Reflections

I'd like to think running's been my bread and butter (or idly and sambar) for ages – my first half marathon was way back in 2005, and I took the full marathon plunge in 2008. With 33 full marathons and 3 ultramarathons under my belt, running isn't just a hobby; it's my cardio-vascular calling! My social life? Mostly a marathon of meet-ups with fellow running fanatics. So, I've often pondered this existential question: what would bring me more happiness – climbing the corporate ladder, or qualifying for Boston? Ambition's great, but deep down, I knew a BQ would be the real marathon of my dreams – the holy grail, the ultimate running reward, the race of my life! I did write about this earlier.  Until 2020, I was a perfectly happy, albeit slow, 4-hour marathoner. A BQ time of 3:20 felt like running a marathon in reverse – impossible! More "wishful thinking" than a serious plan. But around 2021, things shifted. Intermittent fasting became my secret we...

 The Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon was held on Feb 23, 2025. It was my 34th marathon and special in more than one way. This was the race where I had prepared meticulously with a structured training program for close to 20 weeks. Additionally, I was aspiring to finish the race within the BQ (Boston Qualification) cut off time of 3:20 for my age category. So, there was a lot to look up to on this 'run-derful' weekend! I had the good fortune of having my good friend Chandra help me with the BQ preparation. He not only worked with me on the training plan but also enlisted other runners from our group to join me in this journey. The team rallied behind us and joined for all the different training sessions that I hardly did any workout alone. Chandra was so involved himself in this BQ effort that our running group heard nothing but BQ plans, options and possibilities in the days and weeks leading to the weekend. There were 10 of us who were travelling and staying together, 5 (me,...