From Casual Runner to Marathon Finisher: My 40km Birthday Challenge
I never considered myself a serious runner. For years, I simply enjoyed participating in 10km events for fun. Everything changed completely one year ago when I decided to run my first half-marathon at the Tata Mumbai Marathon.
The Turning Point: Mumbai's Half-Marathon Challenge
That initial 21km race proved brutally difficult for me. It was my very first attempt at that distance. Yet the incredible thrill of completing it stayed with me long after I crossed the finish line.
While vacationing in Bengaluru shortly afterward, I spontaneously registered for their 10km event. Since it was organized by Procam, that decision planted a seed in my mind. I made a firm resolution to complete what runners call the Procam Slam.
A Bold Birthday Resolution Takes Shape
As my 40th birthday approached, a wild idea suddenly struck me. Why not run 40 kilometers to celebrate turning 40? I proposed this ambitious plan to my running coach. He immediately embraced the challenge and committed to guiding me through it.
In September 2025, I began an intensive 18-week training program with Bombay Running. This dedicated running group played a crucial role in my entire transformation journey.
Building Confidence Through Major City Runs
To develop both physical and mental strength, I completed a 21km race in Delhi under their guidance. I followed that achievement with an even more demanding 25km run in Kolkata. These experiences steadily built my endurance and self-belief.
Registering for the full Mumbai Marathon achieved two significant milestones simultaneously. It marked my marathon debut while also completing the Procam Slam. I had successfully finished all major Procam running events within a single year.
The Physical Transformation: Losing Weight and Gaining Strength
When I started this journey, I carried extra weight and tired quickly during runs. The structured Bombay Running plan fundamentally changed my capabilities. It systematically built my endurance over months of consistent training.
My confidence grew so substantially that I began traveling to new cities specifically to run their events. Over fifteen months of dedicated effort, I lost an impressive 15 kilograms.
I combined regular gym sessions with my running schedule. This strategic approach noticeably improved my running pace while accelerating my weight loss progress.
Confronting the Ultimate Challenge: Mumbai's Full Marathon
The full Mumbai Marathon represented my most difficult challenge yet. During training, I had never exceeded 25-30 kilometers in a single run. Serious doubts constantly troubled me. Could I actually finish an entire marathon?
Without professional coaching support, this goal would have remained impossible. On weekday mornings, I forced myself out of bed early to complete mileage before my demanding 9-to-6 banking job. My weekly running totals consistently surpassed 50 kilometers.
I educated myself about numerous essential aspects of marathon running:
- Proper use of energy gels during long runs
- Selecting the right running shoes for my feet
- Balancing gym workouts with running sessions
- Managing asthma that previously kept me dependent on my inhaler
Overcoming Asthma Through Running
That inhaler had become my constant companion and psychological crutch. I feared needing it during every longer running effort. Remarkably, consistent running and workouts gradually reduced my reliance on medication.
Today I rarely use my inhaler except during particularly bad weather or when Mumbai's air quality index rises above moderate levels. Running has brought this health concern under control.
Race Day: Confronting Reality on Mumbai's Streets
Marathon day intensified every emotion and challenge. My first full marathon felt incredibly special, yet training had somewhat deceived me into expecting an easier experience.
Let me emphasize this clearly: without proper training, running a full marathon is absolutely not a cake-walk.
Negative thoughts began creeping in when organizers announced a last-minute route change. This alteration added approximately 600 meters of additional elevation to an already demanding course.
Yet the coastal road section around the 7km mark provided welcome relief with its relatively flat terrain. The route passed symbolically from temple to church to mosque, showcasing Mumbai's diverse faiths united in encouraging runners to push that extra mile.
The Final Struggle and Ultimate Triumph
By kilometer 27, harsh reality fully set in. I questioned my own sanity for signing up for this demanding challenge. Exhaustion gripped me tightly amid a record-breaking field of over 14,000 full marathon participants.
Crossing that finish line created a moment of pure magic. The hard-earned medal felt incredibly meaningful in my hands. Receiving official recognition for completing the Procam Slam provided the perfect icing on my achievement cake.
Turning 40 never felt more accomplished or rewarding. From casual 10km participant to Mumbai Marathon finisher, this journey transformed not just my running ability but my entire perspective on what's possible with dedication and proper guidance.
