Ram's 2500th KM run for the year 2009 - Post Run Report

Hi All,

Puru, Ram and Karthik at the start point

Yes, you read it right. It was Ram's 2500th KM target for the whole year of 2009 and also 250 KM monthly target. He has achieved in spite of the viral fever and travelling to North India for one week during this month.

Who else can inspire the Chennai Runners than one of the Founders himself!!! He is the real role model for the Chennai Runners and the whole group should be proud of him.

Ram was short of 15 kms to achieve the target of 2500kms for the year 2009 and 250 km for December.

At the start point we were four of us. Ram, Karthik, Puru and me.

We decided to do 15 kms with IIT loop via Malar Hospital, Gandhi Nagar and then return via the Kotturpuram Road.

We started at around 5:17 am and the climate was cool and perfect for the run. We made Puru to cut down his pace to match ours. (Looks we made Puru to jog than run..hahaha). We reached IIT and this was the first time Karthik had entered into IIT as a runner and he was feeling great and very much excited.

This photo was taken inside IIT. By this time we had run around 8km and reminded Ram about the walk break and he said "after 2kms and it would be my 2kms and not yours." Finally the break came and I was much relieved as the pace was faster and was feeling exhausted.

We walked for 5-6 minutes and then started running non-stop to Dimensions.

I was ok after the walk break and so was Karthik.

We ran through the Kotturpuram Road and via the boat club road we hit the St.Marys Road and took left to run via the De Monte Colony.

Ram running gracefully along the Boat club Road, just 1 more km to reach his target.

Watchout how one would feel after reaching the target. He has just completed his 15kms and that's his 2500th km for the Year 2009

See the excitement with both his hands towards the sky (Photo by Puru)

Just after that see how Ram is flying to the reach the start point. (Perfect photo by Puru).

I had slowed down after congratulating Ram and patting his back.

We three were happy that we were with him at this memorable moment.

Ram just reaching the start point with 15.60kms for today's run.

This run was great and we all enjoyed very much.

This was followed by stretching session.

Ram has decided to do (as of now) 5 marathons for 2010.

1. Mumbai on 17th Jan

2. Auroville on 14th Feb

3. Vancouver on 2nd May

4. Chicago on 10th Oct and

5. Columbus on 17th Oct

Did you see anything interesting about the dates of 4th and 5th Marathon.. yes it means he is going to run Two marathons back to back.

Now what else can we do to motivate our own CM Ram ( CM may mean Chief Mentor or Chennai Marathoner) than wishing ALL THE BEST, KEEP GOING and INSPIRE US MORE...

Someone from this group said waiting for 2010 to run regularly and do you require any motivation more than this????

All I could say to the members of this group is

DO MORE ...... START RUNNING!!

The Last BIG Run before Mumbai Marathon! - Post Run Report

Hi All,

All was set perfect for this BIG run including favourable weather conditions and below were at the Start Point ( AU Main Gate Car Park).

1. Ram Viswanathan

2. S.Balaji

3. Siva

4. Narayanan

5. Arun

6. Shumit

7. Ramani

8. Ramani's Nephew

9. Saravanan

10. KK

11. Subra

12. Karthik Padmanabhan

13. Shankar Lal M Patel

and much needed mobile Volunteer, Raman Srinivasan.

We started at around 4:05 am. I had no time target to run my first 35k and was just keeping it slower at the beginning and was running with KK and Balaji. Once we hit the TTK Road via the boat club road Balaji took off and it was me and KK running slowly not bothered about the other's pace. Just before reaching the Gandhi Vanakkam, Siva declared that he would take right, due to stomach uneasiness and KK and me both crossed the road and turned left and we were running facing the traffic and avoided the newly laid granite pathway. When we were just before the Napier Bridge, KK said he wants to stretch a little and asked me to go ahead and I continued, hit the war memorial and took left and just before the Monroe Statue the mobile aid station (at about 12kms mark) was waiting and Subra, Karthik, Ramani, Ramani's nephew and Balaji were fueling themselves and I joined them. Had a banana and sip of Gatorade and water and started my run.

