Malliamman Durgha Trek , Erode Dist ( 26 & 27 Feb 2011)

I got a chance for trek to Malliamman Durgha village located in Erode District with office colleagues. It is very remote village with out Electrify and basic amenities.

We started the trek from Kadambur, it is base station to trek Malliamman Durgha.













More about Malliamman Durgha

Auroville Marathon, Pondicherry (13th Feb 2011)

After my Mumbai marathon participant, I planned with Mr.Patrick and participated Auroville marathon, Pondicherry in Feb 13 with my Bangalore runners…

Auroville Reception and BIB collection Marathon Route Map

Post Marathon

I finished my half marathon in 2 hours 16 minutes ( 3 mintues morethan my mumbai marathon ) . It was my first trail marathon..
Program commit provided the good refreshment (including pongal and vada ) and T-shirt. I had very good memories .

Thanks to Patrick for this Motivation.

Mumbai Marathon, Mumbai(16th Jan 2011)

A guy born in Madurai Rural District Tamilnadu, definitely he is big fan and follower of Jallikattu/ Manjuveratu( Bull Tampering )and this habit starts from his childhood (because of circumstances /life system of his Madurai dist villages). A Person born and brought in agriculture based family (Main source of income and/or Primary family job); definitely he/she celebrate and attend pongal festival in his/her village home. It is very common in my case also. I never missed any pongal and Jallikattu so far.
However, Hobby become marathon/long distance runner in India, definitely one of the dreams could be Participation in Mumbai Marathon.

Mumbai Marathon official logo

Last year Aug’2010, I applied for Mumbai Half Marathon ( 21 KMs) with my colleague Sudeer. We both were decided to participate in Mumbai marathon. After sending my Chennai Marathon timing certificate, I received confirmation mail about my participation through email/mail.
Sudeer told that we need to book the fight tickets for Mumbai. Marathon day was coincided with pongal festival. But still my mind was willing to participate. I told my marathon aspiration to my parents (basically asking permission).Initially I did not get any green signal. I explained that, marathon can run only in young age not after become old. After so many level of discussions (like S/w Organizations), I got approval/ green signal from my parents for book my flight tickets. Same day we booked flights tickets to Mumbai (BLR-MUM-BLR).
Meanwhile, I shifted from Bangalore to Chennai. So I did not do enough practice. I have done very few practices sessions with Patrick (Co-runner, Working in Leading Intenational Organization as Senior Position) and Nike runner club members. We booked the rooms in Dec 2010 at hotel Rangsarada, Bandra (Very close to Half Marathon starting point). Even without good (enough) practice, I used to tell about my friends and colleagues about my Mumbai marathon participant plans. However I had good confidence about myself. I got surprise news from Sudeer about his unavailability for marathon. I was little bit worried.
I never visited Mumbai. Only I studied about Mumbai in text books and news papers and seen Mumbai in news and movies. I collected enough navigation information for Mumbai from my colleague Sivaji , my classmate Sambath and my BLR House owner. My House owner guided me about must see places in Mumbai.
15 Jan 2011 (Thai 1)
I got up in early in the morning went Old airport Road bus stop took bus to Bangalore New Airport. When I was in bus, I was thinking “am I doing right or not?” I reached Airport and seen few Bangalore Nike Runners waiting to catch flight to Mumbai. Meantime Suruli reached airport. We took Jet airways flight and reached Mumbai around 10:30 am.

That day was Pongal. But I was away from my village around 2000KMs. My family members called me, Pongal festival went well. Pongal milk comes out from the east side of pot and lot of sugarcane was idle in home and nobody eating that... (Usually I eat lot of sugarcanes, home become dirty of sugarcane wastes). Near Gateway of India

We reached church gate railway station. In railway station I met a new person Mr. Rahul Banerjee (studied in IIM, Indore). He helped us to reach World Trade Center. We went and collected goodie bag. I went to “Runners for life” stall and Collected Nike coupon. I met around 15 to 20 Bangalore runners in WTC. We took few snaps. Ragul become a friend for me. He guided us near site seeing. We visited Gateway of India, Nariman Point and Marine Drive. After that, we went hotel. Evening, we went Bandra Band stand (Saru and Salmman area) , Linking Road and Hill Road areas. From hotel room, we had seen Bandra- Worli Sea Link and Lilavathi hospital

World Trade Centre

Marine Drive and Nariman Point

Goodie Bag

I received best wishes messages from my ex-colleagues (now friends), friends and family members. I was very happy about their wishes and encourages. It created a tremendous confidence.

