Today was a big milestone for me. I finished my first half marathon this morning.
I have been training for this event since last month and a half. The longest I could run when I registered for this was four miles. Thirteen miles in six weeks seemed like a hard goal. However sometimes you’ve got to push yourself beyond your limits. And this morning I did it :)
I distinctly remember how hard my first six miles run was and how proud I was for finishing it. Another moment I’ll cherish was running along the Marina when most apartments were close to saying good night. Running by the Bay I could see the Golden Gate hidden in the clouds, the silhouette of hills & trees at a distance and hear the waves crashing the shore. The night was absolutely beautiful!! That I was one of the few people running that night made it all the more peaceful & satisfying. It was one of my best runs ever.
I think there is some truth in the saying “it’s the journey not the destination”. While the goal matters, it’s the journey that makes the goal memorable. I am glad I decided to run the half marathon and immensely happy (and tired) that I finished it. I could not care less that I lost my running chip on the way. While I don’t have an official time, I have become a physically and mentally fitter person.
Now on to deciding my next journey!!!!
Hey Saroj,
congratulations, you can be really proud of yourself.
But I know you’re in a way bigger marathon already, and one that I find even more impressive. There are lots of people running “real marathons”, and kudos to them all. But your supercool marathon is just in a completely different league.
You’re truly inspiring, and I’m sure you’ll make a lot more difference down the road.
Ramin
PS: I just realized I didn’t see the Golden Gate Bridge this time in San Fran… means I gotta come back ’09 :-)