I am not a good athlete which is very evident from the fact
that I always won the last place in all athletic events during my school-days.
I wanted to win but I know that my body is not helping me out, neither was there
any motivation nor encouragement from any side. I lost the passion instantly. I
was 9 then.
Olympics were around and it was also the first time Indian cities
were getting accustomed to Sun TV. Well, sounds weird but that’s how cable network
were known to us due to the private channel’s high popularity.
Few athletes were on their final few meters to win the gold
medal in Barcelona. They looked very exhausted with sweat pouring like rain.
They were going to finish 42 km. They have been running since 2 hours. And “That’s
Awesome!”
From that moment I became a silent fan of marathon races. I don’t
follow the results. I don’t know the world record. I don’t know any names. But
whenever I see it on TV I will watch it. I watch them closely. I watch their
pain and tiredness. But still they run and run and run and run till they reach
their goal. Something about this really inspired me. But the fact that I am not
a good athlete did not allow me to even think about training for it. Studies
are the most important thing according to my parents. Well then, I concluded
that I will study till I get a job and then I shall think about extracurricular
activities.
Years went by, I studied and studied. I got into a job. 8
years later, now, all of a sudden after seeing couple of e-mails about “Runners
Training” in a website, I am prompted to train and participate in marathon
races. Participating in a marathon race is certainly my “Dream Run”. It has
always been in my dream and I would like to bring it to reality now.
I am not really sure. I am 29 now. I was not a good athlete
even when I was 9. Can I really train for it? Will I drop this idea after
couple of training schedule? Will I really participate in a marathon race? Oh!!
Marathon!! I really love that sport. I want to participate. I shall work hard
and train for it. I shall not drop this idea at any cost. But many a time in
the past I have participated in various extracurricular activities but
everything was for a short duration. I had the passion, but after couple of
months I lose it. If it’s difficult I stop it. I don’t want to suffer.
But Marathon is something different. I liked this sport
because people were undergoing pain to win their race. The pain is so very
evident. So, I know that there will be lot of suffering to finish this
activity. And still I am eager to go for it. What’s the reason? Where did I
really get the motivation from?
Number one: I am a lazy bum. I am not willing to go to gym.
I do not want to do exercises.
Preparation for a marathon race needs very less exercises and it does
not necessarily require gym, at-least for some time I guess.
Number Two: Lot of people of my age are training for it now.
It means I can really go for it. Because I am relatively slim and I know that I
have more stamina than them. Because in gym I used to notice that almost 98% of
those people grow tired by doing just couple of exercises, whereas I could do
it with ease.
Number Three: I found a very good web link which gives a
training schedule which is DIY provided by Hal Higdon. Good God! I can train
myself. I don’t need anyone’s help.
Number Four: Aswin, my younger brother is already training
for it and he knows some warm-up, warm-down and stretching exercises which he
can teach me so that I do not require any trainer for me. I can do it myself.
Number Five: Akshaya, my wife, too is very interested in
this activity. She used to go for a long walk for hours when she resided in
Paris. She really liked my idea and she motivates me to participate in marathon
events. She too feels that I can really do this.
Number Six: This training is equivalent to doing exercises
in the morning. I can reduce my puppy-belly for sure by running long distances.
My strength and stamina will increase. I will be less prone to heart diseases
and other things. I will be healthyJ.
“Run Forrest!! Run!!”
