Pietermartizburg to Durban ( 89 km
Down Run )
एक कवि की , एक सुन्दर कविता जिसके अर्थ काफी गहरे हैं........
मैंने हर रोज जमाने को रंग बदलते देखा है , उम्र के साथ जिंदगी को , ढंग
बदलते देखा है !!
वो, जो चलते थे - तो शेर के चलने का , होता था गुमान , उनको भी पाँव
उठाने के लिये सहारे को तरसते देखा है !!
जिनकी नजरों की चमक देख , सहम जाते थे लोग , उन्हीं नजरों को बरसात की तरह , रोते देखा है !!
जिनके हाथों के जरा से इशारे से , टूट जाते थे पत्थर , उन्हीं हाथों को पत्तों की तरह , थर थर काँपते देखा है .. !!
जिनकी आवाज़ से,कभी बिजली के कड़कने का, होता था भरम, उनकेहोठों पर भी जबरन,चुप्पी का ताला लगा देखा है .. !!
ये जवानी , ये ताकत ,ये दौलत ,सब कुदरत की इनायत है , इनके रहते हुएभी इंसान को बेजान हुआ देखा है ... !!
अपने आज पर , इतना ना इतराना मेरे यारों , वक्त की धारा में अच्छेअच्छों को , मजबूर हुआ देखा है .. !!!
कर सको तो किसी को खुश करो , दुःख देते तो हजारों को देखा है |
You all must be surprised that what is my
purpose of sharing the above poetry here ???? But I must tell you that
some creativity resemble the true fact about Life & if we are able to get
the true message from it and also adopt it in our lives then nothing can be
much better then this . My heart felt Thanks to the poet of the poetry above .
Without taking much time of you all would
like to share my experience of My Second Comrades Marathon as people say
that I write very lengthy & in full detail . But my dear friends when the
run itself is of 12 Hours , plus the preparation for
the run , where we have given several hours of training ,
travelling from Surat to Durban , then again travelling to reach the
start point & after the 12 Hours the feeling , so how can I just sumup
in short . Either I should also write one or two paragraphs with vote of
Thanks & complete it . But my purpose of sharing has always been to
inspire people to adopt this beautiful sport called RUNNING .
Running is a sport which I love at it’s best
. Although as many of you know that I had started running long distance
after Surat Night Marathon 2014 ( Half Marathon ) but had never thought that
will be running a Full Marathon so how can I think of running an
Ultra !!!! ( This also I came to know after long time that what is
an ULTRA ? ) But the whole scenario changed or should say that My Life has
changed after running & participating in the Surat Night Marathon ,
2014 .
In our lives if we look back , we see that
when we were child then we had an innocent friend circle , then again it
has been changing from our schooling days, to our college
life , then to our professional lives and till present . Very few
friends continue to remain till the end of our lives or can say from start
to present . If anyone has so I would regard him one of the luckiest person as
having thousands of friends but having the same friend for many years is the
biggest asset . Such is also in the case of our relatives – Relatives
are same but with time the warmth in the relation changes . I don’t know
about you all but it is my personal experience which has taught me to remain
calm in every situation ( or in Hindi we can say “ सम की स्थिति “ ) . If there is
a favorable situation I never get too excited & if it
is not a favorable one then also not too depressed . I always try to live
in present . Whatever happens is for good.
I still remember that after Surat Night
Marathon in February 2014 , when I had focused to run a Full Marathon without any
guidance & was practicing for it then many of my near & dear
ones were continuously telling me to run less as it was
not advisable . The culture of our Surat City at that time was to run
15 or 16 km in practice for a Half Marathon & 32 to 35 km for a Full
Marathon in practice . I was never a very bright student in my schooling days
but as I grew up & entered into my professional life the total concept
& approach towards it changed into a practical one .
I always remember the story of Shri
Vivekanand which I would like to share here . In an exam there
was written, answer any six questions out of the ten questions .
Vivekanandji wrote the answers of all the questions &
wrote “ Check any six ” . Such should be the
confidence in doing any work . It was on 11th July 2014 when I
ran my first Full Marathon in practice , then the second on 13th July
& then again the third on 15th July ( It was all Alone as
at that time I used to run all alone ) . My concept is clear that to
appear for a paper of 100 marks , the preparation should be of 110 to 120
marks so it will be easy to score during your exam .
Such is also in the case of running long
distances or any other thing which we do in our lives. If we start running
21 to 25 km then 21 km becomes easy & for 42 km try running 42 to 45
km . On 16th November 2014 ran my 50 km Run in
practice & in this also was perhaps the first one to do so in Surat ,
in practice . Just like in exams if we prepare for only 80% then for rest
20% we in need of help or just try to reply vaguely , such is also in
case of running as when the preparation is only of 15 to 16 km or 32 to 35 km
then it becomes very tough to cover those last km & gives us a feeling
it to be a herculean task . Many of you with such type of preparation must have
gone through this or should say still facing this type of problem.
I had been running in capris & cotton or
hosiery t-shirts but adopted dry fit t-shirts , shorts after I came to know the
benefits of these while running . I am Thankful to those friends who had given
me the right advice at that time , as before that I had many times faced the
problem of rashes on body . Had I not adopted this then it would have been
nearly impossible to run for such long hours .
I have to share here some glimpses of my finishing
Comrades 2015 as without the glimpses of the last year my
attempting it for the second year in succession , it would be impossible
to carry forward to my this attempt of Comrades 2016 . Still remember one
more episode that I was attending a party before I was to go for Comrades 2015
then a friend of mine introduced to an already known renowned businessman from Surat . When that
friend told him that I was going for a 87 km run the intelligent renowned
businessman told “ आपने अपना Insurance वगैरह तो करवा लिया है ना ? क्या पता आप वहाँ
से वापस आओ या न आओ | “ Although I was going alone but I accepted it as a challenge which helped me to cross the finish
line & when I came back & when we met he Congratulated me & I told
him “ मैं सही सलामत आ गया हूँ और मुझे Insurance की भी ज़रुरत नहीं पड़ी | “ He was in no position to reply back & arrogancy was at it’s best , as nor did he say that ,” He was sorry for whatever he said .” Nothing
can be done as mostly people are like this only & they will never be sorry
for their mistakes . My purpose of
sharing here is , that people will just make fun of whatever you do as they
themselves are not in a position to do so . So never get depressed or
demotivated . Always try to build a fort ( not only house ) from the stones
which people throw at you.
