How destiny played its part - In 2003, I went on an onsite deputation to Amsterdam through TCS. While there, my client partner told me about his plan to run a half marathon that was happening at the time. I had no experience with running long distances and thought a 10K would be sufficient. I had never even run a 3K before, so I didn't have a reference point to know how much was enough. However, he insisted that I should attempt a half marathon. When the training started, I quickly realized what a challenge it was. We used to train around a lake with a 4.5 km loop, and I couldn't even complete it with a combination of running and walking. That's when I realized I had bitten off more than I could chew.
It was an eye-opener for me. In my 20s, I thought I was in decent shape because you don't usually have many fitness problems at that age. Anyway, I couldn't participate in that marathon because our project ended, and we returned to India.
The first building block of my running journey – A few months later, we registered our company under the "Corporate Relay" category in the TMM (Tata Mumbai Marathon). We had to form a team of six runners, with each runner running 7 km. We had a coach who trained us, and we were able to complete the 7 km run in a decent time.
Looking back, I now realize how inexperienced we were. I remember seeing the water station and thinking, "Who needs water for a 7K run?" Then, at around 5 km, I would feel thirsty and gulp down water at the next water station instead of taking small sips, which is the ideal way to consume water while running. These small details are so important to know, but I guess you learn them as you go. I fell in love with the whole running process during that corporate relay event. I enjoyed every part of it, and that event paved the way for my running journey.
Journey of FM from 5:29 hours to 4:57 hours – In the next TMM, I completed my first half marathon. Later, I completed six marathons in a row, with progressive improvements in my timings. I went from a time of 5:27 hours in the first marathon to 4:57 hours in the sixth one. For the first five marathons, I did without any coaching, and for my sixth marathon, I clocked a time of 4:29 hours.
The actual transition happened in the year 2016-2017 when I joined the Road Runners Club. It is run by Coach Daniel Vaz, the head coach of the Nike Run Club. He is like “The coach of the coaches”. I remember the first day I joined the club it coincided with the first day of Navaratri, and the group had decided on a color code for each of the nine days. It so happened that I landed up wearing the same color the group had decided, which was green. It felt like a message from the universe that this was meant to be.
Since then, I have been a regular member of the club. If I am in Mumbai and my legs are not broken, I will turn up to train with the group, no matter how little sleep I've had. This mantra has helped me in my non-running life as well.
It's been 7 years with them, and my timings have been improving year after year. It's through this group that I have met amazing and inspiring people. I have met individuals who have done the Comrades Marathon, and hearing their stories, I couldn't fathom the kind of effort required to complete such ultra marathons.
The Comrades Journey - In 2018, a lady from our group participated in Comrades and became a celebrity within our circle. Hearing her story, I felt inspired and thought that I should also do it. So, we signed up for Comrades. It was a spontaneous decision. The registration for Comrades opens in October, and I told my coach that this is what I signed up for. His response was, "I think you will finish," which I found underwhelming. I thought, "Okay, let's see. Even if the run doesn't go great, at least I would be able to tour South Africa with my family, and that will be worth the money." 😊
Our coach provided us with a training plan based on our previous efforts. The training plan started with the Tata Ultra, which happens in February. After that, the mileage increases, aiming for 100 km of mileage in a week. You maintain that for 2 months and then taper down.
I feel lucky in two aspects. First, I had a great coach, and second, I was able to train in Mumbai during the peak summer. Training for Comrades teaches you a lot. You need to learn to manage the right nutrition along with family commitments, social commitments, and everything else in your life. You need to plan every detail of how your race will be as from 5:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening, you will be out there running. Your breakfast, lunch, and dinner will all be on the move. You need to be able to eat three times as much food as you were used to before. Everyone's preferences vary, and you need to figure out what works for you through trial and error. My personal favorite pre-run meal is oats filled with lots of berries.
I completed my Comrades Marathon in 10:45 hours getting a bronze medal.
Journey of Sub 4 FM Once I came back, I told my coach that I now want to do a sub-4-hour marathon. He helped me fine-tune my pacing strategy and nutrition, and it all worked in my favor.
In 2019, I had done 4 marathons. TMM 2019 in 4:06 hours (Before Comrades) Adani Marathon in 4:04, Vasai Virar in 4:03 hours, and Maharashtra Police Marathon in 4:03 hours.
In February 2020, I achieved my first sub-4-hour marathon at the IDBI Delhi Marathon.
What’s next - As for what's next, we will start training for the TMM 2024 in July. I have registered for the NDA Marathon, which will take place in Pune in October. After that, I will participate in the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon My dream is to achieve a sub-4-hour marathon in TMM. Another thing I enjoy apart from long-distance running is going for treks. I have done treks in Leh, and Goecha La, and planning to do the Valley of Flowers in August.
And I plan to do more, like an Ironman, which provides a good variety of endurance training. Maybe I will do it on my 50th birthday. I am currently 45 years old :)
Running and professional life - You need to have a long-term view and focus on one thing completely before moving on to the next. I like to see longevity in running, so I preserve my muscle strength, ensure I don't burn out, and avoid injuries that would keep me away from running for a long time.
Running has helped me become a well-rounded professional as well. It has taught me punctuality, discipline, and the ability to be planned and mindful of what I do. These qualities are equally valued in professional life. Running has also taught me that, regardless of your current running capability, you can still aim for something like the Comrades Marathon. With the right kind of coaching and following a plan, you can achieve it. Hence, I have learnt to show the same perseverance in my working life as well.
learned
Things I wish to bring changes in - One concern I have is the lack of knowledge among people in general. We have come a long way, but it still annoys me when people don't understand that a marathon is only when you run a distance of 42.2 km. A 10 km run is not a marathon. Another concern is that most people start taking their health seriously only when a doctor prescribes it, which I feel is too little and too late. If you get your annual check-up done, you become aware of the outcomes and can take proactive measures to prevent lifestyle diseases instead of having to take corrective actions later on.
Having said that, I do see a positive change as the awareness grows. Now people are more mindful of their health and are conscious of what to eat and what not. It is still a long way to go but if stories like mine and of others inspire even a few that will create a good chain effect to bring the change on a wider scale
Runner - Anand Sharma, Mumbai
Insta Handle - @anand_sharma_run
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