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 )