Chasing Dreams at TATA Mumbai Marathon 2024 – My Race Report
What once seemed an impossibility a year ago became my reality on the 21st of January, 2024. After a grueling four-month training block involving running and weight training, achieving a half-marathon personal best at 01:52:58 and a sub 03:55:00 on my debut marathon is still something I’m unable to process. In this blog, I aim to reflect on my unfathomable experience of running the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024.
Goals
- Goal: Sub 4 hour finish.
- Achieved: 03:54:23
Key Stats
- Rank: 1021 of 8763
- Overall Pace: 5:34
- Age Category Rank: 91 of 451
Activity Details
Prelude
I started running in February 2023 by signing up for the Hyderabad Runners’ Society’s 10k run Club Run, crossing the finish line in 58 minutes. What initially captivated me about participating in races was the allure of a medal for every finisher. The entire experience introduced me to the awesome atmosphere of racing – the cheering crowds, the camaraderie of the running community, and the overwhelming support that pushes you towards the finish line. It transformed my perception of running from a solitary pursuit into a shared journey filled with love and gratitude.
For anyone contemplating a marathon endeavor or already committed to one, allow me to recount my transformative journey to conquering my first marathon!
Training for Triumph
Qualifying for the Mumbai Marathon required me to participate in the Hyderabad Half Marathon on the 5th of November. While my preparation for this race lacked a structured plan, my baseline fitness, cultivated through weight training, badminton, and regular 10k races, stood at a solid level. Aiming for a sub-2-hour finish on the challenging course of the Hyderabad Half Marathon, I completed it with a time of 02:05:04. The elevations of Peddar Road and the Sea Link in the Mumbai Marathon paled in comparison to the demanding Wipro Circle elevation encountered in the Hyderabad event.
Determining my goal time and refining training paces for the marathon proved to be a gradual process. Therefore, my structured marathon training commenced in late November.
Training Paces
| Pace | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Easy/long | 6:45 mins/km | 5:45 mins/km |
| Threshold/tempo | 5:10 mins/km | 5:00 mins/km |
| Interval/VO2 max | 4:50 mins/km | 4:30 mins/km |
| Marathon race pace | 5:35 mins/km | |
Training Schedule
Week 1-4:
| Date | Monday (Strength) | Tuesday (Short Run) | Wednesday (Rest) | Thursday (Short Run) | Friday (Tempo Run) | Saturday (Rest) | Sunday (Long Run) | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27-Nov-23 | Strength & Conditioning | 6 km | Rest | 10 km | 6 km | Rest | 14 km | 36 km |
| 4-Dec-23 | Strength & Conditioning | 6 km | Rest | 10 km | 6 km | Rest | 16 km | 38 km |
| 11-Dec-23 | Strength & Conditioning | 6 km | Rest | 10 km | 8 km | Rest | 18 km | 38 km |
| 18-Dec-23 | Strength & Conditioning | 8 km | Rest | 12 km | 8 km | Rest | 20 km | 46 km |
Week 5-8:
| Date | Monday (Strength) | Tuesday (Short Run) | Wednesday (Rest) | Thursday (Short Run) | Friday (Tempo Run) | Saturday (Rest) | Sunday (Long Run) | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-Dec-23 | Strength & Conditioning | 8 km | Rest | 12 km | 8 km | Rest | 32 km | 60 km |
| 1-Jan-24 | Strength & Conditioning | 8 km | Rest | 12 km | 10 km | Rest | 18 km | 48 km |
| 8-Jan-24 | Strength & Conditioning | 6 km | Rest | 7 km | 6 km | Rest | 10 km | 29 km |
| 15-Jan-24 | Strength & Conditioning | 4 km | Rest | Rest | 3 km | Rest | Marathon Day (21st Jan 2024) | 7 km |
I maintained a rigorous training schedule, running four days a week with two allocated rest days, and dedicating one day solely to leg workouts at the gym. My gym sessions were a daily occurrence, although I gradually reduced my involvement in badminton to reduce fatigue in my legs. The running training featured two short runs, a tempo run, and a long run, emphasizing simplicity without overwhelming variations. To acclimate my body to the conditions in Mumbai, I deliberately ran in the afternoon sun, exposing myself to the humidity and overhead sunlight anticipated during the later stages of the race.
Despite the apparent brevity of my two-month marathon training block, it’s worth noting my active involvement in running and preparation for the Hyderabad Half Marathon two months prior. During this dedicated marathon training phase, I achieved significant milestones, including a sub-50-minute 10k and a sub-2-hour personal best in the half marathon.
