NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2024: A Journey of Persistence

The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2024 was an unforgettable experience for me, filled with highs and lows, challenges, and personal triumphs. It was an event that tested my physical and mental limits, reminding me once again why long-distance running is as much a battle of the mind as it is of the body.

A Strong Start

The race began on a high note. From the very first step, I could feel the energy in my body pushing me forward. I was running 10-15 seconds faster per kilometer than my planned pace. At that point, it felt like everything was falling into place perfectly—my breathing was smooth, my legs were fresh, and the course, despite Hyderabad's notorious hills, felt manageable. Every runner knows the bliss of those early kilometers when you feel invincible, and I was riding that wave of energy.

Distance Anxiety at 27-28 km

However, the halfway mark always signals the beginning of the real challenge. Around 27-28 kilometers, I started experiencing something I hadn’t anticipated—distance anxiety. As I edged closer to the daunting 30km mark, my mind began playing tricks on me. Suddenly, 12 kilometers seemed like an eternity, and every step felt heavier than the last. At this point, I had to remind myself to stay focused and mentally strong, even as doubts crept in.

Upper Back, Shoulder Pain, and Breathing Issues

Around the same time, I began to feel an ache in my upper back and shoulders. It started as a mild discomfort, but it quickly affected my form. With the pain spreading, my breathing became irregular. I had to slow down and focus on controlling my breaths, but every inhalation felt laborious. This was a critical moment in the race where my pace began to slip from the plan.

Falling Behind and Core Fatigue

The marathon journey is as much about preparation as it is about execution, and here I realized I hadn’t trained my core enough. With every step, I could feel the lack of core stability affecting my performance, especially on Hyderabad's hilly urban course (HU) that has many loops. The hills demanded more than just leg strength; they tested my overall endurance. Every climb felt harder, and the loops made it mentally tough to push through.

The Strong Finish

Despite all these challenges, I managed to dig deep in the final stretch. Though I finished 8 minutes behind my planned time, I crossed the finish line with a strong surge of energy. It was one of those moments that felt hard-earned, and in retrospect, the delay didn’t matter as much as the fact that I completed the race with resilience.

A Well-Organized Event

One thing that stood out throughout the marathon was the excellent organization. From the sag support to the well-thought-out breakfast arrangements at the end, the organizers made sure runners were well taken care of. The water stations were well-placed, and there were ample medical staff and volunteers throughout the course, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone.

In the end, the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2024 was more than just a race; it was a learning experience. Every runner faces their own battles on the course, and for me, it was about overcoming mental and physical hurdles to reach that finish line. And despite the struggles, the sense of accomplishment is something I’ll carry forward into my future races.