tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post6608062136761315324..comments2024-03-29T13:19:39.557+05:30Comments on Dare To Run: Comrades 2013. Into the Abyss..and Out.Dare To Runhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396165442232446208noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-46267610773406473002018-10-08T16:09:04.775+05:302018-10-08T16:09:04.775+05:30You can see that you like to write.You can see that you like to write.Daniellahttp://www.theescortinfo.com/meet-daniella-ruby-girl.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-83147863380893275162014-01-11T11:36:10.447+05:302014-01-11T11:36:10.447+05:30Amitbhai,
Your story is really touching and very v...Amitbhai,<br />Your story is really touching and very very motivational for a beginers like me..All the very best and goog luck.<br /><br />Manish T Shah.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14329492697366655230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-63220691071518657202013-06-23T23:49:39.496+05:302013-06-23T23:49:39.496+05:30Amit - Comrades can be a cruel master! It was a v...Amit - Comrades can be a cruel master! It was a very hard day at the office. You ticked off all the boxes in your preparations but on the day it didn't happen. Why? Who knows. <br />Some lessons take longer to learn. I don't know why for some people, the lesson is quickly learnt and for others, it takes longer. There have been times in my life where I have really struggled and have wondered and prayed about it. Why is God making this so hard for me? Why can't He cut me some slack? With time and wisdom I have realised that when it has taken me time to overcome a challenge, it is because God felt I hadn't learnt the lesson yet. If He had made it easy for me then perhaps I wouldn't have learnt the lesson or grown from the experience (if that make any sense to you!) So I say to you - please come back next year, there's a down run medal waiting for you. Best wishes to Neepa and the children, lots of love NikkiNikki Campbellhttp://www.alsoranrunners.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-13600538631642149612013-06-18T03:48:02.445+05:302013-06-18T03:48:02.445+05:30Hello Amit, your story is really touching for me a...Hello Amit, your story is really touching for me as it almost mirrored my race. I was lucky enough to squeeze in a finish with 22s left on the clock but this story could easily had been mine as well. It is because this race is soo difficult for us, and the fear of not making it that makes it so great. And that is what makes it most satisfying when we are able to accomplish. I look forward to this challenge next yr and I hope we will both make it to the Finish!!Susannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-29928956705412400872013-06-16T21:12:35.476+05:302013-06-16T21:12:35.476+05:30Amit, you have been my inspiration and motivation ...Amit, you have been my inspiration and motivation to run Comrades. This year I finished behind you and Neepa at SCMM 2013 in 5 hrs 21 seconds. I am planning to register for Comrades 2014 and plan to run Mumbai Marathon in January 2014 in 4 hrs 45 minutes. Wish you and Neepa all the best for Comrades 2014.Sanjai Banerjihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11778020645603375232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-78351468942264224802013-06-15T11:41:24.580+05:302013-06-15T11:41:24.580+05:30Hi Amit,
Just tough luck!
But your undaunted spi...Hi Amit,<br />Just tough luck! <br /><br />But your undaunted spirit is truly inspiring! <br /><br />Good luck to the both of you for 2014.<br /><br />Best<br /><br /><br />Vineeta<br /><br />Vineeta Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03127349645041717621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-16396273754191727342013-06-12T03:33:54.251+05:302013-06-12T03:33:54.251+05:30There is a lot to be said for getting back on the ...There is a lot to be said for getting back on the bicycle. The wonderful thing about these types of experiences is that it forces one to confront life and one's own mortality, dig deep and discover what more is in there. An easy race makes for a fairly mundane story. Keep living deep and sucking out the marrow of life! So happy to be able to call you and Neepa my friends.You both rock!Heather Howellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10942880248885978652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-6582375003150004492013-06-10T20:04:16.193+05:302013-06-10T20:04:16.193+05:30Amit,
