Mumbai Marathon 2012

I knew back of my mind saying running a half marathon would put me at ease for sometime but knowing that it is 21.1 kms would never do. I can simply say to someone that I am preparing for half marathon, some knew what distance one has run for half marathon but most of them lack this knowledge were bit surprised.

I started the practice for the race by September and thought three to four months should be enough. My weekly mileage count started with 6-8 kms, I never did long runs on the weekend. Soon, I began browsing about half marathons, started reading articles, blogs, started watching videos. What helped me most was Runner's World website, this site had wealth of information and each bit of it helped. I created a sample training schedule using this site, it was based on my weekly mileage, age, actual marathon date. Following the schedule I started to increase my mileage per week and did long runs on weekends.

On the good part, my mileage for each week was increasing, now it was about 16-18 kms, but with this I started facing series of pains in my body. Initially it was stomach stitch, then shin splits, later knee and ankle pain. To my rescue few articles, blogs in the internet helped me to over come these. Over the time I gained confidence in running 10 kms. Now that pretty much half of half marathon was success, I begin pushing myself beyond 10 kms, often with pain jolting my practices. Over the next two months, I continued to run at my comfort pace and made sure not push myself beyond a limit. Minor injuries were part of the practice workouts and runs throughout.

During this time I called my friend Radhakrishna [whom I call Radhe] who stays in Mumbai. I thought this will give me a chance to meet Radhe almost after 2 years leaving Pune & would also save some bucks on lodge :). We were in touch over the phone but never met after I left to Bangalore. He was instant in his reaction asking me to stay at his place. Now that things were settled in aspects of stay & other stuffs like shoes, shorts, etc. I was all set for the half marathon challenge.

I went to my hometown Hubli on 12th Dec 2012. Since 13th was my birthday, I planned to celebrate at home & leave to Mumbai the same day. I celebrated my 26th birthday at home with my family, it was wonderful. Also bit of relief that I escaped the birthday bumps from my friends. On 14th, I reached Mumbai & directly went to Radhe's place which was in Powai. He guided me all the way from the bus station to his place. Today I had to collect the bib, timing chip & goodies bag at World Trade Center Cuffe Parade, Mumbai. Radhe & his friend accompanied me to the bib collection venue. We traveled in Mumbail Locals, it was nice since I was commuting in it for the first time, but I think daily commuters don't have the same feeling. Collected the bib, timing chip & posed for some photos. Later we went to Gateway of India, watched Hotel Taj. Back to room I had light dinner & set my alarms. I always had a notion what if alarms don't ring, what if I don't get up for the race, but nothing of that sort happened. I got up before alarm ring got afresh, had some food, mainly it was a banana, oats & glass of milk. I left to the venue by the first local from Anderi East & could see people with their bibs tucked to their T's all around me going to the marathon venue.

I could see lots of people of different ages gathering towards the start venue. It was Kumb Mela of Marathon. My bib was 17552 & line up section was C. And there it goes 4, 3, 2, 1.. race started. I followed the good advice at the start line from a veteran who said 'try to run initial 5 kms slow & conserve energy for rest of race'. First 9 kms I clocked around 1 hr, running at normal pace, hydrating, things were good until pain started outside my knee area. I slowed & came aside. Applied Volini Cream, couple of sachets which I had in my pocket. After walking for sometime I continued to run. Sometime after the dawn people started turning up for the event cheers all over the route, I could see aged people carrying biscuits, fruits and water. Little kids carrying Cadbury Chocolates. It was indeed heart warming. At some places residents arranged DJ's & loud music added some strength & excitement. People were cheering each runner passing by. It brought strength in me, I could hardly think of the pain anymore. I was just enjoying my run all the way, no where I thought pain would give me such a happiness. With last 1 km to finish, I was in aggravated pain in my leg, I was literally dragging myself. I could hear drums making loud noise at the finish line. I thought let me now chase the finish line with smile & I did just that. My pics at the finish line. Wrist watch showed me count of 2 hr 50 mins, but my net time was 2 hr 40 mins. My timing.

Timing Certificate

I left to Bangalore the same day. I thanked Radhe for accommodating me his room :). I reached Bangalore next day morning with lots of pain in my leg which continued to persist for 3 more days.

In my next I was participating in TCS 10k 2012, where running all started for me in 2011.

Follow me to TCS 10K 2012.