Started training in February 2023. I was feeling like I was starting from scratch. I didn't have much confidence to run even a 10k properly. I trained myself conservatively and casually. I train my running on my own and do strength training with Go Run Club (GRC) Skechers. I was 100% present on the training days. I did tempo, intervals, and long runs with strength training with weights.
The TCS 10K is special because the bar has been raised with athletes coming from different parts of the country. On pre-race day, I did foam rolling, had 1 litre of electrolyte water for proper hydration on race day, had a good two whole Indian meals in the morning and afternoon, and training before race day was only rest. I rested for 2 hours during the day and 6 hours at night, and I was good to go for the race. I have prepared my workout and race strategy on my Garmin watch, where I have entered my pace per kilometre and set a total target time of 45 minutes to complete 10 kilometres.
On race day, I got up at 3 a.m. and had my usual morning routine with foam rolling, suryanamaskar, and a quick bath. I had two glasses of warm water with lemon and honey in them. For carbs, I had one banana. I reach the race venue by 4:25 a.m. I had to wait for the gate to open for 15–20 minutes because of some technical problems. I have submitted my bag to the counter. I started my quick warmup run and did some activation drills for muscle release before the race. I got inside the Kanteerva stadium and met some inspirational runners, with whom I had a quick talk about running strategy. I did a warm-up and was waiting for gate A to open. One issue happened: gate B was open before gate A, and the gate B runner was in section A, and the section A gate was not open, so most of the fast runners were behind and the start of the line was too overcrowded. With 10 seconds to go before the race started, it was a great feeling to finally know that the wait was over.
As expected, the 1st km was a hustle and bustle; some runners were pushing me back with elbows, but I was firm with my posture and aggressively did my 1st km run with a very good pace, as I needed to not stop or slow down here as many runners could come ahead of me and slow me down. The second km was a slight downhill, and with good weather, it was a very good pace I maintained. At 3km, I maintained a good pace with turns, and then at 4 km, I maintained a steady pace; I was not getting carried away by other runners. I maintained a steady pace with a sip of water followed by electrolyte, which was a big support at the 4th and 5th kilometres. At 6 km, I had planned to take out my food from my pocket, but I got food from the counter exactly at 6 km, and I was happy I didn't have to make an effort to take out food from my pocket. After having food, I got some good energy to stretch myself till the HAL circle and then took a left. My effort was a bit higher as it was a slight downhill, so I took some advantage of the food and the downhill, then I took a U-turn when I had to maintain a steady pace. A slight uphill came when I reduced stride length but maintained a good cadence. As I went from 7 to 8 km, I had to increase my pace slowly. At one time, I was thinking of giving up but somehow maintained my pace. There was an uphill where I slowed down with a high cadence until I reached the top. There I got a cheer-up at the right spot from friends, so from there I tried to increase my pace slightly, but not too much, so that my recovery would not be hampered. Finally, I finish strong. I was surprised that I gained 2 minutes from my target time, which is 43 minutes and 41 seconds.
I met Raman and Santosh at the finishing line, which was a great experience. Then Dr. Rajesh was there, took some photos, shared our experience, and got us to cool down. Our breathing started becoming normal. I had my food, which I got saved, which I planned to eat at 6 km. I did a cool-down run followed by stretching. I've met so many runners with super happy faces, and some are not that satisfied. After an hour of celebration, I planned to move from the venue, got my motorcycle, and headed back home. At home, I got good Indian food and did some form of rolling where I felt my right was a bit tight, so I asked some friends how their recovery was. I got some ideas from Santhosh's GRC coach to do icing and apply pain relief lotion. Even so, I took some pain relief massage on Tuesday. Now, I am feeling much better.
Overall, a superb experience Thanks to everyone, like Latesh, GRC, and family members, for their efforts as well. Santhosh for sharing his insight and giving confidence, training, and direction for acing this race. Nandini and Aishwarya for support and direction. To all GRC friends for helping each other as and when needed.
I celebrated this race with tonnes of idlis and some sweets, sharing the same experience with friends and family.
Thursday's @TCS10k Expo was a surprise for me. Mr. Akhil has supported and motivated me to participate in the competition of running on a treadmill, which I ran, to my surprise, in sandals. And I won a pair of super-comfortable Skechers Pure 3 shoes.
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