Story of my Thane Varsha 21kms - Ohhh Stree kal aana …..Oh Purush galti se bhi naa Aaana …..abh please Jaana !!!!

It was around 16 Kms , there was this group of volunteers  belonging to  a political party who were given the responsibility of handling the water station . There were couple of lady volunteers who wanted pic with us , we were enjoying our run and didn’t wanted to be disturbed . Thought came was to tell them “Ohhh Stree Kal Aaana “ for pic …..but mind changed and we obliged “Kal ka tikh hai , aaj photo le lena “

(once we moved ahead , they were giggling …..ki inko ullu banaya types....saale celebrities !!!! )  

(Watch the movie stree it’s a time paas movie ) .

TVM is one of the oldest organized  marathons of India , I always believe that had it been handled and nurtured well this would have become the premium marathon event of India . You see some real and raw talent running on the softest surface on the earth …..i.e pot holed road had they got better surface they would have equaled some tough records . The Fastest 10k winner is 31 mins .

I had my share of  sinusoidal temperamental anger , when I went for bib collection . For 21kms you need a medical certificate or else you need to be present personally, I was to collect bibs for my buddies from GoS. I had my share of discussion and also the debate on the rationale of an eye wash medical. Also on why no 21 kms for ladies ….. the debate goes on with the organisers every year ….but koi farak nahi padta.

It was way back in 2009 when my weight was on higher side , while undergoing  the lady doc measuring my pulse and bp had sarcastically remarked “ sir , medical ambulance barpoor aahe , tumhi 21km karnaar kaa “ . Today I was proud to sit in front of same set of docs and to tell them I am a much fitter person today .

At the start line , meeting and greeting happened , we met many friends . Our strategy was simple we wanted to run easy , aim was to enjoy the run . We thought we will complete the race between 2.10 to 2.30 . All three of us took off around sametime , with our oakleys intact (style ) ,  around 3kms we saw we were hitting 18 mins , one of our friend Babloo mentioned , boss if u guys run at this speed you guys will hit a sub 2 . Trust me we were running strong . Then we saw the beautiful Varsha , she came as a seductress around 4^th kms , she was mesmerizing since , the droplets she carried was caressed and interspersed by the sunrays , scattering the 7 colors of light (oops the theory of linear propagation of light ) . Yes for that moment the title of the event seemed apt Thane “Varsha” Marathon. Route was tough with lots and lots of silent incline .

 Around 7kms we took the first break , we were walking merrily that to too to and fro, in the bargain we were encouraging and cheering many runners to run strong . Beauty of the crowds in Mumbai and nearby places is that they encourage you , they cheer you and at times also use language like “bhai log picnic mein aaye ho kya …..abh bhaago “ .

Around 11kms I met Dr Oak, who was running strong and he is a comrade. He informed that erstwhile thane use to have full marathon. I wondered how it would have been managed.

There on it was full on fun cheering lots of runners , helping runners with tips on running on incline and in the bargain pacing ourselves too , sometimes it was reji pacing , sometimes it was bobs and sometimes it was me .

Around 18^th Km we were entering the city and had the showstopper moment (no no it was not modelling, it was just that vehicles every where at a junction and people were having that will eat you types looks. Many of them would have abused the runners.

From 18^th Km it was looking for that sub 2.30 , in the bargain pushed many new runners to go for the target and many came back later to thank us saying they achieved sub 2.30 .

At around 19^th Km , there were this group of young guys , bhai log jaldi bhaago nahi toh khatam ho jaayeega race ……we turned back in attitude and took the perimission of coach to abuse them , coach said go easy …… collectively we said ‘Ohhhh Mahapurush pehle bhaag ke dikhana …..aur phir yahan kabhi nahi aanaa “

We crossed the finish line together , protecting and guarding our coach from all boori nazar . Look at our finish line look , even ambani wont get such dashing running body guards .  Together we are called GoS .

As soon we went to the medal and the photo arena , I saw this doctor who had measured my blood pressure and was adamant that if its not in range I will not be allowed . She asked me , how was your run …..”Oh stree kal aaana “ ……baataunga .

Note :  our best timings are  : 

Bobs have run a PB of 2.11, Reji a 1.55 and me a 2.04 .

Forget Padmavati .....Read DeboNair....my story of Flying Kisses !!!!!

As I saw her Running opposite side  …. My heart was like ….lalalala…… but that’s what happens when you are at 32kms… u tend to halluciniate , she was not Vidya Balan ….. but my friend Arun Balan who was also looking like vidya balan …..at that time …..

