Monday, December 17, 2007

Keep Running



'16th December 2007’ marks an important fete in my life history - this line describes the great feeling of completing the BSNL - Bangalore International Marathon, non-stop in 130mins. Non-stop completion was the target; the legs tearing apart in pain did not hinder my will power. The drive behind this fete was just 2 words and they were - ‘Keep Running’!

It was a Sunday and I got up at 5AM. This could happen to me on a Sunday, only if some real action had to follow. It was the BSNL – Bangalore International Marathon that was organised at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. After registration, I met up with the only pal whom I knew was running for the half marathon. The run had to start at 6.15AM; but started only at 6.40AM. I started with my pal, but my pace left him behind in just a few minutes.

The first 10 kilometres were really cool and I ran without difficulties. As I crossed the midway, a race official marked my shirt with ink. The next few kilometres were a little tough; but I could push myself with few gulps of water along the way. I also cheered myself by cheering others; it was indeed fun!

As I approached the 14th kilometre I felt my legs were giving away. I then started to tell myself that I can do it and it kept me going for next couple of kilometres. The last 4 kilometres were the toughest and I could really feel the joints tearing apart in pain and I started to shout to myself ‘Keep Running, Keep Running’. Those words really were the drive for the last few kilometres and I did not stop. Why walk when I can run! Lack of water stations along the last 3-4 kilometres only fuelled my will power.

As I entered the stadium, I started to speed up a little in enthusiasm, only to realize that I had to take another lap inside the stadium. The last lap was indeed the most difficult and also the happiest moment of the entire run. I touched down approximately in 130mins and I felt perfect. I ran with one message in my mind to all the terrorism happening in the world; ‘Please stop it’!

6 comments:

Jayasri said...

Great job dude! and i cant believe none of the pain showed during lunch...you looked just as normal :) ..you have some stamina man!

Unknown said...

awesome dude.. I finally found someone with some similar inclination towards running a marathon. I finished the full marathon last year in chicago. Just in case you already knew, I wanted to rub it in. At the least it is going to rev you up for the next one :) keep running.

megha said...

hey thats great....keep it up and 'keep running'

sumod_talking said...

amaaaaaaaazing... its a great testament to will power bro...


I guess u know abt my amazing stamina from that amazing honne trip... where i almost spent a night @ jog falls coz i could not climb back up :) the only thing that made me climb back was fear... i kept telling myself "Climb or u will sleep with the snakes"

Jokes apart great effort man... btw i heard that there were dogs chasing the marathon runners... Is that true or just a rumor... Hope you didn't have to encounter any...

Unknown said...

too good ...way 2 go

Varun Noti Bala said...

i think all that "no smoking" and "no drinking" helped.. for once.. and why don't you talk about your "sane - no alcohol" partying..