SCMM 2014 and 'Run free'

Run Free?

I have been observing Vishy for quite some time. To me he is the epitome of run “free” motto. The modern Gandhian uses Khadi clothing (which is spun by him). He runs bare minimal..ie no shoes and survives on a vegan diet and completely natural ingredients. He stays simple.

How far can I take this Run free needs a series of adaptations and experiments, before I convert! 

I survived on lemon-Salt-Water during Chennai Marathon. But I kept looking at my watch during the last 4 kms. It was a marathon where I realized my true potential for effortless running. 

Unfortunately, I was in shambles when I looked at the watch 4 kms from finish line. I tried to establish what it would take to finish for sub 5 target. Even with 1km (near) sprint at end I reached at 5:04. 

The watch had brought me pain and I changed my thinking to overdo my natural pace..The target caused pain and the end of the run was not as satisfying as it should have been.

Time to recover went for a toss as I was running with two infections. The medication was strong and I felt feeble during 5 km run. I have a pathetic training record in Dec 2013 -Jan 2014.

My wife was very concerned about my illness and the depression that followed. She was monitoring me constantly and talked to get me on my tracks. My son had joined her and was equally concerned when I took a long training gap. (He was doing good training for 9km in 45mins. He had a valid concern for his father.)

I ignored exercise and went on a moody painting spree. I was not quite satisfied with my artwork too.

A week before SCMM, I was able to run 13km at my old pace and returned to BF running doing loops at the race course.The racecourse loops are easy gradient but the track stingeth like serpent and biteth like an Adder.

I had lost touch with NIBM running group. I had not run with a group for more than a month now. I was missing the company. In my notion of free running I had built walls about myself. I can be very cruel and ruthless to myself.

Can I run free?
Was I guided by my friends who do better pace than me and I force myself to run at theirs?
What is my true worth?
Too much thought and I planned to find for myself.

Repeated loops at the racecourse are very boring. Train in boring circumstances get paid on the real run.

Good points:

• I can cache my running fluids at one point and nourish myself.
• My wife joins me and she takes a walk.
• No company. I monitor myself and am driven by myself. Not be "competition".
• Worse track than normal road. Keeps my feet ready for better road conditions.
• No tree shelter. Evening run. Bear the sun at 4:30PM and get paid with evening breeze later.

Bad points:

• No gradient.
• Not cheerful atmosphere. Repeated loops.
• My Unfriendly behavior. No contact with my running group.

To carry out an experiment I was willing to do above..So pardon me my dear friends.

What is my  free running interpretation (As of now)?

(Many friends will completely disagree with this but I am learning in the process. Will keep making changes.)

• ·        The aim is to run a long distance and not a race. (Race is comparison. Against self or with others. Comparison has a baggage.)
• ·        I should strip off all gadgets that tell me my speed. I should observe the body and not the watch.

·        Without a watch you watch the body, with a watch you watch the watch.

• ·        Thou shalt use natural ingredients ONLY. (Live to the basics. Understand what the body needs not what others tell you or give you free.)
• ·        Never get injured. It is never late to pull out.

·        What I did not follow for free running, which I am still in a double mind:

• ·        Buying SCMM Bib and cover travel expenses. (SCMM is unique time to meet my friends from other states and my Running group. Travel brings experience.)
• ·        Live off the road. (In this concept developed by Nitin/ Jeetu) you use available water on the road.I drank mineral water. (Not exactly the right thing to do when palatable water is available. Build resistance to drink any stuff).

·    A whim: I plan to do an ultra where I should live off the road. It’s the same as a trek. No support team. It may seem like a stupid thought but this is what comes to my mind the way I lived my life.

Vegan: Naahh..I skip that. I eat meat once a week. I am too immature to try this.

Khadi?..Perhaps later when reduce flab. I shall use T shirts from past events.

The SCMM telecast:

Finally we are fully immersed in a much cherished event. The pilgrimage to the runners Mecca. SCMM 2014. Quick security scan at the World trade center and we get inside. I scan some of Eyecandy stuff around stiff upper lips though. Bodies trained in Gym. Nah. I prefer Chennai crowd, which I find more open and easy to mix. “Keep it Zimple.”

