Saw this on my best friend's blog and had to respond:)
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Thankfully, dont remember, that's how long back.
3 DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Love it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Usually Lunch doesnt involve meat, if it qualifies, then Sushi.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Definitely.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Sometimes, with some people.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Dont think so.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Not a cereal person.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Yes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Most of the times.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Vanilla.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red over Pink, anytime.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My frequent unpunctuality.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
People I love, when they are not with me.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
If they want to.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black and yellow running shorts, Pink Hush Puppies in my feet.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Chakli - Mommy made.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The News on NY-1.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Red.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Chanel Mademoiselle pour femmes, First rain on soil, Johnsons and Johnsons on little babies.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Loraina
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
She didnt send it to me really, but saw it on her blog. Love her lots.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Tennis, if at all. Like to play more than watch.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Black.
28. EYE COLOR?
Dark Brown.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Never.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Too many to list here, but Daal Chaawal is an all-time old-time choice.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, always.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Excerpts of Omkara.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White T-shirt.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer, while growing up. Winter, is the new favourite.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Lots and lots of both:)
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate (in a Hug Mug) at Max Brenners - Chocolate by the Bald Man.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Not looking for responses.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Most people who read this:)
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Airport Design - IATA Journal/ Learning from Las Vegas
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
The Mouse, for now:)
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Some excerpts of Omkara.
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Baby talk, Rain drops, Church Bells tolling every hour (Recent addition due to change of office location:)
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles, anytime.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??
Never far from home, as I have multiple homes:)
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Too many of them.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Dr. Rao's Hospital, Andheri East, Mumbai, India
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Not looking forward to any answers, but would love to read, if there are any:)
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Let's call the whole thing off...
Saw "When Harry met Sally" recently and this song refuses to leave my head, since. As most songs do, it sounds better when heard than when read, but here it is anyways.
P.S: Would be thrilled if someone has the soundtrack and can forward it to me, especially this song.
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off...
You say "either" and I say "ayether"
You say "neither" I say "nayether"
"Either" "ayether", "neither" "nayether"
Let's call the whole thing off.
You say "potato," I say "patatto"
You say "tomato", I say "tamatto"
Oh, let's call the whole thing off.
Oh, if we call the whole thing off, then we must part
and oh if we ever part, that would break my heart,
So, I say "ursta" you say "oyster"
I'm not gonna stop eatin' urstas just cause you say oyster,
Oh, let's call the whole thing off oh,
I say "pyjamas", you say "pajamas"
Sugar, what's the problem?
Oh, for we know, we need each other,
so we'd better call the calling off, off.
So let's call it off, oh let's call it off,
Oh, let's call it off, baby let's call it off,
Sugar why don't we call it off,
I'm talking baby, let's call it off, call it off,
Let's call the whole thing off!
P.S: Would be thrilled if someone has the soundtrack and can forward it to me, especially this song.
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off...
You say "either" and I say "ayether"
You say "neither" I say "nayether"
"Either" "ayether", "neither" "nayether"
Let's call the whole thing off.
You say "potato," I say "patatto"
You say "tomato", I say "tamatto"
Oh, let's call the whole thing off.
Oh, if we call the whole thing off, then we must part
and oh if we ever part, that would break my heart,
So, I say "ursta" you say "oyster"
I'm not gonna stop eatin' urstas just cause you say oyster,
Oh, let's call the whole thing off oh,
I say "pyjamas", you say "pajamas"
Sugar, what's the problem?
Oh, for we know, we need each other,
so we'd better call the calling off, off.
So let's call it off, oh let's call it off,
Oh, let's call it off, baby let's call it off,
Sugar why don't we call it off,
I'm talking baby, let's call it off, call it off,
Let's call the whole thing off!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Of Celebrations Galore...
1. The annual trip back home to Mumbai this year, was more special than all the others have been. Raga, my best friend of 28 years, married Ashok Roy, in three remarkable weddings, countless celebratory dinners, two different ceremonies, two suave outdoor receptions, spread across two different cities. Weddings are always beautiful and joyous, but this was one that will always be very close to my heart. From the jewellery to the saris, the make-up, the countless hours spent pampering ourselves in beauty parlours, the last minute shopping trips and the fastidious details sought in matching the last stone in the necklace with the first thread of the sari's fabric; this marathon of weddings is most memorable for the boisterous laughter and mirth we spread everywhere we went. To top it all, the bride was as uncoy as she usually is, which only made her more human and natural, the groom as always, was at his dashing best, TDH (Tall, Dark and Handsome) as one of the 'aunties' referred to him (I have to be nice to him, now that he is family).
