When I scanned the crowd at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, I had mixed feelings. Girls and women raring to go looked so fit that my enthusiasm started sagging.
When I signed up for the 10-km Spirit Run, I knew I was being ambitious. As the big day dawned without much preparation, I felt like someone who had come to school without doing her homework.
When I scanned the crowd at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, I had mixed feelings. Girls and women raring to go looked so fit that my enthusiasm started sagging. On the other hand, it instilled in me a determination to at least complete the run and not be transported to hospital. The charged-up atmosphere on Sunday morning also lifted my spirits and confidence.
And, I ran. First, with a spring in my step, then, a sprint and later a slow jog. I kept a steady pace, but after about 3km, I started slowing down. Initially, cheers from volunteers and onlookers egged me on but my tired legs were threatening to buckle.
As others surged past me — some in bare feet, some in salwars and one in a Rida (a type of burkha), I decided to run that extra mile and push myself beyond my limits. Amid the huffing and puffing, participants did not fail to encourage others with "C'mon run".
When I participated in the Mumbai Marathon two years ago in the 7-km Dream Run, it was more for fun than anything else. But for me, the DNA I Can Women's Half Marathon was to test my strength and yes, shortcomings.
The first lap of 5km was not too difficult. The second knocked the wind out of my lungs.
I walked, staggered and dragged my unwilling feet. Just when I thought I would reach the finish line the next day, a volunteer encouraged me, shouting: "Only one kilometer left". It was music to my ears.
As women next to me stepped up their sprint, I picked up with renewed energy to complete the run in 70 minutes. Sweaty and gritty, I looked around and saw the same victorious grins in faces around me. We did it!
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