“ यह आप पर है , कि आप मुश्किल हालात में बुरा बनना
चाहते हो
या
उनसे सीखकर मज़बूत होना चाहते हो | ”
From a Half Marathoner to a Full Marathoner, then finishing a Comrades
within 15 months since I started running long distance was really amazing &
unbelievable, and for me it was just like a dream which I had never
dreamt of . For Comrades 2015 Shri Kalpeshbhai Jain had inspired me
to register for it & am indeed Thankful to him as he had shown me a path
which I had never ever thought of !!!! . I must say that I will always be
Thankful to Shri Kalpeshbhai for guiding me to do Comrades . He himself has
been registering for Comrades since last three years but due to some
unavoidable circumstances has not been able to take a start for it . My wish is
that we run Comrades together in the near future & at the earliest .
After I finished last year & came back
there was a felicitation program kept on the farm house of Shri Amitbhai Gajjar
where several runner friends were present . I had shared my experience of
Comrades 2015 . People were very much inspired that when a person like me can
do a Comrades then they too can . I had told one thing repeatedly that don't go
all alone but take along your running buddy with you so that you don't feel
lonely not only during the Comrades RUN but in practice runs , travel &
stay for Comrades .
Last year also I had the greatest opportunity
of having the true guidance of how to Run at Comrades from one of
the greatest Comrades runner from India - Shri Satishbhai Gujaran ( Now 7 times
Comrades Bronze Medalist since last 7 years in succession ) . This year too we
were grateful that we had the opportunity and have trained under his guidance .
He is such a humble person who came all the way from Mumbai to train us &
ran 65 km with us sharing his experience which were very useful for all of us
at Comrades .
Shri Satishbhai Gujaran had already made our
arrangements of a 15 seater Bus which was to take us from Durban Airport to
Hotel , to Start point at Peitermaritzberg & return back to Durban Airport
.
Myself , Sarveshbhai Gupta , Rajivebhai
Valadra, Dhruvbhai Trivedi, Nipunbhai Jindal , Anilbhai Mandviwala , Deepakbhai
Mundra , Sureshbhai Dakhara , Ashishbhai Kapadiya & Rajivbhai Sheth
had practiced together several times for Comrades whether it
was on Flat Road , Flyover Repeats or Dudhani practice runs. So
everyone was familiar with each other’s form , strength &
weaknesses .
Reaching Start Point - Durban
to Pietermaritzburg
We started around 3:00 AM in the
morning from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and had reached therearound 3:50
AM . So we had ample time . The weather was very chilled as expected &
everyone was fully covered with full jacket or plastic covers & had
hand gloves too . Excitement was at it's peak for everyone , as
representing our country in an international event & that too so far for
our country - Again a dream which many of us would never have dreamt of .
Although we all are amateur runners & not professional , who are already
engaged in several other professions in our lives & then also to take out
time for Running , can only be possible by Gods Grace . To participate & be
on the start line of an International Event where more than 20000 runners from
more than 60 countries participate every year since last 91 years
is a big-big thing . I was feeling very-very happy as last
year I was all alone & this year there were in total 16 participants
from our city of Surat – Indeed one of the Proudest Moment for All of us
.
Even back home at Surat , all our well
wishers just to encourage had participated from midnight to 6 AM in
the morning by way of running , cycling , walking etc. according to IST &
send us the good wishes in form of videos & photographs . Such is the
spirit of Surtis . Never have ever heard of such a nice gesture just to motivate
their friends who were miles away from home , made us feel that
whether they were not present with us at that very time physically but were in
spirits . Hats off & a Big Salute to all of them for this, as these
are the precious moments which will remain throughout our lives.
" Time
is the most precious thing in Life which once spent cannot be earned back so we
must always give full respect to those who gives us time as he or she has given
the most precious thing which cannot be earned back .
"
We had a simple plan to maintain a speed of
around 8.5 km per hour so that we would finish it in
about 10:30 hrs . This was a doable task & on which we had
mutually agreed upon. We must always keep some time in hands as if there
are any unavoidable circumstances then we must have ample time to get out of
it. As Ashishbhai is a very fast runner & he was in Group B he had a
plan to run on his own . The Grouping in the Comrades are done according to the
individuals finish time of a Full Marathon which has to be completed within 5
hours then only we can qualify to take part and this is to be qualified every
year. Anilbhai ( G ) , Rajivbhai , Sureshbhai &
Deepakbhai ( H ) were in other groups but
Deepakbhai was lucky enough to sneak through in our Group ( F ) .
Amitbhai Jaju , Preetyben Khurana were also in Group F . As this race is from Gun time to Gun time so
the people think that the runners who are ahead have an advantage but I think
that in a twelve hours race 10 minutes hardly matters but if you are a much
slow runner & you have a bad day then seconds also matter , else we
have to accept this challenge & be prepared for it every time we
participate in Comrades . These are simple rules which every individual
has to follow. We started well & the day before Satishbhai had told to run
slow & easy in first half so were going according to that plan .
