The Last Mile - Part I

After having entered and completed my first full marathon, I have realised that you need to be a little crazy to see it through.

The 2012 Mumbai marathon on 15th Jan was a bright and early start at 5:40 a.m. I had flown down from Dubai for the weekend just to take part in the marathon. Family and friends alike were sure I had gone off my rocker to be planning to fly back to Dubai on 15th evening itself.

As I made my way to the starting location in a taxi, there was only one thought in my mind, ‘I have to finish’. Made my way to the holding area for the start. With all the amateur runners like me, it was 3 minutes before I could go past the starting line.

And I was off at a fair pace. Navigated the circuituous route past NCPA and then began the stretch down the famed Queen’s necklace. As I went past the 7 km mark, I thought to myself that’s 1 Dream Run done, only 5 more to go (in its inaugral years the Dream Run used to be 7 km, it was only later that it was changed to 6 km).

Then of course came the energy sapper of the Mumbai marathon, the twin ascents of Peddar Road – first the flyover at Kemps Corner and then the hill of Peddar Road itself. Once out of the way, it was time to greet the first light of day as I went past Haji Ali and NSCI.

As I hit Worli Sea Face, I kept an eye out for my folks, all of whom were attempting the half marathon, and thus starting at the other end of the course from the Bandra side of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Somewhere between the 14km (yes 2 Dream Runs done) and 15 km mark, when I was beginning to feel my energy levels drop a tad, I spotted my younger brother Kashish (only 16) between the 8 and 9 km mark for his half marathon. We exchanged a high five as we ran on in opposite directions.

Seeing him and his determination and as I made the mental calculations, his impressive speed at that stage, gave me just the kick I needed to spur me on in conquering the 42.195 (of which a good 27+ were left).