From a Sprinter to a Marathoner!

Journey as a Track and Field Athlete

"Running became an integral part of my life and my identity when I was 12 years old. It all started in the year 2002 when I discovered a local ground where people were actively engaged in running and training for various races. There, I met my first coach, Mr. Bala Chavan, a National medallist in Javelin throw. Curiously, I asked him, "What is happening here?" He introduced himself as an Athletics coach who trains individuals for track and field running.

When I expressed my interest in joining, he welcomed me with the condition that I should have proper running shoes. At that time, I only had canvas shoes, which were quite common. The elite runners were using Nivia brand shoes. Regardless, I joined the coach and commenced my training under his guidance. This marked the foundation of my athletic pursuits. which has now spanned two decades. I prefer to identify myself as an athlete due to my background in various athletic disciplines.

The journey has been incredibly rewarding, possibly the most fulfilling years of my life. Within just six to seven months of starting, my coach registered me for a 300m run at the district level. In my debut competition, I not only participated but also won the first position, securing a gold medal in the event.

Motivated by this achievement, I intensified my training efforts and participated in more district-level events, triumphing in many of them. In 2003, I decided to specialize in the 800 meters. Guided by my coach's support, I managed to qualify for the national-level competitions.

My Tenure with SAI (Sports Authority of India)

However, from 2004 to 2006, I struggled to secure medals at the state level. Consequently, I decided to switch to a different club and coach. I moved to the Thane district and began training under Coach Datta Chavan, who was familiar with me due to my participation in district-level competitions. When he asked whether I would focus on the 800 meters or the 1500 meters, I expressed my commitment to the 800 meters.

Coach Chavan advised me to increase my food intake and emphasized the importance of protein consumption. He also recommended that I invest in proper shoes with spikes and other necessary gear. He stressed that while giving 100% physically is important, success at the state or national level requires attention to other aspects as well.

Financial constraints made it challenging for me to afford these necessities. When I conveyed this to him, Coach Chavan suggested that I undergo a selection test at the Sports Authority of India (SAI). SAI, as the governing body of sports in our country, would provide support for athletes' needs once selected.

In 2006, I took the selection test and competed against other talented athletes from different parts of India, And I ran an amazing 1km in 2mins 50sec, Fortunately, I was chosen to be a part of SAI. Thus, from 2007 to 2010, I was associated with the Sports Authority of India. During this period, I represented the state of Maharashtra five times and participated in the Nationals every year. I secured my first state-level medal at the Baburao Sanas Sports Ground in Pune in 800 meters.

In 2008, during the preparation for the Beijing Olympics, the Indian contingent stayed at SAI. Our coach at the time, Mr. Santosh Varghese, would take us to AKSA beach for training alongside the national athletes. It was an incredible experience to run alongside elite runners like Surendra Kumar Singh.

My last participation in the State competition was in 2010. Regrettably, I couldn't secure a berth for National Level Competition as I came 3rd in the state, which led to my departure from SAI. This marked the saddest and most unfortunate day of my life, as I bid farewell to both SAI and my professional athletics career.

Winning medals at the National level is an immense challenge. It demands exceptional athleticism, dedication, and a comprehensive approach to diet and supplementation. While SAI provided support, it had its limitations. Running a small family business, my family struggled to fully comprehend my choices. As a middle-class family, they expected me to pursue a conventional path of education and stable employment.

A different world

The moment I returned home after leaving SAI, I made a definitive exit and never looked back. Life took a different trajectory from 2010 onwards. After completing my graduation, I entered the workforce. While I was earning, I was no longer an athlete. Anyone who got to know me after 2010 would find it hard to believe that I was once a national-level athlete.

In 2018, I had a realization that things needed to change. In my athletic days, I weighed around 53-54 kgs, and in 2018, I reached 89 kgs. Even my colleagues playfully teased me about my protruding belly, likening me to a "proper Bengali man." The reality of my weight gain hit hard as simple tasks like climbing stairs became arduous, leaving me fatigued even after reaching the office.

In 2018, a childhood friend contacted me with the intention of running a full marathon. I was skeptical and suggested he speak to the one who influenced him to take up this endeavor. However, he persisted that I should coach him. He registered for the Vasai Virar Full Marathon, which was scheduled for December, and approached me in August.

Since I had never run an FM before, I decided to assist him with warm-up exercises and other activities which I am familiar with. He would run while I would accompany him on the cycle. After about a month of cycling alongside him, I felt compelled to start running myself. On February 12, 2019, I acquired my own mountain bike (MTB) and embarked on a rigorous cycling journey to regain my fitness. This marked a turning point in my life. Although I was reborn as a runner, I no longer identified as an athlete.

Returning to the running field

On March 20, 2020, the day before India entered lockdown due to the pandemic, I celebrated my 30th birthday by cycling 30 km. During the lockdown, I engaged in rigorous strength and power training at home, embracing various techniques such as CrossFit. Over the course of 120 days, I shed 5 kgs.

As soon as the lockdown restriction was eased, I went out and ran 5 km, experiencing immense joy. From that point onward, I completed numerous 10 km runs, 15 half marathons, and 2 full marathons. My personal records include a full marathon completion in 3 hours, a half marathon in 1 hour and 22 minutes, and a 10 km run in 37 minutes.

Currently, I design my own training programs and serve as a mentor to professional athletes at Runholics Academy, Ambarnath. I offer training, suggestions, and guidance to fellow runners.

In the present year, you can find me participating in events such as NEB Mumbai, Satara Hill Half Marathon, and the Adani Marathon in Ahmedabad."

Runner - Mirnal Sen, Mumbai