Running the Marathon (2012)

Surrounded with an air of intrepidity, I went ahead and registered myself for the Mumbai Marathon 2012; in the half marathon (21.1 kms) category. That was way back in August 2011. But as the D-day approached on January 15 2012, my body started giving me hints that this was not ‘meine Kragenweite’. I was running 21 kms (approx.13 miles) for the second time; however this time I was hardly prepared.

The newspapers were running (!) articles on how one should prepare a week before the marathon; what one can expect on the day of the marathon, et.al. I used to read those articles and feel a sense of betrayal towards my body; I had completely ignored its need to get acclimatized to running 21 kms at a stretch.

You see I am a mortal soul who cannot diet, falls prey to temptations, and loves eating junk food. At the same time though, I am extra conscious about my weight (like the rest of the fairer sex). So I generally rid myself of this sin by going for a run. But one must understand the challenges of being a working woman in the city; one just does not seem to have enough time to do; well almost; everything. So even though I wasn’t prepared for the 21 kms run; I was determined to complete it just the same. And I did complete it within 3 hours!!

So I got up early morning at 4.30, dressed in my gear, and with high spirits joined my fellow Mumbaikars. I have always liked the spirit of this kind of congregation. Such events make people (literally) get up and going, keep the city healthy. Some people run for a cause, support some NGO, help raise money for the same. Some run as a part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), and some just for themselves.

One can catch people dressed up as different mascots supporting varied causes. Many a times I feel that the marathon also brings out general awareness amongst people. You have ‘Anna Hazare’ look-a-likes, shouting slogans against corruption. Celebrities also grace the occasion and the dais. And at the end of it all, you have a healthier city (mind and body wise).

Yesterday’s winner may have been Kenyan Laban Moiben (full marathon, men’s category) and Ethiopian Netsanet Abeyo (full marathon, women’s category); but the real winner was Humanity and Unity!