Bombay 2006 - Vultures

[glaconman]

My 2 hour run was completed. But only just. I wasn't that well rested, fed or hydrated and I went out too fast. On the way back the urge to stop was stronger than I have ever felt it.

On the way back I saw vultures for the first time, circling menacingly above. I'd seen them in numbers in the Thar desert of Rajastan, but not here. Was it a lame goat they'd spotted hobbling in the dust? Or were they here to pick over my marathon plans?

My one hour runs here have been great. I feel like I could run a good 10k every night. And if I were entering a half marathon I'd be feeling pretty smug. But the 2 hour run I did was so hard, it left me with no confidence in my abilities to complete this marathon. The thought of turning around and doing it again was just inconceivable. OK, I could run slower; I mean, I will run slower. But people here are reminding me that Bombay is a different climate. Slightly hotter, and humid with it.

My only consolation is that the majority of the run took place on a fairly deserted road. And when I got back to the built-up areas my pace picked-up alittle, so I think I must respond to running around people and the support they offer.

I feel like writing pages and pages of excuses at this point to cover my back: it was the festive season, it's too hot, I'm still fat, I'm still fat. I'm still fat. I can't stop drinking beer every night. It seems like the right thing to do.

But what-the-hell. I'll just keep on going and see what happens. I'll try another 2 hour run tonight. My last long run before the race.

And here are a few pics. Hope everybody had a good New Year. Let's keep running!