The Tata Mumbai Marathon is one of the biggest and most prestigious running events in India. It’s a race I never miss, and this year marked my 6th Tata Mumbai Marathon.
For a long time, I’ve had one clear goal — to run a sub-2-hour half marathon, which means covering 21.0975 km at an average pace of 5:40/km.
Training Phase – Trusting the Coach, Trusting the Plan For Tata Mumbai Marathon
I began structured training under Coach Suresh Rathod Sir in September with this goal in mind. However, based on his experience, he suggested that we target 2:05 for Tata Mumbai Marathon. I trusted his expertise and committed fully to the training process. Still, somewhere in the back of my mind, the dream of sub-2 stayed alive — if everything aligned perfectly.
The training included speed sessions, endurance runs, and strength workouts. Rathod Sir repeatedly emphasised the importance of stretching, mobility, and foam rolling. I made sure to stretch before leaving home and warm up properly before every run.
But just a week before race day, things became complicated.
Travel, Jet Lag & Disrupted Routine
I had to travel for work from 8th January to 16th January. Adding to this, there was a last-minute flight cancellation, jet lag, and extreme weather during travel. Training consistency suffered, and recovery wasn’t ideal.
The plan was to rest on Saturday and stay relaxed before race day. However, an unexpected meeting required additional travel to town, and I returned home only by 9:45 PM on Saturday evening.
When I spoke to Rathod Sir, his calm advice helped me reset mentally:
“No worries. Just enjoy your run. Work is also important. Last-minute changes do affect the plan, but just enjoy.”
With this mindset — and with two pacers he assigned to guide me — I went into race day focused on effort, not pressure.
Race Day – Momentum Takes Over
I woke up at 2:00 AM, left home at 3:00 AM with friends, and walked about 1.5 km to the venue, reaching at 3:55 AM. After a proper warm-up, I went to the start line with Swati Ma’am and Roopam Bro.
I took my first gel at the start, and we ran together for the first 2 km. Then, without realising it, I began running faster. When I looked back, I couldn’t see them — I had surged ahead.
My watch showed a pace of around 5:30/km, and surprisingly, it felt comfortable. I decided to maintain the rhythm, telling myself I would manage the tough sections later — Coastal Road and Pedder Road.
I took my second gel as planned at 7 km and continued smoothly. The coastal road elevation slowed me slightly, but I regained pace afterward.
At 14 km, I didn’t feel like taking a gel, but I knew fuelling was crucial. I kept it ready from 13.9 km and consumed it gradually over the next 300 metres.
The Pedder Road Test
Then came Pedder Road, the true challenge of the Mumbai course. My pace dropped to 6:53/km on the climb as I tried to slowly regain momentum.
After crossing Babulnath Mandir, fatigue hit hard – I was completely drained. But I refused to stop. One thought kept pushing me forward:
“If I start walking, my pace will drop to 9:00/km — and that’s too costly.”
So I reduced my pace to around 6:30/km and held on. At 19 km, I found a bit of energy left, picked up momentum, and finished strong.
The Finish Line & Reflection
I crossed the finish line at 2:07 and I missed the 2:05 target at Tata Mumbai Marathon
I also missed my personal best by just 30 seconds compared to my WNC Navy Half Marathon.
But considering the travel fatigue, jet lag, and disrupted routine, I was genuinely happy with the effort and the result.
The finish line always brings a special feeling — a journey that starts with doubts and struggles and ends with joy, pride, and accomplishment.