The Fall and Rise of a Runner

If you look at my last three half marathons, they all follow the same frustrating pattern. Each took me more than 2 hours 30 minutes. Some may say that’s not bad, but to me, it feels worse—because in my very first half-marathon, I clocked 2 hours 14 minutes.

In all three races, I ran strongly for 10–12 km, then ended up walking. Pain in my legs forced me to slow down. After the first and second runs, I told myself it was because of lack of training. But when the third run followed the same script, it began to trouble me deeply.

 I have always been a consistent performer. I knew the best way to run a marathon was at a constant pace, and I used to do it. I even ran negative splits without knowing its meaning. That was my natural style. My progress in running was fast: my first 5K was on 28th September 2023, and by 25th September 2024, I had already finished my first full marathon.

So what happened?
Have I become weak? Have I grown complacent?
Why can’t I perform anymore? Is it really a lack of training? Or is it something as trivial as retiring my favourite pair of shoes?

It started in December 2024, when I shifted my flat. I moved to a better place, but distances grew longer. I could not bring that consistency, whether in running or the gym.

Now the running season is here again. Will I be able to break my records? Last year, I ran the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon in 1 hour 49 minutes. My goal for this year was ambitious: to join the 1 hour 30 minutes league. But today, it feels far out of reach.

Still, I know this much: my why is intact. My love for running hasn’t changed. And that’s enough.

See, I will rise again.
Do not ask me how.
Just watch me do it.

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