Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2023

Date: October 15, 2023                         Time: 05:10 Hrs                      Place: JLN Stadium, New Delhi

Disclaimer: The following narration is based on true events and any resemblance to any living being is truly intentional. The author has left no stone unturned to boast his leg's heroics. Please ignore the unsolicited gyaan and a few Hindi words scattered here and there.

Same crowd as it was in 2019, probably more. Same colors too, orange/pink/blue/yellow/green and more, I mean the T-shirt color. So here I am, standing in the holding area and waiting for the gun. First Airtel(Oops Vedanta) Delhi half marathon(HM) post-covid. Although my first HM after COVID was IDBI earlier this year. Ok, Apollo Tyres. The world has changed post-COVID, including the title sponsor of these events. What used to be Airtel and IDBI earlier has now become Vedanta and Appollo tyres respectively. Typically, my running calendar starts with Airtel HM in October, followed by the TCS full marathon (FM) in January, and ends with IDBI HM in February.

So, what between March to September, well my legs do train. But like normal(read lazy) human beings, my training started mid-July this year. Annually my belly increases by a few inches by July, goes back to its original position by December and the cycle continues. I had broken this cycle by not running at all in the last 3 years, let’s see if the cycle can be broken the other way too. Did a sub 2(less than 2 Hrs) HM in February with a month's training and the goal this time is sub 1:50. Did not follow the training schedule as planned but koi nahin. Did a 50-minute 10k last Tuesday, my last training run. It was a great confidence booster for my legs. That was also officially the last run with my TomTom Adventurer GPS watch. The company has discontinued its running watch business on Sep 30, 2023. Just an FYI.

For every runner, the day before the race day is very important. I had my hair cut and trimmed my toenails. My legs would not like to carry even a single extra milligram and it will decrease the air resistance too. And shaved too, want to look good in the race day photos. Had dinner by 8pm. Chose my running tee(bright Orange) and my shorts. Took out my new running shoes, somewhere between pink and orange. Let me tell you, choosing the right running shoe has become a task in itself, pronation/supination/flat foot/cushioning/toe box and whatnot, and not to forget the prices. These big brands are building their empire on our sweat and, at times blood too. My right leg's big toenail is still black 😊. Oh yeah, forgot to share, it was the India Vs Pakistan day-night match in the cricket World Cup yesterday. Boring match, one-sided. With sweet memories went to bed at around 10:30 pm. The alarm is set for 2 a.m. as the HM starts at 5:20 in the morning. Had to struggle to sleep, normal phenomenon with me and runners in general.

Woke up sharp at 2(not sure what to say, morning or night), but all fresh. After the usual morning rituals including the bath, was at the dining table at 3:15 a.m., this happens only on the race day. Had two freshly prepared hot Aloo sandwiches (courtesy mom), good carb loading. Could have gone for third, but stopped myself thinking have to run in a couple of hours. Runners are always hungry, remember that character in Tom and Jerry, the little nibble https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXKVgQZFUfA), loves the way he pats in delight after eating.

But let me explain. We runners don’t eat so much because we are hungry. We eat because we think we have run a lot and hence are very hungry. It's in the mind, that insatiable hunger. I love running and eating, they balance each other. I run to eat Chole-bhature/Rajma-chawal/Kotu-ki-pakori(obviously this is not the complete list) without any guilt. Just in case you don’t know one of these names, believe me, you are missing something in your life. I am here for your help, ping me.

3:35 am, left for the race venue, it’s around  40 Km from here. Picked Sandeep en route. Sandeep and I have been running buddies for the last 14 years. Have run most of my HMs/FMs with him. I have known him since my last organization. My last organization (apart from Mr. Kalmadi who organized the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi) had a big role in getting me into running. They had a fantastic running culture like the annual 6K race, sending large contingents for Delhi and Mumbai marathons. Sandeep was the champion there. Those were the days; the present organization has a lot to catch up in this area.

4:20 a.m. reached JLN(Jawahar Lal Nehru) stadium. After parking the car and all those security checks we reached the warm-up area. The warm-up area was hustling and bustling with runners but still looked slightly dull this time. The usual loud music to set our adrenaline pumping was missing. After waking up a few sleepy muscles and releasing the excess bladder pressure, we walked towards the holding area.

And here I am standing with thousands of maniacs. Soul and sole, both raring to go. No butterflies, my legs don’t worry about HM distance anymore. The target for today is somewhere between [1:49-1:53) (the closing round bracket is intentional). 5:20 a.m.,  everyone on their marks, and here goes the gun. The whole mass started moving forward. My legs and the two leopards(one on the chest and the other one on the left shoulder of my T-shirt) crossed the start line. The fingers started the timer the moment the foot landed on the first timing mat. It’s still dark and my legs are not a fan of running in the dark ‘koi nahin, seh lenge’.

                             

That’s me between ‘G’ and ‘L’ at the start line, 30m into the race.

As usual, there is a lot of elbowing and crisscrossing at the start, lane driving is completely prohibited. A few of my fellow runners who might be aspiring for some aggressive timing and are unfortunately behind the pack, are breaking all the traffic rules. But my legs are rule-abiding drivers. They just squeezed in between the two runners in front with a ‘good going guys’ exclamation, to navigate through them. This continued for a Km till my legs got their own space to run. Km 1 done in 5 mins 38 sec. And here is this patch of approximately 100m which I truly hate but has become a necessary evil. I mean seriously, you want runners to run on these uneven concrete bricks(see below). It's torture, especially for the knees. Given a chance, I would surely sue the race organizers (seh lenge continues)

My T-shirt is already soaked with sweat. Mornings start to be cooler by mid-October in this part of the world, but this year it’s still hot. I am thirsty. Oh yes, I haven't had any water in the last couple of hours. Volunteers are there on the roadside distributing water bottles, but I have deferred the urge to the next energy drink station. See who is overtaking me now, the 1:50 bus, could not match their pace. Someone shouted, ‘Jai Mata Di’(it is the first day of Navratri today). Definitely, we need blessings from the goddess. Also hearing loud roars of ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’. Even I repeated the words in my heart. But I have a question, please help me find the answer. Why do runners exclaim ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ during the race and why do bands play ‘Ye desh hai veer jawanon ka’ at almost all Indian weddings. One answer that I can think of is, that maybe both runners and the groom find their situation to be similar, that of going on a war 😊.

Km 2, a girl is overtaking me. I mean she is not the only one doing so, but she definitely caught my attention. Her running posture is great. Straight, slightly leaning forward, looking ahead, landing perfectly. She must be one of those 50. Wait, you will know which 50. Km 4. Energy drink station. Decided to take one from the last volunteer to avoid congestion. Looks like there is another brain that decided the same. The person sprinted from my left and grabbed the cup I am going for. The two hands collided, no damage done, just that some liquid spilled on my shoes. No apologies from either party, the other party continued. I just paused and grabbed another cup. It’s not that my legs need energy, just that rather than gulping down plain water, wanted to taste this lemonish-coloured liquid.