Ekach Dheyey hota ……mee majyawar Zinknaar yandha (there was only one and one aim ….. I will  win against me )

My training began somewhere when I crossed  the finish line of scmm 2017, as I plucked my toe nail after my SCMM 2017 , I cried In pain ……I knew I had buggered up . How come a basic mistake of not trimming the nail . I had trained , but not systematically , not trained the right way . I crossed the finish line in style though (remember that whistle wala pic)  ….. I believe whatever happens to you , the style must remain embedded in you . A 5.13 in 2017 SCMM.

My wife and daughter are the biggest support , since Mala knew how important it was for me to do a good FM , since she sees me dejected every time  after previous FMs .

I was not hoping to come back on the Full Marathon circuit , but only a FMer knows ,the calling is from within . I had made two promise to myself , I will come back strong with all might and I will strive to be  amongst the most improved category in the MRR Awards Nite.

So the season began in March 2017 with 100 days of Running , with an average of 8kms per day ….if I look back I may think it is foolish…..but hundred days changed the way I run (but not advisable) . I worked upon my weight and the way I train . Here came a dear friend Viv Menon, who helped me with my training schedule , he plotted based on my 5k Timings trial , another samartian was dear friend Nikhil Lathey , who during my running assessment suggested me to change my GAIT and he advised me more of tempo and speeds . So Vivs plan was exactly the same “Run less , Run Strong” .

My wife and daughter are the biggest support , since Mala knew how important it was for me to do a good FM , since she sees me dejected after previous FMs .

So began the toil in September , many a times I would run alone , but many a time with buddies from GoS . Thus could see the improvement in my running , though I am not finicky about the timings but this year I wanted to move in to a better zone . I enjoyed my training , though was very demanding with my work and travel .

Many times , I cudnt keep up with Vivs Plan and buggered up racing in few events  , had I not missed couple of long runs , then perhaps TMM would have been much better guess .

In the quest to run a Sub 5 , I achieved a 10k Sub 55 i.e 54.02 and a podium in corporate category and a sub 2.10 at Navy HM , see it was all part of the process of achieving the main goal .

As I was addressing a book reading session in pune on 20^th Jan , my thoughts were wandering towards the finish line , but like other times and other previsous FMs , this time I could actually see me crossing in sub 5 , was it over confidence or was it confident towards my training .

What worked for me :-

1.       A good sleep previous day ( slept at 9 )

2.       Light food (had around after noon in pune)

3.       Strong training to back up

4.       02 Kerala Banana at 0300 AM

5.       10 litres of water with salt / fast and up the previous 2 days

6.       Smart Gel plan ( 07 fast and up gels)

7.       Visualised and divided my run in to 5 Halves.

8.       First 9kms in 1 hr,  18.5 kms in 2hrs , 28 in 3hrs, 36kms in 4 hrs and a last 6kms in 45 mins or 1 hr .

9.       Planned worked well , since I did 4 long runs above 30kms and 3 above 27kms .

10.   Lots and lots of speed and tempo runs .

11.   Taped my pain area spots like ITB and Right Hamstring.

12.   And fast up reload and activate strategy

Me , Bobs , Krunal , Reji , Atul , Satish sir we all started from mulund and more or less was on start line .

 The race began , around 5kms I took a water break , since first 5 was in 31 mins , so I knew I am on target , ran peddar road with ease along with BR pacer Deepak . Once on peddar road ,sighed at the house of Mumbai Indians , Antillia (kitna Kharcha kiya) , had a look at peddar road and silently requested god “mujko bhi tu lift karade while coming back “ ……then a silent prayer at Haji Ali,  ran down hill till mela and waved to my HM friends , many of whom were cheering . I was strong and was ahead of 4.30 bus . 

Manasi , was telling me slow down take it easy , but I was enjoying the strong run . Sourabh was along for the seaface stretch , once on sealink , my fear came back calling ,since every year I falter here on sealink . This time though I was running good , around 18^th Km ran with Parul , as she was steering the 4.30 bus , so the first thought was 4.30 toh gayo .

 Around 19^th my dear friend Ram Subramaniam was running along and must say such a happy soul he is we crossed each others path many a time in the remaining distance . From 15^th Kms till 22 Kms I was running along side Jayanthi , who was running in Saree and she bettered her guiness record . As I crossed Siddhi Vinayak , I recited a silent prayer to keep me going , around 26^th Km I saw the hullaboo and the sudden gush in the air , it was the pack of jaguars running along and wow , I just paused , saw them running and blushed and started my cruise …. Mentally I was happy since , I was 3kms ahead this time from the last time when they crossed me . So means I have chance to better my timing . Around the turn on worli seaface , I hate this looping , I could see many of known faces on the other side . I saw my buddy krunal running and saw him in cramps , unfortunately it was a bad day for him and saw many of my friends victim of the weather change . I am sure all of them will rock back .

