Hyderabad Marathon is a special event in my brief running career because I ran my first official half marathon in 2012 at this place and from then on I slowly trained myself and graduated to run full marathons.

The early morning chillness on the race day, the gloomy clouds, the energy which was out bursting from my fellow runners, the pleasing weather and the magnificent arrangements made by the race organizers – I was completely lost in all these for me to even think about the distance and the difficult terrain ahead.

I stood humble among the running stalwarts of India. There was Ram Singh who ran in the London Olympics and other elite runners who had represented India in various arenas. There were ultra runners who could run 100 kms at a stretch and barefoot runner’s who wanted to stay connected with nature. Probably, marathon is the only sport where an amateur like me would get the privilege to line up with an Olympian and running stalwarts without any ‘pick and choose’. I was more than elated to share the line up with the running legends of our country.

My Strategy is NO Strategy at All:

There were various buses promising 4.30 hours; 5.00 hours and 5.30 hours finishing times and runners were talking about ‘negative’ and ‘straight’ split timings, run-walk-run strategy. Some were curious to break their personal best timings and for few like me who did not believe in all these strategies, ‘completion itself called for celebration’.

The early morning silence, the chillness in the breeze, the high energy levels of runners, my meditative mind, pleasantness in my heart, the paining muscles, the sweating body, the love and affection of the volunteers and the comradeship exhibited by the fellow runners were SUPREME for me and I thoroughly enjoyed all these feelings in this 42.2 kms course. My solitary runs at Marina beach has taught me that I am blissful when I am alone on the road.

Clean, Green and Cloudy Hyderabad:

The tag line for the event “celebrate Hyderabad” lived up to its reputation. The roads were neatly maintained and there weren’t much of filth or smell in the course. The loop around the Hussain Sagar Lake was a pleasure to run in the early morning hours. I could not stop myself from falling in love with the fresh breeze rubbing the water and soothing my body. My sweating body was thanking the chill breeze every time when it gently rubbed me – may be my body was in deep love with it.

Hills, Flyovers, Roads, Highways, Streets, Schools and University:

The running route was cleverly stitched to connect flyovers to the hills; it passed across busy streets, empty highways and went through schools and university. It was a delight to see ocean of runners all through the course. I passed across variety of runners and the striking beauty was everyone had a glittering smile on their face. Some ran for a cause, some ran for fitness, some ran to prove to them self what they are capable of; some ran because it was their passion. On the whole we all were connected on the road through running. I doubt if there is anything better than running which would connect a complete stranger to me and bring a smile in me on the road, except for running.

While I was running through my 27^th Km I passed through a school which had almost all the school children lined up on both sides of the road cheering us up. I went tapping their hands and accepting their affection – may be one of the greatest privilege a slow runner like me is entitled for!

A blissful Solitary Run:

Except for few occasions where I met my friends, I ran the entire course alone. I stood to stare at the mammoth flyovers; I walked to relish the thick woods of Hyderabad University; I ran in the never ending highways; I loved the empty streets; I admired the dark clouds – maybe I should consider running in groups people say running in groups is more fun. Am afraid I would stop admiring the beautiful nature and blissfulness found in the solitary runs if I were to consider their advice.

The Last few Miles – A test to Body and Mind:

While the first 35 kms was crossed relishing the wonderful things unfolding before me, the last 7 kms tested my endurance, I realised that the toughest part of a marathon for an amateur like me are the last few kilometres. I was afraid all the blissfulness I had will be over shadowed by the last few miles; I had to overcome my mind which was saying give up the race; I had to bear the pain of my crying knees and conquer the feeling of exhaustiveness.

At the end of my 42.2 kms journey my heart self-realised that if not for the last few miles of toughness this day would have been a normal day in my life. Thanks to the last few miles the blissfulness I encountered is deep-routed into my soul.

Happy Running,

Durai Murugan

Banatheertham Falls located inside the picturesque Karaiyar Dam in Tirunelveli district is a natural cascading waterfalls situated at Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. The medicinal property of the water is acclaimed and it is believed that the legendary sage Agasthiya wandered here in search of rich herbs found in this forest.

