Save The Best For Last

The years are creeping up on me.

It shows up when my mom passes a comment on her aching chest, her throbbing knees.

It reminds me when my dad limps from a foot fracture which never healed properly.

It talks to me through my daughter who wants to go out for lunch with her friends without a chaperone.

It tells me when I struggle to stay awake late into the night trying to compile a spreadsheet.

It follows me when I hear my parents make frequent doctors appointments.

It stares at me when I look at my rising medical costs and insurance premiums I pay.

It whispers through the pain and fear I notice when I have to travel leaving the family behind.

It yells at me when I make plans for extra home tutoring and external classes for board exams soon to start.

So, I told myself, this will be my last.

Considered the Mecca of Marathoners, the Holy Land for many runners, renamed recently as Tata Mumbai Marathon, the race beckoned me this year.

This had to be the year, since the following years would be taken over by the stress and responsibility of parenting and exam fears.

Tickets booked in advance, registrations, hotels all confirmed.

Having heard so much about the humidity and the amazing spirit of Mumbai, it was something I had to experience for myself.

Training plans were made keeping the D-day in mind.

Short races were planned to prepare mind and body.

Schedules were kept to prevent any injury.

Not everything can be controlled, so it happened that some tweaks in training had to be worked in. Acceptance of what is, but not defeat. 

Decided to do it, come what may!!

More fear, less excitement, the usual self doubts.

We Banglorians are a spoilt lot when it comes to the weather.

The weather conditions as soon as I headed out to the expo, made me realise I was not prepared for the heat.

No amount of water would quench the thirst, I could feel the sweat dripping down inside my cotton T-shirt, making me fear the next day's run.

Had to stay away from the outdoors for the rest of the evening and conserve all my energy, I prayed for strength to see me through.

I started out strong, confident from all the months of training, but ill-prepared for the humidity. Within a hour of start, I was soaked in perspiration. I had been drinking so much water, my stomach was filling up and the water was swishing around.

Not the right way to run a long distance.

I slowed down, hoping the humidity would reduce with the sun coming out. 

It did, only to increase the heat.

Unnaturally hot day for Mumbai in January, the sun was unkind.

I walked down the Sea Link, realising I would not be able to push myself to my time goal.

Tried to take it slow and focus on completion, rather than risk cramping and dehydration. 

Therein started the long arduous journey towards the finish line.

I decided not to think of the distance covered or the kms still ahead of me, but to run in the moment.

I saw runners passing me, felt no compulsion to beat them, but run my own race. 

At the 32nd mark is when my body felt the full force of the blazing sun. 

I by now had fully experienced the much spoken about heat and humidity of Mumbai.

My body gave up. 

This is when the spirit of Mumbai showed up in full force. 

Amazing support from every Mumbaikar on the route. 

They came out with oranges, salt, jaggery, candies, encouraging placards, ice, pain relief sprays, water, lime and more important words of encouragement. Big Smiles! 

I could not give up.

Not when there were hundreds of people out there believing in me, helping me on my way. 

This is where the mind takes over.

It's such a powerful tool! 

Every step became a success.

I told myself this race was for all the people who never give up, for the many who could not, yet persevere.

For those who believe. 

I ran with my heart!

It's true that anyone can run 20 miles, its the next 6 that count! and you go all out to do all you can to make it count!! 

I made my way towards the finish, every km a win.

Cheering others on, smiling at the supporters, made it all much more easier. 

The finish was worth it all!!

The person who starts the race is not the same person who finishes the race.

A marathon can truly humble you. 

There were several times I wish it were different,

When the runner stands in front of a dustbin or when he goes behind a standee and pees in it, 

When he throws the water bottle after just a swig of water right there on the road as he runs, 

When he dumps the ORS tetra-pak outside the dustbin, not caring that the bin is so close by.

When he decides to shake his sweaty brow right onto the runner next to him.

When the organisers dump the medal into a bag and hand it over after you wait in a queue  so far away instead of awarding it to you at the finish line.

When there is no breakfast served after a run which saps your mind and body.

When an early start would have helped avoid the direct beating of the sun.

Yet, 

there are many reasons to run it-

The challenge; the high; the smiles and grimaces of fellow runners; the magic of Mumbai;

Old friends and new.

Mary R. Wittenberg, former president, New York Road Runners Club:

"A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow.  It's all in conquering the challenge."