Thanks to Poonam , I ran along with her for some time , she is my rock star too , a comrades finisher . Around 32kms I was feeling a discomfort a stomach cramp a slight chest congestion , I took a walk break for long reassessing my timings , someone did ask whats your target “ I was like bhai tu nange ko pucch raha hai  GUCCI ke kapde chalega kya “ .

The rerun began and I knew I was off target by a km , unfortunately the distance was 800 mtrs more too . As I approached Peddar road , the romeo horse of matheran came back , as Reji my dear friend says , I am good on inclines , I love inclines may be ……the body screamed in unison lets go on peddar road , I could see lata didi at balcony , no no it was illusion …… I ran strong on peddar road and was so happy to see so many known faces and my buddies from across, my buddies from MRR. I saw Yogi , Anku (Anku tu muje pace nahi kiya…..). Saw shibani running , such a strong runner she is  . Along side , stood PC and Pranav with a bottle of Coke and they ran along side for some time then they ditched , seeing someone more interesting . As I declined from the peddar road , thereon it was buddy sushil Sharma , who egged on me and we were like running from pillar to post , he was aiming for his first sub 4.45 and I could see he getting it 

As I say stories are written on the marathon track , so here was sushil who was constantly by my side , we ran walk strong at times sub 6 and finally I have to request him to move ahead , reluctantly he moved and glad he got PB (beer is due bro) . Around 40.5 , I saw team Adidas Runners cheering me and dear friend Ayesha  ran along as I cramped , she offered me water (thanks buddy) . I was doing run walk and then saw MRR cheer zone 2 , could see many friends , I hified Saurav, Sanjay,  Ritu and moved on…. Thereafter it was looking at the oblivion for a strong finish and I ran strong the last odd 400 mtrs , around the turn Karthik Paced me and I could now see the finish line , I wanted to break in to my swag style ….. unfortunately the photographers couldnot capture me (but Abhay , Meeta , Priya and Mike captured some good swag pics)  . …. I looked at the clock it showed 4.53 …..

Phew I did it …… no I didn’t shed any tears at finish line …………..i trained for it .

So happy for all my buddies who ran and completed , I hugged Sangeeta when she crossed the finish line , she is one of the inspirations in my life and like my elder sister ……she knew what this sub 5 meant for me and she later said ….. the hug said it all Biju .

Abh Sach batao ……how many of you checked my splits to see ….kya yeh sach bol raha hai ))))))))

Tiger ” Kabhi Kabhi” Zinda Hai - My Blog on a Good 10kms in 54.02 Mins - A First Sub 55 Mins

As I crossed the finish line , I couldn’t believe it showed 53.58 ……what 53.58 for a 10k that too me ….Bijay Nair . Mind was like “ bhai phir se dekh distance kitna dikha raha hai “ . I rechecked it was 10.02 kms . No I didn’t shed the tears of joy ….., no there was no Raakhee waiting saying “Mera Karan Arjun toh nahi aaya , but Bijay aa gaya “ instead was beaming with happiness , this too happened , that too with me .

 A dream timing for me , I clearly remember around the beginning of this season I was struggling for a sub 60 finish .

The feeling was like that of the first kiss …..wherein you close your eyes and let that moment happen .

To me to be  running among the first 100 odd runners throughout the first 10k was a victory in itself …. this was a privilege in itself. Powai Run is my home run and has been running from the inaugural edition. We field one of the largest contingent in the coprporate section , this time was a all time highest number 180 .

I strongly echo the llines “ Race days are the progressive culmination of your kickarse training “- Koitohbola

It was somewhere in the beginning of the year 2017 , my brother Murali overheard a discussion about me during a night race , where mentioning about my weight and mocking my timings . Though like always I chided it off , but yes it did remain at the back of my mind .

I have been running from last 10 years to beat thyroid and stabilize my weight . Have run 01 - 12 hrs, 10FMs , more than 70 plus HMs and many 10kms . But I enjoyed my run and never cared about what others felt . Being a person from Fauj background and also a compliance and quality guy . I believe that the life is all about continual improvement, so your training too has to be in that purview .

I planned my training from then on i.e March 2017 , it yielded result but I was not happy with the end product . In 2017 , took up the 100 days challenge and let me tell you , it added mileages and gave a new lookout to the way I run ( I seriously don’t recommend 100days , since it involves a lot ) . Around the same time in Matheran 25kms run ,  spirit of the horse “Romeo Boy” in the ravines engulfed me , I don’t know what happened but ran that race in 2.58 hrs a gud time as per my standard  and considering the terrain . I followed it up by BNP a week later and was glad that I could cut 25 mins from the previous edition .

And then I decided to run less , I took the help of dear friend Viv Menon , who believed in the adage run less, Run good . Thus began phase 2 of my running exploit . So my Plan was charted for 3 months plus till TMM with quality runs . A speed day on Tuesday , a tempo on Thursday and a long run on Sunday . I run as early as 5.45 in this winter darkness . Many a time solo and many a times with my buddies at GoS . Muscle would cry at times …..but show has to go on .

