My Maiden HM (Bengaluru Marathon 2014)

This happens to be my last post of this year (2014). This is the year when I started running and did my first ever 10K and  HM races. 

After completing my first 10K on May, I was so charged up and motivated seeing the crowd having runner of age 50+ years. So after doing a lot of research in net I came across Bengaluru Marathon page. Without even thinking twice I just registered for the HM on May 22nd, thinking I have 5 months in my hand to prepare for it. 

Well, this was the only race where I saw that there is perks for registering early. It was like the first 1000 registrations would be getting a free personalized training t-shirt. As I registered for the race way to early I was among those one thousand people who got personalized training t-shirt.

Personalized Training t-shirt

The best part about this Marathon was that this happened to be Bangalore city's first edition of it, and mine first edition of HM :) There were totally ten thousand participants spread across the various categories which was an overwhelming thing.

The another good thing about this marathon was they had promotional runs across the differnt cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune.

The next good thing about this marathon was they had many training runs scheduled in Bangalore. Day one of the training run started with 5K/10K distance and it went up to 35K till last day of training. There training runs were very well organized they had selected different venue for each training run (Kanterva, EGL, Sarjapur, KSIT, Nandi Hills). First one was of course in Kanteerva Stadium, I did attend this one. They made sure that the hydration is available during the race and did provide post race breakfast which was equally tasty and better than few other actual races which I had attended.  They did conduct 12 hour/ 24 hours challenge races too. 

The expo was scheduled at Sree Kanteerva Indoor Stadium on 16th and 17th October for Bengaluru runners. I went in the first day itself to collect mine. I got my race day kit, along with bib it had many other goodies like fridge magnet, t-shirt, spray, route details etc.  I made sure that I buy the parking coupon too. As bib was in my hand, was excited with the feeling that in two days I am gonna run my first HM. I sent pics of my bib to siblings and close friends.

Day before the race I selected my running gear and kept everything neatly, so that I don't forget the required things at home in hurry. Before the race day I tried to get a good sleep but then I couldn't as I was getting butter flies in my stomach.

Finally it was Race day (19' October 2014) and I managed to reach the venue early to avoid the last minute tensions of finding the venue. I was not the only one which was early to the venue there were others too. 

The Venue

First announcement was for the FM and after half and hour announcement for HM took place. Like other races they didn't have different bays allotted for the runner. There was only one entry point for everyone. 

Flag was lifted for the race and we all started moving slowly as it was really crowded. I was already prepared with my plan for the race, I had planned that I will stop at 4 aid stations 2 in first half and 2 in second half, and will go slow in the beginning and slowly will increase my pace. 

Everything was going according to my plan and was able to complete first half very easily. Once I was done with first half I was confident enough that I can complete the second half also easily. I was familiar with the route because I drive to some of this place every week, but running in familiar route had all together a different feeling. 

Route Map for HM

There was only one problem in this route that was Trinity junction which was as usual very busy but the police men and volunteers were there to help and guide the runners, but I did hear that some of guys who were doing FM did lost their ways at the end and did run more that what was required. Luckily I didn't phase this issue.

Busy doing what she likes ;)

As planned I took break at aid station between 6 to 7 km and then at 10 km mark, then at 15 km and at last between 18 to 19km. I did have to use cooling spray at 10 km mark as my ankle was hurting, but it didn't stop me from running. 

I was literally dancing with joy as I was approaching to the finish line, you can see that in pic below ;)

While Crossing the Finish Line

I complete my HM exactly in 2:18:11 time and collected my finisher medal, and it was the time for celebration. 

The Glory!

After the race when I was heading back to home, I got a call from an unknown number, and it was the courier boy asking me for my exact house location, he was like he has a parcel which needs to be delivered to your house. I started wondering if I had ordered anything online but it turned out to be a sweet surprise from Sumit to celebrate my first HM (:

I am little biased toward this event so I would say my experience was 5 out of 5 for this HM and I look forward to be a part of this event every year if possible!

My First ever Race Award (Celebration Mysore Run - 10K)

One day while surfing internet I came across this site http://indiarunning.com .

It had details of all the popular races of India for the current year and that's where I came to know about Celebration Mysore race!  

I thought this can be my first out station race and was so thrilled with this thought that I registered for it on July 31st.  Mysore is just 160 kms away from Bangalore, so I decided to drive there, finish race and drive back. I checked with Ranju if she is interested for the long drive over the weekend and she agreed.

We started from Bangalore on Saturday, September 06th. We passed through NICE road and then three major towns Ramanagara, Mandya & Srirangapatna. 

NICE Road

We took a break at CCD Mudugree and after entertaining our tummies we resumed back. I told Ranju if she want to take a nap, she can, she did took a nap without getting afraid as I was driving at the speed of 105 Kms per hour :)

Break Time

It was too much fun driving in Bangalore-Mysore highway.

