21.0975k 93 minutes. (The second Panchkula Running and Living off-road half-marathon)
Made it, thank God. It was tough. At some places the road consisted of golf-ball sized stones that could easily cause sprained ankles. It was two 10.55k out and back round trips. I worked hard during the first 5k to keep my average speed on target only to find that coming back I went much faster than that. Only then did I realize that going is uphill and coming is (obviously) downhill… Armed with this knowledge I took it a bit easier the 3rd 5. Got a knee pain around 13. Then I pushed hard the last 5 and felt the first signs of real exhaustion 2k from the end.
I think I came home on fumes.
Afterwards there was lots of chatting with old running buddies and even with 100yr old Fauja Singh who is still running! I was interviewed by two papers. I think I came in 8th, but that isn’t of much consequence. In fact I am realizing again that what really matters is not success and achievement, but the people on the way. Our relationships – with God,with others, and with ourselves are by far more important.
Made it, thank God. It was tough. At some places the road consisted of golf-ball sized stones that could easily cause sprained ankles. It was two 10.55k out and back round trips. I worked hard during the first 5k to keep my average speed on target only to find that coming back I went much faster than that. Only then did I realize that going is uphill and coming is (obviously) downhill… Armed with this knowledge I took it a bit easier the 3rd 5. Got a knee pain around 13. Then I pushed hard the last 5 and felt the first signs of real exhaustion 2k from the end.
I think I came home on fumes.
Afterwards there was lots of chatting with old running buddies and even with 100yr old Fauja Singh who is still running! I was interviewed by two papers. I think I came in 8th, but that isn’t of much consequence. In fact I am realizing again that what really matters is not success and achievement, but the people on the way. Our relationships – with God,with others, and with ourselves are by far more important.
In my reading through Matthew I came across Matt. 16: 24-26 where Jesus says: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life<sup class="footnote" value="[f]”> will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
If you are reading this blog, please consider this passage carefully, since this is really a the matter of life and death that each one of us must face.
Keep running
Stephan
Running with a Friend 
great words indeed.
congrats & thanks
…………….
Prof. Rajesh kumar
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