 

15 minutes boating from the Karaiyar Dam will take you to this hidden beauty. A great place to take herbal bath flowing from the healing waters of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. If you are planning to visit Courtallam or nearby places. Don’t miss to take a shower in this natural treasure unfolding from great height and also enjoy the boat ride on the Dam surrounded by breath-taking mountains.

Happy Travelling,

Durai Murugan

In this cumbersome life of Chennai where disorderliness becomes the order of the day and when men forget to use his legs and machines occupy every bit of space on the roads. It was a unique and charming Sunday morning I woke up to witness the dark clouds sprinkling to calm the city.

One of the rare days when the roads were cordoned off for the running legs, when a thin but steadily growing Chennai’s running population was ready to exhibit their running skills, when nature was at its best with slender drizzles drenching the city. I pulled up my socks and stretched my muscles to run the Dream Runners Half Marathon 2013.

Wet Roads and Chill Breeze – An Untiring Run:

Like a school kid I sprang out of the starting point with happiness in my heart and target of completing the half marathon in mind. The happiness of shooting out from the crowd of runners was like a little deer jumping out of its herd, it gave me unbound energy and made me run more peacefully.

The early morning sea breeze, the aroma from the thick woods of Theospical society, the dark clouds, the camaraderie of fellow runners, the encouragement of volunteers and my pounding heart I cherished them all.

As my legs crossed the Adayar bridge and passed through the beach road I was welcomed by a parade of policemen on both sides of the road. It was a unique opportunity to run on the center of the road which is selectively bestowed only to the self-propelled machines in the city. I exploited the opportunity and enjoyed the elite experience thoroughly.

Gentle drizzles, Inspiring People and Sea of Runners – Adrenaline Rush:

As I started to trot from the Marina beach it started to gently drizzle it was a state of thorough blissfulness as if the almighty is blessing you. The most inspiring aspect of this half marathon where the different people from various walks of life, from young at age to young at heart, beyond any human imposed restrictions people from divergent life took part in this event.

Feeling this sea of humanity through my heart I was extremely inspired by the fellow runners solidarity, their high spirits, their energy levels and their never give-up attitude. Relishing all the wonderful feelings on the route I had an upsurge of adrenaline rush and was absolutely delighted with this running experience.

As I crossed every mile marker my happiness and joy increased many folds not because I had less kilometers to run, but for the ‘delightness’ within me. The salubrious weather, the inspiring men and women, the cheering and selfless volunteers en route, the empty roads and my joyful heart I loved them all.

I was welcomed by the smiles of cheerful volunteers and the energizing drum beats as I ran across the 21 km mark. The wonderful medal presented at the finishing line, the refreshing post run stretches, the yummy breakfast and the joy of completing a blissful run. I self-realized at the end of this run – “It was not just a run but a Dream Run”.

Happy Running,

Durai Murugan

Quick we disappeared into the thick jungle even before the sun could rise for the day. The chill breeze, the thundering waters gushing in the river, the trees dancing to the tunes of the heavy wind indicating the perfect season to do a monsoon trek. We were all set to explore this pristine forests of Kabbinale were the rains don’t end, were the clouds rub your shoulders, were the grasslands befall your trail, were the mighty natural beauty greet the tiny humanity-

After negotiating with the bushes and thorns we made our initial hike crossing the stream, penetrating into the thick woods, soon to be lost in the thick and sloppy ridges of the Kabbinale forests grasslands. It was a pleasure walking on the ridges on-looking the beautiful streams unfold as waterfalls. That astonishingly beautiful and breathe taking sight and the breeze to which I was part of, tickled my senses and made me realise – “if there is something called as beauty, it has to shy away admiring this forest, if there is something called as delight it has to get some glee from this forest, if there is something called as life, it has to know what it really means after traversing through this creation. The grass, the flowers, the leaves, the roots, the droplets, the tiny insects and even the shade of that little lovely flower had life flourishing here”.

