A Run to Remember!

The dark morning, right before the dawn,

The heavy air and least clothing, to add on.

I prepare to run through and fair it all.

The beginning being the toughest, with a body refusing to run, and bringing in great despair.

As a kilometer passed, I questioned myself- as everyone passed me through, I lose my position.

Somehow, it was not the question of people crossing me through, that boggled me down, but query screaming with-in, ‘will I ever reach the touchdown?’.

As everyone rushed through, I saw a figure with a pace like mine and the focus to work with run, which suits thyself.

I follow the man and match up with him, aware of the shadow he stays calm within.

As 4 kilometres crossed, I greet and thank him. He stays clam and soothes me down, and there sets in the inception of a partnership.

With every milestone we celebrated our achievements, with every kilometres crossed we appreciate the fact that we were close to the goal.

Hoping to stay sturdy and willing to cross the last rope.

He stayed focused with such calm and was always composed; with every step he took he pushed me to my goal,

As time passed our unsaid bond became strong and we shared the same goal.

It is strange, how a stranger pulls you through, in a condition which tests your strength and your endurance too.

With the last 5 kilometers, he strategies the run, even though I knew it was hard to for me to do it with fun.

It was his persistence and faith that helped me build my confidence, with no strength and an aching leg.

And every step exaggerating the pain and sucking your strength.

He kept his pace and led me through.

Never a moment he showed his despair. But when fatigue got him and he slowed down, he stepped back and I led on.

With people in between, the run got slow, slowly-slowly the crowd poured in and created a whole.

He gave me his heads-up to go and complete the run. I ran and reached the end waiting for him to show-up.

People passed and I lost his sight,

Even though I reached the end, but my mate was left behind.

I looked and looked, but couldn’t find him.

A ‘person’ who helped me reach to the race, which I always dreamt off.

I wish I could meet him someday and thank him.

For he taught me a valuable lesson which I will always treasure.

Life is a long race. You can run it alone, but things become easier if you are with a good soul. The moment one speeds up, you might lose the other. The toughest races can be won by strength, will, determination and a supporting other (partner).

This piece is inspired by the Delhi Half Marathon in which I participated on 15th Dec'2013. A long run teaches you a lot of things. 21.097 kms might seem less, but tests a lot!