Driving Selfie

The very first thing to do after reaching Mysore was to meet Nitesh and collect my BIB. We met Nitesh and went to expo location (Reliance Trends Store, Next to Hotel Regaalis, Vinobha Road, Mysore) using goggle maps. We collected my BIB and then went to see the race venue. The next thing was to look for a hotel to stay for a night, soon we were able to find a decent hotel to stay. 

We had some time in our hand so we decided to go for a dinner and a night show. Movie "Mary Kom" was running in the theatre, we got the tickets in PVR, was surprised to see that, because in Bangalore getting movie ticket on a weekend is so tough, you always need to pre-book it in advance.

Mary Kom!

We ate dinner, took few selfies and went inside the theatre. Watching Marry Kom turned out to be good for me as it gave me more motivation for the next day race ;) Once we were done with movie we headed back to the hotel to take rest. It was already late and we had to get up early.We chit-chatted with each other and didn't sleep until 2 am. 

Selfie Time

Next day I managed to wake up Ranju and Nitesh by 4:45 am. We got ready and headed to the venue. As this was the charity run my guess was right not many people came for the event from Bangalore. So I though there is a good chance that I may be able to secure a position in top 5 under my age category ;)

I did little warm-up before the race and when the flag off took place started running, it was nice to see that Ranju and Nitesh were cheering for me :)

The route was very scenic and it had good elevations too. Everything was going fine, but just after reaching 5K mark my left foot started hurting, so was limping with one foot, but then I remembered the lines *No Pain No Gain* and I just forgot about the pain and kept uttering to myself to just run run run....  And touched the finish line soon. 

Dil ye Jiddi hai!

After finishing the race I was sure that I am gonna be among top 3 in my category, so just waited for the award ceremony.

First Runner up

After the award ceremony we went back to hotel got ready and checked out. By the time we were done it was lunch time, so we decided to quickly finish lunch and head back to Bangalore. We were so hungry that we ended up going to Oyester Bay for the yummy lunch.

Lady busy eating (:

Once we were done eating we dropped Nitesh and headed back to Bangalore with a great satisfaction.

* The End Result *

My First Under an Hour 10K - (Bluemix Monsoon Marathon)

August last week was a long weekend because Ganesha Chaturthi was falling on August 29th which was a Friday. We *South Chi Rung Mug* had planned to meet at my place to have a small get together and next day to accompany me to the race. 

On Saturday we all went to Forum Value Mall to collect my BIB. First time it might have happned that there were 8 guys to collect one BIB, what a support :) 

*South Chi Rung Mug* PC: Nitesh

At night we had dinner, then played cards and chit-chated till late night. I had to get up early for the race so I went to bed around at 2:00 am but rest of the Janta had planned to do night out.  After two hours of sleep I woke up and got ready, Janta was still wide awake. We (I, Niran Da, Manisha, Ranju, and Sandeep) started from home to the race venue, locking rest of the Janta at home.

On the way I was feeling hungry and the only thing I can eat was banana before the race, so we just started looking out for any shops to be open. The venue was around 5 kms away and we saw a man unlocking his small shop, and the man next to him was having bananas in his basket, we parked our car at the corner of the road and one of us got down and crossed the road to buy bananas because the shop was at the other side of the road.

Mr. Milkha Singh was the chief guest for the event, he gave the inspirational speech. Once that was done everybody assembled at the start point for the race. 

The race started, and I enjoyed the running in this new route. 

On the way

This race was unique as the name suggested it was suppose to rain on that day which didn't happen, but they had artificial rain at finish line as an alternative to give the feel of Monsoon Marathon.

The Artificial Rain at finish line

The best part about this race was, it had India's heartthrob Milind Soman. One of the celebrity who looks equally hot in his 50s and so down to earth. He was not only surrounded with ladies but also with men, everybody wanted to get a pic with him so do I. After collecting medal I asked him if I can get a pic with him, he was so nice that he asked me where is your camera and put his arm around me *blush* and I got that day's the best picture of mine :D 

My Best Pic of the Day!

After the picture I asked him for his autograph on my BIB as well as Finisher Certificate.

BIB 

Finisher Certificate

Fun was not over yet, there was post race pool party arranged for runners. In portable pool we also had the Ice Bucket Challenge with Milind Soman. 

The Ice Bucket Challenge

Highlight from the event:

• Being my third race, I completed my 10K under 1 hour for the first time.
• A successful South Chi Rung mug meet after Holi.
• Picture and Ice Bucket Challenge with Milind Soman.

Total Paisa Vasul Day!

My First Race (TCS World 10K Bangalore 2014 - OPEN 10K)

Well well, its been a while I have been thinking of writing down my running experiences, at last I have found some time to pen it down...

I am a newbie to the world of running, I started running because I was bored of same gym schedules and wanted to do some other activities to stay fit and healthy... I thought about various things like Zomba, dance, aerobics and I did go for trial classes, but nothing impressed me... Then I thought of going for Jogging in the morning, but then it died in my thoughts only as I couldn't continue it for long...

