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!