My season of 'The Full'

Last year around this time, I was scanning internet, talking to my runner friends and asking my own self if I should or should not be attempting for the Full Marathon. The biggest question I had in my mind is if I have the strength to go the distance of 42.2K. Am I physically prepared? Am I ready to give time to the arduous training? Can I endure it, or will I break down?

But I just let go of all inhibitions and jumped on for training, when my coach Jatin Arora started the training program for Airtel Hyderabad Marathon 2018 at #BootCampYELLOW. And I always had that inherent desire to go the distance, but want to finish strong without any injury. Also, I had set the target of doing a strong Sub 4 for Full Marathon.

I was over ambitious in the first attempt at AHM2018 (Airtel Hyderabad Marathon 2018). 42.2K deserve some respect, and it is more of training the mind along with the physical training. At Hyderabad, I got an eye opener, and I understood that I need to train harder to reach my goal. Hydration was an important factor which played a major role. We tend to ignore it when travelling for outstation runs and it hit me hard, very hard.

Then came Tata Mumbai Marathon, where I made few grave error to miss my goal of a Sub 4. I was repeatedly told not to stop for break. But I took multiple, including a loo break. In a long run, taking a walk break or pause disrupts the rhythm of the run. It becomes difficult to pick up the pace. That took a toll on my run at TMM 2019. Significance of it can be judged by my run statistics where I could finish 32K in 3 hours but the remaining 10 K took me 1 hour 9 minutes. 

I knew at IDBI NDM 2019 is my best opportunity to finish strong. I had prepared myself well with all the corrections made to my run plan. In fact, my plan became very simple, run the distance, without any break, and maintaining a steady pace. Sounds simple, right!! Trust me it is better said than done. By now, I know, my weakest spot is the last 10K. So, had a friend of mine - Nishant Rana, pace me to give me the push I need. I was personally not in favor of a pacer, or joining any Bus, but still wanted to see what difference it makes.

With the flag off by legend Sachin Tendulkar at IDBI NDM 2019, I just followed what I had been trained for. Maintained a steady pace, had my fluids, salts, gels and nutrition as per the plan. Though the route was circuitous, but those are just a variable in the mind to ignore.

By the second loop, what motivated is my fellow runners cheering up on me. I got called out so many times, it just ensures that there are so many people rooting out there for your success, you just cannot give up. I ensured that I do not stop at any point of the run. Nishant Rana, who is an amazingly strong runner, was to pace me from 30K milestone. He helped me push me through ensuring I maintain the pace. By 39K, I was draining out rapidly of the energy, or may be the mind was playing its trick. At 41K I was slowing down and wanted to catch up my breath, but came a big push from GV (Gaurav Verma) Sir, shouting ‘Abhi nahi rukna’. And then I picked up my pace and kept on till I reached the finish line. I am thankful to Nishant for pacing me so well and at last the elusive Sub 4 was achieved. Finished the race in 03:56:33!!

My stats for the Full Marathons attempted this season is as follows:

Airtel Hyderabad Marathon 2018 – 04:22:28

Tata Mumbai Marathon 2019 – 04:09:48

IDBI Federal New Delhi Marathon 2019 – 03:56:33

My sincerest Thanks to Jatin, Mahasweta, Mohan, Sree and all the trainers and coaches at BCY, who have enduringly trained for this success. And not to forget the BootCampYellow Family, who cheered and celebrated the success of mine as if it is their own. Special mention to Nishant Rana for pacing me so well till the finish line at IDBI NDM 2019. And without mention my family who steadfastly stood behind me in during my trainings and runs.

Now it’s time to rest the heels a bit, and prep for the next year for a greater, stronger and healthier success!!