Singapore Full Marathon (42k) : 5hrs 28mts 18sec

Full Marathon is classified as an extreme sport. A person is not fit for a participation in Full marathon, if running is considered only as 'running'. It's a complete experience, a path to salvation. A path, where you come across your emotional and physical limitations. You have to deal with them right there and then. Some runners break down in this process, but go back happy thinking that atleast they dared to dream. Some do manage to overcome their limitations and hit the finishing line, immerging a better person. These thoughts are not applicable to professionals, who run for fame and money. Its valid only for amateurs, who run for no reason but only because their heart says so. They know they will go back empty handed, but only after they have won their own little battle.

02 Dec 2007, 5:30 AM, Esplanade, Singapore : A total of 40,000 people participated in the event, out of which 12,000 runners were to give a shot at 42k, out of which 2500 were overseas' runners, and I was one of them. The stage couldn't be bigger then this. This was my first full marathon. Slightly nervous, since I was not really sure what pain and stress I was about to go thru. As the gun went off, somewhere in the back of my mind a thought crossed my mind that I will be running for next 5-6 hours.

0k-10km; 1:06 : The first lap was very comfortable. Route took us across the Business district, Marina Bay. I was still in awe of the enormity of the event. This time around, the timing did not matter. I just wanted to finish the event without any injury. I wanted to enjoy each moment. The scenic beauty and greenery around kept the tempo going.

10k-20k, 1:10 : The next lap took us thru the Dome type structure of Esplanade, Huge towers of Suntec. The view around was just getting better but the best was yet to come. I was able to maintain a consistent speed, though I was not really sure what was in store. Across the tall towers I saw the sun rising. Uptill 20k was a known territory for me, since I had done 7 half marathons. The interesting section was yet to come.

20k-30k, 1:20 : We entered in one of the most beautiful running track in the world, the East Coast Park. It is an 11k long beach road, running parallel to the silver white beach. In mornings and evening the place is crowded with people doing cycling, roller skating, eating in some of the finest sea food restaurants, even camping over night. Around 25k, the fatigue was setting in slowly. Evenly spread water junctions were a big help in keeping hydrated. Two more hours to go..!! I tried to keep my mind off such thoughts by admiring the ships anchored in the sea. I could see a few runners pulling out due to muscle cramps, shivers...Well no one said its going to be easy.

30k-40k, 1:32 : This is perhaps the most difficult lap, where muscles can snap and spirits can break. To add on to hurdles, the Sun is also the strongest. In Marathon parlance, runners can 'hit the wall'. I was managing a smooth pace, though I could feel the fatigue in thighs and pain in knees. But I knew I had the chance to reach the finishing line. The course continued on the beautiful East Coast Park. Families picnicking & cheering the runners, school bands, cheer groups were making the run very interesting. Around the 36k, I realised all was not fun. I was finding it difficult to lift the legs. After over 4 hours of pounding on the road, my feet were completely numb. One of the runner was being carried on a stretcher, into the ambulance....Well no one said its going to be easy.

40k-42.195k, 0:18:30 : This is the most spiritual lap for any marathoner. Any doubts about finishing the race are laid to rest, replace by euphoria. The sight of 40k mark pumped in some Adrenalin. My pace started increasing, body was completely numb. Cheering was getting louder for the runners. I felt as fresh as I did when the race had begun. With finishing line just 100m away, I slowed down. I wanted to cherish every second. At 05:28:18, I finally crossed the line. After reaching into the holding area, I just sat on the ground. I could finally feel the aches, the cuts and bruises on my body. While lying on the ground, I looked up and smiled........Well no one said its going to be easy, but then no one said its going to be impossible...!!

Vodafone Delhi Half Marathon - Oct 2007

After 7 half marathon races, and two and half years, I was finally able to run a sub 2 hour half marathon. I managed to improve my last race (SCB Marathon 2007) timing of 02:03:32 by 6 minutes.

