26 on 26th
On Sunday October 26th I ran my first full marathon 26.2 miles (42 kms) – distance I never even dared to run in my dreams – in six hours 48 minutes!
The Finisher
Prologue
When I decided to run I was set up with two challenges:
- Fund raising – Asha for Education aims to catalyze socio-economic changes in India through education of underprivileged children. In order to do so I was task with raising $2400. Well thought of raising such big amount made me think thousand times. Asha has reputation of doing this at 98.7% efficiency. That means every dollar we raise 98.7 cents will go to cause which is the best of any efficient charity organization that I’ve heard of! That’s becuase everyone works volutnarily for the good cause.
- Running the distance – So as a individual what you get in turn by doing this? Team Asha a premier endurance sports program helps one by training for half and full marathons – distances you never ever dreamed to go.
So one get chance not only to reap the healthy benefits of running but also great opportunity to give back to community – the satisfaction in knowing that you have been shaping the life of a child for a better world!
Now story in detail…
After completing half marathon, I decided to stop there thinking enough has been done to restore the fitness level and decided to hang the shoes 😀 But I was wrong, there was strong desire in me which wanted to take on next bigger challenge which I knew was impossible for me to conquer – finishing 26.2 miles. Many times I heard from Rajendra and other mentors, race starts after 13.2 miles. It takes four times the effort that one need to put for half marathon. I was asking myself, do I have enough strength to cross this legend mile mark ? And Answer was I’m not very sure and this answer forced me to sign up for the full marathon which was just 2 months away from half marathon.
Fast Forward to Race day…. Oct 26th 2008 Venue: Silicon Valley Marathon, San Jose CA
I was frustrated with cold for previous two days. Was very nervous if I can run the race. Wanted to get an expert opinion. So I did Dial M for Mentor Rajeev. After talking with him I was calm down and got ready for the race. Since we are slow runners, decided to take advantage of one hour early start. At 6 a.m. with 60-70 runners/walkers company I started my march from San Jose Downtown. With perfect weather I was feeling much better and energized.
We had first water stop @ 1.5 miles. Cheerful Asha folks were ready to greet us. Next five six miles went without getting noticed and soon we were on Los Gatos Trail – where we have done few runs as part of our training. Me and Vijay were cruising at our normal pace. Around 8 am we passed by Ekal water stop; Amit was present to give us nourishment.
In next few minutes, all fast runners who started at regular race time 7 a.m., were passing or I should say flying by us. Got chance to cheer for Raghav . Anyways there we are at second Asha water stop at 9 mile mark. Everyone was in party mood wearing fancy costumes. There cheers and smiling faces gave us new energy to move on.
And with this energy we reached Los Gatos School Tracks where we reached the half marathon distance! By the time we cross 17 miles Sun was rising and so the heat. Till now I already took three restroom breaks just to make sure that I don’t get bloated with all fluid that I was taking.We were eagerly waiting for 19 mile mark, that’s where Rajendra, Adya and all Fremont runners were going to wait for us. Soon we got company of Augustus. Rajeev, Sreedhara were busy taking our best photos. Rajendra, Adya were cheering for us with all their heart. Adya was holding banner saying “Go Aai Go”. It was very good to see them. I was happy to run with Adya. From here Rajendra decided to run with me and Vijay. I was still trying to tag along with Vijay and making my best effort to hang on there. He was trying to strike the conversation but I had no energy to speak. Weakness was taking toll on me. I guess that might have forced Vijay to go ahead. Now I got into company of Rajendra who tried to comfort me. But I was not in mood to listen. I was complaining about back ache, headache and n number of things.
And then we saw our dear Asha gang again. Neelima, Anand, Gargi and others were cheering along the street. Neelima offered her company and Rajendra accepted it very eagerly. Neelima was very kind to me. She made sure that I will take baby steps towards the target. Ensured that my painful back get massage regularly; I get water shower breaks every few minutes. Her talks were enjoyable and it kept me busy along the run. While running I observed that each runner was accompanied by at least one Asha volunteer to make sure that everyone has a strong finish… Now that’s called Teamwork and dedication to your pals. I really want to thank all the Asha volunteers for doing the same.