The encounter’s I had during my trek inside this pristine forest has given sleepless nights and dreams about the ‘life’ which emanates from this forest. The fresh water direct from the sky, the magically clouds engulfing the entire forests and peaks, the smell of the lemon grass, the mammoth peaks piercing sky, the spanking fresh grasslands – how will I ever mind the little leech sucking my blood when I am lost in the beauty of nature, when my mind is filled with unbound glitter, when I am not able to differentiate the forest and me. It’s a feeling of not being close to nature but being part and parcel with nature. A unique experience and my words fall short to describe it.

 

A delightful Encounter above the Clouds:

The non-stop hike through the ridges took us to some of the magnificent peaks while the bone chilling breeze ripping us apart it was a sense of absolute ecstasy. The wind-blown peaks and the incessant rains I loved them both for they made me realise how my mind and soul was badly craving for this occasion. The open grasslands, the beautiful mountain humps surrounding me, the milky clouds swallowing the green valley, the supernatural fog emanating from the thick woods of Shola forest, the soothing drizzles making me feel alive, the melody of the birds mesmerising my soul. The honest portion of my heart prayed to shed my body here to fly with the clouds and sing with the birds forever.

 

A Bone-Chilling Night Deep Inside the Shola Forests:

Never did I realise that it was time to break for the day all I kept doing was referred as ‘trekking’ but to my mind I was in a state of complete ‘ecstasy’, if I was to define a word for that state of mind. The thin sun light which managed to enter into the forest slowly faded giving its way for the thundering clouds and the heavy down pour, soon we realised that camping near in the open grasslands or near the peak will be quite challenging. Quickly we rapped our bags and moved into the dense Shola forests, the thick woods became our tents to guard us from the rain, wind and the thunders. The whole night I was listening to the thunders, the different sounds emanating from the trees, insects and the birds. I loved them all to the extent that I had few leeches sticking to my body; probably they too loved me the way I liked the forest.

All the beauty in this world will admire you, all the freshness in this planet will cherish you, all the life in the universe will respect you, all the mountains in the globe would love you, all the grasslands in the earth will envy you, and all the clouds in this cosmos would long to visit you. You are the soul and source of life’s existence. You are the incredible Kabbinale forest.

Trekking through Donigal green route:

Cutting across the thick jungles of the Western Ghats from Sakleshphur to Kukke is the green route railway track trekking. We were on the best time of the year to trek in this place with the misty clouds engulfing the tracks and the swollen river roaring on the side. Tunnels, tracks, rain, thick forests, river, peaks, breath taking views and greenery my mind was busy allowing all these spectacular views to sink inside me. The most delightful part of this trek was the waterfalls gushing from the mountain and dropping on the track. I am simply awe-struck with the chill bathe in that refreshing water.

My soul was desperately crying to shed its body and become part of this forest – unlucky I am to be back in this lifeless city – Life is calling!!

Happy Trekking,

Durai Murugan

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“What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
― Henry David Thoreau,

When we (Chennaities) boast about having the longest natural urban beach in the Country and the second longest in the world, it is important to save and sustain the same, so that our future generations would also take the pride that we take today. This post is an effort to drive home the idea of a coastal cleanup from a broader perspective and also to identify those areas on which I had to muse over and convince myself on before my maiden coastal clean up few years ago.

1. Are we duty bound?
2. Why ocean matters?
3. For whom? – Coastal Cleanup is not only for the people near the coast: it equally applies to people who live on the banks of rivers or accessible to any water body that flows eventually into the Sea.
4. How is the idea of Coastal cleaning received across the world – An International Experience?
5. Chennai Coastal Cleanup.
6. What improvement can we look at in the near future? – Scientific data collection and a reliable database!

a.      Are we duty bound? – Drive home the point that we are duty bound

The Constitution of India casts a fundamental duty (although not enforceable) upon every citizen of the nation to protect environment, which includes water bodies.

