My Spirit to Move On...

Keep going Passion is the fuel for vehicle called life !!. Never imagines my own unexpected personal health situation first time in my life, with an unbearable severe pain in stomach during 2020 peak lock down phase. I was hospitalized and further shifted to ICU because of Jaundice and identified Stone in my Gallbladder. The health situation lead to hospitalisation for 20 days. 

As I complete many marathons both in India and abroad, always felt I am absolutely healthy and fit. But life is unpredictable. Post treatment, Surgery went successfully from renowned hospital and my family supported me remotely like they were sitting next to me, especially both my kids expressed care for me with great affection by sharing so many audio and video messages. 

After discharge from hospital, reached home with approval from authority. During pandemic, it was important for me to spend a good deal of time with my kids, recover my health, seeing their online classes, indoor games, and savour my wife’s homemade yummy cooked food, cooked with consideration of my health diet. My Doctor had advised me home care as there were 4 surgery stitches on my Abdomen and needed some time to recover to avoid any complications or bleeding from stitches.

I have recovered now I am absolutely fit to run more marathons with a Smile. I remember when one day my friend Sylvain invited me for an evening jog in Rouen, near Paris in 2006. It was such an amazing experience but I realized that I needed to get fitter to enjoy it more in the future. So I started running seriously when I came back to India the same year. By running marathons one is not only able to improve health but is also able to give back to society by raising funds for various NGO’s. I've run in 50+ marathon events in India, Sri Lanka, France and Hong Kong. My ambition is to run 100 marathons (including half marathons) in 20 different countries with a big smile and for a social cause. My great inspiration Sir Fauja Singh who Earned a Place in World Book of Records as the 100-year-old Marathon Runner and completed his 100th full marathon. Relieving stress is one of the primary reasons why I run. Many of the pressures of modern life can be mitigated by the feel-good, healing effects of a run. After a tough day at the office, being assaulted by the endless tumult delivered by the evening news, we know we can find relaxation and renewal - and hopefully, a sense of harmony - by venturing out onto the roads for a good sweat. The benefits of marathon running include: Increased energy, Improved health, A sense of accomplishment, Increased discipline, Increased productivity, Quality time outdoors, A chance to show off to the opposite sex that you can do it and of course, great-looking legs (Never underestimate the power of lean, muscular legs. Running, and especially running a marathon, can help you become the person you want to be. I found the simple activity of running to be one of the best medicines for good health. In this corporate sector where one is forced to work hard, under pressure, it’s importance to avoid any sickness. And now for my 5 best marathons are – 1. Hutch Delhi Marathon (Now Airtel Delhi half marathon). It was the most memorable experience, and one which turned my life towards the marathon world. 2. Colombo Marathon - I travelled to Colombo only to run a half marathon, and enjoyed the race a lot. I became the only Indian to participate. A column about my race appeared in "The Hindu", the oldest Indian newspaper. I stayed 5 days in Sri-lanka with a few professional athletes and visited the islands, beautiful green towns and cities. 3. Paris Marathon - Finished in 4 hours 58 minutes and lived every kilometer of it. Received the finisher's medal and a t-shirt. It was my first International marathon after my marriage and my wife was waiting at the finishing line at the Champs-Élysées. 4. Hongkong Marathon - finished the half race in 2 hours. Great running track over bridges and through tunnels. Took lots of pictures with beautiful girls (I was unmarried in this marathon). The atmosphere was electrifying and exciting. 5. Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon. Proud of the feeling that I was running for a good cause.

There are few things in life that are more satisfying than achieving a personal goal. I feel, running a marathon is a lifetime ambition for me. It has offered me a chance to travel; soak in the beauty of the local scenery, be cheered by supportive crowds; a challenge both to my mental and physical strengths. Running a marathon, I feel is an inspiring and life-affirming event that stays with the runners forever. It has also been a great opportunity for me to offer support to causes that are close to my heart. Participating in marathons has offered me opportunities to meet new people and forge lasting friendships. My successful participation in the marathons held in Paris, Colombo Hong Kong and those within India bear testimony. The essence of my participating in the distance running events has been ‘to stay healthy and happy’.

My father expired in January 2020 after struggling for life in ICU for 45 days in renowned hospital due to multi organ failures. My father is not physically with us but will remain our guiding source for ever. It was nice to see his many old friends as he was associated with many Associations, to mention few RWA, Mandir association, International Brahmrishi mission and worked in Government sector from for more than 35 years in same organisation and head .Without facebook communication, representatives in large gatherings were present from all quarters (office, association friends and family) at Cremation Ground and Uthala -called Kriya. My family would like to thank all from the core of my heart for standing with us in this hour of grief.

I may one day look back on 2020 as the Year of Strengthening Relationships with family and friends, greater focus on health, more financial strength and more happiness in life. I love marathon, will continue to do till my last breath!!

www.vikasgrover.com