“Nothing happens unless first a dream”.

- Carl Sandburg.

Year 2010 shall remain etched in my life as a year where my Coach and Mentor, Daniel Vaz, challenged me to dream and conquer not only distances in physical kms but more important, the ultimate barrier, my mind. The year saw me through challenges at all fronts including an injury which continuously haunts me. But I am glad I have the faith and guidance of my Coach who keeps me going, who tells me to dance till it rains…

When the seed of the Ultra was first sowed in my heart, I was excited and I was scared. The Auroville M made me learn to respect the distance and I knew the Ultra would transform me forever. We had a challenging program meticulously charted out by our Coach. The regimen was backed by a circuit training which helped us build a strong body to support back to back unendingly long runs. The program was carefully monitored and modified by Daniel as we went on. Unfortunate circumstances made me run only a longest 30K in the training runs and a pitiful mileage in the running banks.

Race morning: alarms beeping off, hurried dressing, a sip of java, a bite of bread, butterflies in the pit of the stomach and so many hopes and fears in the mind, nervous laughter and the unquenchable lust to run the trail and conquer it. But do we go there really to conquer the distance? I think we all go there to conquer ourselves. Perhaps that is why we run…

For the first time in my life, I had no perimeters of a PB or a timing chip or paces to monitor.. My strategy was a simple walk run, walk and complete the distance. But yes, I had a responsibility and a promise to my Coach to run sensibly and back out the moment I felt a discomfort. I decided to give my all and enjoy each moment.

The trail opened up as our feet pounded on the red soil curving across amazing stretches of grass and greenery on either side and the most unbelievable blue sky above. I love trails and with a prayer on my lips I let myself go. My heart was singing a song of life. I was loving the fall of my feet on the ground. As each step kissed the ground, I was grateful for the strength in my legs. I was grateful to God for all the things he has given me: the love of a beautiful family, the marvelous support of my runner friends, the “rock” like presence of my Coach and the ability to just breathe in the air. It was teaching me to cherish the simple pleasures of life and most important to value what is important in life: our family and our friends.

Suddenly, the distance did not matter. The heat and humidity did not matter. The narrow stretches, the outcroppings, the gravel..nothing mattered. The atmosphere was charged with pounding feet as hundreds of runners, some for the mere bliss of the run and some for the PBs and the medals, edged their way determinedly through the course. Each face had a story to tell, a promise to keep, a history to make. It was no longer a trail run. It was a sacred journey of self discovery. It was going to teach each one what they were made up of and one could see the transformation. As it is an out and back route, you chanced upon the warriors of the red soil again and again. And each time you saw a different individual. Through their pain as the distances unfolded, you saw their character and grit and passion and the determination to win over their mortal fears and limitations. It was an awe inspiring unfolding of the indomitable human spirit. And it taught me to never give up. I forgot my own pain and gained strength from their courage.

I was amazed by the effortless and relentless onslaught of Honda, Emma, Cath, Fumie, Athreya, Amrita and Rishi and of course our own Roshni. Wow, I wondered when will I be able to run like them. They were all an inspiration. And I was truly humbled by the spirit of especially those who were running against their limitations and conquering them. They were my heroes. They taught me “Impossible is nothing”.

It was the first time, I finished a HM distance without any fretting and fuming and I met Arvind A who coaxed me to go for the 50K. He said I had it within me. But I had a promise to keep. This race taught me a valuable lesson. Running is not only about finishing the distance. It is about listening to your body, of being accountable to yourself and to those who care for you. There will be many races to run in the future.

I was galvanized by the innumerable cheers, hoots, encouraging calls esp. of Sabine, Amrita, Daniel, Asha, Roshni, Shreyas, my entire Aarey Road Runners group of Raj, Srini, Sripad, Amit, Mahesh, Ashish, Rohit, Kavin, Bijay, Ram,…everyone..Oh! It was truly mind blowing. It was like life was unfolding like magic and you were breathing in the very essence of love, hope, faith, trust, caring . I met so many people whom we knew only by names on the site and FB, made new friends on the way .

I will always remember my Coach’ determination to complete the distance, come what may, and prove that the human spirit is indomitable.I will also never forget the few kms I walked with Giles as he was limping back. It was a poignant moment then when I came to know the character of that undying human spirit of Never say Die and living up to the promise given to his people to complete the distance inspite of his crippling pain.

I must mention the touching care of Mike, Veera, Sundar ,Asha, Roshni , Ashok and my Peach Girl,Gen through the times I was rehabilitating. It is their love which made me strong. Running has not only give me life, it has given me Friends who are my Life.

All said and done, I finished the third loop more as a walk and was glad to see Daniel waiting for me at the finish. I respected his decision and called it quits then. There was a deep melancholy within but I knew I had to STOP today….

I carry back lot of warm memories and I thank the entire RFL family for the meticulous and thoughtful arrangement. They deserve a standing ovation and our deepest regard for being with us each step of the way as we follow our passion. And our happiest thanks to Amit and Vinit for the beautiful logistics which made our run so hassle free.

I am thankful to Daniel for his faith in me, for his sage guidance, for carrying the burden of my cross and giving me hope. To him, I dedicate this run with a promise that I will come back to complete unfinished business.

A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others. ~Author Unknown.