I along with Dhruvbhai , Nipunbhai ,
Sarveshbhai , Rajivebhai & Deepakbhai were moving along well in the chilled
weather . One more thing to share here that when we practice in toughest of conditions
then it really becomes very easy & enjoyable when we get the favorable one
. The crowd support is just amazing as usual & it has been the trademark of
this event Since years . The cheering & applauding during the whole route
just keeps us on our toes . People are selfless as they keep on cheering &
applauding . As we were running in the Team India T-shirt the slogan was more
or less common throughout the route by the cheerful people who were waiting for
their friends & relatives or had just come to encourage each & every
participant who crossed them but for us it was " Come on India ,
Well Done , Keep Going . " Once more felt that running in the same T-shirt
not only shows unity amongst us but we are easily traceable in the thousands .
Even the people calling you with your name which is written on your Bib gives a
feel that the person knows you . It is definitely a personalized feel as during
running someone calls you & you immediately turn & see that who was
there !!!!
I had set 12 hourly alarms in my mobile
starting from 5:25 AM then 6:30 AM , 7:30
AM & then accordingly till 5:30 PM to make it easy to be
updated that this much time is completed . I had started my watch &
sports tracker app 5 minutes in advance that is instead of 5:30 AM it was
started at 5:25 AM just to keep ahead of the cut-off time & maintain a
constant speed .
" Don’t watch the clock ; Do what
it does. Just Keep Going . "
Last year I was totally unaware & let me
tell you all one more thing that I was about to miss the gate of 70.7 km at
LION PARK by a whisker . Cut-off time
was 9:30:00 hrs & I crossed this gate in 9:29:49 hrs luckily just by 11 seconds before the
cut-off time last year . This I found
out when I was comparing my 2015 & 2016 run . I had also kept the sheet of all
cut-off on my mobile screen as favourites so it can be easily accessible .
A Goal without a Plan is just a Wish
The first hour was very good as we had easily
completed around 8.5 km in 1:01:27 hours & were approaching towards Polly
Shortts . Enjoying each other's company we all were moving ahead. As there were
more than 14000 runners running together it was looking as if there was a sea
of people all around . When we used to see from bottom to top then from top to
bottom it was all the same . We were to make way from this sea of runners but
there was nothing to worry about as we knew that this will spread up after some
time as the day progresses everyone will move ahead at his or her pace .
कोहरे से एक अच्छी बात सीखने को मिली ,
कि जब जीवन में कोई रास्ता न दिखाई दे रहा हो तो बहुत दूर तक
देखने की कोशिश व्यर्थ है,धीरे-धीरे एक-एक कदम चलते चलो रास्ता खुल जायेगा |
CUT-OFF NO. : 01 ( LION PARK – 16.52 km)
As we were moving ahead we met an Indian
couple whom Nipunbhai had met a day before & they too were very excited to
meet us . It really gives a proud feeling when you meet your fellow countrymen
in another country . After sometime Pranavbhai came running from the Group H .
He was moving very fast & at a very good pace. We all greeted each other
& he moved ahead . We were not in a hurry & were following the plan to
conserve energy for the second half. We were not able to trace Dhruvbhai &
Nipunbhai as they also had moved forward. So from the team of six we were four
now . Then suddenly after sometime we saw that Deepakbhai was also not with us.
Now we were reduced to a team of three. Rajivbhai Sheth also came from behind
& we started running together . It was a pleasant surprise to see Rajivbhai
at that time & it gave a very good feeling . We were nearing our First
Cut-off at Lion Park of 2:40:00 hrs & the time of the day 8:10 AM . We
crossed this in 02:02:07 hrs at 7:31:18 AM so we were ahead here by 0:38:42
minutes. Here now the average speed had dropped to 8.2 km per hour but energy
level was on a high. As the atmosphere was chilled so I thought to continue
just like that & had drank very less water . I felt later that this was a
blunder mistake as it has nothing to do with weather & we must keep
ourselves hydrated . Never be overconfident.
We had completed first 21 km in 2:30:42 hrs
which was perfect & we were bang on target . Rajivbhai Sheth had moved
ahead . Now again we were a team of three . Suddenly Sarveshbhai started
limping as he had pain in his calf then we stopped & he did some stretching
& then again we started running . In Comrades or in general it is a principle
that no one stops for anyone but how can we leave our friend in such a
situation & move ahead .
“ दरिया “ बनकर किसी को डुबाना बहुत आसान है , मगर “ ज़रिया “ बनकर किसी को बचायें तो कोई बात बने
Now the weather was also changing from
Chilled to a bit hot in the sunlight .
We had already started to feel that from now onwards we will have to fight
ourselves out in this sunlight too . Here as several other runners I too gave
my beloved jacket ( Need to say this , as had ran several kilometer wearing
this in rainy season ) gave to a child sitting besides the road who was
collecting from others too . I gave my hand gloves also to him & saw a
smile on his face & I too replied with a smile . “ Smile is the best
language to communicate in this world & it costs nothing . “ As was moving ahead with rising temperature
one more thought came in my mind –
“ जिस सूरज का सर्दियों में इन्तजार होता है , उसी सूरज का
गर्मियों में तिरस्कार होता है | “ आपकी कीमत तब होगी , जब आपकी ज़रूरत होगी |
संसार ज़रूरत के नियम पर चलता है |
There is nothing Down in what is said to be
the Down Run as the time from when we had started it was all up & down .
The thing which goes up , is to come down - a straight forward message for our
lives too. Else we can say that it
taught us :-
जीवन उतार-चढ़ाव से भरा है ,
इसकी आदत बना
लो
As the weather was still pleasant & so I was moving ahead
in confidence that everything is fine & there was a feeling that there is
no need to drink much water as I wasn’t feeling so thirsty . This thought of mine was going to be very
suicidal in the later stage & I was totally unaware of it . In practice
also I generally drink 2 litres of water in running 21 km whether I feel
thirsty or not but as we were coming by practicing in very hot & humid conditions my thought was that it was not required here.
But never do this & always follow the same regime which you had done in all
your practice runs. No new trials on the Race Day .
