Training for the Tata Mumbai Marathon with Coach Jagadish Shinde was an exciting journey. The training plan was meticulously organized, laying a strong foundation post-Chicago Marathon and steadily enhancing my strength and speed to peak at the perfect moment.
I started by building my aerobic fitness, gradually increasing my weekly mileage to a whopping 110 km! This solid base laid the groundwork for the intense strength and endurance training that followed. Hill workouts, long runs, and interval training pushed my stamina to new heights. As race day approached, speed work became the focus, sharpening my pace and boosting my running efficiency.
Running the CME Half in 1:23 and the PCHM in 1:24 as tune-up races was an adrenaline rush. These races were perfect for testing my fitness and race strategy. In the last three weeks before the marathon, I dialed down the intensity to allow my body to recover, concentrating on shorter runs and a few interval sessions to stay sharp without feeling fatigued.
Throughout my training, I made nutrition and rest my top priorities. Balanced meals and sufficient sleep were key to supporting my recovery. With Coach Jagadish Shinde’s expert guidance, I was in peak condition for the Tata Mumbai Marathon, and all my hard work paid off on race day.
The Tata Mumbai Marathon holds a special place in my heart. After achieving my last sub-3-hour marathon here in 2023, I faced a streak of near-misses at three consecutive marathons. Despite consistent hard work and preparation, my timing eluded the sub-3 mark each time. The most recent was at the Chicago Marathon (link to race report), where I clocked 3:03:04. While I was proud of the effort, it was a bittersweet moment.
However, I knew perseverance would eventually pay off. The breakthrough came during the CME Half Marathon, where I clocked 1:23:00. That performance rekindled my belief that breaking 3 hours in Mumbai’s challenging weather was achievable. With renewed confidence and determination, I focused on this race.
Under the guidance of my coach, my training emphasized strength development and speed workouts tailored to my needs. This personalized approach ensured I was race-ready, both physically and mentally.
Traveling to Mumbai on Saturday was a breeze, given its proximity to my hometown of Pune (~160 km away). Mumbai welcomed us with its trademark hot and humid weather, making it clear this would be a test of endurance and grit.
With my bib and goodie bag already collected by my friend Sumitra, I skipped the expo and headed straight to the hotel to focus on relaxation. I prepared my race day attire and ensured everything was in place. The evening was spent walking around the beautiful Marine Drive, soaking in the serene views and staying calm. An early dinner, stretching, an oil massage, and lights out at 8:30 PM completed my relaxed pre-race routine.
On race day, the alarm rang at 3:00 AM, two hours before the 5:00 AM start time. A few of my friends were participating in the Half Marathon and headed out early since their starting point was on the other side. I wished them luck and saw them off.
I teamed up with Prashant, a trusted training partner and fellow runner with whom I’ve shared countless miles. Our strategy was simple: start steady, conserve energy, and stay consistent. We aimed for a slight positive split—1:28 for the first half and 1:30 or less for the second half.
The early morning was a blend of excitement and nerves. I had a light breakfast consisting of a banana, black coffee, and a Five Star chocolate to fuel my run, and I double-checked all my gear to ensure everything was ready. As I made my way to the race location, the atmosphere was electric. The streets were alive with runners, volunteers, and spectators, all contributing to the vibrant energy of the event. The start point was conveniently located around 1 km from my hotel.
Azad Maidan, the Tata Mumbai Marathon’s start line was buzzing with energy, but it came with its challenges. There was a massive queue of around 500 people at the baggage counter, adding unexpected stress to the pre-race routine. Prashant took charge and stood in the queue while I went ahead to Section A, ensuring we wouldn’t lose time. Miraculously, he managed to sort out the baggage situation just in time and met me at Section A before the start. His efforts meant we could stick to our plan and start together.
I had my Fast&Up energy drink and GU Rocktane gel in the last 10 minutes before the flag-off. The race started at 5:00 AM. The moment the race began, all my nerves transformed into focused determination. Prashant and I set off on our journey through the streets of Mumbai, driven by the thrill of the marathon and the support of the crowd. It was a day to remember and a race to cherish.
First Half
I quickly settled into my planned pace. Running alongside Prashant, we found a good rhythm early on, ensuring we didn’t get carried away by the excitement of the moment. The Mumbai course, with its iconic landmarks and enthusiastic crowd support, offered moments of motivation, but the rising temperature and humidity kept us cautious. The race started near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), where the early morning buzz set the tone. The initial stretch took us through the historic South Mumbai streets, offering glimpses of the city’s colonial architecture. The flat roads here helped me settle into a comfortable rhythm alongside Prashant. We completed the first 5 km in just under 21 minutes.
