The Garden City Grind

Farheen Firdose approaches running with a purposeful intent that transcends the ordinary. With personal bests of 18:58 in the 5K, 39:44 in the 10K, 1:28:08 in the half marathon, and 3:15:28 in the full marathon, her athletic journey is shaped by discipline, keen self-awareness, and a nuanced understanding of her own capacities.

“I’ve always been drawn to races that have a deeper purpose, and the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon stands out because it goes beyond running. It’s about honouring the armed forces. We often chase personal milestones, but this time the purpose extended far beyond me. Discipline, respect and unity — is something that I will carry long after the finish line.

Going into the race, my intention was to execute a controlled, methodical effort: maintain steady pacing, examine my physiological capacity, and sustain mental composure throughout.

My coaching involvement with New Balance Run Club Bangalore is only once a month, which allowed me the latitude to construct an uncompromised training block. I built my regimen around assertive long runs, threshold-oriented workouts, and calibrated strength sessions.

One of the proudest moments was the Army band performing the national anthem; the resonance of that collective voice truly gave me goosebumps. Another deeply significant moment was my coach travelling all the way solely to pace me; running beside someone who harbours such faith in you adds an entirely different emotional gravitas. The underpasses proved to be the most taxing portions, demanding heightened neuromuscular focus and power, but surmounting them made the finish extraordinarily.

Ahmedabad’s climate felt warmer and denser than Bengaluru’s crisp mornings, compelling me to be more vigilant about hydration and pacing. Though the terrain was predominantly flat, the atmospheric heaviness reminded me that adaptability is as critical as physical capability.

This experience allowed me to appraise my current state and understand what needs refinement for the forthcoming season. Ahmedabad felt like a pivotal steppingstone — a reminder that each race redefines the trajectory of your journey.”

Leading From the Front

For Prashant Parmar, the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon was more than a race—it was an opportunity to push his own limits and lead by example for his clients and fitness community.

“I wanted to push my own boundaries and lead by example for my clients and fitness community. As a coach, I constantly encourage people to step out of their comfort zone, so I felt it was important to do the same myself. The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is a platform that celebrates fitness, determination and community spirit—values that strongly resonate with me. In my role as a coach, I apply structured training principles not just for myself, but also to guide my clients in building strength, and mental resilience. My training plan was a mix of runs, strength work, mobility training and adequate recovery. I followed a structured weekly routine that included long runs for stamina, interval runs for speed, and strength training sessions to build joint stability and prevent injury. Meditation, proper sleep, and balanced nutrition were also key parts of my mental preparation. Consistence was the most crucial element. It wasn’t about running the longest distance every day—it was about showing up regularly and building gradual progress. Along with that, strength training and recovery played a major role. A strong body reduces the risk of injury, and a recovered body performs better. This marathon reminded me that discipline is not about perfection, it’s about commitment.”

Court to Course

There is something compelling about Vijayalalitha Nemani’s odyssey into long-distance running. She undertook the marathon with measured intent, inspired by veteran runners and impelled by the aspiration to accomplish a formidable endeavor. Integral to her preparation was badminton, a sport requiring quick movements, sudden bursts of speed and precise coordination. The dexterity and kinetic vigour cultivated on the court seamlessly augmented her long-distance conditioning, fortifying strength, equilibrium and overall preparedness.

I have always admired people who complete long-distance runs and I wanted to experience that sense of achievement too. I enjoy staying active and believe running helps me stay healthy and confident. With respect to the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, I was inspired by the organisational skills displayed in all their editions, along with the addition of new elements of motivation and fun.

I followed a simple, nutritious diet and went for a 3 kilometre walk every morning. I maintained an early routine, getting up and sleeping early, while ensuring I stayed well-hydrated.

Badminton is a vigorous game that requires a lot of running, swift movements and coordination of both the muscular and nervous systems. Playing regularly in the evenings on the court helped build my stamina and confidence, enabling me to run with balance. This regular practice played a significant role in keeping me fit for the marathon.

I believe that leading an active lifestyle means eating healthily, exercising consistently, avoiding overthinking and playing your favourite sport. I take care of my fitness by steering clear of habits that hinder active body movement. Prioritising my work schedule and listening to my body’s signals allows me to maintain a balance between fitness, professional and personal responsibilities.

Run and Dusted

Rajesh Rao approached the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon with deliberate resolve, guided by prior experience and the quiet impetus of kindred companions. The race presented subtle exigencies—preternatural hours, unaccustomed heat and shifting rhythm demanded vigilance and composure. Yet, moments of intensity, from the inaugural stride to the final expanse, left an indelible imprint, a convergence of trial and satisfaction.

“Having completed the half marathon three times previously, I was inspired to tackle the 21 kilometre distance this year, motivated further by the camaraderie of a like-minded group of friends. My training regimen was systematic: I began with shorter runs of 5–7 kilometre, progressively extending to 10 kilometre and 15 kilometre over approximately 35 days. Complementing these runs, I incorporated leg-strengthening drills, resistance exercises and brisk walking to optimise muscular efficiency and joint stability.

The race itself presented notable challenges. The unusually early start disrupted my circadian rhythm and elevated temperatures. Frequent hydration and pacing strategies were essential to mitigate fatigue and maintain performance.

Certain moments were particularly striking—the surge of energy at the starting line and the final 100 metres toward the finish imbued the experience with heightened intensity and focus. Physically, I experienced temporary cramps post-race, which were manageable, yet the exertion underscored the body’s adaptability.

Beyond the physical challenge, it offered a deeply personal sense of accomplishment—an affirmation that consistent training, mindful recovery and structured perseverance can transform a formidable objective into a tangible achievement.”