On Feb 27th, 2010, I ran the 30th Charles Harris Run for Leukemia. Charles was my friend Scott’s dad. I ran for charity after a big gap of almost 4 months. It was a 10K and there were almost 1600 runners. Nice course with only a couple of hills.

Did a PR of 54 minutes, 19 seconds. That is more than 5 minutes off my previous PR. Negative splits helped. Details of the day below…

As I saw it…
I had not run in charity for almost 4 months. And then jumped on to a 10K run. This was in memory of Charles Harris. Charles played for New York Titans (before Jets) and Cleveland Browns. That was a long time back. That was when they did not wear helmets in NFL games! Charles was lost to leukemia 30 years back.

Charles’ son Scott is a good friend of mine and we live close to each other. His wife Denise works in the same group as I do in Equifax.

This explains how I got the chest number of 18. I am neither a Speedy Gonzalez nor did I pre-register very early. In fact, just yesterday Denise asked Scott to make sure I am registered.

It was a cold freezing day with a lot of wind. It was so cold that most of the runners were crowded in a hall to stay warm. Needless to say, I was totally bundled up. But there were runners in shorts and half sleeves. How they survive, I have no idea.

Anyways, it was great to meet Scott’s brother Charles (Jr), his sister and their family. They do this every year for their dad.

I had forgotten how great these runs feel. It wasn’t like I was trying to win the gold medal. But watching people of all ages and color and creed come out on a cold morning and pay money just to get a chance to run together, get a free T shirt, may be a banana or two – but above all be united in the spirit of celebrating life and defeating the causes of death – there is no way one cannot get an adrenaline rush. Just the spirit of it all would shave off a few minutes off your run.

There were these kids who ran past me very quickly and then got distracted by a dog watching them. They stepped off the run, petted the dog, had fun with it and then came back to run. Needless to say, they speeded past me the second time!

After I finished (almost dying) at 54 minutes and change, I met up with Scott and Denise again. (Scott finished in 46 minutes and change). I was introduced to this gentleman Michael who turns out is the neighbor of another colleague of mine from office. He was talking of his birthday party yesterday. He turned 50. And I am like – wow! I wish I can be in that shape when I turn 50. He mentioned how his wife warned him at 1 am that he is partying too much for a 10K run the following morning. And I am like – wow! you party, drink and then in a few hours come out to run. You are a good guy.

Of course, had he not finished in 41 minutes flat, I would have been very embarrassed 🙂

Well, I picked up my T shirt and then started for home. As I drove down the road, there were still a few runners finishing. There were some really elderly people – at this point they were only walking – not running. There were people out there waiting for the last person and cheering them up. There were the cops, ambulances etc at the end picking up the cones. They still had a couple of miles to go. Probably 30 more minutes. Back in the hall, the winners were being announced already.

As I stood at the traffic light, I was lost in my thoughts – These folks would rather walk slowly to the end than step aside and give up. And everybody was waiting there cheering them to the finish.

I realized that is what the human spirit is all about – Not Giving Up!!!

On Oct 31st, 2009, I ran the Big Pumpkin 5K Run 2009 in Roswell. This was after quite a gap – due to injuries. The run was organized by World Harvest church. It was a terribly rainy day. We were all soaking even before the race started!
I posted a 25 min 38 sec run – still about two and a half minute away from my PR. But the good news is I was able to do negative splits for the first time in my life successfully!!

On Sep 19th, 2009, I ran the Roswell Rise ‘n Run 5K Run. This run is organized by NFCC along with the City of Roswell. The mission of North Fulton Community Charities is to prevent homelessness in North Fulton by supporting families in their homes during short-term emergencies. By pooling the resources of local religious, business, and civic groups and individuals, NFCC assists families with rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, medicine, and other basic needs. NFCC also coordinates special assistance to families during the holidays and matches volunteers with projects. You can learn more about them at http://www.nfcchelp.org/ABabout.html

I posted 26 min 50 seconds which is still woefully short of my PR – around 23 minutes. But the borken toe did much better and I did finish the race!!!

On Sep 10th, 2009, I ran the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk. I was the executive sponsor for Equifax. Our team had multiple people coming in at 19-20 minutes. Of course, I hobbled around with my broken toe around 27 minutes – 26:57 to be precise. More than the toe – I did not pace myself correctly and ran out of breath.

It was great fun though. Lots of folks came from Equifax. Almost 15000 runners. Met up with Amitesh!!!

On Aug 15th, 2009, I ran the Totally Running 5K. As an interesting aside, my last run was on Independence Day of USA – my adopted country. The next run, today, was India’s Independence day – my birth country!! I ran a race after a long time – since I was suffering from shin splints. First and second miles were strong but had to relent in the third mile. Will need to train more.

Came in at 25 minutes 23 seconds.

Race proceeds will benefit the Will Davison Memorial Scholarship Fund, founded in memory of William Clay Davison. For more information, please visit www.willdavisonmemorial.com