My training for the Tata Mumbai Marathon spanned 14 weeks, starting in October. The plan focused on building endurance and strength with structured workouts: long runs, speed intervals, tempos, and hill repeats every other week. Sundays were dedicated to long runs, while Saturdays were reserved for easy 10-12K runs. I trained 5-6 days a week, which included two strength-training sessions and four running sessions with my group (HitFit Tribe) in Pune.
During this training cycle, I made a conscious effort to focus more on strength training and gradually increase my mileage. Over the past two years, this shift has significantly impacted my performance. Our coach designs exceptional strength workouts targeting muscles crucial for running, such as calves, glutes, and the core, which helped me develop a stronger and more resilient body.
Consistency was my mantra. By November, I had built up to a weekly mileage of 100K, maintaining an average of 80-90K. Nutrition also played a key role. I ensured my protein intake was sufficient by eating 2–3 eggs daily, taking multivitamins to maintain adequate vitamin levels, and avoiding protein powders in favor of a wholesome, balanced diet. Hydration was equally crucial; I drank at least 3 liters of water daily to keep my body in peak condition.
Weeks 1-3:
We focused on base-building with strength training, two speed workouts per week, and Sunday long runs starting at 16K, gradually increasing to 18K and 21K.
Weeks 4-6:
With a solid base established, our coach introduced more core exercises and speed drills. Sunday long runs increased to 22-24K, and I began ramping up my weekly mileage.
Weeks 7-9:
From mid-November to mid-December, the focus shifted to longer runs on Sundays, reaching distances of 24K, 28K, 30K, and 32K. During this phase, I participated in the Tata Steel 25K in Kolkata, clocking a time of 1:53:08. This performance boosted my confidence and confirmed my preparation for the full marathon. My weekly mileage consistently stayed between 80-90K.
Weeks 10-11:
In late December, I completed a 35K long run while maintaining intense strength sessions, hill repeats, interval runs, and tempo workouts. Sunday runs alternated between 21K and 35K.
Weeks 12-13 (Taper Weeks):
Unfortunately, I suffered an injury during a hill repeat session when I fell on a speed breaker in the early morning darkness. With bruises on my knees and shoulder, I doubted if I could recover in time. However, I reminded myself not to stress—if not this race, then the next. Two weeks of rest turned out to be my taper weeks.
Week 14:
After two weeks of recovery, my doctor cleared me to resume running. I eased back with an 8K run on Saturday, followed by my last long run of 24K a week before the marathon. This was followed by light strength training, a careful hill repeat session, and an easy tempo run. Finally, on the last Friday before the race, we did some light stretches followed by FM race visualization to prepare us both mentally and physically.
Reflecting back, I felt that this training cycle taught me the value of consistency and resilience. Despite the setbacks, I stayed focused and prepared to give my best on race day. Running isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s a test of mental strength, discipline, and belief in oneself.
I reached Mumbai late Friday evening. On Saturday morning, I went to Nariman Point and did an easy 7K shakeout run where I met a few running friends and saw many other runners from across the country training and doing their workouts. After breakfast, I headed to the bib collection expo at Kalina University. The Tata Mumbai Marathon expo is an experience in itself; it is definitely worth visiting. The expo is truly amazing—it’s a grand showcase of fitness brands and a place where you can meet most of your running friends and wish them luck before the race. Before a big race, especially if you are running a full marathon, I would recommend not staying at the expo for too long to avoid getting tired. I ensured I did not overstay to conserve energy, quickly collected my bib, and returned to Colaba, to the mess.
Hydration was a priority the day before the race. I made sure to drink at least 1 liter of electrolytes and 2 liters of water throughout the day. I also ate around 3 bananas during the day. Again, that depends on how much your body can handle, but 3–4 bananas are good to have to stay energetic.
Hours Before the Race
Obviously nervous, but I tried to stay calm. I made sure to have my dinner early, between 7:30–8:00 PM. I ate a portion of pasta and some dal khichdi the day before the race for dinner.
Race Day Nerves
I calmed my anxious nerves by doing some light stretches and foam rolling in my room, and by getting a good night’s sleep.
Race Location Atmosphere
The atmosphere is always high-octane. I could feel the excitement from the moment I boarded the Army bus that took me to the start point near CST. The bus was full of marathon (FM) runners, most of whom were Army men, so their energy was naturally high. What better way to soak in some high energy before the race? We took the subway and walked towards Azad Maidan. The huge crowd was incredible—everyone was excited, wearing the best shoes and running gear, ready to tackle the race.
Once I got inside the grounds, I did my warm-up stretches with my running friends from my group. After that, we took a moment to ensure we were light and all set for the race. Then, we started moving towards the holding area.
Corral Start
I was in Corral A, so I had to maneuver through a big crowd, asking people to give me space to move forward. Along the way, I met a few friends, and we waved and wished each other all the best for the race.
As the clock struck 5:00 AM, the gun fired, and runners started to leave the start point.
Pacing Strategy
This time, I didn’t follow a specific pacing strategy and still managed to finish with a time of 3:19:01. In fact, I only looked at my Garmin once, when I finally stopped it after crossing the finish line.
I started off too fast, running at a 4:15 pace for the first few kilometers. Realizing this was too quick, I consciously pulled back and decided to run entirely by feel for the rest of the race. My only goal was to stay ahead of the 3:30 pacer (ViRa’s bus). I told myself that if he overtook me, I would try to join his pacing bus and stick with them.
Thankfully, I was able to sustain my form, rely on my strength, and maintain a steady flow throughout.
Hydration and Fueling
I made it a point to grab water bottles at most of the hydration stations. For fueling, I consumed six Unived gels and carried a few dates. Although I also carried salt tablets, they melted in my pockets due to sweat, as I wasn’t used to carrying them during races.
I opened my first gel right at the first kilometer and consumed it until the third kilometer. Later, I took my second gel around the 10th–11th kilometer near Peddar Road. I took the third gel somewhere around the Sea Link. On the Sea Link, there were volunteers distributing Fast n Up gels, and I managed to grab one of them. Then, I took the fourth gel around Mahim. Around the 36th kilometer, I took my fifth gel, and I barely managed to finish the final gel around the 39th–40th kilometer, with half of it remaining even after I crossed the finish line.
On the Course Challenges and Experience
Running a marathon is undoubtedly a challenge, but with proper training and staying true to your preparation, it transforms into an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. If you put in the effort and stay committed, it is unlikely to be anything but rewarding.
Stations and Other Logistics
TMM was well-organized overall, with several water stations providing excellent hydration support. However, I noticed a gap between the 32nd and 35th kilometer stretches, where there were no water stations—a minor area for improvement that could enhance the experience for runners.
As for logistics, everything was well managed, from baggage counters to medical support, crowd management, medals, and refreshments. It was an amazing experience and a true testament to Mumbai’s reputation for hosting one of the most iconic marathons in the country. This is one race you’ll want to keep coming back to; the moment you cross that finish line, it’s a feeling you will carry with you.
Anubhuti is a Pune based fitness enthusiast and a seasoned marathoner. She has been running for the past 8 years, securing podium finishes at running events across India. Professionally, she is a PMO Consultant at ZS Associates. For Anubhuti, running is more than just a sport, it is a lifelong commitment, a passion that keeps giving back.