This year, I had the advantage of experience, having run this course before, I knew what needed improvement and focused on it through a 20-week training cycle. The key elements that worked for me included long goal-based runs, tempo runs, strength training, proper nutrition, and consistently focusing on self-improvement.
Running is a solo sport and the finish line is crossed solely by the runner. However, don’t underestimate the team that helps you cross. I want to thank my team which includes Ajay (my husband), Satish, & Rachna, and my entire running group who were always there by my side.
I peaked at 106 km of weekly mileage and did four 100+ km per week during the last 7 weeks. The TMM half marathon was my confidence booster as I was able to hit my paces without any taper. I tapered for 3 weeks before the race.
I arrived in New Delhi on Friday and stayed with friends. On Saturday morning, I went for a shakeout run. The weather was perfect for the marathon, and that’s when I decided to wear sleeves for the race to stay warm. I skipped the Expo, feeling confident in my preparation.
The day before the race, I stayed close to the stadium, where I met up with friends. We had an early dinner, shared some pre-race nerves, and went to bed early. We were all well-prepared and excited for the race ahead.
Race day morning is a usual routine of warm-up, mobility, and pre-race meals. Once that was done, we headed to JLN stadium. Did my usual warm up, strides, and then moved to the holding area. There were no corrals for this marathon. Corrals would help as it got too crowded.
My plan was 10 miles-10 miles-10kms
First 10 miles - Avg pace 4:58/km
I had planned for even splits, as the race started in the dark, I was watchful and wanted to pace myself conservatively. I was well versed with this route, it is pan flat with a few “U” - turns. The first 3 km were to get in the grove. I kept reminding myself to run slower than I felt. As the race was yet to start.
The weather was on point and so was the hydration. I sipped at every 3rd km and took a gel at every 7th km. By the third km, all my friends crossed me and cheered for me.
The real fun began when we reached Kartavya Path, and seeing the Rashtrapati Bhavan lit up brought me so much joy. The moon was beautiful, though I couldn’t stare at it for long—still, we played peekaboo for a while.
Many of my fellow runners from Bangalore overtook me, and we exchanged cheers. A sign of maturity in racing is knowing when to hold back and when to push, so I stuck to my plan. I completed the first 10 km in 48:27, exactly on pace.
By now I was on my way back to JNL stadium to complete the first loop.
The Next 10 miles - 4:58/km
The hydration stations were plentiful, but the electrolytes were served in paper cups, leading to a lot of spillage. It felt wasteful and was a bit dangerous due to the fear of slipping. In comparison, TMM had done a better job with bottles.
I completed the first loop in 1:43:30. By the time I reached Lodhi Garden Road, the street lights had gone out, and it was pitch dark. As I started the second loop, the half marathon runners joined us. I was feeling strong and gradually increased my pace after the 24 km mark. By the break of dawn I was closer to Kartavya Path and completing by 30th km.
Last 10 kms - Avg Pace 4:58/km
I felt strong and amped up my pace a bit and maintained this till the end. By now the half marathon runners had started crossing me and we cheered each other.
As I crossed India Gate, I felt that familiar sense as the sun was shining, and I took my last gel, remembering to stay focused and keep cramps at bay. (The ghosts of my previous marathon, where I ran through cramps, haunted me a little!)
The last four kilometers were paced similarly to the rest of the race, and I crossed the finish line strong, feeling grateful for the months of hard work.
Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment, and all my fatigue melted away when I reunited with my friends. We celebrated, high-fived, and hugged. Some of us were aiming for Boston Qualifying times, and smashed our goals by a good margin. The rest achieved their personal bests, with huge improvements. We all cried a little—it’s a runner thing! As runners we tend to get emotional… after all the inhuman efforts of 20 weeks.
I stayed committed to my training cycle and worked through my weaknesses. Having a supportive team by my side was invaluable. Being honest with myself in every run helped me get through the tough moments.
Aditi Pandya is a life long athlete. She was born to run and play sports. Aditi is the co-founder of geeksonfeet.com.