Km 5 done in 26:20. A barefoot runner in dhoti and kurta is running past me, with ‘Pradip Senapati’ written on his back. I cheered him, ‘Kya baat hai sir, jabardast’. He smiled back with a thumbs-up and ran ahead. I love cheering my fellow runners. There are two reasons, first, it shifts my attention from ME to OTHERS. Secondly, when they smile back or reciprocate, it energizes my legs and my pace increases. Let me come back to this topic again. By the way, today I am not that vocal, not sure why. I guess Mr. Senapati was the first one whom I cheered. Anyway, Senapatiji could not maintain his pace and I regained my position. Nonetheless, running in dhoti that too barefoot is an awesome effort, respect him.

Km 8. Dawn is breaking. It is India Gate on my back and Rashtrapati Bhawan in front, presenting to you the ‘Kartavya path’. This segment is no doubt the most picturesque on the whole route. Km 10 done in 52:20. My mathematical brain said sub 1:50 is possible. And if I know my legs, they always get better in the second half of the HM. Overall the most favorable conditions to run; with beautiful surroundings, the body all warmed up, Sun is around the corner.

That’s my running gait. The leg behind gives a forward push and the front foot lands on the balls just below the knee, with a slight forward lean and looking ahead. A volunteer poured a few milliliters of H₂O on me using a water gun. I did not see it coming hence first reaction is ‘What the …’, but I actually liked it. By the way, there are a few cooling chambers too on the route where runners can just run through them. I avoid using them, the disadvantage of wearing specs. Km 12, Sponge Station, took one. I took off my specs and wiped the NaCl and other salts deposited on my face and arms, while still maintaining the pace. Squeezed some water over my neck(seeing others doing the same). Aaah, bad idea. The T-shirt soaked it and became slightly heavy and sticky(Seh lenge still continues).

Km 14, the Sun is peeking out from behind the India Gate. Having another 3-second break to gulp down a cup of not-so-tasty so-called energy drink. In 2010, my first HM, they gave us Gatorade, it used to be tasty. I loved that orange flavor. Now I guess Gatorade has become popular and does not need branding anymore in such events. Hearing the ‘Tu bhaag Milkha…’ song in the vicinity. Milkha Singhji was a decorated sprinter of the Indian army and is popularly known as ‘The Flying Sikh’. He used to run marathons at the young age of 90 too. Remembered him and kept moving. 500 meters ahead now I am hearing ‘Laila O Laila…’, the new one. Sorry Milkha sir, but my legs responded to the song instantly. I am quite sure, even his legs would have liked this one more. But seriously, it’s not about the lyrics. It’s the beats/music that matter to the overworking legs, causing the adrenaline rush through them.

                                                                    In front of India Gate

Km 16. A runner with grey hairs and Vikram written on his back is stopping a bit. I went past him and cheered ‘Vikram sir, come on’. Immediately this guy switched back to running mode. He replied ‘I was planning to stop, but now just for you will run to the finish line’. Let’s discuss the topic we deferred at KM5. Generally, I motivate two types of runners. First, one who looks done and dusted and needs some cheering to rejuvenate their fading spirits. Second, who looks special, in terms of running style, appearance, etc. Mr. Prajapati belonged to the second category. There is an occasional risk with the first category. I don’t like the ones who overtake me after getting egged on by me. And here something similar is happening. This guy is fast, really. My legs are putting in extra effort to match his pace. I told him ‘You are running great’. He opens up ‘My personal best is 1:38, but today my knees are hurting’. Despite that, he is running fast. We two struck up a conversation. He is from Gurgaon, OK Gurugram. He ran a 70 Km ultra marathon in Ladakh last month. After running for a Km together, he took a water break and said, ‘You continue, will meet at the finish line’. My legs lost their pacer, koi nahin isse bhi seh lenge. To get the company of someone running more or less at your pace is a blessing, that too in the final stages of a race.

Km 17. Caught the 1:50 bus and ran past it proudly. Sub 1:50 is definitely on the cards. With 4 km left, I ordered my legs to go full-on. Breathing has become more prominent now. I am still inhaling with my nose but exhaling with my mouth, that too forcefully. So, let’s understand what my current state is? Am I low on energy, not at all. Am I tired, no.  For me running is about 2 L’s, Legs and Lungs. My legs are still strong enough to run another 10K. I guess  I have to train my lungs to breathe more deeply. For now, everything is in control. Km 19 is done in 1:37:27. Time to press that extra boost button. No cheering anymore, no looking at the watch, all focus on the finish line.

1000 meters to go, switched to sprint mode. The finish line is visible after the last turn. 200 meters, collected every ounce of energy, and running as fast as my legs can in these final few meters. Legs hit the finishing mat while fingers paused the timer. The runner in front of me just stopped at the finish line, clicking photos. My legs applied the emergency brakes. Legs and so the body came to an abrupt halt. My legs are no longer in that 'seh lenge' mode. I turned back, walked to him, and said with a stern(read angry) look, 'Give way to others'. But I am back to my normal self. I think there should be a no-stopping zone of let's say 10 meters, immediately after the finish line. No one should be allowed to stand still in that part. Finish hard, ease down, and move forward. Seems like I have a few things to share with the organizers. 

Approaching the finish line

I looked at my watch, it's showing 1:47:25. Mission accomplished. I am elated and proud of my legs. Certainly, I am their biggest fan, well done Champs. Almost always they exceed my expectations. Have you noticed how intelligently I have covered up my self-boasting? Walking ahead. Time to get the hard-earned finisher medal. The volunteer congratulated me with a broad smile on his face and handed me a towel. Another one placed the finisher medal around my neck. Feeling like I am THE ONE. Drank a few cups of the same lemonish liquid to replenish the lost salts. Took two water bottles. Washed my face and gulped down the rest. Oh, there is a bag for the finishers. Let's see what's inside. Two bananas, a few chocolates, one Nimbu-paani I guess, etc. Bananas have already disappeared, checking the chocolates.

                                                 

The Medal and the Smile

It’s time to relish and rejoice in this special feeling. Soul and Sole both are at rest, at least for some time. Even those training runs in the morning, they are also very special. They give me that ME time and I feel that energy post the run which keeps me moving for the rest of the day. Not to forget, it gives me the license to eat what I want😋. Just soaking in this moment. Soaking some dust too. It’s a crowd of around 20K present in the stadium. They should have sprinkled some water to avoid the dust floating around. Kya isse bhi sehna padega? No, not at all. After clicking some photos together, we are heading back home. 

That's the report card of my legs. The pace increased with the distance. This will be hard to replicate on January 21, 2024. Remember? it will be a Full Marathon, 42.195 Km. Can't wait to be at the start line. Till then stay healthy, keep running, and Sayonara. And miles to go before I sleep.

