesh
told me to do them all together. To co-ordinate my breathing, with the rhythm
of my legs, as well as smooth arm motion was not only daunting, but an impossible
task! Invariably I would forget one or the other. The worst was when I forgot
breathe and I went under. I came up sputtering much to the amusement of the seasoned
aunty swimmer gilding past me!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKbgkNduFHAJEaM84l33C1b2TdfBPyDewLQdiguQCLkN5MnFE3-2MyJ_xfU8R75Anf4kKh4jqAPECujyUtHcrbhbuUPCidR6WQU9ZXYjAmBiuLkDHB1p4lotvCWLyu-0NSCNtGrEdUwg/s1600/bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKbgkNduFHAJEaM84l33C1b2TdfBPyDewLQdiguQCLkN5MnFE3-2MyJ_xfU8R75Anf4kKh4jqAPECujyUtHcrbhbuUPCidR6WQU9ZXYjAmBiuLkDHB1p4lotvCWLyu-0NSCNtGrEdUwg/s1600/bubble.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The joy
of learning a new thing is what really stimulates the mind. While swimming, I forgot
everything around me and I was in the moment to grasp the action. I thoroughly
enjoyed the challenge as I tried again and again-<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">As kids
we constantly learnt new things. That is why childhood was spent in happiness. Then
as we got older the mundanity of repetition took over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">And now,
as I learn, I am alive again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that
is the key- one new thing a year!</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #dee3e4; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” ~Confucius</span> </i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-4899781723847930062012-03-22T16:11:00.000+05:302012-03-22T16:11:13.218+05:30A Fine Balance<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">DNA
women’s 21k run….4 days away!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After
all it IS a half marathon-not a small distance! And I have taken it easy all
along, running short distances a couple of times every week since the marathon.
i am enjoying these shorter runs….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Leaving
the park after the speed workout today, I was chatting with Varsha. She used to
be a national level athlete. This 800 m champion, who clocked an incredible 1
hour 40 minutes at the Mumbai half marathon says, she is not running the DNA
half as she is not prepared! And my eyes popped out! NOT PREPARED ! For this
tiny event!!!!!!! My natural response to her was, none of us are……..and she
calmly replies – she doesn’t want a worse timing than her previous run.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I
have grown up believing that participation is important and not winning. But
now I wonder……is it about timing? Only about doing well?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As a
converse to this…..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I
was chatting with Chaya…my running partner for the entire run….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After
the 42 km I wasn’t tired. It seems a little ridiculous, but I really didn’t
feel like I was going to collapse or anything, instead I think I could have
gone a couple of kilometers more. She felt the same way…. As a checked my
certificate I discovered that both of us had cruised at a constant pace
throughout the run!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I
say to myself that I didn’t push hard enough. Yes I ran the distance. I did
well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">BUT<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I
could have done better. I needed to give it all I have got so that I feel
spent, and then feel the satisfaction when I have pushed at least until my
limits if not beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This
is where I need to train my mind – to give it all….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Push yourself to the limit<br />
Don’t ever quit.<br />
Work till your legs are going to fall off<br />
Or you fall apart.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Even when you fall on your face.<br />
Get up, wipe yourself off and say<br />
“Okay let’s do it again.”<br />
Do it till you get it right<br />
Not until you start to hurt.<br />
Never stop until you have nothing left to giv</span><span style="color: #111111;">e.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #111111;">- </span></i><i><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Victoria Leann</span></i></span><i><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-34395410769178913352012-01-16T18:07:00.000+05:302012-01-16T18:59:22.663+05:30A dream realised- my first first Marathon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtcOVGZRXgGYZuPMBRHaqjqY59bNIN4Qz75S5ymyF8yKi9tYM37EzP_uTO-6Xk5C1nP0OpOdSJYiWM_YYH3VvaWVBdvdpbVHN59db0QH3IL3bmR7bMmym800I-MH482gyV6nK7dH2ddQ/s1600/BMXC1791.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtcOVGZRXgGYZuPMBRHaqjqY59bNIN4Qz75S5ymyF8yKi9tYM37EzP_uTO-6Xk5C1nP0OpOdSJYiWM_YYH3VvaWVBdvdpbVHN59db0QH3IL3bmR7bMmym800I-MH482gyV6nK7dH2ddQ/s1600/BMXC1791.jpeg" /></a></div>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Running
is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into
it."</span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-
Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and marathon finisher<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crossing
the finish line with my arms held out wide….. am I flying… I was! I was
sprinting the last 50m of my 42.0196 km…. in 4 hours and 35 minutes!What a high! It was a dream
finish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-align: justify;">The
best feeling in the world!!!!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
have spent one long year training for this run……not sure if I’ve ever prepared
for anything for so long. Had my good days and the bad…..and learnt so much. As
my friend Sushant once told me…..once you run a marathon, you will look at
life differently. I have learnt so much and probably grown in ways I can never
really fathom right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
I sit back and reflect…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Into
the darkness, we ran towards the start point and before we knew it, we were
off! My heart did a flip flop, as I realised I was running for my life. It was
an extremely emotional moment as we passed by the VT station and then fell into
step with the rest. Within the first 800m my laces came off! As I retied
them-feeling like a fool, I had to speed to rejoin our little coterie( with Nimisha,
Vishal, Santa, Rohan, Ashish and Chaya).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> After the first few kilometres I took a big
decision of running slower than the others as I was not comfortable at their pace.