Rajivi Gandhi Sea Link ( Bandra-Worli Sea Link)

Race Day (16 Jan 2011)
This Marathon was 8th edition. Starting point was very close to my room. Around 12000 People gathered near Bandra fire station for Half Marathon event. I had seen full of heads. I was able see all age group of people includes females. People wore different type accessories and gadgets. I had seen lot runners from Aboard, North India, south India as well as Mumbai People. Most of people gathered as group participant, but I was alone in the crowd.

Marathon exactly started in 6:15 am with gun shout (it was not the case in Chennai marathon, 25 minutes delay) and there was big digital display also. I prayed god for a while. I started my dream marathon with full confidences and hopes. When I was cross the starting point, time was around 6:25 am... Now you can imagine crowd of people (In my Bangalore ran, I crossed the line after 2 minutes). When I was running the Rajivi Gandhi Sea Link ( Bandra-Worli sea Link, 5 KMs length) sun started raising. Whole route had KM sign for every one kilometer as well as water station and Mobile toilet facility. I was just seeing the city and keep on running. During my run, I was able to see few Bangalore runners opposite side as well as my side. I was just seeing and enjoying city during my run. Everywhere stage performance, TV interviews, peoples offers (fruits, biscuit, water and chocolates). I did not take snacks and water this time. There was small up in route from 14 KM to 15 KM. I was little tired, but mentally I was strong enough.

Half Marathon Route Map

The marathon route was Bandra Fire station -> Rajivi Gandhi Sea Link -> INS Trata Circle -> Worli Dairy-> Nehru Centre ->Baulnath Temple -> C.S.T.

Participants

During my run, I had seen few international medalist, Business man, celebrates and friends. I completed my Mumbai marathon around 2:13 minutes (less than 10 minutes of previous marathon, waiting for exact chip timing) in Near C.S.T Terminal. I was very happy that moment.
Organization body provided the refreshments and medals in Azad Madian. Around 34,000 people participated in all events.

I called Suruli from stranger mobile. He did not come to marathon ending point (It was our plan; I did not carry any mobile, Camera and not a single rupee. But it was not surprise me about suruli). I felt little bad because I was not able take snaps in my new camera (I bought camera for my Mumbai marathon participant purpose). I met few Bangalore runners. Shrikant helped me for stretching. I got a tea offer from some stranger. Another lady offered Rs 10 for my train tickets.

I reached room; we check out room and roamed the Bandra market area. I bought few dress for my family members. Market area was busy. We took a Jet airways flight and back to Bangalore. In aircraft, around 5 to 10 known people (Bangalore runners). We were discussed about timings. We reached Bangalore around 6:30 pm.

Few strong points:

1)Parents should understand the children aspirations.
2)Friends should support and encourage their friends new endeavors /attempts
3)If you have confidence and Practice, you reach your goals.

Above all things I got this event, so I competed my dream Mumbai marathon.

Thank you very much to ex-colleagues (now friends), colleagues, friends and family members for support, encourage and guidance.

Chennai Book Fair, Chennai (12th Jan 2011)

I heard about Chennai Book Fair during my college days. But I never got a chance to visit Chennai Book Fair. I visited and bought number of good books in Bangalore Book Fair last couple of years including English and Tamil.

Few weeks before some of my friends and colleagues told about Chennai Book Fair. I decided to visit. Last week Wednesday I visited the Book Fair. I saw more than 500 stalls from Different publishers and sellers. I had seen lot of Tamil books from different publishers and few English publishers; but I did not see any other regional language publishers. (This was not a case in Bangalore Book Fair, I saw so many Tamil publishers in Bangalore Book Fair)

I saw lot of Tamil Books (Ancient & Modern literatures, poem, and stories) which I had not seen before. I bought few books. There were program about tamil language by Origination committee during book fair days. That day Meriven, Malluri and Sathya selan gave good and informative speach in different topics about Tamil. I seen Tamil language writers and poets Manushyaputhran , saru nivethitha and Palani bharathi.

That was Good.
Edition : 34
Date : from 04th jan-2011 to 17th Jan-2011
Organized by : Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI).

Aircel Chennai Open Tennis Quarterfinals, Chennai (7th Jan 2011)

As I remember, I follow up only Grand slams matches after Quarterfinals. When I was Bangalore, I heard about Chennai Open Tennis and it is usually happens on beginning of every year. It is one of the ATP 250 category.

