Truth is stranger than fiction

The prospect of running amidst the vineyards was too tempting to resist especially when it was just a 4 hour drive from Mumbai. This was despite the fact we had just finished a half marathon the previous Sunday at the exuberant Vasai Virar Mayors Marathon.  We had first heard about the Zendurance Nashik Spirit run in October post our monthly meet with the Mumbai Road runners (MRR). Runners could register either for the 21k, 10.5 k or 5 k and it was a race amidst the famous Sula Vineyards where participants were entitled to a complimentary wine tasting tour in the grape capital of India. Not wanting to do a back to back 21 k, we signed up for the 10.5 k race, deciding to enjoy the panoramic view of the forest and vineyards. It was a beautiful drive from Mumbai. Having started early Saturday morning, we managed to escape the traffic snarls and found ourselves in the amphitheatre of Sula Vineyards by noon, where we collected our bibs.   It was breathtakingly beaut...

                                       When you have the roads washed for you the day before, volunteers who wake up wee hours of the morning to hand over the necessary refreshments at regular intervals; the village folk sacrificing their Sunday morning sleep to cheer for you, then you have no reason to complain even when the weather Gods are not exactly at their best.  Despite light showers the day before, Sunday, November 22 nd -the day of the Vasai Virar Mayors’ Marathon, still exhibited some humidity in the air. The start line was jubilant with all the Djs and bands playing tracks. The song ‘ Bhaag Milka Bhaag’ was enough to make get us going, determined to put our best feet forward.   After running just 2 kms, we were surprised to find ourselves drenched with perspirat...