                     

 

SCMM 2017: A run after 3 years

Date: Jan 15, 2017                  Time: 05:30 AM                Place: Holding Area, Azad Maidan, Mumbai

  

After three years, nothing much has changed, everything looks so familiar. Men and women in colorful attires, full of energy. Some of them clicking pre-race pictures, some are doing warm-up exercises, some are chit-chatting with friends and few lazy ones like me are just relishing the moments, waiting for the gun. Let’s travel into the flashback while the gate gets opened. Exactly five years back (January 15, 2012), same day, same time, same place, ran my first full marathon. Was so much smitten by the city, its people and the experience of running on this beautiful route, that I instantly promised to return every year. And I did keep my promise for next two years, but could not in last two years (the running KEEDA went bit silent after the amazing 2014 run). Following are the past SCMM timings:

SCMM 2012:   04:50:50

SCMM 2013:   04:30:08

SCMM 2014:   03:59:19

Started training for SCMM 2017 since April 2016 with sub-4 target. Training was like kabhi chal kabhi ruk (to be English friendly I mean not consistent) and by October lost all the steam whatsoever. With zero training in November and forgetful December, sub-4 evaporated and sub-5 took its place. Still I think will just try to beat my SCMM 2012 effort.

In my earlier visits, I used to reach Mumbai on Saturday morning, collect the bib from the expo in the noon, and be in the hotel for rest of the day to prepare my legs battle ready for next morning. This time I came here with my Mom (more precisely as a tourist) a day before. Visited most of the places which one should on Friday and Saturday. In all, did most of the things that a runner should not do before a FM. Returned late on Saturday after the sight-seeing, had my shave (should look good in marathon pics) and went to bed at around 12 with alarm set for 3:50. And now, here I am in the holding area, after having my bath, couple of bananas and plenty of water. Forgot to add, also released excess bladder pressure just before entering the holding area, I am in peace now.

The start line clock struck 05:40 and slowly the whole mass started moving forward. I said to myself “run easy, just enjoy this run”. As my leg landed on the start line I turned on my stop-watch and began my journey. It is still dark and thousands of legs are running with me under the yellow street lights. I am feeling relaxed, no pressure of any target. I always feel some butterflies in the first couple of kms, but not today. So relaxed that I completed KM1 in 7:13, bit slow isn’t? I kept going easy, by KM5 my t-shirt is soaked with sweat. It is bit humid too. Tried to catch 4:45 bus, but neither I increased my pace nor the bus got slowed down.

Indian Navy band at Chowpatty, KM4, is always a turn-on for my legs, but this time their effect lasted only for a km and I am back to easy mode. Feeling some bladder pressure too. Just for the records, I have never taken a biological break during a run, ever. Well, records are meant to be broken. For the time being I kept on, many times brain sends wrong signals too. Saw two guys running together ahead of me wearing t-shirt with "Mentor" printed on their back (for the uninitiated, Mentor/Cadence/Synopsys play in the same professional domain as i am in). The competitive one inside me wanted to say hello while over-taking them, but their legs were better trained for the day.

My throat is feeling thirsty. Took an energy drink at KM7, also the first elevation. Looks like the world is too small. Here is another runner wearing a "Cadence" t-shirt. I ran past him and said "Good morning from Synopsys. You are running great" and he smiled back and said "You too". They are giving good competition to our tool but not here.  Did I said running a marathon teaches you to be humble, naaaah. On a serious note, I was in Cadence before joining Synopsys some six years back. And that was the time when I fell in love with running. There is a great running culture there and every time some 100+ runners participate in SCMM from Cadence. Let’s see when we can match that figure. Anyway, enough of thanks-giving and did you notice, I am a humble soul.  

At last at KM 9, accepted the long suppressed call and the record is broken. No pressure, legs were warmed-up, dawn is breaking and Hazi-ali (a must visit place in Mumbai) is in sight, my legs increased the pace. Sea on the left and another sea of half marathon runners coming from the opposite direction on the right lane. Picture perfect environment to run. Slowly I am getting into my usual running flow, breathing easy, cheering my fellow runners and feeling more and more energetic. Around Km10, patted a guy and cheered him up. He responded with a smile and kept pace with me. We struck a conversation. He is Gaurav, a PhD fellow from Ahmedabad. This is his first SCMM but has run few FMs earlier. And the chit chat goes on and on. Together we dissected each other’s personal and professional life.

KM13 and we reached Bandra-Worli sea link. Just one word, Beautiful. Although there is a long gradual elevation but both of us were going great, talking and cheering the runners around us. Many responded anonymously, few cheered back with my name (my name is printed on the back of my t-shirt) and few battered souls who did not responded were busy in that mind-body fight. Way to go before I get involved in such fight, I am still fresh. Km17, I am running strong. Few more cheers, this time a doctor responded loudly with my name. He is Dr. Gunjan, an anesthesiologist from Max hospital New Delhi. Running a marathon is amazing. 42.195K is a good distance to make few new friends. Three in the pack.

Half way mark reached in good time, 2:18:25 said the watch. Mumbaikars, the police, all are clapping and cheering for us from the roadside. Kids are stretching their hands long enough to give a high five. At Km24, group of people (not the organizers) were distributing oranges with salts, water bottles etc to the runners. I had few pieces with salt, need to maintain the balance. KM25, Siddhi Vinayak Temple, bowed to the Lord Ganesha, asking for power in legs. Lord must have smiled. Slowly the energy reserves are getting depleted, Gaurav is breathing little heavy. Gunjan has gone ahead I guess. Legs needs some coaxing to keep them running. Suddenly a bike came from behind, asking us to run on the sides. The Elites are coming. You can just admire and stare in awe the way they run. They came and then Gone with the wind, we are left behind.

Km 28, caught Gunjan again. Overtook the 5Hr bus. Gaurav promised to give me company till 31. Sun was out, not very harsh still good enough to make his presence felt. Gunjan was telling how he was training for sub-4 target but then got injured in November. Suddenly remembered that the state of my legs is entering my brain and I have stopped cheering my fellow runners. I instantly cheered loudly. Km 31 and Gaurav already abandoned me.  But seriously, very thankful to Gaurav, we ran around 21K together. My legs also needed some break. Good thing is that my calves are fine, no cramps, just that knees do not want to run anymore. Saw some beautiful girls spraying Volini on runners legs. Requested them to spray my knees. Walked few meters before resuming my run.

Every Km is becoming longer. On top of it, the most treacherous part of the route (32-37) has begun. Only thing that save the runners here is the awesome crowd support. Kids are distributing water bottles, biscuits. People are standing out of their houses distributing oranges, bananas and what not. A small boy is offering chocolates, picked one ‘Perk’ and thanked him. Mmm, eating one after a long-long time. Km 35, dreaded Pedder road.  A steep incline, I literally walked over it and so did a girl with curly hairs ahead of me. She walked and then resumed running after reaching the top. I focused my eyes on her (had to focus on something other than my legs, nice excuse isn’t). She was in line of sight till 37. Right now target is not the finish line, but the next km mark. Did run-walk till 39 and then collected all my inner power to run till the end, just don't want to beat the time of 04:50:50. Cheered mindlessly, kept playing with my mind, but it was getting tough. Had to tell myself that I have finished the distance many times before. 1000 meters to go, no more mind games, just increased my pace. Waived at the cameras, increased my stride and landed strong on finishing mat while turning off the timer, it read 04:50:20. Just managed not to cross the limit of 04:50:50. 