Few weeks before when I was reading news paper, I saw the advertisement about Chennai Open Tennis 2011 and Ticket sales. I decided to watch the match in the Stadium.

Official Logo

Aircel 2011 Cup

Few days before I discussed with my colleague Jerald about Tennis match and he also interested to watch.We (Jerald, Karupusamy and myself) booked the tickets online (Low cost ticket Rs.200 Per person and valid for one day, East Side) and went to Nungambakkam Tennis stadium.

Security Check in the Entrance

After entering stadium, I started clicking Photos using my first digital camera ... (My friend Karthi was insisted me so many times to buy Digital Camera. But I never turned. Anyway finally I bought digital Camera after working in IT more than 6 years. I bought new Camera from US through friend Bala. Thanks Bala).

Stadium view from East Side

Sunset

First Match was between Tomas Berdych (CZE) Vs Blaz Kavcic in Main Court.
Tomas Berdych won in straight sets (6-3, 6-3)

Second Match was between Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi Vs Philipp Marx and Kne Skupski.
During Match, I had doubt about my tie-breaker, I decided to call Srini and Raghu, both are expert in the about Games. I called Raghu and asked about my doubt. He clarified.

The Two old Warhorses Paes and Bhupathi Showcased their doubles skills and comfortable won against Marx and Skupski in direct sets (6-4, 7-6(3)).

Third match, we did not see completely due urgency to catch my Bangalore Mail Train in Chennai Central Station. Karupusamy dropped in Central Station. I took Bangalore Mail train and went to Bangalore. I was nice movement watch match in Stadium.


More photos Click here.

National Level Volley Ball – Quarter Final - Karnataka Vs Tamilnadu, Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai ( 17th Dec 2010 )

During News Paper browsing, I came across news about National Level Volley Ball Match in Nehru stadium (Back side of Corporation Building, Chennai). I watched few league matches, all alone for few days after my office hours (except one match, Jerlad gave a company ) . I shared the same information with my Chennai friends and informed about KAR Vs TN Quarter Finals also. Few guys were interested and got motivated to watch the live match in stadium. Sambath, Karthi, Karupu and Mohan were confirmed there presences. I told them, come to stadium around 5 pm on Match day.

Quarter Final Day:
We were reached the stadium around 5 pm (except Mohan, last minute drop out). My friends were supported to Tamilnadu as usual. I was confused, which team should I support? Match was started approximately 5:30 pm. TN team had a good audience support.

First two sets were interesting... The Karnataka players No 3, 5, 8 and 11 and Tamilnadu players 9, 13 and 16 were played an excellent game.

The Tamil team won with direct sets. (25-20, 25-22, 25-20.) Mr. G.E. Sridharan Coach of TN Team congrated his boys.

We scattered from Nehru stadium after a match. I boarded in Bangalore Mail and went to Garden City.
I missed the finals. Sambath and Karupu watched the finals in stadium. Tamilnadu got a thrilling victory in the finals against Kerala .

Photo courtesy : Hindu News Paper

Vedanthangal Bird Centaury and Bullet Ride, Vedanthangal (5th Dec 2010)

I was doing casual chat with one of my friend Senthil in last week (He is Madras-IIT’an and working as Design Architecture in one of leading Organization). During Our chat, I came to know that he has bullet (Royal Enfield) and he goes every weekend to Mahabalipuram by bike (approx 100 kms up and down ) . Meanwhile I came across news of season started at Vedanthangal l and lot foreign and north India birds are start coming to centaury. I asked Senthil, shall we go for bike ride to Bird centaury? He replied instantaneously we will go on coming Sunday.

We started around 9 am. On the way, we met one of my friend who returned from US ( actually he bought new digital camera for me from US). The distance of Chennai Tambaram (South part of the Chennai city )to Vedanthangal around 55 KMs . We reached the place around 10:30 am.
During our trip, I recalled and I visited the same place with Feb 2006 with MSc Classmates.

I saw few visitors and some photography hobbies guys. We seen few birds and around 20 varieties of birds already reached centaury (this info provided by Forest department person who works in centaury).
We saw few birds through binocular (very aged one) also.
Because of drizzling we did not carry our cameras, so I did not take photo :-(

After half hours stay, we departed. We reached Chennai around 12:30 PM.

