Its been 2 weeks since the marathon.....the excitement has died down, I am back on the ground, and life goes on as usual. But everytime I think about those 4 hours and 36 mins of my life, I get an incredible rush...and an urge to re-live that all over again.
The last few months have changed me quite a bit, and I dont want to go back to the sedentary life that I was leading. I still want to feel uncomfortable and restless if I dont run for a while, I still want to get that calm quiet deep sleep at night, I still want to feel the exhilaration of completing a run quicker than the last time, I still want to the pain in my joints after a long hard run!!!
It may seem crazy, but all that I have just written is quite true!! So I am setting goals for myself, which will be published in this blog as and when I achieve them!!
On another note...not related to running....I just read a post on another blog, on how one associates scents with people, or events that one holds dear. I can vouch for that - Mumbai has a distinct scent in the air, that you do not get anywhere else. The moment you step out of the airplane into Mumbai airport, you immediately get that smell. People may find it extremely offensive, but to me that the scent is of coming back to where I belong!! I am not a fan of Mumbai, and dont like the city much. But this scent signifies that I am just a couple of hours away from Pune, home. It fills me with such intense energy, that jet-lag, weariness, fatigue simply melt away!!!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
Been there, "Run" that!!
YES! I completed my marathon yesterday - 26.2 miles through the city of Philadelphia. It was one of the most awesome experience I have ever had! Six months of training have really paid off, and I can proudly say that I HAVE RUN A MARATHON!
Looking back, things seem easier, but at that moment, in those 4 hours and 36 mins, things which went on are a totally different story!!
We left for Philadelphia on Saturday, around 1pm to get there with enough time to pick up our race bibs (numbers) and championships (timing chips to be attached to the shoes for electronic time monitoring) and Tshirts. It turned out to be quite a trip altogether! We started out with me dropping my cellphone from my pocket, and had to stop at the first turn itself to look for it - turned out to be in the car itself!
Then we decided PRINTED DIRECTIONS are for sissies, and decided to blaze our own trails!!! But, it was not to be, and we ended up having Sreedhar get directions from Meenal over the phone!!
After that we reached Philadelphia without much trouble! Went to the Marathon Expo and picked up our stuff. One by one, all cars came in, and we re-grouped at the Expo, with Coach Tom also meeting us there. From there we went to the hotel (this also turned out to be another "sense of smell" drive).
From the hotel, the plan was to go to Olive Garden for an early dinner - the 3 mile trip took 35 mins!!:D:D:D
But all said and done, it was fantastic organization from the Asha volunteers, and they had taken every care to not cause us runners any discomfort! Thanks for that guys!! We called it a night at around 9:30, cause we needed to get up at 5 am the next day.
Sarika arrived at the hotel at 6:00 am sharp in the morning on Sunday! Good start for the day!:D All of left the hotel around 6:30 am after breakfast.
Met up with the coach and got last minute instructions - most important one - to not give up!
The race started at 8:00 am and we were in business. Vivek and I decided to keep together, and set a target of 4h30m for ourselves. We were maintaing a reasonalbe pace of ~10 min/mile, and were on target to make the 4h30m.
The course was amazing, and passed through many nice areas of Philadelphia. Around mile 10 was the longest uphill section of the circuit, and we kept pretty good time in that too! We kept meeting Asha volunteers along the way at the 3 mile, 6 mile marks etc. It feels really great to see people cheering you along! The whole atmosphere was something totally different, and it felt really nice to be a part of it!
Along the way, as the race progressed, little niggles started here and there, but Vivek and I kept telling each other to neglect that, and to not let 6 months of hard work go down the drain! We were doing pretty well, and reached the 14 mile mark in good time! The 14 mile mark was near the finish line (the course was like a figure of 8) and we actually saw the winner of the marathon finish!:P
Then came the most dragging and depressing part of the circuit. There were not many people to cheer in these sections between mile 15 to mile 18, and it could have been better. The Asha guys still did a fantastic jobs of being there to cheer us, and keep our spirits up. Around mile 17, I ran out of Gu, and desprately needed something! But I had to wait some time to reach the Asha guys, and that portion of the race was the toughest. I felt like every step I was taking was keeping me in the same place, and nothing I did seemed to get me going. Again, having Bala and Vivek around at this point really helped me keep going till I found some Gu!!!
I took a handful of packets from the volunteers, and at the next stop again picked up some more Clif energy gels from the marathon volunteers. That gave me something to burn, and made the going little easier. As the coach had said, I really did feel like S%#T during this part, but I am happy I kept going!! I HAD to finish the marathon!
Though I felt better after some Gatorade and Gu, as I kept progressing, every step was getting tougher and tougher, and needed real effort, physical as well as mental to keep on going! We turned around at mile 20, at this point Vivek and Bala had fallen behind, and I was pretty much alone. It was good to see Praveen and Joy at the 20 mile turnaround, and a few words of encouragement felt good!
At this point I decided to take every mile as it comes - walk through the water stops, and have as much gatorade and water and Gu as possible. This seemed to work for me, and I soon reached the 22 mile mark, where Chandru joined me for some time. That was another boost - Chandru told me that there were just 4 more to go, and I was looking good to finish!
After this point, it was just a matter of putting one foot after the other, neglecting all aches and pains, and just looking for the finish!! Sarika was expecting to see me there, and I did not want to disappoint her!! So I kept going, and timely shouts from Chandana, Sheetal, Rama, and other Asha people kept me going!! I was about 7 mins behind time by my calculations, so I wanted to make up some time. So some time after the 25 mile mark, I started speeding, and managed to pick up the pace. My thighs and calves were burning with pain, but I wanted to keep on going!! Tom was standing just around the bend before the finish, and was egging me on!! I saw Sarika near the finish, cheering me and pushing me on!!
Then it happened - I crossed the finish line, and I had completed my first marathon!!! What happened for a few minutes after that seems like a blur, but I did wave to Shreedhar and Diwakar waiting on the stands! The race volunteers removed my championchip, handed me my medal, and a sheet of foil to wrap myself in.
The whole experience had been amazing, and I was ecstatic! The only hitch was I had nothing left to express that!!!! I sat down for a good while before I could really move myself again!!:D:D
This has been an unbelievable experience, thanks to Asha, and Tom!
Above all, most special thanks to Sarika who helped me through these 6 months, and inspired me to complete the marathon - couldnt do it without her!!
Looking back, things seem easier, but at that moment, in those 4 hours and 36 mins, things which went on are a totally different story!!
We left for Philadelphia on Saturday, around 1pm to get there with enough time to pick up our race bibs (numbers) and championships (timing chips to be attached to the shoes for electronic time monitoring) and Tshirts. It turned out to be quite a trip altogether! We started out with me dropping my cellphone from my pocket, and had to stop at the first turn itself to look for it - turned out to be in the car itself!
Then we decided PRINTED DIRECTIONS are for sissies, and decided to blaze our own trails!!! But, it was not to be, and we ended up having Sreedhar get directions from Meenal over the phone!!
After that we reached Philadelphia without much trouble! Went to the Marathon Expo and picked up our stuff. One by one, all cars came in, and we re-grouped at the Expo, with Coach Tom also meeting us there. From there we went to the hotel (this also turned out to be another "sense of smell" drive).