Trust me if you have to improve as a runner , train smartly . Sooner , I started holding the tempo of 5.30 till 5kms , then 6kms and till 10kms too . As i stood at the start line of Navy Run , I knew it was my day and ran a PB of 2.09 (viv had not approved of this ) . I knew it was not one off and for Tiger Hill challenge run , clocked a 2.11 in the hilly terrain of lonavala .

Every year when we line up for powai run , I take the responsibility as pacer . Powai run has podium in corporate category for each corporate . My office team has some awesome runners and I knew if I clock a 55 I can even win a podium .

So on Friday two days before the run  , I tried a tempo 8Km and cud hold 5.44 Pace , I knew if I run smartly on race day I will get close to my dream time of 55 mins . But to my surprise , I was running good and at times I was below sub 5 too . Around 3.5kms , I saw a young runner lying on the road , went to him offered help and requested him to withdraw and called for volunteers . I knew I was losing time , but cant loose values . I strongly believe , race and PBs will happen , but human life is more important . Some day , some race I may be lying on the road.

May be he too blessed me , I ran faster and at 5kms was around 26mins . But saala , dil bhi naa kutti cheez hai . Mind started calculating since my target was 55 , mind was playing saying take it easy you have 29 mins in second half . I ran for the second half and many fellow runners were cheering , I ran strong , very strong to cross the line . The tomtom flashed 53.58 . I rechecked the distance it was 10.02 .

Oh God…… I did a 54.02 official timing  . It was hard to believe , but was not impossible . As a runner you sometime becomes greedy , my mind was conversing with me , why the fcuk you stopped for that boy , you would have done in 52. Some seconds .

My heart was like fcuk the timing , don’t be greedy , for thy the best timings is yet to come ……keep training hard .

Trust me I still am a runner who loves to smile , socialize and enjoy my runs , when I look back I felt like patting myself and saying  “Arey NairSaab Tumharee Andar ka Tiger abhi bhi “Kabhi Kabhi” Zinda Hai “

As the corporate winning list was announced , I was on cloud 9 . Hey Bhagwaannnnnnn……kya mein bhi  podium waala hun . A second place with 54.02 and I was pitting against youngsters less that 35 age .

Be like a wine …….badte umarr ke saath Nasheela Bano……. aur Neki Karo dariya mein daal doh …..cherish this PB , forget and move on to train hard ……………….

2016                                                          vs                                           2017/2018

10kms  PB 65 Mins                                                                                10kms 54.02 Mins

21 Kms   PB   2.14                                                                                 21kms PB 2.09

25kms PB  3.17 Kms                                                                              25kms PB 2.53 Mins

42kms  5.59                                                                                             42kms PB 5.04 Mins

                                                                                                                   (TMM 2018 is yet to happen ) 

Experience the Experience of Experiencing an Experience - 100days of Running

Madhuri Dixit looked so hot in 100 days , now 100 days is a movie made when I was in IXth grade with gorgeous Moon Moon sen and not so gorgeous Jackie shroff . Story goes this way ….. blah blah…..

Forget her story listen mine …..

As he lay in ICU and I gaze at the beep of the ICU chamber , doctors declared he is stabilizing , a huge sigh of relief for all of us in the family . Around 10 Pm , doctors requested two of us to be around ICU and when I met my brother in law who was in ICU he is younger to me though , he did ask me in a meek voice enquiring about last two days from when he was in ICU and among that he also asked how many days more of your run left . I said forget it , you get better come out of here , he said do run tomorrow . 

My 100^th day of running was a emotional roller coaster , not the way I wanted to usher in to . Back home , my 100^th day was planned in a lavish way with me pacing for a 10k and then joining Adidas runners  Mumbai – My brand team for the celebrations and my buddies at GOS had planned a cake cutting . But destiny had something else planned for me , I was to run with my soul , the very body and soul who was my partner for almost 99 days and I had to kiss this milestone day near by hospital alone with lots of mixed emotions …… but I knew though I am alone , I am not lonely …..there were many of my friends who were running for me .

 Mine 100days story is a story which changed my running as a whole . As I recuperated from my ITB injury , I vowed to come back strong .  Since , Delhi FM in Feb 2017, where I ITBed back , I was not sure how the road ahead would be . My physio had put me on conditioning and I was getting back . Then as my buddies from GOS were gearing up to attend  Run with Ash Programme , I too enrolled . My dear friend and buddy Babu had strongly recommended to all of us . What a brilliant program it was  , trust me the running techniques which Ash shared , helped me as a runner or probably my conversion as a runner .

