Running.

I completed my second half marathon today. Slightly better timing, but a harder race. I did the first one last month, and I thought I did pretty OK for the first timer ( 2 hours 7 minutes). I just improved by 2 minutes in this one, but boy this felt quite harder than the first one.



Last two miles felt like the longest ones, especially the start of last mile. I could feel my body getting warmer, and started feeling dizzy. At the middle of last mile I looked at the watch, and it was showing 2:02 already. I stopped thinking about everything else, and just bolted of. I was feeling uneasy, but decided to ignore as I knew it is only half a mile I have to worry about now. I flew past the people who were ahead or with me almost throughout the race. Even in that physical state, I could see them turning their heads in surprize. The moment I finished the race, I knew I had to sit down somewhere for few minutes, and in those few minutes the uneasy feeling slowly went away. Luckily, there was a gentleman sitting next to me who kept me talking.

Overall, I believe I underestimated this race. The race started with a 4 mile gradual downhill. Then we ran uphill for next 4 miles and and came back to almost the starting elevation! And last 5 miles - although gradual downhill, were on open and windy road and hotter weather.

It wasn't an ideal finish to the race, but I felt content at the end. That is the thing I love about this place and people around here. They are so active that you end up getting into things like running, hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding etc. A year ago I didn't think I would ever say this, but I think I like this place.

Attitude is everything

I was reading this article, and had a sort of realization. It makes so much sense.

When you approach anything with an honest and deep belief that you can do it, and are not wavered by possibilities of failure; you really can achieve what you want. You might fail once or twice or even thrice, but if you find a way to keep your spirits high; you will succeed eventually.

We as human beings are naturally averse to risk and discomfort. We have to get out of our comfort zone, if we want to go to the next level.. Think of the last time you challenged yourself, how it turned out. You will find yourself growing as a person, when you take on challenges or do things that make you uncomfortable.

Another roadtrip.

Back from another awesome road-trip in Southern Utah and Arizona canyons. 1000 miles out and back driving and endless (at times mindless) fun. Wanted to stay for another day and explore Lake Powell. Anyways I am very tired right now, but feeling refreshed..

In this moment

Listening to Frank Sinatra and sipping my favorite hazelnut hot coffee, I am looking outside from my bedroom glass door. I see a calm, lit up city surrounded by cozy mountains, and a pitch dark sky. It is still little cold outside, not a spring as yet.

I close my eyes. I am at peace. I am wondering how many times I really pay attention to this moment - now? No matter what happened before or what will happen tomorrow, this moment seems so perfect, almost eternal in a sense. I am compelled to preserve this moment as a cherished memory.

One life, live it..

- Sankalp



P.S.: I am sober :P