Last Sunday, on 19th January, the stillness of 1:15 am in
Mumbai felt like the calm before a storm. The city rested while I was wide
awake, stepping into my day with a quiet prayer. I imagined this was similar to
what the Indian cricket team would’ve done before the epic T20 World Cup 2024 final
against South Africa. Getting pre-race hydration and nutrition
routines spot on was my powerplay—essential preparations for the marathon
innings ahead.
(all images are from Google and for illustration purposes only.)
At 2:55 a.m., I joined fellow Marathon Brigade runner Samir
on the Churchgate-bound special train #1. Our discussion revolved around ignoring
the lingering cough and cold and focusing on the run. Such conversations with
Sam are always insightful. Soon, many half- and full-marathoners boarded the
train while it moved steadily. Clackety-clack...clackety-clack...
At the Churchgate station, two superstars from Tata STRIVE, Gaurav
and Chinmaya (his race prop is unique: a vuvuzela), joined us. With the crowd, we headed towards the holding area of Azad Maidan. I handed my luggage
to Chinmaya at the entrance. After light warm-ups and taking selfies with Chirag (a
fantastic runner from my hometown), Bhushan, and Vishal (other fellow Marathon
Brigade runners), we beelined towards our designated corrals.
As the clock ticked closer to 5:00 am, I was surrounded by the
electrified energy of so many runners. As I decided, I gulped down my first
gel. Here, I met Priya, a fellow running enthusiast-cum-coach from the UK who,
like me, uses the Jeff Galloway run-walk-run strategy. She belongs to an exclusive
100+ marathon club. We assembled around 5 hrs 45 min pacing bus where the
leader, Rizwan Riaz, explained his strategy (30-sec run followed by 30-sec walk).
Around 5:20 am, we crossed the starting line right outside the iconic
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, soaking in the historic vibe of the
city. (I’ve used the route details inspired by an article from GEEKS ON FEET.
Give their website a go for a wealth of running-related artefacts.)
I started my sports watch and Gymboss interval counter with
a high adrenaline rush. Being drenched in the first 2 km made me sense that it
was time to use all the experience from practice runs and previous marathons.
The temperature was
already in the mid-twenties, which is concerning. Yes! But then, in the World
Cup, didn't we lose Rohit, Rishabh and Surya cheaply?
Running alongside and chatting with Priya helped calm the
initial jitters. Our camaraderie probably mirrored the partnership between
Axar Patel and Virat Kohli, a stabilising force amid mounting pressure.
Kilometres 1 to 5: Warming Up
This opening stretch was always about finding the
rhythm. We ran through iconic landmarks like the Flora Fountain, Hutatma
Chowk Memorial, Oval Maidan, Church Gate station, Brabourne Stadium, and the
Air India building. Soon, we took a loop at Nariman Point and came out at the
tip of the Marine Drive, near NCPA. I was enjoying the vastness of the sea
on the left while repeatedly checking the rhythm and breathing as the race had
yet to begin, much like the cautious yet purposeful approach by India’s batters
after the quick wickets. I began slowly warming up my muscles and setting the
tone. Each step resonated purposefully, preparing my body for the long road
ahead. I suddenly heard someone hail "Jeffers?" probably after
hearing periodic beeps from Priya's Gymboss watch. We nodded at them and exchanged
smiles and fist bumps. Meanwhile, our pacing bus was getting full.
Kilometres 5 to 10: Steady the ship
With this initial phase behind me, it was time to pick up
the pre-determined pace. Staying with the pacer’s bus, I felt a sense of
control on my run, akin to the Indian team finding their groove in the middle
overs. My strides became steady and confident, much like Shivam Dube's fearless
approach when he launched into the South African bowling attack. Each kilometre
ticked by with a calculated move in this grand game. To counter high humidity
and temperature, the mind kept looking for moments of distraction. Just
then, a seemingly veteran runner cracked a joke," Kaun hai who Hyderabad
waley runners? Bohot hill hill khilate ho na humko? Aao aaj tumko Mumbai ki
humidity chakhata hoon.." And a loud laughter broke on the dark
backdrop near Police Gymkhana. Mumbai spirit, eh!