Experimenting with Fueling and Hydration
Throughout my half marathon experiences, I conducted various experiments with fueling and hydration, altering the distances at which I consumed gels and practiced different techniques for ingestion. I observed that I was spending an excessive amount of time at the SAG points, typically taking about 40-60 seconds. Recognizing that this approach of stopping at SAG points to lower my heart rate and consume gels/electrolytes wouldn’t align with my ambitious goal of achieving a sub-4-hour marathon, I explored unconventional tactics, such as abstaining from gels or deliberately not hydrating sufficiently over extended distances, aiming to understand my body’s reactions (and, oh, did I find out!).
After thorough experimentation, I reached the conclusion that I wouldn’t halt at SAG points. Instead, I opted to consume my gels and electrolytes while continuing to run. My final fueling strategy involved slowing down before taking a gel to lower my heart rate, consuming a gel every 6 kilometers, and hydrating immediately afterward. If an elevation was anticipated at the planned 6th kilometer, I ensured to take the gel a kilometer before the ascent, avoiding ingestion during the uphill exertion or heart rate moderation during the downhill.
For fueling, I relied on Fast&Up’s Chocolate and Strawberry Banana flavored gels and electrolytes. These products proved to be both affordable and widely sponsored/supported in most racing events.
Race Gear
Whenever I invest a considerable amount in sporting gear, I find myself questioning the inevitability of participating in expensive sports. For race day, I opted for Nike’s Vaporfly 3 shoes, along with a vest and shorts from GoAthlos. The sportswear by Athlos is incredibly comfortable, amazing, and worth every penny. Additionally, I wore compression socks by Sorgen. While I’m uncertain about the socks’ effectiveness, as I didn’t notice a significant difference without them, I chose to wear them since I had previously achieved personal bests while using them.
Longest Run
My longest run, totaling 32 kilometers, took place before my taper phase commenced. In contrast to the prevalent advice suggesting running 2 or more 32-kilometer sessions, I had only completed a 32-kilometer run once. Given my active participation in competitive badminton, I aimed to avoid straining my legs excessively to prevent the risk of injury. To build confidence for the marathon, I engaged in multiple half marathons and 25-kilometer distances. Regardless of the duration or distance covered, a marathon is a beast. So am I! xD
Visualizing The Race
Ahead of my arrival in Mumbai, I delved into blogs, watched videos, and gathered insights from runners who had previously participated in TMM. I endeavored to visualize the race course, anticipate the conditions, mentally prepare for potential challenges, and strategize for unforeseen circumstances. During the challenging segments of the half-marathon races I had previously run, I often envisioned myself running in Mumbai during the marathon. This mental exercise significantly aided me on race day, preventing overthinking and the unnecessary complication of issues I was already familiar with.
Taper and Pre-Race Logistics
Leading up to my taper, I felt confident in the smart execution of my training plan. During the taper phase, I reduced my weekly mileage, incorporating more cross-fit, occasional swimming, and the persistent, irresistible urge to play badminton. My focus extended to maintaining hydration, ensuring a daily intake of 4+ liters of water. Consistent gym sessions persisted, driven by the desire to achieve peak leanness and an optimal race-day physique, maintaining a caloric deficit.
According to my Garmin watch, my predicted finish time was 3:54:00, with a VO2-max of 53. Despite my habitual lack of sleep and late sleeping hours, I recognized the need to adjust my sleep routine. To ensure sufficient rest, I committed to adopting an early bedtime and waking up at 2 AM on race day.
Securing an Airbnb 20 days before the race, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the start line, was a thoughtful part of my pre-race preparation. Arriving in Mumbai three days before the race allowed me to acclimate to the weather and the city, providing valuable time to spend with dear friends. Since my arrival, I initiated a carb-loading phase and maintained electrolyte-rich hydration. A 4-kilometer shakeout run on the day prior to the race, timed for 8:30 AM to mimic race day conditions, allowed me to visualize the same on race day. My pre-race meals included breakfast with bread, mayo, and jam, followed by pasta and rice for lunch. I concluded the day with an early dinner at 6 PM, ensuring ample intake of coconut water for its digestive benefits.
Race Day
Rising at the early hour of 2 AM on race day, I followed my pre-race routine: a timely visit to the restroom, a refreshing hot shower, and a light breakfast consisting of 4 slices of bread, jam, and a banana. Fully clad in my race day kit, I stepped out at 3:30 AM to secure a cab – a daunting task due to road closures on race day. Fortunately, I found both a cab and the company of fellow runners heading to the start line.
