The Kaveri Trail Marathon (KTM)

I had this marathon on my list of "To do" marathons in India. When I was afforded the oportunity to travel as a group, I registered without a second thought. The excitement of travelling together as a group for KTM was reminiscent of college picnics. We (Ashok, Ram, Bhasker, Raj, Mahesh, Kavin, Gautam, Amit, and I – Rahul joined us later) met up at the airport looking every bit like distance runners, except for Raj who showed up in party wear We watched Bhasker unleash his charm, flirting with pretty things in skirts and getting them bewildered and amused. Kavin’ endless repertoire of “Sardar” jokes were meticulously catalogued by Ashok while he got us all in splits. The drive to Mysore took all of 5 hours with a simple but delectable lunch at “Kamats”.

Race morning had everyone scampering around for warm water, vaseline and some like Mahesh, for toothpaste. The bib pick-up venue was abuzz with runners greeting each other and blaring announcements. The first signs of something ominous in store for us came when Arvind (A1), CEO of RFL, declared on a sombre yet jovial note that, the morning is deceptively cool but the sun would come out blazing, so if you want to grab some sun-screen, now is the time; and remember guys, this race is not the one to choose for your personal best!.

Sunshine is delicious,
Rain is refreshing,
Wind braces us up,
Snow is exhilarating,
There's really no such thing as bad weather,
Only different kinds of good weather)))

The start was punctual with no fanfare. The course is a 21.1K out-and-back circuit to be done twice. The path is a trail, pock-marked with stones giving your ankles and calves a hard time anticipating the nature of the surface for your next stride. It runs alongside the river with rich verdant fields on either side; a beautiful sight if you can take in the time to stop and smell the roses. There were umpteen aid stations with food and electrolyte that had the hallmark of RFL’ flawless and efficient race planning.

The first quarter to 10.55K was fine and we reached cruised to our half way mark in 2:09even as the sauna began building around us - an indication of the shape of things to come! Amit queried me about our plan for the next half and I could only share my feeling of impending doom, as I looked up at the blazing sun - that a 5 hr finish would be a saving grace

At the 26K mark I saw Amrita along with Rishi (who were with us till then), find her groove and surge ahead. I could only rue my inability to stay with them. Amit and I looked at our time at 29K and we agreed that 3:15 was not too bad. Raj was now falling behind due to cramps. At 31.65K, the final turn-around, I surged a little ahead of Amit, who was now stricken with ITB discomfort. The sun was beating down mercilessly and I acknowledged that this was by far the toughest marathon in the country. Bhasker Sharma with his superlative endurance had passed me by with 8K to go, commenting on my folly of not wearing a cap in this kind of heat.

At the 36K mark I was delirious with heat cramps and extreme exhaustion. A wave of dizziness hit me and I held on to the tent pole at the aid station. I grabbed a mug of water and poured it over my head. I hung in there with the determination, that despite my condition, I would finish in sub-4:45; it helps to set a fierce goal if you intend to drive yourself thru’ pain. Run like hell and get the agony over with.--Clarence DeMar

My calves were twitching now and each step jarred my quads like I was leaping off a ‘box jump’. The road was shimmering in the mirage created by the hot sun and my eyes were stinging with the glare. After an eternity of pounding trail, Mahesh came to fetch me and he threw up delusions of “only 800m to finish” - although I estimated it correctly to be 2K. It is because of him that we zipped at 5:45 pace in the last 2K and I managed my sub 4:45. You will find that if you dig deep enough there is always something to give.

I reached the finish line and was glad to see Ram, Bhasker, Ashok and Gautam, who had finished their half marathon and were kind enough to wait in the heat with no shade around. Amit and I cooled ourselves at a makeshift Jacuzzi at the finish, as we waited for Raj to come in. Well they all came in ie Raj, Sundar, Kavin, Dr Oak, Veera and Rahul. When the results were out, Madhu informed that I had placed third in the Men’ Veteran’ category. You can fight without ever winning, but never ever, win without a fight. --Rush (the Band)

I returned home with fond memories to reminisce when I lean back in my armchair, in the evening of my life. Living together even for a day, teaches you so much about a person that was hitherto hidden. I was had taken some "quiet time" out for myself and that is why people commented on Zico being "quiet and matured", when it came to describing each person from the group for their gregariousness or otherwise. This quiet contemplation helped me focus not only on my race but the issues troubling me. They are now resolved.

Shapes of ever size
Move behind my eyes
Doors behind my eyes
Bolted from within
Every drop of flame
Lights a candle in