You know how they say, "It’s not the destination, it’s the journey"? Well, Vineeta Singh, Shark Tank India judge and marathon enthusiast, just made that saying her reality.
Recently, she crossed the finish line of a 42 km marathon, clocking a personal best of 3:58:21. But what truly stands out is her humility: "17 years, 14 Mumbai marathons, almost 15,000 km of running to hit a Sub 4," she shared, before emphasizing how grateful she was for the process rather than the result itself.

This got me thinking—running a marathon is far more than just putting one foot in front of the other for 42 kilometers. It’s about perseverance, mental toughness, and the ability to believe in yourself when your body is screaming for rest. As Himanshu Gakhar, marathon runner and fitness expert, puts it, "The real challenge is not the distance but believing you can do it."
Running a marathon is like running your own personal gauntlet of self-doubt and physical limits. But according to Gakhar, you don’t need to sprint your way to the finish line from day one. "Start small—walk, then run, and slowly increase your distance." Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a marathoner. Building your endurance takes time—around four months of consistent, thoughtful training
Incorporating short runs and gradual distance increases builds both physical stamina and mental resilience. The key is to stay steady, like the tortoise in the race, rather than the hare. But, as anyone who’s ever run a race knows, consistency is the glue that holds it all together.
Now, let’s talk about fuel. Marathon running is like a car—it needs the right kind of fuel to keep going. As fitness experts suggest, your diet should be packed with lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Hydration? It's your best friend, too. Gakhar recommends sipping on water or sports drinks every 10-15 minutes during long runs to keep your body from hitting the dreaded wall.
And when race day approaches, don’t forget about carb-loading—high-carb, moderate-protein meals with low fats and fiber will set you up for success. You’ll also want to balance electrolytes, something Dr. Irfan Shaikh swears by to keep energy levels up and fatigue at bay.
Ultimately, the journey from 5 km to 42 km isn’t just a physical one—it’s a test of your heart and mind. So, if you’ve got a dream (or a marathon) in your sights, go for it! The road may be long, but it’s always worth it when you cross that line.