On Sunday, the 20th October of 2024, I ran my half marathon. I ran it in 2:12.54 hrs.
<script async src=”https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7608764314778414″
crossorigin=”anonymous”></script>
<!– Cool ads –>
<ins class=”adsbygoogle”
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-7608764314778414″
data-ad-slot=”9081037265″
data-ad-format=”auto”
data-full-width-responsive=”true”></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
I wanted to get it dusted in 1:55 hrs. But, various things didn’t go as per the plan. But, before that lets review,
What went well during the RUN
But, before that, let me start with saying, I am so proud to be doing it at 2:12:54 hrs because I have been able to maintain it at this level for sometime now. And despite many things going wrong, the performance stayed at its place. ( Suffered constipation during the course of run due to bad stomach due to mistakes made in diet etc).
The detailed splits by kms.
<script async src=”https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7608764314778414″
crossorigin=”anonymous”></script>
<!– Cool ads –>
<ins class=”adsbygoogle”
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-7608764314778414″
data-ad-slot=”9081037265″
data-ad-format=”auto”
data-full-width-responsive=”true”></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
The above data suggests that I could maintain my heart rate as well as the consistent pace through out without having the necessity to walk.
The running route was awesome despite the format being virtual.
I ran the race in Bhopal. The actual event was in Delhi. But, I think I made the right choice by not going to Delhi because Bhopal is much cleaner and greener.
I also found the route that was very calm, serene and lined with trees on either sides. I could have not asked for a better route.
I started at the right time. I started off at 5:56 a.m. which wasn’t bad by any standard. It was a little dark and the weather was very supportive. I could manage to finish it before the traffic on the road took on. I had finished by 8:02 a.m.
What didn’t go so well
The Diet
There are 2 things that I can share that you should be careful about when you run a long distance like half marathon. The first one is the diet. I wanted to have the carb loaded run. Because, I have turned flat on energy in my previous half marathon runs.
So, I had my dinner which was filled with carbs. But, the mistake that I committed was that I had it late. By the time I had finished my dinner, it was 10:00 pm. Wanted to get it over by 7:00 am.
Ideally, it should be over by then before the day of the long distance run. So that one can sleep to their hearts content and wake up to run.
Having dinner late sent me in a kind of confused state of mind and built up my anxiety. I couldn’t sleep well before the run. I guess, I had some sleep deficit befoee the run.
Performance Anxiety
Well, the second may be not the easily avoidable because it does happen that you have a dream in your heart and you want to make it happen. And that keeps you awake as the mind is also actively fantasizing on it.
Here comes the role of your mental state. Practice calmness and some philosophy that can help you to detach from the outcome of the performance.
It may be a difficult game but there you are, your performance much before you have arrived at the starting point. And the mental game is something that you have to prepare.
What You should do that I am planning to do
So, for that I would suggest, isolate yourself socially before the day of the run. And don’t talk much. Don’t think much. Just stay in a state of empty and clean mind.
You will be much better prepared if you can start to imagine your race day run 3-4 days in advance and get into trans state before the day of the run.
Disconnect, dissociate and just stay with your thoughts, being in peace. I think this will surely boost your performance. And this is what I have planned for my next long distance run.
I am preparing and getting my self ready for the race, both, physically and mentally. I have a good hunch that I will be breaking into 1:55 hrs sooner and by December 31, 2024.
This is my 7 th year of Running that’s gonna see the increment in performance after staying plateaud for the past 2 years.
Let see how the next few days roll by. M pretty excited about them.
The upcoming races are :
1. Infantry marathon, Mhow
2. Surya Marathon, Jbp
3. SBI Greenathon
4. Run Bhopal Run
5. Pankh Marathon
(Not necessarily in order)
One among the above is gonna see me breaking into 1:55 hrs. Let’s see which one gets the perfect scorecard ! Any predictions ?