Engaging in a conversation with Mr. Suresh Seshari, a seasoned runner debuting his barefoot TMM, proved enlightening. In his soft-spoken and eloquent manner, he remarked, “The fact that you trained, traveled, woke up at 2 AM, and are running a marathon speaks volumes about your discipline and drive, which itself is the path to excellence and extraordinary.” While inspiring, his words echoed sentiments I had silently shared with myself before. However, acknowledgment of this inner dialogue was reserved until I crossed the finish line under 4 hours.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) welcomed us with its beautifully lit, vibrant colors as I reached the holding area at Azad Maidan by 4 AM. Consuming my pre-workout drink, infused with caffeine and beta-alanine to reduce exertion perception and muscle fatigue, I aimed to optimize my physical readiness 30 minutes before the race. Dynamic stretches served as my warm-up routine, and I consciously conserved energy in the moments leading up to the race. A final restroom break preceded my move to the assigned B Coral, where I secured a front position for a comfortable start.
The morning felt slightly warmer than the previous day, yet conducive to running. As excitement, nerves, and adrenaline coursed through me, I mentally reaffirmed my trust in my training, reminding myself to focus, relax, and maintain composure. Taking my first gel 10 minutes before the start, I walked with the energetic crowd until reaching the starting line. With the clock striking 5 and the sound of the starting gun, I transitioned from a slow jog to a purposeful run, hitting the START button on my Garmin.
1-9 KM: Euphoria and Adrenaline
I started slowly, making my way through the bustling crowd while paying minimal attention to my pace. The atmosphere pulsated with euphoria—heartbeats quickened, and footsteps resounded in unison. Opting for a gradual start, my aim was to settle in, focus, and fall into a rhythm that I can maintain throughout the race. The initial kilometers unfolded smoothly until a numbing sensation tingled through my right leg.
Refusing to interrupt the flow for a stretch, I opted for a strategy of gentle movements and a bit more air time to ease into a groove. My plan included reassessing the situation at the 9th kilometer before the challenging Peddar road climb. At the 6th kilometer, I consumed my Gel and Electrolyte, addressing the numbing sensation, which gradually subsided. While initially contemplating catching up with the 4-hour pacing bus, I decided against it, considering the risk of disrupting my rhythm and the likelihood that the bus had a delayed start.
Spotting the 3:50 pacer at the 5th kilometer, I synchronized with their pace and rhythm, opting to tag along. During this early stretch, my focus centered on gauging my body’s feedback, refining my form, and navigating cautiously through course segments under construction. As this segment concluded, my comfort and confidence increased, and the initial euphoria waned. Strangely enough, I couldn’t admire the vastness of the sea as I ran past the marine drive. Rather, I found myself focused on the task to be conquered. As I passed by the Trident hotel, I recalled the sweet memories right in front of it at the marine drive with my friends last year where we star gazed and talked of worldly things. Anticipating a repeat of such moments post-marathon, I pressed forward.
Average Pace: 5:28, Elapsed Time: 48:59, Average HR: 150
10-21 KM: Rhythm and Resolve
As the initial euphoria began to fade, we confronted the notorious ascent of Peddar Road. Following the smart strategy of the 3:50 pacer, Mr. Anirudha Athani, which involved a 20-step walk break before the incline, I adopted the same approach. My focus shifted from pace to maintaining consistent effort levels during the climb, successfully keeping my heart rate steady. Upon descending, we accelerated, propelling ourselves toward the iconic sea link.
During a flat stretch, strategically slowing down, I seized the opportunity to consume my second gel and electrolyte at the 13th kilometer. By the 16th kilometer, the 3:50 group had coalesced into a resilient alliance. Mutual encouragement, warnings about upcoming obstacles, and an atmosphere of camaraderie enveloped us. As we entered the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the wind intensified. To minimize wind resistance, I positioned myself in the middle of the pack, right behind the pacer.
Despite the sea link being touted as a course highlight, the pre-dawn darkness obscured its beauty. Accelerating the pace on the flat terrain post-sea link, I prepared to consume my third gel and electrolyte at the 18th kilometer.
We were increasing the pace as the course was flat after crossing the sea link and I needed to take my third gel and electrolyte at the 18th kilometer. Since we weren’t slowing down, I I devised a plan to ingest the gel gradually and hydrate periodically over the next kilometers. Approaching the 20th kilometer, the rising sun bathed the course in light, and a sense of accomplishment enveloped me as I was anticipating a new half marathon personal best.