We collect bibs and bump into Vishy and Muthu which results in a long chat.I am with a family that I like.

Vishy comments, “ Iske haath me Saraswati hai.” I muse, “ Aur pair me ..?” These guys are many levels ahead of me and they can motivate me for long time. I hope I do not create idols of my friends.

I meet Aditya and he mentions that the hotel where we booked is overfull. We have lunch at Kamat. The bakwaas from the train carries on, at new levels of ultra stupidity. We holler with laughter. The semi bachelors are using the event to get back to the days of youth at the hostel.

We take a bus to CST and go to Hotel Manama.

Miss Shetty is replaced by some one else. Lot of crap right from Rajasthan sports team under camera surveillance to ‘Over booking by Travel sites’ that seem as lame excuses when we observe Foreigners being allocated rooms right under our nose. MANAMA. Guys Why do you do this to us Indians? @#%$^*&

Nitin: “Damn. We paid money one month in advance. Cut the crap.”

Nitin, Ritesh and I are escorted to a shady looking hotel. We are shown one ghastly room. We booked luxury class. This one looks as shady as a Brothel.

And finally..“11 people. No we have only one room..”

The replacement of “ Ms Shetty” finally provides us booking at a hotel at Cuff Parade. No. This one is not shady. Not Luxurious either. But we have a little better choice.

The hotel manager is willing to pay for the taxi to CST early morning. So we settle down. The surroundings are expensive. A banana costs Rs 5. Bare Minimal Ehh?

A light night dinner at Kamat and we retire to sleep. (Yeah ..We have finally manage to get food supplies at less cost.)

Not much of a sleep and I wake up.. (The watch says 12.00) Ahh..Another 3 hrs to get sleep.

3AM the alarm goes on. Nitin hits the bathroom and I try to get some more sleep. Umesh is still conked off. I prepare tea for myself.

We are all ready by 4:45AM. The taxi takes us to CST. To P or not 2P.

I wait in the queue to reduce the water content trying not to breathe inside the booth. 

Soon we jog to the holding area.

The race has started and it’s a long crawl to the start line.

I do not wear a watch. I feel free. My pouch has my Phone and few dryfruits. A headphone (if reqd). 

My feet hit the road. It is nice and smooth.

I spot Bhupinder (Ultra runner) Both of us weave our way to the front crowd.

Marine drive, The turn at Oberoi hotel and back to Queen’s necklace is effortless. Wonderful cold and humid wind. Time flies and I have passed the Peddar road. I keep wetting my legs with water. Its so refreshing!

The half marathoners appear on the other side of the road. The early birds come flying. The crowd on the other side gets larger and dense. I cannot spot any known faces. Soon, I hit the Sea link. I fish out the phone and start clicking. I had decided to go easy on the sea link. It is ok to spend more time on the a beauty spot that gives a different perspective of Mumbai.

Vivek Bhargawa joins me and we carry on for some time. I run for some time with Umesh then I am back in my lonely world. Around 20km I meet another runner from Surat. He talks about the Surat Night Marathon. “We will catch up on FB. Bye.”

From 20km line, I observe that my pace might be actually better than before. 

Forget the pace. Focus on the body. 

There is a guy with Oranges and salt. I shove a few bits doused in salt and snatch a bottle of water.

“Hello”,says someone from behind. I look over the shoulder. Its Sunil Gwalani. “ I follow you on Daily mile. Congrats on your ultra.”

Sunil smiles back. He has mistaken me for Ram Ve. Sunil is in walk-run-walk mood. I have decided to walk few steps only when I eat of drink. He has always caught up with me well..till point 27km. 

I increase my pace as I want to run alone. (Sorry Sunil. It is a must for my experiment.)

As I hit the sea side I see Sujit running on the other side. It means that I am slower or he is a bit faster. Few minutes ahead I see Nitin and Rupesh going strong. I holler in encouragement. I see the 4:30 bus on the other side.

I meet Hari and Sanjay (my Pune running mates). I carry on at my pace.

I am in a trance. I observe many people walk. Only a few of us are running. Though I am focused on myself, the surrounding IS disturbing. 

I don’t want to be slow. I don’t want to be fast. I want to feel good. 

What you see is a myth. You should be what you want. 

I keep running. Even on the Pedder road slope.

