जिस दिन
से चला हूँ , मेरी मंजिल पे नज़र है
इन आँखों
ने , कभी मील का पत्थर नहीं देखा |
ये फूल
मुझे कोई विरासत में मिले हैं ?
तुमने
मेरा काँटो भरा बिस्तर नहीं देखा |
I have got these lines
written on a frame since last 15 years in my office cabin where I sit . But the
real meaning perhaps I understood it today.
THE COMRADES STORY -
THE COMRADES WAY
A Journey from first
Half Marathon (21 KMs) in Feb 2014 to Comrades Marathon (88 KMs) in May 2015. [
in 15 months ]
The Event Day – 31st May,
2015 (Sunday)
It really was a very big
day as for the very first time I was participating in an event outside my
country & also was all alone from my city Surat too. The event timing was
from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM that is TWELVE HOURS which also had 7 cutoffs during
the run. Anxiety was such that was only able to sleep for just 3 to 4 hours at
night even though had slept very early around 7:00 PM last night . The pressure
to perform well or to give the Best had just kept me asleep for hours.
The runners were given
starting groups according to their timings of finish of a FULL MARATHON & I
was in GROUP “ F “ . However well a student might have prepared for his exams
the goose bumps are going to be there . Just as a Cricketer whenever takes a
Fresh Guard to a new innings his first target is to get off the mark . This is
what I felt that day the most . As being the First Runner to participate in the
Comrades Marathon from my City to be honest felt that I have lots of
responsibility . Although this responsibility had not been given to me by
anyone but I myself took it .
The starting point was just
900 meters away from the place I was staying. As I was on the road saw many
runners going towards the starting point, so just followed them . This is the
winter season at South Africa . So as it was very early , wore gloves & a
full sleeves T-shirt on my dress just as a precaution ( It was psychological
nothing else ). I reached the starting point around 4:45 AM . The atmosphere
was very electrifying . It was the last hours of the night & for the new
big day to begin not only for me but for many first time participants . The
streets were fully lighted & it was as if we were walking in the peak hours
of the city of Surat or you can say the Sunday at the Gaurav Path ( Surat )
.
There were 16588 starters
from all over world, who had came to participate. Music and announcements were
going on, like “Greet the runner ‘All The Best’ on your left hand side”,
and “Introduce yourself to the runner on your right hand side”. On the
BIB of each participant, on the right hand side bottom they write the number of
Comrades runs, the Runner has ran. As it was my first time, so it was written
ZERO (0) but saw many male & female runners with 12,19,25 etc. written on
it. It was really amazing that people have
been running from years & years at this prestigious event . There was an
announcement that “ Every South African must run The Comrades at least once in
his or her lifetime .” It is really a very proud moment to be a part of
such event. It was not so cold so I removed my extra T-shirt & gloves &
kept aside. The final countdown to reach the starting point had begun.
As the gun fired all the runners were
just on their toes and started running. The crowd was on both sides of the
roads cheering & clapping. It was really a very emotional moment for me but
really felt the absence of all my Surti Runners Friends who had always
supported & encouraged me in the last 15 months due to which only I had
reached here and we had also gone to take part in the various marathons all
around India in the Last Twelve months. The main absence I felt was of my daily
running buddy “Sarveshbhai Gupta”. Believe it or not, however strong
you may be but sometimes you really feel that someone should be there to pick
you up & give you company by saying “Come on Man, I am there, We will do
it.”
We were moving ahead
smoothly through the Durban City . On the way where the people could not stand
besides the road saw many people clapping & cheering runners from the foot
over bridge. I was wearing the INDIA T-shirt , the fellow runners started
sheering “ Come on India , Come on , Good Going .“ After sometime , felt as if
I was running a bit disbalanced . Then noticed here that not only we were going
uphill but the road was also like the Formula 1 Racing Event that is a bit
sloped towards one side ( Tilted ) , a totally new experience as leaving
back the flyover repeats way far behind . I was running at my pace & as per
plan . We had reached the first refreshment table . Picked pouches of water & energy drinks so that I don’t
have to stop on every refreshment table. I was drinking them simultaneously as
guided by Nehalbhai, that drink once energy drink & the next time water
alternatively after every 20 minutes.
We had reached to the 10
Kms mark that is the 45th Cutting now I had to intake 2 Figs
& some Almonds as I generally do on my regular runs too , to maintain the
energy level . The night was saying goodbye & we were on the path of a new
historic day . We crossed the WESTVILLE & were approaching towards the
COWIES HILL , the First Cut-off where the Final Cut-off time was 02:40:00 hours
but I reached here at 01:56:14 hours that is was ahead here by 00:43:46 minutes
ahead . I was moving a bit faster then the plan but didn’t knew as I was not
able to read my Watch setting perfectly. One more thing I learned here that
never get your watch settings changed a few days before but it should be
done much earlier so that you can run along it in your practice runs & get
used to it that what it shows . ( Nehalbhai it was MY fault as I told you that
I am not so literate when things other then running are concerned )
As I was moving ahead our
Indian Comrades Runners Dilipbhai Patil & Chitraben just crossed .