So it was just chaya and me- chugging along – we could see the others for a
while, in the distance….but then they were gone. Kilometres flew past and we ran over the sea
link at dawn. Looking eastward we saw the sunrise over the mumbai skyline. It was
a spiritual moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Anybody
can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his
mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
chatted through the distance….finding others along the way to keep us company
for a bit…but Chaya and I stayed together for a long time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
we rounded the corner at mahim , my parents surprised me ! I had a huge smile –
it was really encouraging to see them there! All went well as we approached Worli
and both of us plugged in our ipods to step the pace….we had crossed the
halfway mark well on schedule- 2.17 for the first 21km! All we had to do was
continue at this pace- and if we could push it just a little bit –we were
headed for a sub 4.30 finish – which was a dream finish!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At
kilometre 28 came Nikita with my gel- I was in great spirit by then….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
I waved out to my parents again, and then I was on home stretch. There was only
worli, peddar road , chowpatty and churchgate left!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So
we flew…….the plan was to walk up on peddar road because of the uphill…..and we
walked a bit and ran a bit. We passed by peddar road- with much cheer and pomp
and the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">high point</st1:place></st1:city>
came at my building, where all my friends and family, as well as Arnav and
Sanjana were out in full force! After getting refreshed with a cool spray on my
face, by Sanjana I was handed a chilled can of coke by Arnav- opened and ready
for me to down! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After
taking 4 sips I was rejuvenated!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The euphoria was short lived as Sushant’s word rang</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in my ears…..after the 32km mark the 42km starts! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
I ran down towards chowpatty and took the turn onto the main road the sun shone
on me- in its full glory! Oh my! I was ready to give up……</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
sun- the heat and the fatigue…all caught up with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> My legs were complaining
and my brain was revolting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chaya
was gone and I was all by myself. I trotted along- looking for any excuse to
stop…..painkiller spray on my non existent pain, a water break and last of all
boredom! Had to kick myself to keep it going. As the 4.30 finish was within
striking range, I kept calculating in my head- last 5 km at 6 minutes…and after
a few minutes I had mixed up pace for time and it was all a jumble. That’s when
I decided to just leave it all, and run. At the marine drive flyover from I met
enough friends who helped me reach the finish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
strength that I found within me, as I kept pace with my friend Harish’s 9 year
old daughter , Raina- I met them at kilometre 41…she was so excited to see me-
as she ran a good 50m at her fastest speed….and I struggled to keep up with
her- but did it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
my practice runs I would sprint to the finish after struggling through the last
few kilometres…and sure enough- the race day was the same. I ran for 5 minutes
and walked for a minute for last 7-8 kilometers, but dashed in the end! It was
an amazing realisation to know that I could pick up my feet and sprint and
forget all my pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DsBYeRmtfdxSnXhbrWRJr4SPwZ8p1HhRUNsz1IzdjeE832eO5-7QWI7l7SJlbjjfYnwrEqsoUg1Monp7kdpcPHkYxdHDWTRzkLCjcug4qoCqVzzuXGfkHE4oL4QF9KSIyUw31MzZ_YQ/s1600/BMXE1281.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DsBYeRmtfdxSnXhbrWRJr4SPwZ8p1HhRUNsz1IzdjeE832eO5-7QWI7l7SJlbjjfYnwrEqsoUg1Monp7kdpcPHkYxdHDWTRzkLCjcug4qoCqVzzuXGfkHE4oL4QF9KSIyUw31MzZ_YQ/s1600/BMXE1281.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suvir,
Savio and Sukhpreet were all waiting for me in the last 200 m. That is a
moment I’ll never forget ! The whole scene was surreal!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And
the rest is history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All
of us- first timers clocked admirable times- ranging from 4.20 to 4.40.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"We
run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and
cannot help ourselves. The more restricted our society and work become, the
more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No
one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The
human spirit is indomitable."</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&camp=1789&tag=marathonrooki-20&creative=9325&path=tg/detail/-/0618391126/qid=1121215050/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_ur_2?v=glance%26s=books%26n=507846" target="_blank">Sir Roger Bannister</a><img border="0" height="1" src="file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" width="1" />,
first man to break the four minute mile<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, many people ask me- why do I run, and I have no answer. I run because it makes
me happy. The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama.
It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can't
dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a
marathon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All dreams come true if we have the power to pursue them.</span></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-56981518065512101132011-11-15T11:55:00.001+05:302011-11-15T19:24:35.172+05:30ESPER : Establish Strategize Plan Execute Review<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagt7hyqUnNHuvO5WDnndgg2OFs2AGzfvv-l5t6zpj5zpjsDNHMYnV_mRDfJShh58Vzd-ndeYEAwqKwDetdhyphenhyphenoLDRhiweS9xuMRxtjVxR7QqykDVh9AChWYTohczfHYWFDDtvmTSB3tNY/s1600/2166923524_f67de5b13a.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagt7hyqUnNHuvO5WDnndgg2OFs2AGzfvv-l5t6zpj5zpjsDNHMYnV_mRDfJShh58Vzd-ndeYEAwqKwDetdhyphenhyphenoLDRhiweS9xuMRxtjVxR7QqykDVh9AChWYTohczfHYWFDDtvmTSB3tNY/s200/2166923524_f67de5b13a.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItdnyTTN-F5vm7jfgc4ulW_DzRLjKKBd5Wy_VojJ2zKIqNZ1_L63t7nXvwR6XayY-bqqDnPmYEcMZngFJ-JvxcupwY-q0gjvFZ9H8_dRCC-NDJdw3TTHPjgMTdYutuGSM4XiExXgH3wg/s1600/Marine-Drive-at-dawn.jpg.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItdnyTTN-F5vm7jfgc4ulW_DzRLjKKBd5Wy_VojJ2zKIqNZ1_L63t7nXvwR6XayY-bqqDnPmYEcMZngFJ-JvxcupwY-q0gjvFZ9H8_dRCC-NDJdw3TTHPjgMTdYutuGSM4XiExXgH3wg/s200/Marine-Drive-at-dawn.jpg.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
As I wake up with my morning alarm……anytime between 4.45 am and </div>
<div>
5 am I wonder…..why am I doing this to myself…….I struggle with myself and finally shake the inertia off… </div>
