Monday, June 04, 2007

Side-effects + Running

Running is something really personal to me. It is so personal if people tell me that I am wasting time because I run too much, then I get annoyed. Folks at home think I am wasting money and time by running races in other cities but they just don’t understand that the vibe that you get at a marathon. The atmosphere is highly sensational and thus disgustingly addictive.

My schedule is crazy. I wake up 5:00 am and sleep by 11:00 pm. I eat at restaurants like Sanjeevanam where they serve non-oily food. I do not keep in touch with friends and family functions do not matter to me. Other than running, everything seems unreal. I have not been invited to go partying with close friends for a long time now mainly because I decline almost every invitation I get.

Most people don’t understand why I over-exercise my body. A gym instructor asked me once “Why marathon running? Does it not make you look ugly.” Well yes, you get skinny and your face looks really gaunt. Your feet nails get dark and hideous. But, there is something about long distance running that makes you long for it all the time. I personally think it teaches you everything that you are capable of learning.

Training for the Bangalore full marathon starts tomorrow morning. We are doing a 10 k run starting in Mylapore. This time it is going to be a sub 4:00 marathon and I am going to put in all that I have on this one.

2 comments:

Pranav said...

I miss our lunches at Sanjeevanam!!!! And no...running doesnt make u look ugly! far frm it, dude!

Nicole Grotepas said...

Hey Shumit, have you read Ultramarathon Man? I read it for inspiration. When I look at what other people can do, it makes me feel like I can do anything too.

I tried to get into the St. George (Utah, I'm in Tennessee) marathon, but I didn't get in. Hopefully something will change and I'll get in.

Good luck with the sub 4:00 marathon. I'm sure you can do it.