From the hotel, the plan was to go to Olive Garden for an early dinner - the 3 mile trip took 35 mins!!:D:D:D
But all said and done, it was fantastic organization from the Asha volunteers, and they had taken every care to not cause us runners any discomfort! Thanks for that guys!! We called it a night at around 9:30, cause we needed to get up at 5 am the next day.
Sarika arrived at the hotel at 6:00 am sharp in the morning on Sunday! Good start for the day!:D All of left the hotel around 6:30 am after breakfast.
Met up with the coach and got last minute instructions - most important one - to not give up!
The race started at 8:00 am and we were in business. Vivek and I decided to keep together, and set a target of 4h30m for ourselves. We were maintaing a reasonalbe pace of ~10 min/mile, and were on target to make the 4h30m.
The course was amazing, and passed through many nice areas of Philadelphia. Around mile 10 was the longest uphill section of the circuit, and we kept pretty good time in that too! We kept meeting Asha volunteers along the way at the 3 mile, 6 mile marks etc. It feels really great to see people cheering you along! The whole atmosphere was something totally different, and it felt really nice to be a part of it!
Along the way, as the race progressed, little niggles started here and there, but Vivek and I kept telling each other to neglect that, and to not let 6 months of hard work go down the drain! We were doing pretty well, and reached the 14 mile mark in good time! The 14 mile mark was near the finish line (the course was like a figure of 8) and we actually saw the winner of the marathon finish!:P
Then came the most dragging and depressing part of the circuit. There were not many people to cheer in these sections between mile 15 to mile 18, and it could have been better. The Asha guys still did a fantastic jobs of being there to cheer us, and keep our spirits up. Around mile 17, I ran out of Gu, and desprately needed something! But I had to wait some time to reach the Asha guys, and that portion of the race was the toughest. I felt like every step I was taking was keeping me in the same place, and nothing I did seemed to get me going. Again, having Bala and Vivek around at this point really helped me keep going till I found some Gu!!!
I took a handful of packets from the volunteers, and at the next stop again picked up some more Clif energy gels from the marathon volunteers. That gave me something to burn, and made the going little easier. As the coach had said, I really did feel like S%#T during this part, but I am happy I kept going!! I HAD to finish the marathon!
Though I felt better after some Gatorade and Gu, as I kept progressing, every step was getting tougher and tougher, and needed real effort, physical as well as mental to keep on going! We turned around at mile 20, at this point Vivek and Bala had fallen behind, and I was pretty much alone. It was good to see Praveen and Joy at the 20 mile turnaround, and a few words of encouragement felt good!
At this point I decided to take every mile as it comes - walk through the water stops, and have as much gatorade and water and Gu as possible. This seemed to work for me, and I soon reached the 22 mile mark, where Chandru joined me for some time. That was another boost - Chandru told me that there were just 4 more to go, and I was looking good to finish!
After this point, it was just a matter of putting one foot after the other, neglecting all aches and pains, and just looking for the finish!! Sarika was expecting to see me there, and I did not want to disappoint her!! So I kept going, and timely shouts from Chandana, Sheetal, Rama, and other Asha people kept me going!! I was about 7 mins behind time by my calculations, so I wanted to make up some time. So some time after the 25 mile mark, I started speeding, and managed to pick up the pace. My thighs and calves were burning with pain, but I wanted to keep on going!! Tom was standing just around the bend before the finish, and was egging me on!! I saw Sarika near the finish, cheering me and pushing me on!!
Then it happened - I crossed the finish line, and I had completed my first marathon!!! What happened for a few minutes after that seems like a blur, but I did wave to Shreedhar and Diwakar waiting on the stands! The race volunteers removed my championchip, handed me my medal, and a sheet of foil to wrap myself in.
The whole experience had been amazing, and I was ecstatic! The only hitch was I had nothing left to express that!!!! I sat down for a good while before I could really move myself again!!:D:D
This has been an unbelievable experience, thanks to Asha, and Tom!
Above all, most special thanks to Sarika who helped me through these 6 months, and inspired me to complete the marathon - couldnt do it without her!!
Monday, November 14, 2005
End of training..........looking back............
Yesterday, we unofficially completed our marathon training program with the last long run - a 10 miler. Now all that remains are a couple of during the week runs of 5/4 miles. Then, next sunday is the big one - 26.2 miles of running fun!!!!
Looking back, I must say that the last 6 months have been some of the greatest for me yet! In June, when we started the training, the only thing I had on my mind was "how the hell is it possible? how the hell can I run 26.2 miles, when I cant even do 4 without needing life support?" But Coach Tom sounded extremely confident of converting a bunch of non-runners into endurance runners fit enough to COMPLETE a marathon! So I decided to believe him, and go with the flow!
And how things have been flowing!!! It is pretty amazing to see yourself grow as a runner with every week, get fitter, trimmer, and stronger! Each one of us, 30 odd people, has lost a substantial amount of weight, all of us are looking healthier, and happier! In fact, comparing my photo before the training, and right now, I cant imagine 6 months of hard work can work such wonders!
The whole group has developed a great sense of camaraderie, each one cheering the others, and urging them on. There have been so many instances during the long run, where each one of us has started thinking of stopping, but has been egged and pushed by the others to go on and complete the run. It was most evident during the half marathon, where everyone was happy not only with his/her own finishing time, but also was ecstatic with what the others had achieved. Some runners completed the half marathon enduring pain and injury, and were acknowledged by everyone as great inspiration!!
It has been a wonderful and enriching experience, not only by doing something so different and physically demanding, but also sharing the experience along with so many others!
Now comes the best part.........heres wishing good luck and "cool runnings" to all!!
Looking back, I must say that the last 6 months have been some of the greatest for me yet! In June, when we started the training, the only thing I had on my mind was "how the hell is it possible? how the hell can I run 26.2 miles, when I cant even do 4 without needing life support?" But Coach Tom sounded extremely confident of converting a bunch of non-runners into endurance runners fit enough to COMPLETE a marathon! So I decided to believe him, and go with the flow!
And how things have been flowing!!! It is pretty amazing to see yourself grow as a runner with every week, get fitter, trimmer, and stronger! Each one of us, 30 odd people, has lost a substantial amount of weight, all of us are looking healthier, and happier! In fact, comparing my photo before the training, and right now, I cant imagine 6 months of hard work can work such wonders!
The whole group has developed a great sense of camaraderie, each one cheering the others, and urging them on. There have been so many instances during the long run, where each one of us has started thinking of stopping, but has been egged and pushed by the others to go on and complete the run. It was most evident during the half marathon, where everyone was happy not only with his/her own finishing time, but also was ecstatic with what the others had achieved. Some runners completed the half marathon enduring pain and injury, and were acknowledged by everyone as great inspiration!!
It has been a wonderful and enriching experience, not only by doing something so different and physically demanding, but also sharing the experience along with so many others!
Now comes the best part.........heres wishing good luck and "cool runnings" to all!!
Monday, October 31, 2005
My most determined run yet!
With my knee hurting, I always knew the last practice run was going to be tougher than all others! It turned out to be exactly that! Also, the cold weather didnt help much.
Though we were technically running an hour later due to end of daylight savings, it was still too cold.
Sarika had come to assist the Asha volunteers at the water stops. I decided not to run with the knee brace right from the start, so had Sarika keep the brace with her. Unfortunately, she ended up managing the 2 mile water stop, so had to wait till the last 2 miles to get the knee brace (since we were doing 10 up and 10 down)!!:D
Around the 10 mile/11 mile mark, my knee started hurting. But it was bearable pain, and I absolutely HAD to complete this run! So I carried on. Ended up consuming 3 packets of Goo on the way!!
