Yes, finally a huge marathon PB. I am now a 3:40:53 marathoner. Though the race could have gone better, it is what it is for the season and considering where I was 6 months back, I take it as a huge win!
After Comrades Marathon in August, 2022, I was left with a busted knee. I had 3 weeks of walk/run to recover before getting back to training. I have planned a 3:40 marathon the previous season and it didn’t go as per the plan thanks to Covid the previous January and a shoulder injury! So, a huge PR recovering from knee injury was doubtful. My coach suggested training for a half marathon, but I had my mind set on a marathon in Feb and I went for it!
Though I went into the training block with lots of self-doubts, it was the best training season ever for me. I had some best workouts and never missed a target even with crazy work travels and a wedding in the family. I broke many of my ‘old’ PRs dating back to 2017 or 2018 – including 1 k, 1 mile, 2 miles, 10 k, 10 miles among few others. The only landmarks I may have missed are the 5 km and half marathon. I never tried a 5km pace run and the half marathon training race was in frozen weather, so missed the target by seconds.
With all the records, I came into the race last Sunday (Feb 26) with lots of confidence. I was mentally and physically ready! I hoped to do 3:35/36/37 which felt so doable!
I was feeling so good in the fist half, hitting splits under target. But… there is always a but in races! My right shoulder started hurting after 16th km. I felt a niggle the week back, but thought it was some general stress. Seemed my old shoulder injury started popping up at the wrong time!
Managed to cross the half marathon around the planned time, though missing by few seconds. Thought of pushing the second half as much as I could. But slowly, the whole body started hurting and I kept on slowing down. Last 10k was sufferfest! Even in all the suffering and cramping, I wanted to stay as calm as possible, try the hardest I could and keep nutrition on plan. This may have saved me from the usual ‘bonking’.
Overall, I am happy with the results. Could have been better. But, the thought that I am capable for better, motivating me to go harder the next season. It was a PB knocking off 8 minutes and that is huge.
Post-Race
It was all sore and cramping for 2 days! Finally I was able to walk properly by Wednesday.
I will now take a short offseason going off-road and doing some fun runs on trails.
Eat, Run, Live, Sleep, Repeat 
Leave a comment