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 )….

So Near …..Yet so Far….. A story of my Good and Strong Run….. New Delhi Marathon 2017

So Near …..Yet so Far….. A story of my Good and Strong Run…..

At around 4hrs 54 mins , I glued to my watch it read 41 kms , so I had 1200 mtrs and  6 mins  for a Sub 5 FM  for which I had trained for so hard last 6 odd month .

I gave it a attempt , ran in pain till almost 3 mins and any other day  I could have ran this in sub 6 mins . But funnily , my ITB pain was getting more worse and at a point around 800 mtrs to go I gave away…. Had I rushed probably I may not have walked for the rest of the day….. as I was to cross the line the event timing clock read 4.59.19 giving some hope but nevertheless the moment kept me in joy for almost a couple of hours till the time official SMS came and which I was sure since my GPS also read 5.02 . 

So my personal best at 5.04.24 . A journey from 5.59  totally wasted effort in SCMM 2016 to a much trained SCMM 2017 in 5.13 and a stronger Delhi in PB time .

Note : I am not at  all obsessed with timings , but had trained for a goal oriented 6 months to achieve my personal Best timing in all format . And I achieved it in 2017.

A big thanks to the brand I represent , when adidas put up a post about who would like to run Delhi amongst the Adidas Runners , I expressed my desire to run a FM though within a span of one month . Kept my training to myself and very close set of friends and mentors.

Time read 0130 when me and Ajit Raner  landed at Delhi Airport , we took the cab and was sooner or later in the Adidas Guest house in Gurgaon .

Next 02 days (Friday and Saturday ) was one of the most memorable days of my life having heard Dr Rajat Chauhan and having met the great legend Haile Gebresailaisse, thanks to Abhinav Sharma and Arjun Saraswat and Team Adidas  . (will blog about this experience separately) .

Was fortunate to share the guest house with all champion runners Sanjeev Ramki, Vipul Kumar , Arjun Raner , RK Murthy  and a awesome coach Ajit Kulkarni . Lot got of tips and heard there story . Coach Ajit helped in all the taping before the race day .

Thanks to Ayesha , Anupriya and Nivie too as part of team AR.

Race day :-

Woke up at 0200 and  got ready . At the start line weather was like too cold for us mumbaiwaalas . Met many friends from Mumbai , Chennai, Delhi , Hyderabad, surat , Kochi  . As the great Sachin Tendulkar flagged off the event we all started our run . The nip in the air could make me feel , this is my day , the day I waited for last 8 FMs . I started with a gud 1^st Km along with Dr Kumar Sir and the momentum continued , before I realized it was 9.1 kms for 1^st Hr this was bang on as per the plan given to me by sunil shetty . I felt my lungs opened up and the next hr it was again a 9.2kms . Still feeling fresh I was thanking God for this beautiful and strong day …..before I realized it was 21kms in 2.16 . I was glad that I did the first half in a much much better time . In the return leg waived to many of my friends who were doing there 21kms , damn strong and 3hr read 27kms .

GOD was not happy (maine bahut mannat maangi aur uske badle chadava nahi chadaya abhi takh, isliye bhagwaan ne le li ) :-

At 27.2 kms , I felt a small niggle on my left knee , i did stretching and moved on , next 100mtrs , the reality set in …..shit the dreaded ITB pain and it was the beginning of my Dandi March . I could see a dream going away. Trust me , I was not at all tired and here I was laughing at GOD  “Bhai galat time pe le li ……”

I had ITB seven years back and by running for few years had learnt so much of ITB . One fact I also learned was if it happens during the run …..then your race is over .

Lot of runners who came from behind expressed their sympathy and moved on giving chocolates and salt pills etc .

At 4^th Hr I was 35 kms …..still managed a 8kms in 4^th hr . It was 7kms and a hr left …..by this time pain was almost unbearable and I thought to DNF even waived a Biker to offer lift till start since I was to call off my  race .

Saala biker ….”he said nahi lift doonga , daudo” .

I continued my walk , drag , zombie drag ….at 4hrs 30 mins it was 38.30 kms and had to take a 2 mins break too ….continued to run when a friend Hema Menon from Kochi pushed me to run and decided to give it a last shot . Ran all lout but could run 200 mtrs and on …..and then run and then walk ….

 I glued to my watch it read 41 kms , so I had 1200 mtrs and  6 mins  for a Sub 5….. and I gave away the attempt ….. my watch read 5.02 …..