When Abhinav from Team Adidas informed us that 100days running is going to be promulgated soon , there were lots of interest shown by folks . Earlier years too there was this 100days of running , but it never interested me and trust me I was awry of the fact that why should some one run 100days and the experienced runner in me didn’t permit me .

But , when you hang your boots as hobby runner or when  running becomes too much for you , there should be events and stories to be looked for . So decided to attempt 100days of running which was to start on 29^th April . My buddies at GOS encouraged me to go for it , since I knew many a times in this 100days I would require them to be my side .

Day 1 began with a 21kms and then day on and on I would get up and run . At some point of time I felt why I am doing this . Around 20^th day , I knew it has become a habit . One good thing happened was that the run challenge started in peak summer and it means braving entire may. So the plan was chalked , I had shortlisted two major events to be back on track after the Feb FM ITB disaster .

I chose two events in July , the Matheran Endurathon 25kms and the BNP Endurathon 25kms which was back to back in a weeks time . It was sheer madness , but i knew I have to train hard and as per plan . So the rest of the days in may I had a plan in place to run and train for the events . So I had speed, hills , long runs , tempo runs etc in my 100days plan . Most of the days their would be buddies from GOS who would run along . Having folks with different speed and training patterns helped me a lot .  I use to get the speed, endurance , tempo etc . At times , I have ran in heavy rains and high humidity . Thanks to adidas I had decent number of shoes . 

Run on a travel day Morning :-

Most challenging part was when I was to travel for official work that entailed getting up at wee hours , morning flight and then not sure of coming back same day or staying back in various cities . So when I was to travel to Delhi , I got up at 0300 clock once and ran in my housing complex, both security guards , the building stray dogs and the hifi CCTV camera all looking bewildered at me .

Run at airport :-

Second time , when I travelled to delhi , I ran at delhi airport  since I had time in hand to attend the meeting .

Run after work at Indore :-

When I reached Indore after an official work , it was around 9.45 Pm . My colleague enquired , sir we will be down in dining hall by 10.15 for dinner . I asked him to go ahead or wait for me till 10.45 . He did wait and enquired where was I , I showed him my run photo , a 3kms on the Indore road . He couldn’t believe and the entire next day too, he was jaw dropped .

Run at Bhopal :-

Ran at Bhopal before the wee hours after reaching the city. Checked in and went out for a Run near Bada lake .

So one thing binded me was my run , it connected me to my inner soul . My runs made me amalgamate in to my soul . I was a better me .

My family started getting involved in my 100days run , Mala would wake me up on many days when I had to run alone since other folks had rest day . She , my daughter , my mom and dad became a part of my journey . Mom would ensure that I check my BP often since around 45^th day , I had a low BP scare and I was not well . Though , I could get better , the point was why it happened .

Again on 72^nd day , I had my BP dropping and by now I had lost almost 5kgs (which never happened in my 10 years of running ) . I did have a scare , where I had a blurred vision . As they say when you are blessed by doctor friends around you know you are been watched . I would regularly take advise from Dr Kumar sir , who himself was doing 100days of run . He suggested me to go for a blood check since I was looking bit weak . To my surprise, the thyroid level had swinged dramatically in to negative . My TSH level moved from Hypothyroid to Hyperthryoid level , which never happened in 10 years . Running can reverse the thyroid level , wow. I Reduced my dosage of thyroxin , now from 75 mcg am down to 50mcg and things looked well.

Two Races I ran :- Matheran 25kms Tough Hill Endurathon and BNP 25kms again a hill . By the time I was into my 4^th km at matheran endurathon , I knew this is gonna special run since I was feeling so so good about my body , my soul and to my surprise I crossed finish line almost 32 mins better than my previous 25kms run and that too in a tough hilly terrain . Read my Blog about Romeo boy .

The following week was BNP 25kms and everyone advised me to go slow . But I knew I have to prove that matheran was not a chance , so when BNP race timing was received it was 4 mins better than matheran the previous week and a PB by 36 mins .  Read my blog about BNP.

I knew , my running is shaping up and I am getting stronger .

Toughest two days were 99^th and 100^th day , since we had a family emergency read the starting para of this blog .

100 Running tshirt  pact :-

To make my run interesting , I decided to run every day in different running tshirts and trust me , my wardrobe  has been reorganized for the first time , nahi toh It was like when I use to open the wardrobe my running cloths would fall to my feet out of respect . heeehheee. Each tshirt has a story and so is every run . It was nice to post about the same on Did You Run Today , I use to post my runs on DYRT . Thanks Nikhil and Arvind for this forum .

Many of my close friends gifted me tshirt  for the challenge as a token of love .

Ushering in to  800^th Km :- I ushered in to 800^th km , feeling very strong albeit gloom on 99^th day . But I knew it was a better version of me , from day 1 to day 99^th .