CUT-OFF NO. : 02 ( CATO RIDGE – 31.55 km )
We were nearing the second cut-off &
crossed it in 3:53:53 hrs . The final cut-off time for this cut-off was 4:30:00
hrs so we were 0:37:07 minutes ahead . One thing is good for me as once the
body gets set at a particular speed then it keeps on moving at it constantly or
you can also say that there is a cruze control system . Like the last cut-off
here also the same average speed of 8.12 km was maintained. So running at the same speed for nearly FOUR
hours was a good sign .
As from here , we had reached Harrison Flats
, as it is said but there is nothing Flat here but the name gives us a good psychological
feeling that atleast we will get some Flat surface to run at , where there will
be no up & down . Comrades is all about the up & down going roads , the
rolling hills & if we expect that here we will get some flat surface to
run at , then forget it , as due to this only it is considered as – The
Ultimate Human Race .
I along with Sarveshbhai & Rajivebhai was
moving ahead maintaining the constant speed but as planned to run at 8.5 km
Sarveshbhai being a fast runner was feeling a bit uneasy to run at this speed
so after some time he moved ahead . As we are running in the sea of thousands
of runners so once we miss the sight of a co-runner then it is nearly
impossible to catch him . So from a starting Group of 5 we were now left with 2
only .
I was going well in the company of Rajivebhai
with whom I have ran my maximum km in professional events or in practice. We
both were moving ahead smoothly in each others company . As we crossed the
37 km mark I remembered that last year on this very mark I had got cramps in
both my legs . Now I was feeling
very happy & was confident that as I had practiced a lot this year so the
things will be smooth this time . But I was wrong as this was not to be. After
37 km crossed 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 & 42 km mark but as it is said that Law of
Attraction prevails so again was in the similar position just like last year
Comrades . Perhaps “ COMRADES “ and “ CRAMPS “ have some “ CONNECTION
“ with me . As since running more than 9000 km of “
INJURY FREE RUNNING “ twice had “ CRAMPS “ & both time at “ COMRADES
“!!!!!!! .
“अंततः सब अच्छा होगा, यदि अच्छा न हो तो भी यह
अंत नहीं है |
I told Rajivebhai it’s a long time &
Anilbhai has not crossed us yet , it means he is still behind . It was just a thought in my mind which I
shared . Then we stopped at the nearest medical station for getting bandage
done on both my legs . Here also I remembered Shri Dilipbhai Patil who had
guided me last year to get it bandaged when I had cramps last year . Again a
big Thanks to him as today also I was in the same situation & his idea was
working for me.
As I was getting my bandage done then
suddenly saw Anilbhai coming . Here the situation was just as if we
are having a dinner & suddenly a friend comes then what we will say “
Come have it “ It was just like that . Anilbhai was also having the same
problem & I told him you also get the bandage done . Time was running
out. The time bound run is always like that & we get very less chance
to relax & we have to keep on moving.
After this we again started running but I
told Rajivebhai to move ahead as still there was a chance to complete it
in sub 11:00:00 hrs. . I told him you go
I will come along with Anilbhai . So he moved ahead .
As we again started running after getting
bandaged we both were finding it a bit difficult to RUN . We both were in
deep pain but Anilbhai was in severe pain as he told , " Perhaps they have
bandaged it very tight " . But due to last years experience I knew it will
settle down slowly so I replied " Don't worry it will be ok after
sometime " . As like last year we had kept the pain-killer medicine
which I always keep it with me but rarely do I take . So here we both had
Combiflam to release the pain. Then from here on, we started running again. Anilbhai was in
severe pain & he told that he had been struggling after 31 km & was
remembering me , that perhaps he can catch along with us. But as he is also a
very good runner & in the month of December 2015 he had finished the New
Delhi Half Marathon in 1:47:00 hrs. So I knew his capacity as a runner so I
tried to push him that you can still go for Bronze just try & I will follow
you but he replied “ Sir , I just want to finish but you can move ahead &
give a try for Bronze. I will come along you just move forward .“ But I told
him “ No way . I cannot go ahead by leaving you in this situation . “
दुनिया की सबसे सस्ती चीज़ है “ सलाह “ , एक से माँगो हजारों से मिलती है और सबसे महँगा है “ सहयोग “हजारों से माँगो एक से मिलता है |
I knew what it feels to be all alone in this
type of situation . I have a simple theory about life that is
“ Sharing is Caring “
So in my day to day life also I try to share
whatever experience I have gained from running so that people don’t have to go
through the pains from which I have gone . It will make life easier for them .
In Hindi I would like to say “ जिस दर्द से मैं गुज़रा हूँ , मैं नहीं चाहता कि उस दर्द से
कोई और गुज़रे “ . So I honestly share with everyone , whatever
little bit knowledge I have known about running .
In this type of situation the focus has to be
diverted otherwise the focus just moves towards the pain only & we just
think about Pain & Pain only. Anilbhai is an experienced runner who has
trained more than 500 runners from the city of Surat but has only done a single
Full Marathon at Mumbai & one Ultra
Marathon of 54 km at Dudhani this year in January & February but has
sincerely practiced with us long runs of 50 to 60 km . So divert his attention
from pain I told him that as we cannot get the Bronze so let’s enjoy this event
at it’s best . He too agreed upon this with a big smile on his face.
