Running during the early hours of the day had always fascinated me. Here was my turn – I eagerly grabbed it. With fireworks breaking the lull at Chennai and the chillness outside sending quivers inside my body, I stretched my muscles dancing to the tunes of the Kerala Chenda Meelam – little did my throbbing heart believe that this event was going to be a novel one. I sprang like a frog from water and swiftly sprinted out of the stadium to catch the bus which will help me achieve a sub-2 finish.
Trotting through Southern Chennai:
It is not an opportunity that comes to a Chennaite like me everyday – running inside the city. The fresh and cool breeze was soothing and the tranquility of the city was the best reward to the early morning trotters. The half marathon’s route was a delight – it commenced at Nandanam and went through the thick woods of Anna University and IIT, Madras, touching the scenic Elliots beach, allowing the runners to admire the beautiful sunrise.
Running towards the Besant Nagar Beach:
When I was running towards Besant Nagar, the Sun was yet to swing to action for the day. The fresh and chill breeze coming from the woods of IIT and Anna University energized me – for a moment, I almost forgot that I was racing. What appeased me more was the melody of the birds from the Theosophical society, while I still believed I was running, my mind alone was enjoying the chirping of birds. For a moment I had a dream – if there were no self-propelled machines in the city and everyone was to commute on their foot, I would get to enjoy this melody every day, louder and better as I age gracefully.
After alongside the few left-over patches of city’s jungle, I slipped into the laps of the beautiful beach. The sound of waves, the gloomy clouds, the sun shying away like a bride cheered me up. I quickly moved into a narrow street to take a U-turn to listen to the songs of the sweet little birds.
I realized only when I crossed the Adyar River that I had completed more than 13 kilometers: but for the polluted Adam’s ale, I would have jumped into the river to swim along with fishes, it would have been a biathlon. What difference it would have made for me – I was already in a pool of sweat!
Slowly the Sun came up and thankfully he did not blaze me. The Chameleon-Chennai became a little noisy: but it could not disturb my mind which was into deep meditation and at the most I was able to hear only the pounding of my heart.
Heading to celebrate Running:
Mile marker after mile marker passed and as I crossed them, I rubber-necked at every photographer on my way and said ‘CHEESE’. Every volunteer who stood at the refreshment point, every volunteer who acted as a route marshal, the passer-by who cheered me up and the motorists who realizing my presence, drove cautiously– I am deeply indebted to one and all for making my run possible and safe.
Before long, I was welcomed by the loud beats of the Kerala Chenda Melam. For a moment I thought I should stop running and start dancing: it was then that I reminded myself of the target I had to accomplish. I did not have the wisdom to predict that Bib Bala would be spearheading a ‘Cheer-athon’ inside the stadium. He was bubbling with energy and spirit: may be his 12x12x12 series made him a strong cheer leader. His live and encouraging performance made many sprint inside the ground.
At the finishing line I realized I had two personal bests – first, I had completed my fourth official half marathon and this time with a personal best of 2 hours 1 minute. Second, I had 15 plus good photos taken by my buddies from ‘Jasan Pictures’ during the run which is what in fact made me pen this post.
This was a Half Marathon I will always cherish for the non-repeating route – bringing freshness to my mind. The delicious south Indian break-fast post run – giving happiness to my stomach; the stretches and relaxation to my muscles – rejuvenating my strained muscles; the appealing medal and the goodies kit which I cherish; receiving the finisher medal from the legendary marathoner Mr. Bosco creating memories that will stay with me forever; for the drum beats and the Kerala Chenda Meelam which kindled the energy and spirit in me and for celebrating the ‘Runner’s’ – it was not a “Half-Marathon” but a “Heart-Full Marathon”!
Happy Running,
Durai Murugan