After this I was running all alone and saw the mobile support car parked just after the Light House (at about 17.50kms mark) and saw Raman Srinivasan (Volunteer) fueling himself with hot freshly fried vadai and Tea. Had one Banana. Met Ramani and his nephew there and I started my run. I heard the beep of my Garmin and it said Lap 8 completed [I had set auto lap as 2.5kms (thanks to Navin for this tip) and this meant I have completed 20kms in 2h:28mins and was happy].

By this time the gap between the me and the lead pack runners had gone wider and hence requested Raman to go ahead and stop the car after he meets the faster pace runners. But after I had left KK requested to wait for Balaji and then Balaji had hopped into the car and I met them near the Ayyappan Temple and asked them to go ahead. Then Balaji was dropped at the Aavin Circle and Raman drove ahead and found Arun after the Velankanni Temple on the MG Road stretch and then Ram before the Indira Nagar MRTS.

I was running the besant avenue stretch the by the time I reached Velankanni Temple it was 25k beep and saw the total time and it said 3h:10min and said to myself that I am far better than my 30k run at ECR #11. I had actually took a wrong route by taking left at the L B Road junction and ran towards the Tiruvanmiyur Signal and then took right to reach the OMR. I had slowed down on my pace and took walk breaks and was running on the OMR. Just before hitting the Madhya Kailas, Lap 12 (12 x 2.5kms) completion beep went off and saw the total time was 3h:54mins and was much happy since I had cut down nearly 30mins from my last 30k at ECR #11 on Nov 8th.

By this time I had exhausted the Gatorade and water on my fuel belt and hence decided to skip the IIT loop and goto the AU Main gate parking and re-fill the fuel belt and do the final 5k inside AU Campus. When I reached the parking , Ram and Narayanan had finished their run. At this point I had completed 31.50kms and had to do the final 3.5kms inside the AU Campus.

I started the run and saw Arun doing his final loop inside the AU campus and I met Sushil running slowly matching my pace and had to do my final 2.5kms and requested Sushil to keep me going and he was very much helpful to give the final push in spite of his recovering from Shin Splits. Thanks a lot Sushil. And finally I finished my First 35k distance in 4h:38m:26secs and felt VERY GREAT.

Also met V.P.Senthil and Harishankar (my coach) distributing the Kodak Moments Photo mounts of ECR # 11. Thanks VPS and Harishankar.

Met Bharani Shivakumar, who has finished his TFN cycling tour and getting ready for the Auroville Full Marathon.

Thanks a lot to all the CR's for the support and timely tips. But still I have to give credit to these special people.

1.Ram for all his moral support whenever I needed and for giving me the Top Mileage Week (88 kms.)

2. Balaji for announcing the BIG Run and the Chikkis.

3. Arun for showing me the inside loops of AU Campus and Water

4. Navin (though not in India) for his valuable tips for my first 35k run.

5. Narayanan for carrying "The Stick" from US, which has really done wonders to me after the run.

6. KK, Shumit, Karthik, Saravanan, Ramani, his Nephew, Siva and Subra for turning up and making this run a memorable one.

7. Last but not the least, Raman Srinivasan for his mobile volunteering.

What a way to finish my First Calender Year (2009) of Running with more than 1100kms into my legs and 88kms in the last one week??!!!!

Run Schedule for Sunday, Dec 27, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Mumbai Marathon is around the corner and some of us would be one last long run before the marathon.. If you want to joins us for the 35k.. Please do come to Anna University by 4:00 AM.. We will be following this route..

If not, you can do the regular run.. details as below..   Also, glad to inform the Kodak has delivered us the ECR11 photos and you could collect the photo mount at Anna University after the run.. (cost Rs. 50)

Date: December 27, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Friday Easy (Long) Run - 25th December - Post Run Report

Hi All,

As the subject says it was supposed to be an easy run for me, which once again turned out to be a long run of 19.74 kms!!!!! And yes, You guessed it right, it was once again Ram with whom I ran.

Later learnt that Narayanan had turned up at 5:30 am and did 8.50kms.

Ram told me how he felt today after waking up at 3:00 am had a mental battle to reach the start point.

I also read somewhere that what matters most is the distance you traveled from your Bed to the Shoe Rack than the distance you ran. Whoever covers the distance from Bed to Shoe Rack are at the start point!!!!

