On Thursday, I went for a slow run in the garden to check how my hamstrings would take it. After about three kilometers, I started feeling it, and by five kilometers, it was throbbing. This was after a week’s rest. I decided reluctantly that I would have to let go of my idea to run the Half of the Chandigarh Marathon.

I had been praying and even arguing with God about it. Still, I carried on with other things and tried to put it out of my mind. I did not go to pick up my race number and was planning other things for the day when suddenly the thought came that I should go run. With the thought came a peace that all would be okay. I don’t know for sure if that was God whispering in my ear, but it sure felt like it.

So, I set off on my motorbike to the Chandigarh Club to pick up my number, but halfway there I realized that I didn’t have my phone with me. There was no time to turn back, since it was already close to the cutoff time, so I decided to keep going. In their emails, they strictly warned that you must bring the QR code from the registration email. I decided that if they gave me my number, I would run; if not, then so be it. I got the number.

The starting time was 4 AM. Crazy, right? So, a few hours later, I was again on my way to the club. We started on time, long before sunrise, and I finished and reached home again before the sun was up. During the run, I felt the hamstring, but it held steady. I was able to continue at the slightly more relaxed pace I had decided on. I think I timed it well this time, since I felt at the end that I couldn’t have gone any faster. I was quite happy with my 1:38 time, although it was slower than my regular pace. I think I need to come to terms with what my body can do now.

Going back home was actually more taxing than the race itself. The running route went back and forth on some of the busiest streets, and the police turned back anyone who wanted to cross them. By this time, I was freezing. Before sunrise is usually the coldest time of the day, and after cooling down from the run, my T-shirt was still wet. The exertion probably also played a part in diminishing my ability to keep warm.

While I was trying to find my way home, I was shivering violently and was actually thankful when I was forced to stop for a red light! I finally went around the furthest U-turn of the race and was able to get home shortly before 7, just as it was beginning to get light. How I enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, a hot shower, and climbing back into bed for an hour or so. I thanked God that I can still run, but I will also take care of my injuries. I have already started walking to work and back to replace my morning run. This should give my legs plenty of time to recover while still retaining some fitness.