Welcome 2021

Not in my memory at least has a New Year been as universally and eagerly awaited as 2021. Not because 2021 is expected to be an overly special year, but because we bid adieu to annus horribilis 2020: Year of The Corona. 

It reflects the resilient character of runners and sports persons in general, that they were up and about as soon as restrictions were lifted. Indeed, even when the hard lockdown was in place, they continued to practice at home and take care of their fitness at home. Some walked/ jogged on their terraces, balconies, others set up improvised gyms in their living rooms, ran up and down stairs, danced and what not to stay fit. 

Once the lockdown curbs were eased, people tentatively started moving outdoors and as gradually their confidence grew, people came out with a vengeance. It was heartening to see more and more folks realizing the importance of staying active and not ignoring their physical conditioning and health. The running and cycling scene in Delhi exploded with hitherto unseen numbers pulling up their socks, putting on their shoes and joining in. 

Personally, midway through 2020, it had seemed unimaginable that I would achieve anything worthwhile running wise in the year. But human resilience is a wonderful thing and that combined with the push of my running partners Rajiv & Gaurav resulted in structured schedules and training. The end result was personal bests over 10K and 21K. A sub 44 minutes 10K and sub 100 minutes 21K, which had seemed distant dreams, were achieved. 

So what does 2021 hold? Given the way 2020 panned out, it wouldn't be prudent to predict for 2021. However, what one hopes for are better times. When one can run free, run without the need for facemasks, be able to run as a group and participate in live races or events. 

On a personal level, try the 'ultra' route to a 100K run, go sub 95 minutes for the half marathon and sub 20 minutes for the 5K. 

Fingers crossed. Let's see.