Overall, I would rate this as my most determined and most satisfying run yet. It tapering time now, so the next 3 weeks would be low mileage weeks.....and then the big one on the 20th of Nov!!! Cant wait for it!!
Though we were technically running an hour later due to end of daylight savings, it was still too cold.
Sarika had come to assist the Asha volunteers at the water stops. I decided not to run with the knee brace right from the start, so had Sarika keep the brace with her. Unfortunately, she ended up managing the 2 mile water stop, so had to wait till the last 2 miles to get the knee brace (since we were doing 10 up and 10 down)!!:D
Around the 10 mile/11 mile mark, my knee started hurting. But it was bearable pain, and I absolutely HAD to complete this run! So I carried on. Ended up consuming 3 packets of Goo on the way!!
Overall, I would rate this as my most determined and most satisfying run yet. It tapering time now, so the next 3 weeks would be low mileage weeks.....and then the big one on the 20th of Nov!!! Cant wait for it!!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Back to the blog
Its been tough going since the last 20 mile run. I think I hurt my knee just a little during that run, which has been haunting me ever since. It also didnt help that I could not get any substantial runs in during the last 2 weeks. I had been in Alabama the week before, pretty much the whole week, and in Ohio last week. So it was difficult. Something like that really upsets your whole schedule.
But thankfully, all travel is over for now! Now only the marathon ahead! The knee is better now, and I hope to complete my last 20 miler training run successfully!!
But thankfully, all travel is over for now! Now only the marathon ahead! The knee is better now, and I hope to complete my last 20 miler training run successfully!!
Monday, October 10, 2005
Running 20 miles
Yes!! I completed my first 20 mile run yesterday!!! Yesterday's run could be called a steeple chase of sorts!!:D It was raining like there was no tomorrow on Saturday. So we expected things to be quite a mess on Sunday morning. But nothing prepared us for the first sight on reaching Johnson park. The trail where we run is a small strip of land, and is between the Raritan river on one side, and a canal on the other. Along the trail, there are a number of spill-ways so that water from the canal can flow into the river. The river was flowing like never seen before. Water from the canal was flooding into the river over the spillways. Water on the spillways was ankle deep!!! There are about 5 spillways, so we had to cross them 10 times while going to and fro!
If that was not enough, a tree had fallen onto the trail!! This was awesome!!!:D:D:D
The run was not only this spectacular, but it was also very satisfying. I could maintain a reasonable pace of around 10 mins 30 secs throughout the 20 miles, and could actually speed up a little during the last 1.5 miles!!
It is a great feeling when months of hard work finally start paying!! At the beginning of training, I never imagined I could just run 20 miles, let alone so easily!! This is probably one of the very few activities in which I have been so involved, so focussed and so motivated. I just hope to keep this up, not only till Nov 20, but even after that!
As for my first 20 miler, it was one of the most memorable runs in training!!
If that was not enough, a tree had fallen onto the trail!! This was awesome!!!:D:D:D
The run was not only this spectacular, but it was also very satisfying. I could maintain a reasonable pace of around 10 mins 30 secs throughout the 20 miles, and could actually speed up a little during the last 1.5 miles!!
It is a great feeling when months of hard work finally start paying!! At the beginning of training, I never imagined I could just run 20 miles, let alone so easily!! This is probably one of the very few activities in which I have been so involved, so focussed and so motivated. I just hope to keep this up, not only till Nov 20, but even after that!
As for my first 20 miler, it was one of the most memorable runs in training!!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Jersey Shore Half Marathon
Today all of us ran the Jersey Shore Half Marathon, at the Sandy Hook beach, New Jersey. It was an awesome experience, and a great first race for all of us!
The day was as perfect as could be! Cool not cold.....with the sun nicely shining!!:)
The race started at 9:00 a.m. I finished 311th overall!!:D The course was a relatively flat one, and consisted of running a 7.6 mile loop first, and then a 5.5 mile one.
Coach and I had spoken before the race, and we had set a 2 hour 10 min time for me. In training, I always managed to do 12 miles in 2:10, so we felt that I could do the 13.1 in 2:10. I got my Team Asha T-shirt today - yellow in color - which turned out the best color to have, since we were pretty much noticed by one and all!!!
I started out pretty well, and made my way through the crowd. Coach and the faster guys had set themselves on a 9 min/mile pace and were running ahead! The energy and atmosphere was astounding, with people cheering the runners from anywhere and everywhere! May be it was the atmosphere, or it was just me trying to push myself for a better time, but I was setting a pretty brisk pace!!!
There were water stops at approximately 2-mile intervals. Each stop was managed by a different group, and the runners were told to vote for the best stop at the end of the race! So at each stop, there was plenty of cheers, shouting and encouragement!!
3 miles came in 27 minutes, and I felt pretty warmed up, and decided to keep this pace throughout!! It worked - until the 12 mile, I was pretty much on target with a pace just under 9 min/mile!!
The 12th and 13rd miles became a little tougher. The sun was making things a little difficult, but the crowd kept me going!! When the finish was a few hundred meters away, I decided to go faster. But the timing couldnt have been worse. As I came about 50m to the finish line, I was almost out of steam. Thinking back, I should have started speeding up a little later than I actually did.
During the finishing stages, Coach Tom, and the others who had finished were egging me on...and when I crossed the finish line, I was amazed to see the time - 1:57:16!! That is 38 seconds to 1:57:54, which is exactly 9 min/mile pace!!:) So I can safely say that I did under 9 min/mile!!:D:D:D:D
This was an awesome experience, and I really hope the Philly marathon experience measures up and beyond this!!!
To sign off, here's a photo of me finishing the half-marathon - the time is also visible in the photo!!
The day was as perfect as could be! Cool not cold.....with the sun nicely shining!!:)
The race started at 9:00 a.m. I finished 311th overall!!:D The course was a relatively flat one, and consisted of running a 7.6 mile loop first, and then a 5.5 mile one.
Coach and I had spoken before the race, and we had set a 2 hour 10 min time for me. In training, I always managed to do 12 miles in 2:10, so we felt that I could do the 13.1 in 2:10. I got my Team Asha T-shirt today - yellow in color - which turned out the best color to have, since we were pretty much noticed by one and all!!!
I started out pretty well, and made my way through the crowd. Coach and the faster guys had set themselves on a 9 min/mile pace and were running ahead! The energy and atmosphere was astounding, with people cheering the runners from anywhere and everywhere! May be it was the atmosphere, or it was just me trying to push myself for a better time, but I was setting a pretty brisk pace!!!
There were water stops at approximately 2-mile intervals. Each stop was managed by a different group, and the runners were told to vote for the best stop at the end of the race! So at each stop, there was plenty of cheers, shouting and encouragement!!
3 miles came in 27 minutes, and I felt pretty warmed up, and decided to keep this pace throughout!! It worked - until the 12 mile, I was pretty much on target with a pace just under 9 min/mile!!
The 12th and 13rd miles became a little tougher. The sun was making things a little difficult, but the crowd kept me going!! When the finish was a few hundred meters away, I decided to go faster. But the timing couldnt have been worse. As I came about 50m to the finish line, I was almost out of steam. Thinking back, I should have started speeding up a little later than I actually did.