<div>
<br />
We start the run from Nariman Point and we run past the seascape……its beautiful……..cool breeze…..early morning walkers and fellow runners….the street lights are still on and at some point the go off ,to flood the world with the soft light of the Goddess of Dawn-Eos, who with her rosy fingers opens the gates of heaven so that Helios, her brother, can ride his chariot across the sky .(Although our singular aim is to finish the run before the sun attacks us with his full force !) <br />
<br />
In the peak of our training month, we are averaging anything between 55km-70km a week. <br />
<br />
To achieve this target we run 3-4 days a week. <br />
<br />
The short run is 10 km…….the medium one is 15k………and the long one is anything over 25k. <br />
<br />
I have run from signal to signal for the longest time and suddenly last week I realize, now signals have lost meaning, as I look forward to the new landmarks I have created, which are a good 3-4km apart which cover 5-7 signals at least! Running past the familiar markers………I wonder how this has happened…..? <br />
<br />
25 kilometers is now only a series of 6 roads….Marine Drive,Babulnath,Peddar road, Worli, Worli Seaface and Prabhadevi…it’s a short run!:) <br />
<br />
I have broken up the distance into smaller (more doable) cutoffs…but these are 3-4 times the distance which I was doing for the past so many years. What used to be long is now short! <br />
<br />
I learn …..Everything in life is relative………….. <br />
<br />
What seems to be a huge task….is actually only a collection of a series of smaller milestones……. <br />
Small and Big are really all perceptions of one’s mind! What seems unachievable at one point may seem easily reached at another. <br />
<br />
A book I am reading by APJ Abdul Kalam: <br />
<MARQUEE>“Dream Big.<br />
Dream, Dream,Dream,<br />
Dreams transform into thoughts<br />
and thoughts result into action.”</MARQUEE> <br />
<br />
As a friend joked with me……parul, she said, soon you’ll be talking about doing ultra marathons!…you’re crazy, I replied! <br />
<br />
I’m going to leave it at that.:) ! <br />
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-56271950188006814882011-10-14T10:45:00.001+05:302011-10-14T10:46:42.058+05:30From Inspiration to Perspiration....<br />
Our training has stepped up, difficult on most days, but it becomes a joy at the race course as it is really beautiful at daybreak. The greenness is soothing to the eye and the heart, and the twittering of the birds is music to the soul. And all so often we are treated to flock of white gulls taking off over the verdant oasis and at other times the black musical
koyals create a symphony<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JDBWBSnMk5hXG938nojyeNjoDkaOkNFmCuYSzDcOuC27ElnNNKe0ybJiyc8XgYjZ_Wvserxjq9N9T0rKLrTqqwocrt94HWfPQN2UqFLNSnDAGbnK8tc4FsxPhcXjSilZjT6WDKHpnog/s1600/mahalaxmi-racecourse_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JDBWBSnMk5hXG938nojyeNjoDkaOkNFmCuYSzDcOuC27ElnNNKe0ybJiyc8XgYjZ_Wvserxjq9N9T0rKLrTqqwocrt94HWfPQN2UqFLNSnDAGbnK8tc4FsxPhcXjSilZjT6WDKHpnog/s400/mahalaxmi-racecourse_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This sylvan surrounding has always been there.........and been prettier in the flowering season. But I found running in 2km loops at the race course a task, as was hill training and of course the long distances.<br />
Now I've become a regular at the race course and the loops don't mean much- its about the distance now.<br />
<br />
As I run with experienced runners and manage to hold my own with them.<br />
<br />
The distance is getting longer, but surprisingly, not harder!<br />
I have now officially become a part of the group of "those crazy runners".<br />
Over all these years of running I had developed several notions. This year a lot of them<br />
are out the window.<br />
Can't run in the sun! Can't run without music! Can't run at racecourse! Can't run long!<br />
can't run on Friday!<br />
<br />
All gone......<br />
<br />
I'm in a new mode!<br />
All will happen........slowly and steadily. I am thriving in the discipline for food and<br />
sleep. That's giving me the courage to push myself.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">“Unless you're not pushing yourself, you're not living to the fullest. You can't be afraid to fail, but unless you fail, you haven't pushed hard enough." </span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-4581901764811525522011-09-15T10:57:00.001+05:302011-09-15T11:04:37.366+05:30Joie De Vivre<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent;">
<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.9198612768668681" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The run this Sunday was a milestone for me- my longest run this season…..25 kilometers. I was low on confidence because I had missed my previous 2 ritualistic Sunday runs, as work had taken over my weekends.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All the same, our band of 5 started out - bright and early at 5.45 am with full enthusiasm. We kept in step with each other. With Pervin that is easy as she is full of beans, and many stories. What really cracked us up, were her extremely witty one liners.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD2JgMRXTanT8uL5fTnJRNc0qWj2DeSveQrp4EyDkvsRVPKbNjt2BWPs6_U8WWivdmA5XBDZnkV8mcO7BA3hY0ERkNcUxWG7kjg1OvM5pU4aQqyI3dupCGXZSEW2zsiPcjObXd3vqem8/s1600/01_09_2011_002_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD2JgMRXTanT8uL5fTnJRNc0qWj2DeSveQrp4EyDkvsRVPKbNjt2BWPs6_U8WWivdmA5XBDZnkV8mcO7BA3hY0ERkNcUxWG7kjg1OvM5pU4aQqyI3dupCGXZSEW2zsiPcjObXd3vqem8/s200/01_09_2011_002_007.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pervin is quite an amazing woman. Her age belies her………A 100% Bawi- who is a bundle of electricity! She has run several half marathons, winning a couple too. I ran with her for the first time in Pondicherry, and enjoyed myself completely. We befriended two Bangalore runners and to top it all, we sang our way through the difficult parts. The next race was the Thane marathon. I started with her, but she carried on without me as my laces came off! And how she scolded me! Rightfully so! I still remember her words,” How silly can you be?” she said! And now, each time I lace up before any run, her words ring in ears. Pervin won in Thane- and had I continued with her I would have also got a better timing! My loss! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pervin’s special quality is that she is extremely encouraging.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her spirit is infectious! To do a long run with her is a delight as one doesn’t feel the kilometers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This Sunday we thoroughly enjoyed with her, until she went home at the 21km mark.