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<\/a><\/p>\nThe way you train is the way you run your races.\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n
And my speed training this year, I know has not been consistent. The goal for Delhi was simple. Better the last year\u2019s race by a minute. But run a constant pace tempo. End result. I got my time. 1. 53. Yes a PB. Am I thrilled? No.<\/p>\n
Instead of running a flat pace, my pace varied with my mind and my music.My thoughts and my temper.
\nI have not been able to hold this pace even during my tempos while training. Expecting me to do this on race day, was to expect a miracle. The miracle which usually does happen on race day. But I did not even control the mind enough, to will that to happen.<\/p>\n
Rahul, Ashima and I started well and stayed on course till 8 km. After that something snapped and I squandered away all my focus. Rahul went on, holding the\u00a0pace whereas Ashima\u2019s and my pace slipped. I knew. I could see it. I\u00a0could feel it. \u00a0Instead of tightening my belt, I let it continue. The crowd was not motivating. I had to look within, dig deep and pull myself up- but I did not.
\nAt 16km, India Gate showed up and I snapped out of my reverie.\u00a0So I\u00a0told Ashima, lets buck up and like a demon possessed I smiled to myself, picked up pace and forged ahead. Unfortunately I lost Ashima there.
\nMy \u00a0iPod blared-“I\u2019m coming out\u2026 So you better get this party started! “And there I was. Cruising.
\nAs it happens towards the second half of the race, all runners have settled into a rhythm and it’s pretty much the same group that you run the race with. There was a runner who has been zig zagging around me for the last 3-4 km. I had been maneuvering myself around him but in my new avatar- I held my hand left hand out- as I overtook him – and said- this is my lane. Do not cross! And I took off!
\nAlready in rhythm, I pushed the turbo button for the last 2, doing my best to bring the average pace down to beat my last year\u2019s time.
\nAnd I did it.<\/p>\n
ADHM 1.53.54 to beat last years 1.54.57.
\nIt wasn’t hard. I had just not focused enough.<\/p>\n
Training like this, has increased the joy in my running. I did enjoy the race. Yes. I still made conversation and laughed a bit The ease with which I held pace surprised me. What shocked me though was that I ran a 1.53 half marathon and I was not thrilled. The ecstatic feeling of last year is not replicated. And that I feel, reflects my growth as a person and a runner, where the method has become more important than the eventual result. Awareness of every thought and every move is making me more alive. I am getting more out of each run. Each race. Each day. Each minute.<\/p>\n
44 days to SCMM.<\/p>\n
I better wake up else I will be left singing sad songs!<\/p>\n