Then after some time Pradeepbhai Khoradia & Unmeshbhai. To be very frank I
was just searching for some running partner to move ahead . They all were
running faster & I committed myself to stick to the plan of 8.5 kms per
hour so had to let go them. Then after sometime a familiar voice came from
behind “ Lalitbhai “ it was Praveenbhai Giriya along with Matthew his
friend from Chicago. I was very happy to see them as now I thought that
now I have got someone to run along till the finish line & now it will be
easier for me. Here I must tell you that myself & Praveenbhai had planned
to travel from Mumbai to Durban and return back together but as Praveenbhai
& Matthew are sub 3:45 hours finishers at marathon & mine is just 4:03
the best , so all our plans were fixed to be-together other
than running in this event . As I always live in the present moment I was just
enjoying running in their company but here also felt unable to match their pace
so after sometime just let them go ahead . Just then remembered the Lines said
by Satishbhai Gujran a day before “ Run your own Race“ . So
true that we all have to Run our Own Races just as we do in Our Life .
After crossing Winston Park
, Caltex Garage around 30 Kms then around 37 Kms felt severe cramps above
the knee rolls in both my legs . I had run 5000 Kms in the last 12 months
& 6 days but had never felt this type of cramps . Still had to go a
distance of 51 Kms a very long one was unable to judge what is happening. I
started walking & was thinking that from the last few days I had full
quantity of water & also the Energade Energy drink ( Provided in the Event)
in abundance then how come the salt level has decreased or I got cramps . It
can also be due to the hills as I don’t have so much practice of running on
them . But had to carry on & was just running & walking as per
requirement but the pace had dropped down rapidly. I was not worried as I knew
was ahead of time but was determined to finish as being the very first person
from my Surat city , I didn’t want to discourage or give a negative message
back home that when a person who had ran 5000 KMs in a year can’t even do this
then how come we can ? I had only one thing in mind that I have to complete it
for all my Surti Runners Friends back home .
On getting the cramps I
remembered following beautiful lines which suited the situation most:
ज़िन्दगी की उड़ान अभी बाकी है , ज़िन्दगी के कई इम्तेहान
अभी बाकी है
अभी तो नापी है मुट्ठी भर ज़मीन हमने, आगे अभी सारा आसमान बाकी
है !!!
I remembered each &
every runner friend of mine who had given me company during the last 15 months
, My Wife Vineeta & Children Aparna & Gopesh, My Fastest Family &
Friend Rakeshbhai Gandhi , My Extended Family Members at My Office so just by
remembering them My Spirits were high & got more determined to Complete it
. They have a lot of expectations from me & I must give them happiness
& this can only be done when I finish this.
We were now approaching
towards near Drummond , the Halfway Point , where the Wall of Honour is
situated where the Runners can purchase a Block upon which is mounted a plaque
recording their name, and number.
Then there is the Aurthur’s Seat . This
is a niche cut into the bank of the cutting at the site of the wall of honour
and is reputed to have been a favorite resting spot of the
legendary Aurtur Newton, 5 times winner of the Comrades Marathon in the 1920’s
. Legend has it that runners who pay tribute to Arthur as they pass by placing
flower in the niche and doffing their peak with the greeting “ Good Morning Sir
“ , will enjoy a strong second half of the race . I too touched the cross sign
with belief and just prayed -
“Arthur बाबा, पार
लगा देना | ये क्या
हो रहा है मुझे कुछ समझ में नहीं आ रहा है !!!“
Just after crossing this ,
saw Dilipbhai Patil walking ahead I just called him & told him about my
problem . He too was having the same problem but only in one leg . He told we
will stop at the next First Aid Station & get it Bandaged . As we reached
the First Aid Station they first rubbed ice on it & then the ointment &
then done the bandage. Dilipbhai got it done first then as I was getting it
done he told me I am just walking you catch me after you get it done . Here I
had taken a big break of nearly 25 minutes . one more thing I must tell you all
here that the next Cut-Off point which was Drummond Half-Way at 43.70 Kms was
located just 700 metres away from this point . I had time in my hand so it was
Ok but it would have turned out to be a blunder mistake by
taking such a break before the Cut-off point as would have to
return back from this point itself . So please check the point where you are
taking break elsewhere the journey might be over from there itself. This I
realized when I was going through my statistics of completion of the race ( at
Surat ) . I reached here at 5:29:26 Hrs & the Cut-off time here was 6:00:00
hrs so was still 00:30:34 hrs ahead then the scheduled time .
I was still limping but had
to carry on . The people were just applauding the India T-shirt with cheers of
“ India-India , India-India “ . The best thing was that the people have full
respect for the runners. The cheering was throughout the Run & the people
also standing besides the roads were providing the stuffs to eat or to drink .