Mission accomplished, feeling proud and satisfied. The guy at the medal counter placed the finisher medal round my neck. It's bit heavy this time or probably my neck has become bit tender.

Following is my report card of this marathon:

Bib Number	1325
Name	Hemant Aggarwal
Gender	Male
Category	35 YEARS TO LESS THAN 40 YEARS MEN
Rank	1677 / 4680 Finishers
Category Rank	274 / 753 Finishers
Gender Rank	1570 / 4301 Finishers
Split@3 Km	00:20:25 Avg. Pace 06:48, Avg. Speed 8.82 Kmph Gender Rank : 3218 / 4301 Finishers , Category Rank : 558 / 753 Finishers
Split@13.2 Km	01:28:00 Avg. Pace 06:40, Avg. Speed 9 Kmph Gender Rank : 2758 / 4301 Finishers , Category Rank : 477 / 753 Finishers
Split@21.1 Km	02:18:31 Avg. Pace 06:34, Avg. Speed 9.14 Kmph Gender Rank : 2236 / 4301 Finishers , Category Rank : 394 / 753 Finishers
Split@28.2 Km	03:07:17 Avg. Pace 06:38, Avg. Speed 9.03 Kmph Gender Rank : 1982 / 4301 Finishers , Category Rank : 348 / 753 Finishers
Split@29.7 Km	03:16:40 Avg. Pace 06:37, Avg. Speed 9.06 Kmph Gender Rank : 1884 / 4301 Finishers , Category Rank : 330 / 753 Finishers
Net Time	04:50:17 Average Pace 06:53, Average Speed 8.72 kmph

See you guys next year.

SCMM 2014: Veni Vidi Vici

Date: Jan 19, 2014                      Time: 5:00 AM                    Place: Azad Maidan, Mumbai

Waiting for this morning since a year. Just said to a friend "pet mein gudgudi ho rahi hai"(to be english friendly it means feeling butterflies in stomach). Yeah, this is my state. Anxious, excited, to be true little scared too. Waiting with friends for the gates to open, trying to locate some known faces.

While the gates get open, let me take you guys in flashback. I love coming to Mumbai and why not, SCMM is like Mecca for runners. And one of the predominant reason for this tag 'Mecca' is its people, the way they show their love and affection for people coming here and running those miles. But things were not so rosy on training front last year. Infact by september i was sure of skipping ADHM & SCMM altogether. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, registered for SCMM on Sept 26. It was an impulsive decision, but once done i knew that its going to be fun(read tough) training for SCMM as time was at premium(WAQT, race against time).

I put my best foot forward (yeah literally, infact both J). ADHM went nicely. Trained hard with max mileage in december, in the hostile Delhi weather. Increased mileage, overworking muscles, in a short time is a perfect recipe for shin splints. As a result no running in final two weeks of the showdown. And what all went through my mind in those two weeks, runners will relate to. Why i am even telling this? Well, just to give a picture of what it takes and what it really means for most of us, to stand few meters away from the start line on a sunday morning, ready to run some 42Kms. And that's just not me, here with me is a sea of maniacs, men women in colorful attires, some with grey hairs, everyone having just one desire.

As far as my goal for today's run, yes i was training for sub 4, but all those plans vaporised with that shin pain 2 weeks back. I have managed my heart to accept that even a 4:30 time will be ok, lesser-the-better. I will run as per my feeling, no pushing for any target at all. And suddenly what i see, there is a 4 Hr bus (strange, there was no 4 Hr bus on the event site). My heart rekindled with that sub 4 desire and i gave in(a decision which should be called too optimist, but when you desire something so badly, your heart keeps looking for ways to fulfil it overruling what mind orders). I told myself, lets be with the 4 Hr bus as long as the legs can. So thats the start line, picture courtesy Aayush (please do not sue me for copyright infringement)

Time 5:40 AM, the start time, heart rate went bit higher(good that i am not wearing a heart-rate monitor, else nearby runners must have thought that i started from pedder road). And the run started, but i could not catch the 4 Hr bus from the very first meter and the gap kept on increasing slowly and slowly and by KM4 i could not see the 4 Hr bus flag anymore. I consoled myself and kept to a comfortable pace. By now i got better of my nerves and it was business as usual for my legs. All this while my watch was very assuring to me. Infact i was doing exactly as i planned to do a sub 4 in my training earlier and that too without actually going for it.

The Indian Navy band at chowpatty was  a great booster. A barefoot runner overtook me, and i cheered him for running so nicely, that too barefoot. He reciprocated, the girl running with him said "He is a superman". Caught with another runner, came to know that he is also from Delhi and more of a cyclist. One of our gang member has done a lot of TASHNI things in  cycling world last year, so i asked to have more familiarity "you might be knowing Lovey" and "yes" came the answer. And with in a second another "yes" came to my ears and it was from Lovey himself(shaitaan ka naam lo, shaitaan haazir). I cheered Lovey and left this guy in his company to move forward.   
 

At KM8, the very first elevation. A guy with grey hairs was running great. We cheered each other. He uttered to the runners around him "just lean forward and run easy". Oh yes, i increased my angle by five degrees J. Now a tall guy was trying to overtake me. I think its the habit of every runner, whenever someone tries to overtake us, we get little faster and try to match his/her pace. I cheered him and he overtook me after thanking me. I caught him again and pointed out "hey, i am still with you". We got in the conversation mode (He is Satya, from Mumbai, working in a construction company which has constructed Bandra-Worli sea link, was a finance person there etc etc etc). Infact this chatter went on for next 20 Kms. Elevation conquered and soon we were sailing down the pedder road. What a speed we gained there. I asked Satya, how we must be feeling while returning back and running up the same thing at 35K. We both laughed at the thought and kept the speed up. I was feeling great, my legs were in mood and both of us were matching each others step.
 

Half marathoners were coming from the other side. Satya and myself, kept chatting and motivating fellow runners. Met RashmiM around 13K. She was running superbly and cheered us back. A runner with "Ronaldo" printed at the back of his t-shirt was constantly running ahead of us from quite sometime. I asked Satya "lets catch Ronaldo" and he was game. We caught Ronaldo, cheered him and moved on.