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Post that, the balance 4 km were a mental struggle for Santa (a 60 year old first time marathoner-who really looks like Santa-and is as jolly as him!) and me. Nimisha had zoomed off from the halfway mark as had Vishal. Santa and I plodded along. When 2.5 kilometers were balance I was ready to stop, and walk. As we crossed the flyover, the vista opened up- and we saw a beautiful marine drive welcoming us! Santa exclaimed about the view and took my mind off the run. From then on we put running on the back seat and went with the flow. We enjoyed the weather as we broke into a song! “Sing a song of sixpence “was what we began with, when 2 km were balance. It turned into “These are a few of my favourite things”, followed by “Mamma Mia” and “When the saints go marching in”.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh! What fun it was! We lost all inhibitions and reveled with the amused expression of the onlookers. They didn’t know we were marching towards the finish of our 25km run! As I sprinted past the stragglers to the finish I was in heaven! What a high it was!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> A nonstop 25 km in 2 hours 55 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A book I read a while ago – about an ultra marathoner </span><a href="http://www.ultramarathonman.com/flash/"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dean karnazes</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, in which he says: in a long run you run the first half with your legs and the second half with your heart. True enough!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the training gets harder, I feel I am getting stronger…..hopefully the music in my heart will get me through!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>" The human body has limitations, the human spirit is boundless!"</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> - Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathon Man, Confessions of an All night Runner</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-64121511140440239032011-08-14T17:22:00.002+05:302011-08-15T16:06:33.707+05:30The "Weak" that Was!I sit back and reflect on the week that flew past, and I smile.<br />
it started with one of the most difficult runs I have ever done. Only a 21km run. It was a huge battle with my mind as I struggled over the last 4km. My pace dropped to a real slow jog. One step at a time I told myself as I inched towards the finish. I felt I was finishing a Full Marathon. This, ofcourse, is wishful thinking-if I felt like this in a half I was nowhere close to finishing a full! <br />
I complete the run with Murakami's words chanting in my head- I have come to run, not walk!<br />
<br />
Post the disastrous Sunday run, on a cool Tuesday morning I find myself walking tentatively towards Cubbon Park, Bangalore, a verdant oasis in the heart of the city of traffic. I started along one of the radial roads alongside the local runners. Within a few minutes I discovered a path off the tar road. On this paved surface I picked up pace under the green canopy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniI5G7yKXpZXA89KIQvA-I_FQBwMWb0mC8XiDAhuAwHjugAF_AAWUiEa9FVfALh6ZNLE9wgbzw5xFN-2rYOYY2-odJ190P9-jFJxpYpr3o6h1U-ztwqXyjDAPgLLCxbO1puNe7xfgCK4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="223" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniI5G7yKXpZXA89KIQvA-I_FQBwMWb0mC8XiDAhuAwHjugAF_AAWUiEa9FVfALh6ZNLE9wgbzw5xFN-2rYOYY2-odJ190P9-jFJxpYpr3o6h1U-ztwqXyjDAPgLLCxbO1puNe7xfgCK4/s320/2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After a few minutes, I observed a dirt trail which seemed to lead towards the heart of the urban forest. As I meandered all over the park, I ran with my heart. At several points it narrowed down to a one foot clearing. As I wove around the 100 year old trees, I was reminded of my trail run in Pondicherry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7Zi_7NiLICavIsah9A3aKYxzti5xglJHHJhLohj71kliZ_dqztWY-QdknOC-JrXY9Zw9uHTYOm0kwjWMr8dLtzzf-SKQkQRe7rVFcThWNLJw15AKyaTbINMgX3zMdD7EUT7KM6ZEi7M/s1600/4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="234" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7Zi_7NiLICavIsah9A3aKYxzti5xglJHHJhLohj71kliZ_dqztWY-QdknOC-JrXY9Zw9uHTYOm0kwjWMr8dLtzzf-SKQkQRe7rVFcThWNLJw15AKyaTbINMgX3zMdD7EUT7KM6ZEi7M/s320/4.jpeg" /></a></div>The path was uneven and the trees were dense. I ran footloose and fancy free. I only saw where the trail led once I rounded the corner. There was a surprise at every junction as a new vista awaited me at every turn. <br />
I ran on a whim and a song little realising the distance or the time. Awaking from my reverie I found myself lost. I had to run 10 minutes in the pollution and full traffic to reach the hotel. I was happy with my hour well spent.<br />
<br />
As we approached the long weekend Nimisha and I decided to finish the long Sunday run on Friday. We started early and ran at a steady pace. The weather was pleasant with a bit of rain. I had a strong finish. After the 18k we were rewarded with a brief shower as we stretched!<br />
What a roller coaster of a week it has been. I learnt there a good days and bad days. The only way to deal with the bad days is to run through them (which I suppose is common sense).<br />
<blockquote>"<i>If you want to see a rainbow, you need to put up with the Rain!</i>"</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-17244973868791938232011-07-19T11:10:00.001+05:302011-07-20T10:31:28.027+05:30I run therefore....As I picked up a drowsy Nimisha, she tells me, “But Parul, its raining!” I looked around and agreed, as i realized that it had been pouring all night. After much deliberation, we drove slowly to Nariman point, wondering if any of the others would show up.<br />
<br />
And lo, behold!<br />
<br />
Almost everyone was there in this incessant rain. Not that it was a drizzle and showed any signs of letting up! Oh no! It was serious rain!<br />
<br />
Under the cover of the dark clouds we all trooped out in batches, most of attempting the longest runs of the season. 3-4 km into the run, the rain got heavier. It fell in large drops and we couldn’t keep our eyes open in the deluge. The rhythm of our feet continued as usual, as it ignored the fact that we were drenched to the bone!<br />
<br />
The advantage of doing the long run in the rain was simple- we didn’t feel hot! And we didn’t need water. On the contrary when the wind blew, we were actually cold. We went along, over Peddar Road and the sight at Haji Ali was beautiful. The hazy morning light falling on the sea, which was far back because of the low tide. The tops of the new skyscrapers in Bombay were covered with clouds…….all was misty!<br />
<br />
We ran along and passed by enough runners who all realized what a treat it was to be out, running today. On Worli sea face, the waves caressed the sea, playfully. We ran past a smorgasbord of people…..and there was one common thread linking them. The look of incredulity on their faces when they saw us- said it all! Are you crazy!!!!!!! The instantaneous reply to this was- YES! :)<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Ditch the umbrella and cleanse your soul- I wanted to tell all of them all!</blockquote>We finished with huge smiles as we completed our distance of a half marathon with ease. What had been my goal last year is but a stepping stone today. At this mid way point I would like to say, I think I am very happy to be where I am. I guess, it gets uphill from here and, I am ready for it!<br />
