Mumbai Marathon 2019: Want to ace it as a runner? Follow this guide

Swarn Jha, Pinto Mandal and Vidhya Shah

The 16th edition of the IAAF Gold Label Tata Mumbai Marathon to be held on January 20, 2019, will witness participation of over 45,000 athletes, including new runners who will be in the Marathon for the first time ever. The Mumbai Marathon is considered the Mecca of marathons in India and successfully qualifying for it is a huge achievement, especially for first-time runners. Also, being able to finish a marathon is a huge self-accomplishment for most participants.

But unfortunately, however enthusiastic or inspired you may be to compete in a marathon, it cannot be accomplished by just getting up in the morning and jogging your way to the finish line. Marathon runners will require proper training plans which includes running for long periods of time over a period of few months before competing in a half-marathon (21 Kms) or a full marathon (42 Kms).

Pic credit/Facebook Tata Mumbai Marathon

Therefore, if you are a first-time runner, it is very important to weigh the pros and cons before running the marathon. Should you run for glory and fame or should you aim for timing? What are the health risks involved when you are pushing your body to the limits? These are a few questions which will be running through your mind.

To help understand the challenges that pose to individuals who are attempting their first Mumbai Marathon, we spoke to seasoned runners and they have valuable inputs to share with first-time runners.

Tips for first-time half marathoner runners. Pic credit/ Facebook Tata Mumbai Marathon

Dr. Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute said, "Most people aim for completion or for good timing when they run a marathon, unlike elite runners who run for fame and rank. First-time runners should aim for completion of the race rather than look for timing."

Dr. Santosh Kumar Dora is himself an avid marathon runner and participates in the Mumbai marathon every year

Dr. Santosh Kumar Dora shares valuable tips that you must keep in mind.

For Marathon day preparation:

• Opt for a light dinner by 6 to 7 pm on the day before the race day. The meal should be carbohydrate-rich. Rice and dal or roti and dal are good options for Indian runners.
• Hit the bed early, preferably by 9 pm and get up at 3 am on the day of the run.
• Have a light breakfast, mostly fruits such as banana and apple.
• Reach the race track an hour prior to the start. You must be equipped with all the running gears such as shoes, socks, running bib, timing chip, wrist watch etc.
• A warm-up for about 30 mins before the race will do you a world of good. Start slowly for the first couple of kilometres when the race begins. It will help you to gain pace and once you start feel-good about your body, increase your pace to the extent you are comfortable with and keep it up till the finishing line.
• In order to keep yourself hydrated drink of 100 to 150 ml of water or sports drinks every 30 minutes.
• of 100 to 150 ml Listen to your body. If you feel exhausted, slow down, At any time if you experience chest pain, disproportional breathlessness, giddiness, blackout, severe palpitation etc, then stop and seek for medical assistance.

Pinto Mandal who works in KPO will be running his 8th marathon this year and will be pacing the 4.20 hours bus for the full marathon.

Pinto Mandal, a seasoned runner who has participated in 27 full marathons, 37 half marathons and 15 ultra marathons said, "While physical training and gaining mileage before the race are most important, runners must also prepare their strategies. Enjoying the race is absolutely important, but planning well ahead of time about the goals one wishes to achieve definitely helps in setting expectations right. The strategies involving pace and particular milestone targets must be challenging, but shouldn't be unrealistic. Striking a balance is paramount."

Vidhya Shah, a homemaker who has done world majors [International Marathons] like Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Amsterdam adds, "It is very important to prepare the mind, running a marathon is a mind game (for me). It is about positive affirmations; putting Paulo Coelho and Secret to use, that is the call of the hour."

Vidhya's journey with running has spanned for 6 years from local marathons to doing international marathons including world majors like Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Amsterdam.

Vidhya urges first-time runners to constantly remind themselves by saying her favourite line, "I may not have a runners body but this body runs" love yourself, love your body." She and other seasoned runners go on to give a few Do's and Don'ts that first-time runners need to adhere to:

Do's:

• Do visualize the whole route of the marathon and you finishing it strongly!
• Do hydrate with water and electrolytes.
• Do stretching every day. Indulge in dynamic stretching before the race!
• Run with a cap or sunglasses as there is no shade to protect runners at the beautiful Queens necklace.
• Keep your body and mind relaxed all the time.

Don'ts:

• Do not try and new workout or jot down a new race strategy.
• Do not try any new food or cuisine. Avoid eating anything that is alien to your body now or on the race day.
• Do not try any new clothes or shoes on the Marathon day.
• Do not try or attempt to clip nails 3-4 days before the D-day.
• Do not wash your race shoe a day before.
• Do not try and experimenting with gels or other supplements.
• Do not take any alcoholic beverages during the training period or the night before the race day.

While the D-day is nearing it's important that you pay heed to the useful tips that seasoned runners have shared. Also, there could be a possibility that you may want to train harder as the marathon day nears but besides training harder it is also important to train smart! Should you push the limit with the days leading up to the marathon or try new exercises?

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