Ram set the route like this for a 15k run, C P Ramasamy Road to Malar Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, IIT Campus, Kotturpuram Bridge, Boat Club, C P Ramasamy Road.

The climate was really good for a long run, chilly and lesser humid compared to previous couple of days.

We started our run and by the time we reached IIT Campus we had clocked around 5.50kms and Ram said we would do a 5k inside the IIT and run back through Kotturpuram Bridge and hope we would make another 5k to make it 15k in total and I suggested if we do not make the third 5k after the IIT, we shall do an extra loop in Boat Club and compensate.

We entered into IIT and it was more chilly and had seen spotted deers roaming around and Ram shared an old trivia about IIT. He said " The only place where the rivers stand still and the mountains move is IIT". I did not understand and then he said " All the buildings (standing still) inside IIT are named after the famous Rivers of India and the Bus (moves) which runs inside IIT are named after the Mountains."

I was longing for a walk break just before 10k and Ram said we would walk for 5 minutes after 11.11kms. And the beep for 11k went off on my Garmin and Ram said can you see the three women walking (they were about 150m ahead of us) and we would overtake them and then walk. So we both were running behind the three women for a break!!!!

Finally I got the walk break, I wanted. Ram checked his Garmin and said we have done 11k in 1h:08mins. Only then I realised I have run at a better pace.

We once again started running but never realised that by the time we hit the IIT Exit it was already 15k and Ram had said we would take a second walk break after crossing the Sardar Patel Road. We did take the walk break and started once again to run non-stop till the start point. My pace was gradually coming down after the Kotturpuram Bridge and Ram kept me pulling and finally we skipped the Boat Club loop and reached the start point through the DeMonte Colony with the final stretch at a higher pace to finish stronger.

It was really good Christmas Run. We reached the start point took out the The Sticks from my car and gave one to Ram and we both had good muscle massage, then stretched and left at 8:00am.

Thanks Ram and I have already done this week starting from Monday - 53kms [ 5k (Tue)+ 16.79k (Wed) + 11.76k (Thu) + 19.74k (Fri) ] and I know you are also nearing your yearly goal. All the best.

Are you Participating in the Mumbai Marathon?

As you know Mumbai marathon is just a few weeks away and many of the Chennai Runners will be going.. If you are one of them.. Please do take a few moments to complete this simple.. It will help us collaborate and synch up on travel plans..

Please do complete this form by Dec 31, 2009.. before the new year.. !!!

Happy Running..

Thursday LSD Run (24th Dec 2009) - Post Run Report

Hi All,

One extra snooze made me reach C P Ramasamy road at 5:15 am and Ram, Ramesh Seshadri, Narayanan and Karthik Padmanabhan were ready after stretching and I made them wait for 2 minutes to do my stretching and was asking Ram " How are we going to add the extra 3k to make it 15k?" Ram said he has to come back home by 6:15 and hence he would do only 9k and would right turn after Malar and via Gandhi Nagar he would reach the start point.

All others had decided to do the regular route and Ram, Narayanan and Ramesh were running together and Karthik and me were together. Ramesh and Narayanan were doing 4:1 run/walk.

When we were on the Besant Avenue stretch, Karthik said lets run through The School route as that is very scenic and has fresh air and we turned right just before the Church. When we hit the beach we both started walking until we hit the U-Turn near the Velankanni Temple.

We started running and went via the same route which we came and Ramesh and Narayanan had taken the longer route. Then Karthik led me into new roads than the normal route. I was following him and we were ahead of Ramesh and Narayanan when we reached Malar Hospital and made Ramesh and Narayanan wondering.

At the final stretch we all burst ourselves with a good pace and reached the start point and stretched well and used "The Stick" to massage our muscles. I thanked Narayanan for carrying the Stick from US for me.

Finally it was a 11.76 kms in 1h 18 mins as per my Garmin data.

Wednesday Alwarpet Run - Post Run Report

Hi All,

I had decided to do a 7 -8 kms and reached C.P. Ramasamy Road to see only Ram at the start point and Ram already decided his distance of 15kms and I agreed to run 15km to War Memorial and back via Gandhi Vanakkam.

We started at a good pace and reached Gandhi Vanakkam with two flyovers and took left turn and had a strong wind making us to put extra energy to keep the pace and we were happy as this wind would push us when we return. We met Vilva doing his run at the Marina Beach stretch.

