My 1st, 12hrs Stadium Run Experience
(Sunday, 29th August, 2021) – 5.30 am to 5.30 pm
Venue: Wings Sport Ground, Opp. Lilavati Hospital, Reclamation, Bandra (W).
Organised by: Ageas Federal Life Insurance, NEB Sports
A tale with twist, an interesting read for you all.
Not going much deep in the past, but let's glance superficially.
In the year 2005 I faced an accident and had a major fracture in my left leg. Got operated on 1st January 2006 and fixed the rod from knee to ankle. It took 6 months to get back on my legs and a year to be back to normal walking. After that for almost 10 years I was busy with my business and led a physically inactive life, means no exercise or walk. Zero activities. In my profession I have to sit on a chair in front of the computer for 8-10hrs or even more. This took me to a weight of 86kg. In the year 2015 due to tension, stress and overweight suffered from Hypertension. Was admitted in hospital in December 2015, underwent Angiography, 2d Echo, Stress test etc. On hospital bed I decided that I wouldn’t want to die unhealthy and I will change my lifestyle. Next year (2016) I will run at least one marathon (That time I don’t know what marathon was). After getting discharged from hospital, I started walking in our society compound. One of our society members, Mr. Atul Shah, had been forcing me to do yoga, walk for the last 3-4 years, but always denied him. So as per my decision to run a marathon I searched on the internet how to train myself for Marathon and I found a website named RUNNERS ACADEMY, founded by Mr. Kaushik Panchal. I contacted him and joined RA on1st Feb, 2016 and in the same month I ran my 1st 10k in 86min.
After that I never looked back on my health issues. Because of systematic and scientific training in the last six years I learnt a lot and developed my physique too. I lost almost 18kg. During these six years I ran many 10km Run, Half Marathon (21.1k), Marathon (42.2k). Ran in different terrains, like Satara, Bhopal, Ladakh, Gujarat. Stood 2nd in 10k run at Goregaon Sports Club event. My 21k best timing was 2.15hrs and for 10k is 58min. This was all possible with discipline, hard work and dedication.
Now coming to my 12hrs Stadium Run, in the year 2017, RA Teams ran for 12hrs and 12hrs Team Relay. I was not aware of what it was. I just went to capture photographs and cheer the RA members. I saw Kaushik sir running for 12hrs and other members running for 12hrs Team Relay (Means 6 runners run for 2hrs each). After that event I asked Kaushik sir, can I run this event. Sir said yes you can. So I decided to run the same event. So I started practice in march 2018 and the event was in July 2018. For this event I worked hard and focused on my diet too. I successfully completed the Run 18k in 2hrs. Again in 2019 I ran the same event for 2hrs.
In the year 2020 due to the pandemic there was no event. After unlocking in 2021 again we started outdoor training. During lockdown I attended almost all online strength classes with 98% attendance.
In the month of May-June I came to know about the 12hrs Stadium Run event in August 2021. I asked Kaushik sir, that I want to participate in this 12hrs. Kaushik sir told me no you can't (As per my experience Kaushik sir always has a reason to approve or disapprove. He knows what is right or wrong for all members, so I always follow and accept his decision). So, as per Kaushik sir answer I dropped the idea to run a 12hrs stadium event. After some days I came to know a few runners running the 12hrs Stadium Run event and I felt very bad (for a while) for KP sir, why and how he allowed them and not me. I just opened my heart to one of my Running buddies. He directly asked Kaushik sir why you did so. Kaushik sir replied that I know Nitinbhai’s problem. He has a rod in his left leg and he has had heart problems in the past so I stopped him. When I came to know about this from my running buddy, respect for Kaushik sir became more for me. How he takes care of members.
After some days Bindu Mam called me and told me to do a 12hrs Stadium run Event. But I told her that I dropped the idea and it's not my cup of tea. She told me that this year the Organisers had reduced the minimum kilometers of completion. I told Bindu maam ok I will let you know. I didn't want to take part in this event because I was not confident. Again One day Kaushik sir called me and insisted that I take part in this event. I had the same answer to Kaushik sir that I don’t want to take part in this event as I was not confident and ready to run. Kaushik sir told me why he said no the first time and now encouraged me to run. After that discussion I asked him to give me a plan, first I will practice and after sometime I would let him know whether I will run this event or not, to which he agreed.
