Call me "crazy" and I will thank you, because that is what I do the most and enjoy even more. Just a few days ago I noticed in the tabloids that there is a 10 mile marathon in Pheonix park. even without thinking if I will be able to do it or not, I decided I want to go. Some of them said I wont be able to do it because I have not trained. That wedesday evening I ran for 6kms and

my legs hurt

like hell. I was limping for the next two days. Yet I wanted to go, but found out that the tickets are sold out. But on my favorite Bulletin board I found one person giving away the ticket. Woohoo!!! Bought myself a pair of shorts, asked my Gurus Chris and Mihir, how to prepare and they gave me a few tips. Then off i began. There were seven thousand of them. In all shapes, sizes, colours and textures. It was drizziling, but not enough to kill our entusiasm. Found two other Indians there, but me carrying a heavy ego did no acknowledge them. They did the same. At 10 we started. I was number 1452.


while at the 4 mile mark, noticed garda paving way from some one. I thought it must be the minister of sports. but it was the marathon leaders doing their 8th mile!! Holy cow!! Thats what professional runners are. I was glad to see the 6th mile marker, but my energy level was not down, it was my legs screaming " are you friggin, Crazy" . I walked for half a mile to give them a break. Water was supplied well and many old folks gathered just to cheer us up. Just a clap, or "your are nearly there, keep going" was enough for the extra two steps. The last mile was grueling, but made it just under two hours. Got a T and a lunch box. laid down on the grass and had them. After my suscessful completion on my return to Mr.Silver, I met those Indians again and this time we smiled and spoke,and wished each other "happy Independence day". The thoughts pondered in my head on my way back, and what I realised is events like this unite people, make them come out of the virtual shells they have created for them selves. Strangers patting out back, applauding us, lending water.Some of the girls even came close to me and teased me saying, 'catch me if you can' !! Sixteen kilometers was hard, but the results are more than just finishing the race.
Note: Enter 1452 in race number to see my time