Fundamental Duty– Art 51 A (g) of the Constitution – “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures”.

The beach and the coast has been the gift of nature and our ancestors have preserved it for centuries and this generation does not have the right to take it away from future generations. It is the birth right of every person born in this soil to enjoy (without polluting) this natural treasure. Already the seawater is heavily getting polluted by the inland waters, which are carrying the pollutants we humans dump them with[1].  Therefore, the ‘duty to protect’ the ruined waters emanates from the ‘inconsiderate act of pollution’.

b.      Why ocean matters?

Every second breath you take comes from the ocean. No matter where you live, your life depends on the ocean. Beyond the breaths you take, the ocean plays a critical role in regulating our weather and climate[2].

There is a huge dependence of seafood in the nation and the amazing variety of living creatures, which are found underneath the ocean are some of the compelling reasons to preserve the Ocean. To save the turtles coming to nest in the western coast[3]. Different things you can do to save Ocean.

c.      For whom? – Coastal Cleanup is not only for the people near the coast:

Every person who intakes oxygen is essentially affected because of polluting the ocean and dumping debris on coastlines.

The problem of marine debris does not necessarily start in the ocean, but is dumped further inland and washed down into the oceans. Each year there is a vast increase in the number of marine animals injured or entangled in debris found in the oceans. Turtles mistake floating plastic bags as food and thousands of seals, whales, dolphins, sharks and birds die from entanglement in fishing line and other debris[4].

d.     How is the idea of Coastal cleaning received across the world?

On the third Saturday of every September, volunteers across the world take part in the world’s biggest coastal clean up, known as International Coastal Clean up Day. The event has been held internationally consecutively for over 20 years now, where people head to the beaches and begin removing debris and rubbish from shorelines, waterways and oceans.

The Indian Picture:

We have few voluntary based organizations conducting coastal clean ups in Indian coast. As part of International coastal clean up day Indian Maritime University joining hands with Ocean Conservancy international organisation has been organizing regular coastal clean ups in Indian coasts[5].

Ocean Conservancy and International Coastal Cleanup:

The International Coastal Cleanup engages people to remove trash and debris from the beaches, lakes, rivers and waterways; to identify the sources of debris and to change the behaviors that cause pollution. It is a global initiative to raise the profile of the marine debris concerns and dramatize the consequences on the continuing aggravation in both developed and developing countries[6].

Aims of the International Coastal Cleanup are:

i.         to remove debris from all bodies of water;

ii.         to collect valuable information about debris;

iii.         to heighten public awareness of the causes of litter and debris;

iv.         to make a positive change and to promote water pollution prevention efforts worldwide.

Chennai Coastal Clean Up’s:

Chennai coastal clean up organised by the Chennai Trekking club as also attained significant reach in Chennai and nearby towns with around 2,400 volunteers creating Limca book of record in its third edition held on Feb 5, 2012[7]. The fourth edition of the Coastal clean up is organised in 16^th June 2013. With 3,000 plus volunteers promising to participate in the beach clean up, there could be another “dirty record” created in the Limca book of records by collecting the garbage at a much shorter period of time.

Suggestion:

In India we do not have any legal provision prohibiting plastic littering. As the numbers of ‘polluters’ are at large, with the habit of littering very common among us, it requires a strict law to prevent littering.

Time has come to amend the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Smoking and Spitting Act, 2003 and include ‘littering’, as an offence and spot fines has to be imposed to ensure that our public places, and natural treasures are protected.

Before we press for any legislation against littering; before seawater turns lifeless; before turtles shun-off and desert Chennai’s coast; before the flock of birds that hit Chennai’s coast give up; before fishes and dolphins become mere memories – lets wake up and show our support on the shores of Chennai for cleaner coasts, greener lands and ‘pinkest’ way of lives !

