My training is organized into four distinct blocks over 32 weeks, each with the purpose aimed at progressively taking me to my race goals. I strongly believe a high mileage training plan is what I need, and the body takes time to be ready for such high mileage. I also focused on HR zone based training. The 32 week training with multiple blocks and gradual HR zone intensities, helped me to adapt to run at better speed with efficient Heart Rate.
In Block 1 (Weeks 1-8), the focus was on building a solid foundation. Zone 1 training is complemented by 3 days of strength training and 2 days of easy hill repeats for strength, and a weekend long run to develop endurance. The primary goal is to lay the groundwork while gradually increasing weekly mileage to 60 KM a week.
Block 2 (Weeks 9-16), My training transitioned to Zone 2 running, while maintaining 3 weekly strength workouts alongside 3 days of running, with the aim of further improving endurance and extending distances. I’ve also incorporated 30 min time trials to benchmark myself. Weekly mileage increased to up to 85K.
Block 3 (Weeks 17-20) focused on speed workouts in Zones 3 and 4. Here, strength training continued, but the focus shifted to tempos and intervals on weekdays and longer runs and time trials/races on weekends, emphasizing race-specific fitness. Weekly mileage increased to up to 90K.
Block 4 (Weeks 21-24) sharpens speed by intensifying interval and tempo workouts, and also very long runs up to 32K at a higher intensity. Weekly Mileage is averaged above 90K.
Block 5 (Weeks 25-28) maintains the intensity and while peaking the weekly mileage further. The idea here is to fine-tune the body’s readiness for competition. Weekly Mileage is averaged above 100K.
Finally, Block 6 (Weeks 29-32) is primarily focused on the taper and race readiness, gradually reducing distances while prioritizing recovery, stretching, and race-specific preparation, culminating in peak performance on race day. Here is how each of the final 4 weeks look of my training is like:
It was an early morning flight from Bangalore to Ahmedabad on November 25th, just a day before the race. I had the company of Arun and Sreejith, which made it enjoyable. I was quite impressed with Akasa Airlines as we landed in Ahmedabad 30 minutes ahead of our scheduled time. The Four Points Sheraton Hotel, located 2 kilometers from the Start Line at Sabarmati Riverfront, where we stayed. We did the touristy stuff, and visited the Riverfront, the Atal bridge, and the flower park.
After checking into the hotel, we had a quick and simple lunch (steamed rice, dal, paneer, and salad). We headed to the Expo at Sabarmati Sports Complex around 2 pm. The Expo featured standard stalls from brands like Garmin, Brooks, Saucony, Oakley, and more. There were approximately 22,000 registrations, with 1,000 participants in the 42K category. The race routes for all categories (42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K) and the pace buses were prominently displayed at the Expo entrance. We met runners from different parts of India and had enjoyable conversations with them.
On the way back, we also bought pre-race breakfast for the race day - bananas and buns with jelly, considered safe pre-run food that’s easy on the stomach. In total, we walked around 5 kilometers, and by the end of the day, our step count exceeded 16,000. It’s hard to limit your step count when exploring a new city.
Our dinner was once again a safe choice - “dal khichdi.” We met fellow runners from Mumbai at the dinner table, wished them luck, and then went our separate ways. We arranged our running gear, including a tee, shorts, brand new Nike VF3 shoes, socks, 6 gels, a pouch, bib safety pins, and my GARMIN watch. Set the alarm for 2:45 am and by 8:30 pm IST, I was fast asleep.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep and woke up sharp at 2:30 AM. After the morning rituals, I indulged in a light lukewarm shower and followed it with some gentle mobility exercises. At around 3:30 AM, I had a cup of black coffee and a bun to fuel up. By 4 AM, we hopped into an auto headed for the start line. We arrived at the holding area by 4:15 AM, where the atmosphere was electric. There was lively music, energetic zumba sessions, and enthusiastic runners all around getting ready with their warm-ups.
I spent 15 minutes on my standard warm-up routine. The weather was hot and humid, with temperatures already at 23/24 degrees Celsius at 5 AM, and a 60% chance of rain forecasted around 8 AM. This was a slight disappointment, as I had heard that Ahmedabad in late November is usually quite cold. Anyway, I headed at the start line with a promise to give my best! Also interestingly, the Marathon did not have corral placements.
I took my very first gel 15 minutes before the start time. My race strategy was - start strong, consume gels every 7 kilometers, stay well-hydrated, maintain a strong pace, adjust according to elevation changes, listen to my body, cheer for fellow runners, and smile at the camera.