That day climate was awesome (No Sun rays at all). I enjoyed of Bullet ride (After a year, I went a bike trip. Before that I went Bangalore to Madurai with Marudhappan in Dec 2009).

I was happy and I am start engaging these days in Chennai also (actually I missed a trip with Bangalore friends in same day in Bangalore).

Chat with Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist, Bangalore City Railway Station (28th Nov 2010)

I recollected all my school and colleges days about my sports activities. As I remember, I got only few (sorry ... very few) medals in those days only in college and schools levels. Events were Discuss throw, Shot put, Volley ball, Basket ball and few running events. Last few years I was playing basket ball and last 8 months doing long runs (marathons, as of now max 21.09 Kms ) . I think it is enough info about my involvement.
As usual, I went to Bangalore last weekend. I booked my return ticket in Chennai Mail (Departure in Bangalore City 10.45 pm ). I reached station at 10.00 pm. I was sitting in one of the light Post cement concrete in Platform No.1. In Meantime, another person also came to sit in other side concrete. That person was looks me a very familiar face. I was try recall who is she? She had one Bag with Asian Games logo.

After few minutes, I asked her, did you represent India in Asian Games? And Are you medalist in Common wealth Games? She replied yes. I told her, I seen you in news paper and TV news clippings. She replied, you are right and you might be seen. She said her name is Jyothi. She was waiting her family members and train.

Jyothi is an athlete. She won Bronze medal for India in 4X100 meters Common wealth Games, Delhi 2010. She participated in many national and international Events. She runs in 100 meters and relay events. She is from Chitradurga Dist, Karnataka. I was very happy and proud of her as Indian, scored a bronze for India. (First person from right in the below picture)






First time in my life, I asked autograph from other person. Still I am not able to recall, why I asked autograph. I never had habit of this. She agreed and gave an autograph. She is very simple and calm.

I was chatting about sports persons and their life style. I told about my marathon runs. I told her, my involvements and interests about sports as well as my participant plan for Mumbai Marathon in Jan 2011.

She told me, what are skills required for sprint event participant:
1) Concentration
2) Commitment
3) Practice
4) Hardwork
5) Value of Milliseconds
6) Food habit
7) Participant in different locations
8) Wind and climate suitability

I told her, for marathon runners need only practice and commitment.

Apart from above points few more things I observed our discussion. She missed lot of family functions and friends.

I asked to her come and give speech in Our District Schools and Colleges..

Clock was moving fast, Chennai mail was about start with 5 minutes delay.

I wished her for fore coming events and Win gold medal for India in Olympics. That day will come soon.

I said bye to Joythi and boarded in Chennai Mail. It was an unforgettable moment for me and great inspiration too...

Yuva Path’10, Chennai (25th Nov 2010)

I am not belongs to any member of the party, even though I never missed mark my ballot/vote in parliament, legislative or village panchayat elections.

Last week end I went to Garden city ( Bangalore ) for official purpose while return I came with Annan ( Brother in Tamil ) Surulivelan ( Youth Congress President for Madurai West Assembly, Youth Dynamic , Can do attitude guy ). During our train journey, he told me that, he is going for welcoming Yuva Path’10 members ( Kanyakumari to Chennai by Walk) . I knew little about Yuva path, because Suruli told me long back about that and he gave grant welcome for Yuva path members in Melur, Madurai Dist (my native town).

Suruli was insisting to book return to Bangalore. After we reached Chennai, I went to his hotel room and book tickets in Online.

I called him the Suruli and asked can I come and see your Youth Congress event. He agreed and asked to me Kamaraj Memorial Hall in Teynampet, Chennai. After my office hours, I took a bus to Teynampet.

During my bus journey, I observed few things about chennai. Moving traffic in peak Hours, Lot of fly over, lot of subways and lights in Road. I was thing in my mind, Chennai is very good for facilities. Somehow I felt it is missing in favorite place.

After crossing saidapet, I was able to notice lot of Congress posters and banners. I was able to see familiar face in most of the posters. He is Vardharajan ( Youth Congress Vice President for Tamilnadu). Few lines about Vardhan, Good personality, high listen skills, always accept and understand others concern. He is another Annan for us (our classmates and our local friends in Madurai).

Celebrations:

I went late to that function. When I entered the Hall, the main speaker finished his speech. I was not to know about that what he spoke. But I got a chance for listen the Yuvaraj Speech (Youth Congress President for Tamilnadu). He was speaking about youngster to actively participant in polities, Central Govt scheme, Road map for youth congress and thanking participant for Walk.

