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Sunday, January 21, 2007

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.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Good Show! Dr Mallya...

Hope to see you less than 4Hrs within next 3 big runs... Keep it up :)

@GirishMallya said...

Thanks. Yes why not. Have now figured out how to do a time close to 4hrs, just need my body to behave properly (not like the unexpected manner it did today). Its definately possible...

Mandeep Singh said...

Well Done Girish!!! u might have missed ur 4.15 mark but participating in 2 marathons close to each other have ensured a better mainframe for the marathon. I am sure u would be able to do a fantastic time in the next singapore and Stan chart marathons.

Mandeep

Mandeep Singh said...

read mainframe as frame of mind

@GirishMallya said...

Thanks. Don't plan to do Singapore next year, might explore doing Hongkonk in March '08 plus Great Tibetan marathon in July '07. The time next time around should be better...

Unknown said...

Control your diet..reduce...cold drinks...refridgerated food..and things like Pickle from your daily intake.

Unknown said...

since these things are bad for joints.

@GirishMallya said...

Yes doctor, will do things for my joints. Will keep a close watch on it, but now I need some well deserved rest. Look forward to my Republic day weekend out of Bombay. And do remember to get me a bottle of Red wine from your trip to Goa (don't get port wine), its got very low tax rate on wines & alcohol!!
Have already started the relaxation process with lotsa chocolate ice cream and some strawbery with vanila cream.

Anonymous said...

Hey, congratulations on finishing the Mumbai Marathon with a good time that was lower than the Singapore Marathon !!!! Hope your knee is feeling better.

@GirishMallya said...

Thanks, yes its feeling a lot better now. It was actually the sides of the knee and not the knee that was hurting during the run.

Prakash Pant - PP said...

Dear Girish,
Good Show!

I missed it, but will must join on for great Great Tibetan marathon in July '07.

Tanvir Kazmi said...

Congratulations on doing such a good run! I am really amazed that you bettered the Singapore timings in spite of the hot weather.

@GirishMallya said...

Thanks Prakash, Hope to have you for the Tibetan run in July 07. Best wishes for your prep.

@GirishMallya said...

Thanks Tanvir. Yes, the weather was hot, but the good thing is that the longer you take the botter it gets. So there is a big incentive to finish early (I was able to reduce 1hr from my previous best at Bombay). Hope to crack it next year with a time close to 4hrs.
Wishing you a speedy recovery & hoping to see you for the Bombay run next year.

Anonymous said...

Great run!!!!!! How you did this and the other one so close together. Now give yourself a break. And two pieces of advice:

1) Try a marathon in the Northern hemisphere where it is cooler and you will break 4:00:00 easy

2) If you find a nice female to follow (sexist I know but we all need to focus on something!) then stick with her! I am sure female runners do the same!

Great run.

@GirishMallya said...

Thanks Ian for the advice. Am sure both the points will definitely help me improve my time. Plus now I am actually more confident of bettering the Bombay time significantly in Bombay itself, any runs outside would be a bonus.

Anonymous said...

Hi Girish,

Even though you don't know me, you've impressed me a lot.

My name is Siddharth from Mumbai and I am planning to participate in the Mumbai Marathon next year. I am starting preparations from next week. I would greatly appreciate any advice you could give me that would help me prepare better.

Cheers!

P.S.:- I've NEVER participated in a marathon before, but I am confident that I have the speed and stamina.

@GirishMallya said...

Sure will definately try to help you. You have decided to start early and that will be a big advantage. Email me details about yourself, age, weight, what is the max distance you have run, fitness level, etc. and we will take it from there.
Best wishes.

Zanil Hyder said...

Hi Girish

I read your blog, i have also been in touch with Tanvir Karrzmi..

After 13 years i have started again ,i finished the hyderabad 10K (10Kms) in 45 Mins.

I have registere for the Mumbai Full Marathon on Jan 20th

i have my blog on http://longdistancerun.blogspot.com/

by the way i have problem siwth my knee ( Right Knee) on the sides

what did you do ?

Do reply me
Zanil Hyder
ZANILHYDER@GMAIL.COM