So almost after a month of leaving the morning Jogging sessions, One day when I was at work, I heard about the race called TCS World 10K which was gonna be held at Bangalore sometimes on May 2014... So once I was back home, I did some searching on Internet and got lot of information about the race. I thought if I have a goal, at least for that shake I will get interest in running so without even thinking twice I registered for 10K race a day before (25-Apr-2014) the registration date was getting ended... I did motivated some other fellows to register for it and they did register for it... ;)

Now the registration part was done and the race was on 18-May-2014... I fairly had 3 weeks to prepare myself for the race... As I knew planning only not gonna make me complete the race until I have a will to prepare for it... So first thing I did was getting back to my performance tracking app (MapMyRun) and start the the practice run and I did start from the next day (26-Apr-2014) of registration itself.... The preparation didn't go as I had planned but was sure that I have to complete the race in 1 hour 10 mins (this was the target, I had kept for me). 

I hardly did 9 practice runs before the Big Race Day...

So the day (10-May-2014) came when I was suppose to collect the BIB and goodies bag... So I went to collect the same with my best buddy Rekha (who thought I can't complete 10k race) to Active Expo which was being conducted at Koramangalam Indoor stadium... I was happy to receive my BIB number... and rest of the day went quite well, we gossiped, shopped, roamed, had good lunch... 

In the evening, Pari was with me to give a company back home from Rekha's place, as I went to drop her home...  It rained crazily that evening but still we went to Art Blend Cafe (interesting place to have a good meal) for a nice dinner... 

First Learning

The First thing I noticed in BIB was a timing chip which was attached to it, this was to tracks the timing during run... I had been told that while running I need to make sure that wherever there is a scanning mat, I need to place my feet properly, so that it can get scanned and timing data gets captured.

Shoes Selection

I didn't know what kind of attire I would be needing, but then I knew that I need to have a good running shoes... Luckily in Active expo all the major shoes brands were present... This is the place where, I got to know that there is something call GAIT analysis which tells you what kind of shoes is best fit for you while running, so I did go for the GAIT analysis and found that my one feet is prefect for any kind of shoes but one feet is slightly overpronated... So I asked the guy what kind of shoes is best for overpronated feet.. he asked me to go for the shoes with Dynamic support...

Now the hunt for Dynamic support shoes started... visited multiple stores at multiple locations and multiple brands ranging from Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Puma... And finally brought this running helper (shoes)...

The Race Day & Some More Learning

The Big Day arrived, I was anxious but thrilled thinking I am gonna do my First Ever Run... So the day before the Race Day I tried sleeping early and woke up at 4:00 AM... I had Rohit and his two friends to accompany to go to the race venue... So we started from home at 4:45 AM to the race venue... I could see many vehicles at 4:45 on the road on this day, and all of were heading to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium (the race venue)...

Second thing I learnt was, when you are going to a Race Venue, do found out about the parking space availability the day before the actual race, if parking is an issue never ever go by your Car, best thing is to book a cab and go... Well we did struggled a bit that day for finding the parking... but some how we manged to get the parking at one of the narrow street near main stadium...

Parking was done, now it was time to enter inside the stadium... the stadium was filled with people, I wouldn't had expected to see so much crowd... They had 6 gates from letter A to F... based on your experience and performance in previous running the gate numbers were assigned during race registration... Mine was Gate Number F.. So I started for gate number F... Race was yet to start, I saw people doing stretches and getting ready for the race...

Finally the announcement took place and siren to start the race was blown... I saw flood of people moving from the start line... I decided to go with the last batch of people... I was so focused on my running that when I began from the start line I forgot to notice the Hunk <3 Jonh Abraham <3 on the stage, my bad... 

It was nice to see people motivating each other to run well, be it the people running behind me or beside me or the people who were cheering up for all the runners. First few km was fairly easy to complete, once I crossed the 5 km mark was sure that will be able to finish the run... The arrangements done by the organizers were commendable... They had proper arrangement for water, glucose, oranges etc for runner, so that they don't get dehydrated while running...

When I was done with the 8 km mark was tired but I kept on telling me, no You can do it, You have to do it and was able to run the next 1 km... now it was the time for the last km, I told myself.. Its just the last km so run as fast as u can, and I just ran as fast as I could and completed the last km...

I was so delighted when I touched the finish line, I asked one of the guy to click a pic of mine from my phone camera... Then I called up Mum to inform her that I did complete 10 km race.  Its like Kid in me didn't stop and I informed most of my close friends that I finished  My First 10K race ^_^

Then I went to collect my finisher medal from the counter, it was filled with people, after almost half an hour my turn came and I collected my medal, and clicked few pics...

I did complete my first 10K race but I took 45 seconds more than what I had planned for, due to the water breaks I had taken in between I guess... Never the less, was Quite Happy to see my result ^_^

Overall, it was a good experience and I am looking forward to the TCS world 10K 2015 - OPEN 10K   ^_^