Falling Short at TMM-2023: Inspiration and Reflections

The Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) is one of the most popular running events in India and it attracts runners from all over the country and the world. The TMM is held annually and it is organized by Procam International, a sports management company that is well-known for organizing marathons, including the Delhi Half Marathon and the Kolkata Marathon.

I participated in the TMM for the second time in 2023, and it was an experience that I will never forget. The TMM is not just a marathon, it is a celebration of running, fitness, and the spirit of Mumbai. It is the Mahakumbh of runners, where people from all walks of life come together to run and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

My goal for the TMM-2023 was to improve my finish time from TMM-2020 by at least 10 minutes. I had trained hard for several months, and I was confident that I could achieve my goal. However, things did not go as planned on race day.

The weather was hot and humid, and I started feeling cramps in my legs just a few kilometers into the race. I tried to push through the pain, but it only got worse. At around the 15-kilometer mark, I developed blisters on my feet, which made running even more difficult. I was forced to slow down, and at some points, I had to walk.

It was frustrating to see my goal finish time slip away, but I did not give up. I reminded myself that I was not running to win, but to challenge myself and enjoy the experience. I focused on taking one step at a time and tried to enjoy the scenery and the energy of the crowd.

The TMM-2023 was as well-organized as always. The race started at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the course took us through some of the most iconic landmarks of Mumbai, such as the Marine Drive, Haji Ali, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The course was well-marked, and there were plenty of aid stations and volunteers along the way. The support from the Mumbaikars was amazing, and they cheered us on throughout the race. The atmosphere was electric, and it helped me keep going even when I felt like giving up.

I would like to thank Procam International for organizing the TMM, and all the volunteers and supporters who made it possible. I would also like to thank my friends from the Udaipur CycloRunners and the Udaipur Cycling Club for their support and encouragement. Special thanks to Vikram Bhai and Doc Pratik Tantia for their constant encouragement and support.

The TMM-2023 taught me many lessons. I learned that running is not just about physical fitness, but it is also about mental toughness and resilience. I also learned the importance of proper hydration and nutrition, and how small things like a blister or a cramp can have a big impact on performance. I will take these lessons into my training plan and work on improving my performance for the next race.

In conclusion, the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2023 was a great experience, despite falling short of my goal finish time. It was a reminder that running is not just about finishing fast, but it is also about enjoying the journey and the camaraderie of fellow runners. The TMM is more than just a marathon, it is a celebration of Mumbai and its people. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it, and I look forward to participating in it again next year.