The Marina Beach stretch has been beautified but runners have to be very careful if running on the Granite and if its wet due to rain forget about running but walking would also trip you down. This is what is my examination report.

We took right immediately after the Napier Bridge which leads to Coast Guard building and we ran till the "INS Adyar" and we went crossing the barricade and the security of Navy thought we were intruding into prohibited area. We just ran and touched the Black Gate and returned and said to the Security that we can now say that we had run upto the INS Adyar's main gate and we started walking for some time.

We started our run after crossing Napier Bridge and were surprised the expected Wind, which we presumed would push, had disappeared and had to run on our own.

Then we ran until we passed by the KK's House ( its our KK but our CM) and took a brief walk of 3 mins and started to run non stop till start point.

When the last 200 meters was left Ram increased the pace and I was left behind and decided to overtake Ram before he reaches the start point and just about 20m before the start point I overtook Ram and declared "Sorry Ram I am overtaking you" and Ram suddenly increased his pace to match mine and we both reached together.

It was great mid-week long run. It turned out to be 16.79 kms in 1h:56mins.

Sunday Long Run (20th Dec 2009) Post Run Report

Hi All,

It was pleasant weather for the runners except for the humidity and as decided there were two groups. One Group started at around 4:40am and other at the regular timing of 5:15am.

The Members of First Group gathered at Main Gate were Arun, Shahid, Ramani, Siva, Manish, Ramesh Mckinsey (though I had not met him I learnt from Ramani's mail he was there, may be joined them near Cafeteria or the Kotturpuram Gate) and myself.

Ramani, Siva, Manish and Ramesh Mckinsey had started to take on the Chennai Roads and Arun, Shahid and Myself had decided to do the loops inside the AU campus.

Arun was leading us (Shahid and me) into the untraced parts of AU Campus and both Arun and Shahid had to compromise on their pace to keep running with me. Just before we were to complete the first loop we had seen the Second Group gathered near Cafeteria ( around 10-12 runners) to start their run. The runners were clapping and motivating us. We reached the main gate parking where we all three had our cars parked for the energy drink and water.

We went on with the loops and Arun and Shahid were kind enough, whenever they had gone ahead, to run back to see whether I was ok. But I could manage only 20kms and after that I could not push myself.

After the run we had a good crowd at the Cafeteria and had a good chat session. Met Rajamanickam who ran his 35k from Ambattur to AU after the breakfast.

Learnt that everyone had a good run this Sunday. Way to go Chennai Runners.....

Run Schedule for tomorow - Sunday, Dec 20, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Mumbai Marathon is less than a month away.. let's get ready..

Here is the schedule..

Date: December 20, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Friday Easy Run - Post Run Report

Hi All,

I had to be there because there is exactly one month left for the SCMM and no more excuses.

The weather was chilly and I started late at 4:50 am from home and reached Dimensions at 5:07 am and saw no one and was hoping that Balaji would join. I waited till 5:20 am and decided to do a solo run along the boat club loop.

It went off well with cooler climate and then after 4k decided to do the new flyover and luckily the traffic was closed on the flyover due to the fixing of dividers.

Finally it was a good 7.71 km run in 49 min:31 sec.

This was my first after the last Sunday Long run and when I was updating my Garmin Data I noticed that I have logged totally 1035 kms in 137 hrs from March 2009 till date and I am happy. For a beginner like me this milestone is more important.

I am proud of being part of Chennai Runners and wish I could have Marathoner tag in a month's time when I finish my first Full Marathon at Mumbai.

Run Schedule for tomorow - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Sorry for the late mail on this.. but we will have our usual run tomorrow.. hope you can still plan to join tomorrow..

Here is the schedule..

Date: December 13, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Today's (9th Dec) Interval Training at AU Athletic Grounds

Hi All,

I apologise for the long silence (read posting of post-run reports) due to various factors out of my control.

Today morning when I was leaving my house at 4:40am, it was drizzling and chill outside and was worried about the track conditions if it had rained/raining. But to my surprise there was no rain in AU campus and the climate was awesome for running. I reached at 5:05am and later joined by Harishankar and Ramesh Mckinsey.

