Is it necessary to run bigger races like ADHM and SCMM?

Yes and No. Yes, if you are serious about competing or knowing where you stand in the food chain (of running) and no, if you are innocent enough or content with being utterly oblivious to how intense and energising the battle to be above average is.

Imagine taking a test. Now you have a choice between two tests. The first test is between 10 of your friends who obviously are not Mensa International members (well unless you are Stephen Hawking) and the second test is nation wide which attracts the best talent and knowledge.

In the first test, your chances of scoring high marks and winning are exceptionally good because only 10 people are taking the test and since you decided to befriend them, then their mental capabilities must invariably match yours, give or take a bit. If you work a little bit then you could be a top ranker in this test. In the second test, your chances of scoring high marks or winning are directly related to the nationwide effort and talent, and it will take a lot of preparation from you and skills to even get a modest rank.

Think of it like this, the first test is a GK quiz at a local bar where the reward is getting drunk at the end of the quiz and heading home whereas the second test is the dreaded CAT and the winner goes on to study at one of the IIMs. Well it's a different story altogether that the winner of the second test will also be drinking with you at that bar after spending a few years at an MNC and will be sharing his /her woes over a manly beer or a girl sangria. The second test will test the limits of your mind and body whereas the first test will be an open book exam. There is always a rainbow at the end of the first test. The first test could leave you happy for a while but that happiness isn't real.

Coming back to ADHM. Have you ever taken a walk or driven in the vicinity of the course on the eve of ADHM? I have and what I have seen are lanky boys with legs of destruction (sorry, supercharged stilts as John L. Parker wrote in Once A Runner!) and a cold thousand yard stare which comes after days and days of intense soul leeching training. They come from all over the country in trains and buses and sleep on the footpaths near Nehru Park and adjoining areas on the eve of the race since they can't afford a hotel in Delhi, which is near the venue or maybe none at all. They will run in torn and tattered shoes and attire which has zero technology embedded. What they do possess is the drive to win or place well overall. Win or at least place well overall, for many reasons. In the order of decreasing priority, these boys will be running for Government job, prize money, bragging rights, general keeda (like many of us amateurs). These boys aren't elites but they sure will make you realise that they could be, if given a chance.

You have seen more of such glorious runners on race day. The regular runner who you see at the park. Your maid's or driver's daughter who has a penchant for running. The crazy guy from the gym who trains like his life depends on that Wednesday workout. The fast runners who you follow on Strava. The runners who have added you on Facebook or you have added them but you have never met them. The mom who trains despite the odds. The runner who you've been planning to beat since last year's race. The general mass of runners walking to the holding area, none of whom you know but from a single look at them you can sense the competition and your adrenaline spikes a bit and the same chemical reaction happened in them. The feeling of being amongst your peers in your respective holding areas and knowing that these guys will hunt you down in the next 21.1 kms, if you slack off.

The elites will also be there and they will be thrown into the mix like golden star spangled M&Ms amongst us regular green, brown, blue, red folk. Now don't you think that is a mix worthy of being a part of?

The, ADHM, is the real test to know where you stand in the running food chain in India. A 60th place finish here will and should mean more to you than a podium at a local race. Run local races or that ultra and have fun socialising within the close bonds of friends and family and getting that ego boost since you came 4th out of 10 runners in your age category and by all means do paste it on Facebook, but do take the litmus test since the test happens only once a year in Delhi. Go be a hero....for one day.