2. Nicky (a.k.a Namrata) married long time boyfriend Parthiv Pandya in December. A wedding that sadly none of us could attend, but everyone wanted to be a part of. A joyous occasion all the same, one that will certainly be celebrated, when we meet again.
3. I welcomed to my inner circle, a little bundle of joy; Snehi and Atit's 2 month old daughter Ira. Pretty as a petal, I hope she draws her sanities from her father and her insanities from her Mom. She happens to be the second 'Baby Nut'; the first one being Boskey (a.k.a Mayank) who is Trupti and Atul's son. A brief definition here about 'The Nuts' is essential; a group of five crazy girls, that was created 14 years ago. We all had, (still do, actually) a 'Nut' name and in all these years, inspite of living in different countries, still manage to stay the best of friends.
4. Came in, in the18th place, in the Mumbai Half-Marathon; a thrill that I cannot help but brag about endlessly. Running in Mumbai was clearly a very different experience than running in the US, as I saw. Not only were things disarray at the organisational level, but the pollution and lack of crowd support did'nt help much either. Not that any of these are to blame for my poor performance, possibly my slowest running average ever (I came in at 2:04:59; a 9.54 mile/ minute average versus my NYC Half record of 2:01:27). But as is the case in all my previous races, the thrill of running through a city, home-ground in this case, was the real high. Bollywood and T.V celebrities made their appearances in their inimitable flashy style. The horror of the event though, was when more time was spent waiting in line for chip-removal and the certificate, than the time I took to finish the race in. All in all, a unique experience, but one that assured, that I will not be running a race in India, atleast in the next few years.
5. Smaller but no less meaningful joys of living in Mumbai re-lived; such as leisure walks in the moon-light; street fare- be it food or books bought at the traffic light; auto-rickshaw rides; car drives along old familiar routes; smoke-filled lounges (the smoke-filled part isnt really a pleasure, but was manageable for a few hours); Stores, where as a customer you really felt like a king; ladies-compartment shopping; ridiculous number of vanity trips to the local beauty salon; meeting people-some old, some new, all happy to see you; the occasional glimpse of Bollywood glitterati; the telepathic 'hello' when being driven by the Bachchan house; the annual rendezvous with Ganesha at Siddhivinayak; the variety of entertainment provided exclusively only by Indian Television; the 'Welcome Home' sign at home, that Mom tortures a new drawing teacher to assist with, each year; the loud, rowdy laughter that a joke from Dad invokes in me, at 1 am at night; the deja-vu of being a teenager, who knows Dad will be awake and that tiptoe-ing in at 2 am wont matter, but will still try; the embarrasing but best feeling in the world, of sitting on Mom's lap, all of 28 years of age and last, but not the least, the unequivocal elation of being back in the building at the same time as the two other childhood buddies, when none of you live there anymore, as if none of you ever left.
Mumbai-Celebrated!
2. Nicky (a.k.a Namrata) married long time boyfriend Parthiv Pandya in December. A wedding that sadly none of us could attend, but everyone wanted to be a part of. A joyous occasion all the same, one that will certainly be celebrated, when we meet again.
3. I welcomed to my inner circle, a little bundle of joy; Snehi and Atit's 2 month old daughter Ira. Pretty as a petal, I hope she draws her sanities from her father and her insanities from her Mom. She happens to be the second 'Baby Nut'; the first one being Boskey (a.k.a Mayank) who is Trupti and Atul's son. A brief definition here about 'The Nuts' is essential; a group of five crazy girls, that was created 14 years ago. We all had, (still do, actually) a 'Nut' name and in all these years, inspite of living in different countries, still manage to stay the best of friends.
4. Came in, in the18th place, in the Mumbai Half-Marathon; a thrill that I cannot help but brag about endlessly. Running in Mumbai was clearly a very different experience than running in the US, as I saw. Not only were things disarray at the organisational level, but the pollution and lack of crowd support did'nt help much either. Not that any of these are to blame for my poor performance, possibly my slowest running average ever (I came in at 2:04:59; a 9.54 mile/ minute average versus my NYC Half record of 2:01:27). But as is the case in all my previous races, the thrill of running through a city, home-ground in this case, was the real high. Bollywood and T.V celebrities made their appearances in their inimitable flashy style. The horror of the event though, was when more time was spent waiting in line for chip-removal and the certificate, than the time I took to finish the race in. All in all, a unique experience, but one that assured, that I will not be running a race in India, atleast in the next few years.
