I believe there is something inside all of us that makes us a special stupid. My stupid is to take decisions and just get into it , prepared or not. On most occasions it would work out well but when it demands major physical labour and mental grit, one doubts every step taken, literally, and especially, when running a marathon.
It was my first proper run. The other kinds of running that I had done before this was to jog on a perfect padded running track at a park and running from my problems, people and, sometimes emotions. So this was the real deal.
I had decided to run a marathon in the year and was mildly practicing for it. I did run once or maybe twice a week for the last couple of months. I went to the gym for weight training and cardio and mostly ate a normally healthy diet. This is just about the bare minimum that people do to sign up to a committed sporting event. In my case I had an injured knee and just a kilometer or two would trigger aches and pains. The orthopedic had asked me to take it slow and I was. I feared to damage my knees more. To add to this I had a viral and was on antibiotics to recover.
And then I signed up for the marathon, initially 5 kms, which I promptly upgraded to 10 kms, because it was the real challenge. As if I didn’t have other challenges in life that I wanted to add to it. But I realized I am a sucker for the rushes and would prefer one over the comfort of latency.
So here I was at the start line, oblivious of what lies ahead and then it started. The first kilometer went smooth. The second invited some aches in the knees. I constantly oscillating between running and walking. The third got me cramps. This was due to the absent water stations until 5 kms. I could feel my body breaking down step by step. It was more of my mind that kept me going. Kilometer 5-7 plateaued the feelings and pain. Kilometer 7 -10 were just a mental battle. I felt my body numb into a rhythm of just existing. It didn’t want to do more but keep one leg before the other. The mind looked for short goals. “ Just run until the Blue flag and then you can take a break.” “Just beat the green T-shirt”. It just went from one small goal to the other. And the last push was right before the finish line. You run to win.
I smiled just before the finish line. I made it. I stopped and I couldn’t stand. I sat, heavily panting, sweat dripping down my spine, my hair peeping out of my cap to see if we made it. My body broke down for sometime. I struggled to get up and find my friends. Grabbing a bottle of electrolyte water from the free counter. I chugged it as my victory drink. I stood for a second in awe of my own feat and of those who made it. There was cheer and happiness all around. There was a sense of bonding. We all went through the same journey.
A day after, today, as I sit with my cup of tea, my sore body and my boosted ego, I write this as a reminder to what I must remember of yesterday, everyday.
Sometimes it’s good to “Just do it!” Overthinking and analysis paralysis takes many great moments away from us.
It’s best to train for what you want but you don’t need to be perfect.
Our body is our best friend. Nurture it as your most precious relationship.
Our mind is our most powerful weapon. It did most of the job for me. It can be used in ways that make life so much better.
Every step matters. Each step gets you closer to the finish line.
Nourish yourself at decent intervals to avoid life cramps.
Goals are important. They show progress. These could also be emotional goals and not just achievements. They are your milestones. You don’t need to win, you just need to get to the finish line.
Know that you are not alone in your journey. There are many before you and many after you. Get inspired by both.
You have so much that many don’t. I saw a guy walking the 10 kms in crutches. I had no words but of gratitude for my life and gratitude for him to show us what we thought could never be done.
In life, we mostly fight ourselves, for the better or the worse. And in both cases you can reach the finish line or just give up. Make smaller goals to get somewhere rather than going no where.
The 10 kms summed up for me. Hope you find yours.
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