During the finishing stages, Coach Tom, and the others who had finished were egging me on...and when I crossed the finish line, I was amazed to see the time - 1:57:16!! That is 38 seconds to 1:57:54, which is exactly 9 min/mile pace!!:) So I can safely say that I did under 9 min/mile!!:D:D:D:D
This was an awesome experience, and I really hope the Philly marathon experience measures up and beyond this!!!
To sign off, here's a photo of me finishing the half-marathon - the time is also visible in the photo!!
Monday, September 26, 2005
Dull Week
Last week was very dull, in terms of running!! I did the 18 miler on last sunday (09/18/05) so the whole of last week was rest+consolidation. However, I had to travel for wrok from Tuesday to Friday, so cudnt get much running done. I had to run 4 miles on Tuesday, and 6 on Friday. I could manage the 4 miles, but didnt find time to complete the 6 miles. For sunday, it was 12 miles. I was a little afraid of the 12 miler, since I had not run much during the week. But managed it without much trouble!!
2 hours 10 mins!!
Next sunday is the Jersey Shore Half Marathon. My first race....looking forward to it!!
2 hours 10 mins!!
Next sunday is the Jersey Shore Half Marathon. My first race....looking forward to it!!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Turned 18..cant wait for 26!!!!
Yesterday, I turned 18 in my running life!!! Yes....I finished my 18 miler.....without much trouble!!!:D It was a gorgeous day to run......not too cold, not too hot.........absolutely not humid!!
The whole of last week, I had maintained a 10min/mile pace....thats 5 miles in 50 mins, 6 miles in an hour etc.....I wanted to finish the 18 miler under 3 hours 30 mins!
The start was as usual, slow and steady as I always start out....but this time I picked up the pace after just a mile, rather than after the 2 mile water stop. I was running with my running buddy Vivek as usual. We tend to run at approximately the same pace, so it is nice running with him. Also, he shares common interests such as sports, movies etc....so lots of small talk, as well as heavy discussions( like the Ganguly-Chappell issue) on the way!!!
We decided to run 9 miles up, and 9 miles back rather than breaking up the run into 6 to and fro, and 3 to and fro!! It was surprisingly easy to keep up the pace yesterday! I guess it was the weather. We took every water stop....but drank just a glass or so of gatorade every time! We had water stops at 2-5-7.5 mile marks....so plenty of water!!
The coach met us at the 7.5 mile mark.....and he never fails to put in a few words of encouragement. Tom is probably one of the most influencing factors of the success of this Asha marathon team. Taking non-runners from a laborious 1-2 miles to nice and easy 16-18 miles is no mean task!!
After the 7.5, we went further up to the 9 mile mark, and turned back. Back to the 7.5 mile water stop, I had the "Goo" again!! That stuff really works for me!!! I also had 2 glasses of water, and 1 glass of gatorade!!
That was enough to take me back to the 5 mile mark and beyond....though i did have another gatorade for the sake of safety!! The last 5 miles were really good.....and I did not have to push myself to maintain the pace! At the 2 mile mark, I met the Asha guys again, with a helping of Gatorade!! The volunteers are doing a tremendous job, and things would be very difficult without their constant encouragement and great help providing water and gatorade and Goo!!
During the last mile, the strain was beginning to show, but I could keep on going, it wasnt too bad.....the finish line was a welcome sight, and the feeling of completing the run under 3 hours 15 mins was something else......I cant describe it!! I ended up completing it in about 3 hours and 5 mins.....just slightly over 10 mins a mile!!
I was the 4th person to complete the 18 miler.....and I am feeling really good about it!!
I felt some really bad tension in my calves, but lots of stretching and total 7 glasses of water and gatorade took care of that!! And then the Asha guys came up with lotsa bagels.....2 bagels lost their way into my stomach....and i didnt even notice them!!!:D:D:D:D
All and all, it was a great run, and a great personal achievement for me!!! I actually think I did not feel as good even after the 15 miler 3 weeks back!!
The rest of the day was also awesome.....a nice afternoon nap, and I was all fixed up!!
18 miles is a great milestone....and I cant wait for the 20 miler!! and of course the 26.2 miler!!:D
The whole of last week, I had maintained a 10min/mile pace....thats 5 miles in 50 mins, 6 miles in an hour etc.....I wanted to finish the 18 miler under 3 hours 30 mins!
The start was as usual, slow and steady as I always start out....but this time I picked up the pace after just a mile, rather than after the 2 mile water stop. I was running with my running buddy Vivek as usual. We tend to run at approximately the same pace, so it is nice running with him. Also, he shares common interests such as sports, movies etc....so lots of small talk, as well as heavy discussions( like the Ganguly-Chappell issue) on the way!!!
We decided to run 9 miles up, and 9 miles back rather than breaking up the run into 6 to and fro, and 3 to and fro!! It was surprisingly easy to keep up the pace yesterday! I guess it was the weather. We took every water stop....but drank just a glass or so of gatorade every time! We had water stops at 2-5-7.5 mile marks....so plenty of water!!
The coach met us at the 7.5 mile mark.....and he never fails to put in a few words of encouragement. Tom is probably one of the most influencing factors of the success of this Asha marathon team. Taking non-runners from a laborious 1-2 miles to nice and easy 16-18 miles is no mean task!!
After the 7.5, we went further up to the 9 mile mark, and turned back. Back to the 7.5 mile water stop, I had the "Goo" again!! That stuff really works for me!!! I also had 2 glasses of water, and 1 glass of gatorade!!
That was enough to take me back to the 5 mile mark and beyond....though i did have another gatorade for the sake of safety!! The last 5 miles were really good.....and I did not have to push myself to maintain the pace! At the 2 mile mark, I met the Asha guys again, with a helping of Gatorade!! The volunteers are doing a tremendous job, and things would be very difficult without their constant encouragement and great help providing water and gatorade and Goo!!
During the last mile, the strain was beginning to show, but I could keep on going, it wasnt too bad.....the finish line was a welcome sight, and the feeling of completing the run under 3 hours 15 mins was something else......I cant describe it!! I ended up completing it in about 3 hours and 5 mins.....just slightly over 10 mins a mile!!
I was the 4th person to complete the 18 miler.....and I am feeling really good about it!!
I felt some really bad tension in my calves, but lots of stretching and total 7 glasses of water and gatorade took care of that!! And then the Asha guys came up with lotsa bagels.....2 bagels lost their way into my stomach....and i didnt even notice them!!!:D:D:D:D
All and all, it was a great run, and a great personal achievement for me!!! I actually think I did not feel as good even after the 15 miler 3 weeks back!!
The rest of the day was also awesome.....a nice afternoon nap, and I was all fixed up!!
18 miles is a great milestone....and I cant wait for the 20 miler!! and of course the 26.2 miler!!:D
Monday, September 12, 2005
Good week - gearing up for 18 miles!
Last week was good.....running felt really good! The weather had been excellent all week...very cool, and slightly breezy sometimes!! SO running felt really comfortable!
Wednesday, I ran 6 miles...started at 6:30 a.m.,....was actually pretty cold when I started.......took me arnd 2 miles to get warmed up.......after that it felt really nice!! I could run a brisk pace, and pick it up during the last mile!!
Thursday, I ran in the evening....in Holmdel.....not on the track or in the park, but on the road.....Holmdel is full of small hills...so the roads are essentially up and down throughout......so it was a good workout to run on inclines and declines.....ran 6.3 miles in around 1 hour and 5 minutes...so was very pleased with my pace! close to 10 mins a mile is what I am aiming at!!
