Will cherish this a lot more, as the achievement comes after 2 years and 2 failed attempts.
Target was to attempt a Sub 3hrs, but for multiple reasons
the confidence levels were minimal. Plan was to maintain around 4m13s/km avg
pace by running with our group for the initial 30 to 35 kms and then would
probably ease down with fatigue.
A complete rest due to the New Year celebrations with
extended family, and no workouts for 4 days probably helped. The route was a
motor race track of around 3.7kms and run around 11 loops. The initial 10 kms
were unusually at ease and was extremely conscious of not tiring myself. Next
10 kms continued to be surprisingly not much challenging. Consciously kept reminding
myself to be at ease and survived the 3rd 10kms.
In between the route during the last hour, had a few Half
Marathon runners and 10 km runners attempting to keep pace with me but hearing
them struggle and pushing themselves would break up my attempts to maintain a
smooth rhythm. Somehow kept myself focused and calm.
The final test was to be in the last 12.2 kms. Could feel the challenge, but continued strong without driving myself to exhaustion. Quads and Calves were complaining and could almost cramp in the final 7 kms, but kept myself as cheerful as possible.
Through the final 7 kms, kept asking myself if
this is really required and questioned myself multiple times, if going through
the pain is really worth it for an amateur runner. Mentally was always repeating
to never attempt this again. Continued with the strong pace with the vision of crossing
the finish line. And finally just before the finish line, tried best to go
stronger in the final 50 meters, and somehow managed to balance myself well till
finish.
The exhilaration of finishing before 3 hrs is just unexplainable.
At the finish line was Karthik & Coach Kothandapani, who were anxious to know the sequence
of runners who would cross the finish line. Through each of the loop Coach kept
cheering each one of us diligently and Karthik supported the runners with
hydration.
Pretty sure that being a winner of the event did not excite
me as much as finishing before the targeted 3 hrs. The next 4 to cross were the
unbelievable Tilak Dutt , Devi Pratap Shetty, Vinuth NP & Shreyas Karnad. Could experience heaven on
earth at the Finish line. Each one had a great story to share.
Will I attempt a similar target again? Not sure. To make finishing
a Sub 3hrs FM distance a reasonably pleasant experience, need to step up my
training a lot more, but just not motivated and am low on enthusiasm.
One of my best and very comfortable Barefoot running experiences ever. Hearty thanks to the group of Volunteers who supported me extensively, by offering the filled up water bottle in every lap. This has been the reason to be able to sustain the pace till the finish. Felt highly pampered through this thoughtful gesture from the group of volunteers. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you Skechers performance Chennai Marathon for taking
up the challenge to get this successfully organized by following all possible
protocols and the guidelines and giving us this opportunity. Just pray that each
of the volunteer and the runners continue to keep the best of health.
Had a great time staying together with PaceMakers group and
runners from Bangalore. Bangalore runners outshined the event where 8 out of
the top 10 FM finishers were from Bangalore. Similar strong performances from
other categories too.
Loads of love to Susan who understands my requirements and
keeps pampering me in every possible method. Have to thank Karthik, who has been my training partner for most of my weekend long runs. This would not have been a possibility without those well paced long runs.
Few stats below
Initial 10kms @ 42m09s, Avg Pace 4m13s/km
Next 10kms @ 42m20s, Avg Pace 4m14s/km
Next 10kms @ 41m58s, Avg Pace 4m12s/km
Last 10kms @ 42m43s, Avg Pace 4m16s/km
Final 1.92kms @ 8m08s, Avg Pace 4m14s/km
Total 41.92kms @ 2h57m18s, Avg Pace 4m14s/km, Avg Cad
171spm, Avg Std length 1.40 meters
https://www.strava.com/activities/4557787097
A video that I captures my physical state post the finish.
