Date with my Destiny

This day, 16th April 11, was one of those eventful days which I would like to behold in my mind's eye for years to come. I participated in the not-so-grueling 10 Kms marathon organized by our organization Samsung in Bangaluru and covered it with in 50 minutes thereby finishing 7th in the row. For a first-time runner who loves running coming 7th ain't a far cry. Since childhood, I have covered more distance walking and cycling than going by bus or bike which still keeps my adrenaline rushing no matter what hour of the day it is.


This day was transformational where running on tread-mill proved lackluster than running on the road. wishing the by-runners, by-walkers on the way, kissing the cool morning breeze at the break of the dawn and awakening to this old world with a new sense of purpose as the sun raised was truly cherish-able. For the first time the traffic signals, though red, seemed to be green as there was no time to stand still. This was amply supported by the traffic inspectors who were positioned apriori at key junctions along the marathon route to make our sojourn unhindered and unstopped.


The event was made a grand success as Samsun(g)ites turned up in large numbers. There were around 350-400 cheering marathoners all looking forward to don the cap of having run a marathon. The event was flagged off by M.D. of Samsung India Software Operations, aka SISO, at 6:30 AM in front of the SISO gate and no sooner the road which was so calm and deserted till then was unleashed with the wrath of a huge tsunami of marathoners. Putting their legs in tandem, thumping the ground with their heavy feet stole the sleep of the stray dogs and to the sound of the foot steps their howling had a psychedelic effect.


What followed then was running men/women turning into a beast and then to a machine which felt no fatigue no matter how long it runs. I started slow thinking that I would be exhausted if I sprint at the very beginning but this proved out to be a bouncer as I realized later while approaching the end of the marathon that I could run a few more kilometers but wouldn't be able to sprint to get in to a better standing. All along the way I have just taken two breaks of 30 secs where I walked which I feel cost me two positions in the standings. Apart from the standing points the very joy of overcoming a pre-judiced mind which always seeks to be lazy was the biggest win. I am more happy after the marathon because there is a new awakening that I am more controlled in my approaches to life.


The event finished around 8:15 AM and the top 10 male runners and top 5 female runners were felicitated by the M.D of Samsung operations. Standing on the podium alongside the M.D. was like standing next to a great celebrity.


Do's and Dont's for the first time runners.

Do's

• Never think, now matter how young you are, that you are too old for anything. One has to run to get the fun out of life.
• Warm up a bit before you start running. Stretching your knees would be ample.
• Plan your marathon completion by setting intermediary goals.
• Have some good carbo protein rich food not less than 3 hours to the marathon.
• If you feel exhausted during the run don't stop. Try concentrating on your breathing, the greenery or your by runners.
• Pick up the right shoes as it could make a lot of difference in the long run.

Dont's

• Don't consume water unless you are too de-hydrated along the run.
• Don't consume water or food just before the start of the marathon.
• Don't take bath just before the start of the marathon as outer body fat is lost.
• Don't try hard if you can't run all along the way. Keep your energy and enthu throughout the journey

Wish this blog would make a little, if not a big one, to the first time marathoners. Thousand cheers :)