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The winners of the marathon with their medals
As I turned in, I heard a roar. I saw the team – Ankush, Henna, Jai, Geeta. They were smiling, HUGE smiles, screaming out loud – GO TIM and I swear to God I tried to go as hard as I could. Nagaraj picked it up and finished a second before me. I crossed the finish line just after. We both looked at the Garmin – 3.38.23 – a personal best, 7 minutes better than the target, 17 minutes better than my previous time – on a killer course. We gave each other a hug – we had done it. This run was not my effort – it was our effort and he was as responsible as me for this success.
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The next 30 minutes or so was spent in recovering – the 7 hours after in celebrating. We also realised that there was actually another woman up in front. I had missed third position by 20 seconds. But that doesn’t make this any less of a success. There will be time for the podium, there will be time for laurels – it will be made up of blood, sweat and tears, and I can’t wait to work hard to make it happen.
The run in itself was so well organised – no clashes, superb support through the route and very willing and able volunteers standing all through with a smile on their face and hands extended out to help and support the runners in anyway they can. The route was traffic free and the cops in charge were vigilant and proactive. Top marks to the Hyderabad marathon team – this was a run by runners for runners. The support provided was just right.
Nagaraj – I will not say thank you, because I never asked you to pace me, but I will say I am blessed to have you as my training partner and friend. People like you are rare and priceless. Ankush, Dharma, Geeta, Gajendra, Sudhir – we have all supported and encouraged each other right from the beginning and its such a joy to do these trips together. Jai, Henna and Aditya – I hope you had half as much fun as I did with the crew and welcome on-board. And here is to better timings, stronger runs, joyous trips, unbreakable friendships and running in a pack like wolves – until the Kaveri Trail Marathon!
