“What was I thinking when I signed up for the 21 km distance? I must have been crazy. I would have been better off doing the 10 km run.” These thoughts kept plaguing my head while humidity was busy sapping the energy levels from my body.
Having barely landed in India, hardly gotten over the infamous jet lag and just recovering from my ironman event couple of weeks ago, it must have been sheer madness to run a 21 km too soon. Or was it the exceeding levels of enthusiasm of a runner who hadn’t run on home turf for 15 months? I choose to believe that it was the latter.
I was finally coming home after being away for 1 year and 3 months. While I had run several races in California, what I missed there was the effervescent community of the Mumbai road runners, the hi fives, hugs and the lively chatter post a running event.
So Amit (my running partner cum hubby) and I had planned our trip in a manner where we could run the IDBI federal life insurance half marathon and attend the monthly run of the Mumbai road runners this time.
Brimming with enthusiasm on race morning and planning on taking the run easy, we walked towards the holding area at Jio Garden, BKC.
Greeting runner friends, engaging in animated chatter and catching up with them briefly-It almost felt like we had never left. The race began sharp at 5:15 am. Slowly finding our way through the sea of runners, we cruised the first few kilometers in a strong manner, shaking our shoulders to the the drum beats and waving to the iconic cricketer-Sachin Tendulkar at the start.
After the 6th km, the humidity levels took a toll on us. Feeling oppressive thanks to the weather Gods being so uncooperative, we slowed down. Just as our legs were almost giving up, we spotted an aid station that served enerzal, water and some bananas.
We stopped there to replenish our depleted reserves and continued. After a while we were forced to take a break again. It almost felt like our bodies were overtaken by an evil force that didn’t want us to run. Had we become shadows of ourselves? Dismissing these eccentric thoughts, we continued along the course. By the time we finished the first loop, we were drenched with perspiration.
Deciding to walk for a few minutes, we debated whether we should continue another loop. Being otherwise strong runners we thought an easy 21 km would be a breeze for us. However we had underestimated the fact that we hadn’t run in this sort of humid conditions for a really long time. While there was raw heat in California which we were used to by now, running in humidity was a different ball game altogether.
Deciding to get to the finish line, we adopted the run walk method and pulled along. While we didn’t have a great run, it still was one of the best days of our lives.
It was wonderful to see so many fellow runners enroute, chat with them and enjoy the experience of running in Mumbai. Great arrangements, foot tapping drum beats , relishing the delicious sheera served at breakfast, the post run photo sessions, chatting and laughing with friends are some delightful moments that we take back with us.
No doubt California may have its Golden Gate Bridge, scenic trails and panoramic views of the pacific. However there is something about running in the city of Mumbai, despite its humidity, pollution and crowd. The vibrant community? Friends cheering you on when you are looking for some motivation? The contagious energy? Not sure.
Despite its flaws it will always remain Mumbai meri jaan.