RunNUS Run!

Coinciding with the recent release of an Indian biopic “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” about a famous athlete Milkha Singh, I registered for my first ever run two months ago- The NUSRun. It is an annual university sport event, participated by thousands of students, and welcomes the local public as well. There were various run categories depending on the distance/gender, I chose to go in for the shortest one- 5km fun run!

Having predominantly jogged with sporadic short distance running in the gym, I had as little experience as a novice runner. I was skeptical about my stamina and competence in running long stretches, but someone convinced me I could do it with time and training- it was our lab post doc, my mentor Aicha! Aicha (a chronic runner) used to run with me at my pace, giving important running tips and explained to me how important it is to “get out of your comfort zone” and run longer distances. I had several training sessions on the tracks with Aicha over two months, starting with 2 km and gradually increasing the distance to reach the 5 km. The real challenge was to run 5 km around the NUS campus which has a wavy terrain with perpetual uphills and downhills. We did 3-4 mock runs taking the route specified- the ascendings were excruciating, I could feel every cell of my body screeching with pain- slow although, I still kept running. I lacked all the motivation whenever I ran alone, missing Aicha’s encouraging words- “You’re almost there!”, “Keep going!! This is the last uphill!”- it all makes a huge difference..

On a rainy day two weeks before the actual run, I slipped and rammed onto a bus pillar, resulting in a bleeding big toe nail chipping off, and leaving me unable to wear shoes. Fortunately my toe had enough time to recuperate, but allowed me only a single practice before the real run day.

The D day (25^th August) found me and Aicha sitting on the tracks an hour before the event- stretching and warming up to be primed for the run! Hordes of students with their race bibs on their blue sleeveless NUSRun shirts, were chattering excitedly amongst themselves. I too was rolling on the floor, fidgeting with mixed emotions- thrilled, wired and apprehensive, with my stomach churning mildly. I was awestruck to see the fastest male runner, a tall brawny guy, who whizzed through the winding 10 km track even before we started our run!

On the blow of the whistle, a condensed mass of runners slowly diffused spreading over a large area, with the first and fastest racers headmost. Aicha and I kicked off the starting upslope together, and struggled our way through the initially jammed road track. After running together for a while, Aicha sped up to her own pace and I enjoyed my own company. Within half the targeted distance, I could see clusters of students sapped out, and starting to stroll relaxedly. Seeing them made me weary, but I could hear Aicha in my mind – “Uttara! Run slowly, but run, walking will defeat the whole purpose of it!”, and I thus kept running. The blazing sun showered all its energy on us, I could feel the heat and sweat dripping into my eyes, fagging me out all the more. At the water stalls stationed every 1.5 km, I could see an assembled multitude of students, swilling in water and electrolyte drinks in huge amounts to quench the thirst. I dare not sip any drink, lest I get a stomach ache while running the remaining length. As it had to happen without drinking water, my abdomen started aching while crossing the mean slope near the central library, further making me tardy. I recalled Aicha’s tips to pull my hands down with  thumbs out, thereby letting the lungs expand, and breathe hard through my mouth, since this ache happens due to lack of oxygen. Within no time, my pain vanished and I saw myself running the last leg of the run, and excitement overpowering my tiredness. In the last stage, I also overtook some “initially enthusiastic turned spiritless” runners, thus validating the hare-tortoise race tale. While coming close to the 5 km end, I could see Aicha waiting and cheering for me- “Yayy! Uttara, you did it!!!” making me smile broadly while crossing the finish line, despite my burning leg muscles and torrid ruddy face..

Losing no time, I dived to grasp a bottle of water and hundred plus to feed my dehydrated body with electrolytes, and still recovering my breath which was coming in short pants.  It was an amazing experience, All thanks to Aicha for training me and making me believe I could do it, fighting all the odds!  I’m eagerly awaiting the next- “Great Eastern Women” run at the Marina Bay(wow!), now coaching with Aicha to better my speed. Running is truly life changing!