My 1st Half Marathon was on 28th August, 2022 at Hyderabad Marathon @nmdchyderabadmarathon. This is my first half marathon after started running around a year back. I was slightly nervous but also confident of completing in around 2 hours and 20-30 minutes. It was a challenging route with 5 big flyovers and 2-3 rolling hills. The weather was horrible. It is the toughest city marathon in India. I am happy that I could complete it to my satisfaction.
Focused more on efforts without worrying about pace. Slightly conservative in the first half. After 1-2 kms, I came in zone and kept that zone throughout, except on hills made sure that I am not huffing and puffing. Water/electrolytes every 2 kms, gel after 8 and 16 kms, salt tab after an hour and pouring water over head every 4-5 kms to get cooler. The route is fantastic, passing through Governor’s residence, Banjara hills, Golden Gate Bridge and Hi Tech city. The route was also full of school children cheering, people around clapping and also, saw the police band outside Governor’s Bunglow and towards end. I was acknowledging cheering crowds, high-fived the school kids to share energy and get motivation.
The stay at Hyderabad was not good at Amruta Castle. I had to change the hotel in middle of night so I can take some rest.
Apart from Hotel, It was overall a fantastics 1st Marathon experience. Hope more to come in coming years.
Thanks to my family members , Neha( home coach 😀), Nitish, Yogarshi and Vidya for their encouragement and suggestions. Neha , Yogarshi and Nitish are also runners so it helps me to discuss any running issues with them. Also thanks my friends, coach @atulmotiv8s and also running group members who gave valuable suggestions for the route.