It was around three years back that I thought of running in SCMM, but then there was no preparation and I also I was late for registration. Started running and practicing latter that year but then stopped it again. Its been a long 2 years since then and Now I am at the doorstep of Mumbai Marathon to be held in Jan 2015. To run a half marathon you need a timing certificate. It tells that a particular runner ran (21k or 10k) in specified time. We need to clear some cut off time to be able to register for for this SCMM. Hence forth I will refer SCMM by 'marathon' only.
Just a quick recap so far, I started training for long distance in Dec 2013, some serious training. Started of with brand new good cushion shoes, then just two months in, I went for a new pair with more cushioning. It felt too good, but then a book changed the way I ran. Born to Run was the name of that book, it mentions few barefoot runners, the prominent among them was Barefoot Ted. So, instead of barefoot, I went for a thin soled canvas shoes, the one that we use in school. Things have been better from then on. Somehow I took one month break from running and all exercise and even gym.
It was May that I got back to the roads again, plain, pure raw running. No workout to build strength at all. Just running, that's all I did for two months. June 29th, there was a small run, ie 10.55km in Aarey colony that I was gonna participate to get my timing certificate for Mumbai marathon. I thought I will run in 45 or 55 mins max. My current speed in training suggested 1 hour for 10.5 kms. I never ran more than 8kms in practice, but still I was somewhat confident to finish 10k.
Had read about slopes and bad roads over there but who cared. I ran fast uphill then on flats and so I was excited. Well, the run started and in 3k itself you were down. Slopes so long and steep, you are running, moving your legs as fast as you can and still not moving forward.Somehow I finished half the track and we needed to take an U turn. So one might think that now its just downhill and few small climbs, but its sounds easy. Even though it was downhill, legs refuse to move. Hands stop moving and you just feel like quitting and going home. At the same time you see half marathoners, strong and steady, not tired at all. You know this isn't your field, you aren't meant for this. Was 2 kms from finish line and I saw a nice lady (wasn't able to see her face) breathing little heavily but moving strong. I got on her tail and used her as my pacer. Raced with her for last 2 kms and I felt really good. Somehow I cleared with a time of 67 mins. Ranks and position doesn't matter much. I cleared within 75mins and it's enough for getting a ticket to Mumbai Marathon.
Keep Running !!!
Wow!!! Congratulations!! I could feel the exhaustion you must have felt while running those 10.55 kilometres. And I could identify with that feeling of hopelessness when the body starts giving up but the mind wants to push the envelope. How we want to go the extra mile to taste extremes never experienced before. I am glad you experienced that beautiful feeling of having succeeded against the odds. Rank and position certainly do not matter. Satisfaction is what truly matters. And ironically, it provides fuel to that desire of achieving more. So happy for you Sandy. All the best for SCMM 2015!!!
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