CUT-OFF NO. : 03 ( DRUMMOND – 45.57 km )
We had reached the Half Way Mark at Drummond
in 5:51:12 hrs for which the final cut-off time was 6:00:00 hrs so we were now
merely 0:08:48 minutes ahead at this cut-off . But I was very much sure &
confident that we will be ahead at every cut-off as was monitoring it
continuously . As now the total theory had changed & we were just enjoying
this race in each others company . Seeing him in deep pain , I really forgot my
pain which I told
him after some time & remembered the lines of a bollywood hit song from a
very old movie , sung by the great Mukeshji :-
किसी की मुस्कुराहटों पे हो
निसार
,किसी का दर्द मिल सके तो ले उधार
किसी के वासते हो तेरे दिल में प्यार , जीना इसी का नाम है |
माना अपनी जेब से फ़कीर हैं , फिर भी यारों दिल के हम अमीर हैं
मिटे जो प्यार के लिए वो ज़िन्दगी , जले बहार के लिए वो ज़िन्दगी
किसी को हो ना हो हमें तो ऐतबार , जीना इसी का नाम है |
रिश्ता दिल से दिल के ऐतबार का , जिंदा है हमीं से नाम प्यार का
के मर के भी किसी को याद आयेंगे , किसी के आंसुओं में मुस्कुराएंगे
कहेगा फूल हर कली से बार-बार , जीना इसी का नाम है |
We were nearing the " Aurthur Seat
" at Outer West Durban - Drummond . The same Aurthur Baba which
saved me last year & all the runners have full respect as pay homage at
this very spot . I have faith that there is some magic here , as last year It
was from " Nowhere " to have crossed the Finishline is due to some
Blessings of this " Saint Aurthur " . I told Anilbhai let's get
a photo clicked here . We had clicked individual photos & selfie here .
Time was running & we were already lagging behind but wanted to make this
run a memorable one so wouldn't have left this opportunity of being
together & that too with a friend , as during a
Comrades Run - which I had missed last year . Photos are the only
thing which keeps you remind the whole story of that time whenever we see it in
future & it definitely gives a smile on our faces when we remember it
.
" One more thing - Person in
the Photograph may Change but the Photo Never Changes .
"
From here onwards we had to stop at every water or aid station in search of
Pain Relief Spray as Anilbhai was still in deep pain . He was repeatedly
telling me to move ahead but in this type of situation if you get someone with
you then the job becomes much easier . For any Marathon my theory is clear in
this too , which I had shared many times before that there are only two type of
finishers – Podium Finishers & Finishers but as here we were trying for
Bronze in sub 11:00:00 hrs & that chapter was closed , so even if we finish
in 11:59:59 hrs then also we are going to remain a finisher only.
We were drinking water & coke alternately
at every stations to keep ourselves hydrated . The blunder mistake which I did
by not drinking much water in the beginning of this race resulted in having
cramps but as everything happens for good so had I not got cramps I would not
have been able to see a true fighter named “ Anilbhai Mandviwala “ who was just
continuing on his self belief & firm determination to finish the race
against all odds .
One more lesson learnt here , that we must
always keep bottles of Pain Reliever Spray with us during the run as who knows
when we might need them . As spray was not available at every Aid Station . At
one place where a group of people were sitting in their private tent waiting
for their loved ones we requested them to give the spray . I told the lady “
Please Mam can you help us with it as My Friend is in deep pain .” She was kind
enough & helped even though she was at a shortage at it and was waiting for
her husband who was coming from behind. Thanks to that lady for providing with
the assistance at that very moment.
Last time I had completed the Full Race on
Fig & Almonds plus Coke but this time we had Chikki , Fig, Roasted Almonds
& Cashew , Dates , Mango Toffees as a variety tied in our waist pouch but
were not finding it much tasty at that moment then also were having them from
time to time to keep ourselves energized. We were also taking Salt tablets from
time to time . Anilbhai was looking like a cute child at this very moment as he
told “ सर बहुत देर हो गयी है | क्या करें
एक salt tablet ले लेवें “ after sometime he used to say “ सर बहुत देर हो गयी है | क्या करें एक combiflam ले लेवें | “ I too always
agreed & took with him like a true
companion .
I was trying to stay behind him as it becomes
easier & here also it is psychological that someone is coming behind or the
person who is running ahead has to keep on running by considering himself a
leader . But the understanding was such that wherever we used to stop we
stopped together & then run also together . Even during the Loo Breaks too
we used to do the same thing .
We were enjoying every moment of the race .
We were at Kloof where we saw the person dressed in Batman & other various
character so we took a selfie with them too . Then we took selfies with the
beautiful dancers over there . These are the moments but you have to be
confident enough that even after spending so much of time for bandaging , walk
run strategy , stopping at every station then also you will cross the finish
line in time . As I told you that everything we were monitoring regularly &
moving ahead accordingly.
CUT-OFF NO. : 04 ( WINSTON PARK – 59.04 km )
We crossed this in 7:43:46 hrs where the
final cut-off time was 8:00:00 hrs means now we were 0:16:14 minutes ahead at
this stage . So even after so many stoppages our running speed was good &
we had covered time to increase the gap from cut-off time. Now the Sun was at
it’s best here so the temperature has risen & it was totally reverse of
what it was when the run had started .
We were now pouring water on our head to keep the body temperature down.
Just as I stopped at a water station then saw
Shyambhai Latha a runner friend from from Mumbai moving ahead &
this was his third attempt to finish a Comrades since last three years .
I went running to him & told him “
Come on Shyambhai , Let’s go “ but he was very surprised to see me there at
that very stage . He asked me “ How come you are here ? “ I told him “ Just
like that & the situation is same like previous year . “ Then I again told
him “ Let’s go “ but he replied “ You move ahead . I will catch up .“ Here
again I did a mistake as would have forcefully took him with me then it would
have been better but as Anilbhai had moved ahead & I had to be with him so
I only requested Shyambhai . Had I applied a little push then the story would
have been totally different for him . Later I came to know he missed this time
too . I am extremely Sorry Shyambhai .
As we were moving from here onwards we were
in anticipation that there will be down now & we had preserved a lot of
energy by the way of walk run strategy that even after completing 68 km we were
running at a speed of 12 to 12.4 km with bandages on both our legs . See what a
good company does. Thank You Anilbhai as I was just following you.