5. Smaller but no less meaningful joys of living in Mumbai re-lived; such as leisure walks in the moon-light; street fare- be it food or books bought at the traffic light; auto-rickshaw rides; car drives along old familiar routes; smoke-filled lounges (the smoke-filled part isnt really a pleasure, but was manageable for a few hours); Stores, where as a customer you really felt like a king; ladies-compartment shopping; ridiculous number of vanity trips to the local beauty salon; meeting people-some old, some new, all happy to see you; the occasional glimpse of Bollywood glitterati; the telepathic 'hello' when being driven by the Bachchan house; the annual rendezvous with Ganesha at Siddhivinayak; the variety of entertainment provided exclusively only by Indian Television; the 'Welcome Home' sign at home, that Mom tortures a new drawing teacher to assist with, each year; the loud, rowdy laughter that a joke from Dad invokes in me, at 1 am at night; the deja-vu of being a teenager, who knows Dad will be awake and that tiptoe-ing in at 2 am wont matter, but will still try; the embarrasing but best feeling in the world, of sitting on Mom's lap, all of 28 years of age and last, but not the least, the unequivocal elation of being back in the building at the same time as the two other childhood buddies, when none of you live there anymore, as if none of you ever left.
Mumbai-Celebrated!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
My First Marathon High!
What can I say? October 29th 2006 is one of the biggest days of my life so far.
It started with a not-so-cold Fall morning, when we rose early to run the 31st Marine Corps Marathon ( the first one for most of us) in Washington D.C. This marathon is called as the ‘People’s Marathon’ because it is famous for drawing runners from various parts of the world.
Whenever there’s a marathon in a city, it dynamically transforms into a mecca of spirit and energy. Almost infectious, the enthusiasm of the runners and even more so of their supporters is what really pulled me through the 26.20 mi distance.
The first gun shot at 8:25 am, set off the Wheelchair and Hand Crank Marathoners; a category that only had 4 participants, out of the 35,000 total in number. The Scarlet Wave Runners (bib no.s from 1 – 15999) were to start off at 8:25 am, which later moved to 8:35 am and the Gold Wave runners (bib no.s 16000 - 35,000) would follow 20 minutes later. I was in the Scarlet Wave (bib no. 10343) and maneuvered my way through the crowd, to position myself right at the Start Line. Until of course, out of nowhere appeared this pack of Kenyan/ Ethiopian runners who all lined up at the start and Coach Jane’s email resounded in my head “Don’t start off too fast with those runners”. John, another runner from D.C, struck up a conversation with me and we chatted away, till the race began. Talking to him, sort of prepared me for the course that lay ahead of us, as he warned me to go slow, up the hill after Mile 2.
A gun shot released the mob of runners and our 26.20 mile long journey began. The spectator support was marvelous; not just ASHA mentors and friends/ spouses, but the crowd in general, really lent energy to the air. The first few miles were a breeze, running through Arlington’s buildings until we reached the hill where the ascent began. I found myself picking up a glass of Powerade and water at almost all water-points, to quench my palate. The Key Bridge was an important milestone for me personally, because it sort of declared getting out of VA and into D.C. I have always heard of Georgetown, but now can say I’ve run through it too. Having written our names on our ASHA T-shirts really helped, although I did know that by the time people manage to read and pronounce my name, I would probably have already whizzed past them. Still I did get a lot of “Go Asha”s and a few “C’mon Shweyta”s, which really helped quicken the pace. A literal display of how encouragement boosts performance!
From Georgetown, we moved on to Rock Creek Park, where the beautiful fall foliage and light breeze provided for easy distractions, while running. In my head, I kept looking out for the D.C Monuments, because I knew somewhere around there, would mean the half-marker of the race. Running through the monuments on Constitution Ave. brought back memories of the time I visited here, the previous two years. The stretch leading towards and back from the Capitol Hill is completely dedicated to my parents, for the adorable wish my Dad sent to me in his email “Unfurl our flag atop the Capitol Hill” with a picture of him and my Mom standing in front of it, from their trip here, last year. (Turns out coincidentally enough that MarathonFoto decided to take a shot of me, right in front of the Capitol Hill.)
