Age no bar? A.N. Subramanian gives it a whole new meaning. Read about this tru champion who did sub-4 full marathon at the age of 51.

About me
I am 51 years old. I got 'hooked' to running about 3.5 years ago. Before that I used to run 'on and off', usually after a visit to the doctor and some serious resolutions on doing something for my health and fitness. I love outdoors and dabbled in trekking, mountaineering, river rafting etc. some decades ago.
When I registered for Hyderabad Marathon I had no expectations except to get in a good long run that was getting to be a bit inconsistent of late.

Pre-race
The Hyderabad organising team had offered accommodation support at the Gachibowli stadium where the race was to end. Turning up at the stadium (made easy by the thoughtful and precise directions sent out beforehand) was all that an out-station runner had to do.

Race
The electricity of runner’s energy at the start of the race was unmistakable. The HM runners and small group of FM runners were flagged off in the dark at 5:30am.

The course was interesting with different elements testing the runners at different stages. Initially it was the rapidly changing 'roller coaster' like slopes and as it eased off. So did the greenery before the sun took over. Places of interest like the Hi-tech city and ISB campus added to the variety while providing a break from the sun. The stretch through Hyderabad University was a maze where you were repeatedly conned into believing that the exit was just around the corner. Once you eventually stumble out and haul yourself to the stadium you are rewarded with your moment under the sun - grand finish in an international stadium. Throughout the course the only constant was the organisers attention to detail - be it the water stations, km markers, freshly painted arrows for directions, motorcycle escorts etc. Traffic was reasonably managed and a large contingent of runners from Hyderabad Police probably helped.

Post race
It was a string of surprises.
- At around 35km a senior gentleman (appeared to be a high ranking police official) was surprised when someone (me) in his age bracket passed him.
- At around 41km another runner didn’t seem to mind when I passed him but was crestfallen when I answered his query 'HM kya?’ I was surprised that he should take it so hard, stopped and tried to console him with a hug before moving on.
- I was not surprised when the race official at the finish asked me 'HM kya?' but was surprised when he asked 'Are you sure?'
- I was surprised to find the two gentlemen (referred above) on the podium and not me.
- I was surprised when Deepak congratulated me in the dorm for coming first in my category. (What category?)
- The Hyderabad team surprised all of us by recognizing the growing category of recreational runners and awarding prizes.
I was not surprised that 7 out 10 prizes went to runners from Bangalore. With feet pounding, stampedes mounting and earthquakes brewing what else do you expect?

My 'secrets'
I am at a loss when people ask me this - as I honestly do not have any. I just run as far and as hard as I can in the time that I can spare (around 6 hrs per week). I have never understood what is meant by an ’easy run' and count on Bangalore weather and being injury free as blessings.