As I being a pure vegetarian had to miss this opportunity & felt many a times
sorry that I didn’t accept any of their offers. For people like me I remembered
the poetry lines which I had read in perhaps third or fourth standard “ Water
& Water Everywhere & Not a Drop to Drink “ , when a guy was in the mid
sea in his boat all alone but had no drinking water. I too was in the same
situation & I had to just carry on the Figs & Almonds which I had with
me .
On the way ahead saw the
Handicapped Children from Ethembeni School lined up on both sides of the road
cheering the runners . They were happy when we runners were shaking hands with
them . This too was an amazing experience as how these children were full of
energy & just applauding each & every runner passing from there .
God has made this process of thought
very amazing . As in just a fraction of a second a person can travel miles
& miles or decades back.The thought process is always ON. Here one more
story I recalled from My junior classes . There was a Boy who was very fond of
oranges . One day he just peeped into an orange farm & started stealing the
oranges. ( I don’t remember the exact quantity but it were from 20 to 25 pcs. )
But he was caught by the gatekeeper. He was locked in a room with the
evidence with one of his favorite things. As he was caught with
the evidence he was to get the punishment. There was no pass away in that room
so he just kept on thinking . He started eating the oranges in a thought that
the thing which has been done cannot be undone so let’s enjoy this moment . In
just anxiety he ate all the oranges then he was sitting besides the peel &
seeds of the oranges that is , the left overs & looking at them and at the
gate to be opened. Suddenly an idea came in his mind why not try to remove the
evidence . So he started eating all the left overs of the oranges . After
eating the Oranges to the Full he had got a hatred from the most liked
thing by him as he had that in abundance . When the Farm Owner & the
Gatekeeper opened the Gate they had to set the Boy free as there was no
evidence left . The purpose of me narrating the whole story is that by eating
the Figs & Almonds throughout the Run , I too was having the same feeling
that I won’t touch them now for ages.
As it was now around 12:00
PM so Sun was at it’s best . The temperature was at it’s peak and it proved
every weather analyst wrong as they had said it to be pleasant throughout the
day. We at Surat are lucky enough as we had a Night Summer Marathon on 18Th April
2015 & it was perhaps proving to be a blessing in disguise . So now for us,
Surtis, the Weather , the Roads ( but free from traffic ) doesn’t matter much.
Only the Hydration facility is required at regular intervals. Hydration
facility here were at regular intervals or should say at it’s best . I was just
moving ahead by pouring water on my head at every refreshment table to keep the
heat under control. After every two Kms I was doing this so just think how hot
it would have been! The water which I poured on my head just evaporated in
these 2 Kms distance which I used to cover .
An Ultra Marathon or a
Marathon is just like LIFE . You start your Life with different people . As we
can say our childhood friends are different , so are school & college
friends . Then comes our career friends . But the best of them are the Runner
Friends which we like to carry throughout this journey called LIFE . We meet
several people during our several stages of life. They remain with us for some
period , same is here also that we walk or run with various runners at
different times & different distances . But still only a few will get along
with us till the Finish Line . Very few are going to remain with us from Start
till End. Efforts to be made from both sides that this relation continues but
we can see that this can only be done when both sides are ready to sacrifice
for each other .
As the journey is long you
cannot stop thoughts from coming. Sometime I felt like that Life is like a
RELAY RACE . As in a Relay Race the Baton is handed over to the other runner to
carry on from where he had received the Baton . Such was the case with me
but here I was not the runner but I myself felt like a Baton .
I felt this as the Sub 10 Hrs Bus , Sub 10:30 Hrs , Sub 11:00 Hrs & Sub
11:30 Hrs Bus with each Bus I had tried to run the distance but was not able to
match their pace . So I felt like each & every Bus had handed me to the
other BUS coming behind .
Today it was again proving
that the Walk-Run Strategy is a must for every Ultra Marathon Runner . I was
just following the experienced runners who have participated in several number
of COMRADE races, as they used to stop & walk , I too used to do the same.
You must be able to walk at a good speed is also a necessity as it can save
time or can cover time when you are not running.
I had reached N3 SUBWAY ,
CATO RIDGE at 57 Kms in 7:29:27 Hrs where the Cut-Off time was
8:00:00 Hrs so here also I was 0:30:33 minutes ahead . I was still feeling the
pain of Cramps . After the Umlaas Road Interchange at 67 Kms I took again a
Break to change the Bandage . The Bandage got stick into my skin but I pulled
it out forceably at the Medical Aid Station where I again got the Ice Rubbed on
the Cramps area then got the Pain reliever ointment rubbed on it. After this
again fresh Bandage was put on both my legs . Here too a break was the at 69.50
Kms for 15 minutes . Even after this after covering the distance I had to stop
at a medical aid station, I told them just rub the ice on the bandage itself so
I was feeling that I am loosing my reserve time . Although it was psychological
then also had to continue with it.
