Keeping faith: Holy scriptures drive India marathoner
MUMBAI: On an exceedingly warm summer morning on April 29, Samir Singh set off from his house in suburban Mumbai along with childhood friend Ramesh. Together they ran until they reached the southern tip of the city about 20kms away. Samir, however, continued to run.
And he ran until August 6. His GPS watch read 9,964.19 kms, putting his 10,000 km journey over 100 days agonisingly short of its mark. He was left with 150 kms to cover on the last day but fell short by 36 kms. Despite the herculean feat, Samir was thinking something even bigger, one in which he claims could involve a longer run to the tune of 300-400 kms.
Now the question one would ask: why would one undertake such a life-threatening pursuit?
For Samir, who hails from a village in Madhya Pradesh, the answer was simple. “People say that the body has limits, my students have complained of being advised against overusing their bodies. But according to the holy scriptures, the body has no limit. If you have dreams, your body will take shape accordingly. My experience is testament to the same. God has given us our bodies and our mental capabilities define its limitations,” Samir, who is also a running coach, told Hindustan Times.
“Human beings possess a power far beyond their knowledge. It is all about the discovery (of) one’s self,” added Samir, who was left bruised after covering the extensive distance barefoot.
Just the thought of running 100 kms for the next 100 days could, perhaps, make your legs go numb, but not Samir’s. “I took the task one day at a time, knowing that I will not stop until it was done. My body was completely rejuvenated when I woke up the next day and the routine went on. Looking at it one day at a time reduced the burden on the mind,” said Samir.
On the way, film-makers Vandana Bhatti and Vikram Bhatti joined in, documenting and bringing to the social media realm -- his journey titled ‘The Faith Runner.’
Samir’s determined appearances across the city have earned him titles such as ‘Haddi’ (skeleton), ‘Madman’, ‘100KM’ and ended with a final lap at the southern tip of Mumbai on Sunday, with Ramesh by his side.