I can finally say 'I did it'.Earlier this year, I had set for myself a goal; that of running a race, in which I could put all my previous running experience to use. The ASHA 5K, was my first step in this direction, at which point I did not know that I would be training for/ running the Half this year as well. (I guess just as, at the time when I actually wrote this post, I had no idea I would be considering to run the Marathon in D.C, on Oct 29th, 2006. Figured, I may as well go all the way and end the year with a bang.) This gradual upgrading of races albeit natural progression of them, all the same (from the 5K to the Half and eventually the Marathon), is now becoming a way of life, I think.
On Aug 27th, 2006 as I drew into the Finish Line at Battery Place, the feelings varied from satisfaction, sense of achievement, fatigue and of course an ambitious drive to go all the way. (The upcoming Marathon, like all others, will be a 26.2 mile distance, in D.C)
Thanks all, for your donations and encouragement. I ran the Half-Marathon i.e 13.10 miles with a net time of 2:01:27. (Yes, I felt horrible when I saw that 1 min and 27 sec part and wished I had run faster to make it within 2 hours). My rank was 4958th out of 10,340 runners and my Gender place (that is rank among the women) was 1660th. I like to refer to it as "I was the 1660 th fastest woman in NYC that day:)" Some consolation!!
When I walked into work the next day, I was sent back home for rest, as I showed off my medal to my VP and manager and they were too thrilled. An applause, a few hugs, a lot of congratulations and some "You're our running star" later, they packed me off to go spend the rest of the day, pedicuring my feet or basking in the glory of my Sunday race:)
The Half, on Sunday, easily makes it to my list of 'unforgettable' days. The week before, as I kept training as per my schedule, when I was asked by various people if I was excited for the half, I kept answering that it felt like it would be a normal day. Until of course 6 am on Sunday morning, when I walked into Central Park, to see a whole new ambience. People all over the place, checking in bags, talking GU-gels and running goals; the park peaked in energy levels and I think that's where I drew from, for my run.
I was aiming at 2:15 and was super pleased when I drew into the finish line at 2:01. The ASHA team lined up and a co-runner and I decided to run together, but I realise I ditched her somewhere in between, when out of nowhere I picked up pace and moved ahead. En route the various highs, were at points where jazz musicians played in the park, under small tents and being able to criss-cross with ASHA runners on and off. Until of course, when it only kept getting better, as the biggest high that gave me goose bumps was exiting the park, onto the streets, where crowds cheered to loud music and Times Square neons loomed up ahead. A sudden shower of rain welcomed me on 7th Ave. and kept me pleasant company while I ran, the next few blocks into Midtown. The cheering crowds all along the route, some with bells, others with drums, mad screeching women-supporters, kids holding up 'Way to go Grandpa" signs, only added to the diversity of the experience. Cutting across 42nd St. and running on the West Side H'way, with cars on the other side of the road, was a thrill too. (I remember exclaiming "I just ran all that, we could have easily walked it now, instead of this cab" as we drove back from Battery Place to the Brunch place, at 14th and Broadway)...All in all, the medal at the end was totally worth all those non-alcoholic early Friday nights and early morning Saturday long runs.
Two days later, as I sit typing this post, my thighs are still aching a bit, but I am ready for my days run. I want to keep training because this is a bad time to stop and because I now think that I am addicted:) (Let's not even talk about the "Wow, you've lost weight/ toned up" compliments that I am getting used to as well:)
Above, is a picture of me taken, halfway through the race and my running result from the NY-Road runners website. Once again, thanks for all your contributions and 'good-luck' wishes..They certainly motivated me each time I thought I was getting tired to pick up pace again.