In between I stopped at one
place where there was a group of people sitting & one chair was empty . I
asked them that can I sit ? They told Why Not ? Then one of them asked me “ Any
Problem ? “ . Then I told them “ Yes I have got severe cramps then he
immediately told one guy sitting besides him to give some tablets. He gave me
two tablets & told me to chew it . He told it will help. As I was sitting
there on the chair I recalled the Chat with Abdulbhai that he had told me “ Sir
whenever you feel low on energy, just try to sit for a few minutes & you
will see the magic happen as your body will be again recharged that is you will
recollect your energy . He was right . I again started to feel better &
recharged .
Just saw a poster saying “ Legs
Just Shut-up , Brain Keep Going “ . This was just matching
my wave length of thoughts at that very moment .
I stopped at the
refreshment table & had a banana to again regain a bit of energy. Still was
in deep pain . So at some other stations I took salts directly to recover from
cramps . I have generally been keeping pain killer medicine “ Combiflam “ with
me during an event. But I forgot that & was in search of a medicine at the
Medical Aid Station then I remembered that I Myself have that . Then I took a
Combiflam & after some time felt a bit comfortable . Now I was on My
Way.
After crossing the Lion
Park suddenly a voice came from behind “ Lalitbhai “ I just turned & saw
who he was ? He was Vivekbhai Singhal from Indore whom I had met at the Expo on
28th that is just three days back for the very first time . He
was just moving along very well . We just started running together. I don’t
know whether meeting him or due to his company I just forgot all my pain &
was at my best again . I told him let’s finish it together . He agreed . We
were moving at a decent pace & had the target in mind .
I don’t drink tea, coffee
or cold drinks . The Coke was served after 50 Kms but as I am a non drinker of
these too didn’t look at it.
Hindi they say “ जिस
गाँव जाना ही नहीं है , उसका रास्ता क्यों पूछना ? “
Vivekbhai insisted me to
take Coke . After he repeatedly insisted me , I took Coke & to my surprise
it increased my energy level to the maximum . I again started running at my
best perhaps at the speed of 11 or 12 . It was really amazing that even after
covering a distance of 70 Kms the energy level was at it’s best. Vivekbhai was
seeing me that I was in good touch so he told me “ You just Carry on & You
will finish it in good time & perhaps your personal Best .” I told him “
Even if I finish it in 11:59:59 hrs it will be my personal best , So we will
finish it together . What is the joy of running with a fellow runner I am
feeling again . Thank You Vivekbhai for giving Company . I never run
for any personal best or timings . The sole purpose of
myself running is just to enjoy & by enjoying if anything comes my way I am
ready for it. “
We were just chatting &
moving ahead . Vivekbhai told me “ You just move ahead & stop and take rest
, till then I will catch you up. “ So I was just running at my pace &
waited for Vivekbhai to come . I was enjoying this too.
The last Cut-Off point – Polly Shortts at 79 Kms we crossed at 10:43:49 Hrs where the Final Cut-Off time was 11:10:00 Hrs , so here also we were 00:26:11 minutes ahead from the Final Cut-Off time of 11:59:59 Hrs. Now from here onwards only 7.72 Kms were to go. I was again fully charged up in the company of Vivekbhai & was just feeling at top of the world as I had told Nehalbhai that would like to finish with Grace and would love to see the Surti Runners Flag Flying. “ गिरते-पड़ते मैं खत्म नहीं करना चाहता , जैसे बाकि दिनों में दौड़ता हूँ , वैसे ही यह दौड़ भी खत्म करना चाहता हूँ | “
We were approaching the
finish line . Now I was feeling Very-Very Happy that to come so far away from
home I was now going to finish strongly & found a New Friend for Life in
form of Vivekbhai Singhal. Vivekbhai had come with his family & his wife
and children were near the finishing line in the stands . They just waved hands
& I too felt that someone from my family was present there .
We were running with hands
in hand together & crossed the finish line at 11:44:43 & 11:44:44 hrs
respectively. The joy of finishing together is much-much better than to finish
all alone . Indeed a respectful finish .
I can’t just explain here
what feeling I had at that time after the finish. I feel short of words to
explain here .
A lot of promises had been
fulfilled after the completion of this , as today was Sarveshbhai’s Birthday
& I had promised him to Run this distance as a Birthday Gift to my Dearest
Friend who has always been there from 10th August 2014 the day
when we ran together for the very first time & since then he has been there
in whichever milestone I have achieved in this field of running till date -
Physically or Spiritually
After receiving the medals
we moved towards the International Tent Arena where all Runners who had
finished were sitting. Myself & Vivekbhai had thought let’s encourage the
runners who are coming towards the finish line . We along with the public
started sheering “ Go ….Go …. Move Fast as only a few Minutes are left. Go Fast
….. Go Fast ……You Will Do it . “ I don’t know how come we had so much energy
even after running for nearly twelve hours .
Only the runners who run
the distance will know what it takes to reach here elsewhere these are just
figures. I know when I reach back home the non runners will ask me what was the
best timing ? You were in danger zone as you finished just in time of 15
minutes to go for the Final Cut-Off . The facial expression of the non runners
are just amazing as if by running this distance, in this time we have committed
a crime . They don’t know that the runners who had not crossed the finish line
even after running for 12:00:00 hrs & just were short by seconds.