It was almost the end of June 2021 when I started my practice. For this event one more member from Chikoowadi was practicing, but due to his injury he withdrew his name. Kaushik sir told me 12hrs Stadium Run is totally different from any other event (Means 21k and 42k) 12hrs is totally mind game with your physical strength. So I have to practice on a Heart rate basis. As I have to take care of myself in all aspects, as I am already running 53 years. So from the beginning I decided that I will totally practice on an HR basis. Kaushik sir gave me the upcoming 10 Sunday’s programme. My 1st task was 25k on 27th June 2021. One of my tasks was to run for 6hrs after 4 Sundays, so I told Kaushik sir that I will finalise my registration after this 6hrs run. But sir told me to get registered first and if you feel not comfortable you can withdraw your form. But I didn’t register as I was not confident. My plus point is that I'm very much regular for online and offline sessions and I always follow Ajit sir’s and Kaushik sir’s instructions. I never tried to overrule the coach's instructions. With my Sunday long run Task I started focusing on my diet too. Started carrying my lunch and dinner with me in the office. I started taking lunch by 12.45pm and dinner by 6pm in the office only. So, as soon as I reached home I got time for 1/1.5hr walk, jog and run. I started night walk-jog practice along with a day session and long run. On off days I use to run 1/1.5hr extra running practice.
On 25th July 2021 we had a 4hrs Running Task. As I just completed my 4hrs run, I came to know that our running buddy and member of RA CW Branch Vaibhav Chokhawala had expired due to cardiac arrest. We were all shocked. He was so fit but how this happened no one knows. After his death my well wishers told me to drop the idea of running 12hrs. But I told them don’t worry I'm just doing practice, if I feel uncomfortable I will drop the idea. Next Sunday we had a 6hrs task. I joined with Thakur village runners. I started my run from my home and went to TV. I kept a strategy of 7:3 (7min run, 3min walk) during the run. Vishal Chaturvedi was practicing for 9 hrs. For approx 2hrs he ran with me and paced me. He gave many tips about running for 12hrs. During this 6hrs practice run I covered 42k and gained confidence and finalised to run 12hrs. Throughout the practice I kept my 7:3 run strategy and kept watching my Heart Rate and controlling my HR. One thing is most imp for a 12hrs run you must be very patient. For 10k, 21k or even 42k you will get a running partner or pacer but for 12hrs you have to go with yourself. So one needs to develop this skill too. As KP sir told us, don't try new things during event, whatever you want to try, try during practice. So I ordered a GU Gel which I never used before. During my long run I tried GU Gel to replenish electrolytes and energy. Dr. Sonali shared her experience with me that don’t try GU Gel and Enerzal together, it may create problems.
After this task we had a 3hrs task on coming Sunday. But before that we had to run 2hrs on Saturday Evening/Night and with tired legs had to run 3hrs next day. For this 3hrs task Ajit sir told me lets plan this 3hrs run task from Borivali to Siddhivinayak. Ajit sir started running from Borivali his residence and met me at M. G. Road S. V. Road Kandivali Junction. In RA All coaches are different. Kaushik sir focuses and trains us on HR based and Ajit sir on pace. For this 3hrs run task I thought I would run the same as per my strategy 7:3, but Ajit sir pulled me in a different way. He told me to Run as per his strategy. So, I said ok let's try your technique too. So Ajit sir told me let's run from Malad to Goregaon, after a 2min break, Goregaon to Jogeshwari, Jogeshwari to Irla Derasar, where we took a slightly bigger break for water filling and GU Gel break. We reached Siddhivinayak dot on time and finished our task in 3hrs. I felt so confident after this task. This practice helped me during the 12hrs Event in the last 3hrs. Thank you Ajit sir for this wonderful training.
