Did you know the secret of Haile Gebrselassie- the greatest long distance runner ever is? You would be surprised to know that, it is poverty! Born as one of ten children in Asella, Arsi Province, Ethiopia and growing up as a child on a farm he used to run ten kilometres to school every morning, and the same back every evening not because he wanted to but because, he did not have a choice. This led to a distinctive running posture, with his left arm crooked as if still holding his schoolbooks. But, those years of hardship is the reason for what he is now!
It was around 8.30 in the night when I went to Sandarshini for dinner, had dinner and when I walked out, the rain started gaining momentum...I decided to get wet in the rain and reach home rather than waiting coz it looked like the rain gods were bent on going on and on. As I started walking, I found something that made me look twice, and go back in time and more than that inspire me to write this:
A young lady was carrying her kid and covered him with her saree to protect him from the rain. I loved it. I've always loved every act of my mom, especially ultra-sweet ones like these.
It is among the very few relationships where one does something for another even if it means to forego something and not even have the faintest thought of getting anything back - anything at all!
I am a believer in relativity. The beauty or importance of a person is best understood in a relative context. One understands the real importance of 'mom' only after getting to experience other kinds of relationships. The following quote by George Carlin about 'our times' throws ample light on superficial relationships that have become the order of the day! (I find it apt to quote this now, again because of relativity.)
" These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete..."
And the following video is for all those who love their mom!
What a classic! I just wonder what keeps champions going even after achieving almost every other thing and getting to a stage where they are a class apart from the crowd. Federer has nothing to prove to anyone in the world arena and to himself as he has won a slam everywhere and prior to this year's Wimbledon he jointly held the record for the most number of slams with big P. But, when one sees his scamper for every single point, it was as if he had never won a match before in life, leave alone a tournament or a grand slam. Such was the level of commitment, concentration and attitude he showed on court.
I wish I could have this commitment and enthusiasm about what I do in life. It is just amazing to note "What on earth keeps him going even after achieving so many feats?"
Due praise to Roddick .. I love the way he plays and he is a champion too. But sadly he is playing tennis in the same era as the great Federer. That is one of the reasons why he has been sidelined. A parallel can be drawn to the likes of RahulDravid and say SauravGanguly. They are gifted players too and have achieved a lot in the international arena. But, sadly again they happen to play Cricket in the era of the god of cricket - Sachin!
If only it had not been for such greats who dominate their area of specialization, so many other players would have risen to much higher glory!
Another point I wanted to write was about his composure and maturity. Being a sportsman myself, I understand the emotions attached with sports. Every point earned means a lot and I am in awe as to how he conceals his emotions, even when it means so much to him. With the placid reaction on his face throughout the match, he can pass of as a monk.. May be that is what is called as maturity...!
Compare this to the likes of Nadal, where there is loud and strong expression of emotions so many times throughout the match or the extreme case of Marat Safin who has broken a record number of rackets just to let out his emotions. N and M are kids in the block when compared to the great Federer who has been there done that and knows when to celebrate and when not to. I do agree N brings a lot more energy to the court, but to the purists of the game in specific and sports in general it is Federer who rules! Drawing another parallel to cricket, it is like the comparison of T20 to test cricket. The T20 version appeals to all the newbies of cricket for it's flashy nature, energy on the field and the pace at which the game moves. But, the real test for any player is test cricket. Similarly, N appeals to all those who want to see an energy packed match, with sound, emotions and action. But, the real champion is Federer!
I some how want to complete the Mumbai full marathon in 2010. Though I kinda got a start and practice regularly, I get bored with running at times and take a break here and there for a week or two. The challenge to meet here is to keep myself motivated with the focus on the distant goal and keep practising regularly. Hope fully I ll make it. I have to man... I was able to complete the Hyderabad half marathon in November, 2008 with a timing of 2 hr 30 mins.. This was the first time I had run for such a long time at a stretch.. When I can do that with literally no practice at all, I think the stage is all set to upgrade myself to complete the full marathon considering the 14 months time until Jan 17th, 2010 - the date of the event. Let's see.. fingers crossed.. I somehow want to make this happen.. May be I should stick strongly to my Sunday early morning long runs.. that will help me maintain the discipline and keep me in shape and focus for the Big event!
And now the long forgotten ligament tear on my right ankle keeps showing it's ugly head every now and then to keep me away from training and take my focus away. However, I get to exercise atleast the upper body and core on such days. But, let's see how long this is going to continue.
And I finally registered for the mega event! What a feeling it is to register for Asia's biggest marathon. Hopefully I will be able to complete it on January, 2010