My goal was to maintain a steady 4:10 pace; hence, I had written down 5 km split timings on my hand and divided the race into eight segments. I stuck to my hydration and fueling plan, making sure to take water or sports drinks at every station. I also took my gels every 7 km to keep my energy levels up. We completed 15 km in 1:02, and approached the Worli Sea Link. Running on the sea link at dawn was magical - the calm waters on either side, the cool breeze, and the stunning city skyline were an absolute treat. This section was one of the most enjoyable parts of the race and felt almost meditative. By the time we crossed the halfway mark at 1:27:56, I felt strong but knew the real challenge lay ahead. I was following my strategy, maintaining a consistent effort throughout.
Second Half
We completed 25 km in 1:43. The route then looped through Worli and Prabhadevi, where the crowd support began to pick up. The energy of the spectators and the Mumbai Police cheering for runners was infectious. However, this section was testing our endurance. I continued with my plan, though a few laps went a little fast, which I had to control. We reached 30 km in 2:05. I maintained a sharp focus on my form and breathing to aim for the next goal of the 35 km mark, which I completed in 2:26. The real challenge came around the 36 km mark with the infamous Peddar Road climb. This stretch is known for its punishing incline, especially under Mumbai’s humid weather. With the heat intensifying, it was crucial to stay hydrated and maintain a steady effort. My training helped me power through this climb at a 4:38 pace without losing too much speed, but it definitely demanded mental toughness.
After overcoming the Peddar Road climb, grit and mental strength kicked in. Prashant was a little ahead of me, and I was running behind his shoulder. Our pairing was amazing. As the humidity took its toll, I relied heavily on hydration and focused on maintaining my form. My body felt the fatigue creeping in, but I reminded myself of the effort and preparation that had brought me here. Prashant and I continued to push each other, a silent yet powerful camaraderie driving us forward.
Final Push to the Finish Line
The last 5 km of the race required every bit of determination I had. We descended onto Marine Drive, a long stretch leading to the finish. By this point, fatigue began to set in, and the humidity felt relentless. Knowing that the sub-3-hour finish was within reach, I had to dig deep into my reserves to keep pushing. Lined with cheering spectators, Marine Drive offered a final boost of motivation. The view of the Arabian Sea and the bustling energy of the city made this stretch memorable. Prashant and I kept encouraging each other, ensuring we stayed focused on our goal.
At the 41st kilometer, seeing my friends Vipin, Kavitha, Krishna, and Deepak cheering loudly was a huge boost. Their encouragement pumped me up and gave me the energy I needed. The crowd’s noise faded into the background as I focused on the finish line. Crossing it with a time of 2:58:04 was a moment of pure joy. It was an amazing feeling to achieve my goal and celebrate the hard work and support that got me there. This is my seventh sub-3-hour marathon. Number seven took time, but every moment was worth chasing.
It’s moments like these that define the spirit of marathon running and the satisfaction of pushing one’s limits. The Tata Mumbai Marathon not only tested my physical endurance but also reinforced the importance of mental strength and the support of a great running community. Each kilometer was a testament to perseverance, strategy, and the unwavering belief in my training and abilities.
The Tata Mumbai Marathon is known for its vibrant atmosphere and supportive community. My experience could be summed up as - pre-race jitters and anticipation, running through Mumbai’s iconic landmarks, and feeling the city’s energy.
Training for a marathon requires dedication and consistency. I learned the importance of sticking to my training schedule, even on days when I didn’t feel like running. Understanding the signals my body sends was crucial. Whether it was knowing when to push harder or when to rest, this self-awareness helps prevent injuries. More importantly, I developed techniques to stay motivated and push through challenging moments.
With this momentum, I’m setting my sights on the London Marathon in April. Every race is a new learning experience, and with determination, a positive attitude, and dedication, I will keep pushing forward. Onward to the London Marathon!
Next Stop: the London Marathon!
Vishwas is a Pune based Mechanical Engineer working with Eaton India for last 20 years. Married to Vrushali & have 13 yr daughter Yadnya. Started running for fitness almost 12 yrs ago and later this has became passion which he loves and enjoys a lot.
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