Ramesh declared he is going to try a different kind of interval running as instructed by his trainer where after the speed laps stop (not even walking) for 2 minutes and then once again do the speed laps.

We started the interval run at around 5:20am. Myself and Hari were together for the first 6 laps or so and then KK joined us. I was alone doing my interval training as per my pace and Hari had joined KK and was running with him. I had finished my 15 laps and was stretching and KK was discussing some running efficiency postures with Hari. Later Balaji came running from his house and joined us.

Balaji said " He was disappointed early in the morning" when we asked the reason below was his reply.

Quote

I came running over the new flyover (cenotaph road) and when I was on the top I saw two expats running in the opposite direction and I stopped and asked them whether this was the first time they are running on this flyover? The expats said "NO, we had run yesterday also over this flyover"

Unquote

This was the reason for Balaji's disappointment that he could not become the first person to run on the new flyover!!!!!

Then Balaji and KK went for few more laps of running and then we all dispersed.

Happy Running and looking forward to tomorrow's LSD run from Dimensions Gym.

Run Schedule for tomorow - Sunday, Dec 6, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Bunch of Chennai Runners would be getting ready for the big day in Singapore tomorrow.  1) Ramesh S. 2) Bhargav 3) Vidyut 4) Jayashree 5) Siva ECR 6&7) Sangeetha.

Good Luck Chennai Runners.. Go have fun and run your race..

While they run in Singapore.. let us run in our good old Chennai tomorrow.. Here is the schedule..

Date: December 6, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Run Schedule for Tomorrow - Sunday, Nov 29, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Last Sunday run before the Singapore Marathon.. Pl. come and wish our Singapore Marathon participants..

Run schedule for tomorrow.. 

Date: November 29, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Thursday LSD Run - Post Run Report

Hi All,

It was a wonderful Thursday morning with mild breeze and relatively less humidity at 5:20 am we three of us ( Ramesh McKinsey, Karthik Padmanabhan and Myself) started the run with target of 12k, being run upto Velankannai Church and back.

Karthik declared he wanted to do non-stop run along with me instead of run/walk/run combo which he normally does. Ramesh ran at his pace which was faster than ours.

Karthik and Myself maintained consistent pace and met Shanaz at the Greenways Road running on the opposite direction. And when we reached the Malar Hospital Bridge it was Ramesh Seshadri doing his easy run of 6k as he is tapering for the Singapore marathon next week. We ran with him for till the Aavin Milk Booth.

We both were on the Besant Nagar Beach and saw Srinath, young at heart runner, waved hands and we turned back at the Velankanni Church. Here we both took a very short walk may be for 30 seconds and started running back.

We met Senthilanand cycling, at first I couldn't recognise due to his cycling gears on, near the Aavin Milk Booth and did not stop running just waved hands.

The last 2kms normally I used to slow down if I am alone and Karthik was running the final 2kms stretch at the same pace I just kept myself tagging with him. When the last 800m left I asked Karthik to slowly build up the pace and at the final 100m I declared to sprint with all energy and yes Karthik out paced me at the final 100m.

Finally it was a very decent 12k run at 8.9kmph in 1h:20m for me and Karthik and Ramesh McKinsey had done in approx 1h:12m.

At the finish point we met Ram in his casual night wear and helped us in stretching session. Ram has already hit 50k mileage for this week i.e from 22nd Nov to 25th Nov (Its like school student finishing his homework well in advance).

Happy Running.....

Tuesday Run - Dimensions - Gandhi Vanakkam - Dimensions - Post Run Report

Hi All,

It was a cool Tuesday morning and we were seven of us at the start point outside Dimensions Gym. Did stretching and Ram explained the route to Srivatsallan and Harishankar to Ramesh Balan as both were new to this route.

1.Ram Viswanathan

2.Harishankar

3.Karthik Padmanabhan

4.Senthilanand

5.Ramesh Balan

6.Srivatsallan alias Salla (A newbie to Chennai Runners)

7.Shankar Lal M Patel

We all decided to do the Gandhi Vanakkam and back. We set off at around 5:17am and as soon as we started Senthilanand (due to the mild knee pain) and Karthik announced that they want to run at my pace. May be they did not know that whenever Harishankar is there you cannot actually run at your pace. We were almost together except Ram and Salla as Ram had taken a extra loop towards Poes garden and Salla was not able to keep up at our pace. We had landed the flyover on the R.K.Salai (Cathedral Road) and then came the push from Harishankar till we hit the Beach Road and I crossed the road and thought I could take a brief rest till others cross the Beach Road but they did not cross the Beach Road and I was asked to cross the road and join them running back to Dimensions.