I ran strong , very strong ……however timing can wait , perhaps GOD knew if I get this , I may not train and go back to BIRA land …..

BIRA (is a brand of Water …..)

So the hunger continues …..my season ends . Rest , recuperation and retraining starts in a months time .

Meanwhile I am going to Shirdi, Sabarimala, Mahim Church , Haji Ali Dargah………….Bhagwaan thodi si lift kara de ……

SapthaShrunghi Hills - 21 Kms

Mr Foreigner tumhi  ikade yaa…… Saptashrunghi Hill Half Marathon .

“Woh dekh wahan takh run karna hai , said Bobby pointing at the dim fading light of one of the vehicles which was vertically at a angle of 75 degree” ……we laughed at the joke .

Few minutes later when Tushar and Shripad came we jokingly asked till where is the route …..they pointed out similar fading light at 75 degree and said that is 10.5 Kms one way….

In the fading moonlight which was giving way to a pristine virgin brighter sun light we could see the outline of the curvature of hills it was a beautiful curve .

Saptashrunghi hills mesmerized us ….. the aura in the eye of devi was one magical moment.

Saptashrungi as it is called is believed to be one of the holiest place in Maharashtra and it is often referred to as Vaishnodevi of West.

It was almost a month back  Aatul invited me ,mala and gangsofsonapur on behalf of Nashik Runners to join for the inaugural run. Aatul mentioned  it would one of   the toughest hill run.

I never took it seriously and was not sure of joining since weekend of 28^th and 29^th had four major commitments. We had a cricket tournament in our complex, the prestigious Vasant Oscar Premier League, there was marriage of a dear friends son and had a naming ceremony to attend again of daughter of someone dear.

I represents Green Gladiator in the VOPL, we played 4 matches till 28^th and won 2 and lost 2 . My staying back was important since team had to play 2 more matches to qualify for Final rounds. However , revealed to friends that I need to go to nashik . It was also an opportunity to show case my book to a different set of audience . I wanted to share the inspiring story of TheyInspire to people faraway.

Since , this was after SCMM , it was important to keep the josh and frame of mind positive for a hill run . For me it was another set of long run for my major event in February . So I knew if I do a 21 here its like getting a 25kms plus on flats.

So we started our journey at 1300 hrs from Mumbai on Saturday , me and mala , satish and bobby . Nashik Runners had arranged a talk show where we were to speak . However , we reached very late as we got stuck in traffic and to top that a weird car driver of ours . Saptashrungi is close to 80kms from Nashik . Aatul , sujith and many other friends were there to welcome us . Anu , Ketan , Ekta , sanjay and many more .

We were shown our rooms , it was like dormitory , the temple trust types .

Aatul and swapnil then took us for darshan of  Shrungi Maata , believed to be the 3.5 Avatar of Devi other prominent being Tulja ……………. We had one of the best darshans as anyone would desire , we touched the feet of mata .

After the food at the langar , one of the simplest yet one of the best foods , we retired for the day .

We now stand  viewing the hill , mala wanted to do a 10kms . I was so proud of her as she was attempting one of the toughest 10kms . I bid her good bye and moved on to run 21kms . It was so nice to see known faces from Nashik running fraternity . Shripad , Sonali , Tushar , Narayan sir and many more . Met many new folks too .

Me and dear friend coach bobby decided we will take easy . We decided to stick together till the end of the race .

As soon as the race started there were no flats available , we were running up , up , up and up and up and up…..pppppppppp.

Satish sir was guiding few comrade aspirants . Around 2kms , the first steep incline came and then at 3kms another and the journey continued .

We saw some real raw talent from the adivasi belt . At 5kms  there were local folk dancers dancing to the tune of local folk . We joined them and danced for 3 to 4 minutes (who cares about timing) . At around 7kms , we saw the Kenyan elite athlete on his return leg along with the pilot bikes , I reversed my direction and ran with him for 50 mtrs and then pilots requested “sir jaaona” . Around 8 kms there was some flat track and we gained momentum  . The end of the loop was near the shrungi temple in a village called wani . The 10.5 Kms turn was in a trail , it was such a joyous moment when entire village was cheering us . We prepared for our return loop with few more clicks . The return leg was mostly rolling down. What a great support from  the volunteers , aide point was there almost wherever we thought for . 

 Perhaps the best medically supported run with 05 fully equipped ambulances manned by the best doctors of Nashik.

