February Shenanigans: Back-to-Back Races – Back-to-Back Podiums

So, it’s racing month…

After going race-free for nearly seven months in 2025, 2026 has started on a busy note!

I raced the first two weekends of February. Kicked off with the Indian Navy 10K on February 1 – a race I had marked since last year as a build-up to the New Delhi Half Marathon. Last year, I clocked 43:50 for the 10K and went on to finish just 20 seconds shy of my half marathon PB (1:35:34) – still a great race.

But this year feels very different.

I don’t think I’ve fully regained my fitness after dengue. I had a “somehow okay” race at Chiang Mai right after recovering, but the speed training that followed wasn’t ideal. Too many missed sessions, with lingering allergies being a daily annoyance.

So I went into this race with zero confidence. The only goal was to hold a 4:30/km pace. It was a rainy, cold morning, and I did get off to a good start. Held the pace for most of the race, but began fading towards the end – last 3 km dipped to 4:35–4:39. Finished in 45:50 – two minutes slower than last year.

But surprisingly, I placed 3rd among women (I was faster last year and finished 6th!). I couldn’t quite believe it. Honestly, I felt a bit guilty collecting that cheque. But podium aside, it was the confidence boost I badly needed before NDM.

Week 2 — Red Stone 32K by Hell Race

Last year this race was in January – a solid long-run effort where I finished 1st among women. This year, with it falling in the second week of Feb and just two weeks before NDM, I didn’t want to push too hard. In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have raced… but the trail runner in me wanted to show up.

I kept it controlled – holding 5:30–5:40/km throughout, easing on the mini climbs. Finished under 6:00/km overall… one minute faster than last year… and placed 1st again.

The win was great, of course… but it came at a cost.

The race left me fatigued and sore. I had to skip a planned 10K tempo that week and instead managed a not-so-ideal 2K tempo interval session. Some lingering glute pain, niggles during race week – exactly what I didn’t want.

And yet, here I am… 4 days to race day… fingers crossed.

One more race this February…

Let’s go for it.