Conclusion : 1.  100days reincarnated me as a runner , as a person and as a individual .

2. Should people take 100days challenge : yes, why not . But only after gauging your fitness level .

3. Will I run 100 days again .   NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…… the commitment is very very difficult .

4. Negatives : Yes . It takes you in to different zone and hence , you tend to be thinking mostly about runs and at times tends to become selfish .

5. Positives : Many .  I lost 7kgs , I became committed and dedicated , stamina and performance increased at all spheres . heeeeeehehheeh. Thyroid levels reversed . Made so many friends.

ABOVE ALL I REALISED YET AGAIN ......AS MURAKAMI  SAYS  AND I LIVE BY THIS MANTRA "I RUN THEREFORE  I  AM "..............

 My Gratitude to : My Wife , my daughter , mom , dad , brothers and sis in laws.

 My Buddies++ who  ran with me not to name any one in praticular  because 100 days had so many friends running at various point in time .

My Brands who supported me : Adidas , TomTom, FastandUp 

My training groups : GOS, MRR , DYRT .......

BASTARD......................INTRODUCE ME AS A RUNNER FIRST......... (My Blog on BNP 25kms 2017)

And the next guest is a  Author , he authored #TheyInspire  and yes he is a runner too ….. I was introduced in a event where I was  invited as a guest . For a moment , I was like …..wtf ….. BC introduce me other way …… “ A Runner who is an author too …… “ but at that juncture I didn’t have any major achievements to introduce as a Runner  ….. was I a “social runner”

Around  17^th Km when I was  sipping water resting on a chair , couple of runner friends who was ligthening by mentioned Biju  , go for a kill , why are you sitting like a Admiral .

I poured water on my head, thanked the angel volunteers and started my run .

Memories brought me back to my 1^st BNP where I did a 3.36 , 2^nd BNP run a wasted 3.43 and I have a blog on it , I ran that run during the most depressing phase of my life and then last year BNP run where I clocked a better timing and was a sought of my redemption in 3.27 (which was my PB till few weeks ago) .Many who saw me running did compliment that they have never seen me run like that in previous years . But many didn’t know this strong running was not a result of overnight training . It took a painstaking four months , I burnt my arse during this 4 month .

When I ITBed  in Delhi , only aim was to come so strong that nobody will ever dare to tell you are a “social runner” . So when I expressed my desire to hom on this two races i.e Matheran Hill 25kms and BNP 25kms in a Gap of 6 days , lot of people passed it off as crazy and didn’t believe I would run both . Then something popped up a 100days Run challenge . Though it sounds stupid for many of you , thinking it may effect running in a long way with respect to the form and speed . But trust me it worked for me . May be I was lucky . My level of commitment grew so strong that running got inbuilt in to my routine . I had ran walk at airport during one of my travel days i.e the level of commitment . As I pen this blog I am on 670 Kms in 82days .

At Matheran Romeo  boy entered my body , the galloping ghost horse of matheran and it helped me to do a PB in one of the toughest Hill Marathon a timing of  2.56.52 revised t0 3.00.51 . Even i thought this is a one of phase and I will not able to repeat this feat ever . Perhaps , the Romeo boy left me at Neral. It was now the turn of local boy the “Debo Nair” as fauji friends call me to prove that Matheran was not a one off fluke run .

When I restarted the run at 17^th Km I knew its my day boy , the TomTom read 1.51 that means I have chance to do a sub 3hrs and then I never looked back . Many angel friends ran together in between ensuring that the momentum is maintained . Pradeep Thakur was one such angel , Lalit Periwal ran  along for a kms and many more folks . At 21^st met reji , he had promised me we will cross the line together . We continued our run , smiling and looking strong for all our photographer friends . At around Gandhi Tekdi , I asked reji lets do a final kill and we sprinted through , smiling for this photo finish together at official timing 2.54.52 

During the start of the run , many of my friends congratulated me on strong matheran . As I began the race I knew I have to run hard , may be harder than Matheran . First loop was a 12.5 in 1.30 hrs  and then the second loop was a Negative split a 1.25 for the same distance . 

As I crossed the finish line , thought pondered my mind  towards that emcee of  that event ..”Bastard you have a reason to introduce me as a Runner now and not author first …… I cracked two toughest hill runs of 25kms in a span of 6 days with a 34 mins Personal Best  “  …….

True i am possessed ....... but i trained by arse for it ..............

Thanks to all my friends who train with me , thanks to my friends who encourages on forums like Did You Run Today and instagram .

Thank you and my gratitude to BNP Green Runners , Photographers and angel volunteers .

BNP run always will remain close to my heart and trust me will try my best to run all the editions …..

I Was Possessed - The Ghost of Romeo Boy !!!!!

