On September 25 2022, I participated in the 48th BMW Berlin Marathon, and my second Marathon.
Here is my personal race report.
Disclaimer: This post is full of me-myself-and-I vanity. Perhaps, I’m discovering myself through this act.
I woke up that morning before my alarm rang. Anxiety does that to me.
Anyways, I put on my running gear, stretched a bit, and ate a banana. I had already pinned my race bib to my singlet and laid out the running gear the previous night. Next, I headed off for the starting line, filled with anticipation.
My goals for the race were clear:
Never walk during the race. I didn’t train to walk this race.
Do not worry about any quantitative metrics like pace, or time.
My strategy was simple as well:
Start extremely slow.
Pick the pace up in the last 10k, if possible.
Refuel and hydrate every 5k.
With the plan sorted out, I had to just execute it. Through experience, I’ve discovered that execution is the harder part for me. I need to improve those skills. However, for the moment, I will have to make do with what I am.
The race organizers had reserved a section of the Tiergarten as the official starting zone. On my way there, I noticed quite a few runners heading for the race. I wished them strength and good luck. After a short warm up jog in the park, I decided to race in my singlet so I checked-in my jacket, along with my post-run utilities.
After further stretching, I reached my assigned starting wave at 9:30 AM. Around 9:40AM, I crossed the starting line and began my race. The weather was absolutely perfect for running - light cloud cover with neither sun nor wind.
Everything went smoothly till the 30k mark. I met a few friends who had come to support me. I was happy to realize that I was following the plan. I had a spring in my step.
After the 30k mark, I heard a lot of fellow runners grunting and catching their breaths. I saw agony on their faces. I wonder whether it was just due to the physical pain we all were experiencing? Maybe there was something more to it.
I noticed few runners walking on the sidelines. As soon as I spotted this, I knew the game was about to start. My body would soon want to give in as well. I prepared to be head strong. I believed in my capabilities but I also knew this would need everything I have got.
I had to briefly stop after the 34k mark to pee in somebody’s garden. In that moment, I realized that my body was physically exhausted.
Running was not fun anymore. Every step was pure pain, and I was suffering. Every moment was a test. Supporters encouraged us all on. But everything annoyed me at that point.
Yet, my stubborn brain would not give up. Somehow I managed to persevere. Perhaps, it was my resolve to not stop until I finish the race. Perhaps, I was annoyed with myself for some reason, and wanted to prove a point.
I’ll never figure out this for sure. Anyways, I focused on my breathing, and tried to maintain a rhythm.
Somewhere after 38k, my brain stopped recognizing the fact that I was running. Just like that! It was an extremely strange sensation. The act of running felt almost natural to my being - just like breathing. Nothing entered my conscious in those moments. Not the crowd, not the music, no thoughts. I simply focused straight ahead. All the pain, and resentment subsided for a while. I felt content with myself - whatever I was in that moment. Maybe the pain had numbed my head too. I believe I will never figure this mystery out.
At the 41k mark, I met few more friends. That energized me to finish the race strong. After crossing the finish line, I felt relief. Everybody was tired at the finish line. But we congratulated each other. I took my medal, grabbed a isotonic beer and continued walking to collect my checked-in bag. I found a spot in the park to lay down and stretch. After a while, I managed to get up, changed into dry clothes, and headed for a well-deserved lunch with friends.
It’s been a week. Thankfully, I can feel my legs again. It’s possible for me to walk down the staircase.
Huge kudos to Eliud for breaking the World Record yet again. Retrospectively, I feel extremely privileged to be a part of such an historic event. Considering my average running abilities, I’m still proud of myself to not give up during the 18 weeks of hard training.
I’m extremely grateful for my friends who cheered me on at various stages of the race. I could not have done this without you.
To my fellow runners, I’m inspired by each one of us.
See you at the next starting line!