"Hey, where were you? I have been trying your mobile since morning. Did you see today's newspaper ? Your photograph is published with great legendary runner Mr. Milkha Singh." Ravi said with excitement. In addition to the numerous calls that day, Patel bhai blocked my way to the office. He pressed the doorbell for long enough to get me irritated. He taunted " Why are you always hurrying up, Milkha Singh of Ahmedabad." His sarcastic smile demystified his green strained teeth and its cavities.
I am now, of course, one of the best runners of my club but it has been a
long journey to achieve it. I weighed 98 kg 3 years back. I used to ignore social gatherings because I was lazy enough to buy party wears to hide my flab. I was not supposed to skip the society meetings as I was the chief secretary. All the meetings started with a specific issue of the society but ended on my plumpness. Patel bhai used to behind the diversion. One day, I challenged Patel bhai that I would reduce 20 kg in 6 months. He was rather serious on the bet and started keeping an eye on me. Ahmedabad is an Ice-cream city and also famous for "gol-gappas" I couldn't resist myself in having these two.
One day, I was having a bite of Havmor softy ice-cream, Patel bhai passed by with raised voice " That's how you are making abs (abdominal muscles)". That irking tone didn't let me sleep that night. My wife could sense my frustration.
Next day, I had to supply marble pieces to IIM-Ahmedabad. Prof. Harsh Trivedi wanted to renovate his office's floor.
"I can't reduce my weight !! Gym, Yoga, Dieting can't work at all." I shouted on my wife.
Prof. Trivedi intervened " The marble looks great. Sorry but I heard you when you were talking about reducing your weight."
"Oh yes, sorry. I was just..... !! Let me know if you need anything else." I hesitated.
Prof. Trivedi noticed my hesitation and introduced himself " I am working in Personnel and Industrial Relations Department. I am also the member of Amdavad Runner's Club. It would be great if you come to see our activities there. We meet everyday at 04.30 AM."
Prof. Trivedi was in his late 40s but looked very fit and dynamic. I was quite impressed by his personality. I thought "IIM-A people are like that only, we can't compete with them. I made an excuse in my mind. "
"Okay, I will see if I could manage. Have a great time. Bye." I left. While returning to home, I kept on thinking why he offered me to join !!
My wife asked " You should go at least once and check it out. If you don't like it , leave it. No-one will force you to join. "
I argued " You don't know these clubs. There are lot of clubs in the city, all of them are to make money. We are not typical Gujaratis who have lots of money to spend everywhere. I am not going anywhere."
I woke up at 4 next morning without any alarm clock. I was amazed because I used to wake up around 9. " Probably this is the last chance to get rid of excess fat" I thought.
I freshened up, dressed up and reached the destination. The group consisted of people of all age, both the genders and of varied professional backgrounds. They were from Army, Government , Business, Stock Exchange, IIM-A. They were students, housewives, grandmothers, foreigners etc. I was embarrassed to be the fattiest among all of them. Some of them were assigning the group challenges of running 300-400 km/month to others. Some indulged in the stretching while also listening to the instructions given by one of the look like expert.
A foreigner congratulated the expert "What a benchmark ! You ran more than 186 km continuously on the treadmill. Hiren bhai told me it took you more than 24 hours. Hats off buddy."
I was shocked to hear that. How could someone run the whole day ? Crazy people !!
In the initial days of training, I used to run around 2-5 km everyday. There was no other option other than running. It was hard to skip the roadside "Fafda-Khandvi-Dhokla Shops" while running on the road.
It was an amazing feeling to run 10 km continuously for the very first time. I started being recognized by everyone in the club.
Parimal bhai, after 6 months of my consistent hard work, handed over the weekly schedule to me. I was required to run 15-20 km everyday for 3 days, 1 day for cycling 50 km, 1 day for swimming 800 m. It was quite tedious and a tough test of my will power. I started running barefoot on several occasions.
In December, 2013 I conquered "Neelgiri 100" Run held in Ooty, where I run more than 8 hours on hilly terrain.
Again in Dec 2013, Delhi Marathon was held in dense fog at 0° C. It was 21 km.
In Jan 2014, I ran 42 km in Mumbai Marathon. It was really challenging to run in humid environment.
The Trail Marathon was held in Mount Abu in March, 2014. It was of 21 km. I ran on rugged terrain.
Recently in April, 2014, I finished Trithlon (Swim+Cycle+Run) held in Ahmedabad.
Today, I weigh 74 kg. Patel bhai has no choice other than admiring me. Of course in his own way.
Today, there is no road untouched in the entire Ahmedabad.
I have had an opportunity to meet some of the exceptional people of the world who have redefined the words passion, dedication and will power !!
Today, I feel young and rejuvenated.
It's a world of runners, passionate, highly enthusiastic,
fittest people on the planet. I am privileged to be the part of it.
Today I have medals hung on my bedroom's wall. They remind me of my
accomplishments and motivate me to go further and conquer new goals. My life has a meaning now !!
The Article is inspired by the real life experience of Mr. Rakesh Vijay (Bablu) !! He is a passionate runner, quite an inspiration for all.