It is a total heart break
that preparing for several months for the event then also get a DNF ( Did Not
Finish ) . At one stage I would also had got the DNF tag but by God’s Grace and
the Blessings of My Elders & Good Wishes of All My Family & Friends had
helped me cross the finish line . But one more thing I must share here I was
ready for this too as in life everything doesn’t go according to your
wish so we must be mentally strong enough for whatever comes our way. Today I
participated & completed successfully the next time it may not happen . It
has been happening with the most experienced of runners .
Just saw that the runner
who had run 17 times this Marathon was not able to complete today as it was not
his day. Just in the game of Cricket on his day a particular player can hit any
bowler out of the ground & it is reverse if it is not his day he gets out
for a duck.
A humble request to all the
people or the other runners accept this also with respect . No need to go in
depression we have not committed a crime . No need to feel guilty . These are
part & parcel of the game. Atleast we had the courage that we took
part what about you ? I know it gives a bad feeling but in every match you
cannot score a century. So be prepared for it . I didn’t had the negativity in
mind which most people would have thought of but it was just a step ahead for
preparation of whatever comes my way. This is the way I live my Life too.
“ प्रयास
यही रहता है किसी भी परिस्थिति में सम रहना अर्थात् ऐसा नहीं है कि सफलता मिली तो
सातवें आसमान में उड़ने लगे और असफलता मिली तो धरती में समा गये | अब तक के जीवन से मैंने
यही सीखा है | मैं
आज भी वैसा ही हूँ जैसा पहले था क्योंकि मैं जानता हूँ कि मैंने ऐसा कोई अभूतपूर्व
कार्य नहीं किया है , मुझसे
आगे और भी हैं और यही सोच मुझे मेरे पाँव धरती पर ही रहने देती है | “
Then suddenly saw Amitbhai
Seth coming & he asked me about my result ,I conveyed & we both greeted
each other . He himself had finished his First Uphill Run till date . Indeed a
splendid effort by the True Champion who has guided many persons like me to
attempt this Human Race by way of his Book – Dare to Run
Moving ahead saw all runners
from Mumbai grouped together . We congratulated each other . Then saw Dilipbhai
Patil . I told him I am Thankful to you , that just by searching you all the
way , I crossed the Finish Line . He knew what I meant to say . But it was just
a joke . No Hard Feelings .
Then I was moving ahead to
collect my Drop Bag & saw Praveenbhai Giriya sitting on a chair. He too had
cramps at 71 Kms but he finished strongly in 10:55:36 to win a Bronze. We
congratulated each other . I asked him where is Matthew ? He replied that
after cramps , he had told Matthew to just carry on & he has perhaps
finished in 10:30 hrs. Praveenbhai was not in a position to even stand . The
phone lines were jammed & we were unable to call anyone . Matthew , his
Friend Mike ( Supporter ) & Praveenbhai had come in a car from
Durban & their Drop Bags were also in it. Here let me clear one more thing
all three of them were staying in the same hotel . So it was easy for them that
not to give the Drop Bag where I had given . After some time I asked again -
Why Matthew hasn’t come till now ? Has he gone ? He said “ No …. No he
will come . We will wait. “ We kept waiting for Matthew . in anticipation that
he will come & we will get a photo clicked together then move back to Durban
.
We had booked a return
ticket back to Durban in the Bus one day in advance & my ticket was with me
& Praveenbhai had tied his ticket on his wrist before the start, which I
saw when he was sitting there, and he showed me and told me that this was suggested
by Matthew !!! He was thankful that he had at least bus tickets with him and now
can travel by bus. We were starving from hunger but there was only non-veg food
available . Praveenbhai was just shivering due to cold . So I thought first I
must make arrangement for him . I saw many people Wearing a plastic to have
warmth . So I asked one of the runner where did he get it ? He replied at
medical tent . Then he told , You can take this as I have my Jacket . Then I
brought this & gave Praveenbhai .
Seeing Praveenbhai in this
position reminded me of a Bollywood song picturised on the Great Rajesh Khanna
“ दुनिया में कितना गम है , मेरा गम कितना कम है | औरों का गम देखा तो मैं अपना गम भूल गया | “ Although I too was in pain but seeing
Praveenbhai in deep pain , I really forgot my pain .
I collected my Drop Bag . A
blunder mistake I did was that I didn’t knew that had to keep some eatables
& water also in it. There was only an extra pair of clothes in it.
Praveenbhai was still shivering . I gave him My Warm Jacket . He asked “ YOU ?
“ . I said “ Will manage with the Track . The announcement was made that the
bus to Durban will leave by 6:30 PM . The tent was now a bit lighter & we
were still waiting for Mathew to come.
Praveenbhai was still determined that
Matthew must be waiting in parking . I told him you just wait I will check
& come . When I moved out & again dialed his number it was connected .
