Getting There
Dear reader,
Weekly Carb-Loading was created with a simple thought - to inspire as many as possible to exercise on a regular basis and lead a healthier life.
A weekly dose of fitness, home workouts and motivation from around the world, straight to your inbox. A platform to share stories about people just like you and me.
This week, we bring you a story from two years ago, but before we dive in, if you like this post do let us know in the comments section below, and make sure you share it with friends who would benefit from the inspiration and energy. Consider it your good deed for the day!
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So, let the Sunday begin!
Getting There
Our first few marathons, like the first few days of any new journey in life, is about just surviving. Getting there.
The first time we walk into school as toddlers, an entire day away from home and parents, some of us in tears as we leave the safety and comfort of their presence.
New clothes, new faces, new surroundings. All we can do, the only thought that keeps us going, is making it to the end of the day.
The first few days of a crisis, like the current pandemic, battling new information every hour, forwards flying thick and fast, rumours about cases in the neighbourhood.
It is purely about not losing our mind and panicking, making it to the end of the day and crawling into the safety and comfort of our beds. Surviving to fight another day. Getting there.
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On 21st January 2018, Aditya Vikram ran his first marathon.
Having run shorter distances regularly for close to five years, and with several half marathons under his belt, he was fairly confident.
Having completed the gruelling La Ultra earlier in the season, a 111 km team event across the Khardung La pass in Ladakh, he carried the momentum into preparation for January.
After countless mid-week mornings up and down the slopes of Mt. Mary, and long Sunday runs on Worli Seaface and Marine Drive, there was nothing new the Tata Mumbai Marathon could throw at him, that he hadn’t seen before. Until it did.
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Anger, at the 36 km mark, past the Peddar Road climb and Babulnath Temple, turning towards Wilson College, and into the sun. Anger, at having under-estimated the course and the heat.
Frustration, at the 37 km mark, at having to walk the course after a year of preparation, and a good first half. Frustration, at not having predicted the extent of pain, at being physically finished.
Determination, at the 38 km mark. “I am going to complete this, whether the timing meets my expectations or not.” His mind not on the next 4 kms, but the next 40 steps. And so he kept walking.
Resolve, at the 39 km mark. “I am going to finish this one, and worry about a better time in the next one. I am going to practice longer and harder, so no pain is new on race day.”
Endpoint, at the 40 km mark, having crawled past Taraporewala Aquarium, under the Princess Street flyover, and continued walking towards Pizza by the Bay, his legs started moving again.
Getting there.
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Aditya finished his first marathon in 04:54:26. A far cry from his target time of 04:30:00, and in a fair amount of pain.
Having completed the first 28 km within 02:57:30 at an average pace of 06:20 per km, he felt his first hiccup at Worli, but ploughed on.
At Peddar Road, the climb sapped his energy. He felt his target time slipping away, as his pace slowed to a crawl on Marine Drive, overpowered by fatigue.
But he kept walking, one step after another, absorbing and immersing himself in the crowd, the trees, the road, and every crack in it. Timing and personal bests could be improved another day.
On that morning, it was only about making it to the end of the race, and to the end of the day. Getting there.
Runner Profile
Aditya is a close friend from college and a fellow runner. We sat with Aditya last week, for a free wheeling conversation about growing up in Damanjodi and Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, on why he started running, and his many race experiences.
After TMM 2018, Aditya successfully ran longer distances, finishing the tough Malnad Ultra Trail (80 km) in 2018, and the Tata Ultra Marathon (50 km) in 2020.
He also returned to the Tata Mumbai Marathon, an annual fixture for him as it is for us, and improved his time to 04:43:43 this year.
Aditya lives and works in Navi Mumbai. Through the lock-down, he has been running up and down his staircase instead of Palm Beach Road. You can follow his activities here, on Strava.
A Virtual Fitness Test
In the midst of the ongoing crisis, it is a hard time being a runner. Unable to venture outside, while competitive races are being canceled or rescheduled across the country.
The good folks at Townscript are here to help you out. How about testing your fitness at the "Kaizen 1.0"- Indoor Virtual Run on 24th May!
After signing up, you may run the chosen distance indoors (on a treadmill, terrace, or balcony) anytime on race day, and submit your link to the run (via apps like Strava, Garmin or Nike Run Club)
Finishers receive an E-Certificate, a Medal, and a T-Shirt!
Fun Feature of the Week
:D
That’s a wrap from us at Team Weekly Carb-Loading this week. Until next week, stay indoors, stay safe and stay fit! Cheers!
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This post can also be read on our website: WeeklyCarbLoading.substack.com