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

nice early morning run on old milton parkway with three friends from my old town in india…

On July 4th, 2009, I ran the Woodstock Freedom Run. For the fist time I used racing flats. And for the first time, I did not slow down on the 3rd mile. Shaved off more than 2 minutes from the previous personal best.

My time was a personal best of 23 min 09 seconds!!

On June 6th, 2009, I ran to raise money for HHMM – HELPING HANDS Medical Missionaries (HHMM) in providing medical care, hope and spiritual support to people in rural areas of Africa. HHMM is a non-profit organization that was established in 1996, and has since served more than 100,000 patients in 8 countries through participants who volunteer their time, service and medical supplies, along with donations from companies, hospitals and individuals.

My times were 25 min 38 seconds. Came at 63rd position out of about 250 odd participants.

On May 30th, 2009, I ran to raise money for CASA – which is an organization devoted to getting judicial help for abused kids. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates for children. While it was slated as a 5K run, the actual distance was a little short (2.8M). My times were 22 min 41 seconds which for a full 5K would be 24 min 57 seconds. That would be about 30 seconds better than my personal best. The tips from my mentor in Dallas helped out immensely. This was organized in the city of Cumming, GA. You can find more about the organization at http://forsythcountycasa.org/

On May 16th, 2009, I in the Alpharetta Mayor’s Challenge 10K run. All proceeds went for the benefit of Rotary Club service projects. Till date, this is my best time in the 10K category. (56 minutes 55 seconds). This was organized in the Wills Park. The first 5K was on the roads and the next 5K was in the park trails. Shaved off a little over a minute from my previous best. Details at http://www.mayorschallenge.com/mchome.aspx

On May 9nd, 2009, I ran my career best till date 5K (25 minutes 17 seconds) for Run For your Life – a race dedicated to YoungLife (helping our kids grow). This was organized by Greater Johns Creek. Shaved off 15 seconds from my previous best. First two miles were good at 7 min 40 seconds each. The last mile killed me. Details at http://sites.younglife.org/sites/JohnsCreek/default.aspx