After that we had a 42k task which was our last long run before the final event. I decided to run this task in CW and that also 300mtrs round CW Joggers Park. I started my run by 5.30am. After some time Pradeep joined me. He ran 32k with me. Ajit sir also joined me, Dimple too. Kaushik sir told us don’t go all out and complete 42k before 6hrs. We had to complete 42k between 6-7hrs. So I kept my pace as per that but weather was too supportive on that day and I completed my run in 6.12hrs. This task was on 15th August and event on 29th August 2021. so we now had 15days to go and this 15 days was our taper down period. After this task KP sir told us to focus on our diet and rest during these 15 days. I ran very less and did max. walk. Now I started carb loading in my diet. Started eating rice, roti, sweet potatoes etc. During this 15 day I attended an offline session and did a slow run.
Last Sunday before the event we had a 5k HR based task at Thakur Village but for us 2hrs hr based run. But I did only 1hr run with all RA members. That day Brooks Team gave us T-shirts & Water Bottle, which we had to wear on Race day.
I missed one thing to mention that for this event Kaushik sir took all required precautions. He told us to do a full body checkup, all blood tests, ecg, 2d echo, Family Dr. Fitness Certificate and all and we did everything. Even during practice we too took care of ourselves, no over workout or running. For example of Rajesh Sawant as soon as he got to know about his injuries he dropped the idea of running this event. KP sir told us that this is not the last event. If you are safe, run next time too.
Last seven days were very anxious, we all were under pressure, because we participated in this event for the first time. Even Bindu Mam was so excited about her run. Because of this anxiety I had pain in various parts of the body. Some time in the knee, ankle, joints etc…. For me venue was also unknown, so I decided to go personally to the venue to collect my bib. I went with Dr. Sonali. We reached the venue and collected our BIB and took some pictures on the track where on Sunday we were going to run for 12hrs.
Saturday a day before the event. I got up in the morning, had my breakfast, and packed my bag. Took 2 pairs of shoes, 5 t-shirts, 3 shorts, GU Gel, Enerzal packet, Towel, Cap, Slippers and all required things. I had Mixed Dal, Rice & Paratha watched comedy movies and passed my time. Sharp by 6.30pm I had Masala Khichdi and Curd and later had papaya. Papaya helps to clean your bowels. Booked my cab for the next morning. Went to bed by 8.30 pm sharp.
Next day morning I got up by 2.45am to get fresh, take a bath and get ready. Sharp 3.30 cab driver called me. I told him to come but I have to wait for 5min. He told me please call me when you come down. I checked my bag once again, mainly my BIB and shoes. Came down and called the cab driver but he didn’t pick up my call. I tried a number of times but no reply. It was 4 o’clock and I was tensed. All of a sudden one rickshaw came and stopped near me. I told him I booked a cab. If he will not come in 5min I will go by your Auto but you have to wait and he agreed. He waited for me. I tried to call the cab Driver but no reply so I cancelled my cab and took the auto. It was a nice decorative auto and the driver was also a very good person. He dropped my at the venue by 4.35am. I was now feeling good, no pressure and tension. Met Dr. Sonali, Suman, Rajesh, Rajendra, Bindumam and Vishal who was already running for 24hrs. First we went to the Baggage Counter and kept our luggage. Got ready, did some warm up and clicked photos. Organisers gave a call to get all 12hrs runners at the starting line.
And Race began. Sharp 5.30am with hail of Ganpati baapa morya we started our 12hrs Run. Weather was hot and humid. I started my run slow and as per 7:3. It was dark and cloudy too. Completed my first lap. As I decided I will cover 42k in the first half of 6hrs so I kept going as per the 7:3 strategy.
For 12hrs and 24hrs runners Track 1,2 3 & 4 were reserved and track 5-8 for 12hrs Team Relay Runner. This event had 4 categories. 1st 24hrs, 2nd 12hrs, 3rd 100k in 12hrs and 12hrs Team Relay (6 runners run for 2hrs each). So those who ran for 100k in 12hrs we had to leave track 1. Now the condition of this event is that they count no. of lap you cover not distance covered shown in your watch. So if you run on track 1 the distance is 400 metres. And if you run on track 3-4 lap distance comes 430, but organiser counted only 400mtr per lap. So if your watch shows 70k but the final result may come 65k.
