My Marathon experience :)

I work for an IT MNC, and staying in Pune for the past four years. Running a marathon is not something that we folks do quite often. That is why I jumped at the thought when such an advert was published in our company’s notice board. When the registrations were being accepted at my office, I was unavailable in the office and hence could submit the application form in time. However, the person responsible for it was kind enough to accept it and promised that he’ll submit the form on the day when the marathon is scheduled for, which left me feeling despondent about my chances of running a marathon. Understandably, I was anxious until the eve of D-day, when I was informed that my form was accepted. I was relieved.

I reached at the point of assembly next morning at around 6:30 AM and what I saw was unprecedented. That was some serious crowd cutting across all age groups, professions, and genders. I could see a mass gathering of people such as defense personnel, youngsters beautifully clad in NCC-uniforms, children in their cute outfits with chest numbers pinned up, bespectacled sports persons from yester-years, ladies, old and young, all of them raring to go. Among that hustle-bustle, I jostled my way to the point where we were supposed to meet and collect our chest numbers and vests. By the time we could complete the modalities, it was already 7:30 AM. The marathon was about to be kick-started by the famous who’s who of Indian politics and cinema.

Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana was looking at its grandeur best. There was a kind of strange camaraderie in the air. Usually I am not so gregarious and hate the crowded places, but this was different. I was moved by the sheer optimism in people, and by the positive vibes all around me. As soon as the race was triggered, crowd scampered through their way groping for space and air, and in the process making sure they get media’s attention as well. I went with the flow and stumbled in the crowd. Along the way I witnessed people of all walks of life encouraging each other. I saw physically challenged people in their wheel-chairs, young and desirable ladies, old but sportive men and women, kids from school and the cool teasing breeze, all overtaking me together. Only this time, I was not complaining.

After covering five kilometers, the initial feel-good feeling gave way to heavy breathing and sweating. I was dehydrating fast and was looking for a sip of water. Then I could see a stall where youngsters distributing water bottles, to me it seemed as God-sent. I sipped water and proceeded on way further. By this time, I guess I was already the first who was closer to the finish point for 10 KM Men’s category. However, I was not aware as to where exactly the finish point for this category is. I crossed the finish point and continued my run. Who say’s “ignorance is bliss”? , here I was paying the price of ignorance. Along the way, I could see many by-passers encouraging us with loud shouts. There were music systems installed at various nook and corners playing jingoistic movie songs, traffic cops making sure traffic does not interfere with our running. Somehow I was getting a feel of a VIP enjoying all the attention.

There was this one corner where scores of school kids and people waiting to cheer the participants. Among them, few kids were holding the miniature Indian flags in their hands. As soon as I neared them, they started shouting loud and that sent adrenalin rushing through my veins, felt like I just inherited Maurice Green’s spirit. I raced ahead with ease. One smart boy was so desperate to hand the flag over to me; I reached out and held it in my hand. Leaving him behind I could see a sense of accomplishment on his face. I then decided to make somebody else’s day. There was this small and cute little girl waving at me with her innocent eyes and huge grin. I bent one way while running and handed the flag to her. All I could see was that her grin grew broader.

After covering 19 odd KM, I was totally exhausted and tried walking for some distance. Then it suddenly struck me that I am supposed to complete just 10 KM. I asked a fellow runner about the distance I covered and became aware of the reality. The 20th KM ended at Khadkee cantonment. Because of the various traffic diversions, no buses/autos were running that could take me back to where I started the marathon. I decided to stay at Khadkee for some time and replenish my energy levels. After an hour of eating and rest at a hotel, I decided to hitch-hike to the start point, which I did and finally arrived at the starting point.

In the hind-sight, all the pain I went through was worth it; at least I could witness the better side of people, the same people who fight among each other for parochial issues about which, the least we talk about, the better it is. Why can’t be we be this good to each other all the time?