Strong Start:
I started the race alongside two fast & furious runners, Mamta and Rashida, and we covered the first 10 kilometers in 49 minutes. I set myself a goal to complete the first 21K in 1 hour and 49 minutes. I took my second gel at the 7K mark and made sure to stay hydrated as the heat and sweat started to take its toll. We passed notable landmarks like the National Institute of Design and the Income Tax Office as we reached the Gandhi Bridge. My legs were feeling fresh and smiles were intact. The 3:30 bus crossed by us, the loud cheering from the Shantigram runners, as they blazed passed. I took the third gel at the 14K mark.
Steady Mid-race:
I maintained a steady 5:10 pace as I neared Children’s Park, and the halfway mark was quickly approaching. I crossed the Sunday Bazar 21K point in 1 hour and 48 minutes, right on track, and took my fourth gel. I was super happy with the efforts so far. Mamta and Rashida remained by my side, and the excitement was palpable, and someone from behind called out loud “It’s Half! It’s Half”! As we approached the Beharampur Riverfront, I encountered my first setback after hitting the 25K mark. My average pace dropped to 5:26, and I took a moment at the next aid station to recharge with electrolytes and water and set off again.
Rolling hills:
The rolling hills began to take a toll, and by the time I reached the 28K mark, my pace had slowed to 5:39. I took my fifth Maurten gel at this point, feeling a bit less confident. Mamta and Rashida had surged ahead, but I caught a glimpse of both of them, both were going strong.. cheering for me! I was determined not to let go of my 8 months of training, effort, hopes, and dreams. A long and loud conversation started with myself. I bet my fellow runners heard it, but I was zoned out. The struggle was real, and as I reached the 35K mark at Subhash Bridge, I faced the toughest part of the race.
I had a terrible experience with gels before - TMM 2023. Was extremely scared and skeptical all through. However, I took the 6th and final Gel.
Pushing Through Challenges:
I calculated and kept on telling myself, I have to hit a 3:48 anyhow, and I CAN DO IT! 35K to 42K was the toughest part of the race. The conditions were hot and humid, and the relentless rolling hills were taking a toll on my legs, quads, and groin. However, I found support in another runner who helped me through the final 7 kilometers. This camaraderie is one of the best parts of running - even in a competitive setting, runners always extend a helping hand to those in need.
Crossing the Finish Line:
A final push, and I crossed the finish line with my GARMIN showing a time of 3 hours, 50 minutes, and 10 seconds.
The official timing came in swiftly, and it was 3:50:01. So, how did I feel? Was I happy? - I was overjoyed. It was a dream come true moment for me, achieving a sub-4 full marathon. The organizers presented the Finishers Medal, a proud and joyful moment. All around, I saw runners hugging and congratulating each other on their completion.
I met Mamta, a fast and fierce runner, at the recovery zone, which marked our first hug and mutual congratulations. I grabbed two ice packs and sat on them for some relief and relaxation. I also had the pleasure of meeting Murali, who performed exceptionally well with a sub-3 full marathon. Later, Arun and Sreejith joined us at the finish line, and we captured the happy moment by taking pictures with our 42K finisher Medals.
It was 9:30 AM, and we decided to indulge in a hearty breakfast at the hotel. After returning, as planned, I savored delicious Gujarati delicacies. Now, I was eager to share my experience with my mom, my running friends, and anyone who would listen.
Upon landing in Bangalore at 7:00 PM IST on November 26th, I received good news via text - I was a P3 winner in my age category! Who doesn’t love standing on the podium? I am extremely grateful and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to:
All my runner friends wished me luck, shared strategies, experiences, and knowledge on pacing, distance, resting, and more. I am extremely grateful to each one of them.
Strava Link(https://www.strava.com/activities/10282290608)
I’ve learnt a lot during these eight months of training. If I have to summarize
As per the race, Adani Ahmedabad Marathon was a wonderful experience. Aid stations were well managed with the right amount of electrolytes, water, dates, salts, oranges and a couple of the aid stations even had Fast&Up Gels. I thought the crowd support could have been better.
Happy, as this was my Personal Best. Am I Content? Not really. Looking forward to my next goal, the New Delhi Marathon. I plan to target 3 hr 45 mins and train towards it.
Sanghamitra Sanghamitra is working as a Certified Customer Experience Catalyst for a reputed multinational company. Running is her passion. When she is not Running, she is either traveling or jamming with other musical minds.