For the love of Beaches,

Durai Murugan

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It was a pitch-dark morning: with just a ray of hope (not of light), I started off on my second marathon;

Running along the countryside trail,

Cherishing the early morning chillness, yet feeling the warmth of the host,

and the drummers cheering us the most,

I successfully completed my 2nd Full Marathon (42.2 kms) at Auroville !

 

My knees are aching, I am adoring it;

My thighs are paining, I am relishing it;

 

The pre-race fever and the post-race puking, I loved them both,

For, they bettered my forte.

Yes, As I grow old, I will be a stronger Marathoner!

 

Happy Running,

Durai Murugan

 

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

 

It was a smoggy Sunday morning at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. I was quite surprised at the bashful sun; HE was shying away behind the clouds making the morning very pleasant. Little did we have to worry about welcoming tiny toddlers since they already seemed very amused at the deer’s and birds which are rare within the busy metro.

A day on which Chennaites were smoldering trash, Mr. Neville an ultra marathoner and ace cyclist persevered to run for 6 hours and pedal for 6 hours for a noble cause: raising funds for children facing the challenge of Cerebral Palsy. The event saw active fitness and sport oriented clubs, like Chennai Runners, Cool Runners, Dream Runners and Chennai Trekking Club join hands to support Neville. One part of this event was the ‘Kids Run’ powered by CTC in which a whopping 185 kids took part.

Kids as young as 2.5 years took part and completed in the 500 mts category ofcourse with little help from their parents and volunteers. Amongst those who cheered and encouraged these little ones were the real hero’s who had aged gracefully but still did their bit to make the event successful.

CTC fraternity bolstered the cause with its heart, soul and of course its mind. Weeks of planning went into the event; around 75 CTCians volunteered for the event. Helping hands did their best – some of them volunteered to run with the kids and support them; some volunteered to be the route marshals guiding them in the right track; some volunteered to serve them with water, fruits, glucose at the refreshment points and some volunteered to give them memories to cherish, their pictures.

It was a pleasant jog inside the lush green IIT campus for the kids. They carried home along with their medals and certificates, fruits and above all, new like-minded pals!

Kids from Orphanges:

Novel thoughts are the hallmarks of CTCians and so was Thilak Raj’s idea to give ‘Home’ kids a new experience of taking part in an event of this magnitude. We had invited 60 Kids from Anbu Illam, Nalmanam and SIP memorial Homes to take part in this Event and it is needless to say that for these kids it was altogether a different world and a memorable day.

Our heartfelt thanks to Prabakar who contributed Rs. 5000/- and all others who sponsored the event. These kids from the orphanages were able to sport canvas shoes with your help. You brought in a lot of joy and happiness to these kids. Sincere thanks and appreciation to Harini for anchoring the event and sponsoring lunch for the kids. We also thank and appreciate the efforts of Sudhir, Oberai and Gangadharan who made sure that the kids jogged with a smile.

Volunteering Spirit:

The edifice of CTC rests on the fulcrum of volunteerism. This event witnessed selfless commitment from our lead volunteers. The registration desk led by Punitha and Bhavana handled the event in a very organized way and their contribution was commendable. Rakesh headed the route marshal team guiding the little trotters. Gokul headed the refreshments team. Saba, Chella and Thilak headed the crowd management team ensured smooth functioning of the event. Sincere appreciation and thanks to our physio, Vallab for helping us with warm ups, cool downs, stretches and for supporting the event with his professional traits. Our photographers Ravi Kiran, Siddharth Ramana, Vikram and others did a great job in capturing the tiny trotters and their wonderful actions at just the right moments. We also express our sincere thanks to Neville Bilmoria for having given us this opportunity to strive for a cause. Sincere thanks and appreciation to every single hand which helped us make this event a memorable one.

An ancient Chinese adage goes thus:
“If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap. If you want happiness for a day – go fishing. If you want happiness for a month – get married. If you want happiness for a year – inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime – help someone else.”

The cause we worked for, the difference it has made in the life of those kids who battle with life, the happiness it has given us inturn, makes our life worth living!

Happy Volunteering,
Durai Murugan