I happened to participate and run in the AT&T Austin marathon on 17th February this year. I was running for this event to raise awareness about the wonderful work by Assam Foundation of North America (AFNA) and to raise funds for some of projects of AFNA. AFNA has been supporting a number of education and socio-economic projects in Assam and for this the necessary funds are mobilized mostly by Non Resident Assamese. AFNA is also working closely with ASA Foundation to support this common cause. I am sharing my amazing experience running for a cause.
Life is like a long-distance race. A long-distance runner must learn a number of skills; he should possess persistent energy, undeterred patience, and indomitable spirit. He should be ready to face the obstacles that run in his path. These are actually words from a book authored by a sports columnist. Reading that book, I was trying to cheer and goad myself. The day was 17th February, 2008, the day of the AT&T Austin Marathon. It was a cold and chilly morning; I woke up at 4 AM. I never have been an early riser. Till that time I was not sure whether I would be able to complete the 13-mile race course. So there I was, still uncertain about my ability, at the crack of dawn, wheeling towards the race course.
As I approached the starting line, I saw a sea of people. There were people from all walks of life—the athletes, the disabled, the charity fundraisers, the young and the old; I began to feel the electrifying atmosphere. A Korean community in formal dress had a band playing “God Bless America.” I saw dozens of fans and well-wishers lining up along the sides of the course to cheer the runners on; a few firemen posted signs of encouragement high atop the ladders. There were people with cerebral palsy in wheelchairs with others guiding them; I even saw a man walking on crutches with a missing leg. I was overcome with emotion as I saw a man, his legs paralyzed, lying on a flat, wheeled board, scooting himself with blocks. As the clock struck seven, the massive gathering was set free by the thunder of the starting canon. Overhead fireworks discharged in radiant bursts; their blossoming glow reflected upon thousands of upturned faces. Soon the crowd began to inch forward; many cheered, ‘Go and get going,’ and the race started.
As I started running, I began to recall a few important events of my life. It was in the year 2003; I got admission to the University of Texas to pursue my M.S degree in Computer Science and also submit my thesis work as per the curriculum. I was introduced to the fellow students. The subsequent conversation was not encouraging. One of the female students told me that she had been doing her research work for four years, had changed her projects four times and none of them were showing any fruitful results. Another student showed me stacks of notebooks and hundreds of research papers he had published and lamentingly told me that he was not yet allowed to start his thesis. I realized that I was starting a career full of uncertainty. However, I never allowed that to stop my pursuit. I overcame numerous obstacles and hurdles because I was determined I was able to complete the course successfully. That day, standing on the starting line of the Marathon, watching the runners, focused and gritty, I appreciated my own decision taken a few years back. If I thought only about the uncertainty of the area of research, as some of my fellow students thought and gave up, I never would have reached my goal. Yes, I paused for a moment but at the same time regained the composure to continue my journey to reach the finishing line. It’s more important to start; success will follow naturally. The miracle lies not in finishing something, but in having the courage to start
As the race progressed, I saw an incredible parallel between running the race of life and running a marathon. I began to see more clearly what I can do to make my life more meaningful, successful, and satisfying. As I saw the fellow runners navigating the treacherous paths, going up and down along the hills, I realized that difficulty and challenges are part of the game. Overcoming them is what separates the finishers from the wannabes. We have to be resilient, not to give up. Rather than panicking or quitting when obstacles appear, we have to seek workable solutions that mitigate the problem and keep us moving toward our ultimate success.
The most profound revelation I experienced that day after completing the race was the infinite capacity that man possesses. Participating in a marathon race takes one beyond oneself to something much higher. With determination, focus and zeal, with positive energy as the heralding flag, nothing is impossible; the finishing line is a beckoning light, bright and inviting.
By Ankur Bora
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