CUT-OFF NO. : 05 ( PINETOWN – 70.58 km )
This Cut-off we crossed in 9:10:35 hrs for
which the final cut-off time was 9:30:00 hrs so here also we were 0:19:25
minutes ahead of the cut-off time . The people were cheering & applauding
from both sides of the road . Even the small children were there , some were
serving wafer biscuits . We both had one & as a change it felt as if we had
one of the best food at that very time . The crowd support here is awesome
& this stage of the race definitely the cheering & applauding carries
usto a new level. Hats off to the people who have been standing throughout the
day just to cheer each & every runner passing through and whether they know
them or not.
As we were running then Anilbhai suddenly saw
two familiar faces going together . They were Rahulbhai Kedia & Poojaben
Singh from Surat. They run regularly together & are very good runners . As
we neared them & said “ Hello, Good
Going “ then suddenly Poojaben said “ ललितभाई हो जाएगा ना ? “ I replied “ Definitely , हो जाएगा | अभी अपने पास बहुत time है | १७ किलोमीटर बाकी
हैं और अपने पास ढाई घंटे हैं | आराम से हो जाएगा & then I told Rahulbhai that “ इनको हर water station पर रुक कर coke पिलाना
जिससे इनका energy लेवल बढ़ जाएगा | “
“ Sometimes mind plays very differently &
even the strongest of person feels that perhaps this cannot be done . As again
she said “ आप करवा दोगे ना “ I said “ हाँ ठीक है , चलिए साथ में ही दौड़ते हैं ”
But this was not to be , as again Anilbhai got a severe
cramp & literally he was not able to
walk even , at that stage . So from there they both told “ हम आगे जा रहे हैं “ . We said “ ठीक है आगे
मिलते हैं “ | Then again
Anilbhai did some stretching & we started walking slowly . After a few
minutes through his will power he again
started running & I was besides him . We both had crossed this cut-off
together in same time by touching the timing matt together . Seeing his position now I was in no way to
leave him ahead or back so thought that will have to be with him only. Strategy was simple . As he used to start
running , I used to do so & when he used to walk , I too .
Then after sometime we found one more familiar face cheering & applauding the Indian runners - Dereck Shereeen Mahdoo , who stays in Durban & Satishbhai always stays at their house and Mr Dereck is the Guru of our Guru Satishbhai Gujaran . She asked , " Do you need something ? " I told " Yes ,I need Water " Then she gave me a water bottle & we moved ahead . Thank a Lot " Shereen " as you had come to the Airport to receive us when we landed in Durban & then again you were here during the run . Meeting a known face during a Run definitely increases our energy level & boosts our confidence too .
CUT-OFF NO. : 06 ( SHERWOOD – 82.67 km )
We crossed this tricky cut-off in 10:53:13
hrs where the final cut-off time was 11:10:00 hrs , so we were 00:16:47 minutes
ahead here . I am saying this tricky as many miss out this cut-off after
running for more than 11:00:00 hrs. As we were approaching towards the Finish
Point & the Final Cut-off , again we
were able to see a huge sea of runners all around . As the finishing ratio is
maximum in 11:30 to 11:59 hours but again we had to make the way from this .
Here also there were Flyovers to be tackled . There was a gap of 1.5 km between
what our watch showed and what the indicator board showed . But when we move a
bit here & there to make way then our distance increases . Practically
thinking we had 1:06:47 hours to cover the last 7 km . On any other given day
it hardly would have taken only around 40 minutes to do so . But we both had never thought that we are
running out of time or it will be neck to neck . Then again we saw Poojaben
& Rahulbhai . As we crossed them Poojaben again told “ हो जाएगा ना !!! अभी भी चार किलोमीटर बाकी हैं
“ I replied “ आराम से हो जाएगा | अपने पास time भी बहुत है |
रुको मत .... दौड़ते रहो | “ They had held their nerves in this situation so were
nearing to be part of a historic moment in ones life .
Practice on tired legs definitely pays in
this type of situation as I was running with Anilbhai at a speed of 10.4 km at 88 km whereas we were
seeing people who were struggling to even walk . This too was in darkness and under the street
lights of Durban . I was Thanking God that for this Comrades I got a friend for
Life in the form of Anilbhai Mandviwala . His “ Never Say Die Attitude “ has
taught me to be the strong in the toughest
of situations. People only admire the one who completed at the top but
who completes in total adverse situations has to be applauded more.
CUT-OFF NO. : 07 ( DURBAN – 89.13 km )
Now we had entered the Sahara Kingsmead
Stadium & were searching for our friends in the stands & as discussed
earlier that Manishaben Sheth will be with the Indian Flag & she would be
handing the Flag to each one of us , so
that everyone crosses the finish line with an Indian Flag in hand but this was
not to be.
This was only my second international event
representing India and for Anilbhai it was a Maiden one . Now the excitement
was at it’s best & it was giving a true feeling of achieving something
extraordinary in totally adverse situation & that too with energy level at
it’s best . The cheering & the clapping of the public from the stands made
it more emotional . We both crossed the finish line with hand in hand and
surprisingly our time & rankings were the same by finishing it in 11:48:18
hours , perhaps the almighty also wished that this Lifetime Memorable Moment
where we both had not planned in advance but it was destined to be & as we
ran together with each other so there was not a fraction of a difference in
timings too. Truly unbelievable .
After we had finished we were welcomed by
runner friends from Mumbai who were waiting for their friends who were coming
from behind . Kashyapbhai Modi with Avinshabhai Chandak etc. were waiting . We
Congratulated each other& then they handed us the Indian Flag which they
had & told us to get a photograph clicked with it. It was an awesome
feeling . My last year Comrades Finishing partner Vivekbhai Singhal was also
present there . I got a photograph clicked with him too . Then we moved on to
receive our Medals .
Rahulbhai & Poojaben also finished in
11:50:07 hrs. We Congratulated each other .
