Praveen

The alarm rings at 3.30am but before it rings, a kid is prepared to venture out for His morning run in darkness. He has to finish the run well before 5.30am without knowledge of his parents. Running is not appreciated too much in that part of the world . The kid with heavy bulk was not aware as how to run which results into swollen ankle with constant heel strike. In darkness on the track he was about to step on a sleeping street dog. In addition, with a startle the dog wakes up to make him run for his life. This is how a runner silently takes birth and running becomes a constant company for his life. Along with a runner a writer also takes birth because running is all about sharing stories: 1)How did your running journey begin?: Way back in 2009 I was staying at teenhath naka at Thane and I used to visit at Kachrali talav for morning runs. I used to run there every Sunday. One Sunday I found there a big crowd gathered. I enquired to learn that they were runners who had assembled to participate in a municipal run. I asked the process of registration. They informed the events happens only with pre-registration. In those days, the runners used to sit on the ground before race flag-off. I also sat in a corner without Bib to participate. This was a non- timed 10 km run. The race started and I started. I completed close to 9.5 km and tried to avoid the finish line because I was unregistered runner. The first feeling of 10 km finish, filled enough love for running that it became a lifelong commitment to finish over and above 150 different kind of runs like Half marathon, Marathon , Comrades , 100 milers etc. 2) What do you love about running? I love everything about Running. I love the charm, charisma, passion, speed, challenge, distance, learning and so on. I love to soak in the morning sunray, feel the fragrance of morning air, the uneven track etc. #lifelongruners 3) How does your typical training days look like? I am a Heart Rate based runner, so I run every day. The intensity of the run depends on my day wise routine. If the day is relaxed, I will run more intense. I believe in slow and consistent running. 4) What’s your favourite running memory? In general, all the running effort gives us a memory and story attached to it. I recollect of a nasty injury due to a car accident before comrades (89 kms) also a fall from bike before 24 hrs stadium run, running ultra distance of 100 miler at oxford golf course in minimal. Aside to this one of the most memorable one is posted on FB like this: Triple Dhamaal : It was really a memorable journey. U can be a runner when in spite of all the problems and issues you run by defeating all the obstacles... Registered Prarthana for Atul run and convinced her after Marathon efforts. Her concern was who is going to take care of 1-year-old Pratham, when we both will run. Very genuine questions without any answers whatsoever. However, my interest was to make her run to make her feel free. Sometimes, the perfect time gives solution of all issues. I convinced her previous day that I will carry Pratham in the child bag and run with her. Somehow the selfish me asked me for a personal best too. In evening, the Daniel Vaz 's wife came in the form of Angel and she committed to take care of him in holding area. I committed to finish in 45 mins taking back his custody... Since Pratham could not sleep properly, he was not ready to leave Prarthana. Anyhow, it was all managed and we started. Throughout the race, Pratham was running in mind, I was eager to join him back as soon as possible. More or less the trophy is for both of them; Because Pratham was the source inspiration. When finished, I found him sleeping peacefully. Again went back to search for Prarthana. She also finished well in 1.30hrs. Weather was awesome and so was the support from Atul people. Enjoyed thoroughly. With a finish by both of us, I was more than happy. But the podium finishers trophy gave another high. Isko kehte hain "TRIPLE DHAMAAL". Every running has a story to story to share. In addition, this is the way we celebrated Valentine's day... Gratitude to Prarthana Dangi, my family member, my well-wishers, and my running friends 5) Do you have any favorite place to run? I run at anywhere like trail, road, hills, in nature etc. My favorite place would a nere-matheran route and Kharghar hills 6) Do you train in group or alone? What is your group name? I mostly train alone mostly. In addition, I like the company of Lifelongrunners, KRC & NMR groups 7) Do you train under Coach? Could you let us know more about your coach? I train with Dr. Phil’s MAF method. I coach myself. In addition, I think the runners around , the running experience and this wonderful universe gives us beautiful lessons always to be followed. 8) How many running races/marathons you target in a year? Which are your favorite ones? I target 24-30 races as training run throughout in a year. My favorite runs are TMM, VVMM, matheran, Comrades etc 9) What is your biggest motivation for running? When I wake up early in the morning I feel completely and fully ALIVE, that is the biggest motivation for running. I remain full of gratitude for this ever-inspiring universe. Running is like lifelike river flow. As long as the river is flowing, it is alive. If it stops, it stinks and it is dead. For that matter, I think people are always running behind name, fame, money etc. Sometimes running can also be food for soul. 10) Do you follow any specific diet plan? Would you like to share the plan with everyone if any? I believe in a natural plant based food plan. I have done carbohydrate intolerance test and follow the food as per its recommendation. 11) Do you participate in any other physical activity/sport other than running? Being an Ironman I like swimming, cycling also. For complete fitness and health, I engage into yoga, badminton. For strength training, I try rope-climbing, pull up, push up and self-made natural sequences of resistance training 12) What would you like yo say to fellow running enthusiast? Run, run & run because it is one of the best and free gift ever given to for your body and soul. 13) What does your running gear typically includes? I am a minimalist run. I want to run and feel the running and nature around at the most. My gears are luna sandals, vibrams , skinners , Nike & Garmin Fenix 5s 14) What are your running career highlights? In my running career span of more than 150 run I finished Podiums at- Western ghat ultra’15(100 miler), Far East’16(65kms) ,Atul Run’15( 10 kms), Kamothe Run’17(HM), Navi mumbai lets run2(HM), Matheran’18(HM),MGM- Triathlon(Olympic level), BNP Ulta(50kms). Aside I finished other events like Comrades (89 kms), Ironman Goa , Barefeet marathon , BRMs. My PRs are FM= 3:16 hrs, HM= 1:30 hrs. 15) One running goal you are targeting to achieve soon. Full marathon – 2:55 hrs, an ultraman 16)Do you use any nutrition while training or on race day? How does it helps in overall performance? I breathe and meditate a lot. If its over and above 30 kms race, I prefer to have banana. Breathing and meditation keeps the HR low and mind under better control.