I still don’t remember why I decided to participate in the race. I had completed the Half Marathon in 2009, but that was pretty slow with more than 4 hours taken. This time I was running with the intent of completing the race within 3 hours. I had even contacted my friend, Sankalp, who had participated in various Marathon competitions in US. I asked him for a plan to prepare for the race. However, like many things in my life, I never prepared for the ultimate race because of my usual laziness (Big Mistake!!!).
On the race day, I arrived at the venue with my friend, Nikhil S. I started the race at 5:51AM, around 10 min after the gun time. During the initial few kilometers, I had some trouble with breathing, so I started having doubts whether I would be able to complete the race. But, then after I got used to the walking/running, I did not have any trouble with it. Main issue then was that of legs. By the time I reached Pedder Road, I was not able to run for more than 6-7 seconds, it was basically brisk walking now. Some serious pain had developed on the side of my right calf. Meanwhile, I saw many of SEBIites (with the fluorescent colored jersey, it wasn’t hard spot them), most of whom were way ahead of me. I somehow managed to pass the Marine Drive road and entered the final 2 Kms. Slowly once I reached within 100 m distance, I told myself, lets finish this off in style. I sprinted to the finish at my top speed in the whole race. But how idiotic was that decision!! Sankalp had specifically told me, it’s a Marathon and not a sprint. But no!! I wanted to show off na! Once I crossed the finish line, I was barely able to walk, with excruciating pain in the right calf area. I somehow managed to make it to the medical camp first, where I got some ice to apply to my right leg. After a few minutes, I met Sankalp and Siddhesh in the Azad Maidan. I can’t forget the way I walked up and down the stairs at Dadar station, it took like an eternity!
Of course despite all this cribbing, I must confess, I liked the whole experience of the Marathon. May be, had I prepared my body well before the competition, it could have been much better. As the pain recedes with time, I might think of Sankalp suggestion of taking part Full Marathon next year along with him and Siddhesh. Well, still long time to go for that decision!
With Sankalp and Siddhesh
Gun Time
| 05:40:04 |
| Start Time | 05:51:13 |
| Split@9Km | 01:11:02 |
| Split@10Km | 01:21:12 |
| Finish@21.097Km | 03:11:49 |
| Gross Time | 03:22:58 |
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