nature is forgiving :)

recently, we were fortunate to participate in a tree planting activity ... while volunteering, it occurred to me that 'nature is forgiving' (just like mothers) - even if you make a small mistake here and there, the plants will still do well - how comforting, isn't it?

so, don't worry too much about few wrong turns you might have taken in the past - just enjoy the journey and you will have fun :)

the journey of 26.2 ... and 1000+ miles

Well, it had been more than 2 long years - that i had not experienced the GRACE during a long tiring marathon run (last time was at Boston on 17 April 2010) ... but it brought out the same humbling feeling on the FINISH line of Chicago Marathon on 7 Oct 2012

GRACE was even stronger - i would say - that not only did i get to participate (after few ups & downs during this 'roller-coaster' ride) and complete but i also improved my time by 29 minutes! AND I could meet & greet the winners from all three categories [thanks to the sponsors - TCS :)]

Below is my result table (if you are interested) followed by few pics :)

Split	Time Of Day	Time	Diff	min/mile	miles/h
05K	08:08:33AM	00:31:26	31:26	10:07	5.93
10K	08:45:41AM	01:08:34	37:08	11:58	5.02
15K	09:17:13AM	01:40:05	31:31	10:09	5.91
20K	09:54:57AM	02:17:49	37:44	12:09	4.94
HALF	10:03:13AM	02:26:05	08:16	12:08	4.95
25K	10:31:05AM	02:53:58	27:53	11:30	5.22
30K	11:12:43AM	03:35:35	41:37	13:24	4.48
35K	11:59:36AM	04:22:28	46:53	15:06	3.98
40K	12:46:44AM	05:09:37	47:09	15:11	3.95
Finish	01:02:29PM	05:25:22	15:45	11:33	5.20

I am really grateful for having finished 2 out of the 5 https://worldmarathonmajors.com

Thanks to everyone (those donated for the cause at http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=7751857&fr_id=7090&pg=personal - as well as supported/motivated/helped in so many others ways) - it is all those 'small' steps that made up the 26.2 miles :)

GOD
Realizes
All
Creative (even Crazy)
Expectations

PS: Yes, I drove from L5B (Canada) to 60605 (USA) and back (which makes up for the 1000+ miles i mentioned in the title) ... i remember, when i was a kid, i used to ridicule people who would drive to a nearby park for their morning jog :)