A decade-long journey of a recreational runner! 

Elevating to Half Marathon

After the strong finish in 10K, I started getting a strange feeling from within -- to go for more! I was slowly but surely getting tempted to try the next level --.the half-marathon. But, I was well aware that it was more than double the distance and would take that much more effort.

Finished my first Half-marathon in 2 hours 16 minutes

After participating in a couple more 10K races in local events over the next six months, I started preparing seriously for a half-marathon in 2013. Since I was finding it tough to spare time during weekdays, I started practicing during weekends.

I gave myself a couple of months and planned my weekend practice sessions in such a way that I could increase the running distance steadily with each passing week. My aim was to make my body comfortable in running longer distances without feeling fatigue.

Despite my planning, I couldn't go beyond 18 km of continuous running. Hence I devised my race plan such that I would be running at least 18 km (as practiced) at a stretch and then would be walking rest of the distance in case I got tired and was unable to continue running. My rough target was to finish the race in 2 hours 30 minutes.

But the enthusiasm of race day kept me going beyond 18 km, I could beat my target as I completed the race in 2 hours and 16 minutes.