<br />
As we stretched post run, the wind was deadly.<br />
<br />
On my drive home I was reminded of a t-shirt slogan I had read on my trail run in Pondicherry:<br />
I run therefore I am……..Nuts! ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-50465672100468113672011-07-11T17:17:00.001+05:302011-07-11T17:18:03.385+05:30Running in the Rain<blockquote><i>“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”<br />
</i><br />
-John Ruskin<br />
</blockquote>We ran through the sweltering summer heat awaiting the rain. Come June. In anticipation of the monsoon we pushed the mileage up. After a teaser on the first weekend, the rain completely disappeared. As cloudy days passed we sweated it out with each kilometer. Still no rain. <br />
<br />
Then came my trial by fire. Exams for both my kids! I was out of the main action for 10 days. <br />
<br />
On a dark and cloudy Friday morning I hit the road. It startrd drizzling as I started. What a glorious feeling it was. So refreshing. To run with raindrops fallin' on my head! From then on.........lovely music played in me. And I smiled. At all and none. Was just happy to be out there amidst the changing urban landscape in the rain. Past the buildings, the greens and beach. I reached marine drive. . The rain continued with varying intensity and the distance melted into sheer pleasure. My feet flew over the wet road, as I sprinted to finish with the wind blowing, into the greyness. I met the rest of the gang returning from their 10-12k runs. The run was a breeze. It was unanimously decided that it was one of the best runs we’ve had in a long time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5-wujmcwpF57yVYgCcBY9T5yaqTUi1iTGDU9AhOA49A9kZxqXWGHLjHrPWTGT5-qfluBfiEnAFlQKnL_cSHmtQoFi_NNbWIf1awCZzsWa2_W4RMuRmjNsuhwFNmwrP90TLjfs7onE3U/s1600/marine_drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="179" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5-wujmcwpF57yVYgCcBY9T5yaqTUi1iTGDU9AhOA49A9kZxqXWGHLjHrPWTGT5-qfluBfiEnAFlQKnL_cSHmtQoFi_NNbWIf1awCZzsWa2_W4RMuRmjNsuhwFNmwrP90TLjfs7onE3U/s320/marine_drive.jpg" /></a></div>Come sunday. Time for a long run. <br />
Our target of 19km was easily achieved as we got light sporadic rain. Post run chit chat was on and there came a shower. All of us were drenched. It was an exhilarating feeling to have the raindrops beating down on us. The massage was brief but the downpour was heavy and accompanied by gusty winds. We felt a chill which created a surreal feel. The bleak urban landscape ....the adrenaline rush......the satisfied smile.........<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>A quote I once read, “Runner’s don’t get rained out, they get rained on.” </i><br />
</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-8941105276872495882011-06-12T21:19:00.000+05:302011-06-12T21:19:24.373+05:30The WinnerThe run on Friday was amazing. After many a sweltering run- over the last 2 months- this one was like manna from heaven. I ran late…….in the soft intermittent drizzle- and I felt like I could run forever. It was a short 8k run as it was a weekday, but this glorious one had filled me with a great deal of anticipation, for the long run on Sunday.<br />
<br />
So we headed out…with a partly cloudy sky over our heads. As we ran along, there was no sign whatsoever of any breeze, and much less rain. We went along the entire distance as we had committed to ourselves……..<br />
<br />
All along <br />
There was no song,<br />
Only sweat,<br />
That was our fate.<br />
<br />
After we turned,<br />
On our return<br />
There was a game.<br />
Between me,Sol and the rain.<br />
<br />
Rain eluded,<br />
A clear loser,<br />
Although the clouds <br />
Played hide-n-seek.<br />
<br />
And after a bit of tussle<br />
They had to part<br />
The sun shone in its full glory<br />
As I, struggled in this story.<br />
<br />
It got ugly,<br />
And turned into a scrap,<br />
That’s when my mind said <br />
Let’s end this clash.<br />
<br />
So I loosened my shoulders<br />
And lengthened my stride<br />
Picked up my pace<br />
For the last 1 mile.<br />
<br />
<i>18k on a humid day<br />
Victory was mine<br />
After a long long time!<br />
</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-85088210483389998982011-06-03T19:56:00.002+05:302011-06-03T19:57:49.751+05:30Save the Turtle!"Mom, there's a marathon".....my ever vigilant son, Arnav tells me, and adds," It’s here, in Phuket!". <br />
<br />
We see banners for it over the next couple of days as we head out for snorkeling , kayaking and the likes. On Friday.....as we chilled in the hotel I investigated and discovered that it was a “mini- marathon "......only 10. 5 k- starting only 500 m from our hotel, on Sunday! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDSxEzdBc2_V-MqGyGWNP4SBkN96FdHi6T4tdTqILkJsW7dQd1i5SOt3y9hKcSJ-6fgoHzNnaPADZoDeFnczrdBOeQm5XsfCU_g-myHQBE7wJT1N4hPHo-4qtmRRKNlWYi0XpnYK7kOY/s1600/32609.Logo.20110419-085950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="100" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDSxEzdBc2_V-MqGyGWNP4SBkN96FdHi6T4tdTqILkJsW7dQd1i5SOt3y9hKcSJ-6fgoHzNnaPADZoDeFnczrdBOeQm5XsfCU_g-myHQBE7wJT1N4hPHo-4qtmRRKNlWYi0XpnYK7kOY/s320/32609.Logo.20110419-085950.jpg" /></a></div>The "Mai Khao Turtle Marathon" is organized to save the turtles. This beach is a nesting ground for the turtles - so the locals organise it to raise awareness. It’s in its 7th year! <br />
<br />
As I registered for it, Savio's words rang true. A day before I was leaving, he said to me, run a race, they always have something going on. And sure enough .......<br />
<br />
Raceday morning - bright and early- 5.30 I reached the holding area- and was greeted by the aroma of chicken porridge! They had laid out a complete breakfast- fruits, coffee et al, for the 750 odd participants. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasfWxSEW03V3hnL2Cfp2k8AbgR9jT_bOMpqJseDxmzZgegineDW4G2BYykhRDPwOb8rEdCetJz3h11ucIPPhDS6Lo_XjnnB3U7eiJ7DklaaJafMYp2Hd-NkIfg2w_LiwPB1tHV9hzM5Q/s1600/mai-khao-beach-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="236" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasfWxSEW03V3hnL2Cfp2k8AbgR9jT_bOMpqJseDxmzZgegineDW4G2BYykhRDPwOb8rEdCetJz3h11ucIPPhDS6Lo_XjnnB3U7eiJ7DklaaJafMYp2Hd-NkIfg2w_LiwPB1tHV9hzM5Q/s320/mai-khao-beach-2.jpg" /></a></div>After the inaugural speech (which I didn't get a word of as it was in Thai) we were flagged off!500 of us....running to the rhythms of the sea....along a lovely trail following the beach- soft breeze and waving casuarinas. <br />
Kilometers flew past as the shade of the sea changed from varying shades of azure to aqua......the white sand remaining a constant!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Water stations, volunteers, a simple rubberband at the halfway mark.....all well organised for a small run!<br />
<br />
The run was enjoyable as the distance wasn't daunting. There were a few tourists like me trying to catch the local flavor. <br />
<br />
I picked up pace as we ran the last 3k around lake Pru Jeh San. It was a picturesque trail which reminded me of Pondicherry. <br />
