In the heart of Mumbai, amidst the rhythmic pounding of thousands of feet against the pavement, Pratik emerged as a triumphant figure, conquering not just the race but also the personal challenges he had set for himself. The journey to this moment began a year ago when he ran the TMM-23 in 4:27:02, an experience that left him feeling unprepared and weak.
Determined to rewrite his story, Dr. Pratik Tantia marked the beginning of his self-training for TMM-24 during TAAVDO 2023, an annual event organized by the Udaipur Cycling Club in June. This month-long event proved to be the catalyst for his transformation, as he covered an impressive 427 km, earning a gold medal with 8 HM+ distances.
The road to TMM-24 was paved with challenges, including the VDHM on 15 October 2023, where Pratik achieved commendable results but still felt a void, realizing he was missing the joy in his runs. Determined to find the balance between pushing his limits and enjoying the journey, he continued his training with a renewed focus on the fun factor.
November saw him completing his first 50k, and December witnessed the culmination of his efforts with four full marathon distance runs, including a back-to-back on the 29th and 30th. Initially aiming for a sub-4 FM at TMM-24, Pratik recognized the pressure was causing stress and anxiety. As a reminder that running was his stress-buster and not a professional pursuit, he decided to prioritize enjoying the race over chasing a specific time goal.
On the day of the race, everything was finely tuned, and Pratik made a conscious effort to savor every moment. Despite a minor distance glitch early on, he embraced the unexpected twist as a blessing in disguise. The initial pressure to make up for lost time soon dissipated as he found himself immersed in the vibrant streets of Mumbai, fueled by the incredible crowd support.
Around the 27k mark, a wave of gratitude and joy swept over him, and the next 7-8 kilometers became a magical experience. Despite facing cramps at Peddar Road (36-37k), Pratik’s determination to enjoy the race prevailed. Cold sponges, hydration, and a brief pause for self-massage became tools to enhance the experience rather than obstacles.
As he crossed the 40k mark at 3:50 into the race, the sub-4 FM goal slipped away due to the cramps. Undeterred, Pratik sprinted towards the finish line with a smile on his face, completing the race in a personal best time of 4:02:02—25 minutes faster than TMM-23 (Strava Link). The victory was not just in the time achieved but in the realization that the journey was meant to be enjoyed.
While the elusive sub-4 FM goal may require more time, training, and experience, Pratik’s priorities remain unwavering—enjoy the run and stay strong. Grateful for the unwavering support from the Almighty, his family, and friends, Pratik’s inspiring story echoes beyond the finish line, reminding us all to embrace the joy in our pursuits.