It was always mind-talk, conversations with my self and looking around while on the run, that helped me throughout the race. If you are running for 4 ½ hours, you may as well put that time to best use, mentally too. Random thoughts in my head ranged from: How proud my friends and parents would be of me; Are they getting the text messages of my mileage as I run?; What would it feel like to cross the Finish line; What in the world is that woman wearing; Oooh he’s good-looking; Don’t cross the street before me, you doofus; Any familiar faces in the crowd?; Why are my knees red, are they going to break open?; That downhill slope will certainly speed up my mileage; Did you know last year today, you would be doing this next year today?; All this for those little kids; they better study hard:); What was that trick someone suggested to keep your mind occupied while running – Divide 129/17 upto 3 decimals (Did’nt work for me by the way, I forgot the numbers before the decimals until I reached the end); My legs must be looking really toned right now; How are we going to celebrate tonight?…etc etc…
Spectator support near the monuments was largely tourists, who didn’t spare a moment without shouting out to the runners. Little kids who held out their hands, to give high-five’s to the runners, provided for the support with a ‘personal touch’.
East Potomac Park was next; another mental note to self, that this is the end of the D.C part of the race. This part of the course also felt really long inspite of its scenic route, as my sole search while running through here, was for the foot of the bridge. The Freeway Bridge was the 20 mile marker; an important mile in every marathoner’s books, because from here on, as we are told, “It’s all going to be in the head”. (Most, if not all Marathon training programs, train you to run till the 20 mile distance, as the last 6.20 miles of a marathon are really meant to be “in your head”.) Sounds like a lot for the head, but it’s true as I saw for myself, on race day. Since I had run 21 miles as my longest run distance, twice before; at the 21 mile mark, I knew until now was distance-travelled. From here on would be the real challenge. I do recollect asking myself at that point, why does a Marathon have to be 26.20 mile long and not just end at 21, till where I ve run before?
The Freeway Bridge seemed to be a never-ending one. I remember looking around at the other runners to see when people had started walking instead of running, sort of trying to tell myself that it’s ok to walk now. I had always heard about runners with unearthly energy levels whom I might see talking/ sprinting in the last few miles of the race and actually got to see some such during the race as well. That sort of energy conservation tactic towards the end of the race, I have yet to learn. Somewhere around now, there came a Music Tent put up by Target, where I remember stopping for a quick jig and a twirl, much to the amusement of a little girl in the audience, before I moved on to finish my race. Throughout the entire race, I posed for the cameras at the important mile-markers, knowing a little make-belief and pretence would go a long way in making memorable pictures and videos for life. (I cannot wait for the DVD that will have personalized shots of me throughout the race, hopefully one’s in which I am smiling away:)
At the 25th mile marker, I had personal ASHA supporters cheering me as I passed them. Crowd support throughout the last mile was incredible. Finally, as I reached the 26 mile marker, I knew this was soon going to be over. Drawing into the Finish Line, was one of the most overwhelming experiences ever; I must confess, my hands automatically raised themselves to mark the end of a spectacular journey, in proud declaration, that I had done it. A handsome Marine wrapped a foil blanket around me and another one put my ‘Finisher’ Medal around my neck. My eyes were a little moist from the overwhelming conversations I had had with myself in the last few hours. There was pain that I could feel in my body but it was a ‘happy’ pain. One totally-worth it and would-do-it-all-over-again sort of pain. I thanked myself, (I think I heard an inner voice say “I am so proud of you”) and all those whom I think are the reason, why I ran this marathon.
Some stretching later, I was ready to line up for my Marathon Finisher Photo, followed by two really good massages. Apparently I blurted out “God is blessing you right now” to the masseuse, more than a couple of times, as I recollected later, while recounting to my friends. There was pampering galore, after the race, as someone offered us ‘samosas’ and ‘idlis’, while random people came up to chat and take pictures. I even gave a full-fledged interview; (felt like such a celebrity, while at it); one that I am really looking forward to see.
