Here we go, the new season of running. First one – Airtel Hyderabad Marathon (AHM), the toughest city Marathon in India.
Hyderabad is like my second home. Having studied in the University of Hyderabad and lived there for 8 years, AHM is always an excuse for me to go back to the city and meet old friends.
2018 edition (happened on August 26) is my third AHM and second Full Marathon. The course is not an easy terrain! 4 to 5 flyovers and lots of hills! It feels mostly climbing throughout! This race usually sees a number of DNFs every year! PBs hardly come through; finishing itself is a reward…Last year, I finished the race in 4:32 (with the course less by about 500m ~ 41.7 km).
This year, my plan was to finish around 4:15. Though I was bad with elevation, I thought I have trained enough to clock sub-4:15.
The first 10 km were ok. It was flat-ish (compared to the rest of the course). Kept a pace of 5:35 min/km. Could maintain this pace until the halfway mark when the elevation started getting serious and started affecting my knees… Slowly, my pace dropped and I saw the sub-4:00 bus go past me. I thought, I still have time for a sub-4:15. However, as usual (in Hyderabadi style) things got worse… by the 37th split, I was drained…
By that time, even the energy gels didn’t work on me; I felt pukish every time I took a sip… so, I gave up on it and was running only on energy drinks and water. from 37th km, I started walking in between and managed a finish at 4:21.
It was not bad; but, I could have done better… lessons for next race learned.
The course is killer, and why would someone go there to run. I was asked this question many times… Why I go there to run? Because it is tough… it’s not easy… it’s hard… and all these make one stronger…
So, I am back from my trip to Hyderabad, all stronger and fresher, ready to take on the next race…
Eat, Run, Live, Sleep, Repeat 
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