Personal best – every thing personal about it…
It has been a week
since I ran my first half marathon, actually jogged, limped and lumbered
to the finish would be more apt. The memories of the race are still fresh, but
the pains dulled and now confined to the inner recesses of the muscle memory.
The desire to run, complete a marathon had been alive and
kicking in me for a very long time. At various points in time, I would
visualise myself scorching the track,
breasting the tape, beat the demons of fatigue and fear of failure in my mind.
But, the trigger that could convert my thoughts into
running went missing for quite a long time.
Had the Social media not existed, the trigger would
possibly never have been initiated. As I saw photographs of seemingly ordinary
guys (and girls) making a mockery of distances, I realised that if I tried hard
enough I could make the run!
I prepared the way an amateur can and does. I just kept
increasing the quantum of running I did. From an on the trot two and a half KM,
I managed to move non stop to 10 KM. Then, I knew I could give the half
marathon a shot.
Then I ran my first half marathon and, guess what? Posted
it on Facebook.
The responses started pouring in. Friends who had never
run were awestruck. They said they were inspired. Friends who did some kind of
jogging started complimenting me. But,
there were some inquisitive messages
too… from friends who had done it
before…
Sample these..
I did it in 2 hour 40 minutes, bettered my time by 10
minutes, how much was your time?
Hey, how was your run? I completed in 2 hours 21 minutes.
What was your time?
Hi, I had a good run. Due to a cramp, I ran rather slowly
to complete in 2 .15. How was yours?
My stock answer- I am happy I completed. Then, there
would be commiseration. Then, the response-
Not bad, it is
important you complete the run.
Yeah, for a first timer, that is not bad.
I could hear a hint of sarcasm, a smirk in their
responses.
It was as if they were mocking me, saying, you have
failed a big test!
The more I heard, the more I understood. In a seemingly
flat world, where the scope to differentiate yourself versus the other is
increasingly becoming narrow, a new elite has been created. It is the league of
marathoners.
Move over the BMWs, Rolex Watches, the chateaus, it is
your personal best in a marathon that determines your stud appeal.
Unlike the other macho symbol, here it is not how long
you last but how fast you finish.
As for me, I am reminded of a joke.
Our friend Santa was asked by a Britisher, how do you do?
To which Santa replied, sorry, it is too personal.
Same with me.
Till I figure out how to run faster, my
personal best would remain the same, too personal.