<br />
I finished comfortably in just a minute over an hour. As I sprinted across the finish line I was handed a tag followed by a medal. As I caught my breath I read the tag to realise I had come fourth in the women! I got ranked! Wow! In a single digit!<br />
<br />
I walked back to the holding area to see an awards ceremony going on. A Thai news reporter saw the tag in my hand and beckoned me to go towards the stage. Up I went and accepted my trophy. My first one ever!<br />
<br />
Yay!<br />
<br />
I returned to my room and found my kids waiting for me. After so many runs they have learnt now NEVER to ask me if I won. So they asked....finished? And I surprised them with the trophy and my rank! Never mind the small number that ran! I still won! Wow Sanjana says, " we'll need to make a cabinet for that!". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_HxONoFLOT4PD4HQwTkmFzkJIPOPi0YFkVCTZmc9rw6BCweKwuyXOy4nPo3RM1unQC5_vnfl3R2t8ueF7u62E0P3mPtkzqOq2Tmi36-8BUBo04KyCzJTX8gXM17pzm99kL6eNa9R9y4/s1600/IMG00362-20110603-1912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_HxONoFLOT4PD4HQwTkmFzkJIPOPi0YFkVCTZmc9rw6BCweKwuyXOy4nPo3RM1unQC5_vnfl3R2t8ueF7u62E0P3mPtkzqOq2Tmi36-8BUBo04KyCzJTX8gXM17pzm99kL6eNa9R9y4/s320/IMG00362-20110603-1912.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<i>I believe there's an inner power that makes winners or losers. And the winners are the ones who really listen to the truth of their hearts.<br />
Sylvester Stallone</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I won!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-89438511934847687882011-05-14T08:28:00.000+05:302011-05-14T08:28:02.176+05:30The Power of The Mind11th may 2011- One of my toughest runs ever- running in almost 80 percent humidity at 30 degrees it was like being in a torture chamber, only this is self inflicted. <br />
<br />
Thanks to a very determined Nimisha I had originally planned to run 21km today- to celebrate my 2 week vacation. Fortunately Savio shot down the idea and advised us to only do the circuit - a 13. 5 km route which includes the uphill walkeshwar road. <br />
<br />
I thought it will be a breeze. 13.5 Instead of 21!<br />
And we were off. After the initial 6k I struggled uphill ......onwards.......The in between 6-10 km were my worst. Thoughts of giving up filled my head- constantly hounding me to head home and not return to nariman point to finish the run. <br />
<br />
<br />
As I battled my mind- I wondered about the vagaries of nature. Can man stand up to nature in any way? <br />
<br />
With great encouragement from Vishal and Nimisha I reached marine drive. Then I completely gave up and walked for 2 minutes, ran for 2. This went on until at churchgate I found my rhythm and cruised along until I sprinted the last 500 m towards the finish. <br />
<br />
Upon completion I wondered why I found it so grueling in the middle. The distance wasn't so much and I have been running. So it wasn't out of the blue either. <br />
<br />
It was a case of mind over matter and today my mind lost. <br />
<br />
To blame I have only the weather......<br />
And myself. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The mind is its own place, and in itself<br />
Can make a heaven of Hell, a hell of Heaven.</i><br />
<br />
JOHN MILTON, Paradise LostAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-64897839935380627582011-04-25T21:49:00.000+05:302011-04-25T21:49:59.019+05:30Try and fail, but don't fail to try!Failure- its a big word- which comes from the French root menaing to fall, not succeed. When I emerged out of my laziness...... To run this Sunday.....I thought I will follow my friends - run together - laugh- and will do the distance like we always do. However it was not to be. After a 10 day hiatus I attempted an ambitious 21k. All was fine for the inital 8k- and then a niggling pain began in my right leg. The pain from my left leg had travelled to my right ! How was that possible ?<br />
<br />
Anyway. It was so. And I trudged on. Cut my pace. Psyched myself and kept going. Reached the halfway mark and rested. Stretched. Took a deep breath and started to Run. 2 km into the return the pain increased. Savio was waiting there and I told him that I would not be able to finish. He said he would find me a little ahead. And from here on began my true test of endurance. I continued on at snail's pace and the pain became a part of me. <br />
<br />
As I walked for some part and tried to run, I went another couple of kilometers- Savio finally found me at the 15k mark. <br />
As I sat on his scooter there was a deep sense of regret. The bad feeling of giving up. I felt I could have finished it slowly, but that's not the way I should do it, he said.then Savio gently reprimaned me- about attempting a full race distance without practice. Even if you don't run for 3 days your body forgets how to run, he said! And here I was- after a long 10 day break !<br />
Then we drove off only to find Nimisha, Suvir and Anil, further down the road. After giving them water we headed back towards the finish at nariman point. Some of the others had finished and some were finishing just about then. As we discussed the run, I said that I ran 15......... But all I could think about then was the 6k I didn't run!<br />
<br />
How am I made so!?<br />
Everyone ran 21k- along various routes- Niyati wanted to run 18K and she finished it. But me! I gave up. Everyone stretched but I wondered that it wasn't worth stretching since I ran ONLY 15k. <br />
<br />
So how come the 6k I didn't run negated the 15 that I did? As I stumble through my running - I learn important lesson of life<br />
This small failure has taught me perseverance. <br />
Like doing badly in a test- .when my son was in the second standard he did badly in a subtraction test - both he and I worked hard.in the following review after a month he got full marks. he realised the importance of practice as <br />
this is an example I often use with him as we struggle now with his eighth standard algebra! <br />
<br />
I am happy that he learnt this lesson- early, and more importantly easily. He has to now make it a way of life. <br />
As I seem to have forgotten it. <br />
<br />
Hard work - continually- is the only way. <br />
A big mistake, they say, is one you don't learn from.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-69046392390216792132011-03-04T13:11:00.003+05:302011-03-04T19:04:53.941+05:30The Thane HalfI withstood the current and swam upstream, as I finalized the pan for Byram to fetch me at the unearthly hour for the thane marathon at 4.30 am. I was dissuaded by most of my friends, and amidst a lot of doubt, I persisted, with my plan to run.<br />
<br />
The drive to Thane was a learning experience as Byram told us the story of an Ultra Marathoner…..Dean Karnazes. A strange but true story. He runs all through the night. And had also run the Badwater Ultramarathon, in Death Valley,- described as “ the world’s toughest foot race”- a 217 km course run in 50 degrees!<br />
<br />
After some time he announces that this was his twelfth race. That made me think….and I counted…..it was my tenth!<br />
<br />