Km 16, and we are running on sea link. It was a heavenly weather and a breathtaking sight. On my left was moon, high up in the sky. On my right, Sun was trying to come out of its shell behind some tall buildings and yes, sea was beneath us. Running on this stretch is awesome. Although there was a good head wind, a noticeable elevation but i was running with ease. No hint of shin pain till now. Satya was explaining few details of sea-link to me. The barefoot runner of KM4 and the girl were in sight. Satya and myself overtook the superman. That's Satya and myself. Effect of running on sea-link is quite obvious on our faces.

21K was done in exactly 1:59:16. Very consistent with my sub 4 plan. But i am still not thinking about it. Its happening, and happening very much as i planned. My next target was to do 32K in 3 Hrs. Soon i caught up another runner wearing Tech-mahindra t-shirt and instantly struck a conversation. He is Manish, from Pune, running with some of his office mates etc. After enquiring all the info from this new mate, i introduced him to Satya and now Satya, Manish and myself are cruising nicely. Mumbai is all up now. People from all walks of life were outside their homes cheering us. Kids were stretching their hands to do a high-five.

Suddenly Satya roared "Ganpati bappa morya" and Shree Siddhivinayak were in front of us. We took his blessings and moved on. Manish dropped behind, Satya and myself were going great. Now we were looking more for the inside edges of the curves (every extra meter counts J). I dont know for whatever reasons, i find the route between 27K till 32K very uninspiring and monotonous. Its also the point when your body start feeling the inevitables. I could sense a bit of effort in Satya's voice while chatting with him. After running some 20K together Satya dropped back somewhere around 28K. I was all alone waging the battle.

 

To be true i can not say that i was running with ease now. Slowly i had to pull my marshalls out, one by one. Around 29K met SanjayJ. Cheered his spirits loudly and went on. Sun was out, trying to make a difference but nothing much to worry about. Saw the 4 Hr bus on the other side of the road. It must be  some 1500 meters ahead. Took the u-turn after 29. Fellow runners were more on run-walk mode. Few others were limping and looking faded. Even my loud cheering was not making much difference to them. The overall changed parameters made me realised that things are getting tough now.
 

31K, cheered and waved at my friend and gang member SandeepA on the other side. He was running great, ahead of 4:30 bus. My mind was negotiating hard with my heart, who was giving a kit-kat break signal. I kept the momentum and crossed 32k in 3:0:35. So i had around an hour for the remaining 10.2K. No, i can not afford to think that far when the dreaded pedder road elevation still remains. Next target is 37K mark in next 30 minutes. I sponged my face, poured some water on my neck (taking clue from my lost running mate Satya). I was missing him or more precisely i was really in need of someone running at my pace.

A couple of girls with "unstoppables" printed on the back of their t-shirts were walking. I cheered "hey unstoppables, come on". They also replied back with a nice smile "we are not stopping we are walking". Anyway walking was not an option for me. 35K done, I knew that now is the time that will make the difference. Pedder road elevation is in front, mumbaikars were on the sides. I chose the mumbaikars and ignored the elevation. Have given enough respect to this road in my last 2 FMs. Suddenly remembered a line from my DM friend VishwanathanJ's blog, "there is no elevation if you focus on one step at a time". I tried to think so, but this Gyaan was not a help for me J.

Two girls from medical camp were holding relispray. Although my leg muscles were not complaining loudly, still i accepted the long deferred wish of my heart, before i present him the pedder-road-trauma. Took a 5 second break to get my legs sprayed. Their smile and spray both worked, if not physically then definitely mentally. 

Kept running on the inside edge of the road, although sunny and lonely but my legs were happy running few meters less. Can not afford to annoy them at this point. Found another lonely runner who was also using his distance optimisation skills to the maximum. I badly wanted to talk to someone since Satya left, just to ignore my inner voices. He is Sandeep from Amdavad and running his maiden FM after running a 1:42 ADHM. He knew VishwasB and PiyushS and even told me that Vishwas did an ultra a day before. It brought a smile on his face when i told him that his name matches with one of my gang member. Sandeep kept pace for a KM and then fell back.

 

And came the steepest part of the pedder road and its a ritual to walk over it. I tried to egged on some who were following the ritual by saying "just lean forward and run easy", same Gyaan that i got at KM8. Many followed with smile except one. This guy gave me a tough look and said "come on" as if challenging me and started sprinting up. I shouted "easy man, pairon ki lag jayegi", but he stopped only at the top and started walking. I went up to him at my pace and said "mate i was just trying to motivate, you are running great". I can easily relate to him, but anyway, i moved forward.

A lady in grey hairs was cheering at the top of her voice and motivating the fallen spirits of the runners. So much, that will shame the most ferocious cheerleader of IPL or for that matter any other PL J. Kids were doing over time with water bottles, candies, biscuits, chocos, oranges, frooti and the list is endless. I made it a point to say thankyou to most of them whether i took anything or not. If the elevation was an issue than the heart-warming support of the mumbaikars is a big plus of this stretch. It wont be wrong if i say that a runner gets maximum cheers and support on this stretch.
 
I was absorbing every bit of all these happenings and kept moving easy and steady.  A girl was looking in some pain. When i tried to cheer her, she said she is having pain in lower leg. I asked her to stretch, walk and run easy. Dont know how much it helped her, but yes she was stretching. On the downhill of the last elevation met couple of guys, smiling and running. Saw any fellow runner actually running after a long time, that too with a broad smile. Had a brief conversation with them. Asked their names and some other questions too, but sorry do not remember the answers. Shows my mental condition too at that point of time J. I reciprocated their smile with a wider one, encouraged them and moved on.

 

37K came and not in a bad time. It was 3:30:25 in my watch. Approximately 30 minutes for remaining 5.2K for a sub 4. For the first time during the run Sub 4 looked realistic. I said to myself that i do not want to defer this for another year. I called all my army to give its maximum, now. Things were getting tense and excited like a T20 match. I again splitted the target and this time it was 40K in 3:48:00. Majority of my fellow runners were walking, few limping and some were even stretching. And once in a while few champs were even overtaking me. I took my motivation from these few and said to myself "just 5K man" and visualised the 5K stretch of my training route; looked doable. Now my focus was more on my run. My motivational exchanges with my fellow runners changed to anonymous cheering "come on friends".

 

40K nailed in 3:47:37. My calculation intensive head went into overdrive. Straight away my next target was to see the "1000 meters to go" board in 3:54:00. I was breathing hard, but it does not matter now. Overtaking each and everyone, whatever was coming in my way. My cheering converted more into shouting "come on friends, run hard, last few Kms". 1000 meters to go, time in my watch was 3:53:53. Now i was super confident that sub 4 is mine. Only thing which can stop me now was a collapse, total collapse, which can not be ruled out practically. I eased down a bit, told myself i want sub 4, not important that by how much i beat it.

I went on with ease and confidence in my stride. Someone crossed the road resulting me to put brakes and obviously i roared back(do not make a runner stop in his last Km else he will bite you like a mad dog J). 500, 200, 100 and the finish line in sight. I collected everything i had in me and went into sprint mode. With palms straight, fingers pointing towards the finish line and teeths closed tightly, i went past the finish line. My watch stopped at 3:59:21 and i knew official timing will be a second less not more. Just vented out the heat inside me with a loud "yesss" and returned to my civic senses the next second. That yesss made a head to turn around, but who cares.

