Me before the run
About to begin
Rahul, man behind the show
Shimla half marathon is over. It was fun running this race as this was one marathon which was free of three things which most runners do not like - heat, dust and pollution. Weather was also playing a perfect companion.
At 6KM...By mistake drinking someone else's energy drink
I usually start my runs at a slow pace as I do not want to spend all my energy on first few miles. This run was also no different. I started slowly and for the first 6 KM, I ran at a slow pace. Few downhill slopes in the begining, followed by uphill slopes helped me in warming up.
At 13 KM
The run between 6 KM and 15 KM was most enjoyable for me. I was warmed up, momentum was with me and I was running at a speed which was not tiring me. Scenery was breathtaking, road was completely free of any traffic, I could hear birds chirping, serenity was my only company and few downhill slopes, where I could run faster than my usual speed, helped me in getting my timing better. There was only one uphill slope and was steep enough to leave most runners panting. Except for that slope, it was a runner friendly terrain.
After 15 KM, major part of the track was uphill and it soaked up most of my energy. To be frank, I covered most of my last 6 KM walking. But walking, was also no small effort (shameless self-patter in me taking over). Last two kilometers were easy, difficult and most exciting. Easy because of steep downhill which helped me to run little faster. Difficult because I have to climb the same slope up. Exciting because it was last lap and after that only thing left was posing for cameras ;-)
At last finished Shimla HM in 2 hours and 50 minutes. I guess, not bad for someone who is just one HM old.
Zoobie and Me after the run
With medal and certificate
One gone. Another one in Delhi on November 1, followed by my first full marathon in Gurgaon on December 6. There is not much time for rest.
After all most of marathoners are a breed in their own and they enjoy doing what others think is a cynical activity.
by A journey called Life , on October 6, 2009 4:03 AM
marathoning, per me is not a cynical activity..this said, congrats on a very nice first attempt and wishing sucess for the rest..
in the first pic, the backdrop took my breath away.. im sure u had fun running in such picteresque settings..
by le embrouille blogueur , on October 6, 2009 5:48 AM
Congratulations Adesh .... we in the blog world are proud of you .... by the way ... is it the same bench in the backdrop where Rani Mukherjee sat in the scene from Black ....lol !!!
by Rahul Verghese , on October 6, 2009 8:14 AM
Congratulations Adesh.
Zoobie was THE STAR volunteer and was leading the time keeping and all the commotion at the finish line which was always buzzing with runners as they went through the ridge 3 times in between the start and the finish.
Both of you folks did an amazing job!!
Thanks for being there and making the chaos, more manageable
Rahul
www.runningandliving.com
by Adesh Sidhu , on October 6, 2009 8:47 AM
@ AJCL - Whole marathon was very picturesque. It was beautiful. Thanks.
@ LEB - Thanks Man.
@Rahul - Thanks for inspiring Me and many others to take up running.
by Ramesh , on October 7, 2009 4:24 AM
Congtas Adesh. To take up a marathon and do so well as to enjoy it - amazing. Instead of writhing in bed in agony, you come and make a post. Fantastic !
Good luck for the Delhi and Gurgaon runs.