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 4th
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 18th 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 18th 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 19th 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 .
