From Novice to Marathoner: My Unforgettable First Marathon Experience

My passion for running started way back when I was in LKG. Even at a young age, I would participate in various races, ranging from 100 meters to 1 kilometer. I had always been a sprinter, never a marathon runner. It wasn't until 2012 that I embarked on my journey towards running marathons. My passion for running was further fueled when Milind Soman, the founder of Pinkathon, organized a marathon with the goal of promoting a healthier lifestyle for women and raising awareness about breast cancer. Being an all-women's run, the event was aptly named the "PINKATHON." Back in the day, marathons were not as commercialized as they are now. They were primarily held with the intent of encouraging and raising awareness for various causes.

My First Marathon Experience... Here we go.. 

It all started when I saw the banner of The Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bangalore Marathon while travelling. On seeing the fifth edition of the TCS World 10K Bangalore Marathon banner, there was a sudden rush of adrenalin and a childish joy within me. I remember registering for the event on the same day and came up with a training target to go for, but I was totally out of practice. Still I decided to give it a shot.

During my Second Marathon @Zumba Session 

I ran my first marathon at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on 27th May 2012. 

10KMS?(eek!)?!!!

The thought of running a 10K for the first time made me nervous, but I was determined to do it. On the day of the race, I arrived at Kanteerava stadium early in the morning and set off on the course through Cubbon Park. The cool breeze and the passion of the other runners propelled me towards the finish line, but it was not an easy journey. Despite the difficulty, I felt a sense of pride in my accomplishment. However, the aftermath was not as enjoyable. I struggled to walk even a few feet and was too sick to even hail an auto. Despite feeling dizzy and unwell, I loved every moment of the race.

My second marathon was Pinkathon, and I was honored to be a part of the first-ever event. The experience was unforgettable, and I cherished every moment of it.

Following my first marathon experience, my passion for running grew exponentially, and I began registering for any 10k race I could find. I yearned to participate in races across different cities, including Coimbatore, Salem, Namakkal, Pondicherry, Ooty, and many others. While I have yet to sign up for the big half marathon on my bucket list, I am eager to test my limits and take on the full marathon. Although the thought of running 42 kilometers may seem daunting, I am determined to overcome my fears through consistent training and practice. I look forward to sharing my progress and experiences through my blog, as running has become an integral part of my life, and I can't imagine not pushing myself to run just 42 kilometers.

I have been inspired to write about several marathons that have been significant in my life. Below is a list of a few of them.

2012:

1. TCS World 10K Bangalore 2012, Kanteerava Stadium on 27TH MAY 2012.

2013:

1. Pinkathon Bengaluru, Kanteerava Stadium on 7th of April, 2013.
2. TCS World 10K run 2013 - Namma City Namma Run - Bangalore, Kanteerava Stadium on May 19, 2013

2016:

1. Salem Marathon 2016 at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium - Salem on Feb 19th 2017 

2017:

1. Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium- Coimbatore on 1st October 2017. 

2018:

1. Auroville Marathon - 2018 at Auroville - Pondicherry on February 11th 2018.
2. Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon at Tiruvalluvar Govt arts college, Rasipuram on April 29th 2018. 
3. Go Heritage Ooty Marathon at Lawrence School, Lovedale, Ooty on June 03rd 2018.  
4. Go Heritage RUN - COORG Marathon at Field Marshal K M Cariappa College, Madikeri on Sunday Aug 5, 2018

2019:

1. Bangaluru City Virtual Marathon | 21 KMS by Club MH 25 on 20 Jun 2019
2. India International Yoga Day Challenge 2019 | 21 KMS (Virtual event) Run For Health on 21 Jun 2019

2022:

1. Mutthu Marathon (13th Edition) Vaikundam 11 KMS | organized by Konganapuram Foundation and Konganapuram Sports Club | on 06 Mar, 2022
2. Erode Marathon | 10 KMS on 09th Oct, 2022
3. Walkaroo Coimbatore Marathon 2022 |  10 KMS on 11th Dec, 2022

2023:

1. Kanyathon 2023 3KM Family Run | Bangalore on 12th March 2023

Each marathon I run offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It brings me immense joy to see my loved ones inspired to run and asking if they can join me. Knowing that I can encourage others to push themselves beyond their limits and achieve their goals is truly rewarding.

our Run Timings:

If you are considering running a marathon, my advice to you is to let go of your limitations and take the plunge. Register for a marathon, and don't worry about running the whole way - you can walk or crawl if needed. You never know how completing a single race could change your life forever.

Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018 : Step Up for a Cause

I recently participated in the Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018, which took place near my hometown. The marathon was flagged off from the Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College in Rasipuram. As usual, I convinced my entire family to join me and register for the event!

However, as this was the first time the Rasipuram Rotary organizers were conducting the marathon, there were some organizational issues. The race categories were started every five minutes, disregarding the official start time. Additionally, there were no portable toilets or medical aid available, which was disappointing.

Despite these setbacks, I acknowledge that it's challenging to organize an error-free marathon on the first try. The Rotary Club has made a commendable start, and with time and experience, I'm confident they'll overcome these challenges and conduct a successful and well-organized event in the future.

Parents Atrocity: At the Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018, there was a 3KM Run event category for children between the ages of 7-15. However, it was disappointing to see some parents losing their cool and shouting at their kids for not running continuously. The funny part was that these parents were not even running along with their children, but rather chasing them on their bikes and shouting at them.

It is essential for parents to understand that kids cannot run continuously on their first day. Today's children spend less time in free play and exercise than previous generations, who spent a lot of time walking and bicycling. Instead of yelling at them, parents should encourage their children to run using a firm and soft tone. It is important to promote a positive attitude towards exercise and instill a love for physical activity in children from a young age.

Rasipuram Marathon organizer should have set a necessary boundary for parents. They should not have let the parents inside the marathon trial. Also, lot of Vehicles were crossing the trails.

The Rasipuram Rotary Mega Marathon 2018 provided a fantastic platform for newbie runners and the people of Rasipuram to experience the thrill of a marathon. The cheering crowds at the finish line and the medals were a great incentive to keep going. I could see the excitement in the organizers as they handled the gunshot at the beginning of the race.

However, I hit a roadblock at the 4th kilometer. My shoes did not fit correctly, and my skin kept rubbing against the edges of the shoe, making it difficult for me to move forward. Despite the setback, I persevered and completed the marathon with great zeal. The certificate was provided in hard copy, but the medal could have been better.

On a positive note, the breakfast provided after the marathon was delicious, and we even received a free coupon for ice cream from Amilma Ice Creams as part of our registration. I have a fun story to share about our experience with Amilma Ice Creams, which I will write about later.

Running through Tranquility: My Auroville Marathon 2018 Journey

Auroville Marathon

 Have you ever experienced the refreshing sensation of cool forest air brushing against your face, or inhaled the invigorating scent of medicinal trees while running? If you seek to immerse yourself in such an experience, then the "Auroville Marathon" is the perfect choice for you. Held annually on the second Sunday of February, this marathon is a must-try for all running enthusiasts, as it takes you through the tranquil and harmonious city of Auroville.

When it comes to running marathons, my primary goal is always to "smile and enjoy the run." While many of my veteran marathoner friends aim to surpass their personal bests, I don't set such targets for myself. Simply running a marathon fills me with joy and a sense of fulfillment. To me, the ultimate achievement is inspiring my friends to register and run alongside me.

As John Elliott says, "And, most importantly, remember what got you running in the first place and use the marathon to keep you inspired and to become an inspiration to others."

In my latest blog post, I shared about my roommate and friend Ramya's decision to take on the challenge of running in the Auroville Marathon. As a first-time marathon participant (I would even say walker), completing a 10K seemed like an achievable goal. However, for Ramya, who often complains about walking just 2KMS from Forum to Maruthi Nagar, it was a daunting task. I was pleasantly surprised when Ramya expressed her interest in signing up for the 10K Auroville Marathon. Running on a trail comprised of beautiful roads and forest would undoubtedly be enjoyable, but it required tremendous willpower to complete.

On race day, we woke up well before sunrise, had a strong cup of tea, and drove to the Auroville city. The event has quickly become one of my favorites due to its unique experience of running on forest trails while celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship.

It's no surprise that the Auroville Marathon has become a beloved event for recreational runners all across India.

Salem Marathon 2016: A Memorable Event in My Hometown

The Salem Marathon 2016, the highly anticipated event, finally concluded on February 19th, 2017 after several delays. As a resident of Salem, I eagerly awaited this marathon, which held special significance to me. Despite being a small town, the event drew an impressive crowd of more than 3000 participants, organized by the Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy to raise awareness about organ donation. In this blog post, I'll share my personal experience and highlight some memorable moments from the marathon.

