My first 4 mile run!!

This deserves a special blog entry. This Saturday, TNT met at the Berkeley Marina. Team honorees Matt and Louis were there as well as Maddie’s mom who is also running with us. Maddie isn’t feeling very well. Hopefully she feels better soon. We all are praying for her.

Full marathoners were going to run 4-6 miles. Since I had never run more than 3.1 miles before, I decided to run 4 miles. Considering that I haven’t really been running more than 1 mile continuously and take 2 breaks atleast during my 2 mile run, this is quite a tough mileage for me. But I decided to go for it.

The first mile was not too bad. There were a bunch of robins on nearby trees chirping along cheering us. My mentor Devina joined me on mile 2. She taught me how to run with a rhythm and taught me more about breathing right while running. With her help, I could run Mile 2 with ease. I didn’t really feel like stopping. Just before starting mile 3, I took a pit stop and took a small break to fill up water and Gatorade and started running again. My running rate is 11.5 min/mile which is almost a minute less than my previous few times. So I was very happy about my pace. Mile 3 and Mile 4 were very difficult to do. My legs, my diaphragm and my shoulders were hurting with this new exertion. Devina was constantly encouraging me and giving me advise. About 0.5 miles before the finish line, I was thinking of walking for some time, but then thought of all my honorees and everyone suffering from cancer. They don’t have the energy to do this even if they want to. I must not give up so easily.

Devina kept reminding me that it is mind over matter. I had to push and distract my mind. The last mile was the hardest as it always is. About 0.15 miles before the finish line, I could see people cheering us on. I don’t know how I did it but I ran the 4 miles with just one break in the middle. That was a great feeling. Coach Al and some of my teammates were there at the finish line to cheer me on. When I stopped running I thought that I would fall down. I was completely tired and drained and my hamstrings were hurting. My body was in pain, my heart rate was super high but my spirit was thrilled and very happy that I was able to overcome this challenge. Few members from my team ran 6 miles. Someday soon I will be able to do that as well!! And more and more….