Indeed it was a superb performance from both of them too . As they both
are very good runners & are mentors to many in Surat so this performance of
their will inspire many to do Comrades in future .
After receiving our medals we moved on to the
International Tent . We got to know that Sureshbhai & Dipakbhai had to
quit at various cut-off’s & gone
back to the Hotel where we were staying. It indeed was a very sad feeling but
it can happen to anyone . It all depends on a particular day . I never used to
believe in this , but seeing at today’s performances have to be ready for any
type of situation. We Congratulated each other & were extremely happy but a
thing really pinched me & will continuously pinch me till Sureshbhai &
Dipakbhai finish a Comrades as I was in no position to help them . They also
had registered because of me. I would like to say to both of them “ I am
Extremely Sorry ,that I was not with you
, when you both needed the most .“
This will not be complete if I don't Thank
all the people who are behind me as just because of the good wishes &
blessings are the main source behind all this , then only I am able to achieve
any target at ease . In no chronological order :-
1. My Parents - Had you not brought me
up in a healthier way & also directed me to live a disciplined healthy lifestyle
this would have been totally impossible to have achieved at this age . An age
when most people like to play safe . I am Thankful to My Brothers ,
Sisters, Nephews , Niece & All My Family Members who have always
appreciated & applauded all My Achievements .
2. My Wife & My Children - First
of all my wife adopted & started running just for me after I suddenly
announced ( Without discussing with her ) at the felicitation program of my
Successfully finishing Comrades 2015 that she will run a Half Marathon at
Hyderabad in August 2015 . Since then she participated & completed 6
Official Half Marathons in 7 months of running .
My Children have also been a powerful force
as whenever we have been out of Surat for Marathon they have adjusted
accordingly & even during the weekends or week days they have always made
me stronger & not weak by adjusting here too .
3. Mrs & Mr Rakeshbhai Gandhi -
You are an excellent gift provided to me by God who has always shown me to be
on the right path & just to follow the dreams . You may not be in the
picture but your unconditional support has made me reach & achieve any
target . I feel proud in saying that even the closest of blood relation would
not have made me so comfortable as you do .
4. Satishbhai Gujaran - I really feel
short of words to express my feelings for you as even after achieving so much
in Life you are so humble - A lesson to be learnt . Always helpful in whichever
& whatever way you can to promote Running . Respected Sir , people will
remember till ages , your 284 km run from Mumbai to Surat last year in
September 2015 in three days . Your humbleness is always at the best as
after finishing in 9:55 hours you had waited for everyone just to welcome &
congratulate everyone.
“ आप
दूसरों को वो जो चाहें उसे पाने में मदद करते हो तो आपको भी
अपने जीवन में जो आप चाहेंगे वह आपको मिलेगा | ”
5. Ashishbhai Kapadiya - Another gem
of a person whom was able to meet only due to running . My single call to you
to register for Comrades & you registered and came along with us . You are
a master in whatever you do . This was your First International Event but as
usual you came out with flying colors as expected in totally adverse
& tough situation on that day. Wishing you All the Best for many more
future International Events .
“ हर व्यक्ति में आप कुछ विशेष पायेंगे , यदि उसे पढ़ना आप जान जायें तो | ”
6. Dhruvbhai Trivedi - You were the
youngest of all 16 participants from Surat . For you I have only to say
" At FIRST they will ask YOU Why you are doing it but later
they will ask you how you did it . " Never have seen such a devoted person
, who used to come half an hour early & then start early whenever we had
plan to run together . It was all your hardwork which has brought you
till here from 10 km to 90 km in just 13 months . Have Thanked you many times
& will like to Thank again & again that you had full faith in me and
whenever I had told you anything you have followed it blindly. You have got a
very bright future to not only inspire the people of Surat only but indeed
world wide . After Completion we met in the International Tent & You told
me that you have finished it in 10:45 hrs , I felt that as if I have
achieved it . I have known you as a person too & I know you won't be
carried away but would only like to say that always remember :-
" पतंग और ज़िन्दगी में एक समानता है कि जब तक
दोनों
ऊँचाईयों पर होती है चारों तरफ से वाह-वाह होती रहती है | "
7. Rajivbhai Sheth - A master of
maximum number of Half Marathons from the city of Surat who started running 42
km since last 6 months & turned into an ultra distance runner & now a
strong Comrades Finisher . Yours was an extraordinary superlative
performance with one of the strongest finish which proved that age is just a
number . My Best Wishes are always with you, so Just keep going &
doing further international events to inspire more & more people .
" अपनी शक्ति पर भरोसा करनेवाला कभी
असफल नहीं होता |
"
8. Nipunbhai Jindal - A true friend
who likes to share honestly as you were also the one out us who had attended
the Brude Foyce bus tour of the Comrades tour & shared with us the entire
route map which helped us . You had told us to keep patience till first 65 km
& enjoy the complete down hill run after that . Atleast I planned &
enjoyed the downhill in the company of Anilbhai by running at a speed of 12.5
km even after running 68 km . Even after having severe ITB problem after 30 km
you just continued & finished it by running on the uphill & walking in
downhill . As you yourself are a doctor you knew how to tackle this thus
proving
" If you quit once it becomes a
habit . NEVER QUIT . " but am sure if I would have been in such a
situation then would have to return back from there .
" हम हवा का रुख तो नहीं बदल सकते
लेकिन उसके अनुसार
अपनी नौका के पाल की दिशा ज़रूर बदल
सकते हैं |
"
9. Sarveshbhai Gupta - I really missed
your company in the last years Comrades & had wished that we would finish
together but am extremely sorry that I was not able to match &
maintain your speed . No regrets but had you & Rajivebhai would have
finished within 10:59:59 hrs then it would have given me immense
satisfaction.
You too are an honest person as you had told
me when we met after completion , that if you had completed
in 11:33 hours how come we are going to reach
before 12:00 hours cut off . I am Thankful to you too that you
registered & we had spend the best of time together . Wishing you all the
Best for your future events .