“Cheer” girls are singing “Jai Ho”. The song inspires and I give my best to run along. Some one is serving Tea to the marathoners. 

No..I must  keep focussed. These are the sirens that call me to the shore. My odessy must go on.

I hit the Marine drive. Humid blast..The sun works on my mind. 

There is an ‘Ice station zebra booth’ I pick few cubes. My Upper back is complaining. My foot joints claims that they are being misused. The Ice station zebra commandant rubs Ice over the muscles. I am good to go again.

I am at the border of Pain and suffering. I choose to be a MAN to separate myself from the child. (Salute Emile Zatopek)

Its KM 38..I hear, “Parag”. I look behind and am surprised to find Sujit. 

Sujit should be way ahead. He is 4hrs material.

“I had a cramp.I blacked out and had to take medication. I am not pushing it too hard as I do not feel good enough. The Doc gave me a clean chit after Stethoscoping me and checking my eyes , tongue, Pulse. Probably I started too fast. ”

I have a lot of respect for Sujit. He will never push to an injury. It has got to be serious but he might have been quite right to go easy. I feel sad for him. He mentions, “Go Ahead. I will be fine.”

The pain is too much. I have been heel landing for a long time. Midfoot landing is painful. The 5 hr bus is close behind. No. I will not give up this time.

I increase my speed to a consistent jog. I end up with a 100mt sprint (If you call “that one” a sprint i.e). 

I look at the digital figures of the clock. This is the first time I saw a clock in  5 hours. 

5:06.

BLAH..It’s not a sub 5 AGAIN.

The bad part..I am not as fresh after the marathon as Chennai. I over did.

I did not enjoy the last part (as in Chennai). And the verdict is 5:06 + BLAH.

I walk painfully and find Neeraj. He has flown in at Sub 4. I feel happy for him.

I say, “ 5:06. I do not know for sure as I do not have a watch.”

I catchup with Sujit and his bro and we callup Nitin. Vijay has finished his first run in Sub 5. Nitin and Rupesh in 4:30.

We rush back to the hotel and pack. Just in time to board Chennai Express.

On the train my friends mention that the results are published. Hrishi checks for my Bib number.

 He reads out.. Its 4:59:07. My friends congratulate me on the sub 5.

I am happy for myself. But the number 5.. What’s so special? 

My legs are in pain. I am not taking a combiflam this time. Can I take the pain?

I am happy for Nitin and Rupesh the most. I have got back into a mind game of comparisons that should be avoided?? 

I can NOT reach in 4:30 with such a pain. I will get an injury if I attempt this in current circumstances.

Nitin knows me well. He mentions, “You run with baggage. Leave the baggage and run free.”

I know he wants me to go through the training despite work life challenges. At this point, I am not prepared to do so. I think “It’s my poor feet that I abuse. I cannot permit myself to abuse them beyond my limit.”

But thinking beyond myself, my well wisher is right to tell me point blank. Take rest. Train better and you will be better. Then Run Free.

If I do not spend money on Gym I should not pay for running. No matter what the world wraps around the package, as charity events.

Will I participate in paid events is a question? Will I run 42km is not a question. I certainly shall.
The “Cost” and “benefits” factor shall decide how and where.

-The Selfish myself

The Harmonica

1979- Schooldays

I could hear him playing Ik din Bik jayega Mati ke mol. Madhav had received a New Hero Harmonica from his tutor. The metallic red instrument in cardboard box with Chinese letters caught my attention. Madhav would have an extra tuition class for me and tell me the new stuff he learned. In a month I learned to play the same song.

I wanted a harmonica of my own. Few school friends asked me about gift for my forthcoming Birthday.

“I wish I could buy a harmonica. It costs a lot of Rupees.”

My friends handed me the cash on my 15 year birthday. A friend and I cycled to M G Road and checked out almost all shops.

“No! We do not have a Hero. We have cheap stuff for kids.”

I was frustrated. Next weekend I started a thorough search around Pune. After 4 hrs, I finally came across a shop that sold toys.

“Chinese Harmonica hai?”, I asked. (I was now ok with ANY foreign harmonica.)

