My first Marathon

DNA had organized a Women's Marathon today (11th March) and the timing couldn't have been better since I had just started running last month, forty days ago, to be precise. Decided to go for the 10K this time. And am glad I completed well before what I thought I would from the practice run .

(The ad that appeared in the DNA last week with  names of women who enrolled. Nice touch!)

Would be lying if I say I wasn't tense about the D-day. But the only tension was about getting up on time. There was no doubt or hesitation in my mind about not completing this run. The only prep I did for this, apart from running fairly regularly was not listening to advice of any kind. I did read a few things online but followed none :) This thing of have carbs, avoid grains, run with a partner, have a shower etc etc. doesn't work suddenly for me unless I have followed it for some time. 

This morning, the marathon day started with quite an adventure. Was patting my back when I got lucky with getting a taxi early this morning who was willing to drive me to the venue, a 20 min drive from my place (cabbies here are quite firm about not driving you to short distances). But I guess patted too soon when the taxi stopped midway at a deserted road with not a single cab around. After almost 20 mins,  thanks to a Tamizh uncle (Tamizh vaazhga!) managed a cab and got dropped. Reached venue (Bandra Kurla Complex), met a couple of ladies from the training group and did our warm-up. Once the run was flagged off, I stuck to my pace and didn't let anyone chat or come close for a vambu session.

Am a little superstitious about a few things. The first song on the playlist has to be this, always and it was no different today. Proud of the fact that I ran {ok ok jogged :)} thru' and thru'. Didn't quite feel the tiredness till the 10k was completed. Honestly! Didn't feel like stopping and walking at any point of time which I guess was good. What probably kept me going was the stamina with all the swimming! Might sound pompous but wondered why most of the ladies were puffing and panting as they walked. Felt very good completing 10 K and this kalakkal song couldn't have played on the Ipod at a better time, as I reached the finishing line.

Cousin S joined me for a super duper breakfast at Suzette, Bandra post the run. More than the Marathon, the Sappatturaami in me has been looking forward to the breakfast for over two weeks now ;-)

The husband was bayangarama missed since has been travelling and couldn't be there today. More than I he was mega anxious and was looking forward to this. Pal was super thrilled when I called him post the run. 

Kudos to our chief trainer who landed up early morning to cheer the group. Yes and there's one more person I'd like to thank.Would have been content with my swimming and cycling and not attempted running had I not interacted with this gentleman on twitter. Thank you A!

The event was decently well organized and must congratulate DNA for this concept. Oh ya, they could've had a few more water bottles since many of the water counters showed their empty hands when tired runners reached out to ask for a bottle for water. Except for that I have no complaints. 

Overall, it has been a fantastic day. At the end of the run, the only regret was the fact that I didn't push myself to attempt a 21K. But next time it will be a 21K for sure!