The Melbourne Marathon 2024

Crossing the finish line of the Melbourne Marathon was a journey that tested my limits, forced me to confront my doubts, and ultimately, taught me valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit.

The road to Melbourne wasn't a smooth, effortless one. At the 4km mark, a sharp pain ripped through my left calf. It was a moment of doubt, a moment where many would have stopped. But something inside me refused to give up. I pushed through the pain for the next 38km, gritting my teeth and pushing my body to its limits. The experience left me with a damaged left calf, and a limp, and currently undergoing physiotherapy.

Should I have stopped? Looking back, it’s a question that haunts me. But those moments of pain, those moments of questioning everything, are the moments that define us. They teach us that we are capable of far more than we think. They force us to confront our doubts and find the strength to keep moving forward.

The marathon also reinforced the importance of the seven key lessons I took away from this experience:

1. It's not just about natural ability; it's about showing up day after day, even when it's hard.

2. There are no shortcuts to success. It takes dedication and effort.

3. Life throws curveballs. Being able to adjust and overcome challenges is crucial.

4. We can't sprint through everything. Managing our energy and resources is key for long-term success.

5. Belief in yourself is a powerful tool.

6. Every milestone is a stepping stone to the next challenge.

7. We can't do it alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.

But the most important lesson I learned from Melbourne, a lesson that will stay with me long after the pain subsides, is the power of pushing through. It's about understanding that our minds can overcome even the most challenging physical limitations. It's about the grit and determination that makes us who we are.

And yes, I might be limping, but I'm still here. I'm still pushing forward. And the Melbourne Marathon, despite the pain, pushed me closer to my goals.

This year, I've already completed four marathons with Mumbai TCS (5.36 hours), Dehradun (PB achieved 14 days before Melbourne), and now, Melbourne (5.18 hours). I see the progress, and I’ll continue to strive for better.

The journey continues. And I’m grateful for every step, every challenge, every victory, and every lesson learned along the way.