From Uncertainty to Structure
This was my first half marathon of the season after the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025. I had initially registered for the WNC Navy Half Marathon 2024, but the event was postponed and eventually clashed with the Vasai Virar Marathon scheduled for 8th December. As a result, I deferred my WNC Half entry to next year. Although I had pre-registered and started preparing for this half marathon race from August 2025, I must admit that my mileage was inconsistent and my training lacked focus.
During a trip to Lonavala in September, I opened up to a friend about my niggles, lack of discipline, and inability to stay fully committed to training. He suggested I speak to his coach, Suresh Rathod Sir, who runs a club called RRR26. After an honest conversation about my running journey, past injuries, and my desire to achieve a sub-2-hour half marathon, I felt encouraged to make a change.
At the time, I was already training under Shayne D’Costa Sir, and after discussing the situation with him, he advised me to go ahead and train under Rathod Sir. Within a couple of days, I joined RRR26 and began following a structured training plan.
After the first week, Sir observed that while I had a solid running base, I lacked a clear process. He designed a detailed weekly routine, which I followed religiously. My running days were Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. I also restructured my gym schedule—making Monday a complete rest day and continuing gym sessions only on Wednesday and Friday.
Gradually, I began to see real progress. My stamina improved, my pacing became more controlled, and my overall confidence grew. During this phase, I also switched from using an Apple Watch to a Garmin Forerunner series, allowing me to monitor key metrics such as heart rate, cadence, pace, and recovery more accurately.
The Week Before Race Day
As half marathon race day approached, I tapered my runs and reduced mileage as instructed. I avoided the gym entirely and focused on stretching and mobility. I also started carb loading and followed specific nutrition guidelines suggested by Rathod Sir.
He set a target time of 2:04 for this half marathon and arranged for Ajit Kadam Dada to pace me. Dada, a Chicago Marathon finisher, planned to treat this as an easy run—while for me, it was full throttle. Knowing he would pace me gave me immense confidence.
The Day Before the Race
This was a rest day with a light 4 km shakeout run, which I completed as planned. Later, I briefly met friends to discuss race-day logistics and also attended a small breakfast gathering where I enjoyed a healthy meal and coffee.
The evening included a family wedding, so I planned my time carefully. I returned home by 9:00 PM, packed my half marathon race kit in advance, and ensured everything was in place to avoid any last-minute rush. I hoped to be asleep by 9:15 PM, with a wake-up call set for 2:20 AM.
Race Day – The Test Begins
I woke up at 2:15 AM, got ready, and booked a cab from Malad. The plan was to pick everyone up from a central point and head to the venue together. By 3:30 AM, we had all assembled and were on our way.
At the Venue
We arrived on time, deposited our bags at the baggage counter, and began our warm-up and stretching routine. I collected my water bottle and moved towards the start area. Ajit Dada was originally in Wave A while I was in Wave B, but thanks to a kind official, he was allowed to shift down so we could run together.
The countdown began. The flag waved. And we were off.
The Run – Kilometer by Kilometer
I started slightly faster in the first kilometre but quickly settled into my planned pace of 5:50/km. We moved steadily until the Pedder Road climb around the 6th kilometre, where my pace dropped to 6:15/km.
Post the U-turn at 10.5 km, I told Dada that I felt like slowing down, but he firmly motivated me not to break rhythm. His encouragement helped me maintain a steady pace until the 13th kilometre. The second Pedder Road climb hit hard, and my pace slipped to 6:53/km by the 14th kilometre.
I managed to regain some momentum from the 15th kilometre, but fatigue began creeping in around the 17th. My mind felt foggy, and doubt started to surface. Still, one thing was clear: I would not walk, no matter what.
Around the 19th kilometre, I asked Dada to go ahead and finish strong, while I continued at my own pace. As he moved ahead, I slowed further—until something shifted within me. I reminded myself of the early mornings, the months of training, and the discipline it took to reach here. With just 2 km left, I decided to give it everything I had.
From mid-19th kilometre onwards, I pushed harder. My pace improved, and I completed the final kilometre at 5:55/km.
As I neared the finish line and glanced at the clock, it read 2:05:xx. I knew I had missed the 2:04 target. I crossed the finish line at 2:06, just two minutes behind the goal—but with immense pride.
The Experience & Learnings
Every race teaches a lesson, and every kilometre adds wisdom. While I didn’t achieve the target time, I discovered a deeper level of mental resilience and strength. At my lowest moments, I kept asking myself:
- Am I tired? No.
- Am I in pain? No.
- Should I stop? No.
So why stop?
That inner conversation became my driving force.
The start of a race feels like destiny calling. The finish line feels like pure accomplishment. But what truly defines the journey is everything in between—the struggle, the doubts, the fight, and the courage to keep moving.
This race has strengthened my resolve. I am now more determined than ever to train harder, stay disciplined, and push my limits further for my next race planned in January 2026.
This half marathon wasn’t just about the time on the clock. It was about resilience, mindset, self-belief, and progress. And that, for me, is the real victory.
🏃♂️ Here’s to stronger miles, smarter training, and a faster future. See you on the road.