The shopkeeper pulled out a box that had lot of Indian Harmonicas. Then he gave me a Metallic Blue Harmonica that was wrapped in a butter paper.
It read Butterfly. I blew into it. It was almost as effortless as Hero and sounded good. I paid Rs 50 which was Rs 10 over my budget and it did not even have the cardboard box.

I must have been a pain at home, as I kept harping and practicing at study time or Dinnertime.

1981- Apprenticeship

The Butterfly accompanied me to the apprentices hostel. I earned reputation of a good player as I could play almost any song. I escaped the ragging sessions as the seniors were ok if I played them a tune. During my In-plant training as a Draftsman, I came across another harmonica player. I did not listen to him play but he gave me the bigger picture of the world of Harmonica. He talked about Brands that I never heard about. I remembered Hohner, which was manufactured in Germany.

I was to play at the Hostel Get together and the Chief Technical Director of Tata Motors, Mr Jakatdar was the chief guest. My friends wanted me to play a new song and I had been practicing with our Music band in TATA motors Hostel. It was my first stage performance and I had the shivers.

As soon as I started playing, the shivers vanished and I escaped to my world of melody. I received a huge applause from the crowd. It was one happy moment in my life.

Two weeks after this performance, I was summoned by the Divisional Manager of Training Division. I was terrified at the prospect of meeting a senior person and I hoped there was no bad news for me. (The same man had grilled me over a lost TATA motors trainee badge and I had received a caution letter for my negligence.)

Mr Mukhopadhyay was nice to me. “Do you play Harmonika really well, Parag?”
“Yes. I think I can play any song.” I was surprised at the purpose of the visit.
Then he said, “One of my friends is going to Germany. Which Harmonica is the best in the world? Suppose you were to buy one.”

I told him my wish. “It’s a Chromatic 64 key Harmonica called Hohner. I have never seen it but people tell me that it’s one of the best.”

Mr Mukhopadyay said, “Thanks for the advice. I will suggest it to him.”

One Month later I heard, that Mr Jakatdar had retired from his position as Chief Technical Director at Tata Motors, soon after his visit to Germany. It was only then that I realized, who the friend was.

I hoped he was happy with his Harmonica and I was glad to have been of service to a great personality.

Two months later, Mr Mukhopadyay summoned me to his office.
“Did you get the Harmonika, Parag? I gave it to the rector.”

I was shocked.

A 64 Chromatic for me? It was a very costly Harmonica. Was I good enough?

It was a rich man’s stuff. It was fine for a Director. Not me.

I fumbled for words to express my appreciation and gratitude, but I only answered him with silence.

I mumbled, “I will check with the Rector. Thank you so much.”

The man had bought an expensive harmonica. Judged me from single performance?

He had nothing to gain by giving me this costly toy! I was just a low level Apprentice.

My respect for the retired Director grew to a new height. This was the culture at TATA motors that bred great men and one of them had just blessed me.

I waited restlessly at the hostel for the rector. He appeared after his rounds.

“Mr Mukhopadyay asked me to collect the Harmonica.”


He looked at me. “You can take this instrument play it whenever you want. But it should be handed back to me. It will be kept with other Musical instruments as Hostel Property.”

This was a rude shock. Harmonica is a private instrument. How can it be shared?

The rector knew nothing about music. Or perhaps he did not want me to get it so easily.

However, I suppressed my feelings and carried it to the room. When I told the story to my friends they were shocked too. “Dude, this Harmonica will end up at the rector’s home for sure.”

I was sad as I felt the same. In 1984, I left the hostel without the harmonica.

1985-Earn a chromatic

My friends at the hostel shared the loss of the instrument with me. Venkatesh approached me one day and said, “There is a Hero Chromatic Harmonica for sale and there is only one piece.”

I thanked him for the splendid news. He gave me a ride on his bicycle. The seller was none other than my Old Harmonica friend. He was glad to see me. “It is not a 64 Chromonica, but it is not too bad either for Rs 125/.”

The Hero lasted for 14 years during my service at Tata Motors. It broke many-a-times and had been bound by Adhesive tape. Unfortunately, I could never flaunt my Chromatic on stage.

1999- New milleneum

I had joined a software company and had the opportunity to visit USA for 3 months. There was a stopover at the Frankfurt airport. Had Mr Jakatdar travel for the Frankfurt Motor show?