Kilometres 10 to 20: Conserving Energy
We trotted along the Queen’s Necklace, looking for the missing
nip in the air yet giving high-fives to the cheering crowd full of people of
all ages and genders. I picked up a small bottle of Fast-n-Up electrolyte as
our pacing bus took the first hydration stop. Soon, we left behind the Girgaon
Chowpatty beach and the viewing deck and took the right towards Babulnath
Temple. My watch showed 1 hour, while I took a quick bio-break and
consumed my second gel before joining the troop at the base of the Peddar
Road incline. Our pacer had this unique way of keeping folks busy, calm and
motivated. He used to whistle the exact number of km as they passed. He also danced
to the tune of every band on the way and directed everyone to where to spot the
stationed photographers. What a way to marshal one’s troop!
This was still the consolidation phase. I focused on
maintaining a steady pace, conserving energy for the challenges ahead. It
reminded me of the careful planning in the middle overs of the match, where the
Indian batters manoeuvred the ball with finesse, biding their time before the
final onslaught. Every water and energy gel sip was like those strategic
timeouts, fuelling me for the next run segment.
It was still dark as we descended the Peddar Road, passed
through Mahalakshmi Mandir and Haji Ali. Leaving behind the racecourse, the
Nehru Planetarium, we turned left towards Worli Dairy and reached Worli Sea
Face, from where we were to enter the Sea Link. We crossed a wave of
half-marathoners on the opposite side of the road.
At the 16th KM, I took my third gel and got ready to face a
gradual elevation of the sea link. This stretch is always a dream run! The view
of the tall cables and the sound of the sea waves keep you mesmerised. We met a
lot of photographers here.
I constantly reminded myself to pace carefully on the bridge
and stayed with the pacing pack to negate the headwind from the north. As they
say, the pacing troop has a pull effect on you. I ensured my heart rate
remained around 148-150 bpm. We saw the daybreak here. Priya continued
to pace Abhijeet, a first-timer, while I broke away from our tiny little pack.
Kilometres 20 to 25: Conquered the Elevation
Conquering the sea link, we moved towards the Mahim Church after
a loop with a couple of U-turns. I took my fourth gel, admiring Lilavati
Hospital on the right. The clock showed 3 hours, so I was on my targeted
finishing time. Elite runners whizzed past us at this point. They also must
have felt the heat as an Indian athlete was pleading for water to pour on
himself. One of our troop runners ran forward and handed his bottle to the volunteers
on a support bike (salute!), who passed it to the athlete.
Until last year, I found it challenging to stay with the pacing troop from this point forward. It was like facing the ferocity of South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen's bowling.
I sensed this was actually the infamous faltering point as
many runners started separating from the pacing bus, but I pressed on. It was
my Klaasen moment—gritty and unyielding—turning adversity into an opportunity
to surge ahead. A thought shared by Nick Bester crossed my mind: the marathon
starts in the second half, more so in the last 10k. So, with each forward step,
I silenced my internal doubts and powered through this zone of concentration
and focus.
I am grateful to the Mumbai crowd as they became my
invisible wings. Their cheers, heartfelt encouragement, food/drink items, and
applause were the fuel that kept me going. The Mumbai Police also ensured the entire
route was safe and seamless for runners; their presence offered both security
and inspiration (like an odd, quirky remark, “Thambayche naaai, bhagtey raho!”)
The race volunteers on almost all stops tirelessly handed out water,
sponges and energy drinks, applied the magic spray, with genuine smiles and
care, reminding me of how such a collective effort shapes individual run.
The meticulous planning by the race organisers ensured every runner’s
experience was smooth and memorable. This entire support system makes racing in
the Tata Mumbai Marathon a remarkable one; kudos!
Kilometres 25 to 30: The Fatigue Battle
By now, the sun was up; it was time to bring all my
training, mind-muscle connection and mental focus to play. We passed
through Shivaji Park, the famous route covered with a canopy of trees from both
sides. At Siddhivinayak Temple, I offered a little prayer to enjoy the rest of
the run. Ganpati bappa moriya! With the fourth hour
approaching, the fatigue started to creep in as I tried hard to stay with
the pacer’s bus. My body began to protest the way India’s bowlers struggled to
contain Klaasen’s onslaught in the final overs. I took my fifth gel near
Century Bazar and the second bio break. I reminded myself to stay stubborn
through this segment.
Kilometres 30 to 35: Regrouping and Pushing Forward
Around the 32 km mark, I lost sight of our pacing bus. I had
two choices: catch up with the group by running faster with the wearing legs or
stay composed for the final surge in the last stretch. I chose the latter one. There
is always the temptation to walk for a bit when you are alone. If you do so,
you tend to lose considerable time without realising it. So, I was ready to
fight these internal demons and pass the test of resilience. Just then, Gaurav
appeared out of nowhere—whose company instantly rejuvenated me. Remember how
Rishabh and Hardik tactically trapped Klassen and took his wicket while all our
chips were down?
