I completed a half-marathon today after nearly a decade. Reflecting on this journey, it's surprising I managed to conquer the 21k. Just last March, I was laid low by a severe case of sciatica, alongside a couple of exhausting road trips. In May and June, I faced challenges: walking was difficult, my legs cramped, and I often felt pins and needles. I explored numerous remedies—physiotherapy, acupuncture, pressure techniques—but nothing seemed to work.
Vinay Ganatra is an exceptional practitioner integrating acupuncture, yoga, and various techniques and has a clinic in Bandra. He said "Why don't you just walk?" He mentioned that my walking style was straining my hamstrings and affecting blood flow in my legs. This insight was eye-opening. It appeared the sciatica exerted pressure, worsening with each step in those crucial months.
Fortune smiled when I found myself in the UK in Oct 2024 and started to walk again for about an hour regularly. Yet, upon returning to India, the challenge intensified—I could barely manage 2 or 3 kilometers initially. Persistence paid off as 5k walks became manageable, paving the way for 10k walks in under two hours last week. These efforts bolstered my confidence, pushing me to attempt the full 21k.
Any seasoned runner knows the magic of muscle memory: my body simply remembered, propelling me forward. The Tata Mumbai Marathon inspired this effort, allowing anyone to join a virtual run from anywhere in the world with just registration and their app.
A small downside revealed itself: the TMM app, unlike the Apple Watch, tends to under-calculate distances. Oddly enough, this made the run feel slightly easier—perhaps by 5%.
What did I learn from this experience? I've struggled with weight issues in recent years, partly due to Covid and partly due to laziness and a lack of motivation. However, today's half-marathon walk, with its intense focus, served as a pivotal moment. I hope it marks the beginning of a renewed fitness journey.
Share this post