2hrs Relay - Stadium Run July 2019

I had planned to not to do any events. But I got a requirement from a runners team member for replacing one running on Monday just 6 days before Run-Day. I told them to wait for 2 days till that time also I was sure I don’t want to run. On Thursday I asked casually for permission to coach to run for the stadium he said “It's ok you can run and it will be a different experience”. Since my goal event run has a lot of time so I decided to run for Stadium.

When I got to know my 2hrs time slot i.e. from 11am to 1pm I was into trauma. I have not run in that time of the day ever in my life. So, this 3 days when to mental preparation how it is possible and what will happen at that time. I try to change my food habit, watched many videos, spoke to other team members and reduce my running speed also for some time. Finally, Run-Day came and I decide I will just go to the stadium 1 and half an hour before the run and that morning I was talking to already ran friend how they have run the race and what is their experience and getting more nervous. By the time I reach the stadium I have check the sun will be there at that time on the forecast. But, still hoping the sun will not come.  

Finally race started with the sun on my head with some clouds with feeling less of heat. My strategy was to run slow and it been told by running group members also the last minute pep-up that 1. I have to run slow and 2. stay hydrated. So, when run start I started hydrating after 4 rounds and I felt good. There was support from my house and also from buddy runners. It was pretty good running experience I was running at a constant pace for 1hr 20 mins but shoulder and tights start hurting by this time. I saw my watch my heartbeat was increased. But, after one-two round slow pace I try to increase by stead pace that didn’t happen. I trying to run with some pace after that.. tried splitting water on my body where I feel heated and drink water even have dates+ roti cheese small portion to keep me active. There were 5 minutes left on the clock I heard a voice from my dear runner to "Hold-On" and its a very motivating word I found for myself at that moment and I did try to not only hold-on but also push bit more. By pushing a bit also gives me fatigue and heat sensation. Now, 2nd last round my running buddy and my wife shouted to at least complete one round but since I was in motion I did run and without thinking start one more round this round was very hurtful, but I push very hard to run and manage to complete last round in 3seconds before 2hrs time. After finishing the run I can gasp breathing heavily. Stopped my watch which was showing 22km in 2.02 hours.

After run taken photos with most of the group members and selfies with friends and family. Did some stretching with buddies. Stretching I think now I should do more-of I manage to walk slow to get the bag, had some food and move home. I still remember it took almost 4 to 7 days to completely come out of the pain of the stadium run. Meditation, rest, food and friends do help for fast recovery.