18th Bandra-NCPA Training Run: Sunday, 1st January, 2012.

Possibly the worst day in the entire calendar to suggest a training run, but bound by Bandra-NCPA tradition of first-Sunday-of-the-month, we're still going ahead with New Year's Day. Another way to look at it, it will be everybody's first run of 2012.

Add to that, the fact that SCMM is just two weeks away. Then again, this route partly duplicates that of SCMM; so provides a timely recce with barely days to go. Anyway, even at the risk of low turnout, here are the details as always...

Date: Sunday 1st January, 2012.

Time: Assembly: 5:15 am.

Start: 5:30 am Bandra starting point: Southern end of Carter Road Promenade, next to Otter's Club.

Destination: NCPA, Nariman Point.

Estimated distance: 19.5 K

Route in brief: Carter Road, Turner Road, Right at HP Pump, Bandra Talao, Mahim Causeway, at St. Michael's Church veer right on to Cadell Road, Hinduja Hospital, Shivaji Park, Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Bengal Chemicals, Century, Poddar Hospital, Right at Worli Naka, Straight down to Haji Ali (joins Mumbai Marathon route from here), Left at Cadbury House, Up Kemps Corner Flyover, Turn right and past Babulnath Temple, Left on to Marine Drive, end at NCPA.

Of course, runners can choose their own starting points, or join en route. For those starting at Carter Road, drinking water and toilet facilities available at Jogger's Park near the starting point, at a nominal entry fee of Rs. 2-. Park opens at 5 am. Free parking available in the space outside the park. No baggage holding facilities. You run with whatever you land up in. However, of late, runners have been getting their cars. Please check the developing thread to see if you can, after all, carry along a change of clothes.

Runners may also choose to load further mileage by looping Carter Road (single loop = 2.3K approx), looping Shivaji Park (approx 1.3K), detouring via Worli Sea face after Century (approx 1-1.5K added) or to Mahalaxmi Race Course (single loop = 2.2K); or retrace back from NCPA towards Bandra or part thereof. The rest traditionally wait till all runners come in and then remove to Stadium Restaurant (Churchgate Stn) for breakfast.

Remember, it's only a training run with a focus on camaraderie and endurance. It is NOT a race. Over several editions now, Mani and Mumtaz have very thoughtfully arranged water and bananas, both en route and at the destination. To cover these expenses, a nominal amount is collected at the start/end of the run (Mani/Mumtaz will confirm if support is being provided this time as well and will accordingly inform us about the amount). However, as a precaution, you are advised to carry your own water bottle/sports drink and monies to replenish stocks along the way, in case support is not provided, or you miss the water station, which should be positioned near Mela Restaurant, Worli or at Worli Naka.

As always, join the run only if you're in regular training and have done the distance before. In any case, all runners run at their own risk and take responsibility for themselves.

Tags: Bandra-NCPA, Run, Training

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Permalink Reply by milton frank on January 1, 2012 at 20:45

was nice to be back on bandra-ncpa and symbolically on new year's day. loved the incredulous stares of party animals as they headed home, probably thinking: what nuts to have foregone partying all night, just to be up at the crack of done to run of all things!

happy that this also completes my crash-course december-only preparation, and although the strain and swell on the knees isn't very flattering, i now know i can pull thru the HM on the 15th. even a month ago never thought i'd get there.

have to thank mayank for the company over the first 11K as we motored along at a deliberately restrained 5:40 pace. appears mayank didn't need a mumbai darshan as he zipped away after the worli water station. i then enjoyed a brief in-step pace with the legendary monk up to haji ali, before he too disappeared into the horizon.

the focus was purely on completion today and did the 19.2K in 1:48ish. my longest run in 3 months since chikungunya blighted me. weather was delightful and surely helped!

thanks mani for making all the arrangements as always, with the added new year's touch of cake. what would we do without you buddy!!

it was heartening that something like 35 runners ignored the temptations of the new year to begin the year with what they are most passionate about. it was also inspiring to see most turn in some very good timings and pace even though this was just a training run. that competitive killer instinct is truly alive and kicking as we head into the big one - scmm. great to be running with a bunch of buddies who are totally focused on the reality that competitive sport without competing is pretty much lame-duck philosophy. that sense of expectancy is palpable all around. am sure we're gonna see some really good timings turned out by this running fraternity at this edition.

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Permalink Reply by Manoj Haveri on January 2, 2012 at 18:40

Milton good to see you being able to complete the distance. Glad you have been able to recover fast and to be back doing what you like the most. Or well at least doing one of the things you like most apart from earning the drink credits from others.

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Permalink Reply by Manoj Haveri on January 2, 2012 at 18:41

As for me no NRC on Sunday so skipped running and slept from 11:30 to 7:30. Finally got some good sleep.

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Permalink Reply by Srivatsan M K on January 3, 2012 at 20:38

Hey Milton - Great to read about your run and to know that those old legs dont want to give up yet :) Just kidding - am sure a lot of runners will want to run at 1:48 ish after a year of training whereas you run it after a longish break!!

Will be great to see you back in action and at your peak - 2012, here comes Milton :)