I went to medical camp to get a enerzal pack. Saw a familiar face with grey hairs. I remember this guy overtaking me in ADHM and today also. I congratulated him and asked his whereabouts. He is Rajesh Wadhwa from Delhi, a veteran runner. Naa, i am not ashamed. With promise to meet again, i came out. Stretched my muscles, met SanjayJ and RashmiM and proceeded to the medal area. Met Satya, my running mate till 28. The happiness on his face told me everything. We hugged each other and exchanged our numbers with a promise that we will meet next year too. Met my gang, all did fantastic. Infact more or less everybody did their PB. Thats my gang(two members missing), feeling proud and happy.

  

I came here in 2012, saw the pedder road more closely in 2013 and this year it belongs to me. Returning back to Delhi, soul and sole both at rest. Got message from Satya in the evening:

"Hi, This is Satya Tripathi. Thanks again for the pace. May pls store. Rgds"

Running is special, it lets you know so many people. People who feel happy in your achievement and when you are down, they pick you up too, quite different from the outside(read self-centric) world.

Another wait starts ................................................................................... Date: Jan 18, 2015

My ADHM 2012 Saga

Date: September 23^rd, 2012; Day: Sunday; Time: 06:15 AM; Place: Greater Noida, and here I am running with my friends around the Golf course, discussing how tough it’s going to be exactly after a week. Yes, next Sunday will be the beginning of the running season for this maniac and what a run to start with – Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM). We did two loops of the golf course (~22 Km) and this is our last long run before the next Sunday carnival. Today is the last day to collect the Bib (running number that runners pin up on their t-shirts), so plan is to go to the expo in the noon.

 

AT THE EXPO

We (family) reached the expo at NSIC grounds Okhla at 1. It is a happening place. We (sister and I) collected the Bib and goodie bag. First official run for my sister, not a half marathon but shorter Great Delhi Run (6 Km). I needed a new pair of shoes. This is my third ADHM and my previous two were also in brand new shoes (educated people say do not run in new shoes on race day but I go with my feeling). Wow, there is a “Catch Masala” outlet too at the expo giving away 20% discount on MRP. Sounds odd in a running expo but needless to say that it has many takers including us. Bought the parking ticket and after spending around 30 mins to zero down on the feel-best shoe we left for Lajpat Nagar market (well with family you cannot avoid shopping).

I am being used as the “Conveyor belt” to load the shopping stuff and in between I am doing trip to the parking to off load myself in the car. While they are busy shopping, I stole some moments to have a fresh-hot-bread-pakora. It’s nice and then to quench my thirst I gulped chilled Banta (tasted it for the first time in my life, if you don’t know Google it) with lemon. The shopping spree went till around 8:30 (good they start closing the market). Long tiring day. Will the next Sunday be so tiring? Definitely NO. Running for two hours is much more comfortable than being a “conveyor belt” for 5 hours J. I can do a Marathon in this much time and will be in better shape as I am now (little exaggerated, but chalta hai).

When I woke up on Monday morning my throat was congested. Next morning means Tuesday the cough increased and I also felt little feverish. Is it the CHILLED-BANTA-EFFECT poured over hot oily bread pakora? Can’t say. But run is on Sunday so no worries I will be definitely in the pink and healthy by then. On Wednesday I test drive my new shoes, they are feeling great and cozy.

Thursday, I woke up with fever. Missed office. Panic started to creep in. Mom suggested seeing a doc and I agreed at the first instance. It’s the first time that I agreed so readily but do I have an option. Now the camel is under the mountain J. In our home we also keep a homeopathic medicine for cough and cold. I started swallowing the tasteless white tablets every five hours. Took steam before going to bed. Never in my life gave this much respect to cold and fever. Necessary Evil.

Combined effect of Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Allopathy is that I am much better on Friday. Now this is what you call a Team-Effort. Went office, my colleagues wished me good luck for Sunday.

PRE RACE DAY

Perfect Saturday. I am healthy, still on medicines but nevertheless in good spirits. No worries, No anxiousness. High carb breakfast of Kotu-ka-chila (Buck wheat for the uninitiated) stuffed with potato. I announced to the house that I will take my lunch at 2 and dinner at 08.30 and will sleep by 09.30. They just smiled. So how am I feeling? Well I am excited. No, I am very excited. It’s like a carnival for THE RUNNERS like me and I am waiting for the morning next day.

This time my pre-race day preparation is exactly as prescribed in the running manuals. Do not want to put a foot wrong (have done it already by having a bread-pakora topped with Banta). In the evening itself my running attire is ready. Bib pinned to my t-shirt, timing chip tied to the shoes. My brand new digital watch with lap memory is out. I took out a hundred rupee note from my wallet, a hanky and took out the car key from the bunch and placed these three items together (stuff which I will be carrying while running). Family saw it and again smiled. Good, at least for a day I am the reason of their smile.

Had a glass of milk with a bowl of chickpeas. Not feeling hungry so delayed my dinner to 9 and then Mr Bachchan kept me glued to the TV set till 10. With alarm set at 4 in the morning I went to bed with couple of glass of water already in.

RACE DAY

At the stroke when clock hit four, the alarm went off. Got up instantly with zero delay. Doubled my water intake and went ahead with my morning rituals. Race start time is 06:40. Plan is to reach the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (race venue) by 06:15; so will leave home by 05:20. Race venue is around 45 kilometers from my house but should not take more than 50 minutes to reach there at wee hours.

After having my bath, I am at the dining table at 5 am in the morning. It happens only on the race days. Eating Aloo-Ka-Parantha, my absolute favorites. Had a couple and settled them down with a bowl of oats (Educated people believe that our meal should be at least 2 hours before the run and should be light). Is this light? J, but who cares. I believe in Khali pet na hoe bhajan Gopala (you can’t pray empty stomach) and for me running is DIVINE. Great, solid defense.

Left Home at 05:25 after hydrating myself for a very eventful day ahead. Its dark. Cool, calm weather. I am enjoying my drive. City is still sleeping, its Sunday for them. But I have miles to go before I sleep.

RACE VENUE

Reached the parking area outside the stadium at 06:10. Tried calling my friends but their mobile is switched off, seems they are already inside. Switched off my mobile, kept it in the car and started my walk to the stadium with three things in my running shorts – key, money and hanky. People from all walks of life, old and young, thin and fat, individuals and groups are advancing towards the stadium entrance. All dressed athletically in colorful attires. These are the moments which I love most. Dawn is breaking.