I missed to wish Varadhu for this successful event in auditorium, but I called and wished by phone.

After that function, Suruli introduced to me few Madurai level party leaders. In between one of our friend called us.

He is Sambath Kumar. Few lines about Sambath, He is young and dynamic Engineer working in software. He is doing lot of social services for especially rural developments with support of MaduraiIT-ians Group. He visited lot of schools and colleges in Madurai and surrounding districts for awareness about IT & Non-IT jobs career opportunities with MaduraiIT-ians members. His Speech was great inspiration for school and college students. He is regularly conducting awareness program My applause to sambath for this initiation and promptness.

We were discussing about Yuva path program as well as pro and cons of this program.

I definitely believe that, One day Vardharajan and Surulivelan become good position in Congress and good level in politics like MLA ,MPs..

I said bye to sambath and Suruli , and return to room.

Eureka Run, Chennai (14th Nov 2010)

I was in chennai last week end. I did not had any idea what I was going to do in the week end. When i was browsing Chennai trekkers Group mail from Mr. Peter. I got a information about Eureka Run ( 5 Kms ) in Chennai Marina Beach on 14th Nov.

I stopped my long running for last few weeks due to some other activities. My last ran was Chennai Half Marathon in Aug.

I registered for Eureka Run. Theme of run was "an event to fundraise for AID INDIA’S innovative village education centers (Eureka SuperKidz) in 500 villages in Tamilnadu that provide quality language, math & science inputs to children from the poorest families."

I told same about Karupusamy and Gopal ( young dynamic guys, working in chennai ) for pick and drop in the event Place.


We went Marina beach. Actor Prasanna and Parthiban flagged the event. I was too tried in the during my run. I completed 5 KMs in 21 Minutes without any practice .

Endhiran Movie, Bangalore (1st Oct 2010)

After My profession become software Industry related, I like to watch movies in only theaters ( I don't know why ) . I stopped watching movies in TVs and small devices. Whenever i spent my weekend in Bangalore , I try to watch at-least one movie in theater. My movie watching habit is multiple diversity depending upon movie and who gives company, based on that i choose the movies. I watched many movies in Tamil, English, Kannada and Telugu.

Last week my old roommate Kamal brother Vinoth came to Bangalore for Training purpose. He was asking me about me Superstar Rajini Endhiran movie watching plan.. I was literally avoiding to watch the movie on release day because too much rush and ticket availability concerns. As well as i have booked my tickets for next day via one of the my Colleague Venkat ( He is big fan for Superstar and multiple personality guy). I thought that go with Durgai . But the all the plans were changed of Vinoth.

Finally we got a ticket in Innovate multiplex in Marathalli.The cost of ticket was Rs.400 and show timing was 10:30 pm.

There was quite rush in ticket counter as well as theater complex. we were able to hear our village style "Whistle sound" in Bangalore Multiplex complex.

The movie was Good .. I was expected more style from Superstar but...

Any way First day.. i watched Endhiran, as movie crazy guy..

Durgai called for movie again.. But i did not turn..

Thanks to Vinoth for insist to me go this movie on Release day.

MARG - Chennai Marathon, Chennai (29th Aug 2010)

After my Bangalore Sunfeast 10K ran, I got more motivation for long runs. I registered in “Runners for life” website. I frequently receives informations about marathon events from RFL. End of July, I got information about Chennai half Marathon . I discussed same about my colleague Sudhir. He was interested to participate.

Usually during my school and college examination time, after pay the examination fee, I do start reading the subjects. I followed the same funda here also (it is totally irrelevant for long runs).

Till August first week my longest distance run was only 10 KMs. I have very poor confidence for 21 kms run. I discussed same thing about Sudhir, Asad, Sethu, Raghu and Abhi. Asad gave me workout plan. I followed workout plan without thinking too much. I completed 16 KMs run (Old Bangalore Airport -> Richmond Circle -> Old Bangalore Airport) before one week of Chennai Marathon. Meantime I Joined a YOGA class in beginning of August (I felt, it also influenced something for my marathon run).