Note of Thanks:
At the risk of sounding clichéd, I want to thank my parents who’ve handled every new insanity of mine (including this one) in the sanest of ways; my closest friends, who convinced me that fund-raising (which was the biggest reason I was hesitant to sign-up) would fall in place, my co-runners who trained with me and provided for the much-needed camaraderie and spirit, the ASHA mentors and Coach for urging me to go all the way and of course the countless donors, (some of whom I don’t know or have never met), but who donated selflessly to my Marathon’s cause and brought me so close to my target. (Feel free to make your donations at: http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/lib/marathon/publicmypage.php?1647)
Here is my official result from Race Day.
At the end of this 24-week journey, where I‘ve trained diligently towards a smaller goal (the Half-Marathon) at first, that grew into a larger one, (the Marathon) eventually, I have learnt a lot about myself, my body and of course running, in general. Be it the conversations I’ve had with myself while running, (after the time I decided that my Ipod was an additional hindrance) or the amount of time I’ve spent outdoors, appreciating parks, water bodies, skylines, sights, smells and sounds of the outside, or the wonderful people I’ve run with in the park, from the blind guy full of energy, running with his aide; the pregnant woman who ran at my pace in a NYRR race or the fragile grandma who runs religiously every Saturday morning, this training experience has enriched me in more ways than one. Among others, it has shown me that lines drawn earlier can always be extended and a lot of our reservations (mental or physical) really lie in our head and can easily be overcome. As I type, I am waiting to sign up for my next Half-Marathon to be held in Mumbai on Jan 21st, 2007, so as you can see, I am officially addicted to running now.
There used to be times when at the end of a 3 mile run on the treadmill, I would applaud myself and think that running anymore, will only make me tired. But now after having been past several Saturday mornings spent well, training in the park, from 10, 14, 16, 18 to 21 miles and being able to party the same night, like there’s no tomorrow, I ‘ve learnt that our bodies are capable of way more than what we give them credit for.
And that once taken good care of, they make us breeze through some of our toughest journeys:)!
It started with a not-so-cold Fall morning, when we rose early to run the 31st Marine Corps Marathon ( the first one for most of us) in Washington D.C. This marathon is called as the ‘People’s Marathon’ because it is famous for drawing runners from various parts of the world.
Whenever there’s a marathon in a city, it dynamically transforms into a mecca of spirit and energy. Almost infectious, the enthusiasm of the runners and even more so of their supporters is what really pulled me through the 26.20 mi distance.
The first gun shot at 8:25 am, set off the Wheelchair and Hand Crank Marathoners; a category that only had 4 participants, out of the 35,000 total in number. The Scarlet Wave Runners (bib no.s from 1 – 15999) were to start off at 8:25 am, which later moved to 8:35 am and the Gold Wave runners (bib no.s 16000 - 35,000) would follow 20 minutes later. I was in the Scarlet Wave (bib no. 10343) and maneuvered my way through the crowd, to position myself right at the Start Line. Until of course, out of nowhere appeared this pack of Kenyan/ Ethiopian runners who all lined up at the start and Coach Jane’s email resounded in my head “Don’t start off too fast with those runners”. John, another runner from D.C, struck up a conversation with me and we chatted away, till the race began. Talking to him, sort of prepared me for the course that lay ahead of us, as he warned me to go slow, up the hill after Mile 2.
A gun shot released the mob of runners and our 26.20 mile long journey began. The spectator support was marvelous; not just ASHA mentors and friends/ spouses, but the crowd in general, really lent energy to the air. The first few miles were a breeze, running through Arlington’s buildings until we reached the hill where the ascent began. I found myself picking up a glass of Powerade and water at almost all water-points, to quench my palate. The Key Bridge was an important milestone for me personally, because it sort of declared getting out of VA and into D.C. I have always heard of Georgetown, but now can say I’ve run through it too. Having written our names on our ASHA T-shirts really helped, although I did know that by the time people manage to read and pronounce my name, I would probably have already whizzed past them. Still I did get a lot of “Go Asha”s and a few “C’mon Shweyta”s, which really helped quicken the pace. A literal display of how encouragement boosts performance!
From Georgetown, we moved on to Rock Creek Park, where the beautiful fall foliage and light breeze provided for easy distractions, while running. In my head, I kept looking out for the D.C Monuments, because I knew somewhere around there, would mean the half-marker of the race. Running through the monuments on Constitution Ave. brought back memories of the time I visited here, the previous two years. The stretch leading towards and back from the Capitol Hill is completely dedicated to my parents, for the adorable wish my Dad sent to me in his email “Unfurl our flag atop the Capitol Hill” with a picture of him and my Mom standing in front of it, from their trip here, last year. (Turns out coincidentally enough that MarathonFoto decided to take a shot of me, right in front of the Capitol Hill.)