Frankfurt? Germany? It "tasted" of Harmonica again. Could I buy a 64?

The stopover at Frankfurt was around 3 hours. Mangesh and I caught an internal train to get us to the shopping area.

“Does this airport have a shop for Musical Instruments?

“Ja.”

“Danke Zehr!” I mumbled in appreciation.

The gentleman had no idea what this meant to me and the reason for the beam on my face.

It was a full fledged Hohner shop! I had walked into a dream.

There it was! A Silver 64 Chromatic Hohner glistened through the showcase at $26.

I looked at all options. There was a costlier harmonica at double the price.

"Can I touch it? Can I blow?"

"Nein!", warned she. Then the shopkeeper pulled out a blower. I pumped into the harp to test it.

I shelled out the advance money that my Company had handed me to cover any dire situation.

Mangesh said, “I will cover you as long as you keep playing tunes for me.”


The dream started in 1984 had yielded fruit in 1999. The expensive asset was earned and not gifted.

No one could take it away from me this time.

During my last performance on stage at my company, I wore Dark Black Sunglasses when playing the harp.

A colleague asked, "Why those glasses.?"
I answered, "I cant stand the glare of the lights.". 

I knew that perhaps I looked very funny with them on. But I expected no one would have understood the reason then.

The Hohner Harmonica that I held was purchased with my buddy, Late Mangesh Deshpande.
Mangesh was lost in the clouds and the goggles were a silent tribute to my companion.


Just like my lost friend, the Harmonica has one key missing.
I need to play the key by shifting the button.

Wipro Chennai marathon 2013

'The race day is an occasion where you get results of your training.'

I was not training well for a marathon.
One 37km run a month before marathon was the only occasion I stretched.
I was not doing well ..certainly not as well as my friends Jeetu, Nitin and Rupesh when I joined them for a run that started at 4AM from Wanowrie.
Near Hotel Blue diamond I felt lot of heat in my head and Jeetu suggested removing the head band that I usually wear to prevent seat pouring down my eyes. Near Agakhan Palace we had the last sip of water at a municipality tap and I dropped into a walk, gesturing to my friends that they should continue.
I would try to pull on and join them at Pune running Amanora event where we did our rest 15km with water support.
I was not ready for a long run and had all the signs were showing me my weakness. But when I was inside Amanora looking at the crowd of other runners set a cheer and I continued in better pace with plenty of water to nourish me.

I had joined a 200km in One month Challenge as a salute to Sachin Tendulkar. Diwali vacation did not allow me to train well and I slipped in my target miles. After Diwali I trained with the NIBM Runners group and got back on track to complete 200km. It was a nice change from my Solitary runs to be with a group of jovial runners. I volunteered for a 21km trail run by Pune Running (as a photographer) which was directed by Jeetu and planned by Nitin.
I had a heel pain, A result of stepping on some pebble OR the TCS run where I pushed myself bit beyond my limit for 8km PB.

A week Before Chennai Marathon, I stepped into "taper".
During this period of inactivity, my weight increased from 78 kg to almost 80kg. I was keen on getting my heel in better shape. I used the Decalthon flat sole Shoes with heel inserts to ease the pain.
By end of the week, Thursday, I caught a viral infection and visited the doc.

I mentioned that I was planning to run Chennai marathon in 2 days.
He said, “You seem to be in good physical shape. But the infection will take 3 days to go. You need complete rest.”

I thought, “ He did not say that I should not run the marathon.”

I had to skip office on Friday, as I was completely bedridden. I slept through the day and the medication was indeed too strong . The cough syrup made me drowsy. I kept drinking a lot of water and electral.

Steam and gargle to keep the throat in better condition.

Sat 4AM..I caught a rickshaw to the Pune airport and joined Umesh who was to accompany me to Chennai. Mayuresh (Pune Running Friend) was on the same flight.

I had last sip of cough syrup before boarding. 3 hrs to kill at Bangalore till we got on the Chennai Flight.

We were received by Army personnel, who took me to the bib collection center and then to OTA (Officers Training Academy) which is adjacent to the airport. My host Lt Gen Sunil Jog was out of town but all arrangements was in place at the Flagstaff house which had tight security.
I met my Cousin and my Grandma and felt at home. After lunch, we had a walk around OTA campus. Cadets under training reminded me of NDA campus. A splendid view from the top of the hill that showed us the airport and St Thomas hill.