The Journey:

Initially scheduled for November 13th, 2016, the Salem Marathon had to be postponed multiple times due to unforeseen circumstances. Delays in obtaining permission pushed the event to January 29th, 2017. However, the rescheduled dates faced further setbacks as a result of massive statewide protests over jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport. Finally, the marathon found its tentative date on February 19th, 2017.

A Homecoming Run:

As a resident of Salem, this marathon held special significance for me. I had been eagerly waiting for this event, which allowed me to run on my very own land. While I didn't expect a massive crowd or extravagant banners due to Salem's small-town charm, I cherished every step I took during the marathon.

The Enthusiastic Participation:

Despite the initial uncertainties surrounding the event, more than 3000 individuals participated in the Salem Marathon. It was heartening to see such enthusiasm among the runners. The Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy did an exceptional job organizing the marathon, marking it as the 5th Edition of this annual event. I couldn't help but feel disappointed for having missed the previous four editions.

Categories and Start Times:

The marathon offered different categories, including a 10Kms and 5Kms run. While I cannot confirm the exact number of participants, I estimate that around 400 individuals took part in the 10Kms category. The reporting time for all participants was set for 5:00 AM, with the 21.5 KMS category flagged off from the Gandhi Stadium at 5.30 a.m. The 10Kms and 5Kms races commenced promptly at 5.45 AM and 6:00 AM, respectively.

An Unforgettable Experience:

Unlike larger marathons in cities like Bangalore, Salem's marathon lacked the grandeur of extensive spectatorship, big sponsors, and lively musical performances. Nevertheless, every stride I took during the race felt more meaningful because I was running on my home turf. The Salem Marathon offers an experience that every runner from Salem should embrace and cherish.

An Inspiring Moment:

Among the many memorable incidents from the Salem Marathon, one stands out: a 101-year-old man completed the 5Kms race. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. May he continue to live a peaceful life for many more years to come.

The Inspiration...

The 5Kms race witnessed an incredible feat as a remarkable 101-year-old man crossed the finish line. The photograph below captures this inspiring moment, and I feel fortunate to have been captured in the frame alongside this extraordinary man.

Its my luck to get clicked with this inspirational man :)

Another Inspiration

Uncontrolled Traffic: A Safety Concern in the Salem Marathon
One aspect of the Salem Marathon that left me disappointed was the lack of traffic control. Despite the early hours of the event, buses and hazardous lorries continued to operate alongside the runners. This created potential risks and dangers for the participants. I couldn't help but wonder why the organizers didn't address this issue. Some of the routes even passed through residential areas, where I found amusement in observing the curious expressions of dogs along the way.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Salem will once again organize the 6th edition of the Salem Marathon in 2017. Scheduled for November, I encourage my readers from Salem, Erode, and Namakkal to take a break from their daily routines and consider participating in this remarkable event. Running a marathon at least once in your lifetime is an experience that holds great value and is truly worth the effort.

Namma City Namma Run - TCS World 10K run 2013

My 3rd Marathon/2nd World TCS 10K run experience. . .

A record 23,000 people are participating in the run. Among the 7 different categories, including World 10K, The Nation’s Challenge, Open 10K, 10K Challenge, Majja Run, Senior Citizens’ Run and Champions with Disability, I participated in Majja Run this time. Because, from my company I had only this option to opt for.

This is my third Marathon. First being TCS World 10K run 2012, second Pinkathon 2013 and TCS World 10K run 2013 (Majja Run)

I really enjoyed the run (Okay cool. . Jog, Walk, stroll). Because this time, I was able to run energetically from the beginning till finish of the run. I guess it’s due to the experience of previous 2 runs.

What a special care and attention we received from our corporate security team. It was an excellent arrangement by our teams. My company is well known for the employee welfare and when it comes to corporate run, they do take extra care. Since it was raining yesterday, they provided us ponchos for rain for a safety measure and our team were there at end to greet us with excellent snacks.. The periodical check they took on the welfare of the employees really gave us a nice feel.

Thanks to all my colleague who made this a run a fantastic one . . .

If you like this post, you would like my Novel "Touch of Mist" too...

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