I told him to hold on & gave the phone to Praveenbhai . What he told was
very shocking “ They had left just a Minutes before after waiting & were on
their way to Durban . “ They told they also had tried to call but were unable
to as it was jammed . The Drop Bag of Praveenbhai was with them , which
included his clothes . Matthew also knew that Praveenbhai had cramps and is injured.
If he was just in a distance of few minutes, he should have come back. Because
the time taken to travel ahead was very less, the same time would have taken to
come back in just few minutes. For the condition in which Praveenbhai was, I
was feeling very sorry for him.
Well I thought an Hindi saying , “ जो
होता है अच्छे के लिए ही होता है | “ But here I was perhaps going to be wrong as to catch the
Bus back to Durban was totally mismanaged . They were sending from here to
there & we were just moving around in various directions to catch a bus
. In between, Praveenbhai had vomiting. I told Praveenbhai you just sit
here first let me check as there is no point in moving here & there .
It took us nearly 2:30 hrs more to catch the bus back to Durban . Just
think of it that it was a journey of nearly 12 hours of running &
extra time of nearly 4 hours . We reached back at around 9:30 PM ( South Africa
time ) that is it was around 1:00 AM in India .
Here a Full Extraordinary
Surprise was waiting for me . As I switched on the WhatsApp, I saw a bombarding
of messages from all over . I saw that My Family Members , The Whole Surti
Runners Group , The Dynamic Runners Group ( My Office Members ) were just tracking
each & every step of mine . So I felt that it was not only my efforts but
the Blessings & Good Wishes of each & Everyone has helped me to Cross
The Finish Line & that too at Ease. No one was present with me in Physical
but Everyone was there with me in SPIRITS .
“ कोई
माने या न माने , दुआओं
में कितनी शक्ति होती है और वे कैसे काम करती हैं , इसका , इससे
बेहतर उदाहरण कोई और नहीं हो सकता है | “
I felt & knew that just
because of all my well wishers back home was able to reach till here . I thanked
everyone from the bottom of my heart & was very emotional in my room all
alone . It really was a miracle that from 37 Kms to cover the remaining
distance of 53 Kms ( I am saying this to be 90 kms in total as when we have to
move around so the distance covered is more although the official was only
87.72 Kms ) . How this happened ? My belief has become more stronger that it
was only due to the good wishes.
Thank You ….. Thank
You ……. Thank You . Even a Thank You will also be a Very Short Word for
tracking me for 12 continuous hours & helping me cross the finish line .
To reach here or even
thinking of attempting it credit is to be given to many people .
In no chronological
order My Sincere Thanks to :-
Vineeta Periwal ( My
Wife ) – I know since
the last 15 months you are feeling that my feelings for you have changed . This
is true & I honestly accept this on this social network site. As someone
else has taken place besides you in My Life . But one more fact is that I
cannot live without you both . You both will continue to live me throughout my
life . So Humble request that “ तुम अपनी सौतन ( Running ) से
दोस्ती कर लो “ I know you are trying hard & have full confidence that
you will succeed in making friendship with it. You are a fighter who cares for
everyone in the Family .
You are much-much
stronger than me . Even in the last days of My Comrades Training when I was
alone You were there to help me .
Aparna Periwal &
Gopesh Periwal – My Children
who have been helping me wantingly or unwantingly to fill the bottles daily for
my runs . This is I am saying here because I carry atleast 7 to 8 litres of
water daily whenever I go for a run . They have been providing me the Ice from
the Fridge for Icing . I would love to see that you both adopt this beautiful
sport as it will help you in your future life in whatever you do , as it is
helping me.
Rakeshbhai Gandhi – The most respectable person in My Life who has
always been there whenever I needed him . When we met 17 or 18 years back we
were mere strangers. Your role in developing me as a person & guiding me in
whatever I do , the confidence & trust you have in me has brought me to
this distance . We been working together at our business where the major role
is played by him . I just enjoy whatever I do. Last year was filled with lots
of travelling as I participated in 7 Marathons then even My Wife said “ आप
आये दिन बाहर जाते हो , राकेशभाई
कुछ बोलते नहीं है आपको ?” He has always supported me. At business also we
just enjoy . We are least concerned in what others are doing . We concentrate only
on what we do. The people who have viewed us closely will agree with
this too . You have always encouraged me & taken care of me as a guardian.
Bhartiben Rakeshbhai
Gandhi – I was not
certain of whether I should register for 21 Kms or for 42 Kms in last years
Surat Night Marathon . You were the person who told 21 Kms is also good as
being the first time . Had you not told and guided me at that time it would
have been a total disaster as preparation was not there for 42 Kms & I
would have gone totally in depression . The story would have been totally
different .
Kalpeshbhai Jain - The greatest motivator behind the whole otherwise it would
not have been possible . On 28th November 2014 had a very surprising call
from Shri Kalpesh Jain & he straight away told me " Lalit first of all
just do as I say & don't say NO ". I told OK . He told " Today
itself register for the Comrades Marathon " . I told him will I be
able to do it ??? He replied " You Will & will reach here in
just 15 months of starting running long distances . Here I must tell you that Kalpeshbhai himself & Pranavbhai also
had already registered for Comrades 2015 . So after his call I called
Pranavbhai & told him about the talk with Kalpeshbhai that what should I do
? He said that Kalpeshbhai is such a type of person who will never say anything
vaguely so you can .”