We started our return run but I was half exhausted so was Karthik and Senthil was running slowly as not to aggravate his knee pain and Harishankar could not run at our (slower) pace anymore and he zoomed at his pace and then Ram pulled us along for another 1k-1.5k and then Ram also ran ahead. When we (Senthil, Ramesh and myself) had reached opposite the Nilgiri's, met KK (he started late from Dimensions) running in opposite direction and by the time we were on the top of Alwarpet flyover Ram was doing his repeat of flyover and then Ramesh and I decided to run the last leg at higher pace to finish stronger.

As per my Garmin the distance covered was 9.29kms in 01h:04m. It was a mix of Flyovers and Interval run. Thanks Harishankar for the push and finally the stretching session commanded by Ram was very much effective and Karthik would vouch for the same. Thanks Ram.

@Srivatsallan : Don't worry about the distance and pace because I was also in the same situation as you are, 7 months back, just keep running regularly and everything would be under your control.

Sunday Long Run (22nd Nov 2009) Post Run Report

Hi All,

This is the post run report of Chennai Runners' Sunday Long Run of 22nd Nov 2009.

There were dozen plus (12+) runners at the start point. It was pleasant Sunday with cooler climate but without much breeze. (I was late to the start point due to traffic near airport, as the roads were being repaired).

I am trying to name the runners which may not be an exhaustive list and all may not have present at the start point

1.Narayanan

2.Ramesh Mckinsey

3.Ramesh Seshadri

4.Ramani

5.Senthilanand

6.Bhargav

7.Shameek

8.Siva (ECR)

9.Ramesh

10.Purushotham

11.Ramesh Balan ( Newbie to Chennai Runners)

12.Anand (Newbie to Chennai Runners)

13.Balaji.S

14.Rajamanickam (Came cycling from Ambatur and ran 3k)

15.Arun Krishanan (He ran inside the AU Campus)

16.Ramprasad

17.Ashwin

18. Shankar Lal M Patel

It was a good 16k for me, except for the humidity. (Though mentally I had planned to do 25k.)

By the time I reached Malar Hospital the Sun has risen but was playing hide and seek with the clouds. But ultimately it was Sun's day out and clouds could not hide it anymore.

I ran the first 10k non stop and then I started run/walk combo.

But when I had reached Anna University, Arun Krishnan was still running and I thought if not 25k I should at least do a Half (21k). But I couldn't. I just ran around 1k and decided to drop.

I have to discipline myself and run the mentally decided distance to get properly trained.

Everyone would have had good run.

Most of us had breakfast at AU cafeteria with lots of talks related to running. After the breakfast Shameek, Puru and myself were walking towards car parking and we met KK doing his 25k and he had started at 6.00am

Wish you all Happy Weekday Runs.

Run Schedule for tomorow - Sunday, Nov 22, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Run schedule for tomorrow..

Date: November 22, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Run Schedule for Sunday, Nov 15, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

After the successful ECR11 run.. let's hit the asphalt again and get ready 2010 marathon calendar.. starting with Mumbai..


Inspite of the inclement weather, we had record participation in our ECR11.. Let's keep the momentum going and keep running.. and have fun running most of all..  See you tomorrow..

Run schedule for tomorrow..

Date: November 15, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

ECR11 - ONLY SPOT REGISTRATIONS OPEN

We've got an overwhelming response for ECR11, and thank You for that! Keeping this in mind, we are working hard to make the ECR11 experience a pleasant and a memorable one.

For us to be able to handle and manage logistics well, the following Registration Options remain closed as on Friday, the 6th of November -

• Web Registration
• Sunday Registration
• Mail-in Registration
• Store Registration

However, we still have Spot Registrations Open!! So, if you've made up your mind to RUN ECR11, do come over to the venue and get yourself registered.

