Ultra happy runner!

"I remember being in grade 7 when my school announced an athletics competition. Those who performed well in the competition would be selected by the government and get trained for the Olympics. Enthusiastically, I raised my hand without fully realizing the commitment I was making. Eventually, around 20 students, myself included, were chosen.

As a young and naive individual, I was overwhelmed when I saw the expansive Balewadi ground for the first time. It seemed massive to me. Nevertheless, when the race began, I stumbled and fell, ending up as the last participant to complete the race. It became clear to me that running wasn't my forte, and I had probably raised my hand by mistake 😊.

As I grew older, I developed an interest in Volleyball and enjoyed doing exercises or going to the gym, but I was never consistent. Despite being a food lover and indulging occasionally, I managed to maintain my weight relatively well.

In 2013, I quit my job and embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. During that time, I read numerous books about successful entrepreneurs who maintained regular workout routines to stay fit. This motivated me to start walking for an hour daily. This practice continued sporadically until 2017 when a routine doctor's visit revealed that I had gained around 6 kilograms.

It was a wake-up call for me, and I decided to make significant changes to my habits and health. I came across the story of Milind Soman, who, at the age of 53, completed an Ironman race. This made me question why I couldn't achieve something similar at the age of 29.

The Journey

I have a habit of writing down my goals and aspirations, whether in a journal or on social media. I have realized it helps me in turning my dreams into reality. I made a Facebook post declaring my intention to run 1000 kilometers in the next 100 days. Initially unaware of any running groups, I faced demotivating comments such as "This isn't appropriate for your age," "Focus on your business," and concerns about my knees. Despite the negativity, I started running daily at a slow pace.

I began sharing posts about my daily runs. My lifestyle transformed, with a significant reduction in junk food and sugar consumption. I started feeling amazing while running, and on the 21st day of this challenge, which was also my birthday, I decided to run my first half marathon (HM). I completed the 100-day challenge on November 8th, 2017, a transformative event in my life.

During this challenge, I shed the extra 6-7 kilograms I had gained and set my sights on a new goal. I wrote in my diary that “People should know me as an Ultra runner.”

Making of an Ultra-Runner

In November 2017, a friend suggested that I participate in the full marathon (FM) at the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM).

From 2018 onward, my journey into the world of Ultra running commenced. I completed my first FM at TMM 2018 in 4:35 hours. In February, I participated in the Tata Ultra 50km category, a race that proved to be one of my most memorable experiences despite my lack of knowledge of the terrain. I was not aware of the elevation or the trail. It was at the Tata Ultra run, I came to know about Comrades as many participants were using it as practice.

Later, at one of the events, I heard Ms. Kalyani Tokekar sharing her experience about the Ladakh Marathon, which ignited my interest to run at Ladakh.

So, in 2018, I ran my first Ladakh marathon. My desire to conquer the Khardung La persisted, but I needed to qualify with two FMs in under 5 hours, and I did not have those timings then.

In November 2018, I completed the Pune Ultra (100 km) in 16:30 hours, solidifying my enjoyment of ultra running. This was just the beginning—I went on to participate in the Pune Ultra three times, the 100-mile Border Run, Comrades (2019 and 2022), the Khardungla Challenge (2019), Amravati Run (73 km), and consistently ran the Tata Ultra each year.

Time of Covid

The year 2020 brought the Covid-19 pandemic, causing a pause in everything. Running became a form of meditation for me, and I realized its impact on my well-being. I converted a large hall in my home into a makeshift track, where I'd run in loops. I began conducting online strength training sessions for my friends and family who would request me for tips on health and fitness.

I would also go live and do squats. I started with 300 squats and gradually increased the count to 3000 in 90 minutes. I aim to break the world record of 4500 squats someday.

RunWari

Since my childhood, I've wanted to participate in Wari, a traditional walk that spanned 12 days. Unfortunately, school and work commitments prevented me until 2021. I again wrote in my diary that this year I will do a Wari. I informed a few of my friends about my Wari plan and we formed a crew.

Despite Covid-related hurdles, we organized our own Runwari, covering 240 km non-stop in 66 hours. We hardly slept for 6 hours, ran almost nonstop, it was raining, there was a COVID scare, and we had blisters on our feet, but our enthusiasm was an all-time high. All 6 of us completed the run successfully.

It has been three years now since we started RunWari. We started with just 6 members in the first year and in 2023, there were 27 who ran with us for the Wari.

Hiccups and highs

In 2022, I registered for Comrades. I remember that day very vividly. I was extremely happy as I had registered for yet another International ultra-running event. However, fate had other plans; I met with a severe bike accident, breaking my right collarbone. Devastated, I thought my Comrades dream was shattered.

Doctors advised me to rest for 90 days, however, I researched recovery methods used by other athletes in similar situations. I figured 40 days would be a good enough day to rest, and gradually started short walks, well aware that I was starting from a disadvantage due to medication and health issues. My cholesterol level was high, I was having high blood pressure, and overall, I was not in great shape, neither mentally nor physically. It was like starting from a minus level not ground zero.

Not the one to give up, I started with walks and started preparing for the RunWari. Meeting with people and networking gave me happiness. Slowly I was getting my running form and rhythm back. By June, I began preparing for Runwari again and running 130 km post-recovery rekindled my confidence for Comrades. In August, I completed Comrades in 11:36 hours, a testament to my determination.

To me, passion is the activity one can do relentlessly, whether or not there's monetary gain. At 80, I aspire to complete a sub-11 Comrades, regardless of financial rewards. I'm ecstatic about my journey's impact on myself and others. Being someone's inspiration brings me joy, and I've assisted many in their running and overall health. The journey continues—I'll keep embracing challenges, documenting them, and achieving them."

Runner - Bhushan Tarak, Pune