Saturday was a shorter run.....4 miles...around my home......the usual stuff!:D
Sunday's 12 mile run was really good. I never felt out of breath...didnt need much water either!! I tried another brand of power-gels this time at the 10 mile mark.......called "Goo"/"Gu" however its spelt....(For marathi people.....literally "Goo" khalli!!:P:P:P) The power-gel seemed to help this time...I could pick up my pace during the last 2 miles, and complete them in 20-21 mins!! So I am going to try that next time.....
Which brings me to next sunday's run - 18 miles!! Wish me luck!!!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Rough week!
I had a rough week last week.........the 15 miler seemed to have an effect! I could not run last Tuesday, due to some pressing issues at work.........so skipped that.
Wednesday, and Thursday, I ran at the Holmdel High Track, 5 miles each day. I really had to put in the effort to run.....it was not as smooth and easy as it usually is. Every lap was taxing....and the speed-work was tremendously exhausting. I was supposed to do 5x800m each under 3min55sec, separated by 1 slow lap after each 800m.....I managed to do just 2x800m, and they werent easy. My quads/thighs felt as if they had no strength. There was absolute fatigue all week, and I felt low on energy. But I did manage 10 miles anyways!
Coach told me to take it easy on Friday and Saturday, and skip the runs. He said the phenomenon is called "delayed onset muscle soreness", something that generally creeps in 1-2 days after long runs. He said some people may require a little more recovery time than others, and that there was no point in over-training. This really is the difference between training on your own, and being trained by a pro.
After the 2-day rest, Sunday was a breeze!! I decided to keep it easy, and run only 10miles, instead of 12. But I felt I could have run 12 after all!! 10 now seems like quite an easy task, and I am looking forward to the 18 miler 2 weeks from now!!
Wednesday, and Thursday, I ran at the Holmdel High Track, 5 miles each day. I really had to put in the effort to run.....it was not as smooth and easy as it usually is. Every lap was taxing....and the speed-work was tremendously exhausting. I was supposed to do 5x800m each under 3min55sec, separated by 1 slow lap after each 800m.....I managed to do just 2x800m, and they werent easy. My quads/thighs felt as if they had no strength. There was absolute fatigue all week, and I felt low on energy. But I did manage 10 miles anyways!
Coach told me to take it easy on Friday and Saturday, and skip the runs. He said the phenomenon is called "delayed onset muscle soreness", something that generally creeps in 1-2 days after long runs. He said some people may require a little more recovery time than others, and that there was no point in over-training. This really is the difference between training on your own, and being trained by a pro.
After the 2-day rest, Sunday was a breeze!! I decided to keep it easy, and run only 10miles, instead of 12. But I felt I could have run 12 after all!! 10 now seems like quite an easy task, and I am looking forward to the 18 miler 2 weeks from now!!
Monday, August 29, 2005
15 miles of "I Will"!!
I ran my first 15 miler yesterday!!! It was awesome!!! I felt really good before, during and after it!!! Finished it in under 3 hours, approximately, 2 hours and 55 mins.
The day was one of the better days we have had for the last 3-4 weekends!! It was cool, not cold, not too humid, and almost the sun was not at its harshest!! We also started reasonably early (20 mins earlier than we usually do) at 7:30 a.m.
I started off slowly, along with my running buddy Vivek. We had decided to do a slower and more consistent pace, since both of us ABSOLUTELY wanted to complete the 15 miles without walking even a bit! We generally have water-stops at 0 mile, 2 mile and 5 mile marks, so we wanted to run 5 miles to, 5 miles back, then 2.5 miles to, and 2.5 back! So plenty of water stops!!
The first 10 miles were smooth, and easy. Having run 12 or more for the last 4 sundays, 10 felt easy.....No body-aches, no pains nothing! Miles 11 and 12 got a little tougher. But we were still running at a reasonable 11-11.5 min/mile pace.
Miles 13 14 and 15 were what the marathon is all about. Being tough mentally!! Pushing yourself to keep going, keeping away all thoughts of stopping.......not giving up!!! It was just telling myself that "I will".....for 3 miles!!!!!:)
I actually ended up running the last mile faster than 11.5, mebbe I did the last mile in 10.5 minutes........
Felt really good after the run!!!
Its now 2 sundays with 12 miles, till I reach the next milestone of 18 miles, 21 days from now!! Looking forward to that!!:)
Apart from that, I got my first donation on Friday, from a colleague at work, Pardhiva. Thanks to him for kick-starting my fund-raising!!!
Weekly Mileage update
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Training during the week
Last week was probably one of the best training weeks yet. I felt good, fast and like running forever!!:) I was running at the Holmdel High School track all week. Each lap is 400 m, so 1 mile is 4 laps.
Tuesday, I did a 5 miler (20 laps), with miles 3 and 4 at under 9 min/mile pace! It felt really really good! Running at arnd 8.5-9 min/mile pace for 2 miles didnt feel as bad as I thought. Wednesday was better. I ran 4 miles (16 laps) in 38 mins, consistent pace, no pain in the legs....no huffing-puffing......great feeling!!
Thursday was even better!! I was supposed to run 6 miles (24 laps), easy pace! I ran the first 4 miles at arnd 11 min/mile pace, then ran the 5th mile in arnd 8 mins....and the last mile in 9 mins!!! Felt really really good! I think I can do the 15 miler on Sunday!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
My ASHA marathon webpage
I have just completed configuring my webapge on the ASHA website. The page basically has a small intro and a write-up on why I am running the marathon. For interested people, the page also provides information on how you can donate to the ASHA marathon program, and help me achieve my goal.
Again, please donate generously, and help make my "marathon" effort a success!!
The page is:
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Weekly update
Ran the third 12 miler.....wasnt as fast as the earlier ones....again, weather was hot and humid....on top of that i tried the power gels for the first time, but didnt have enough water with it. The stuff basically dehydrated me! At one point, during the 10th mile, I stopped sweating! My hands were dry, my face was dry.....and there was absolutely no sweating! I also started feeling dizzy!! I basically made it to the end of the 10th mile, to the water stop.....and drank and drank water and gatorade. Then I walked for some time. That really fixed things up, and I could then run the last 1.5 miles quite fast! It is a good thing that I tried the gels during training, and not directly in the marathon. The key to those gels is to drink lots of water with it. But, then I feel bloated after drinking lotsa water....so it is a catch-22 situation!
The moral of the story - never try anything new in the actual race - have to keep this in mind!!
I recently spoke to a friend, Chaitanya Gharpure who is in Utah, and is training for a HALF-Ironman triathlon . Hats off to you mate! and good luck!!!
The moral of the story - never try anything new in the actual race - have to keep this in mind!!
I recently spoke to a friend, Chaitanya Gharpure who is in Utah, and is training for a HALF-Ironman triathlon . Hats off to you mate! and good luck!!!
Sunday, August 14, 2005
HOT HOT HOT!!
This weekend has been one of the hottest weekends this summer. On saturday, I went for my 4 mile run at (ahem!!) 10 in the morning. It was the biggest mistake I could have made. The worst run, ever since training began. It was hot, humid and extremely difficult.
