Mumbai Marathon 2020

In about 60 hours from now most of us would have crossed the start line of the Mumbai Marathon. Questions like, “am I up to it this year?”, “will my injuries resurface?” and the dreaded “will the weather be benevolent?” would be forgotten in the initial euphoria of running with thousands of like-minded crazy people. Trepidation would strike in the initial few hours as we travel to the venue but we will get a burst of adrenaline as soon as the start time beckons and we too join others in vigorously chanting “Ganpati Bappa Moraya” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jay”.

It is imperative to show restraint during the initial two or three kilometers as we tend to mimic others around us and tire ourselves in keeping up. This is perhaps FOMO in action. As Guruji keeps reminding us, there is a lot of time in our hands while running a marathon. So, stick to a plan and do not compete with anyone, not even yourselves. We should be able to finish smoothly if we are able to keep ourselves in check. All of us have learnt the hard way that there is no shortcut to success. In marathon running success is crossing the finish line without any serious pain or cramps. We have now become accustomed to the minor pains and can anticipate when a cramp is likely to manifest.

While on the track we can initiate a dialogue with fellow runners rather than just running by ourselves. There are times when the best of us need some motivation! A simple word of encouragement from a friend or a clap from a stranger does wonders. Our practice runs are easier than the events precisely for this reason. Usually we have a running partner with whom we keep chatting. This casual give and take helps in taking our mind off the effort that we are putting in. When alone I usually run with my ear phones but promptly chuck them whenever I get company.

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful memories so far. I am sure all of us will do well.

Best luck to Nihal who I believe will stun us again with his running prowess. He runs like a cheetah these days. Iron Man Nitin will yet again prove why he deserves the moniker. Guruji will help at least a dozen people with their anxiety and cramps and will cheer many more at the end. Manisha and Preeti will cross over with arms flailing and a smile on their faces (more so with Preeti). More power to you! Shrikant and Rajesh will really enjoy themselves and show everyone how to compete in such races in spite of hectic travelling and tight schedules. Leenesh – the natural runner – will yet again make us applaud his efforts. Chaitanya and Chetan will definitely finish with a song and dance and show their gutsy spirit! Dharmesh will display what he is made of. This man has just recovered from Dengue and is raring to go. Vasant is one cool customer and will run at his own pace without getting distracted by what goes around him. Dr. Bindu and Dr. Monty will have an effortless 21 and will perhaps join us next year for the 42. The same applies to Sarika who is attempting her first 10 k. Mahesh may consider running without a bib. He is a rockstar. Sharad is hell bent on competing, come what may. I wish the very best to him. Yogesh, Niranjan, Dr. Anoop and Swati… prepare yourselves for 2021.