by Ashutosh Pande

Journey So far

The initial years were full of brisk walking mixed with running, and I got into running in 2016 with my first half marathon in Nov 2016 with a time of 2hr:31min at an event organized by Nio-Vision, Pune. The 2nd half marathon was PRBM in Nov 2017 and the third half marathon was AHM in Aug 2018 where I got a taste of severe cramps and ended up finishing in about 2hr:50mins. I felt dejected and at the same time there was an urge to improve with a thought of finishing a half marathon with a much better timing in the upcoming PRBM (over ambitious plan of just over 2hrs).

In lead up to PRBM, I suffered stress fracture near my left ankle in Oct 2018 and I was barely able to put my foot down and this is when I realized the need for structured training and that coaching was essential. All these previous runs were without proper nutrition, no hydration, no planning. I got to know about Motiv8 and I wrote an e-mail to Atul to help me and keep me motivated, running was no longer just a hobby or a fitness activity but finishing stronger and finishing better.

I joined in Nov 2018 and on the first day coach asked me to just run, after 500m I told him I am not comfortable at all and he recommended me to a physio, who helped me recover in about 3 weeks. I had to skip PRBM 2018 and was hoping to participate and finish the TMM half marathon in Jan 2019. With proper training and recovery exercises, I was able to participate and finish it in 2hr:36min, in Aug 2019 I was able to finish AHM half marathon in 2hrs:23 mins but in both these half marathons I had cramps post 17K.

After joining Motiv8 and during the training I learnt so many new jargons easy runs, tempo runs, intervals, HM pace, marathon pace etc and learning new things from the inspiring stories of wonderful and amazing Motiv8ers which I am delighted to be part of, knowing and reading about finishing Comrades, Ultra marathons, Ironman; I dreamt of doing a full marathon next year at TMM 2020!!!

From smoking 12 – 15 cigarettes a day to being a non-smoker; it’s been a remarkable transformation.

The Plan

The training was of 14 weeks which included 3 runs per week comprising of intervals – short surges of running fast followed by slower runs, marathon pace and number of long runs at easy pace with focus on improving the endurance, maintaining pace. There was slight niggle post AHM half marathon which was not consistent so I kept ignoring it thinking it’s kind of muscle pull and just a week before the start of training I had considerable pain on the outer side of left thigh and got to know from coach that its most likely due to IT band.

I was worried, I asked him will it hamper my training and will I be able to participate in the marathon? He said I need to manage it and follow the training plan within prescribed paces, suggested few strengthening exercises, foam rolling before going to bed and additional strength training every Wednesday along with the group training on Friday.

I was bored of applying the ice pack every day morning and evening and started having bath with cold water every day and it helped over a period of time. Short of confidence, training started from 15th Oct; slowly building up the confidence level and trying to recover from the injury. The weekly mileage started from 30K and peaked to 60K and in the end I think I missed just one workout (this I made up with a 5K run in the event organized by my company). Hydration and fueling with gels was planned well during the training to take them at regular intervals.

Pre-Race Week

The run up week to the race day was not as usual with all twist and turns. As I had to attend my niece’s wedding in Nagpur on 18th Jan; I had requested my run buddy Pankaj to collect my BIB. I reached Nagpur on 16th for the pre-wedding ceremonies, enjoyed the functions and wedding ceremony to the fullest. As per plan on 18th Jan, I was to start by afternoon flight reaching Mumbai about 15:45. In the morning on 18th, I realized I misplaced my Garmin charging cable, got a message from airline about the delay, which just got delayed, delayed and delayed.

I had to request my friends Rahul, Pankaj, Ankush to help with cable. I landed in Mumbai around 20:30, reached hotel around 22:00, collected BIB from Pankaj, got the cable from Prem; came back to hotel around 22:30, had my dinner which was parceled by Ankush and went to bed around 11:30, I was restless anxious could not sleep probably till 01:30, got up by 03:00, we got ready. It was about 15min – 20min walk to Azad Maidan and reached there around 04:45am, a big thank you friends.

Race Day – The Execution

I was a bit jittery when I was heading towards the lineup section with thoughts of not having enough rest, no sleep etc. I shared this with my friend Ankush (was running barefoot full marathon) and he said you are going to do wonders don’t worry.

I told myself to enjoy the race and believe in the training and stick to the plan. Gathered my thoughts and plan was to stay calm and mindful all through the race, not overdo in the initial stretch, and consciously work on the pace & breathing till 37K. Reached starting lineup and started at 05:29AM Initial 2K was at easy pace and got into the rhythm, started enjoying the run as the weather was really good, around 6K was happy to see Sameer and Manoj cheering.

As per Garmin the first 20k was ditto according to the plan 2hr:14min with no signs of tiredness and pain, continued with same enthusiasm and pace and as per plan 35K was done in 3hr:51min. I was elated with a thought of this being my day and to have a photo finish. Out of nowhere suddenly I got feeling of severe cramp in my right leg; I continued at little slower pace for next 2K and what I wished not to happen happened anxiety creeped in; pace faltered and mind did waver, started jogging and walking and decided to just enjoy the last 5K.

In meanwhile I was also noticing that the gap between distance on Garmin and the distance on KM signboard was steadily increasing which I kept ignoring. As I was nearing 40K met Sameer, Manoj again, saw Kavitha encouraging and pushing, what an amazing athlete; she finished her half marathon (winner in category) and was up there motivating all of us; it acted like energy booster and made it easier to again pick up the pace. As per my Garmin I finished the 42.195K approximately 700m-800m before the actual finish and the time was 4hr:47min:39sec ; ran remaining distance with smiles and crossed the finish line. Received the official message and the time was 04hr:53min:16sec .

It’s an exhilarating feeling of chasing the dream and completing my first 42.195KM Full Marathon. Thank you to my incredible, awesome coach Atul Godbole. Thank you to my better half Sunanda for supporting me day in and out, picking up extra chores or duties despite she being very busy in her schedules, my family, friends and the ever inspiring run buddies. Team Motiv8 rocks.

Life Lessons

These last couple of years of running in half marathons have convinced me about the importance of believing in oneself and training, learning from the setbacks, injuries going ahead with determination. This has given me the confidence to chase another dream and a tougher target and ability to overcome the challenges not just in running but in life as well.