16 days and counting

All of us have this one huge mega mother of all events that define us, something we feel we can brag about to our kiddies and grandkiddies for the next zillion years...something that will give us a huge big boost in terms of self-worth. Mine is coming up in 16 days: the Bangalore Ultra. I hope to attempt a 78K on this day at Our Native Village, an awesome eco resort on the outskirts of Bangalore.

It started off as a whim. They announced the race distances: 26 K, 52 K and 78K. I happened to have one of those 'I wish I could' conversations with my running guru, Madhu, and within seconds I had made up my mind to do the 78K. Mind you at that point of time, around 4 months back, I had never attempted even a full marathon, so I was pretty much thinking and talking through my nose. But then, of course, all I wanted to do was run THE ultra at India's first ever ultra.

It has been a tough 4 months. I learnt many lessons, all of them the really hard way. I learnt how to eat big (I mean, really big, 2 huge pasta meals before a long run are a must-have these days). I realised that all those marathon quotes are really true: running is all about winning against yourself, the mind is stronger than the body and all that jazzz. True, very very true.
I lost many things along the way, too: my toenails, the deathstick (no ciggies, clean for 5 months now, yippppeee!!!), an inch or two off my derriere (booyaaayaaa:-)). What a roller-coaster.

I did my full marathon at the Kaveri Trail Marathon on November 18 with a sub-four timing (3:57). I feel fitter, stronger, more hopeful about running, and life in general.It helps to have an awesome running group, the best support group ever, on and off the trail.

Tomorrow is my last big run (36K) at GKVK, before I taper away for 2 weeks, and then the super duper biiiiiiiiiig day. December 16th, lord, I cannnnnnnot wait. Will keep all posted on my in-between runs.....