My First Ever Marathon !!!

True Commitment, Hardwork and Will power to do things always pays off. I like to share one of my very own life story as a proof.

Its a coincidence so happened, I get to post this blog on the day marking the 5th anniversary of my first Marathon run. A Run which took 3 hours 41 mins to taste the essence of 6 months hardwork by touching the finishline. I would never ever forget this moment.

Exactly, 5 years ago I ran my first ever Marathon (world famous Boston Marathon) and completed it. I never imagined in my lifetime that I would ever run a marathon which is of 26.2 miles and able to complete it one short without stopping anywhere for a walk.

I am really proud to say that because I was neither a pro-runner nor an athelete in my school days. With great effort and help, I was able to achieve this milestone and I still cherish those wonderful moments.

I am not sure how many of you know that Marathon runs are not an easy one. It was never in my list of dreams until 2001. Sometimes you just go where the life takes you, this is one of those moments in my life. Its a great journey.

Like any bachelor desi(indian) I had more time to kill after office hours and also have lot of fat to shred. Its usually becomes an habit to hit the Gym to do short run in the thread mill. (I know some people go to Gym for other reasons)

I usually run around 1 to 1 1/2 mile every day without trouble. My American friend (a good runner) provoked my interest to try out a 5k(3miles) run. I was just a neophyte when it came to running races. He gave me some pointers to get started. I trained enough in the treadmill ameliorating my running skill to get ready to run a 3miler on the street.

I just want to complete this race, nothing much. It was a nice Spring day in Boston during April 2001. Race started off easy. I struggled a bit when I hit with some tough uphills but I managed to maul them. In my first 5km race, I grabbed the 3rd place under age category finishing it in 23 mins(8mins per mile) and winning a bronze medal. That moment sparkled my interest to run more and more.

I gradually increased my speed and distance. I also joined a runners club. I met some born athletes who run every races in and around that area. I continue to run some more 5km races and set my eye towards running a 5mile race. In July of that year, I ran my 5 mile race and finished in around 36mins (apx 7.20 mins per mile).

I then aimed to run a 10Km(apx 7miles) in August. I revisited my training plan and changed it around to increase distance. I tried well enough to finish in 45 mins or so.. It was one of hot days in Boston and a tough route. Around that time, I got the bad news from home. My grandpa just expired. I couldn't able to go back home because of work obligations. So I decided to dedicate this run for him. I kept thinking about the days with him and it really kept me going. I was able to complete in 50mins or so.

My friend was so happy to see me running hard and dedicated. He said, you should run a half marathon (13miles). I said, "I don't know whether I can do it". He was so confident about me and said you will do it.. He also trained with me and kept me energized all the time. I trained hard for 2 months to get to the phase I wanted to run. Another big race day, it started out good and I had to go looping around a lake 2 times to finish a half marathon. I managed to run first loop good but second loop was little tough but maintained my phase and enjoyed the run. I completed in 1hr 41 mins(7.30mins per mile), a great timing to complete a half marathon for a novice runner.

My gym coordinator who used to see me running long hours in the treadmill and hearing about my racesjust asked "why can't you run the marathon". I said, " Its 26.2 miles and I don't think I would ever will be able to run one". She said, just give it a try as you did for other races.

Sometimes we always underestimate ourselves and try to stay inside the box and never come out of the comfort zone until you try out new things. After reinventing myself, I decided get out and go to an extent. Why not I run?! Its going to be a uphill task but its doable. That set my dream to run a marathon. I aimed and set the goal to run the Boston Marathon.

Boston Marathon happens every year in Apr 2nd week. I set my target to run next year 2002 marathon. Boston Marathon is special because you either need to be qualified running a marathon(to run a marathon, you should have already ran one) or run thru sponsors. I can only try to run thru sponsors because I never ran one. Since my company had 20 free tickets, they draw it every year to give out to runners. You have to be well qualified runner to enter ther drawing. I requested my company sports organization to enter the lotto with an exception for me this year.

Rosalynn Carter once said, You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” Without your confidence throughout the run, it’s tough to run a marathon.

As I said its not easy to run a marathon without proper training. I get to work on building my endurance, stamina, phase, speed variation, agilation on top of my will power to do. I also had my fingers crossed to win the lotto to get to the official marathon race to get bib number and chip.

From Nov 2001 - Mar 2002, lot of things changed in my life. I trained hard to increase my miles gradually from 7-8 miles to do 20 miles and also changed my eating habits. Sometimes I used to run in treadmile for 3 hours. Its winter time in Boston and I used to practice outside in the freezing cold sometimes. I used to ran back and forth from my work place to complete 22 miles. I logged my run and tracked the timings. I did whatever I can. I got the news that I won the lottery to get the marathon number in March which gave me a boost. I was all set to run a marathon.

Before Race Day: Race was just around the corner. I was so nervous before the marathon until I went to Runners expo that weekend. I was so tensed about what people are going to think if i couldn't finish because most of co-workers know about it. I learnt from other runners that just have fun without worrying about anything. Just do your own race. I told myself that I am going to run tomorrow rain or shine and whatever my health is going to be. I am going to finish it.

On Race day: As usual, got ready and had usual breakfast. My friend came and picked me up and dropped me off at the Hopkinton Athletic village. I took it easy, prepared myself and my body for the big long day. Had enough water, hit bathroom(I can't do it for another 3 hours) and ready to go.

Boston Marathon Race Day - Morning 11:00am. Around 16,000 official runners assembled to run this race. Every batch of thousand runners stayed in group. There are around 13000 runners ahead of me.

Ready, Set, GO.. Race started exactly at 12pm. It took me 9mins to just cross the start line.

I slowly increased my pace to what I used to trained for and try not to run faster to save up my energy. On the way, I enjoyed with people cheering, did High fives to the onlookers, waving them. Since I had put my name in my singlet(tees), so lot of people called out my name and cheered me up. I had a blast.

I slowly completed the Half marathon(1:30min). I worked harder when I hit the heart break hills(steep hill). I did pretty good on it and I also talked me out to not to walk, so I had to slow down and ran slowly. I kept running and running.

One time, I just want this all over little frustrated. But lot of people along the way cheered me up and kept me moving. A real good weather(50+ F) helped a lot. Finally I reached the finish line with little bit of cramp but healthy enough to enjoy waving to everybody. It was a great feeling to finally complete. I collected my medal and came to find out I did well to complete in 3hrs 41mins.

My friends were there to greet me with great happiness when crossed the finish line. It was a total blast. The experience will stay with me until I die.

I want to share this lifetime experience as a example that "Nothing is impossible in this world". Everything is possible with proper commitment and hard work. My Marathon run also provoked interest among other desi friends who set out to train and ran marathons to beat my timing. I am happy that I was able to complete and more than happy to set out a path for others.