I topped that on Sunday. It was my first scheduled 13 miler. What a day to have that! It was around 85F at 6 o'clock in the morning, humid beyond imgaination. It was like Mumbai, the air was so thick that you could almost see it. When we started the run,the temp was something like 36 deg celcius, all of us knew this was gonna be the tough one! But nobody had anticipated the kind of sweating that was happening. Water every 2 miles....was an absolute need. At 3.5 miles from the finish point, three of us doing 13 miles, turned back to go half a mile, to get that odd 13th mile done. We hoped that the water point at 4 miles out was still there, but he wasnt!! So it was three miles, without any water, till we reach the water point 2 miles from finish. I dont know how we got there!!
But the worst was yet to come. The last 2 miles do not have many trees, so at 10:00 a.m. the sun was out, it had become really really brutal! This was the first time I had to walk during the run. Walked for a couple of minutes, before I could get runnign again!
It was brutal, brutal, brutal!! Hope we dont need to go through another run like this!
Today, it took us 2 hours and 40 minutes to run 13 miles!!! Way too much than I had anticipated, but I am happy I could finish the run!!
I topped that on Sunday. It was my first scheduled 13 miler. What a day to have that! It was around 85F at 6 o'clock in the morning, humid beyond imgaination. It was like Mumbai, the air was so thick that you could almost see it. When we started the run,the temp was something like 36 deg celcius, all of us knew this was gonna be the tough one! But nobody had anticipated the kind of sweating that was happening. Water every 2 miles....was an absolute need. At 3.5 miles from the finish point, three of us doing 13 miles, turned back to go half a mile, to get that odd 13th mile done. We hoped that the water point at 4 miles out was still there, but he wasnt!! So it was three miles, without any water, till we reach the water point 2 miles from finish. I dont know how we got there!!
But the worst was yet to come. The last 2 miles do not have many trees, so at 10:00 a.m. the sun was out, it had become really really brutal! This was the first time I had to walk during the run. Walked for a couple of minutes, before I could get runnign again!
It was brutal, brutal, brutal!! Hope we dont need to go through another run like this!
Today, it took us 2 hours and 40 minutes to run 13 miles!!! Way too much than I had anticipated, but I am happy I could finish the run!!
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Training and Annealing
Through the past 8 weeks of training, I have come to realize one thing. The farther you push your body, the better it gets!! Of course, overtraining or overexerting will mean damage, but if one can find the perfect balance to push oneself, but not overdo it, then training can do wonders to the runner's fitness! That is where having such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable coach like Tom really helps!!!
Training can be compared to the process of Annealing!! In annealing, a metal is heated to high temperatures, and then slowly and systematically cooled so that equilibrium is achieved at each temperature level. This improves the metal's microstructure and its properties, such as ductility and malleability.
Training is just like that! Every week, we have been pushing ourselves much further than what we have been used to. The body gets fatigued, and then is allowed to recover. When the recovery is complete, the body actually attains a higher fitness level than what it was at earlier. In the process, the ability of the body to sustain high stress is increased. The body becomes flexible enough to adapt to different loads. I guess you could say the body becomes more malleable and ductile!!
But training in a systematic manner is the key!!
Its a great feeling, when each successive week, I challenge myself to longer distances, or better times, and my body responds to achieve that goal. It really gives you lots of confidence in yourself!!
Last but not the least, I have been reading about running, related problems etc. The following links are a good reference for runners:
1) Selecting a good pair of running shoes:
http://www.therunningadvisor.com/running_shoes.html
2) Typical running related injuries and problems:
http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/runnersknee.htm
http://home.sprynet.com/~holtrun/knees.htm
Training can be compared to the process of Annealing!! In annealing, a metal is heated to high temperatures, and then slowly and systematically cooled so that equilibrium is achieved at each temperature level. This improves the metal's microstructure and its properties, such as ductility and malleability.
Training is just like that! Every week, we have been pushing ourselves much further than what we have been used to. The body gets fatigued, and then is allowed to recover. When the recovery is complete, the body actually attains a higher fitness level than what it was at earlier. In the process, the ability of the body to sustain high stress is increased. The body becomes flexible enough to adapt to different loads. I guess you could say the body becomes more malleable and ductile!!
But training in a systematic manner is the key!!
Its a great feeling, when each successive week, I challenge myself to longer distances, or better times, and my body responds to achieve that goal. It really gives you lots of confidence in yourself!!
Last but not the least, I have been reading about running, related problems etc. The following links are a good reference for runners:
1) Selecting a good pair of running shoes:
http://www.therunningadvisor.com/running_shoes.html
2) Typical running related injuries and problems:
http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/runnersknee.htm
http://home.sprynet.com/~holtrun/knees.htm
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Week of August 1
This week was a good running week!! I basically ran the whole week on pavement/road for the first time since training started. Earlier, my legs used to hurt around the shins due to the hard road surface, but surprisingly, there has been no pain this week. I also made it a point to run harder this week, trying to get a 10min/mile time for all short runs. I was somewhat successful!!! But I missed track training this week, so will have to push that to the next week.
Trying for the 10min/mile target seems to have paid off. Today's 12 mile run was good, really good! I did the first 8 miles with quite a brisk pace, finishing the 8th mile after exactly 82 minutes. However that had an adverse effect on the last 4, where I became slightly slower. The last mile was particularly taxing, and actually seemed 3 miles long!:D:D I eventually got a 5 mins improvement on my first 12 mile run, finishing in 2 hours and 5 mins this time.
A little about the track training:
I start out with a mile run as warmup. This is followed by a mile of "Strides". Strides basically consist of speeding up and slowing down at fixed intervals. Running on the track makes this easier, as I simply speed up on the straight portions of the track, and slow down on the curves portions. So each lap would be 2 sets of strides. So a mile is 4 laps this way.
This is followed by timed runs, in my case 2X800 last time, seperated by a slow lap for recovery. This is particularly tiring!:D:D
The workout then ends with a mile of "cooling down"!!
The track workouts are supposed to build my speed reserve, i.e. increase my ability to run faster! This seems to be working, since my long runs have been getting better!!
Next sunday is my first 13 miler - will be running the half marathon distance for the first time!!
Trying for the 10min/mile target seems to have paid off. Today's 12 mile run was good, really good! I did the first 8 miles with quite a brisk pace, finishing the 8th mile after exactly 82 minutes. However that had an adverse effect on the last 4, where I became slightly slower. The last mile was particularly taxing, and actually seemed 3 miles long!:D:D I eventually got a 5 mins improvement on my first 12 mile run, finishing in 2 hours and 5 mins this time.
A little about the track training:
I start out with a mile run as warmup. This is followed by a mile of "Strides". Strides basically consist of speeding up and slowing down at fixed intervals. Running on the track makes this easier, as I simply speed up on the straight portions of the track, and slow down on the curves portions. So each lap would be 2 sets of strides. So a mile is 4 laps this way.
This is followed by timed runs, in my case 2X800 last time, seperated by a slow lap for recovery. This is particularly tiring!:D:D
The workout then ends with a mile of "cooling down"!!
The track workouts are supposed to build my speed reserve, i.e. increase my ability to run faster! This seems to be working, since my long runs have been getting better!!
Next sunday is my first 13 miler - will be running the half marathon distance for the first time!!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Running is going to be an expensive sport!
When I started training for the marathon, I thought running would be a nice way to keep fit....you dont need to join any health club, no need to buy expensive equipment, you can work-out alone, at your convenience.......you are the master of all you run!!
But things dont seems that rosy now!! At least for me, whose engineering drawing would probably have been: Top view: Blob, Elevation: Impossible...too heavy for that :):)!!!
