4hr 22min in Mumbai Marathon 2007

I had a decent run in the 4th Standard Chartered Mumbai marathon (2007). I did a time of 4hr 22min 12seconds and was able to shave off about 7minutes of my Singapore time, but it was higher than my target time of 4hr 15mins.

On the face of it, it looks like a good effort, but what makes it a little disappointing is the fact that I did my best half marathon time of about 1hr 53min during the run, which should have meant a comfortable finish of under 4.15hrs. Only if my left knee had held up, it started troubling me from the 25km mark, which ensured that I could not run continiously and had to mix it up with some walking & stopping. The only other thing that i had to contend with was the heat, it was hot and that is putting it mildly (the computer systems of the organisers collaped due to the heat and they could not give the timing certificate after finish - this was the first time they were unable to give it immediately, that should give you a good idea of our (runners) plight!!).

I managed the weather quite well, my body was behaving perfectly (even after the run, there was not one sore muscle and no back pain which happened after the Singapore marathon), I was feeling metally tough, the gatorade (was carrying two to start) and Power bar energy gels (they are the best) were giving me good nourishment, only if my knee had not troubled me (this was the first time when it had given trouble) I could have easily done a time of 4hr 10mins.

I need to thank a couple of people, one was a very young international pariticipant (must be barely 18, as that was the minimum age) who was continiously running at the same pace for a 4hr 30min finish from start (was a perfect pacer, not official though - Though i wish they start having official pacers for Mumbai marathon from next year), I kept pace with her (though I sprinted toward the end) and ensured that I did not slip too much due to the injury, actually i would start running hard as soon as she would catch up and without her the 4hr 22min would not have been possible. Second was a friend of mine who got me a cold gatorade at Pedder Road at the right time - while returning - 3hr 30min mark (It was timed perfectly), this along with the Powerbar gels ensured that the nutrition bit was just perfect.

My preparation ensured that I had the physical ablity to run well (though intermetantly in second half) through the pain in the second half and the mental toughness after the Singapore marathon, helped me do a 4hr 22min despite the injury which occured mid way.

I will be aiming for a sub 4hr 10min time in the next Mumbai marathon, might revise it further (downwards), closer to the date next year.