This post is just a throwback of my marathon journey. Having stayed at so many places in India, I still feel Bangalore is the best place for exploring new events and activities. So one of the event which I really wanted to try was running marathon. I was really inspired by one of my friend Umakant who used to run marathon. So I thought to give a shot and try if I can also run. I didn’t want to compete for any competition but just to push myself to see if I can do this.
3 KM
Having no prior experience to all these , it would have been fools errand to try half marathon at the start. So I started with small marathon, the one which I can complete. Being amateur I started with 3 km marathon. I could complete it with ease though. The best part of these events was that you get the medal, T-shirt and breakfast/protein bars after the event ☺ Yes there is a registration fees of 500/-. But it is worth money as per my view.
5 Km
Then there comes the next event of 5km. I kept myself fit and hit the gym. I didn’t specifically train for marathon, rather I just tried focussing on being fit and healthy. I took 35-40 min to complete this marathon. You get the refreshment drinks during the run. I completed this 5km comfortably. Then I was all set to raise the bar to 10km.
10KM
I was ready for the upcoming marathon of 10km. . This was challenging as it requires more endurance and stamina. I could complete this 10km marathon but it was not completed with ease. You don’t feel the pain in your legs immediately after the marathon. The pain starts after few hours after the completion of the marathon.. The stage was set now and I was all set to push myself the extra mile for half marathon. But I didn’t want to rush and try the 1/2 marathon. So I completed one more 10km marathon before jumping to next big stage.
21KM (Half Marathon)
I was ready and geared up for the 1/2 marathon. There was a gap of 2 months for the next marathon. My practice was only on treadmill. Isn’t that strange? Even I feel I should have practiced it outside rather than treadmill. I remember the day when I ran the marathon. I reached the spot at 4 am. The marathon was supposed to start at 5am. I could see lot of people coming and were getting ready for the event. I was all alone, I didn’t want to rush , rather take it slowly. My intention was just to complete the marathon. In the chill foggy morning the ceremony began. I covered 7km in 1st hour. After 15 km I could really feel the pain and the stress. I thought I cannot complete it and wanted to quit. But only 6 km I had to cover, so I followed the run-walk-run method to complete this marathon. Finally I could complete the marathon in 3.5 hours. I know the timing is not majestic as my intention was just to finish the race. I got the medal after the completion. I literally slept for 9 hours once I reached home 🙂 I was slightly limping the next day 🙂 After 2 days I was okay. But I was determined to do it. I think I have bitten off more than I can chew by completing this marathon.
The wish list is to run Full marathon 🙂 Right now I cannot cut the mustard for full marathon. Hope I can do this before I kick the bucket (die) 😐