My body is probably going through more changes than a teenager's!:D:D:D:D
My "cherubic countenance" (AHA..wordlists!!) has lost its "glow".....people can no longer see me from very far.....they need to come a little closer!!:P:P
I suddenly seem to have dropped a pant size, so most of my clothes now look like they are doing a tough job staying on, trying not to fall off!! So basically, all the "savings" of taking up running to keep fit will soon be offset by having to buy new clothes!!:D:D
They say "you have to lose something to gain something", in my case i seem to be losing something (money) to lose something else (weight)!!!!;)
Anyways, its not such a bad thing!! Hope I keep losing,.....weight I mean!!
But things dont seems that rosy now!! At least for me, whose engineering drawing would probably have been: Top view: Blob, Elevation: Impossible...too heavy for that :):)!!!
My body is probably going through more changes than a teenager's!:D:D:D:D
My "cherubic countenance" (AHA..wordlists!!) has lost its "glow".....people can no longer see me from very far.....they need to come a little closer!!:P:P
I suddenly seem to have dropped a pant size, so most of my clothes now look like they are doing a tough job staying on, trying not to fall off!! So basically, all the "savings" of taking up running to keep fit will soon be offset by having to buy new clothes!!:D:D
They say "you have to lose something to gain something", in my case i seem to be losing something (money) to lose something else (weight)!!!!;)
Anyways, its not such a bad thing!! Hope I keep losing,.....weight I mean!!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Running 12 miles
In response to a comment, here's how 12 miles felt like:
Mile 1 - (7:50 a.m. Sunday) Ahh, 12 miles...shouldnt be much of a hassle......after all, im training really hard!! I should be able to run 12 miles....whats that little sharp shooting pain in the left shin? Ahh, nothing that I cant cope with!!
Mile 2 - Going strong.....never felt better, the shin's not paining now........feels so nice to run......theres the first water point!!!
Mile 3,4,5 - Still going strong......thinking - "The formula1 race must have begun......wonder whose winning......wonder how schumacher started from his first pole of the season....what the hell am I doing here???"
Mile 6 - AHA! Water-point 2, with Gatorade!! Hey blue colored liquid never looked so inviting, so delicious, so desirable......( I turn back at this point, to run back 6 miles)
Mile 7 - Whens the next water point?? Whens the next water point??
Mile 8 - Not too bad, 8 miles in 85 mins.....good pace, but better keep going at the same speed........water point in 2 more miles.....must reach there.......
Mile 9 - "Cmon Aditya, you can do this.....you must do this!!"
Mile 10 - Do I see the water-point?? Hey, the water-point's not too far from here......THERE IT IS!!!!!!!
Mile 11 - There's that little pain in the shin again....seems like its growing up really fast!! I seem to have developed new muscles in the last 10 miles.......or did I always have them? Why didnt they pain earlier??? Keep going....save yourself for the last mile.....
Mile 12 - Finally......I can speed up now........must set myself a time......must reach the finish at 10.00!!...........Is the last mile longer than the others????.......Theres the finish!! AT LAST!!!! Its 10:00 a.m. on the dot...I have actually managed to run the last mile faster than the 10th and the 11th!!! That gives me a 10.8 mins/mile speed, which is faster than my first 10 mile run, and at par with my second 10 mile run!
Running long distance is actually not too bad....there are times during the runs when I feel like quitting.....or walking for a bit..........but something inside just keeps me going.....at some stages I even set myself shorter goals......the next big tree, the next bridge etc etc......and keep adjusting these goals once I reach them!!:) Being someone who has not really been physically avtice for the last 'n' years, telling myself to keep on going seems harder to do than actually running!! Running seems to be more of a mental thing after a while, rather than physical!
I just want to keep going this way, till I finish my 26.2 miles!
Mile 1 - (7:50 a.m. Sunday) Ahh, 12 miles...shouldnt be much of a hassle......after all, im training really hard!! I should be able to run 12 miles....whats that little sharp shooting pain in the left shin? Ahh, nothing that I cant cope with!!
Mile 2 - Going strong.....never felt better, the shin's not paining now........feels so nice to run......theres the first water point!!!
Mile 3,4,5 - Still going strong......thinking - "The formula1 race must have begun......wonder whose winning......wonder how schumacher started from his first pole of the season....what the hell am I doing here???"
Mile 6 - AHA! Water-point 2, with Gatorade!! Hey blue colored liquid never looked so inviting, so delicious, so desirable......( I turn back at this point, to run back 6 miles)
Mile 7 - Whens the next water point?? Whens the next water point??
Mile 8 - Not too bad, 8 miles in 85 mins.....good pace, but better keep going at the same speed........water point in 2 more miles.....must reach there.......
Mile 9 - "Cmon Aditya, you can do this.....you must do this!!"
Mile 10 - Do I see the water-point?? Hey, the water-point's not too far from here......THERE IT IS!!!!!!!
Mile 11 - There's that little pain in the shin again....seems like its growing up really fast!! I seem to have developed new muscles in the last 10 miles.......or did I always have them? Why didnt they pain earlier??? Keep going....save yourself for the last mile.....
Mile 12 - Finally......I can speed up now........must set myself a time......must reach the finish at 10.00!!...........Is the last mile longer than the others????.......Theres the finish!! AT LAST!!!! Its 10:00 a.m. on the dot...I have actually managed to run the last mile faster than the 10th and the 11th!!! That gives me a 10.8 mins/mile speed, which is faster than my first 10 mile run, and at par with my second 10 mile run!
Running long distance is actually not too bad....there are times during the runs when I feel like quitting.....or walking for a bit..........but something inside just keeps me going.....at some stages I even set myself shorter goals......the next big tree, the next bridge etc etc......and keep adjusting these goals once I reach them!!:) Being someone who has not really been physically avtice for the last 'n' years, telling myself to keep on going seems harder to do than actually running!! Running seems to be more of a mental thing after a while, rather than physical!
I just want to keep going this way, till I finish my 26.2 miles!
Monday, August 01, 2005
Weekly update - 07/25 - 07/31
I missed a run this week due to a busy schedule at work. This is the first run I have missed so far, and felt really bad about it.:)
However, this week turned out pretty good. Tuesday, I did a 4 mile cross country run at Holmdel park. It was a good run, but I think I went there too late in the evening....
Wednesday, missed my five mile run, so made up for that on thursday, in effect missing the 3 mile run on thursday. Friday was a rest-day.
Saturday was track-training. Was kind of relieved to see a couple of Team ASHA members turn up for the saturday track. It was just me all this while. Did 2 timed 800m runs seperated by one slow lap. Got decent times - 3m 46s and 3m 42s - which translates to 7-8 min/mile pace. If only I could sustain that speed for more than 800m:D:D
I am doing a time-trial for a mile on the coming saturday, hope to get something around 7.5 mins.....
Sunday was fantastic. Ran my first 12miler in 2 hours and 10 mins.....actually ended up getting a better time per mile than my earlier 10 mile runs, which felt really really nice!!
Monday, July 25, 2005
Weekly update
Last week was max mileage week till date!!
Ran a total of 22.5 miles. Feels nice!!:)
I did some track workouts with Tom on the last 2 saturdays. Thats to build my speed reserve! The track is a long way from home, almost 30 miles. But its worth it.
