'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’!
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’!