I thought to jog till the start point to warm up my legs. One of the runners in a group signaled at my Bib and said to his friend “look he is from category A” (category A is for the runners who did their last half marathon under 2 hours, and last time I somehow managed to crawl to the finish line just under 2; how humble I sound isn’tJ) and surely my chest went 2 inch broader hearing that but I pretended indifferently. But it was like a tonic to my already soaring high spirits. So I guess it’s time to announce my race target for this time. Well I am planning for anything between 1 Hr 50 Min to 1 Hr 55 Min. Let’s see how it pans out.

After jogging for around 500 meters I saw a public convenience complex. Well this is the most sought after place for runners before any race. I made my bladders comfortable and just when I am coming out of the complex, I realized I have not called back home that I have landed safely here. Well this is not the time to take chances and I don’t want Procam (race organizer) to pick me half way during the race after getting a freaking call from my home. I raced back to the car, switched on my mobile. For the first time I cribbed for the delay my mobile took for starting up (many FIRSTs happening to me these days and many more to come). After conveying my message home, I again switched it off, put it back and locked the car (Event# 1). Its ok, I still have enough time to reach the start point. Its 06:25, no worries, nothing can go wrong. I started my jog back, this time little bit faster, to the start point. By the time I reached the point from where I had turned back to call home, I again realized that I have forgot to take off the chain I am wearing; and for god sake now don’t tell me that I have to run with this chain. No way. Forget jogging, I ran back to my car, took it off and sprinted back (Event# 2).

I ran through the stadium entrance. Security personnel are checking everyone entering here. Halted, gave myself to the security person and after the check I ran ahead to the start point. Looking for holding area ’A’ and saw one of my friend. After patting him good luck I reached the holding area at 06:38 in the watch. With good luck I met my friends with whom I was planning to run. Exchanged pleasantries. I am sweating and breathing little heavy (courtesy 3 Km run which I just finished). Not a start I would have expected but I guess it’s been a tremendous warm up for my body. The holding area is all crammed. There is no separation between different holding areas. My friend is planning for a 1 Hr 50 Min finish. I will try to match him till I can. Reset my watch in timer mode.

THE RACE

Exactly at 06:40 am the whole mass of thousands of people started to move ahead. I am walking easy till the starting mat (official starting point) and first thing I did while crossing is to start my timer and immediately went into my rhythm. But man there is no space to run. It’s so crowded. Nobody is following traffic rules, no lane driving and I am like a crazy driver overtaking others from whichever side possible (well, there are others too doing same to me). While navigating my way ahead and keeping a good pace, for once I almost tripped. Thanks to the runner in front of me who is wearing a water belt, which somehow I managed to cling on and save my jaws. My friend is already 50 meters ahead of me. I increased my pace to catch him, but seems he read my mind and increased his pace too and soon disappeared in the crowd ahead.

Loud music, drum beating and cheer leaders are making the start electrifying. Hey Sai Nath Paar Lagade are the words of one of my fellow runner. I just smiled in my heart, saluted Sai Baba and ran past him. Weather is warm and humid and I am sweating. Thanks to the tree cover on Delhi roads. After couple of kilometers I got some space to run. Legs feeling strong, body feeling great, I motivated some of my fellow runners. One turned his face to look at me as if I encroached his privacy but others reciprocated it with smile. It’s not that I am good at heart and so I am motivating them, but I myself feel very energetic doing this and automatically my speed increases (selfish meJ).

I am looking for kilometer demarcations but could not see any. On usual days, these roads would have been jammed with vehicles but today they belong only to us. Here it is, Km 5 and I recorded the split time. I am surprised, I am running faster than planned. I kept my pace with occasional pat and chit-chat with the fellow runners. I am enjoying my running. So many corporates participating, with whole group wearing same attire having company name at the back. Nice way to make your presence felt.

Km 7, still good pace with India gate in front of me. Running past India gate, on Rajpath with Rashtrapati Bhavan in my sight is truly memorable. This what makes this route so charismatic. What’s missing here is, tree cover. But good that sun is at our back. Having a cup of orange color water with most of the powder settled at the bottom. Improper mixing, but it still softened my dry throat. Motivated another runner and he thanked me for pulling up his spirits. I wanted to overtake him but he matched my pace. We strike up a conversation. He was practicing with Arun Bhardwaj group (The famed ultra-marathon runner from Delhi). Coincidentally he is working near my office only. My eye-watch co-ordinationJ and company of this new running partner is keeping me busy.

And see who is here, my lost buddy Podolski. We met in Mumbai full marathon and there he humbled me, not to mention that he is one of them (THAT SPECIES). I greeted him, made him remember, smiles traded. It’s time to return the favor. Stepped up my pace and went past him. Podolski, you can beat Messi but not me (and if you missed the pun intended, refer to my Mumbai marathon 2012 blog). World is indeed small.

My running partner stopped to have some water but again catches me. Am I slow? Well, don’t know. Km 10 and I did it in 51:35. 1:50 finish is well in sight. We are talking, matching each other’s step. Around Km 12 my running partner left me to move ahead. I am surprised, from where he got this energy (little while ago he was sulking, seems I motivated him more than required and yeah all these thoughts did crossed my mind) and tried to match him but the gap kept increasing. After sometime I could only see his black cap which too disappeared soon. My eyes are looking for my running friends, with whom I do my Sunday runs, but can’t find them.

India gate is back but sun is in front and glaring directly into my eyes as if challenging me. Stretch between Km 12 to Km 14 is tough. Not a hint of shade. Volunteers are standing close to the road to give water, orange slices, and cool sponges. I need water and signaled a volunteer at a distance to open the bottle and he obliged (nice of him, precious seconds saved). Drank all of the 200ml and tossed the empty bottle in the nearby bin. Shot misses. Fun of running at the India gate is missing on the return journey. Legs are no more fresh and heat coming from the sun is soaring with my energy levels dripping.

Km 14, and my watch is telling that my pace is getting little slower. Now my mind is speaking loudly to my legs and commanding them to keep up the pace. And suddenly I realized that I am no more talking and motivating my fellow runners (since I am listening more to the tussle between my mind and body). Do I need motivation? Who is going to pat me? But my condition is not bad, it’s the pace which is hard to sustain. Immediately I exclaimed to a runner “good running, keep it up”. Feeling better nowJ. Ambulance sirens can be heard. But I am running and running strong.

Km 17. A runner collapsed and volunteers are attending him. Few are stretching to make their cramped legs comfortable and I am running while looking at my watch after every Km. My splits have increased by few seconds. I am trying to run fast in last 3 Kms but my legs are not ready. It is hard to maintain my current pace, forget upping it. But I am trying. Km 19, Drums and cheer leaders are back but even that is not making the legs smile. Someone around uttered Jai Mata Di, I repeated it in my mind. Km 20. A fellow runner came from behind and said “Come on” (first time someone else took the initiative, guess he needs energy) and tried to get past me. Being challenged, my legs become faster and over powered the trespasser.

500 meters to go. Huge crowd of people, standing on both sides of the road and cheering for us. Now this is special, awesome, heavenly. Feels like whole nation is cheering for me to win the Olympic gold. Legs started to do overtime. People clapping and screaming. I did the Shahid kapoor act of Kaminey (I mean I sprinted and obviously not topless, evidence below).