Set for Marathon:

I got wishes from my colleagues, friends and family members on Friday evening. I started from Bangalore to Chennai by Lalbagh express in Saturday morning. When I was in train my friend and colleague Indranil called me and he guided me about food and deep sleep. I reached Chennai by afternoon. I met few Karnataka runners in Railway station. I went to Lady Wellington College. I have examined by Medical officer and got a certification for “FIT to Run”. Then I collected BIB number (i.e. ..810 –Other state ~Karnataka~ Category). I went to my classmate Murali Home for stay. Few of my Chennai friends called me. I met few Guys. Few of my friends and colleagues called and wished during eve of marathon day, but one of my close friend ram did not wish ( I was very sad about that ) . Indranil called me again and confirm i am following the guide or not. I explained to Karuppu and Gopal (both are energetic Guys ) about my pick up and drop plans in the event venue.

Race Day (29th Aug 2010):

I reached a venue half an hour before with Gopal. I did warm ups. I believed myself very much “I can do it” . Event started around 6:30 am. I prayed a God for few seconds and started the prestigious Marathon. Chennai weather was Moderate. Race route was Anna square - > Marina beach -> Light house -> Besant Nagar beach -> Light house -> Marina Beach -> Anana square.

Around 300 participants in 21 KMs category. I completed first 10.5 Kms in 1:03 minutes as per my timing chip ( I forgotten to wear my wrist watch ) . After 19 KMs completion, I am not able to run at all. I managed and completed my “Maiden Half Marathon” in 2:17 minutes. My Rank was 104.

I got a first congrats from Indranil. I got a Congrats messages and calls my friends after my race. We back to room and again. We took "Vaigai Express" and I reached my village around 8:20 pm. I had very deep sleep with happy mind.

I believed that day, Something I achieved in my life ( I don't know why I felt like that ).

I become a Half Marathon Runner.

Thanks for All my Guides, Colleagues, friends and family members, who are directly and indirectly supported for my achievement.

Photo courtesy: Vinoth and Google search.

World Classical Tamil Conference,Coimbatore ( 26th Jun 2010)

I was born and brought up in Tamilnadu. My medium of study until my 12th Standard was Tamil (i.e Till the age of 17). I used to read news papers, magazine, books and poem published only in Tamil. After my +2, I started speaking in English too :).. . In between by chance i learnt Hindi and French. After I came to Bangalore, I learnt to speak Kanada too.

In the meantime, I got a chance to attend World Classical Tamil conference in Coimbatore. All my other friends Kabilan, Rajkumar and Suruli (President, Madurai West Assembly youth Congress)  came from Madurai to Combitore. Karthik and myself went from Bangalore. Its an unplanned trip, some how we got a bus ticket. We picked-up Vinod in Madivala before starting to Coimbotore . As usual Vinod was busy with Phone and he was literaly waiting when purbus move from madivala bus stop.

Conference Day 26th June 2010

We reached Coimbotore around 6:15. Kabilan and Rajkumar came to bus stop to pick up (Ganapathi). We went to his apartment allotted to him. Karthik and Kabilan went for paper presentation. Suruli, Suruli father, Rajkumar and myself went KMG Hospital to see Sudarsanam M.L.A.

In Conference :
We Visited Computer exhibition, Art exhibiton and Book Exhibiton.
It was very good.
I gathered many knowledge about new thingsTAMIL.
End of day Karthik and myself returned to Bangalore by Island Express Train.
Photo Courtesy : Surulivelan.

Tamilnadu Agricultural University,Coimbatore( 18th Jun 2010)

I born and brought up in agriculture based family, but I have never visited any technical or scientific institution about Agri. There is one Agriculture College is very close to my village, among so many years, I have visited that college only once.

I got a change to visit the prestigious institution “Tamil nadu agricultural university”,Coimbatore for my cousin’s Undergraduate counseling.

In University Campus, I spoke with few students in the campus to enquired about campus and course curriculum.

Before that I went to Marudha Malli Murgan temple and Bharathiyar University located in the same corridor.

We returned to native after counseling , via route Coimbatore -> Palladam -> Dharapuram -> Oddanchatram -> sempatti -> Madurai.

My Coimbatore navigation and Ticket booking guide done Arunkumar, he is working with me in same team.. Thanks to Arun for Virtual Guide to Cotton City

Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore ( 23rd May 2010)

When I was in school and college , I did not actively participate in any sports and athletic events. Even after i came to Bangalore, My old roommates Narsai, Bevi and Kosalai were jogging and also going to gym .I did not join.

Since 1.5 Years, I started with sports and taking care of health and fitness. I started regularly jogging with karthi and started playing BASKET BALL .

While Continuing that I rode 25kms Cycle-thon 74 minutes in Bangalore Last year..
We got the information about Marathon Run in Bangalore in last month.