It was always mind-talk, conversations with my self and looking around while on the run, that helped me throughout the race. If you are running for 4 ½ hours, you may as well put that time to best use, mentally too. Random thoughts in my head ranged from: How proud my friends and parents would be of me; Are they getting the text messages of my mileage as I run?; What would it feel like to cross the Finish line; What in the world is that woman wearing; Oooh he’s good-looking; Don’t cross the street before me, you doofus; Any familiar faces in the crowd?; Why are my knees red, are they going to break open?; That downhill slope will certainly speed up my mileage; Did you know last year today, you would be doing this next year today?; All this for those little kids; they better study hard:); What was that trick someone suggested to keep your mind occupied while running – Divide 129/17 upto 3 decimals (Did’nt work for me by the way, I forgot the numbers before the decimals until I reached the end); My legs must be looking really toned right now; How are we going to celebrate tonight?…etc etc…
Spectator support near the monuments was largely tourists, who didn’t spare a moment without shouting out to the runners. Little kids who held out their hands, to give high-five’s to the runners, provided for the support with a ‘personal touch’.
East Potomac Park was next; another mental note to self, that this is the end of the D.C part of the race. This part of the course also felt really long inspite of its scenic route, as my sole search while running through here, was for the foot of the bridge. The Freeway Bridge was the 20 mile marker; an important mile in every marathoner’s books, because from here on, as we are told, “It’s all going to be in the head”. (Most, if not all Marathon training programs, train you to run till the 20 mile distance, as the last 6.20 miles of a marathon are really meant to be “in your head”.) Sounds like a lot for the head, but it’s true as I saw for myself, on race day. Since I had run 21 miles as my longest run distance, twice before; at the 21 mile mark, I knew until now was distance-travelled. From here on would be the real challenge. I do recollect asking myself at that point, why does a Marathon have to be 26.20 mile long and not just end at 21, till where I ve run before?
The Freeway Bridge seemed to be a never-ending one. I remember looking around at the other runners to see when people had started walking instead of running, sort of trying to tell myself that it’s ok to walk now. I had always heard about runners with unearthly energy levels whom I might see talking/ sprinting in the last few miles of the race and actually got to see some such during the race as well. That sort of energy conservation tactic towards the end of the race, I have yet to learn. Somewhere around now, there came a Music Tent put up by Target, where I remember stopping for a quick jig and a twirl, much to the amusement of a little girl in the audience, before I moved on to finish my race. Throughout the entire race, I posed for the cameras at the important mile-markers, knowing a little make-belief and pretence would go a long way in making memorable pictures and videos for life. (I cannot wait for the DVD that will have personalized shots of me throughout the race, hopefully one’s in which I am smiling away:)
At the 25th mile marker, I had personal ASHA supporters cheering me as I passed them. Crowd support throughout the last mile was incredible. Finally, as I reached the 26 mile marker, I knew this was soon going to be over. Drawing into the Finish Line, was one of the most overwhelming experiences ever; I must confess, my hands automatically raised themselves to mark the end of a spectacular journey, in proud declaration, that I had done it. A handsome Marine wrapped a foil blanket around me and another one put my ‘Finisher’ Medal around my neck. My eyes were a little moist from the overwhelming conversations I had had with myself in the last few hours. There was pain that I could feel in my body but it was a ‘happy’ pain. One totally-worth it and would-do-it-all-over-again sort of pain. I thanked myself, (I think I heard an inner voice say “I am so proud of you”) and all those whom I think are the reason, why I ran this marathon.
Some stretching later, I was ready to line up for my Marathon Finisher Photo, followed by two really good massages. Apparently I blurted out “God is blessing you right now” to the masseuse, more than a couple of times, as I recollected later, while recounting to my friends. There was pampering galore, after the race, as someone offered us ‘samosas’ and ‘idlis’, while random people came up to chat and take pictures. I even gave a full-fledged interview; (felt like such a celebrity, while at it); one that I am really looking forward to see.
