Mumbai Marathon 2014 – Full Marathon Fantasy !! 19th Jan 2014
Thought of running full marathon was always back of my mind, but actually registering and running the marathon was always been a dream. Can I put myself through the training? Will I complete the run? What if I am not able to get myself ready for the run? There were hundreds of questions in my mind. Just to tell you, these thoughts popped up after I registered for the Mumbai Marathon 2014. Decision to register for the full marathon category was very quick, I was registering for Mumbai run for the 3rd time in the row, after two half marathons at Mumbai, I really wanted to run my first full marathon in Mumbai but nowhere else. Mumbai marathon gives you the best running experience, be it a crowd, facility while you run or the race finish at Church Gate.
So I registered the run in June 2013 and started my preparation, I had Hyderabad Marathon & Bangalore Marathon on cards for preparation for the big day in Mumbai. I had always had problem to improve my timings but all that I hoped was finish somewhere around 5 hours, which was a decent target seeing I had roughly around 6 months of preparation. Nevertheless I had certain job in hand which sometime used to take long hours hitting up my regular routine to gym and run. Regular and weekend runs were on and all well. I completed Hyderabad Half Marathon with decent 2 hours 33 mins my personal best on this course now. Next I ran Bangalore Half Marathon in December, which was by far the worst run I had. The flat cement surface of NICE road had effect on my right foot, I was badly hurt and was not able to even walk for couple of days, this was the major setback for the Mumbai run, any miss in my training runs would definitely have effect on the marathon day. I was without practice for two weeks. I was now having nightmare of my first ever full marathon. Anup, my running buddy was running half marathon, his second HM, we reached Mumbai on 18th January and went to my friends place in Khandivali East, Abhinav Mahajan always there for me in Mumbai, this is second year I am visiting him and he such a friend and mentor. Day of the collection of bib, we went around Mumbai, Marine drive and coffee at Coffee House. I just promised myself to run beyond 21kms and quit whenever I would feel to do so.
D-Day arrived, got up by 3 am and was ready by 3.45 am. Left to catch the first local to Church gate. I was happy to see people in the train who are ready to fight their fear, all in their running attire. I was building my confidence and convincing myself, I will be able to run completely. At the start line, I just prayed then started the run. At a very normal pace, started off my run, unbelievably I was feeling very good about the first few kilometres into the run, confident, no pain and most of all I was enjoying my run. My timer showed 2 hours 30 mins at 21.1kms mark, still feeling good about my run and pace. I saw elite runner making their way, so good to see them crossing you. At 25kms, now I was feeling bit tired and started walks and run. At this point I wanted someone who can run at my pace. At 29kms mark, I started matching pace with one guy who seemed to run at my pace, asked him if I can run with him. We started to talk about the run, started making small intervals of run and walk. This helped a lot to keep the pace and we also made sure we are running. We ran the last 10 kms together and finished together. Running together helped us both, finally I was relieved, happy and very ecstatic. At the start line I was just thinking of having a decent run beyond 21kms but here I am finishing my maiden full marathon, it felt so great.
My friend also finished the half marathon in around 2hr 20 mins, his best so far. We were pretty happy about our achievements and were ready to head back to Bangalore. My few pics and timings below.
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| My running moment |
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| Run Summary |
Keep Running !!