As we passed 25 mile marker, Asha folks gave us a grand welcome with Jilebis waiting for us. Now I was very eager to see the end. Oh what was that… I can’t believe I’m seeing 26 mile marker. Wow we are there … now I started taking bigger strides. Neelima gave all her energy to me and suggested to go for sprint. And there I’m racing towards the podium along with Rajendra who was trying his best to capture the action moments. Along with that I heard the announcement calling my name as finisher and I was so happy to hear it. Jain and Nerella Family greeted me just after my finish.Yes it’s real now, world has accepted that I had gone to the distance. And a marathoner has born!
Hats off to Team Asha. Without your cheerful squad, I couldn’t have done it. Thanks to Doctor (named by Rajendra) Neelema for giving me the strength when I needed it most. And thanks to our coaches, mentors and fellow runners for helping me reach the mark and be part of elite Marathoners Club!!! Long live Team Asha!!!
Epilogue
Recovery has been very fast than expected. Very next day I was able to start making Diwali sweets. Everyone is invited 😉
Along with this I’ve accomplished two goals that we set earlier before it all started:
- Fund raising – We have successfully raised $2400 – amount that we thought will not able to raise specially after Rajendra did raise same amount for same cause last year! Thanks to everyone who has been very generous. Many times we thought running might be easy than reaching the fundraising target. Without your contribution this couldn’t have been possible! Thank you again. You are my heroes!
- Running – I’m now certified runner with medals from SanFrancisco half marathon 13.1 miles and Silicon Valley Full Marathon 26.2 miles. Come home to see those shining medals 🙂
-
- Count = 19 miler
-
- Placard only for me!!
-
- Whom you will be voting?
-
- V’s on course
-
- Yum Yum Jilebi @ 25 miler
-
- Me ‘n Neelima – the Dr.
-
- Sprint to Finish
-
- The Finisher
It’s unofficial now…
…that today I ran my first rock ‘n roll half marathon. Friend of mine couldn’t able to run so I decided to be a place holder :-). After my full marathon on August 3rd, I haven’t done much running except few mile runs that I added as part of my first triathlon training.
So this was longest run in last two months. Wanted to see if my body cope for such distance without any preparation. And it turn out to be very pleasant experience. Event was full fun. With 10,000+ runners it was set for big blast. There were live bands along the way to keep runners rolling (except 3-4 miles in residential area).
I decided not to bother about timing and take it easy. With company of Uma, we had easy run. Along the way I grab the cow bell from passer by and use it to cheer the cheer leaders! Believe me it’s gets smile on their face when as a runner you appreciate their cheer and efforts that they put to make your run easy! Many young kids had their small own live bands. Their efforts were worth for cheering with big ringing bell.
By the time we were at 1 hour mark, dear Kenyan runner was making his way to be first runner to finish line. It was still close call as there was Morocco runner competing for first spot. In next few minutes we saw first female runner (later found that she is from Japan). She was having strong run and was clear ahead of the second.
After 10 mile marker I felt bit tired, but Uma and me kept each other in good company to keep the momentum going. After this marker, I was eager to finish the run earliest. But then I reminded myself not to get caught up and enjoy the run. Really if you are not care about your finish time there are so many things happening around which makes the run most enjoyable. So many folks are give valuable time for their beloved runner/s. Some cheer for their other half. Some for their mommy, daddy or grandpas or some for their team. Also I was enjoyed reading different banners put by kind people.
I always appreciate volunteers because they help us to be successful. And hence I had been volunteering myself on the training runs. I’m very happy when I shout for the runner and they listen to me; put big smile on their face with aim for strong run. They make my day by becoming successful in their run. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. Isn’t this nice 🙂
Anyway back to our rock ‘n roll run, in 2 hour 49 minutes I found myself at the finish line. It was good to see Team Asha squad cheering up at very end. Thank you Jaya and gang. I hope you heard my appreciative cow bell ring.
With all being said, I will be back to Rock ‘n Roll next year as myself 😀
Runner\'s view 