We gave  many pose for photographers . Was happy that me and bobby crossed the line around same time together . Met mala who had completed her 10kms , I was so proud of her achievement , it came at one of the toughest run . Met many friends who cheered me when I was introduced on stage as a runner author . Gave away TheyInspire as prize for the winners

As Kenyan athlete was to be called, he was out of the audible range one of the announcer screamed on the PA system “Mr Foreigner, please come here “ ……

The hospitality which Aatul and Nashik Runners extend is mind blowing , such a bunch of enthusiastic runners who believes in the ideology for the runners by the runners . The mutton bhakri and beer at hotel gondhaal was out of the world …..

We drove back to Mumbai to be just in time for the finals of the Vasant Oscar Premier League and before I could realize what hit ….. I was facing the last ball of  tournament with audience on their toe and 4 runs needed of last ball …….man I scored 7 runs of that ball , 3 runs and a over throw 4 runs ……and before I realized I was lifted on the shoulders ……

thanks Murali and venky for the vodka in between the drinks time of the match ….. perhaps I saw the ball better ……

God Forgot to Switch on AC - Whistle Podu...... SCMM - 42kms of Sweet Sweat .....

 I lie in pain and desperation near the TCS tent in 2016, after running a wasted 42kms at SCMM. Totally cramped and fatigued. I was crying in pain. My bestie Babu who is a sub 4.30 runner , ran with me for the whole race and at 8 kms I hit the wall ….. There on it was a formality to complete the race. I wanted a DNF but babu didn’t allow .

The disastrous year had just began for me . Low on self confidence. On top of it I was gradually putting on weight . Once the weight went till 91 in may 2016 . Meanwhile IDBI HM was to happen and sunil chose me to be one of the ambassadors. My only worry was I should live up to the tag .  In one of the promo runs , I was taunted by someone too , telling that he has forgotten running .

My dear friend Murali told me to change the gear and I was soon to be an author too . The icing on the cake was someone who was dear to me once upon a time commented to his group of people that Gangsofsonapur is a group of recreational runners .  And Biju will never attain a PB forget the Full, look at his round shape .

                                                      Transformation :-

Mala convinced me to take the professional help since I am a hypothyroid .

Did a root cause analysis, weight was the biggest issue so had to shed a lot. How. Met Roopali Mehta , she is a ace runner and a nutritionist . Challenge was to follow her diet. I still remember, she giving me that look when I narrated my current diet to her. So with all this you say you are a Runner.

So the diet plan followed. Let me admit, I followed only 30 to 40% of her diet, being a malayali and a foodie I could do only that much . But the results started to be visible.

 I joined Power yoga and strength training  along with PC, Reji , Bobby, Murali , Rahul and also began to put short quality runs of 5kms till 8 kms .  Aim was to run less , run good . For nearly 01 month ran only till 8kms till I did 5kms in 26 mins continuously.  Next month was 10 to 15kms and I clocked regular 1.35 for 15 kms , next month was more of 21 kms and this is when hit my PB at Bangalore with 2.16 and then at Navy HM at 2.06 ( A PB after 8 years of running ). Nov and Dec was only 25kms plus , did many 30 plus and clocked consistent Sub 5 timings for a projected 42 .

In the meanwhile , the book #TheyInspire released and it was well received too . This put an extra self expectation on me .

Most of my training was with Krunal, Atul and Bobby . I saw a leap change in Krunal , Atul and Bobby all of them were doing their first FM and must appreciate the hard work they had put in .

By Dec I had shed 7 kgs.  Younger brothers marriage was round the corner and I was knowing abh toh gaya .Both mine and my younger brother ajays training was soon to be going for toss.  Idea was to consume minimum liquor and avoid fried food during marriage . Many a times when peg was made I would throw it in sink after having a sip , just to have a balance within the relatives and my inner self . During normal course i prefer to enjoy and get high on such occassions . Ghor Anayay. (all those old monk lovers , please don’t kill me )

After marriage , we  went to kerala for a break and I put regular runs there too .

I am carrying a heel injury from last two years attained during a trail duathlon , my physio Dr Rajani was helping me to cope up with this .  My therapist Prashanth helped a lot with deep tissue massages. 

Sunil , gave me the plan for 42 for a sub 5 and I was reciting it in mind . Sangeeta and Parul helped me a lot with motivation .  Lot of tips were given by Babu , satish  and Pratik .

