Disha

Finish with finesse

Blurr…breathless…giddy…wobbly legs…

At 4kms mark, I struggled to even take a single step ahead.
Absolutely, clueless on why and what was happening, I saw the aid station and sipped water, had a spoon full of jaggery and just stood at one place. Then I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, focused myself and started to walk slowly and then gradually into slow running.
This was my state in IDBI Mumbai Half marathon race on 25th August 2019.
I was very well aware that I wasn’t training the way I should. Sleep is an important factor when you are in tough training. The body recovers and recuperates the most during sleep. But I have very tender sleep and with exams going on for boys I end up sleeping late and getting up early.
This race was important because I have taken up an initiative to raise volunteers awareness and club them with the NGOs in need across Delhi and Mumbai through A-Race-A-Month hence I had to finish the race.
As I started walking after my panic attack, I also paid lots of attention to what my mind was thinking. I am a firm believer in Mind-Over-Matter and Mind-Over_body.
My mind was wandering in all possible direction and especially towards the negative side which was draining my energy
While walking I took deep breaths and tried very hard to focus on the finish line. I also chant a mantra,”kadam bade hain toh rukege nahin”.
It always does wonders and did this time too as from walking I started running, slowly but steadily. This time I set my Garmin on only HR zone and not on pace or distance.
I kept crossing one after the other milestone and when it was 18kms mark I just pumped myself, took a very deep breath, smiled as wide as possible as cheered for myself the way I do to Sid, “run darling, mamma is right here, just run”
I also said to myself, “Disha, you’ve done it, finish it off with style now”
and I did finish.

On my recent work trip, I finished another race in extreme weather conditions.
I was in Prague for a work trip and wanted to participate in some run during that period of stay. I searched and I got one from RunCzech.
On the day of the race, the weather was acting lousy. It was very cold, with the chilled breeze and slight drizzle making it all the more unbearable
We Mumbaikars know only three types of weather, Hot, Hot+Humid and Very Hot and somehow I can’t bear cold weather.
On the race day, my fingertips were numb and I was wrapped in three layers if not less. I came back to the hotel early from the field, took a quick shower, had a coffee shot and took the metro to the venue.
The Europeans were in shorts and vest and I was in full pants and running tee also wearing a windcheater.
But the atmosphere was electrifying and as I heard the gunshot something triggered in me and I started with the crowd with loud cheering and clapping.
I ran with all my heart and smile in the twilight.
In my last mile, I sprinted and I always do this as somehow I imagine my loved ones standing at the finish line with open arms.

I always end up with wet eyes at the finish line. It is not just a finish line for me but a victory over self, firmness of mind and determination to do better next time.

That’s why I run and train,
It helps me to tame my mind.
It allows me to channelize my energy and thought process.
It nurtures my soul
This finish line was special and so is every finish.

Kudos to each one who defy their shortcomings, be it of any type and reach that line with finesse and wear that medal as a batch of honor.

You know, You are fantastic !!

You are trying your best each day.