Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to running!
I have good days and terrible days! My junk miles are far more than what is considered respectful in running circles!
But the thrill of a good trail and the energy of the crowd makes me want to be there to experience it all.
Kaveri Trail Marathon 2018 was not meant to happen. I was not in the best of forms this year, with poor sleep, indiscipline at the gym, personal commitments, long work hours and more excuses.
But the things we do for love!
When I met an old soul who said he was running his first half marathon at KTM 2018 and asked if I would be running, I fell for it too! I had to be there!
I signed up.
I remembered my words to A1 from RFL after KTM 2017, that I would come back to win the race the next year in my age category, This was not to be realised if I was running with someone else, It did not matter, since the pleasure of a good race with a good friend mattered more to me!
Race day was looming ahead, with a sudden apartment move after 13 years and settling in taking its toll, exhaustion was my only constant emotion.
Yet, I was keen to run.
An injury made my friend cancel his plans! Now I had my doubts as well, Did i want to wake up at 2 am to do this with a long journey included,
I was a firm believer of 'the travel should never be longer than the time taken for the run!'
But here, it was definitely more. Did I want to do it?
This was one of the more expensive runs, also tough.
A neighbour was running with his friends, he insisted I join them.
He is a certified crazy runner, who runs everyday, has run the toughest race in the country and never stops.
I was nowhere near his pace or endurance.
So I told him I would run my own race if I did come.
Every training run was getting to be a struggle to find time. Every time I stepped out of home in the morning, I told myself to be grateful for the time I got.
It was getting tougher to make time! I owed that time to my daughter instead!
I made up my mind. I was determined. I would run to win! Just as I had decided a year ago.
The weather the previous night was not race friendly, It rained heavily, even at 2 am in the morning.
I had visions of slushy slippery trails, with overflowing canals!!
Sometimes the weather god can be kind after a scary night.
It stopped raining by the time we reached the venue.
The sun did not come out and hid behind the clouds.
The small group of committed runners took off for the full marathon, while the half marathoners stretched near the start line.
I ran not too worried about the pace, keeping it at a comfortable level, slowly overtaking the other runners.
The 10.5 km turn was a feel good point, knowing we were now going home.
I could make out that there were few half marathoners who were racing, some women still ahead of me.
At the 16th km, the effects of ignoring my gym work outs showed up as fatigue.
The slow painful process of completion had begun. It was still my own race.
I saw the usual suspects making their way to the finish, some call them old women, but all I saw were "strong runners"
Sometimes knowing helps! and here I knew. They were behind me or with me.
The faster open category women had raced ahead. I let a few pass me.
I knew what I was after!
Saw my favourite runner going back for his second loop for the Full.
He gave me a mental boost when he cheered me on.
And thus a race was won!
First among equals.
Something in me told me I had won.
I told my friends I might have.
But I knew! and it was my secret till they publicly announced it!!
It took me 9 years to get here to the podium. Every kilometre contributing towards this finish.
A podium finish is always a hope, not achievable without efforts.
This one, being a less competitive race and a trail run, is not a favourite among the professionals.
It's the more passionate ones who make it!
What makes KTM a coveted event is the the warmth of the organisers, support from friends and family, no frills venue, the rush of the canal, the green fields, bullock carts passing by, birds watching you from afar and the silence of the trail.
What makes KTM a coveted event is the the warmth of the organisers, support from friends and family, no frills venue, the rush of the canal, the green fields, bullock carts passing by, birds watching you from afar and the silence of the trail.
Running will continue, but races will not.
I have plenty of miles to go before I sleep!
This being my swan song!
Till I make my re-entry into the world of events after 4 years!
Kaveri Trail Marathon 2018
scripboxktm.com
