TMM – A Love–Hate Story in 21.097K

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Manikantan MVL

Fitness Enthusiast

IMC Trading, Linkedin

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I abhor running. I absolutely do.

Don’t get me wrong, but there is no single to take, goal to score, basket to net, no boundaries, or deuces.

No cover drives, deceptions, tackles, steals, smashes, drops, or volleys.

It is just you on the road, and the thrill is missing. Also getting up at 2:30 am for a 05:15 am start isn't very enticing.

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I signed up to run my first half marathon during the Tata Mumbai Marathon for a cause. If I ran, IMC would contribute money to charity.

It was D-Day, and a broken bone in my hand didn’t stop me from seeing what the running fuss was all about.

1K - I was hoping not to crash with any over-enthusiastic runner, protecting my hand.

3K - just as we hopped on the sealink, I got bored. My mind was convincing me to get back home.

5K - I was wondering how I will finish the remaining 16 km, and started thinking about my work for the week ahead.

8K - I made a roadmap for what I will do at work over the next 4 months.

12K - on the coastal road, I thought about where my wife and I would spend our next three holidays.

13K - Kartik Karkera - the ortho surgeon who won the 42K Indian category, flew past me as we descended down the coastal road interchange. Slowly, self-doubts disappear...

14K - I am coasting, and my mind is exhausted from all the thinking as we enter heartbreak hill - the painful Pedder Road incline.

17K - I am in the moment, soaking in all the cheer from Mumbaikars. But suddenly I feel my calves tighten, it’s cramps!

19K - the run on Marine Drive was an internal battle. Mind is focused only on keeping the body up and running (ambling, actually). We didn’t come so far, only to fall short.

20K - turn into Veer Nariman Road, and the finish line is just there. New-found energy propels the legs towards the finish line.

21.097K - the sweet, happy feeling of crossing that finish line. Oh boy, the pain disappeared!

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If you are considering running, give the half marathon a shot. It is a test of mental fortitude over physical prowess.

It crushes your doubts, makes you persist, and most importantly, helps you rediscover self-belief.

I now look forward to recovering and playing my usual sports.

But, will I do this again? Jury’s open!

A huge thanks to IMC Trading and Karolina Brzozowska for this lovely opportunity.