So... The story of August actually begins in March of the same year.
Speedy had come into my life. I held him in my arms and whispered in his ear... I will try to run a 10K (at least), for you, this year. Pucca. I will try my level best.
This, at a time when i'd just been injured in feb, and had consistent pain in my right knee (ITB). I was far far far from recovered, much less in race condition.
Still... i did say it.
My injury didn't heal. I even went and saw a physiotherapist, an ortho too. But i wasn't consistent in my exercises, didn't get up early in the morning to run. Did a host of pathetic things...not contributing to my well being. Months passed and my condition was the same. I had consistent pain and it didn't improve.
How would i keep my word to Speedy ?
August, my Dad fell sick and was hospitalised. He was in a coma, intubated, and i could only see him twice a day for about an hour each - just before noon and evening. Rest of the time was spent waiting on the top floor of Jaslok and wringing my hands in despair. Hoping and praying to God that he would take care of Dad.
A friend of mine lived near the hospital. She and a group of her friends meet a few times a week to run @ Priyadarshini Park (PDP), a short drive away. She said, come for an early morning walk with us. Since it would be early morning, i said yes. Now, PDP is a great location - its right next to the sea. It has a 400 mtr track, a decent sized park, walking trail.The walk by the sea is something which can really help clear your senses and open your mind. I walked alone by the sea for 40-50 mins. Walked again the next day and tried a short slow run on the third day, with a knee support. Walking or running alone is a great way to maintain some semblance of mental peace. You can be one with nature. Some, might call it meditation... just not by sitting still. I've found running to help keep my mental balance, specially in stressful times.
In a week of mind numbing stress, I will forever be grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to calm my mind for a few mins, for a few days. This is a debt I will never be able to repay. Thank you.
With Dad unwell, a lot of my relatives called to enquire about him. Bua, my one and only Bua, obviously was one of them. She called daily and chatted with me. She told me stories of Dad and herself. She said, she was happy that i was running and keeping fit. I told her that i'd been injured and hadn't done anything healthy for the past 6 months. She said... Sumit, you have to take care of yourself. You must must get yourself fit again.
I'm not much of a talker, don't communicate all that much. I'm pathetic at calling my relatives. Even my siblings, at times. I don't call Bua enough. I love her to death, but haven't been good enough at telling her the same.
I love you Bua.
I said to myself - I'll run a race for you Bua. Sometime this year, i will. Pucca.
Dad passed away on the 22nd.
I went back to Hyderabad, about a week later.
I made a short list of exercises, how many reps, what's the correct form to hold, etc etc. I started my exercises again from the next day onwards.
Every morning, i'd wake up early and do my exercises diligently. When i couldn't do it early morning, i'd make time in the evening. But i was determined to be consistent.
A couple of weeks later, i started to run again. Slowly and for short durations, but consistently. My mentor from C25K days, Sandeep, advised me to keep it at 40 min duration. 40 mins wasn't enough, in my mind, but it was better than nothing. I took his advice to heart.
I signed up for a 12.5K in first week of November.
Slowly and steadily, i gained confidence, gained some stamina. Felt better in my morning runs. Still used a knee support, but ran.
November came. Race day came. I went and ran. Took it slow on the MS hill, but ran. I chanced upon a 14 year old kid, running with his father, i think. He said he was 18 ! ( Race rules prohibited anyone under 18 to run). He, of course overtook me and finished ahead of me. He brought a smile to my lips. Seeing two generations run together... Maybe one day, i too will run with Princess, Speedy & Naughty.
I used knee supports, just to ensure that i didn't exacerbate my injury and go further into the abyss. I'm not sure how much they helped, but they were definitely psychologically supportive :)
My timing in this race wasn't anything to brag about...but it's a race which i hold dear to my heart. I even surprised myself by doing a sprint for the last 100 odd meters :) I didn't expect that i could do it.
This one was for Speedy. May he always be healthy in mind, body and spirit.
I signed up for another race in the first week of December. Thankfully, my knees co-operated and i ran this one too. Ran it slowly, consistently, but ran it.
This was for Bua. May she live to see great grandkids.
Dec 25th - I was out running. My left ITB started to hurt badly @ 5K...limped back all the way to my car.
2017 ended badly - I was injured again :(
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