Country Music Marathon – A race against the tornado and more!

It was a race between several marathoners and the tornado that was to hit Nashville on the day of the Country Music Marathon (24th Apr 2010).

Weather predictions weren’t looking any good on Friday evening. That’s when the race officials decided to put in a clause stating that only those runners who ran a pace of 10:20min/mile at mile 11.2 would be allowed to run the full marathon, and anyone falling short of it would be diverted to complete the half marathon. This announcement came on Fri evening, and 10:20 didn’t sound too bad, as I have run a 9:00min/mile marathon in the past. We were assuming that they would have some kind of electronic mat to find out the runners’ pace and would allow them to continue running the full marathon based on their pace.

Having run the Andrew Jackson Marathon last week, I was glad that my blisters healed completely (I got the blisters because of my own stupidity though) and thought I was ready for the race.

Got up early in the morning and headed downtown to find a parking spot closer to the start line. It was 5 in the morning but it looked as if it was 8 in the evening. The city was buzzing with runners at every corner and as far as your eyes could reach. 32,000 runners from across the US and around the world. The second-largest event in the country. The biggest I have run. The RD decided to advance the race start time to 6:45AM against the usual start time of 7:00AM. It was a corral start. The race day morning buzz was crazy. I was in corral 20 along with my friends. My goal for the day was to meet the cut-off. As simple as that. Was enjoying the moment. Never ever have I seen such a huge gathering of runners. Old, young, people from several age groups all gathered for one purpose: to cross the finish line. While waiting, there were curious runners who had loads of questions about my Vibram Five Fingers, and I was proud to answer all their questions. Some even took a picture of my feet, only my feet. I am glad though; at least my feet will be famous. :)

Finally crossed the start line at 7:30am. That’s right, 45 minutes after the start of the race. Nashville being known for its country music, there were bands all over the course. The race was very unique. Very special one. There were people everywhere. You could hardly run at full pace in that huge crowd. Maintained a consistent pace of 10:00min/mile. The tornado was to hit at around 10:00am. It was already getting dark and cloudy. Still on pace. Was enjoying the moment and the crowd was just amazing. Stopped at a water station and danced to a few beats of Alan Jackson songs and started running again :). It was so much fun. Remember Rule 1, “Running should be fun”.

A girl ran towards me like a fresh breeze and asked me what time it was. I told her the time and I started running. After exchanging a few glances, she asked whether she could run with me, as she found my pace very comfortable. Only a fool would say no, and I ain’t a fool. Not this time. :). The next 4 miles went by like it was a 1K jog on the beach. Slight drizzle, cool breeze and a pretty girl running with me, what more can I ask for? She was a doctor from the Middle East working in Philadelphia. Tall, slim and very pretty. It was her first marathon. When she asked about my running experiences, I listed out my races and instantly became her hero :). It was so much fun, but still I was constantly keeping watch on my pace. I was still at a good 9:55 min/mile pace. I was so hoping to make the cut-off so that I could run the next 15 miles with her, or rather, she could run with me. Picked up the pace and reached mile 11.2, where we had a surprise waiting. A volunteer said that we couldn’t continue with the full marathon. Booom. I told him that I was on pace, but he said that pace didn’t matter; they had decided to close the full marathon course at a certain time. So whoever started in the early corrals made it, but not us and the rest of the poor runners behind us who started late. The tornado defeated us. The girl was shattered, as it was her first marathon and she had traveled all the way for this race. We couldn’t do anything, as safety was the issue. I consoled her as best I could and we continued with our race. I was depressed that I couldn’t run the full marathon, but sadder that I had very little time, you know why :( !!

The next two miles were more fun. Anyway, I couldn’t run the full marathon, so let me take it easy and have fun running the half marathon, I decided. I slowed down a bit, she would run a bit faster, and the moment she knew that I was not around, she would look around and slow down a bit for me. I was looking up at heaven and thanking my dear God. It was one ‘Alaipayuthey’ moment. She was a doctor, I am a software engineer, awesome. My God didn’t like me having fun for long. With just about a mile left to finish the race, she said that she had injured her ankle a couple of months before while skiing in West Virginia with her husband. It felt like a thunder strike on me. Wait a second, did I hear it right? Maybe not, maybe yes. ‘Is your husband into running?’ I asked curiously, keeping my fingers crossed, hoping she would say that she wasn’t married, but I was wrong. She said that her husband doesn’t run much, but likes biking and skiing. The Nayagan background score was playing in the background by now. 200 yards to the finish line. I was a gentleman and let her cross the finish line seconds ahead of me. She was very excited about crossing the finish line and thanked me for making her run easy. “Likewise”, I replied, and we exchanged warm hugs, wishing each other good luck for our forthcoming races. Didn’t feel like hanging around after that, and I told her that I needed to go and wait for my friends at the finish line. She wasn’t expecting that, but she couldn’t say much except “Bye”. There ended my race. First, not being able to run the full marathon, and on top of that, another blow.

My friends soon crossed the finish line and the heavens opened at the very same time. The race officials appreciated our commitment to run the full marathon and awarded us the full marathon finisher medal, but we weren’t satisfied. We decided to walk from the finish line to the start line in that pouring rain, about 3-4 miles towards our hotel. The storm was in full swing, but we had reached the hotel by then. Hot shower, hot cappuccino and a great time laughing over my funny short-lived love story. A guy liked a girl, but the girl was married, and the guy lived happily ever after :)!!

Now I am all set for my ‘Strolling Jim - 40 mile’ ultra next weekend. Wonder what surprises I have in store over there!! Will keep ya all posted!!