My First Marathon

4 AM in the morning! Woke up by 4 15 after a few snoozes. Surprising because on workdays I am unable to wake up before 8. 

Quickly got ready and by 5 15 AM, I was at the venue. 

Empty roads, the chilly air of dawn, before sunrise. Once I reached the techpark, the roads and map did not match. So, I asked around the night guards for directions. And then 2 people in Salesforce Run T shirts on a bike and followed them to the assembly point :p 

On reaching the assembly point, utterly amazed to see the organisation. There were guards and signboards everywhere after entering the venue to guide you. And there were so many volunteers.  There was a place to submit bags. Makeshift changing rooms and mobile washrooms. Water and Glucon D for hydration and refreshments lined up.

Collected my T shirt and Bib and changed into the marathon costume. And now when I was walking among the unknown and known people, it strangely felt like we were all just one, like when we were in school in school uniforms..  

I could hear an Emcee, I could not see. His booming voice was so perfect, I was sure it was something they were playing on record. 

There was a zumba session to warm up. 

One moment, I was wishing to be the cool Emcee like this voice, the next moment to be the dancer on the stage with the looks, fitness, moves and confidence I so admired. 

And participants in 100s. As opposed to badminton and competitive sports, there was no feeling of competition. In marathons, people just come to have fun and finish it. With no feeling of winning or losing. I also spotted people from my vertical. Some familiar faces to greet. 

There was a map of the route we had to follow. I looked at it,  knowing my navigation skills, I knew it was useless. I was relying on the signs or organisers to find my way. 

And then the races started. 

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The Race

Placing your feet on the tracker and making sure my start time is recorded. I did it 3-4 times till the organisers told me it was recorded. :P 

In the first 100-200m , it was just starting. Then in the next few 100 m, my lungs started giving up. Even before my feet. That was a first. I do feel tired after 1-2 km, not 100-200 m. It was anxiety, or stiffness, or just real event jitters, don’t know. 

Then I decided to take it slow,  it was better than passing out on the way in my first run. 

When I saw water, I recalled, it could be dehydration. After the first km, the second was easier. 

For the third, fourth and fifth, I sipped water and they were easier. What made it easier to run was so many people around. I did not need to think about the route. I just had to be a part of the group.

And when I finished my 5k, I was shocked. I was doubtful of completing it. And then I saw the time. It was 44 mins since I started. It was less than my calculation of 45- 50 mins in accordance with my 9-10 pace.

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Finished?

Then I met my friend. It was practically because of him I started and continued running. He was the only known face for the few times I tried to run/walk. He had finished second. As expected his 10k time was same as mine 5k time. I was just happy again. For him.. And for myself that I knew a pro. Last year he had finished fourth. So, this time he got a well deserved podium finish. 

Then I met another friend, whom I had met on my first day at Salesforce. 

There were people who were just out of college. Freshers. And then VPs and the coolest seniors who could be 60 in headbands and the same T shirts. Then people from 20 to 60. And here.. 

Everyone looked fit. Everyone looked young. Everyone looked one.

#twwg

#Manu