Race Category: FM (42.195 kms)
Timing: 04:45:30
It gives me immense pleasure in announcing that I'm a "marathoner" now. Yes, I ran a full marathon i.e. 42.195 kms in Tata Mumbai Marathon 2023 edition.
It's been a long time coming.
Post my Bengaluru HM 2018, I had plans to upgrade to FM and go to the next level w.r.t efforts and planning. But some or the other things came up and that didn't materialize. Later the pandemic too didn't help. Yes, in short, life happens!
It was only in March 2022 I started with the new found zeal in achieving the FM dream in 2023 TMM edition, which eventually did happen and I am so so happy!
The plan was to
- get the 10k certificate first in TCS10K 2022 and then using that
- get the HM certificate in Bengaluru HM 2022 which can be used to apply for the TMM 2023
In the month of Aug'22, I joined the Jayanagar Jaguars running group in order to get the most of the core & strengthening benefits from their program, which did help in fact. For me, getting the running mileage or discipline wasn't an issue from the beginning, but since I had plans to improve on my pace, I joined the JJs group. One of the other benefits I got from the group was the company of amazing and energetic bunch of folks. Few of these guys not only had podium finishes and great paces but also were very disciplined in sticking to the program and giving their 100%.
Just to summarize, my build up to this mega marathon involved:
- 10 months of running
- 740 kms of mileage
- 10 runs > 21 kms
- 20 runs > 10 kms
- Longest run of 39 kms
- Core & strengthening sessions
Well, that was the background to the event.
I reached Mumbai just the previous day of the race, which proved to be not a good idea at all. Why because, all the airport travel, commute to expo for bib collection and running around drained all my energy and deprived me of much needed rest. We are supposed to be well hydrated, rested and at ease during the last couple of days to the race, especially the previous day. So that's a good learning.
To add to the drama, our hotel bookings were turned null & void just the day before as there was some issue between hotel and the OYO folks. I requested my cousin who lives in Mumbai to book a hotel room near to the start of the race venue.
Early morning I started from my hotel at 4:15 as the race was supposed to start at 5:15. I took about 20 mins to reach the venue. I could see hundreds of people already assembled there getting all warmed up. I too finished up my warmup and then joined my running group folks walking towards the lineup.
Plan was to go at 6:30 pace considering my longest practice run's performance. The race takes us through all the well known places in Mumbai. I have done a HM previously in TMM 2018 so I know this route is the best in India. It's such a pleasure running on the sea-link and the sea shore, supported by the awesome Mumbai crowd all through. I have to tell, this experience is something to cherish for many years. I was happy with my run till 37th km with the planned pace with no pit stops, however it's that junction which everybody talks about i.e. "hitting-the-wall". I wasn't much worried as I was feeling good; hydration and fueling was done properly. But unfortunately, it's the dreadful elevation of Peddar road that tests everyone at this point. Plan was simple; to jog no matter what! But after half the elevation, I got too tired and I ended up walking. I made sure to walk briskly though. I continued running after that, and once we cross the 40th milestone, mind starts to think about the finish line which gives that much needed extra push to finish stronger. It was a great feeling at the finish line; a feeling of immense satisfaction and jubilation!
My first marathon! Yipppee!
PC: Abhishek Surve