Of all the international marathons why is i...Amit,<br /><br />Of all the international marathons why is it that the COMARDES comes to me the closest? Why not the IRONMAN or the BIG 5? Need i answer that...? Amit, its becoz u have made us feel the pain and joy of going beyond our comfort zones. (and many will vouch for it as well)<br /><br />Watching it LIVE this time made me a complete nervous wreck. One that i have never ever been. Such is the impact u COMRADERs' have amassed. So take a bow and a pat on your back coz its the journey and not the destination that defines u.<br /><br />If SCMM has revolutionised running and fitness in India, then Amit u have taken it a notch higher. The Roger Bannister for me.<br /><br />Neepa... the silent and gracious WARRIOR. No words or emotion can describe your sacrifice. You have just raised the bar of being Inservice by several notches. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07974903334418929277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-74617276497345025172013-06-10T18:56:26.036+05:302013-06-10T18:56:26.036+05:30Viva Comrade Amit Viva!!!. It is strange that we a...Viva Comrade Amit Viva!!!. It is strange that we all place so much emphasis on the finish and the medal and yet they say that it is the Journey that defines us. I know this too well as you know all about my first three comrades all finished outside time. You my friend are my African Brother with a Lionheart and you will no doubt go on to get your green number one day - you have the heart for it and the will to achieve it. When I read all the comments on the blog, it is eveident that you underestimate how the Journey has Defined you especially that you have inspired so many around the world. I know in my heart that we will continue to meet annually for Comrades for many years to come. Enjoy the rest for now - you have earned it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08796952380448752641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-16408615934936573692013-06-10T15:51:25.720+05:302013-06-10T15:51:25.720+05:30Amit,
I think you are too harsh on yourself! You h...Amit,<br />I think you are too harsh on yourself! You have been so awesome...<br />- to start Comrades for the fifth time which by itself is an incredible achievement!<br />- To put in countless hours of training which by itself is a reward!<br />- to continue running despite the puking, bleeding and other difficulties suffered by you! There are many out there who are perfectly fine and yet cannot put together a minute's run!<br />- To go for the final cut-off knowing well that clearing it will still not enable you to finish the race. That never say die mentality is what a true comrade is made of!<br />I am sure you will complete many more comrades in the years to come and continue inspiring a generation of runners!<br /><br />Cheers<br />BalajiBalajihttp://runningunlimited.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-63853802819658436832013-06-10T14:55:09.624+05:302013-06-10T14:55:09.624+05:30Amit,
Hope! Guts to rise and run and live again i...Amit,<br /><br />Hope! Guts to rise and run and live again is what captured my spirit. Sure 2014 it is! <br /><br />Neepa,<br />Your silence is your eloquence, your grace.<br /><br />With deepest regards,<br />MadhumitaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-77167055009947037112013-06-10T13:58:27.092+05:302013-06-10T13:58:27.092+05:30I guess every runner who runs a Marathon has at le...I guess every runner who runs a Marathon has at least an inkling of what you went through! Few of us express it as eloquently, I felt I could almost "taste the blood in my mouth"...<br />Amit you are an inspirational force for so many of us amateur runners pounding the roads in Mumbai and in India! And as for Neepa, I am just lost for words in admiration of her!Russahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02612182852899924889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-49123108608605816382013-06-10T02:24:50.555+05:302013-06-10T02:24:50.555+05:30As I prepare for my #3 half, I continue to be insp...As I prepare for my #3 half, I continue to be inspired by your experiences - race completed or not. While my struggles to reach my goals are of a different order, the spirit is the same....we will keep the hope alive and strive<br /><br />jinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10729118247082711464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-49487710012681410272013-06-09T22:44:06.294+05:302013-06-09T22:44:06.294+05:30I read your story with a tear in my eyes!i ran Com...I read your story with a tear in my eyes!i ran Comrades 2011 , my second and arrived at the finish only to find I had missed the 12hr cutoff by 2min46sec! That feeling of not getting a medal was so disappointing, not only to myself but I felt I had failed all those who had supported me. It took a number of days to come to terms with the whole experience! I now know that even without a medal, I did finish and did the distance, watching Comrades this year, I was only to happy to not be running but saying that I am considering doing it again, hopefully 2014! But just like you, need to improve my time or else those cut-off times become my nightmare again! You keep going and thanks for the inspiration!Hunniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01032334034154089783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-50458889560458959742013-06-09T22:08:23.792+05:302013-06-09T22:08:23.792+05:30Skills/Techniques/Strategies that are needed to su...Skills/Techniques/Strategies that are needed to succeed are learned from prior struggles. I pray that you now possess what is necessary for Comrades 2014.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-12627803615744368402013-06-09T20:30:41.740+05:302013-06-09T20:30:41.740+05:30Amit, Neepa,
Really tough : (
