Running beyond the shadows of Mental Challenges!

Introduction

It is often said that "running is more of a mental game than physical." This implies pushing yourself to cross the finish line even when you're out of breath and your whole body is aching. Your mental strength and grit are important factors in successfully reaching the finish line. But what if I tell you that for some people, running is more about "mental health" than "physical fitness"? Running has become a means to escape the chaos around them, to filter out the negative comments they hear about themselves in the name of body shaming.

Isn't it absurd that in 2023, there are still certain elements that are unable to see or appreciate a person beyond their physical attributes? I had many "WTF" moments when I heard this story, and the bubble I was living in, the belief that "people who are in sports generally stay away from negativity or controversy," burst.

Allow me to introduce Abhijeet Karwande, a triathlete, ultrarunner, pro cyclist, and certified mountaineer, and all of this while also having a successful career in IT.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beginning of a great running journey

"Growing up, I was always an introverted kid facing a lot of bullying and taunts due to my tall and thin structure. Despite securing podium positions in school sports competitions, it never helped me gain any confidence. I would hear random comments being passed and being judged on my body type.

Nevertheless, I excelled in my studies, and at some point, it didn't really bother me. I successfully graduated from an engineering college, met my wife there, and my job was going great.

In 2014, I decided to go on a bike ride to Ladakh. I joined a group of friends who were all part of this expedition. While on the train, I overheard people doubting whether I would be able to pull it off. All the comments I had been hearing since childhood got refreshed in my memory.

I couldn't sleep the whole night, and unfortunately, while riding the bike, I fainted and had a fatal accident. My friends rushed me to a nearby hospital where I stayed for 2-3 days, and we had to abort the ride and return to Pune.

My wife noticed something was wrong with my behavior, and she insisted on getting me checked at a prominent hospital. I was diagnosed with an internal head injury and advised not to engage in any activities that could put pressure on my brain. For a year, I had to stay away from all sorts of physical activities.

I then thought of taking up cycling. I bought an MTB cycle, joined a group, and went on rides with them. After Becoming a core member of the “Ride on Pune” group we started organizing different cycle rides in and around Pune. We scaled the group from 10 to almost 350+ members within a year. My Passion for cycling grew and I started exploring activities where I could excel in this sport. I was introduced to BRM. I successfully completed multiple 200, 300, and 400 and attempted 600. Cycling taught me how to push the limits along with listening to your own body.

Along with cycling, I started doing Treks in the Himalayas with a trekking company. Trekking at high altitude needs good endurance and was a basic requirement. That’s how I was introduced to Running. I started with small runs like 5K and then was introduced to running events by my friends. I successfully finished my 1st 10K in 58 minutes in 2017.

I wasn't aware of the concept of pacing. My friends and I decided to tag along with the 2:45-hour bus pacer. However, to my surprise, I easily surpassed both the 2:30-hour and 2:15-hour pacers. I spotted a flag bearing 2:00 hours, and I never lost sight of it until I surpassed it as well. I finished my first half marathon in 1:59 minutes.

Introduced to the World of Triathlons

In January 2018, I approached Dr. Kaustabh Radkar (a Prominent Triathlon Coach in Pune) and expressed my desire to do triathlons. I started training for the swim, as it was not my strong point. So, with cycling, running, and swimming, I finished my first Triathlon- Goa 113 in 6:50 hours and secured 6th position in my age category. Post which in 2019 I participated in the Sri Lanka Half Ironman, my first international event. It was during this event that I learned a lot about transitions and how to manage them effectively. In the running segment, I hurt my knee badly. It was painful, but I kept telling myself that "pain is temporary," and eventually picked up my running pace. I completed the race in 6:14 hours.

These activities kept me busy and helped me stay away from negativity. However, body shaming still continued, and it wasn't always easy for me to ignore it, especially at the competitive level, where negative competition and body shaming are prevalent.

Training for triathlons helped me a lot because it required planning my day well in advance and ensuring all the logistics were in place which diverted me from negativity.

