Crossing the Finish Line: My Sunday Marathon Journey
They say running a marathon is about covering 42.195 kilometers.
But for me, it’s not just a distance—it’s a journey, a test of discipline, dedication, and determination.
Every kilometer tells a story.
🏃♂️ The first 30 km? Run with your legs.
🧠 The next 10 km? Your mind takes over.
❤️ The last 2 km? It’s all heart.
🥹 And those final 195 meters? Tears carry you across the finish line.
This Sunday’s Tata Mumbai Marathon was no exception.
The Challenge: Pushing Beyond Limits
This was my third Tata Mumbai Marathon and fourth full marathon overall.
I took on the challenge with just two months to prepare. It wasn’t easy—physio sessions, mobility drills, and strength training pushed my limits.
At times, I felt this full marathon training was even tougher than my Comrades Ultra Marathon journey in 2019—a grueling 90 km race in South Africa where I clocked over 1,000 km in training.
Running is More Than Just Miles—It’s About People
Along the way, I met inspiring individuals—people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with if not for running:
🏅 Vinitha Singh, a dedicated runner and friend
🏅 Mr. Kailash Shinde, the Navi Mumbai Collector
And of course, my amazing running group, Top Gear—one of Mumbai’s oldest and most passionate running communities.
None of this would have been possible without my mentors, coaches, and support team:
✅ Dilip Patil – My mentor, who always believed in me.
✅ Sanjay Khetre – My gym trainer, who built my strength.
✅ Dr. Clinton Pereira – My physio, who kept me injury-free.
✅ Top Gear MIG Running Group – The incredible volunteers who cheered us on race day.
Lessons from the Marathon: More Than Just a Race
🏃 Running has taught me that life is like a marathon—it’s not just about the finish line, but about:
🔹 The journey and the struggles along the way
🔹 The camaraderie and support that keep you going
🔹 The resilience to push through when the mind and body want to quit
To everyone chasing a big goal—whether it’s your first marathon, a fitness milestone, or just becoming a better version of yourself—keep going. Every step is worth it.
💬 What’s the one challenge you’ve overcome that shaped you the most? I’d love to hear your story! Let’s keep running, together.
