Sunday 4 May, -1 Degree Celsius feels like temperature with
strong wind flowing around, ‘Mel Lastman Square’ was buzzing with enthusiastic
runners. This was the venue from where thousands of people started another run
of their life time. As one of the Half-marathon runners, I was running my first
such run outside India and that is in totally opposite weather conditions.
At 8:30 AM, I started my run with a target to finish the run
in 2 hours. The wonderful Trail of the World's longest street, Yonge Street,
can be called one of the most favorable routes for Marathons. Elevations along
the course were also favorable. Passing through main intersection of Sheppard
Avenue, York Mills, Lawrence Avenue, and Eglington, we turned towards Bayview
Avenue. Beautiful forests around the street led us to the King Street which had
the 15 km milestone. Now I wanted to give little rest to my legs. I ran another
kilometer before I went for little stretching of my body parts. After this I
continued my run towards the finish line. I was running alongside 2 hours pace
rabbit.
This was the time when a comparatively easier run had become
difficult because of the strong winds. There was a moment when I felt that I
would be blown away with the strong wind. Now I was finding it very difficult
to breathe as well.
Nevertheless, I didn't want to lose focus from my 2 hours
goal. Running besides major attractions of Toronto, I ultimately finished my
maiden non-Indian run at the shores of Lake Ontario.
Finishing Marathon is one of the best feelings which I was
having at the finish line.
