(July 1, 2007 – ASICS 10K, London)

Phew… what’s this… mela or rock concert… 20,000 people… good, this should be fun. Okay, looks like a health hazard—too many people heading to the start. The Scottish band playing… why do they all look like Asians to me? Never mind.

The race has begun and the Migraine Trust group, along with don’t ask how many other charities—heart, liver, bone—are still walking to the starting point. Another 10,000 behind… at this rate some will be finishing while others are just starting.

Ten minutes to 10… let’s start this run. Cool, this is good. Intentionally no iPod on, so the thoughts can flow. Can’t keep pace with these guys from my group, so let’s leave them behind. I should maintain this pace. Ah, there’s the 1K mark—less than six minutes. Doing well to reach my destination in an hour. This feels good…

Watch your step, mate… where’s the fire? Nelson’s Column… some band playing too… “the darkness deepens, Lord with me abide.” Abide with me? Hmm… the favourite funeral hymn. I thought this was a joyous occasion. Anyway, I can see the River Thames coming up… huff, puff… okay mate you can overtake me. Will catch up with you at the close.

Wonder what all those who chipped in to make this run a success are doing? Sleeping? Watching TV? Hungerford Bridge… Long live Bob Marley… reggae band playing. Wonder how his wife is? Is she living? Fifteen minutes in… this is good. Why do people talk when they run? “The mechanisms they set out for you to achieve happiness are not necessarily the ones that bring you that. You must find happiness yourself.” Who says marathons aren’t educating? Wonder what mechanism he’s opted for to reduce his tummy… and his friends too.

Ah there they are—the Scottish band again. Huff, puff. Nice music… no, it’s not… can’t be… “Ishq ishq karna hai karle, ishq ishq mein jeele marle.” You’re kidding me—they are playing tunes from a Bollywood movie! Why not Himesh songs? Some water… nice.

A tunnel… is this the Blackfriars tunnel? Halfway mark. What’s the time… 30 minutes. On track. Who is this— “hello baby”? Ah, builders checking out this yellow shorts and white shirt girl. Sigh…

Where’s the finishing line? It’s not at the London Eye… damn, I told all of them it’s there. Hope nobody gets there. Nice to see runners on the other side of the road now. Any Migraine Trust team people? Nah.

Okay this is a good pace. “Mere piya ghar aaya.” No… it’s the Scottish band again. “Thanks.” A Mars chocolate bar—can’t eat, let’s hold it in my hand. Water again. Ah, the London Eye to my left… the Big Ben ahead of me. This is better than those boring runs on the A312.

Oh no, over the Westminster Bridge. This is getting tiring. Keep running… you’re almost there. “You’re simply the best.” The DJ is good at this junction. “Better than all the rest.” Wish I was! Must get more of my friends to run the next time. Why don’t I get the football team to join in?

Okay, I’m almost there. Oops, this guy is puking… eek. Ah bless—the guy with just one foot and a crutch. Nice. And we have two legs and find it difficult…

Five minutes to the hour. Can I make it? Let’s see if I can increase speed. That’s good. To Whitehall… wonder if Gordon’s at home. Must be attending the COBRA meeting—poor chap, bombs, floods and strikes greet him to his new office. Why is he so boring? Damn, it’s almost touching an hour. Oh well.

There’s the finishing line. Damn, two minutes late. 62 minutes… 10 kilometers… phew… average. Ah, so many friends to greet me. I’m too tired to recognize anybody though. Right.

Ah, thanks… the medal. ASICS 10K London Marathon Runner. Chalo, at least some medal to hang on my wall!