Note:

1. Please remember, Spot Registrations are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Spot Registrations close at 6AM on the 8th of November. The closing of Spot Registrations is solely under the discretion of the Race Director.
2. We've announced a delay in start time of all categories of runs by 1 hour.
   

ECR11 - IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

MEN MAY COME & MEN MAY GO, BUT RUNNERS GO ON FOREVER...

...AND SO WILL ECR11!


The Rain God has decided to lushly bless Chennai :-)

So, for Your convenience and safety, here is an announcement -

"CHENNAI RUNNERS ECR11 ON NOV 8TH, START TO BE DELAYED BY 1HOUR FOR ALL DISTANCE CATEGORIES"

Everything else remains the same!!

See You on the ECR @ ECR11!

Run Schedule for Sunday, Nov 1, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Good luck to Narayanan, Shanker, Puru, KP & Hari @ Airtel Half Marathon in Delhi.. Have fun..


One week to go ECR#11.. Are you ready ? 

Run schedule for tomorrow..

Date: November 01, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Run Schedule for Sunday, Oct 25, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Two weeks to go ECR#11.. let's get ready.. let's run tomorrow..

Run schedule for tomorrow..

Date: October 25, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Cool ECR 11 - Poster

Thanks to Kodak & Ram Dhasari.. we got a cool poster for ECR#11.. It is round the corner.. Are you ready?

Run Schedule for Sunday, Oct 18, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

First Happy Diwali.. May the festival of lights bring joy to and your family.. 
Second.. Let's hit the road big time tomorrow to burn off those calories added (or will be added) during the course this festival season..


If that doesn't motivate you.. this sure will.. Why Do You Run ?

Run schedule for tomorrow..

Date: October 18, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

ECR11 - It's Round the Corner

“If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.”

Here is YOUR chance to START running!

ECR11 is just round the corner - JUST over 28 Days to Go!

The Registrations are Now OPEN!
(read on for more details...)

Event Venue - MGM Beach Resorts, East Coast Road
Event Date - November 8th, 2009

Event Flag-Off Timings
30 Kms & 25 Kms - 5:00 AM
20 Kms - 5:30 AM
15 Kms & 10 Kms - 6:00 AM
5 Kms - 6:45 AM
PLEASE NOTE: Participants should be present at the venue at least 30 minutes prior to the flag-off time of the respective events

Event Participation Fee - Rs.275/- Only

Registration
You can register yourself in more than one way! Here are the options...

Web Registration
Sunday Registration

Mail-in Registration
Store Registration
(PLEASE SEE "REGISTRATION OPTIONS" PDF DOCUMENT LINK BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS ON EACH OF THE ABOVE OPTIONS)

So....What's the Wait for?
Register for EC11 and START RUNNING!

"Runners just do it. They run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first."

Did I hear YOU say "I'm IN"?

DOWNLOADS
(Right-click on the links below and "Save")
ECR11 Registration Form
REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Run Schedule for Sunday, Oct 11, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Run schedule for tomorrow..

Date: October 11, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map

Run Schedule for tomorow - Sunday, Oct 04, 2009

Dear Chennai Runners

Run schedule for tomorrow..

Date: October 04, 2009
Day: Sunday
Assemble by : 5.00 a.m
Start Time: 5.15 a.m
Starting Location: Anna University - Near Cafeteria (which is close to the Anna University athletic grounds)

Parking: Two options..

1. Near the main entrance via Raj Bhavan Road (This is open all the time.. and use this entrance if you are coming before 5:00 AM)
   
2. Near the side entrance via the Kotturpuram Road. (Gate opens only @ 5:00 AM, sometimes you have to gently push the sleeping security guard to open the gate for you..)
   

Route: Classic or Classic Plus (Pl. familiarize with the route @ run.com).

Distance - The total distance is about 15+ kms.. but you do what you are able to.. and remember.. you can always Do More.. and for that you should Start Running..

Happy Running!!!

Please confirm your participation...

Beginners and experienced alike..: We would like all of you to join us in the run and have loads of run.. but if you are not join us @ 5:15 AM for some reason.. come down to Anna University anyways and run what you can.. and joins us for the informal 'networking' dutch breakfast at Anna University Cafeteria around 7:30 AM.

Anna University Cafeteria Location - Starting Point for Sunday Runs

View Anna University, Cafeteria in a larger map