“Look at Sharma Uncle’s daughter. She always comes first.”

“Such a bright guy, he excels in everything that he does.”

Most of us have grown up hearing these kinds of dialogues from our parents, teachers and from almost everybody around us, haven’t we? It so happens that most of us are brought up in an environment where we are constantly told that coming first and winning is the ultimate mark of achievement. Every now and then, we are told to compare and compete ourselves with others and their achievements. And in this competition, if we do not end up being the winner, we end up feeling guilty about not being good enough to do anything. The thing to ponder is why should it always be about I v/s others? Shouldn’t it be about I v/s I? where you compete with yourself in becoming the better version of self.

In this aimless race that we are conditioned to follow in life, we often forget to celebrate or acknowledge the most important thing “Taking the First Step.” It is this first step that makes us do everything in our life. Think about it! How many times have you felt happy or proud of taking that first step in doing something that you imagined was unlikely to do? In our quest to be the winner, we often ignore this important part and forget that we are already a winner the moment we decide and commit ourselves to do unimaginable things.

I have never really been competitive in nature, for me competing with someone is and will always be a waste of time. The only competition that I ever think of is with myself. Wanting to be a better version of my present self is all aim for. Perhaps, that’s why when I started running marathons race timings never bothered me. Race timing is extremely crucial for marathon runners, so much so that your timings and PBs (Personal Best) becomes your identity. But somehow, for me, it never mattered. All I am ever bothered is of completing the race and enjoying the journey towards the finish line.

My Not Winning Moment:

In the above photo, that’s me jumping in ecstasy after crossing the 42.195 km mark at the BMW Berlin Marathon, 2017. I finished my run at a timing of 5.32, which in serious running is not really considered a benchmark, but it didn’t really bother me. I was still proud of my achievement and of myself for running a Marathon and finishing it comfortably. There is a famous saying among the runners “It takes a special kind of idiot to run a marathon.” Indeed! But it doesn’t take a special kind of idiot to take that first step and embark on the journey of possibilities. We all have it in us; we just need to acknowledge it. I took the first step in doing something that many thought won’t be achievable for me, but I did it and I am extremely proud of my run because I know the sacrifices I had to make to cross the finish line. From alienating myself from all the social gatherings to spending Sunday mornings running with street dogs for company (at 4-5 a.m what do you expect), from running under the horrible sun till the humidity killed me to fighting the demons of self-doubt, I went through all and that’s why crossing that finish line with a smile, without fatigue and pain and no cribbing, is my biggest achievement. Even after the race, I was so comfortable walking, jumping around and generally happy and content about my timing and myself. And no, I didn’t win the race or had great timing to boast about, but I won happiness and the confidence of doing something unimaginable for myself.

In today’s world, where we are constantly told that we are never good enough and we need to keep achieving things, it’s important to celebrate little steps like this be it in running or otherwise. It takes a lot to overcome our fears and do something, which is not expected of us. So, it is okay if you haven’t won races, haven’t topped the exams, haven’t been able to achieve things like your peers have. Every one of us is an achiever in our own ways. We just need to be empathetic towards ourselves and be proud of the things we do. There is never the right time and right way to do anything, you do things when you feel like doing so be it learning to pedal a cycle at the age of 30 or wearing western clothes after years of only wearing a saree or completing your degree along with your teenage kids. Do things with pride and enjoy the journey of finishing it, irrespective of you going to win it or not, irrespective of what the world tells you.

So, this post is for all of us who dare to take that first step in doing things undreamed-of. Next time you do something, JUST BE PROUD AND ENJOY! And remember the below line from the famous song “Everbody’s free (To Wear Sunscreen) written by Mary Schmich and sung by Baz Luhrmann.“

“Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind
The race is long
And in the end, it’s only with yourself.”

And if you are running the BMW Berlin Marathon, the following are some tips to remember:

– While entering the expo, the participant need to take a wrist tag, which not only gives you entry to the expo but also to the start point of the run. So do not remove the tag until you finish the race.

– Enjoy the expo, there are lots of good brands to explore and shop. The vibe is great!

– Do not worry about the cold, there are blankets available to keep the runners warm till the start point and post the finish line. Hence, no need for wearing a jacket and running.

– Keep yourself hydrated, lack of hydration can lead to cramps especially because it’s going to be cold and you definitely don’t need cramps while running.

– Enjoy the various bands and music on the route. They are awesome!

– Do not miss the phenomenal cheering! Entire Berlin comes on the road to cheer the runners. It’s going to be a big party on the Berlin Road.

– Remember to deposit the running chip post run. There is a fee if not deposited.

– The feeling of running in the phorenland and standing in the pool of some 20,000 plus runners from across the World is something else, which can’t be expressed. I would like to say just “Enjoy the run.” It is one of the best-organized marathons.

—————————– HAPPY DOING AWESOME THINGS! —————————-