Perspective pieces, Marathon

           On 12 Jul 2019, Christian College of Engineering and Technology, Oddanchatram, Tamilnadu, India, organized a marathon as a part of its founder's day celebration.

           Marathon is a long run which is 42 km long. A mini-marathon is half of a full marathon ie 21 km. Ours can't even be considered as a cross-country race as we ran through the main and metalled road, there was no running through any countryside. And we're told it's an 8.5 km run. Wondering what! Here started the first thought.

           Roads and bridges were under construction. Weather apps may show the weather is good to run through. But the construction yard made it contradicted. This is how the environment gets polluted by particulate matter and air quality decreases. But what about the workers who had to water the cement ridden area so that dust doesn't fly into the respiratory systems of living beings. Well, they quote water scarcity as a reason for not doing so.

           The route was from Christian fellowship cancer treatment centre, Ambilikkai, Dindigul, Tamilnadu through Kosavapatti, Thanganchi Ammapatti, then to Christian College of Engineering and Technology, Oddanchatram.

           It's been 8 years since I ran such a long distance. The thought of being physically less active started doing rounds while my systems started grunting involuntarily.

           Throughout the run, I said to myself "you're not going to die " and added, "something which won't kill you will make you strong".

           When reaching the immediate village Kosavapatti, the old green nameplate made by the government in a hurry welcomed us. By then all were fully wet from top to bottom, especially in the trunk to the pelvis.

           To our surprise, every villager's eyes were set upon us as if they are seeing something suspicious. I was asked by a little lad, "Why are you running, Anna, Is there any running race?". My actions gestured him in reply saying that it's a marathon, I was hardly able to speak with the heavy breathing on.

           Then came Thanganchi Ammapatti, the next village. We did the same with the actions, as we're all asked the same questions as " Which school? What's going on?".

           Regular morning household chores, fathers dropping children in schools, children waiting for school buses, school going boys and girls pedalling to school, these all activities were clearly visible as the event started a bit late bt 0700 hrs.

           I walked 5 times, about 2 km of the whole stretch. On my way, I was joined by a civilian with an inquiring attitude and he admitted that he goes for a walk daily, he was a pot bellied man. Imagine how I felt when he joined me running and gave a tough competition for a short distance!

          Along the course I met some of my juniors viz., Sathya Priyan, Veera Kumar, Praveen, Beffin Victor of final ECE, had a brief reintroduction. After all, I was happy that I earned people during my 4 years of study. Everyone was seen quoting, "A little practice would have got us in the forefront ".

           Kids asked, "Are you on your routine morning walk?". It seemed more like, "Are you lost?" than "What the hell is happening here?"

           Nevertheless, a marathon is more about mental strength than physical.

           Finally, I completed it, being the last man, at least, not being disqualified. It taught me that I had to go more miles before I can just relax. I didn't take rest, even when the body pained, saying to myself that this is just the beginning. Later, I discovered that it was actually 11.5 km, which we went through. Happy!!!

           Sukhdev, from Jharkhand, 2nd year, reluctant to run stating his lack of practice, secured the 7th position. He didn't quit before the magic happened!

           The person who came 1st donated blood one day prior to the marathon.


           Know what! I never looked back during the run. Because of which Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh, lost one of his important races.

           I thank Mr Raja Pandi, Physical Director, CCET, Oddanchatram and all College authorities who helped organizing it.

            I also thank student Pandi Sekar of 3rd year Mechanical for providing us with energy drinks enroute.

    Thank you for reading the lengthy report.

Cheers!!!!