Rukmini Vijayakumar Instagram – I ran my first marathon this morning! I almost didn’t run it, because my right glute has an old dancing injury that’s been acting up on long runs recently.
I ran anyway, because my coach @somyarout2806 believed that I could.
I wish my dad were here. I miss him the most when I do things like this. He taught me that waking early, being consistent with training; being dedicated and passionate when working with the body are most crucial in any discipline. And he never lectured me on it a single day. It was teaching through example. He woke everyday, went to the gym, played badminton, bicycled, ran. It was a part of him. The morning wasn’t right if dad didn’t come home soaked with sweat in a sports jacket.
I’ve always dreamed of running a marathon. And I finally did it today. But this dissatisfaction that comes from being a dancer is saying that “I could have made better time”. I’m going to ignore that voice and just be happy that I ran it! ♥️
I want to thank my coach @somyarout2806 for believing in me and pushing me to be better constantly. His presence has changed the way that I train, the way that I move, and I feel stronger and faster in my 40s than I did in my 20s thanks to him.
My mom , for rallying for me. She googled “good marathon times”. And called as soon as my live track ended. “You’ve made good time” congratulations. She was stalking me and watching my heart rate and speed ♥️
My brother and sister in law for listening to me ramble about my training. ♥️
My other coach @imnotafreediver for rooting for me and talking me through the mental mechanics of a run like this. And forcing me to eat a protein bar during the run. 😂
I also want to thank all the strangers on the run, cheering on from the sidelines, other runners cheering me on. I can’t tell you what a difference your smiles, music, posters, dancing made. You all showed up when my hip was giving up and I kept running.
And my friends who’ve been checking in on me. You know who you are! You been the best ♥️
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#tatamumbaimarathon2026 #running #dancer #42.2 | Posted on 18/Jan/2026 18:22:17