My tenth run…….my easiest run ever! I labored on the unfamiliar uphill- but flew downhill as I overtook all those who ran past me on the way up. I had no idea of the route and I just followed the road. There was no expectation from the course and as there were no people- no expectation of timing. After pollution ridden initial 4k- It turned out to be quite a scenic course. There were hills and greens in the background and even a lake (Chena Lake) to run past.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUMX3-ax6BGrDTzkYqbIbajy4UkUcwz6cJ8u3w-CAdbu6LRPPzLOUy2FHzUpMGZUxMBaTV51-wOUYrK2NzXuHlDwkY14bhcOSEqZDv2YltvTUF1svTh2JfK83yz_sQTXRUC5ZmUAqcl0/s1600/THAA2499+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="80" width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUMX3-ax6BGrDTzkYqbIbajy4UkUcwz6cJ8u3w-CAdbu6LRPPzLOUy2FHzUpMGZUxMBaTV51-wOUYrK2NzXuHlDwkY14bhcOSEqZDv2YltvTUF1svTh2JfK83yz_sQTXRUC5ZmUAqcl0/s320/THAA2499+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
The weather was on our side, although it started 30 minutes late. As we returned and took the left turn off the state highway, the finish line suddenly appeared and I sprinted to the finish. 2.13.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YdcnJD06QLfJF7bVfooY45F-RR-K0tUcFjwkRMVvEcZRoKsn6Ji380a8pWjRKPcMG3HQo_ytibFjCCiGYw7NSkFBb_wpbHnAK0NJUiOfeZu5fwxYwqibzmB6JuXvI14IYqekpPYaEZE/s1600/THAF0646.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="120" width="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YdcnJD06QLfJF7bVfooY45F-RR-K0tUcFjwkRMVvEcZRoKsn6Ji380a8pWjRKPcMG3HQo_ytibFjCCiGYw7NSkFBb_wpbHnAK0NJUiOfeZu5fwxYwqibzmB6JuXvI14IYqekpPYaEZE/s320/THAF0646.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
It could have been better- as usual! But my laces came off twice!!!! And I was enjoying the run towards the end. I am learning my lessons and I will step it up!<br />
<br />
I realise I’ve come a long way- it has been 8 years of running…..albeit not continuously- but always been an important part of my life. Today Running is the very centre of my being.<br />
<br />
Along these years I had music, poetry, writing and running. All have been fulfilling- and very close to my soul. The first three have I have always known I was inclined towards- even as a child. <br />
<br />
But running! That’s a pleasant surprise. I’m not sure if I took up running- or RUNNING found me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-78033392935850413442011-02-25T10:33:00.000+05:302011-02-25T10:33:20.550+05:30me and my solitudeAs the rhythm picks up<br />
And the world passes by<br />
Each moment comes alive<br />
Jostling for attention<br />
<br />
Flashes of humour<br />
Sprinkled with sunshine<br />
Wandering thoughts<br />
Fluttering in the breeze<br />
Hidden memories<br />
Light up the face<br />
And the smile surprises the onlooker!<br />
<br />
As I look within <br />
I find the answers I didn’t know I was looking for.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-17409193276308494942011-02-20T19:16:00.000+05:302011-02-20T19:16:43.540+05:30Today!The most fun part of running with a group is the post run chit chat. As we have seen savio’s slaves lingering on long after the run is over at nariman point. Unsolicited advice, real running tips, words of encouragement, plans for future runs- oh and also match making…….it all happens here.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvWXjTfNpm9fSPxe-ps2P-wOK-yGt0Gj9DP7KgIpePH2aozVPIB15aH_NToY3ww_HtDE-0mtBCo3uhveVMLPq5QCYkv3nl0nOzV4NxJjE3SHZw81B-coep3gevWuYkxssyJjffwIOA5Y/s1600/np2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="187" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvWXjTfNpm9fSPxe-ps2P-wOK-yGt0Gj9DP7KgIpePH2aozVPIB15aH_NToY3ww_HtDE-0mtBCo3uhveVMLPq5QCYkv3nl0nOzV4NxJjE3SHZw81B-coep3gevWuYkxssyJjffwIOA5Y/s320/np2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Today Bombay had the best weather ever seen in late February! We all were relaxed as we set our feet in motion. In my excitement for training for the full, I thought today was the day I should push my pace. I ran with Byram for about 2.5k, huffing and puffing. I gave up and entered my world at a much slower pace. From then on the run was smooth as I fell in step with a young lawyer, Niyati. It was an easy 12k. We raced towards the finish to join the group.<br />
<br />
Today we all ran varying distances at good speed- all united in one thought……We had just had a perfect running morning. We sat around, stretched a bit in the fresh, cold breeze.<br />
<br />
I have seen Mulraj around for the past few months, but had my first real interaction with him today. He is a two time marathoner and he also kept a log for the initial part of his training. In the chill of the morning he encouraged me to write regularly as I pushed him to post his writings into a blog so that others could read it and get encouragement from it.<br />
<br />
Thank you Mulraj!<br />
<br />
Savio today had a session with me to train my mind towards the full. Develop patience he said. Running the full requires endurance, for which I would have to run much slower so that I covered the distance at a constant pace. Maverick speed will not get me anywhere! For any building to stand tall he told me, it needs a strong foundation! Those words took me back to college! As I saw the truth in them! Like wise he said, run with Mulraj, who runs at a slow, constant pace, do the long distances with ease, build my confidence and then I can step it up!<br />
<br />
As I move towards my goal:<br />
<br />
<i>I<i> am not afraid of tomorrow….as I have seen yesterday………..and I love today!<br />
</i></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-52819669006604433442011-02-16T12:44:00.006+05:302011-02-16T22:50:13.047+05:30Run for the SoulThe talks of a trail run in Pondicherry were making the rounds of PDP-a track for our speed workouts. We heard stories about how pretty the route was, but nothing prepared us for the real thing!<br />
<br />
As we gathered outside our beautiful heritage hotel in pitch darkness at 4.15am, we experienced Aurovillian hospitality for the first time. The last bus taking us to the race (held in Auroville, a 30 minute bus ride away) was leaving……without us! So our friends brought the organizers to our hotel to get us! Luckily we were just a block behind and we made it! <br />
<br />
As we reached the holding area we were welcomed by a booming Frenchman announcing that the full marathon just begun at 5am under the starlit sky. These runners would run with a torch light illuminating the unknown trail for a good part.<br />
<br />
As minutes of the cold early morning ticked by, we were roused out of our lethargy by a pop song from the eighties. A local French aerobics instructor was demonstrating a warm up routine. The 300-odd half marathoners followed the Jane Fondaesque routine. By the end of 15 minutes there were smiles all around and the entire atmosphere loosened up. <br />
<br />
We approached the start of the race whose tag line was “Joy of Running”.<br />
<br />