Average Pace: 5:20, Elapsed Time: 1:53:08, Average HR: 171
22-30 KM Fortitude and Flow
In the grander scheme of the race, I reminded myself not to let the achievement of a new half-marathon personal best overwhelm me. Mentally preparing to view each 10-kilometer segment as a milestone, I focused solely on the current kilometer until reaching the pivotal 30-kilometer mark, offering a reliable gauge of my likely finish time. Despite the 3:55 pacer being about 400 meters ahead, the reassuring presence of our own pacer prevented any seeds of doubt from taking root.
Taking my fourth gel and electrolyte at the 24th kilometer, a vibrant turn of events occurred at the 25th kilometer near Mahim. The cheers of the crowd, the applause, and the colorful boards they held up created an incredible atmosphere, infusing our run with so much positivity and genuine smiles. It was like this beautiful bond formed among strangers, transforming into a running family right there on the course. And you know, that feeling really hit me—it was more than just a race, it felt like a shared journey with people who started as strangers but became an integral part of the entire experience.
Whenever I spotted bands playing music along the route, I couldn’t resist singing along. And there were those moments when I found myself grooving, and mimicking some of those iconic Bollywood hook steps. Anticipating a rendezvous with friends at the 28th kilometer near Shivaji Park, I realized the logistical challenges posed by blocked roads. Unfortunately, I missed seeing them, but the pleasant sun provided an opportunity for a few photo-worthy moments. Of all the hard work put in the gym, I had no shame in posing, rather flexing my biceps occasionally. I crossed paths with Avinash at the 29th kilometer, a YouTuber whose videos initially introduced me to the Tata Mumbai Marathon. Reaching the 30-kilometer mark, sipping my fifth gel and electrolyte, a surge of strength and confidence coursed through me, making the remainder of the race feel surprisingly effortless. In that moment, the idea of signing up for another marathon or even an ultra marathon crossed my mind, briefly distracting me from the remaining kilometers.
Average Pace: 5:25, Elapsed Time: 2:41:59, Average HR: 177
31-40 KM Resilience
Oh, the audacity to underestimate the marathon distance! Reality hit, and fatigue set in, causing my pace to falter. At first, I brushed off the doubts, attributing them to mere mind games. Yet, as my heart rate climbed and my pace dropped, denial was no longer an option. I made a conscious choice to ease up, acknowledging that pushing too hard this early could spell disaster.
As the pacing pack gradually faded from my sight, a surge of resilience welled within. The lively high fives from spirited kids and the genuine warmth of a family handing out slices of juicy watermelon breathed new life into my weary body. Oh, how I wish I had indulged in a couple more slices – a delightful lesson engraved for future races! Glancing at my watch at the 32nd kilometer (02:53:32), a grin adorned my face, realizing I had a comfortable seven-minute buffer for achieving that coveted sub-4-hour finish.
Maintaining focus became my mantra as I navigated through the 34th kilometer, taking an early gel and electrolyte, preparing for the impending challenge – the Peddar Road climb at 36 kilometers. Photo pauses, smiles, and strategic fueling helped lift my spirits. The climb, my slowest split, demanded a measured approach. I took a brief walk break, reminding myself of the crucial next 2 kilometers. The 38th kilometer saw my final gel and electrolyte intake, paving the way for an increased pace. As the exhaustion kicked in around the 39th kilometer, the discomfort intensified. A hint of cramping in my hamstring surfaced, yet I pressed on, adjusting my stride to alleviate the twinge. Chanting the mantra “Rhythm, Relax, Flow” offered solace, a technique borrowed from Phily Bowden’s vlog.
The atmosphere turned somber as cries of pain echoed, runners coping with cramps and pushing through the agony. Witnessing a fellow runner in tears highlighted the fine line between discomfort and true suffering. Motivated by her resilience, I picked up my pace, discarding thoughts of fatigue. The sun, now shining brightly, added heat and humidity to the mix, making the last stretch near marine drive even more challenging.
In retrospect, the 32nd kilometer marked the true beginning of the marathon — testing physical and mental fortitude.