Ayesha , would give me tips on form and the tapering . Ran with her couple of times to understand the right techniques. Abhinav and Adidas Running helped a lot .

Took lot of advise from Vijayraghavan and pavitra on the nutrition and how to plan the  fuelling during race. Went on Prototal salmon nutirition by Fast and Up for two months .

Towards the big day , I paced two events with faster timing slot than the previous years which I use to run . it was bang on .

We reviewed the route on paper many a times , we were knowing what exactly we will do at which kms . On race day, the contingent GangsofSonapur arrived . We all were knowing we will do good . I had announced many time I would do a sub 5 i.e from 4.45 to 5 . ( And I am proud of it that I announced and trained for it )

As expected  because of Arvind  Kejriwal , the weather God forgot to switch on the AC and then the temperature was totally different  on the previous day.

I started along with Krunal , Atul and Babu pacing us . What a motivator sam is , he said only 41kms at 1kms where he was cheering us.  Was engulfed in sweat by 3kms, I knew I will have a tough job in hand for remaining 39kms since I am prone to sweat.

The first confidence came when we ran up the peddar road and kemps corner uphills at the pace of 6.40 . I thought this is my day . By then krunal felt much stronger and he just flew away , babu went after him to pace him further . Ran with Lalit bhai for some time and we went live on FB  I was with first 4.45 bus till 15kms and then at 18kms on sea link , the second 4.45 bus lead by Hari sir over took me .  I was still confident of a sub 5 , since I was going as per my plan . Mean while so many friends had waived (I love that feeling ) . Around , 20kms I felt the first jolt a minor pain in my right foot nail . Oops the very basic thing a runner must do , I had forgot to clip my nails . In a situation , even the minutest of the thing will play havoc on you . So here was my first mistake . I took care of my feet sweating issues by wearing two socks but I ignored the basic thing . by 22kms even the first 5 hrs bus over took , but I knew I can make it . Around 23 kms Sundar sir ran along and was privileged to run with him . At around 26kms the Kenyans overtook me . Glad that I was 26kms ahead of them , every year it was only 22kms , so I knew in was in for a good timing , from here on it was to hold on and avoid cramps . I got very defensive and was treading carefully to avoid cramps (the mistake I did).

By this time the nail started playing havoc . But I ran walk then ran strong . I ran till base of peddar road and now the fatigue had started setting in .

 A group of young girls started whistling and giving flying kiss saying south Indian hero . I regained my energy.

Then my angel Rahul  after running his HM in 1.55 , joined me  for the last leg of the run . Climbed peddar road along with him , it was more walk then run . Towards the decent on the kemps corner , we ran and ran gud , ran a km at 6.10 pace , then till 41kms it was run and walk . By 40^th I was knowing I missed it . My watch was showing 500 mtrs more . Having so many friends and so many photographer friends , I was feeling like a celebrity .

(Gaurav i am going to buy this pic from you brother)

MRR zone cheered me and Rahul . I admire Rahul and other ultra guys , kiss mitti ke banne hai yeh log . Murali joined for the last 800 mtrs and trust me,  he and rahul ensured that I don’t miss the sub 5.15 atleast .

I crossed the finish line a champion with the tapori whistle and the stylish goggles full on . Tashaan hai boss.

Was so happy for my Buddy Krunal for a 4.41 on his first FM , for Atul for a gud Fm  and Bobby for a strong finish .

Met so many friends and yes Gangsofsonapur gave me a new name BC (Biju Celebrity- this I what they said the full form is ) because had to make them wait for long in chakkar of meet and greet .

Note : Many readers may feel what is the big deal of getting s sub 5.15 , but believe me it means a lot to me  …. This medal and every medal reminds me of …………

                                                                          Medal :-

This aint a piece of metal …..whenever I  see this little piece of metal , it reminds  me of the hours of sacrifice and the training I have put in …. From the daily busy schedule . At times I have been taunted on what I am up  to when I  was  training and when I posted that on social media .

When I wear my Navy medal on my chest …..it swells with pride . Similiarly each and every medal earned during the runs are my pride . It reminds me of the struggle I had to convince myself I have won the battle against me , it reminds me the friends I made which is not less than any medals , it reminds me the bragging right I earned , it reminds me of the people who inspired me and the whole lot of people whom I inspired …..

This medal ain't a piece of metal….. dedicated to my readers and to everyone who supported me .