Thanks for showing
immense confidence & trust in my ability from the day one itself since I
joined this Surti Runners Group . A lot of Credit to You Sir from showing me
the Right path as I still remember your words that “ You will be the First one
to complete a Comrades in 15 months since start of running long distances . I
know your passion for this sport but your profession does not allow you to take
out time on a regular basis to practice more otherwise till now you would have
done this many times .
Pranavbhai Desai - Our Group Leader of Surti Runners . You were injured
otherwise this journey to Comrades would have been more memorable one with you
too finishing much higher in the same event . You too have been always there in
my journey physically or spiritually since the day I have joined this Surti
Runners Group . I Wish that we go for Comrades 2016 under your leadership .
Nehalbhai Patel – After my practice run at Lonavala on 29th March
2015 with the Mumbai Comrades Runners , my confidence was a bit shattered &
thought that I will not go for Comrades as there is a huge difference in
running on flat roads & running on hills . Probably you can say that was
mentally prepared from not taking part in the Comrades Marathon . You
gave me a call on 30th March & told “ If anyone
can be fit this time to do this it’s you ." We will go for a Run
at Saputara along with Ashishbhai . We ran 37 Kms in all on 26th April
as a practice run in tough conditions but this again helped me in increasing my
confidence level that I can Run on hills too . You had set the Sunnto
Watch for me several times whenever I required the settings to be
changed & guided me. Your formula of drinking 200 ml of Enerzal & 200
ml of Water alternatively after every twenty minutes during any run has just
worked as a magic for me . I would like that all the runners must adopt this .
Just follow as the Doctor says . He is the Best in this Group with his immense
knowledge & deep study of the technicalities when running is
concerned .
My Experience – आप
इन पर आँख बंद कर विश्वास कर सकते हैं |
Ashishbhai Kapadia – He is another Gem of a person who is always ready to
help and that too free of cost for Runners . Whenever I had any injury related
problems you have guided me to come out of it . The Saputara Run which I ran
with you & Nehalbhai demonstrated that if a proper planning is done,
anything can be achieved. You have to train hard as you were running with loads
of weights on your body in the form of the Camel Bag & extra bottles . As
soon as you kept them aside after 35 Kms you were just flying on the uphill
also .
Sushmaben Ashishbhai
Kapadia – You are a
great example that how you support Ashishbhai in whatever he does. When we went
to Saputara you were driving the car whole distance till we ran &
providing us with all the hydration stuffs in between at regular
intervals. To run in open air however hot it might be but to drive a car
& sit in it for hours waiting for us at various intervals is a very very
tough thing to do . I will always salute you for your this courageous
effort.
Sarveshbhai Gupta – My Daily Running Partner , who has always been there
in whichever Personal Milestone I have achieved till now in the Field of
Running since we met on 10th August 2014 . Friend , you have
always encouraged me & my belief has gone from stronger to strongest by the
thoughts & the experience you have been sharing . I am happy that I was
able to give you a Birthday Gift in form of this Run as I had promised &
you also in return gave me the gift by running a Full Marathon that day at
Surat.
I really missed your
company in this years Comrades Run but have a firm belief that you will join me
for the Comrades 2016 .
Satishbhai Gujaran - You helped me getting added me to the Indian
Comrades WhatsApp group. When I came to Lonavala, you guided me with several
tips and shared many things to keep in mind in the run. Even after the Lonavala
run, we were in regular touch. You have guided me as and when required.
Amitbhai Seth and
Neepaben Seth - When I was to
go Lonavala for Comrades practice run, I did not had any arrangements to go
from Mumbai to Lonavala. When I posted this to our WhatsApp group, you invited
me to join with you. It was your gesture which I will always remember life
long. We had lunch at your residence . The experience which you had shared with
me of Comrades marathon that what has to be done and what not, really helped me.
Praveenbhai Giriya - We had planned our journey together from
Mumbai to Durban and return back home. We spent good time together in Durban in
each other's company. You did not make felt alone.
Rajivbhai Sheth – We had been meeting before too at
several marathons but when he took me all the way to Ahmedabad Marathon by Road
then we had a very close time . I discussed with him about going for Comrades
then he had insisted me that I must go. Not only he but Manishaben Sheth had
also taken out time & shared with me the travel plans & stay at Durban
which helped me to finalize my plan .
Amitbhai Jajoo – In all the Marathons I participated last
year maximum plans of stay or travelling you had done for me . As I was new it
became very easy for me and your immense support & encouragement has
brought me to this level. I wish that we do a Comrades 2016 together .
Ronakbhai Shah – Even you are new in the field of running
then also you had done a brave effort in coming & supporting me in my last
days of Comrades training . It is not that the distance you have to travel
together but a psychological advantage we also have that someone is there which
is also a very big thing.