Thus, Gaurav’s presence was a total game-changer, lifting my
spirits and keeping me in the game. We shared stories, gossiped and
laughed; each word spoken was a nudge forward. Trotting gingerly, we reached the
Worli Sea face, crossing the Podar Hospital. We found buckets full of water and
tumblers on one of the pitstops. Pouring water on the head, face, and hands
brought fresh air in the scorching heat. We soon took a short loop at Worli
Naka before reaching the Atria Mall. Together, we found a rhythm that carried
us through this challenging terrain. Before heading towards Amar Juice Centre,
we ate chikki (or tried to). The plan from the beginning was not to consume
anything while ascending inclines. Mentally, I broke the remaining distance into
small slices of 5 km, 1.2 km and 1 km.
Kilometres 35 to 40: The Weekly Run at Park
There comes a moment in almost every endurance race when we
ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this?” It’s our mind’s way of checking in with
our soul to determine whether continuing to push toward the finish line is
worth our present suffering, not to mention the pain to come. But now, I was in
no mood to listen to this crap. I shuffled on the Peddar Road. I saw Priya
again (she was pacing a female runner now while walking on the incline in
reverse, whoa!). On the descent, I took my sixth gel sip-by-sip from Kemp’s Corner
to Babulnath, stacked two water bottles, and put on my AirPods. I strategically
ran the entire race without music till 35 km. But now, I wanted to cancel out
all noises and focus on the following 5 km as if it was just another easy park run
I ran every week.
Now was a test of my patience; every inch of my body was
misbehaving. It tried to trick me in ways I never thought, but I reminded
myself, “Your body will do what your mind says.” I played it in my favour. I soon
waved at Gaurav and Priya before surging forward, overtaking many, many, many
fatigued runners. This was a turning point in my race—my Surya moment!
Kilometres 40 to 41.2: The Penultimate Stretch
As I crossed the Wankhede stadium, I played my favourite
playlist. I was just over a km before I would start to smell the finish line. Demons
were popping out every 10 seconds, but I didn’t allow them to enter my brain,
no way.
Kilometres 41.2 to 42.2: Finishing Like a Champion
As I neared the finish line, the adrenaline kicked in. I
broke into a strong, steady pace, much like Jasprit Bhumrah delivering pinpoint
Yorkers in the death overs to reclaim control. The crowd’s cheers grew louder,
and so did my determination. The smell of victory was in the air.
The final stretch was exhilarating. With the finishing line in sight, I surged ahead, drawing energy from within and the roaring crowd. I crossed the line not just as a finisher but as a champion. The overhead clock displayed 5 hrs 51 min. This was merely 6 minutes more than the pre-race target (or 13 minutes off the prediction by Jeff’s app in an ideal condition), but who cares? My wife and daughter tracked my entire run on the app, and their loving remark about how proud they were of me, their hero, was priceless to me. It empowers me to inspire them and others around me.
Reflections on the Run
After collecting the medal and recovery snacks, I joined other
runners, Gaurav, Chinmaya, Santosh, Prasad, Kaushal, Ajinkya, Tripti (all from
Tata STRIVE) and Vishal for a mandatory photo session. I also learned that the other two Marathon Brigade runners, Deva and Vidyut, successfully completed their half marathons. I must mention the support received from my Tata Croma colleagues, especially Bhupendra for clocking in 10k+ steps per day. In hindsight, the Tata
Mumbai Marathon 2025 was more than just a race; it was a journey of resilience,
camaraderie, and strategy. Each moment mirrored the highs and lows of India’s
T20 final against South Africa, a narrative of grit and glory. Priya’s support
run, Gaurav’s presence at a crucial stretch, and the pacing troop led by the incredible
leader were my team, pushing me to deliver my best performance. The Mumbai Crowd made this event an
unforgettable celebration of the human spirit and endurance.
Looking back, I’m reminded that running, like cricket, is as
much a mental game as physical. The lessons from both arenas inspire me to
embrace challenges, cherish victories, and strive for excellence. Race day
often feels significant because we see it as the culmination of all our hard
work. But in reality, it’s just one more finish line that brings us to a new
starting line.
Until the next marathon, let’s keep running, cheering, and
living like champions!
Thank you for reading.
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If you liked this blog, feel free to read my previous ones.
- Mills
(A sports enthusiast)