Hope to be there ...Amit, Neepa,<br /><br />Really tough : (<br /><br />Hope to be there on cycle for all the long training runs next year.<br /><br />Keep running & tc guys,<br /><br />Ashok<br /><br />(For the record - A & N helped me run a 42k in Mumbai a long time ago)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-37150660363549082013-06-09T20:18:22.329+05:302013-06-09T20:18:22.329+05:30Always a pleasure to read your writeups and we fee...Always a pleasure to read your writeups and we feel we are having ringside seats when you describe the action so well. Its disappointing no doubt to not finish the Comrades but you have proved in the past that you are a tough guy. All the very best to you and Nipa for 2014. Srivatsan MKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01132859081537412945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-15638903659800659172013-06-09T19:22:52.871+05:302013-06-09T19:22:52.871+05:30Hello Amit,
One reads others and one reads you. W...Hello Amit,<br /><br />One reads others and one reads you. What a difference! And that difference is that you make it all come alive, you take us there. You look tall even in the abyss. I smelt the sweat and the blood and felt the heat and the wind and even agonised as I read. And yes, even learnt the lessons you learnt. Thanks again.Ketan Sanghvihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00410812514455185063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-29414556562039785362013-06-09T18:49:55.543+05:302013-06-09T18:49:55.543+05:30It's champions like you that keep inspiring us...It's champions like you that keep inspiring us.....it was your article that inspired me to run my first marathon. <br />You are a hero, your fighting spirit gives us the much needed confidence. <br />Keep running champion sauravhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09495383496404214173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-27092254951228207632013-06-09T14:37:53.411+05:302013-06-09T14:37:53.411+05:30Hi Amit,
When I didn't see you in the tent I c...Hi Amit,<br />When I didn't see you in the tent I could feel something went wrong...but didn't know something so horribly wrong....to me u r a winner as we were not just comrades marathon. We were running against the wind in the last 45km or so...<br />It is no easy thing to cross Polly within cut off as well.......<br />To most of us, u have been and will always be an inspiration. <br />Just keep Running and I am sure in 2015 you will get your 1st uprun in the bag...<br />Y I m not talking of 2014??<br />As I know you will be at the finish line COME WHAT MAY!!!!<br /><br />Regards<br />Pratik DesaiBrokebackrunnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06755910529993857710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-79769621897428042932013-06-09T14:14:14.724+05:302013-06-09T14:14:14.724+05:30Hi Amit,
Comrades 2014 beckons u !!!! This is no...Hi Amit, <br />Comrades 2014 beckons u !!!! This is not a failure but a learning experience...... not only for u but for the legions, who r ur followers...... and I am one of ur ardent follower. Ur vivid account of Comrades 2013 vl help others to prepare systematically for the Comrades to come. GOD in HIS infinite wisdom has chosen u to enlighten other fellow runners. so cheer up !!!! Hey Amit, I vl be on the starting line at COMRADES 2014 !!! And u n Neepa are my inspiration !!!! Hope to get a big team along, too !!!! Take ur time to recover.<br />warm regards,<br />samson<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-53818163229446252482013-06-09T13:32:13.129+05:302013-06-09T13:32:13.129+05:30Amit
You and Neepa are both an inspiration and a ...Amit<br /><br />You and Neepa are both an inspiration and a credit to your families and your country. You inspire people well beyond just Indian shores (as you well know).<br /><br />I failed to reach the start line last year because of injury. I was gutted beyond belief. My Director wisely told me that it's the journey, not the destination, that defines you.<br /><br />He was right of course. But I know that for many who run Comrades, it IS all about the destination, and that medal.<br /><br />Keep punching, my friend. you got closer than I did.<br /><br />Your friend<br /><br />DaveDave Breenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-11662206063299354992013-06-09T12:13:48.426+05:302013-06-09T12:13:48.426+05:30well done
vivek gharpurewell done<br />vivek gharpureAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-27045434713924930902013-06-09T12:06:08.959+05:302013-06-09T12:06:08.959+05:30I finished my first Comrades, thanks to your inspi...I finished my first Comrades, thanks to your inspiration. No matter what happened on 2nd June,you will always be a source of inspiration to me and several other future Comrades from India. Take a bow Amit and Neepa. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01167036045739940930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374347832591626385.post-12614340901276880622013-06-09T11:20:52.011+05:302013-06-09T11:20:52.011+05:30You are a champion and an inspiration even when yo...You are a champion and an inspiration even when you don't finish. All your comrades Writeups have taught and inspired. In fact i just achieved what you are aiming, a 1:59 in half in 2009 and a 4:28 at mumbai last year. Let us run Mumbai togetherand if i repeat last years performance , maybe i will make it to comrades in 2014 !!<br />Cheers and all the best !Pranav desainoreply@blogger.com