Average Pace: 5:50, Elapsed Time: 3:40:26, Average HR: 180
41-42.195 (Finish) Abyss and Glory
Ah, the whims of romantics who crave for timeless moments of eternal love. Well, I can assure you that they’d write all about enduring pain if they ran the last two kilometers of a marathon, longing to see the finish line. Those final 2 kilometers felt like an eternity, my eyes desperately scanning for the elusive finish line. All that remained was my rhythmic determination, a promise to myself not to halt until I conquered that finish line. The sea of spectators roared with massive support, yet it all appeared hazy and dreamlike through my exhaustion.
I struggled to extract energy from the crowd, unlike my usual sprint in the race’s final stretch. My heart rate soared into the 190s, but I pushed my limits, running with every ounce of strength. Attempting to summon a smile for the race photographers, my tired grin betrayed the tale of a runner desperately seeking the finish line. I had envisioned asking myself the “why” only when nearing the brink of exhaustion during the race. Here I was, on the verge of it, and the answer wasn’t quite what I had anticipated. I thought to myself, “Oh my! Am I having a spiritual moment right before the finish line?” Very dramatic.
As the finish line drew near, the clock displayed “3:54:40,” setting a singular goal in my mind—crossing before it hit “3:55:00.” With arms spread wide in freedom, eyes gazing up in pride, I celebrated the culmination with a triumphant fist pump, finally hitting the stop button on my watch after crossing the timing mat.
Ain’t it a bummer when you realize at the 32nd kilometer that you’ll surpass your goal? I soared with joy when my watch proudly announced “03:54:30,” surpassing my goal time by over 5 minutes.
Average Pace: 5:26, Elapsed Time: 3:54:30, Average HR: 192
Post Race: The Afterglow
Amidst the chaotic exhaustion, my dear friend Diksha’s cheers during my finish went unnoticed until she walked up to me, offering a hug that made me even happier. Turns out, she had been my relentless cheerleader all along! Attempting to prolong my walk until it became impossible, I eventually succumbed to a seated position. The aftermath? Leg cramps and traps protesting from a week of intense gym sessions, all in preparation to flaunt my race day vest.
Ice applications, electrolytes, and sips of water became my post-race ritual in an effort to alleviate the cramps. The medical assistance at TMM proved invaluable as a patient doctor skillfully stretched my muscles, offering relief from the pain. Finally, with a bit more ease, I headed towards the medal collection counter, where the tangible proof of my journey awaited. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Mr. Suresh, who congratulated me on completing my inaugural marathon. The joy of meeting new people and following their running journeys on Strava added to the overall positive experience. As the medal was placed around my neck, I found myself still grappling to fully comprehend the magnitude of my achievement.
Maybe, just maybe, there were tears in my eyes as I held my hard-earned medal, closely examining every detail. All those grueling gym sessions, enduring long runs, conquering races, adhering to a perfect nutrition plan, and maintaining a consistent grind had paid off. Arriving in Mumbai at my leanest, I had dedicated countless hours in both the gym and kitchen, sculpting my physique to showcase abs. The moment I had eagerly anticipated had arrived – capturing a shirtless picture with my medal became my proudest achievement of the year. It stood as a testament to all the madness, doubted by some and fervently believed in by others with all their hearts.
The difference between stupidity and intelligence is the result.
~RGV maybe
Guess what! While attempting to hail a cab for my return to the hotel, I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting a running celeb, Mr. Karthik Nadar! His blogs on GeeksOnFeet have been a source of inspiration for me. Expressing my appreciation for his insightful posts and videos, I shared the news of completing my first marathon in under four hours. It was truly uplifting to receive congratulations from someone I admire and actively follow.
Overall Experience
In the afterglow of the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024, cradling my hard-earned medal felt like holding the culmination of a journey that once seemed unfathomable. As I stood there, medal in hand, I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless strides, and the unwavering camaraderie of the running community that fueled this transformative experience.
The journey doesn’t end here; it merely pauses, inviting new dreams and greater distances. As I bask in the glory of this achievement, I’m reminded that the true essence lies not just in the finish time but in the battles fought and stories etched along every kilometer. Here’s to the abyss and glory, the audacity of dreams, the thrill of the unknown, and the promise of exciting adventures ahead, eagerly waiting for our next steps.
Catch you at the starting line of our next running adventure!
PS: Two of my biggest inspirations, my CS professor Matthew N. Dailey and the snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, are avid runners. I thought, if the two people I look up to the most in the world find value in running, there must be something inherently enriching about it. So, I decided to lace up and give it a shot.
The race report template was inspired from the amazing posts on GeeksOnFeet. I hope to run fast enough to feature on their website one day. They have some great blogs on running. Go check them out if you haven’t!