This is the moment when your body forgets everything, give all it has. Finish line in sight and I am running as if I doing a 100m sprint. Hearing the beeps for the one final time while crossing the finish mats is just great. Hurray, finished the run and my engine is slowly coming to a halt and so does my timer. It’s reading 1:51:05. Official timing can be little different. Fantastic, I am happy. No, I am proud. Congratulating myself.

Took a Gatorade and started sipping it slowly. Saw my friend, whom I lost in the starting Km and on his shoulders is another friend. Seems he got cramps in his legs. I gave them high five. They crossed the finish line couple of minutes earlier than me. By the way these guys are from Indore and Bengaluru and here just for running. No dearth of maniacs. You will find many more here. And here he is, my running partner who ditched me at Km 12. I congratulated him and immediately complained “you left me and ran ahead”. He said “No, I was behind you”. “Oh, were you not wearing a black cap”. “No”. Geez, I pushed thinking it’s him. We took each other’s email to stay in touch.

It’s better to do some stretching now. Doing stretching and congratulating some unknown faces. Collected my finisher’s medal. They put it around your neck to make you feel accomplished. Took my refreshment packet. The area is getting crowded. Met most of my friends and with whom I boasted my timing. Meeting my running group, with whom I started my running career two years back, is always special. So, everything hunky-dory, this write up should end. Well no, picture abhi baaki hai mere dost.

I am waiting for my sister and little worried too, how will I be able to catch her in this crowd? Although I have already told her to meet in front of the medal distribution counter after her run, but none of us have our mobiles and crowd is huge. Luckily, did not have to wait much. Here she is, Oh I found her pretty easily. I asked her how was the run and she just shook her head (in her lingo this means nothing great). I am cramping a bit. I asked her to stay together and collect the refreshment pack. Just then someone asked me “where is the medal distribution counter”. I pointed him to the direction and Bingo, my sister is missing. She must be in the queue to collect the refreshment packet. After 15 minutes of my search operation I gave up (Event #3).

She resides in a hostel nearby, so no worries. Till now none of the events have affected me in anyway. They occurred to give me some anxious moments but nothing more than that. Time is 10:30 and like other participants I also crawled back to find my way out. I exited from gate# 14 and parking area is around 2 Kms from here. There are many others like me who got out of the wrong gate. “Can’t they announce that people having parked their cars in Barapullah parking should exit from gate# 8”, I complained to one such unlucky person. Seems the glaring sun has finally got better of me. Literally I did a parikrama of the stadium. Limping, cribbing and feeling the heat I reached the parking area.

Time 11:00 am. Opened my car and kept my stuff inside. Switched on my mobile, called my sister and she has already reached her hostel, Great. No discussion on where she disappeared, I am in hurry to reach home. And just when I am all set to take off I figured out that my gear is locked. I must have locked it in the morning out of my habit and obviously as you all know I do not have the gear lock key with me. Man I am missing to see my facial expression as this news broke out to my mind. What a scene it would have been (Event# 4) and this one will surely affect meJ.

Within minutes I regained my composure, this is surely going to be a special day. I called home, told them the story and assured them that I will manage it. No worries. Called one of my running friend to check just in case if he is still here so that I can get a lift till home, but he has already reached his home. Situation is pretty simple now, leave the car here and come back tomorrow WITH GEAR LOCK KEY to fetch it. I kept the water bottle with me and locked the car. I am looking for a parking assistant, saw one. Told him my story, got his number and requested him to keep an eye. Spend 15 minutes more talking to the security guard at the entrance gate of the parking. Left my address and number with him. He assured me to watch if someone tries to go out with a red SantroJ.

Time 12:00 noon. Out of the parking. Waiting for some rickshaw or an auto but to no avail. I am sure that today it’s going to be different, so without wasting further moments I walked to the INA metro station which is couple of Kms from here. And believe me I am contend and smiling. Even bargained a fruit Walla for apples, but he did not succumbed to my offer. I loaded my body into the metro, needed to change it once before reaching Noida. From there I took bus to Greater Noida. Saw a vacant seat and sat there. It is a ladies seat, I looked around to find any other general category seat but as it happens in our country, general category seats are always full. Anyway I don’t have the option so tried my luck (by the way I know my luck today). After 5 minutes someone tap my shoulder. A lady. Well yeah, as a gentleman I got up. Oh yes, my legs can carry me still.

Another 5 minutes, SPLATTTTTTTT (flat tire). And the bus slowly came to a halt on the side of the road (Event# 5). Instantly I smiled. Ok get down, stand in the sun, and find another bus; are my first thoughts. Mr. Driver and Conductor sahib had an inspection, came back and proclaimed that it’s the inner tire and bus can still move slowly. While I am standing, I noticed that there is a photo of Sai Baba and Goddess Durga on the front glass of the Bus. “Lord, is this the punishment because I smiled that time, but it was an innocent one?”. “No Son, It’s not your punishment. If this been a punishment, you would not be travelling in a bus comfortably”, pat came the reply. Anyway, my self-talk stopped as I reached my station. Got down, hired an auto. At 02:30 I am home, lunch is waiting.

In the evening, got a call. “Is the red Santro parked here yours?”. “Yes”. “Remove it in an hour or else we will deposit it in the police station”. I collected all my politeness and requested the person to let me take it next morning. He reluctantly agreed. Next morning at 08:00 hours I am leaving home. Only runners can understand how my legs are feeling now. My walk is a treat to watch. Took the exact mode as the yesterday’s journey with just one change. Took rickshaw from the metro station to the parking, my legs need it. At 10:20, I reached there and yeah with the gear lock key. As human, checked the car and the stuff in the rear box. With everything intact, I thanked the security guard and left for my office. Now that wraps up my third ADHM. It was a memorable experience which I loved to the hilt. Will the next year ADHM be like this? Oh yes, I will love it; but will make sure I leave the gear lock at home.

TARGET FOR THE NEXT YEAR

Let’s have a look at my report card below:

Goal for the next year ADHM is same, to reduce THAT SPECIES overtaking me. Let’s see what the population of THEM is, this year?

Population of THAT SPECIES = Number of runners from fairer sex overtaking me + Number of men runners with grey hairs overtaking me.

So, Population of THAT SPECIES = (565 – 555) + (555 – 512) = 10 + 43 = 53

Gosh, 53 of them pushed me hard and humbled my MACHOISM. Great, the contest will go on and I will definitely reduce this number next time. But THAT SPECIES is not the one to get extinct, in fact it’s growing and after a decade I myself will be converted to themJ.

And what if I am not able to keep my commitment; well I am not Mr. Salman khan. Waise Salman khan se yaad aaya, next weekend I am having ITBP half marathon which will be flagged off by Mr. Salman Khan, so see you all after that. Good Bye.