This number is not daunting anymore... I ran my first half-marathon on Jan 25th at the 3M half marathon. Thinking about it, I am just amazed that I could actually finish it.
I had a bad foot injury for which I was getting physical therapy from the past 2 weeks and this was scaring me if I will be able to finish the marathon. The therapist said that I might feel the pain after 8-9 miles. I thought I will give it a try and if nothing I will walk the remaining 4-5 miles.
So the race started well and the first 3 miles were very easy. It was very cold and I did not try to slow down. At the half-way (where the relay partners would switch) I took a restroom break and my foot was paining really bad by this time. This was when I saw our Asha cheering squad, Murali, Bharat and Gaurav. Murali asked how my foot was doing and if I will be able to finish the run. I tried to be optimistic and said I will manage. I decided to give my best and finish the second half of the run.
I tried hard to run, but the pain was getting unbearable. So I was doing a slow run and it was so slow that some of the walkers were passing me!! This was kind of hard to digest, but I just kept up the run or rather the jog. At mile 8, there was a water break and Murali appeared and asked if I needed some Advil. Suddenly I felt like I was given a boon and said "Yes !". But unfortunately he forgot it in his car and no one at the water stop had it either. All my hopes were splashed and I thought I will have to walk till the finish. Then he had a brilliant idea and said, he will buy it from the pharmacy at the corner of the street and catch up with me. I nodded and continued the painful jog/walk. The pain was becoming terrible and I was literally praying to get me till the end. I think the pain was showing on my face as a volunteer in an SUV offered to drop me at the race finish twice !!
And then Murali met me near mile 9, complete with Advil and a bottle of water!! I was so grateful..I immediately gulped the Advil. Then he said he will pace me till the finish and I didn't know how to thank him. Truly at that moment, it felt like an answer to my prayers. At about mile 10, the Advil kicked on and I couldn't feel any more pain!! And I was chatting away with Murali and the miles didn't seem so formidable now. Murali was walking to match my running speed and I could finally make him jog near mile 12 :)
Ahh, it felt so great to see the finish line and there my hubby joined me :) I will always remember this run and I am glad I didn't quit in the middle in spite of the tempting offers from the volunteer in SUV ;)
Neha.
8 comments:
Great effort on race day Neha! You were fantastic and had a strong finish, inspite of everything! Team Asha is proud of you!!
well done Neha.... you finished strong which is the most important thing. I read a fab poster at the New Orleans half marathon..."Pain is just weakness leaving the bod"- this was quite apt to me too as I had some knee pain. It spurred me on and little did I know that I could run through the pain. Keep it up, rehab and get your shoes ready for the next race... :) ... right oN!
Thanks Charanya. Vishwas, thats a great line! I will remember it :)
you did great, Neha! It was inspiring to see you fight through the pain and have such a strong finish. so whats next on the racing calendar? :)
Neha, you have done an outstanding job - both in terms of finishing your first-ever half marathon, and being an inspiring example for all of us. It's really hard to push through the pain, but you did it!
great finish at 3M! congratulations on your first half!
Thanks guys!! I appreciate the encouraging comments. Coming to the next race, thinking about it :)
WOW...congratulations Neha...you are an athlete..half marathon...perfect..!!
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