Before sleep, I massaged the right foot arch. Any strain here was going to cause taut muscles, that could wreck my knee during the long run.
The massage did well initially, but it also started causing a dull ache to my foot arch later in the night.

We got up at 3AM after5 hr sleep. I did few stretches for my feet to relieve me off the pain.
A jeep escorted us to the start point.

I met Vishwanathan Jayraman (Hubli express) and we hugged each other. I was moved when he kissed my hands and said, “You are a great artist.” We have a great appreciation for each other. It is a treat to meet good people at occasions like marathon.

Everyday Marathoner: Vishwanathan Jayaraman

I met my old friends Thomas Paulose and Bhagirathi (From Soles of Cochin).
Thomas was targeting 10km at around 1hr.

The run was flagged off at 5AM sharp.

I had changed the rules of my game. i.e I kept my pace very slow. Over pacing at Hyderabad Marathon had cost 5:35 of my time.

My intent was to achieve 10km in around 1+ hr. I was using a few good things from Jeetu (who completed his 100km run), especially landing on the paw, sliding the foot just over the road. The smooth road caressing the foot.

Rain started and I welcomed it. Wet road offers lubrication and is a treat for bare feet.

I chatted along with a few new friends from Chennai and then picked pace. At 10km line I glanced at my watch 1:07. I was indeed going slow.

Marina Beach..I believe there is no better way to see Chennai than a Marathoner. I saw Vishwanathan running back the loop. He was way ahead of me.. Near The war memorial I saw Bhagirathi and few yards later, Thomas wave at me.

Bhageerathy Vaidyanathan

Thomas Paulose

I had settled in my pace. My strategy of reducing pace seemed to work! It was almost effortless running. My breath was just normal and so was my pulse (Or so I sensed). In bare minimal running, I have kept all gadgets away apart from my Very basic Mobile, that helps me to catch up with my friends at end line.
I could see plenty of bare foot runners and I am glad that the tribe is increasing.

Umesh and Parag

Lot of people cheered from the side of the road. I remembered Mumbai SCMM. Very similar spirit in Chennai. I was sipping water every 2 km. The rain had stopped and I had started heating up. I poured water all over my T shirt. The rejuvenation was instant and I accelerated my pace. Some Bhajan’s could be heard from a temple. We were now running against the overwhelming 10km race crowd.

At 21km mark I checked my Watch.. 2:18. (This was just the right time to get me a sub 5 target).  For a long time I was ran alone. I had slipped into a state of trance, where there was no pain or no effort and I was focused on NOW.
The end line and the distance was never in the mind. I soon saw the IIT campus. Lot of youngsters was out there cheering us. I waved my hands to thank them.

Throughout the later part of the run,. I had started squeezing Lemon and salt into my mouth ..and sipping a glass of water to drown it.

I can confirm..Lime and salt is the BEST rejuvenate. I did not take any other electrolytes during this run. At occasions I used to gobble a small piece of banana (doused in salt) and these few natural ingredients were sufficient to keep me nourished. There was absolutely no nausea, as usually seen with sweet electrolytes/ soft drinks.

Some construction sand and mud…The people with shoes avoided it. I ran through it as it was a pleasant glide for my feet which had traded with the asphalt. The sudden luxury had got me carefree and I landed on a sharp stone. I winced at the pain and rubbed the foot on the road as I ran. The pain vanished.

IIT Madras! It is indeed a beautiful campus. What an apt terrain to run the last miles! Groves of trees on sides. Cheering youngsters. Volunteers on cycles tended to the runners for water.

"Focus on NOW! I reduced my pace." I tell myself. "When I run an ultra, the run will never end. All that matters is current condition! Deep abdominal breathing. Cool down the body."

My legs were rolling and there was no muscle strain. I may have looked funny as I engage in the “Drunken monkey roll”. At three stations I drowned myself in ICE water showers at the sponging stations. It is a huge relief and all the freshness returned fast.

Bhagirathy on her return loop gives me a clap. She is doing pretty well. Thomas Paulose soon follows. He asks if everything is ok. I reply, “Never felt better in my life!”