I Was possessed -  The Ghost of  Romeo Boy

(Matheran Endurathon – 25 Kms)

Disclaimer : I am a slow runner and this narration is of my one off fast run . No animal or human has been harmed in this blog . )))))

As I listened interestingly to conversation of Mahadev , the care taker of  Hotel Royal at Matheran . He enlightened us with some ghostly story about a horse named Romeo boy . According to him it  was one of the horse  in his owners stable and would run at a lightening speed , according to him the ravines and the route of matheran still has his presence .

Matheran endurathon was always on my bucket list , so when  event was announced , thanks to all the motivation and cajoling from Rahul and Coach Bobby , I decided to go for a 50 Kms . It was 50kms till Mala and Shloka decided to join for a weekend vacation . Requested Yash to change my category to 25kms , thanks to him it did happen (Coach had given a mouthful for this ) .

I am attempting  a crazy challenge of Running for 100 days , many  who knows me and follow my running advised me against this challenge with a reasoning very valid that the body will give answer . But I was determined to do this . As I pen this blog I am at 74^th day with a mileage of 589 Kms . I strongly believe that unless you are fit don’t try this . But to me this was the best thing happened . I am feeling super strong .

We reached Matheran on 08^th August well in time  , Reji , Linta and Osky . Me , Mala and Shloka . We settled and went on to collect bibs and it was a carnival at the bib collection location. Met many  friends who are connected on running groups . Rest of the day went in roaming around and some street eating . As we were about to retire for the day I reviewed my TomTom distance and noticed that we had walked 11 Kms that day and in addition I had ran a 26..50   mins 5kms that morning .

Alarm buzzed and soon I was at the start line  cheering for the 50kms runners . Must tell you there were some strong trail runners from across the nation .  Sooner , the host announced the starting of 25kms and with zumba and warm up we were off to a would be memorable run .

From the Zeroth metre , it was stones and trail , practically no roads (that’s how trail runs are supposed to be ) . First 3kms was steep and down hill , however since there was a convergence of runners at narrow places running was becoming difficult . I was telling my fellow runners , bhai log side pe hato I am going for a PB and Including me everyone made a joke of the  statement.

As I crossed the periphery of Ravines , I felt a zeal in me . A super strong being entering me . Was it Romeo Boy – the horse whose soul would be seen roaming in the ravines . Never in my previous race I felt so strong . Kranti and Gaurav from Aurangabad met me at 5^th Km  and boy what runners they are . Kranti was pacing gaurav and in turn was also pacing me . He clicked all the beautiful pics which I had posted over .

By now 50K runners were on their return loop  and they were running strong , must tell you it requires hell lot of training to attempt a 50k in this trail and terrain .

At 8^th Km  I was running with Dr Shashank from Nagpur , previous day he  had informed me that he  has published a paper on Runners heart , he being a cardiologist . Together we were running good and pushing each other . Met Bobby who was running good and was cheerful and as if was telling “saalo tumhari le loonga “ since we had ditched him by converting to 25kms . When I saw my watch , I realized I had done a good first half i.e a close to 12.5 Kms in 1.32  . I knew if I don’t pull up any muscle I am in for a good run . Memories took me back to Delhi FM in Feb , where I was running so strong and at 25^th Km had a ITB pull and had to walk 17 kms still managing to complete in 5.04 , had I not cramped I wud have done a gud race .

 

I was treading carefully at the same time was galloping at most of the up slope . Strategy was reverse to run strong on up slope using upper cut and run even at down slope . Kms passed on and I knew it was a special run . Body was super strong , probably my 70 continous days mileage was working on me . Am I in for a Sub 3 - 25kms this thought passed my mind but soon came back to present . As per my watch I crossed 21kms at 2.26 and it was a damn good time . The next 4kms was the toughest and practically it was walking only route , with steep inclines and elevation .

 At 22^nd Km met Reji , unfortunately he cramped at that km and he asked me to move ahead . Now , I had my mind playing a Sub 3 and the next incline I ran like a beast – the Romeo Boy . It was 23^rd Km and the next incline was a bloody steeper one and had to walk the climb . My watch read 2.59 and distance 24.10 . I could hear the cheers at the finish line .

 A 50kms runner who was on his return leg informed , that the finish is close by and the next incline I climbed at a good pace . Met Gaurav and now could see the finish line . I put on my Oakley and as always wanted to finish in style . I could see Mala and Shloka cheering for me at the finish line and I crossed  my watch reading 3.00. 32 seconds and distance reading 24.30 kms .

Sometimes , GPS shows more and sometimes less so accepted the official timing from the organsiers a whopping 2.56.52  , a personal best by 30 mins . That too a negative split in this terrain .

Romeo Boy had entered me and I wanted him to stay back in me for ever …..hope I don’t have to leave this one off streak of a strong run at Matheran .

