To honor our Nation's heroes I have decided to run NY Marathon for Hope for the Warriors.
My Running Journey
My wife went to India during December of 2015. At the time, I was upset that I couldn't join her as we usually traveled everywhere together. In hindsight that time changed my life.
I get easily bored when I’m alone, so I was desperate to find ways to pass the time. One day, I decided to take a walk to get some fresh air. That walk turned into a jog to my friend’s (Achin and Unnati) house in the same neighborhood. He lived only a quarter of a mile away, yet I was wheezing from exertion by the time I reached. I slowly kept trying, and eventually increased my distance. Eventually, running became a time for myself and mental peace. Soon enough I was completing my 2-mile hilly neighborhood circuit (with plenty of stops along the way).
One of my friends, when he heard I started running, suggested that I do a marathon. That type of physical feat had never even crossed my mind as something I could accomplish. But I’m a sucker for a challenge, and the next day I registered for my first Anthem Richmond marathon (dragging my 2 nephews to do it with me). Somehow, with next to no training, we completed the marathon… and I was hooked to a new life-changing hobby at the age of 44. It was a lesson that it is never too late to try something now, and that every new day brings new opportunities and hope.
Here’s a list of my marathon attempts, and I’m so excited to add the NYC marathon to the list this year:
2016 - Completed 1st Anthem Richmond Marathon
2017 - Completed DC Marine Corps Marathon
2018 - Completed Bank of America Chicago Marathon
2019 - Completed BMW Berlin Marathon
2020 - Planned to run Tokyo Japan Marathon - few days before it got cancelled due to Covid Pandemic Outbreak
2021 - Covid Pandemic Outbreak in full force and in-person marathon still not started
2022 - Completed London Marathon for The Salvation Army - exceeded the charity goal 45 days in advance.
2022 - Completed NY Marathon through Hope For The Warriors - Raised $3500 dollars - some matchings money pending !!
2023 - Running Tokyo Japan Marathon
Ever since then, I’ve completed numerous marathons, half-marathons, 10 milers, 10ks, and 5ks.
At the last, waiting for Boston Grand Finale, that can add me into The Elite club of finishing World Top 6 Major Marathons.