With tentative steps we took off into the darkness along the dirt trail, which was full of surprises. We had the sound of the birds to accompany us, and at other times we experienced solitude. It was a meandering trail, narrowing to a single person path at some points. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJigdDIqLnDDCRjMd0VMTu_0JkQ4o8QmFp2ioxvtGR09Ci-eyo4tz8TbcSLKMzsxa8W8WerdkIhXmUx73I9ZAvUBZkx1OBBKH2VAvt3F0ekwwqhIo91gBzBglQaleMAY9_8Rsdc2e90I/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJigdDIqLnDDCRjMd0VMTu_0JkQ4o8QmFp2ioxvtGR09Ci-eyo4tz8TbcSLKMzsxa8W8WerdkIhXmUx73I9ZAvUBZkx1OBBKH2VAvt3F0ekwwqhIo91gBzBglQaleMAY9_8Rsdc2e90I/s320/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We approached the first water station at dawn, where the local residents greeted us with enthusiasm, and offered us water in paper cups. The amazing thing was that a few meters ahead they had set up cardboard boxes where we could dispose off the glasses without breaking our tempo, and more importantly without damaging the environment. <br />
<br />
By daybreak I reached the 6k mark and I see 2 of my friends returning! I wondered if they were so fast or I was too slow! A few moments later they told us that they were lost! They ran too fast in the dark and all in all in this race, instead of 21k they ran 26k!!!!!<br />
<br />
Each turn along the route framed a new vista. The trail was also varied. It had a rocky trail, paved avenues as well as long patches of sand. There were also a couple of cattle traps which served as a few moments of rest. Along the run we heard several bird calls, and in the clearing on the side I even chanced upon a peacock.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxWz9CZ_j_ffSq-AftQQ2vc2mGG2ExMTl_C5bKrq0lXUthCFXKxIo4O39xjzP5tNJWx7hoYr2T6GTJEICobVZpcc4_MZWZHF4_vOer62XleiIAj2hkSmcZB56kObPukDgrVNu76-Gxd4/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxWz9CZ_j_ffSq-AftQQ2vc2mGG2ExMTl_C5bKrq0lXUthCFXKxIo4O39xjzP5tNJWx7hoYr2T6GTJEICobVZpcc4_MZWZHF4_vOer62XleiIAj2hkSmcZB56kObPukDgrVNu76-Gxd4/s320/2a.jpg" /></a></div>As the sunlight filtered through the trees we all set into a rhythm. I found myself running with Pervin. She’s a great runner and more importantly a bundle of endless energy. She has amazing ability to befriend others and encourage them to run at her speed. We found two runners from Bangalore who had never run a nonstop half marathon! So Pervin sang songs, cracked jokes and the kilometers flew by. As the Bangaloreans clocked their best times!<br />
<br />
The magic of the morning was at its peak when we turned a corner and saw sunlight glinting off the dome of the sacred Matri Mandir.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouAd2DBDro8_0b8C9yexYcPVm9BTnHZJPDaR6STa2g-mWvUJJxhbQoiYfhfg7OeQCzgaCHDBOZsOUpx9jApbUs__SWyMQF3S3ov1t2DyFbhPJA_tQ7Hkx6OCF2sTcuIoLqZKXjA_mCy8/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouAd2DBDro8_0b8C9yexYcPVm9BTnHZJPDaR6STa2g-mWvUJJxhbQoiYfhfg7OeQCzgaCHDBOZsOUpx9jApbUs__SWyMQF3S3ov1t2DyFbhPJA_tQ7Hkx6OCF2sTcuIoLqZKXjA_mCy8/s320/4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had nursed a weak knee all week, and began slowly as I anticipated pain. Doubt surfaced at various points. By the 18 km mark I was flying. Here I found a girl from Chennai who had started walking. I encouraged her on- and these words pushed me too as we raced towards the finish. When there were last 400m left I saw Byram who told me to go for it. So I broke into a sprint only to be surrounded by a group of children finishing their 2km run. In my enthusiasm to finish I followed them and realized I ran 400 m in the wrong direction! I returned and finished eventually at 2.24!<br />
<br />
As I reminded myself that this run is not about timing, it’s about the experience!<blockquote></blockquote><br />
They served us hot South Indian breakfast as we waited for the full marathoners to finish. The simplicity of the event reflected the philosophy and mindset of Auroville. The ashram emanated peace and I felt one with nature. <br />
<br />
We celebrated the run with friends over dinner, with joy and laughter as we sat around and talked of nothing. As we walked back to our hotel at midnight, under a bed of stars on the streets of Pondicherry I realized this was a day I would never forget. I had run a run that was permanently imprinted and had a memorable night which had completed the Miracle.<br />
<br />
<i>What the soul sees and has experienced, that it knows; the rest is appearance, prejudice and opinion……. Sri Aurobindo</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829372179537829786.post-80718448229602291572011-02-01T21:21:00.001+05:302011-02-01T21:21:34.015+05:30After the runAs my tired legs beat the digital clock, I raced across the finish line…….I celebrated the end of the race to the words…….<br />
“I ran to so well I could to 5 km more”<br />
“I should have run faster and cut my time by 3 minutes”<br />
“I don’t feel like I have run so much”<br />
“I’m not tired at all”<br />
<br />
The look of happiness and the euphoric feeling was the binding factor of this set that had just finished running 21k.<br />
<br />
The last kilometer mark is a true test of the mind. <br />
Last year when I saw it- I thought I’m almost done and I can walk the rest! My suffering won!<br />
This year, the 18km mark spurred me on to accelerate and my pace improved-especially the last 400m when I was almost sprinting.<br />
<br />
How we finish depends almost entirely on how much we train-as we train for similar distances so more or less know how to pace ourselves.<br />
<br />
Race Day, however is a new day-as we race against time, and push ourselves to better our time and usually the pace of the first half determines our second half, and the eventual outcome. Cramps, fatigue and mental breakdown- any of these can strike unexpectedly and all strategies are out the window. For others the magic of the Race Day can make them fly!<br />
<br />
Upon finishing there are hugs and smiles all over! Timing is discussed in milliseconds. Disappointment looms large over some of us who don’t make it to their cut off time –set by themselves! The fastest runners are also a target of this demon- as I heard Kochi say- I clocked 1.41- It could have been a sub 1.40!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
For some of us- the glory of this run is over within 5 minutes of completion., as dreams are shared……….<br />
As I planned for my full marathon- next year-others plan to cut their time- and set serious targets. A super veteran half marathon winner aspires to run the full distance- and that too following the footsteps of Pheidippides, - from marathon to Athens.<br />
<br />
All this of course- could be a result of the runner’s high!<br />
<br />
<i>Each runner becomes an inspiration- for a friend, a member of the family, their children and a lot of times- his fellow runner! <br />
Thank you!</i><br />
<br />
A<i>s I prepare for a full marathon in 2012- this is my log for the year- I hope to know by registration time whether I should register for the half or the full.<br />
<br />
Until then…….I will learn many things- about me, about my mind and life. Running has become a metaphor for my life. May I find the strength I need!></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11617059191815953794noreply@blogger.com0