The other people in Tom's group are all older than I am, but their fitnees is awesome. There is even a lady called Linda, 52 years of age, who is training for a Master's meet in Spain, and will be representing the US in the 50+ age group. She is supposedly the fastest lady in her events in her age group in the US. That is some achievement!!:)
Back to my training - I basically did a little warm-up, then did something called "Strides". Strides means running at a jogging pace for 45 seconds, and then speeding up for 15 seconds, and repeating the cycle. Being on a track helps, as I can simply run slow on the curved portion of the track, and speed up on the straights. After "Strides", I did 4 400m timed laps, keeping the time to 2 mins, seperated by 1 min recovery. Pacing myself was the toughest part!!
So, I think everything is going on pretty well in the training! Hope this continues!!
Ran a total of 22.5 miles. Feels nice!!:)
I did some track workouts with Tom on the last 2 saturdays. Thats to build my speed reserve! The track is a long way from home, almost 30 miles. But its worth it.
The other people in Tom's group are all older than I am, but their fitnees is awesome. There is even a lady called Linda, 52 years of age, who is training for a Master's meet in Spain, and will be representing the US in the 50+ age group. She is supposedly the fastest lady in her events in her age group in the US. That is some achievement!!:)
Back to my training - I basically did a little warm-up, then did something called "Strides". Strides means running at a jogging pace for 45 seconds, and then speeding up for 15 seconds, and repeating the cycle. Being on a track helps, as I can simply run slow on the curved portion of the track, and speed up on the straights. After "Strides", I did 4 400m timed laps, keeping the time to 2 mins, seperated by 1 min recovery. Pacing myself was the toughest part!!
So, I think everything is going on pretty well in the training! Hope this continues!!
Monday, July 18, 2005
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Testing my limits!
Today was one of the toughest physically demanding tasks I have ever completed yet!!
I completed my first 10 miler!! 1 hour and 53 minutes!!! The first 6 miles were a breeze.......then I got a glimpse of the proverbial "wall" that endurance runners talk of. It was purely "mental running" after 6 miles! Today and tomorrow are going to be full of aches and pains!! But the sense of achievement is incomparable!!!
I think I am hooked onto running!!:)
I completed my first 10 miler!! 1 hour and 53 minutes!!! The first 6 miles were a breeze.......then I got a glimpse of the proverbial "wall" that endurance runners talk of. It was purely "mental running" after 6 miles! Today and tomorrow are going to be full of aches and pains!! But the sense of achievement is incomparable!!!
I think I am hooked onto running!!:)
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Running with the coach
Ran along with the coach,Tom, and his running group yesterday, at Holmdel Park. They are a bunch of pros, who have been running for the past 'n' years!! Thankfully Tom ran with me, since he was just doing a relaxing run yesterday (now someone who can relax by running......forget it!!)so I could keep up!! Ran around 4-4.5 miles, but I have never run that fast ever......We were doing quite a brisk pace, and 10 min/mile over hilly terrain with lots of climbs is quite good!!
But that took its toll, since this morning, I had a very sharp pain in my left leg, cudnt run more than 2 miles.....
Its almost 2 full days of rest now......so should get better by Saturday, for some track training!!
Mileage for the week:
Tuesday - 3 miles
Wednesday - 4 miles
Thursday - 2 miles
But that took its toll, since this morning, I had a very sharp pain in my left leg, cudnt run more than 2 miles.....
Its almost 2 full days of rest now......so should get better by Saturday, for some track training!!
Mileage for the week:
Tuesday - 3 miles
Wednesday - 4 miles
Thursday - 2 miles
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Aditya in motion - a still picture - (pun not intended)!!
Due to "popular demand", I am uploading my photo!!!LOL!!! Mind you, this picture was taken 3 weeks back, so this is not my "true" self!!!:D
Mileage for today - 2 miles - easy!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Crossing the 7-mile mark!
Last week was quite hectic, ran 6 days of 7, i.e. from monday to sunday,
with a rest on friday. Thats what happens when you dont follow your schedule!!
Nonetheless, I did manage to run 7.5 miles yesterday, and in reasonable time too.
Mileage for last week - 15 miles.
with a rest on friday. Thats what happens when you dont follow your schedule!!
Nonetheless, I did manage to run 7.5 miles yesterday, and in reasonable time too.
Mileage for last week - 15 miles.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Running in Centerville, VA
Was in VA at a cousin's over the long weekend, missed the long run on sunday, but tried to make up on monday.....
Always nice to run in new places.......its actually quite amazing how much you observe while running, than when you are in a car.....I actually ended up reading all the signboards, advertisements, etc in that area!!
Around 5.5 miles is what I ran......so short of 8 miles, but enough not to lose touch!!!
This weeks going to be 5 days of running total, a jump from 4 days.......but since I ended up running on monday too, its going to be 6 days out of 7 for me.........lets see how the body holds up!
Always nice to run in new places.......its actually quite amazing how much you observe while running, than when you are in a car.....I actually ended up reading all the signboards, advertisements, etc in that area!!
Around 5.5 miles is what I ran......so short of 8 miles, but enough not to lose touch!!!
This weeks going to be 5 days of running total, a jump from 4 days.......but since I ended up running on monday too, its going to be 6 days out of 7 for me.........lets see how the body holds up!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Going around in circles
Ran at the rutgers university field yesterday........2 and 1/4 rounds make a mile......so ran 10 rounds...........running around the same spot is totally boring.......I would rather prefer running on a trail.....But this helped me keep an exact record of the actual distance that I ran....
2 days of rest now........but will be missing sundays long run, going to Washington DC......plan to run on monday to compensate..........where am I going to find 8 miles of runnable road around DC?? may have to make to with a treadmill!!:D:D:D
Mileage Update:
Week 1: 8.5 miles - longest run - 3.5 miles
Week 2: 13 miles - longest run - 5 miles
Week 3: 15.5 miles - longest run - 6 miles
2 days of rest now........but will be missing sundays long run, going to Washington DC......plan to run on monday to compensate..........where am I going to find 8 miles of runnable road around DC?? may have to make to with a treadmill!!:D:D:D
Mileage Update:
Week 1: 8.5 miles - longest run - 3.5 miles
Week 2: 13 miles - longest run - 5 miles
Week 3: 15.5 miles - longest run - 6 miles
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Ups and Downs
Ran the Holmdel park cross country track yesterday!! It has its ups and downs!!!:)
Was pretty surprised that it didnt feel as bad as I had thought it would be.
Should make this a regular venue for a run!!
The track is ~3.5 miles long, going over small hillocks.....and then into a big "bowl"!
Climbing up from the "bowl" was the hardest part......
Was pretty surprised that it didnt feel as bad as I had thought it would be.
Should make this a regular venue for a run!!
The track is ~3.5 miles long, going over small hillocks.....and then into a big "bowl"!
Climbing up from the "bowl" was the hardest part......
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
A Fresh Start
Long time since my last blog....so decided to delete all previous posts..they dont make much sense now!
I have started tranining for the Philadelphia Marathon....into my third week now.....
Last sunday, I could run 6 miles in an hour....which I think is quite good pace...by end of today, I will have run 34 miles since start of training, which is quite a lot...looking at my previous "track" record!!
I have started tranining for the Philadelphia Marathon....into my third week now.....
Last sunday, I could run 6 miles in an hour....which I think is quite good pace...by end of today, I will have run 34 miles since start of training, which is quite a lot...looking at my previous "track" record!!
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