11th 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.
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.
I thought it will be a breeze. 13.5 Instead of 21!
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.
As I battled my mind- I wondered about the vagaries of nature. Can man stand up to nature in any way?
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.
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.
It was a case of mind over matter and today my mind lost.
To blame I have only the weather......
And myself.
The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a heaven of Hell, a hell of Heaven.
JOHN MILTON, Paradise Lost
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Try 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 ?
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.
As I walked for some part and tried to run, I went another couple of kilometers- Savio finally found me at the 15k mark.
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 !
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!
How am I made so!?
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.
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
This small failure has taught me perseverance.
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
this is an example I often use with him as we struggle now with his eighth standard algebra!
I am happy that he learnt this lesson- early, and more importantly easily. He has to now make it a way of life.
As I seem to have forgotten it.
Hard work - continually- is the only way.
A big mistake, they say, is one you don't learn from.
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.
As I walked for some part and tried to run, I went another couple of kilometers- Savio finally found me at the 15k mark.
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 !
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!
How am I made so!?
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.
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
This small failure has taught me perseverance.
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
this is an example I often use with him as we struggle now with his eighth standard algebra!
I am happy that he learnt this lesson- early, and more importantly easily. He has to now make it a way of life.
As I seem to have forgotten it.
Hard work - continually- is the only way.
A big mistake, they say, is one you don't learn from.
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Thane Half
I 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.
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!
After some time he announces that this was his twelfth race. That made me think….and I counted…..it was my tenth!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
But running! That’s a pleasant surprise. I’m not sure if I took up running- or RUNNING found me.
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!
After some time he announces that this was his twelfth race. That made me think….and I counted…..it was my tenth!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
But running! That’s a pleasant surprise. I’m not sure if I took up running- or RUNNING found me.
Friday, February 25, 2011
me and my solitude
As the rhythm picks up
And the world passes by
Each moment comes alive
Jostling for attention
Flashes of humour
Sprinkled with sunshine
Wandering thoughts
Fluttering in the breeze
Hidden memories
Light up the face
And the smile surprises the onlooker!
As I look within
I find the answers I didn’t know I was looking for.
And the world passes by
Each moment comes alive
Jostling for attention
Flashes of humour
Sprinkled with sunshine
Wandering thoughts
Fluttering in the breeze
Hidden memories
Light up the face
And the smile surprises the onlooker!
As I look within
I find the answers I didn’t know I was looking for.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Today!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you Mulraj!
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!
As I move towards my goal:
I am not afraid of tomorrow….as I have seen yesterday………..and I love today!
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.
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.
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.
Thank you Mulraj!
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!
As I move towards my goal:
I am not afraid of tomorrow….as I have seen yesterday………..and I love today!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Run for the Soul
The 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!
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!
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.
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.
We approached the start of the race whose tag line was “Joy of Running”.
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.
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.
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!!!!!
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.
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!
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.
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!
As I reminded myself that this run is not about timing, it’s about the experience!
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.
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.
What the soul sees and has experienced, that it knows; the rest is appearance, prejudice and opinion……. Sri Aurobindo
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!
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.
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.
We approached the start of the race whose tag line was “Joy of Running”.
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.
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.
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!!!!!
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.
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.
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!
As I reminded myself that this run is not about timing, it’s about the experience!
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.
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.
What the soul sees and has experienced, that it knows; the rest is appearance, prejudice and opinion……. Sri Aurobindo
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
After the run
As my tired legs beat the digital clock, I raced across the finish line…….I celebrated the end of the race to the words…….
“I ran to so well I could to 5 km more”
“I should have run faster and cut my time by 3 minutes”
“I don’t feel like I have run so much”
“I’m not tired at all”
The look of happiness and the euphoric feeling was the binding factor of this set that had just finished running 21k.
The last kilometer mark is a true test of the mind.
Last year when I saw it- I thought I’m almost done and I can walk the rest! My suffering won!
This year, the 18km mark spurred me on to accelerate and my pace improved-especially the last 400m when I was almost sprinting.
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.
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!
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!!!!
For some of us- the glory of this run is over within 5 minutes of completion., as dreams are shared……….
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.
All this of course- could be a result of the runner’s high!
Each runner becomes an inspiration- for a friend, a member of the family, their children and a lot of times- his fellow runner!
Thank you!
As 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.
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 ran to so well I could to 5 km more”
“I should have run faster and cut my time by 3 minutes”
“I don’t feel like I have run so much”
“I’m not tired at all”
The look of happiness and the euphoric feeling was the binding factor of this set that had just finished running 21k.
The last kilometer mark is a true test of the mind.
Last year when I saw it- I thought I’m almost done and I can walk the rest! My suffering won!
This year, the 18km mark spurred me on to accelerate and my pace improved-especially the last 400m when I was almost sprinting.
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.
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!
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!!!!
For some of us- the glory of this run is over within 5 minutes of completion., as dreams are shared……….
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.
All this of course- could be a result of the runner’s high!
Each runner becomes an inspiration- for a friend, a member of the family, their children and a lot of times- his fellow runner!
Thank you!
As 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.
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!>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)