Thirty

Today, on long run day, before the start itself, I felt the burden of time. 

I had slept three hours and started at least half hour later than my usual time. These things tend to throw me off. 

But once I reached Nehru Park, the atmosphere was as festive as ever – if not more – with the Delhi Half Marathon exactly a month away. Everyone seemed to be in training mode. The air had a salty margarita like quality about it. 

After running six kilometres with my friend Gokul and then another two or three with Shikha who had just placed runner up at the Ladakh Ultra, I was on my own. Now it was simply loop after loop of Niti Marg-Shanti Path. At some point, I listened to music during the run. It certainly helped – especially today. 

I felt the pace quicken, the stride lengthen, the cadence increase. Of course, all this could be in my head but the watch seemed to suggest that a faster effort was underway. 

Just approaching the time on feet limit, I decided to round it off to thirty kilometres ending what turned to be an exceptionally satisfying morning.  

Later, the young boy asked me what it felt like after a long run. I countered the same question to him and asked his opinion.

A little sad because it’s over, he replied.