New Delhi, 28 Oct 2007, 5:00 am :- I woke up by a call from my friend, also doing the 21k. We were to work out our plan to meet at the holding area. He would help me set the pace. This time around, I somehow felt it will be a good run. My practice timings were good. Unlike last race in Jan 2007, where I started the 'assault' at 11k, the plan here was different and simple. I would start the 'assault' at the word go itself.

Nehru park, 07:45 am, 00:00:00 :- There were approximately 7000 participants in 21k. It surely was a bit late in the morning to start a long distance race. Sun was already up and shinning bright. Elite runners took of on the wave of the flag, while we amateurs started half a minute after they are flagged off. There is always a lot of excitement in the air. Everybody is pacing and pushing. Its one experience to feel the aura and energy around. I picked up the speed on which I planned to finish the race. I had no intention to run on the different speeds, like earlier times.

00:27:40, 5km :- I had completed the 5k mark at a almost 5mt 30sec per km speed. The first leg was as per the plan. Sun was already up and sapping the energy. I did not miss picking up a water bottle from any water point. Delhi roads, sans snarling traffic, are beautiful. Thankfully there is so much of greenery and it made a difference. I was very comfortable with the speed, but was praying that I don't end up with a cramp, very much possible in such conditions. My pace setter was already much ahead that I could not even see him.

00:55:21, 10km :- For the first time in any race, I felt that 10k finished in a jiffy. I had taken 27mts 30sec to do the next 5k, which was faster that first 5k. This leg was full of ironies. This stretch covered the most scenic view of Delhi, the Rajpath. On one way we had Rashtrapati Bhavan looming large in front, while on return we had the beautiful view of India Gate. It was around 8:30 am and sun was getting brighter. Last year I was extremely exhausted on this stretch and had to walk some portion of this leg, losing lot of time. This time I saw thru the part gracefully. Finally my pace setter was in sight, 400 meters ahead of me now.

01:21:20, 15km :- Once you complete 12k, there is a comfort which comes up since remaining distance left is in single digit. I completed the third 5k in 25 mts 29 sec. This meant 5mts 12 sec per km,the fastest pace of the race. Mentally I was going stronger by kilometer, but my calf were showing signs of fatigue. Sun was burning with temperature hovering around 30 degrees. It was slightly over 9 am and heat was getting to the runners. Pace setter, some 200mts away. By the way, our African friends were already thru with the race some twenty minutes back. It is always a treat to watch them pound their legs on the road. It is as graceful as watching a cheetah in running motion.

01:51:40, 20km :- I knew this was one good chance to do a sub 2 hour run. I had the target in my sight, even though due to fatigue, last 5 km were the slowest of the race, 30mts 20sec. I just had to maintain the pace. The crowd was also visible now. At the 18km, I was surprised and happy to see cheer girls jumping and shouting while I crossed them. It took me sometime to realise that Milind Soman was running behind me. On the 19k, I finally managed to over take my pace setter. God bless him to help me maintain my pace.

01:57:23, 21km :- I managed to cross the finishing line under 2 hours, for me an achievement no less than Roger Bannister's sub 4mts mile run. From the time I ran the first 21k in Jan 2005, when I took 2hr 45 mts, and had limped last 7km, I have shaved off 48 minutes.

Target Full Marathon - Sept'07

Nows days I am training for the Full marathon which will be conducted in Bagalore, in the month of Sept. Recovering from small aliments like shin split and some pain in knee, the preparation is going fine. Currently touching 30-40 km per week. Surely more to be done.

Delhi Marathon postponed..!!!

Guess what ... the Delhi Marathon event has been postponed to 25th of Feb, for 'unavoidable circumstances'. So convenient.....

Set for Delhi Half Marathon 2007

On the 11th of Feb, I am participating in Delhi Marathon (Half) 2007. Yet to recieve the bib number. Though the site http://www.delhimarathon.com/ gives all details, but entire route is not charted on the site. Neither the race timings mentioned. I am all set to do a sub 2 hour run now.

Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2007

21st Jan, 6:30 am: It was a usual Sunday morning. I was warming up to do my usual long distance run. As usual I had planned to do 21 km. But the unusual thing about today was that I would be doing 21km with 7000 odd runners. After all it was the day for Stanchart Mumbai Marathon. The atmosphere was amazing. Like so many of other runners, I also had a point to prove to myself.

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0 km; 0:00 ; Near CST: Half marathon (21 km) started at 6:45 am. This was my 6th half marathon but I could still feel the goose bumps all over my body. ‘This is what I want to do for the rest of my life’, I said to myself. There was excitement and cheering. I knew I had to be careful not to be carried away by this infectious enthusiasm. I would be running continuously for next 2 hours.

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5km; 28 mts; Crossing the scenic Marine Drive: I turned around to see the sun rise. It was beautiful. Already half an hour into run, I could feel the fatigue and panting. I knew this is early excitement and body will get into rhythm by 8-9 km. I continued to sip some water while running.

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10km; 58mts; Near Haji Ali: We were done halfway. The first tough part of running over Kemps corner flyover was done. At 12k, I could feel the body getting tired. It was time to consume a bar of Mars. That gave me good boost to pick up the pace. On the way back, I was game for another climb over the Kemps Corner flyover. Some of the best races were run with slow first half and fast second half.

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15km; 1hr:28mts; Marine Drive crossing: I knew I was doing a good time and could look at sub 2 hours time. This thought pushed me further. I was pouring water over me, to keep myself cool. I could feel the pain in my legs. It took me another bar of Mars to give some fillip. There is always a unique bonding amongst the running community which help see thru the tough times. A chat or two on the way, with other runners helps you get back to focus.

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17km; 1hr:42mts; Marine drive: Now with just 4 km left, I went on to push my body further. It was then that I had this wonderful experience, which also inspired me to write this article. I had it in my heart to do a sub 2 hour run and I knew I was near it. I started having goose bumps and sudden rush of adrenalin. At the last stage I was doing 5 mts per km. This was my fastest pace in entire race. I was full of energy, clenching my teeth. The pain had disappeared and I was breathing hard.

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Finally I could see the finish line. The pace kept on increasing and pain kept on decreasing. I could hardly hear the noise around. Unfortunately I missed the mark by 3 mts, completing in 2:03. But the last 4 km gave me a real booster, since I knew I could have continued running, if required. In other words, I am mentally ready to aim for a 42 km, the dream of all runners…. So excuse me, while I kiss the sky.

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Till date performances in SCMM :

SCMM 2005, 21k : 02hrs 42mts

SCMM 2006, 21k : 02hrs 09mts

SCMM 2007, 21k : 02hrs 03mts

Pune International Marathon 26th Nov 2006

On the 26th of Nov I participated in the Hutch Pune International Marathon. This Marathon is the oldest in India. This was the 21st run conducted in the beautiful city of Pune. BTW, this marathon is used as the selection point for India's olympic team for marathon.

The 42k run started @ 7.30 am, with some 7000 participants, which included 50 professional athletes. Well starting point is the only time I get to see them... after which they all take off like a bullet. Evertime, the gun is fired to start a race, I always have goose pimples, and I say to myself, that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The excitement is always such that I am panting by 5k, but slowly the body and thoughts stabilise by 8-10k. Its only around 10k I am able to get into the rhythm, where strides and breath get into sync.

There was good traffic management and water points were enuf. But not sure why small kids in school uniform were made to stand in the sun, waving small flags. I could manage only 20k in this run since there was a time barrier of below 1:30 for completing 20k else you are stopped...... and I took 2:02. Actually 1:30 is really fast timing by any standards. Will have to leave my job, hire a coach to achieve it. I did a fast 10k (my standards) in about 00:54 mts and was looking upbeat to do 20k below 1:50, but slight elevations and unevenness in roads got better of me and my calf and left knee were really hurting by the time I did 20k. I think I overstressed .

Over all it ways a good experience. This was the second time I participated in Pune marathon. Last year (04rth Dec 2005) I had clocked 2:11.