Mumbai Marathon 2010

           The 7th edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon was held on 17th January, 2010. Close to 39,000 people participated in this year's Marathon. There were 11,000 participants for the Half Marathon (21.097 kms) this year. No wonder I had to register for the Half Marathon as early as June, 2009 even though ours is a group entry.(Thanks to RPG group)
             I got up @ 4:15 am to get ready for the run. I was up in a flash unlike other days where I usually hit the snooze button on my mobile phone a couple of times. I reached Rang Sharda,Bandra (starting point for the Half Marathon) along-with a couple of friends. One of them was apparently running on someone else's entry :P But that is usual I guess. I reached the holding Area 40-50 mins early @ 6am. I saw a group of 20-25 people warming up as early as 6 pm.(Their bodies must have cooled down by 6:45 am) Our warm up was to be the first 2 kms of the race :P  I could see a couple a families there which made me wonder for a moment, if this was a family outing on a Sunday morning. But let me tell you it is far from that.
            The race kicked off @ 6:45 am but by the time I crossed the start line it was 6:55 am. I started running at my pedestrian pace (even though it was not a 100m race still my speed was indeed pedestrian). I went past the 1 km mark. I said to myself 1 down 20 more to go. I slowly approached the 2 km mark. Meanwhile, there were Mobile Toilets installed @ regular intervals. But people in India prefer Natural Toilets than the Mobile ones. :P One guy remarked that it was the Releasing Area. :P Then I embarked on the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link. People stopped by to take photos of the Mumbai coastline. Some asked the runners to click their photos (were they here to run or were they on a picnic? But I guess this was the only time where you can stop on the Sea link) I must say it was an amazing experience running on the Sea link but a tiring one. There was no water available for the whole strength from 2 kms to 9 kms. There was a guy with Goodie something written on the back of his T-shirt. I had seen him @ the start besides me so I knew my pace was OK.
             After 11 kms, I reached Peddar Road. There were people standing by the roadside cheering & encouraging the runners. There were the Peddar road residents with bananas, Parle G biscuits, water bottles for the runners. I'm sure there would nothing of this sort in any other city. That's the spirit of AAMCHI MUMBAI. (Thank u Mumbai for all the support). If it was the Pune Marathon, I'm sure there would have been bikers overtaking the runners from both sides.
           The last 3 kms of the run were the most difficult. My legs were paining by this time and the sun was out. I saw an aged man who could barely stand up but still he was walking. That was very inspiring and hats off to that man for the courage that he showed. There was a man who started the Half Marathon with the Indian Tri Colour in his hands.(Apparently, he runs carrying the tri colour every year). There were people talking on the phone while running (I guess they can't survive without a mobile phone).
           Completing the half marathon gave me a great sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. Now, I know how difficult it is to get out of one's comfort zone. As it is rightly said, " It's all between the ears". Now, I know how true this saying is.
          But all in all, it was a great experience and someday I hope I'll complete the Full Marathon (42 kms).