What made me a Marathon Freak

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I never knew that I could run, let alone in a half Marathon, which constitutes of 21.0975 kilometres. It all started because of my roommate. I still remember that time-

My first race on 19^th April 2014- TCS World 10k Run.

I was not too excited to run, nor did I do any preparation to run for 10 kms. It was a casual attitude: “If it is possible to do, I will do it, otherwise not.” I registered myself as an Individual Runner. The days passed by and finally with only 10 days to go, I was getting worried about what to do, what not to do, and I simply started working and running without knowing anything about it. I was totally blank about what I will be doing on the day of the run. But one thing I was clear: I had to run. The day finally came. I was full of energy and excitement. I reached the place and saw participants of every age group doing warm-ups. Everybody was looking confident and really happy. I made up my mind that I have to run, and finally I didn’t face any difficulty and successfully completed the race in 1hr 13mins (the qualifying time was 1hr 15mins). I was a little disappointed, but on the other hand was really happy that at least I qualified.

Suddenly Mumbai Marathon struck my mind and I started searching for the qualifying time to participate in it.

(In Jan’2014 when I was traveling from Chennai to Bangalore, I was watching the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon (one of the largest events in India) live on star sports. On that day itself, I decided that one day I will also be a participant in this.)

I qualified for Mumbai Marathon. Hurrrrrrraaaaayyyyyyyyyy.

My Second race on 19^th Oct 2014- Shriram Properties Bengaluru Marathon 2014

It was a half Marathon- 21.0975 kms.

I had 6 months’ time for practice but due to my constant traveling was unable to practice efficiently. I came back on 21^st Sept after my 15 day excursion “Backpacking around South Rajasthan” and now hardly a month was left. I started running, exercising, shopping, etc… and I was motivated by none other than Sylvester Stallone. I started following his training plan as shown in Rocky.

Finally the 19^th Oct 2014 came. Everybody was excited and I saw many known faces. It was the first experience for me. I was mentally prepared that I have to run till my last breath. Hundreds of people were cheering for us. There was only one quotation that I was seeing at every step: “If you won’t stop, you won’t.” Finally I finished in 2hr 37mins

My third race on 23^rd Nov 2014- Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

It was also a half Marathon- 21.0975 kms.

Not even with a gap of one month I have to run again. It was really difficult. I started running the very next day, which was the first mistake I did. My muscles started painting after I ran for almost 2 kms. I was not able to run more than that. Every day the same thing started happening. I was really worried about what I will be doing if this will happen every day. But I never stopped myself from running. In 15 days the pain was increasing, so I went to a psychotherapist. She told me it is nothing, just a muscle pain and will go away if I do the exercise. I started exercising and running. It became all fine and I was all set to run. I flew to Delhi 2 days before the Marathon. As I landed everything changed. I caught a cold and finally fever. When I reached home everybody was really worried and they made up their mind that it is not possible for me to run. So all started telling me, explaining me the consequences if I still run in such a weather. Finally, I went to see a doctor with my brother. As and when I told him I had to run a marathon he gave me a medicine and told me to take a rest. He was confident that I can easily run the next day. We came home. It was the last day to collect BIB (without which it was not possible to run). My bro and sis in law were not allowing me to go because they were really worried. But I was asking them again and again to let me bring my BIB, we could decide the next day whether to run or not we could decide as per situation. I had come to Delhi to run and if I didn’t do that my purpose would not be served.

23^rd Nov 2014

The day finally came and I was feeling good early morning. I drop my brother to the Airport and from there I went straight to JLN Stadium. As I reached and saw the crowd a positive energy flowed throughout my body and I was like “Even if I die today I will run and complete the race”. The next moment was a big surprise for all the runners. It was Bipasha Basu motivating the runners to complete the race. Reebok Running Squad showed some exercises to relax the feet and calf muscles. It was 6.15am now. Still 50 mins left for the race to start. I started relaxing my muscles. Some push ups, sit ups, etc. Everybody was all set to run. People came in Audi, Mercedes and BMW: that is what Delhi is all about. I never thought that they could run, but after interacting with some people I got to know that running a Marathon was a status symbol. Everybody was looking like a champion. I was really getting worried whether I can run or not. Race started at 7.05am. Till 10 kms it was all fine. But after that it was next to impossible. I started walking for some time. Suddenly I started running again, but after 1 km I broke down. I was literally crying, what to do? I cannot quit so only one option was left and suddenly I heard someone calling my name “Bhag Gautam Bhag”. That proved to be a catalyst and I started running again. 5 more kms to run. I became breathless, entire body was paining. I was left behind in the race. I started running again with the same pace and finally I almost completed the race. Now only 700 meters left. That was the most difficult 700 meters of my life. As I crossed the line I jumped on the last timing mat and the race was finished. I could not believe in myself: I have completed and that too in 2hr 28mins. That’s become one of the best moment of my life till date.

Upcoming Marathons

28th Dec- Kolkata Half Marathon

18th Jan’2015- Mumbai Half Marathon

26th April’2015- Prague Half Marathon

and many more.

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