“ खुद को
बेहतर बनाने की या सुधारने की प्रक्रिया तेज़ नहीं हो सकती ,
इसमें प्रयास , समय के साथ-साथ धैर्य की भी आवश्यकता होती है | ”
10. Rajivebhai Valadra - A person with
whom I have ran the maximum distance out of the 9000 km I have ran till
Comrades . Thank You that you too registered & crossed the finish line at
ease . Yes , we were together till 42 km
mark & I had told you to move ahead & you moved on . With you I have
ran the maximum number of kilometers & would have loved to cross the finish
line together but this time perhaps this was not to be . Hoping that everything
goes fine & we cross the finishing line at Comrades together in future .
“ किसी की सलाह से रास्ते ज़रूर मिलते
हैं , पर मंजिल तो खुद की मेहनत से ही मिलती है | ”
11. Anilbhai Mandviwala – You are one such person whom I will like to
admire rest of my Life. Being a mentor to more than 500 runners from Surat , I knew people will be tracking you minutely
& minute by minute . As after we came back one of the runner told me “ और किसी का Comrades होता या नहीं होता लेकिन
Anilbhai का होना ज़रूरी था | “ This says it all , that how much people love
you & admire you . Had it been in my hands I would have awarded you with an
extra medal for this extraordinary
performance . Although people might be saying that I was with you than you were
able to cross the finish line but instead I would like to confess here that due
to your presence it made me more comfortable & easier to cross the finish
line . I truly enjoyed this run with you & till date is one of the best
runs which I have ran . Indeed I was lucky enough to found a Running partner
who both were sailing in the same boat with bandages on , taking the pain
killers , salt tablets together at regular intervals as if some shares
cigarette or a drink by saying “ Cheers “ . Thank You My Dear Friend for trusting me &
registering for Comrades on my single say. This Comrades 2016 , many who know
us both will remember for your performance . Not only I but more people will
admire you for this achievement of yours. For you I have only to say this :-
ज़िन्दगी एक पल है , जिसमें आज है ना कल है , जी लो इसको इस तरह कि जो भी आपसे
मिले वो यही कहे , बस यही उसकी ज़िन्दगी का सबसे हसीन
पल है |
A Grand Salute to the Two Unsung Heroes who
knew what the result would be because of their injury , then also they attempted Comrades & for that you need a Very Big
Heart :-
12. Deepakbhai Mundra – You too had
come with an injury but had it been your day then the result would have been
totally different . You missed the cut-off by a few minutes . Perhaps it was not
Your Day & you again got hit on the same spot where you already had injury
thus making it difficult for you to carry on but completing 72 km in this type
of situation is also a Superb Achievement . I know you too are a strong
character so you will come back next time more strongly . My good wishes are
always with you .
ज़िन्दगी कभी मुश्किल तो कभी आसान होती है , आँखों पर नमी होठों पर मुस्कान होती
है ,
न भूलना अपनी मुस्कराहट को ,
इससे ही हर
मुश्किल आसान होती है |
13. Sureshbhai Dakhara – A person of
strong character . As you were injured then also you had the courage to come
all the way from Surat . You were familiar with the result but then also you
accepted it as a challenge. Your ever smiling face & your nature of making
everyone laugh with the way you pass the little sayings in Gujarati but the
best was welcoming us all with a smiling face & embracing each &
everyone of us with loads of Congratulations , says it all . I honestly say
that had I been in your situation then would have been totally depressed but as
you have shown me by way of this extraordinary example , I too will try to
follow your footsteps . You have proved the lines of the writer which totally
fits you & I feel perhaps he must have written by keeping you in mind :-
हम हवा नहीं जो खो जायेंगे , वक्त नहीं जो गुज़र जायेंगे ,
हम मौसम नहीं जो बदल जायेंगे , हम तो आँसू हैं जो ख़ुशी और गम दोनों
में साथ निभायेंगे |
I wish that whenever we do Comrades next time
we will come with more strength , power & preparations . Wishing you All
the Best for Future Runs .
14. All the Members of Run for Unity ,
Speed Racers & All Other Participants
who participated in the Night Run Wishing us Good Luck – The
Best wishes of you all in presence , in
the Good Wishes Book , when you all came to the Railway Station when we were
going to Durban & when we returned back from Durban has helped us to
complete this run successfully . It is just about unconditional bonding which we all share .
Thanking You All without naming anyone in particular from the bottom of My
Heart .
15. My Dynamic Family Members – Each &
every member here , has played a very supportive role in all my achievements as
their good wishes have been always with me . They have always watched very
closely both my Comrades Run & have always appreciated all my achievements .
Indeed I am Thankful to all of them too .
“ ज़िन्दगी का अहम् फलसफा यह है कि यह पता लगाना
बहुत मुश्किल है कि हमारे जीवन के कुएँ में सफलता का जो पानी आता है , वह आता कहाँ–कहाँ
से है | किसी भी काम के होने में , किसी भी बात के बनने में और कोई भी सफलता हासिल होने में न जाने कितने
छोटे-बड़े , जाने-अनजाने और अपने-परायों का
हाथ होता है | ”
Last but not the least , always remember
which someone has very rightly said that :-
ज़िन्दगी में कितने भी आगे निकल
जायें ,
फिर भी
सैंकड़ों लोगों से पीछे रहेंगे | ज़िन्दगी में कितने भी पीछे रह जायें , फिर भी सैंकड़ों लोगों से आगे होंगे | अपनी जगह का लुत्फ़ उठायें
, आगे-पीछे तो दुनिया में चलता रहेगा |
Thank You All Once again for going through My
Very-Very Long Journey of Comrades 2016 & If You like it do share it who
knows you might be helping someone to adopt RUNNING to LIVE a HEALTHY LIFE or
someone might set a vision to do COMRADES