I started my preparation for the Sunfest Run 10K just few weeks before in HAL ground. it is roughly 800 Meters single Lap.. Still I wonder I always get tired after 2,3 rounds.. Eventually I increased the laps count with help of Mr. Sethu, Abhi .. and Raghu . Sethu is a Professional runner. I admire his running in HAL ground. He always ran more than 10 Laps every alternate day. He is also one of motivation factor for me. Abhi a Basket Ball Player from Mysore was a companion during my practice in HAL. Two weeks before i managed to run 6 KMs and then 5 days before the marathan i could run 8 KMs, a great morale boost !!!

Meanwhile My colleague Dina and Sudhir told about Bangalore NIKE RUN CLUB. I went with sudhir and Dina on 8 th may. We ran about 5 KMs in Kateerva Stadium and Cubbon Park. On May 15 I went alone. Sudhir, Dina, Raghu and Maru told me , they are coming.. But nobody turned up. So I ran alone with CLUB runners..

On friday , I did my final set for marathon. Started around 6:15 AM in to on my wrist watch( Usually I do not wear watch ). I finished 5 laps with Abhi. Remaining 8 laps all alone. It was drizzling. I finished by 7:18 AM. Around same time Sethu also started, he finished all the laps before me and encouraged me for my completion.
It was very happy that day ... because i finished 10 KMs in 1:03 hours. My Self confidence level was increased. I discussed about this with raghu during lunch time. he told that it is good time man.!!!! But i did not believe it. He said that you will finish less than a hour. still i did not believe him.

Yesterday ( May 22 ), I did some warm-up and stretch excercises in the morning and stayed back home the remaining day.

I discussed with Karthik ( Subramaniyapuram), about pick up and drop arrange ments to the stadium on the marathon day and he said that he will be joining me.

I got a good wishes from my family and friends..

RACE DAY ( MAY 23 )

Karthik called me at 5:40 AM and we both started at around 6:00 and reached the event place at 6:30 AM

People were rushing to the ground irrespective of their age and nationality . It was a gathering of multiple diversity.. School students, college students, Software professionals, world athletes , Senior citizens and physically challenged people etc...

It was a colorful and a mass event. The event management for wonderful. I met Senthil, Kamal , Dina , sudhir, Jonas and few friends and colleagues after the event.

Inaugural starting ceremony began with deep sense of mourning a silence for a 1 minute , for the people who died in AIR CRASH @ Mangalore..

One by one all the events started. The first event was Elite Men10k run. it was for professional runners . All Prizes are owned by African continental people . After that senior Citizens event followed by Elite Women 10K.

In the mean time ,we were following the events timings in the big screen. Indian Air force Helicopter was monitoring the event region from the skies.

It was 8:05 am 5 mintues before the start of our event our entry points are GATE 5 AND GATE 6. It was a ocean , roughly around 7000 and I was one among them.

The event started at 8:10 am, I touched the ground , prayed for few seconds and started running. I was speaking to myself that I to complete the run in less than an hour. Sudhir, Dina and myself were together till the exit of stadium.. After that I did not see Dina. Sudhir was with me for couple of kilometers and later he to disappeared. After Manipal , I saw senthil on other side and a new joinee of our group.
After the completion of 5 Kms , I was a bit tired due hot weather. After that I joined with Jonas for rest of run. During the run , I was eager to drink water. I did not drink.. I do not know why i did not drink water. I was closely monitoring my watch every minute. Whenever i saw my watch , my mind said SELVAM, you have to finish before one hour.

Last 500 Meters lot of people on the road close to the stadium were touching my hands and greeting me. When I entered the stadium the clock showed 9:06 am.. I finished the race in 56 minutes as per my watch and I was very happy that I completed the run with 4 minutes to space. But I may have to wait to till next week to get the exact results as the computer chip (RFID) will tell the exact timing.

At last I would like to compliment the excellent Post-race arrangements. In-spite of the huge crowd they provided refreshments ( food and water ) to all . I met senthil, Asad, Mani, Sethu, Kamal, Venkat, Mridul and Renuka ( my colleagues ) .

I took few snaps and returned to room with Karthik with a great sense of pride, happiness, confidence and satisfaction !!!!

Team Photo:(Left to Right )Myself, Sethu, Senthil

(Left to Right) Myself, Renuka, Mirdul and venkat

Once again, thanks for all, who supported me.