Note of Thanks:
At the risk of sounding clichéd, I want to thank my parents who’ve handled every new insanity of mine (including this one) in the sanest of ways; my closest friends, who convinced me that fund-raising (which was the biggest reason I was hesitant to sign-up) would fall in place, my co-runners who trained with me and provided for the much-needed camaraderie and spirit, the ASHA mentors and Coach for urging me to go all the way and of course the countless donors, (some of whom I don’t know or have never met), but who donated selflessly to my Marathon’s cause and brought me so close to my target. (Feel free to make your donations at: http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/lib/marathon/publicmypage.php?1647)
Here is my official result from Race Day.
At the end of this 24-week journey, where I‘ve trained diligently towards a smaller goal (the Half-Marathon) at first, that grew into a larger one, (the Marathon) eventually, I have learnt a lot about myself, my body and of course running, in general. Be it the conversations I’ve had with myself while running, (after the time I decided that my Ipod was an additional hindrance) or the amount of time I’ve spent outdoors, appreciating parks, water bodies, skylines, sights, smells and sounds of the outside, or the wonderful people I’ve run with in the park, from the blind guy full of energy, running with his aide; the pregnant woman who ran at my pace in a NYRR race or the fragile grandma who runs religiously every Saturday morning, this training experience has enriched me in more ways than one. Among others, it has shown me that lines drawn earlier can always be extended and a lot of our reservations (mental or physical) really lie in our head and can easily be overcome. As I type, I am waiting to sign up for my next Half-Marathon to be held in Mumbai on Jan 21st, 2007, so as you can see, I am officially addicted to running now.
There used to be times when at the end of a 3 mile run on the treadmill, I would applaud myself and think that running anymore, will only make me tired. But now after having been past several Saturday mornings spent well, training in the park, from 10, 14, 16, 18 to 21 miles and being able to party the same night, like there’s no tomorrow, I ‘ve learnt that our bodies are capable of way more than what we give them credit for.
And that once taken good care of, they make us breeze through some of our toughest journeys:)!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
"Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)"
You know how sometimes we love some songs and then later totally forget about them at all?And then, some other time, later in life, we suddenly hear them play and they come back to us, and then we remember how much we loved and cherished them, at one point of time of our lives?
One such old, forgotten favourite that recently crossed my path, is Don Mc'lean's "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)". It brings back memories of rebellious days spent in architecture undergrad, when we lived and breathed creativity and when I first fell in love with Vincent's work and of more recent times, the beautiful afternoon spent among his works in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
One of my all time favourites; you can hear it here for free: (Song no. 10)
"Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)"
Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colours on the snowy linen land
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds and violet haze
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue
Colours changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artists' loving hand
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And when no hope was left inside
On that starry, starry night
You took your life as lovers often do
But I could have told you Vincent
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you
Starry Starry night
Portraits hung in empty halls
Framless heads on nameless walls
With eyes that watch the world and cant forget
Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They're not listening still
Perhaps they never will...
Friday, October 13, 2006
My First Marathon Appeal!
So it's here, sooner than you had expected; my announcement to all of you, who are'nt aware yet, that I am running my first Marathon. Feels like it was just yesterday, when I ran the ASHA 5K run, then the NYC Half-Marathon and now finally the ultimate one of them all, the Marathon.It's been one incredible journey, from the first 3.10 miles for ASHA on June 10th, 2006, to the 13.10 miles in the NYC Half-Marathon on Aug 27th, 2006 and eventually, the 26.20 miles that I will run in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C on Oct 29th, 2006.
Attached is the map of the race course, for the event and below is the link to more information for spectators and supporters (for those of you, who will be at the event to cheer me:), on the race day.
http://www.marinemarathon.com/race_info/spectators.htm
More than 2000 miles and 21 weeks of running and $1500 of funds raised later, I am still running and fundraising for ASHA; a Non-profit which works towards providing basic education for under-privileged children in India.
Here are the links that provide more information on ASHA:
http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/7630.htm
and here is the link where you can make your credit card donations:
http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/lib/marathon/publicmypage.php?1647
I sincerely urge each one of you, who chances upon my blog or is a regular reader to make your valuable donation when you read this post. At ASHA Marathons, each one of us, runs with the belief "I run so they can read".
Robert Frost's following lines, now have a new meaning in my life:)
"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
Thank you for your time and donations (in advance) and do look forward to my post-marathon post, after the 29th.
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