In the first 3 hrs as per my plan I had to cover 20k but I cover 23k. So I thought in the next 3 hrs if I keep my pace the same then I may cover 44-46k. After 3hrs I took a 7 min break. Went to the washroom, did some stretching and had my 1st GU Gel. Again I started my run. I slowed myself down a little bit, because I know that this is a game of 12hrs and distance. Anyhow, I have to sustain for 12hrs. After 3hrs the weather was a little good, cloudy and windy too. So no sunshine. In the next 3 hrs. Ajit sir and Dolly came to cheer up. After some time, members of CW came to cheer us up. KD, Kamiya, Chitra, Bhaveshbhai, Rahul, they brought watermelon juice for all of us. After having that juice, felt very fresh. I covered 19k and achieved my target of 42k in 6hrs.
After 6hrs I took a break of 15 min for stretching, washroom, changing t-shirt and Food intake. I had one pc of Idli, 2-3 spoons of Upma and Tea. After this break, again I started my walk. I took an easy walk of almost 2 laps. When I felt comfortable I started running again. Now it was almost 12noon and it started raining. After approx 10min of rain, all the clouds were gone and the sun was shining like nothing, feeling too hot and humid. It was very difficult to run. But I kept moving by walking and jogging.
Shailesh Honrao, husband of Dr. Sonali was on toes since morning 5am. Gradually one by one RA members came to cheer up. I saw Vishal who was running for 24hrs was running superbly. Dr. Sonali, Rajesh, Suman, Rajendra also going fantastically strong. During run I had a talk with Binduman. She was running her 6th 12hrs. She only ran this time for us who ran for the first time. She keeps her eyes on all of us and asks how we feel, all ok? etc….
Now I was focusing on my 1st target covering 65k which was the least to be covered in 12hrs. After every 2hrs organiser declared lap covered by runners. Last 3hrs, I felt out of energy and tired. It was hot and humid too. We poured too much water on our head, back and on legs. Support from the organisation was superb. On the counter we had banana, salt, watermelon, dates, coca cola, cold water, ice etc. Had full support of the Dr team and Physiotherapists. Before event Kaushik sir told me to keep a protein pack with me and to consume if required during the run. I told sir, I never tried protein during my run. Sir says it's ok. So after 9hrs I took the 1st pack of Protein which gave me super freshness and power too. During the long run it is good to have protein which repairs our muscles too. So I had 2 packs in the last 3hrs. I covered 19k in the last 3 hrs so as per my watch it came 76.45k after 12hrs and as per organiser lap count it came 71.2k which was more than enough for me which I never kept as my target. Finishing my run injury free is most important. I crossed the finishing line by 5.28pm and stopped, but Vishal came and told me Nitinbhai you have one more lap to cover because you cross the mat 2min before so your this lap also counts. And I again started running to cover my last lap. Thank you Vishal for this tip.
During the last 2hrs max RA members were present on ground to cheer up. Bindu mam told me NS conserve power because in the last 2hrs when RA members come to cheer you, you can't control yourself so keep power back up. As I started walking, they all shout at me Bhago Nitinbhai Bhago…and I couldn't stop running.
All hard work pays. All credit goes to Founder Coach Kaushik sir, CW Coach Ajitsir, Bindumam, Ketan Sir, Yogesh sir and Ruby Mam, all Ra members for motivation and support. As I had promised Kaushik sir, after 12hrs event I will go to my office next day and I kept my promise which is the best part of RA's Training. Kaushik sir told us, train your self like that you can go to office next day after any big event.
This was a big big achievement for me. Thank you God for this wonderful opportunity and My Wife Kasturi without her support this would not be possible. Thank you, Bindumam for all your support, Dr. Sonali, Suman, Vishal, Rajesh & Rajendra a big big thank you for all your support, motivation, guidance for 12hrs Stadium Run. Hope we all and many more RA members join us for 12hrs Stadium Run.
