24 Weeks Later: A running Saga

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Tomorrow marks 24 weeks since I laced up my shoes and decided to run again—starting from early March. If you compare my first and most recent runs, the difference in conditioning is like comparing a rusty bicycle to a well-oiled machine.

The Numbers:

  • 6th March: 4 km non-stop | Avg pace: 7:00 min/km | Avg/Max HR: 161/176
  • 27th March: 5 km non-stop | Avg pace: 7:25 min/km | Avg/Max HR: 146/152
  • 15th August: 4 km non-stop | Avg pace: 6:29 min/km | Avg/Max HR: 145/152

That first run? Felt like jump-starting a tractor that had been abandoned in a field for months. My heart rate was screaming, “What are you doing to me?” But I was determined to make this comeback different. So I ditched pace obsession and embraced heart rate training—hello, Zone 2.

By 27th March, I was running strictly within Zone 2, resulting in a leisurely 7:25 min/km pace. Fast forward to 15th August—24 weeks and 880 km later—and I cruised through 4 km at 6:29 min/km. My heart rate barely broke a sweat (figuratively speaking).

The Long Game:

Over the last three weeks, I cautiously ramped up my long runs: 18 km, 20 km, and another 20 km. All were run at a steady 6:22–6:31 min/km pace with an average heart rate of 150–155. Running >90% of my sessions at an easy pace seems to have paid off. I now feel equipped to finish (not race) a half-marathon without collapsing into a heap of regret.

But therein lies the dilemma. I’ve avoided speed work to protect my Soleus and dodge the dreaded Compartment Syndrome. No strides, no sprints—just mileage and patience.

The Sharpener:

To add a little spice before race day, I did a couple of progressive pacing runs over the last two weeks. After warming up, I ran 5–6 loops of 800 meters, gradually increasing my heart rate from Zone 2 (150 bpm) to the edge of Threshold (170 bpm). Why? Because I have no clue what my threshold pace is anymore.

For someone coming off a long running hiatus, this felt like a smart move. It reduced injury risk and kept my ego in check. Even then, I didn’t chase pace—just gently nudged my heart rate from 150 to 160, 165, and finally 170. The fastest I hit was around 8:45 min/mile, with an average of 9:00 min/mile over 4–5 km.

The Big Question:

So, what time should I aim for tomorrow’s half-marathon?

This is where irony kicks in and ego takes a hit. Back in 2009–2012, I’d scoff at anyone who overthought a 2-hour half-marathon. I ran my first one in 1:53 with minimal prep, and the next year clocked 1:35. Ah, the arrogance of youth—how I miss it.

Now, do I run as a wise veteran, pacing conservatively? Or channel my inner gladiator and go for glory, surge and all? That’s the question—Jack Daniels said it. Or maybe Shakespeare. Who knows?

Maybe I’ll take the middle path. Start with the 2-hour pacer, but don’t get clingy. Target 57 minutes for the first 10 km—that’s bang on 2:00 pace. If things feel shaky, hold steady. If the race mojo kicks in (despite the horrendous course), or I spot a cute runner ahead, may the running gods grant me speed—without upsetting Parul, of course.

Once I hit 16–17 km, it’s every runner for themselves. Weather, willpower, and wild instincts take over. Sounds like a plan. Might just try it for the heck of it.

 

What’s Next?

Post-race, I’ll need to decide:

  • Continue cruising at 45–55 km/week, mostly Zone 2?
  • Or commit to a structured training plan for the Tata Mumbai Half Marathon in January 2026?

There are exactly 22 weeks from tomorrow—plenty of time to build speed and structure. But let’s see how tomorrow goes first.

Race Rants:

While we’re on the topic—can someone explain why races in Mumbai don’t offer bib delivery for ₹500? Today, Venkat drove to BKC for a 10-minute bib pickup. Madness.

And don’t get me started on the 5:05 AM race start. That means leaving home at 3:15 AM. Criminal. But hey, no point being cranky the night before the race.

Final Thoughts:

Here’s a table summarizing all 24 weeks—weekly mileage, long run stats, and percentage of long run vs total mileage. I’m genuinely proud of the discipline I’ve shown. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.





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