Bimalbhai Desai ,
Pruthulbhai Desai , Jayeshbhai Shah , Hemangbhai Jariwala, Nirajbhai
,Deepakbhai Mundhra, Sureshbhai , Sharadbhai and all who gave me company in the Comrades training runs, and all the other runs since last 15 months.
Abdul Qayyum Babulkhair – He is a very sporting person who has
always been there in the last 15 months with whom I have been sharing each
& every minute details about my running . He has always supported me &
often guided me that what should be done & what should not be. During
our professional work we also discuss about the daily runs too which have been
very helpful . Your motivation is such that you made a team at Dynamic from
which 11 people did Half Marathons this year & 14 people participated in 5
to 10 Kms RUN.
Lessons learnt from
This Event :-
- Never go all alone . Do take your running
buddies with you , as to run this long distance you need a running
partner.
- We must keep several Drop Bags at various
intervals so that we can keep solid food like Theplas , Kaju Katli or
whichever stuff you like etc. of your choice as only dry fruits will take
a lot of toil to regain the energy .
- Always keep the Salt tablets & Pain
Killers with you as you don’t know when you will need them .
- Always keep an Indian Flag with you in your
last Drop Bag as you will need it after the completion of race for a photo
to be clicked. I missed it this time as after all we are representing our
country. Proud to be an Indian .
- In the last drop bag we must keep lot of food
& drinking water too as after completion of a race we just feel very
hungry.
- All our purchases made bills , must be kept in
our purse above so that we can avail the Tax or Vat refund policy
while returning back home from Airport. Why to loose this benefit
too ?
Superbly narrated Lalitji ! While reading it I felt like watching movie ! Proud of you ! Keep it up ! All the very Best for your future plans !
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot Bhagwati Bhabhiji for Your True Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteSuperbly narrated Lalitji ! While reading it I felt like watching movie ! Proud of you ! Keep it up ! All the very Best for your future plans !
ReplyDeleteVery nicely written
ReplyDeleteBut the achievement is much much bigger than what u hv narrated
All the best for the narrations yet to come
Thanks a Lot Priyesh for Your Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteNo words to explain the achievement. Howsoever appreciated will be insufficient to match the landmark obtained.
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot Bhaiji for Your True Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSalute you for your passion for running and all the efforts which have put in to reach such a level
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot Mukund for Your True Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteSimply superb, no words
ReplyDeleteI m sure you believe in " ye dil mange more"
All the best
Thanks a Lot Hasnainbhai for Your True Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteCongratulations. Superb effort. Very well documented.wish you great success in your future runs.
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot JP Gowda Sir for Your True Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteA lot is to be learned from You . Will love to meet you in personal as I know you have loads of experiences about running to share
very inspirational
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot Mr DD for your Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteSuperb, Enjoyed while reading and experience the running while reading this...
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot Maheshbhai for Your Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteI am touched, moved and inspired by your divine experience and am proud and feeling blessed to have you as an inspiration and a friend in my life.
ReplyDeletePlease receive my love❤️ with regard and tons of good wishes for loads of awaited achievements in days, week, months and years to come in your life. 😎👍
Thanks a Lot Kishanbhai for Your Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteSuperb Lalit must had great experience - keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot Prakasshbhai for Your Words of Appreciation ������������
DeleteWow ! Superb, Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteThanks a Lot Mr Kambag for Your Words of Appreciation 🙏🙏🙏😃😃😃
DeleteExcellently narrated. I'm confident that most runners going henceforth for a Comrades Run will re-read this as guidelines. Reading your this blog a was like running the Comrades Run myself.
ReplyDeleteYour this achievement has made us all feel proud of you Chacha. I really hope I soon join you for running someday.
Keep Running. Keep Motivating.
Thanks a Lot Govind for Your Words of Appreciation....... I am waiting with eager for that Historical Day when you will join me for Running ������������
DeleteHeartly congratulations:)
ReplyDeleteWe all are proud of you.. By your motivation I had participated in marathon, though I had knee problem & doctor too said not to run but because of your support I completed my 1st half marathon.. You have encouraged many of us & so we have started our morning run .. Thanks alot for inspiring us may you achieve great success ..stay healthy & blessed..
Heartly congratulations:)
ReplyDeleteWe all are proud of you.. By your motivation I had participated in marathon, though I had knee problem & doctor too said not to run but because of your support I completed my 1st half marathon.. You have encouraged many of us & so we have started our morning run .. Thanks alot for inspiring us may you achieve great success ..stay healthy & blessed..
Heartly congratulations:)
ReplyDeleteWe all are proud of you.. By your motivation I had participated in marathon, though I had knee problem & doctor too said not to run but because of your support I completed my 1st half marathon.. You have encouraged many of us & so we have started our morning run .. Thanks alot for inspiring us may you achieve great success ..stay healthy & blessed..
Congratulations Sir...
ReplyDeleteHighly inspiring and helpful blog for runners. U have provided Precious tips and guidelines.
Thank you so much for writing this blog