I am now close to km 38. Four kms to go. I quickly know what this means. It is like 2 rounds at the Pune racecourse, which at my normal pace takes 25 mins. For sub 5 I only have 20 mins.
It is a shock for me as I have relished my pace. The sudden thought of numbers and figures and goals leaves me awestruck.

km 39 is more painful. only because it is a mark closer to the goal and unsure that I will end up Sub Five. I am soon at km 40 water station. Without asking me, two girls empty their ice water sponges over my head. The water runs along the back. And the “labor” evaporates.
In my mind, I am back at my solitary run at the racecourse..Just one round. I have not looked at the watch after km 38. Figures cause pain.
I am back with Nitin who yells,”Strong Finish!”

My Gallop starts. I overtake many runners. By standers seem amazed at the pace and the energy.. Cadence gets less as I am in a sprint (and kill) mood. My feet pound (as they never pounded before)..Kraftwerk sings CARDIOGRAM to me and I breathe Swish Phaaw Swish phaw. 

In this last km I broke all my rules..The crowd from Chennai applaud.. I glance at the electronic display…5:04

My watch shows 5:03.. Same old Personal best as AHM 2012

I rush inside the ground..Sip Glucon D. Then run to the stretching area.
Surprisingly, there is absolutely no indication in my legs that I ran a marathon.
The pain is in the ankle joints. I know from my experience that this lasts a couple of days.

Stretches help me to relax. The worse cases are being attended by Chennai Volunteers. I lie down for a while.  Then I stroll towards Soles of Cochin that I recognize in their light green T shirts. Thomas did it quite well as this is his first Barefoot marathon.. He says, “ Our Goal is no injury.” We have an agreement on this!

The prize distribution ceremony is on and I listen to the glory of the brave winners. The Westin food bag is a surprise and the food is excellent. 

Many runners come to me and congratulate me. “You ran very well!” 
I am embarrassed.

 I do not recall seeing them before..Or is it that last “high perf” sprint that got me attention? Or am I being "not nice" as them?
The crowd is so different and friendly than all my past marathons.

Umesh meets me at the endline. He made it in his usual time. “ Maximum Enjoyment from the investment in Bib.”

I brood. I gave everything I had, for this run. I had changed my game plan. No electrolyte..Slower pace. This was the only marathon where I did not walk. I often break into short walks after km 36.

Even with the last sprint, I could not get under 5 hr target. It is a realization, that this is the limit that allows me to enjoy my run, pain-free.

Should I really care about sub 5? It is just a number.
If it happens automatically, it would be nice to have.

I have a good breath, nice pulse and lower BP, which should be more important.

While chasing for my “best time”, I conveniently forgot my Viral infection and the Humid Chennai climate.

Best mileage in Standard operating conditions. There is nothing I should crib or flaunt about.
I know my reading for Chennai. I am in a happy frame of mind, injury free.

I loved this event esp the organization, The volunteers the well managed traffic and the crowds that cheered. And the humble crowd of people that I ran with.
Marathons in various cities shows me the potential of simple and financially poor runners. It is an event where I make friendships across states and I feel like a true Indian.

Long Live India! 

Night- Next Day after Marathon.

The Ankle joint pain has vanished and I run a high fever in the night.
Next morning I visited the doc and confessed that I did not rest for 3 days, but ran the marathon. Perhaps the ice water baths?!@#$
He nods his head and says, "Nothing wrong with the marathon or the baths. You seem fit to have pulled out of it! But you had a bacterial urinary infection, apart from the Viral that I had diagnosed. You probably ran with it. Did you not pee too often during marathon? Did it not affect your time? What do runners do at Olympics?"

I answered,"Yes. 3 times. 4th time was just before start." I mused about the Olympic runners and the various public toilets where I had been.

Doc says,"I advise 4 days complete rest. Stick with it this time. No running please."

A week of Strong Antibiotics and I have re-started my 9km runs at racecourse again!

My Advice:
Do not strain too much if you are ill. (My reduced pace helped me through.)
The Dr will be a better source to blindly listen to than your brain.
My run was probably done in a dangerous condition and not ideal for others to follow.
Please take Calculated risk. :)