I was Possessed for those  2hrs and 57 Minutes .

Training Schedule : Ran 551 Kms in 71 days till this race .

Diet : Nothing changed , added lots of egg in my schedule  and Fast and Up Protein , Vitamin C .

Weight Loss : 6Kgs  i.e 84kgs now from 90 Kgs .

Glad that I missed the pacing by 2 mins plus as a 2.45 Pacer - Pune Womens Half Marathon

Glad i missed the pacing time of 2.45 by 2 mins plus ....

As I gave a firm glance to my  TomTom the time read  2.41 and I could feel  my inner voice saying “Nair saab  run now, leave that lady alone , go for your target pacing time “ ,being a 2.45 pacer at Pune Womens Half Marathon . Have been pacing from few years for different time requirements  at various events and have never missed a pacing timing .

So on sunday , had a choice of completing yet another pacing successfully or to cross the line with the young lady whom I was pacing ….she too was aware that we had to cross at 2.45 .

 

Neha was running her first half marathon and had ran few 10kms before . FreeRunners  invited me to pace their event Pune Womens Half Marathon first of its type in pune . Believe me , the registrations were free and the registration had been full long back . Saturday was a busy day since I was allotted a  stall to showcase the book TheyInspire . So , me , mala and shloka took this opportunity as a break from our busy times . Met many friends Sunil and Sangeeta , Swetha , Amit and Samaira, Kalyani and Shailesh , Yogesh , Taru , chandan , Aziz , Arati  . Many friends from Pune whom I  have known on social media . 

We were up 0400 next morning and along with sunil and sangeeta I reached the starting point , after warm up and some zumba , meeting many friends , the race was flagged off .

Since , I was recovering from a ITB few weeks back , my physio had  instructed me to do runs of lesser distance i.e 4 kms , 8kms , 10 kms and 21kms in a gradual progression as per my treatment schedule . All my shorter distance runs were good and pain free , so I decided to give my confirmation as a pacer .

I wanted to pace 2.30 but Sangeeta requested me to pace 2.45 . For me 2.45 is a very comfortable pace last one odd years since my training has been good and I was regularly clocking 2.10 to 2.15 in all practice runs . So I started  cautiously,  mind saying  “run easy” . Recently had attended couple of workshop on running and I thought this was the right time to implement all the techniques . So started running along with few lady runners most of them first time HMers   . As the kms passed by so did the runners , some going ahead and some dropping the pace . Route was undulating and was a tough one .

My only worry was people seeing me enroute with a flag on my head like a roosters crown should not mistake me to be a eveteaser who was chasing and running alongside the strong , beautiful and tough women…..  laath aur punch naa pade.

Gave lot of input  to many first time and seasoned runners who were running with me. (Note : This inputs I have gained from many senior and experienced runners whom I run with “I am not a coach”)  . Told many running stories humorous as well as serious . So 04 to 05 runners were part of my pacing bus  , I took them till 10.5kms sweeping , motivating and visualizing  them the feeling of crossing the finish line .

A young lady probably in her fifties did enquire whether I was from Telugu Film Industry (blushing ….no I am from Malayalam movies …., I have come to pace you ) . She smiled and so did me till we disbursed .

Two particular ladies were in and around in my line of sight  from 3kms . So my task was zeroed on to get this ladies cross the finish line in either 2.45 or motivate them to goahead at right time . One of them was Neha I asked her name around 17 Km….. was telling her stories and other girl I don’t remember her name . She was ahead and would drop pace and I would push her ahead . At 18^th Km told her if you do it in 2.38 I will send you a gift (#TheyInspire) , she went ahead and did complete . She later sent me a message she did in 2.44 and the day she do a 2.38 she will ping me for the reward. She want to earn it . Loved the spirit .

 I was sharing with Neha inputs about running and training . At 19^th Km  a steep incline stared  , she decided to walk , I too followed  her with constant look on my watch . At 20^th Km I told her we need to do a 2.45 since we have a good 8 to 9 mins . However , she would run and walk . She was getting tired , she requested me to go ahead , I had two minds , if I run I will probably do yet another successful pacing and if I take her along I may miss the timing by a minute or so .

Someone who trusted me to take along  as a pacer since this was a special event since the task was to pace someone and to achieve her dreams . She requested me to goahead and not to miss 2.45 , I stayed back with her to complete along with her the first HM for her ……with she crossing ahead , I following her , it was like “Jaa Simran jee le teri zindagi”,   together we achieved a dream she crossing the finish line and seeking a memorable event of lifetime for her and me crossing the finish line and seeking the satisfaction of achieving her dream.

Glad that I missed timing by couple of  minutes or so…… 2.47.59 to be precise (Official timing )….