My next goal was to participate in a full Ironman in Malaysia. It is one of the toughest and most difficult Ironman events. This event truly taught me how mental strength is very critical for any sportsperson. I was running a high fever a day before the event when my body was asking me to give up my mind wanted me to go for it. I complete my 1st Full Ironman in 15 hours.

The next day, Kaustubh asked me about my subpar performance, particularly during the cycling segment. The target we had in mind was sub-13 hours, but due to my condition, it was my conscious decision just to attempt the race.

Then COVID happened. With nothing to look forward to and no possibility of participating in any events, my mind started playing games on me, and anxiety started kicking in. Things started becoming worse and I felt like taking help. I met with a counselor, and she helped me cope with my anxiety and depression.

In 2022, once things returned to normal, I participated in the Bergman Half Ironman held in Bhimashankar, my hometown followed by Ironman 70.3 Goa.

Triathlons have taught me how to take control of my mental and physical health even in the worst situations. It is not always about finishing a race but knowing where to stop. Race for yourself and not for others.

The Ultimate Human Race-

The only one person I looked up to and derive inspiration in my life was my father. His entire life went into serving others. I lost my father all of a sudden in 2022. As a tribute to him and to live up to his principle of serving others I joined the Run Wari support group. We reached Pandharpur on his birthday. His name was Pandurang and it made me very emotional, and I cried my heart out. When I returned home, I changed my TMM registration from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon to get an Inspirational Medal for my dad. This was my 1st Full Marathon and the beginning of my journey to The Ultimate Human Race- The Comrades.

The TMM was organized on my father's first death anniversary. I successfully completed a full marathon in 3:31 hours.

Then I started training for Comrades 2023. I ran the Tata Ultra (50 km) in 4:45 hours and the Kaas Ultra (65 km) in 7 hours. These were my longest runs before Comrades. In March, I also participated in the Lavasa run, covering approximately 55 km.

Finally, on the day of Comrades, the complete atmosphere was electrifying. The entire vibe of the start line was very motivating.

My target was to complete Comrades within 9 hours, but in the last 12 km, I had only 1 hour and 15 minutes left, which should have been enough. However, I just couldn't muster enough strength to finish within 9 hours. I mostly walked during the last 12 km, and my total time was 9:39 hours. I completed The Ultimate Human Race Comrades Marathon in Sub 10.

Tryst with Mountains

Since childhood, I used to always feel very close and connected to the mountains. Have done many treks in and around Pune. Most of my weekends would be in the mountains exploring to the T. Treks in Northern India like Rupin Pass, Har Ki Dhun, Chandrashila and many more. During one such trek had experienced a tragic incident with one of my fellow trekkers. He needed to be rescued and I was a part of the rescue team.

That time I realized how important it is to understand the technicalities of trekking in the mountains. This led to me signing up for a Diploma in Mountaineering-from Pune University. Have learned multiple skills not only in trekking and rock climbing but also in rescue management, disaster management, first response, and biodiversity."

Lastly, I would like to close with a quote- "Your Life is Your Coin, Flip it as YOU want. Don’t Let others Toss it making YOU wonder which side it will flip." - Abhijeet Karwande

Major Event Details-

Run

Comrades Marathon 9:39:02 2023

TATA Ultra 4:45:01 2023

Tata Mumbai 3:31:30 2023

Himalayan XC 21 Podium Finish 2019

Himalayan XC 10 Podium Finish 2019

Malshej Ghat Half Marathon Podium Finish 2018

Obstacle races Devils Circuit

Triathlon

Ironman Malaysia 2019

Ironman 70.3 Colombo 2019

Ironman 70.3 Goa 2022

Bergman Countryside 70.3 2022

Trail Run

Deccan Ultra - Deccan Ultra 30km 2021

THE JUMPING GORILLA TRAIL RUN - 30 KM JGTR 2021

SRT Ultra - Sinhagad to Rajgad 25km 2021

Jumping Gorilla Trail Run 30Km 2020

Trekking

Diploma in Mountaineering 2022

Basic Mountaineering Corse from NIM 2022

Multiple Climbing Expeditions 2022

Abhijeet Karwande, Pune