“One run can change your day, many runs can change your life.”

- Unknown

Almost a year ago, I was studying for my MD degree exam in Pune. It was around four o’clock in the morning. I awoke from my sleep abruptly because my heart started beating terribly quickly. I realised I was getting irregular palpitations. My smartwatch was also alerting me to erratic heartbeats.

I expected it to fade away, but it continued. I was feeling really uneasy, giddy and began to sweat. I drank a few glasses of water before picking up my phone to call for assistance. However, my palpitations began to fade and were totally gone within the next 2-3 minutes.I drank another glass of water before falling asleep and waking up two hours later. I had recovered completely, but it had been a scary experience for me. In those few minutes, I experienced a whole flashback of my life!

The realisation stuck with me. What in the world was I doing? Because of examinations, I haven’t slept for more than 2 hours in the last week. I was eating a lot of junk and consuming a lot of coffee, tea, and fizzy beverages. I had become obese, weighing 95kg. My triglycerides and cholesterol were skyrocketing. I snored at night and felt tired during the day. That morning was a watershed moment in my life! I decided to mend my ways.

God helps those who help themselves, as the proverb goes. I had to relocate to Leh due to work commitments, which is 14000 feet above sea level and has frigid temperatures and little oxygen. This altitude offered two advantages. My metabolism would speedily increase, and the exercise would burn more calories because there would be less oxygen available. I made the decision to run at this elevation. On my first day, I was unable to run for more than 30 seconds. Although it was discouraging, I never gave up hope. I started off by walking, then switched to brisk walking and finally running. I progressively increased the length of my run, and after two months I started training for a half marathon.

Four months after beginning my fitness journey, in December 2022, I completed my first half marathon in Jammu. Following that, I completed my second HM in Ahmedabad in January 2023. I had shed 20kg by the time I reached the finish line in Ahmedabad HM.

I intended to increase my distance and run a complete marathon. But then a one-of-a-kind marathon was announced. On Frozen Pangong Lake in February, the ‘highest marathon on a frozen lake’ would take place.It would be a Guinness World Record.

I had 20 days to get ready. So, in those 20 days of training, I ran 70 kilometres, including a 24-kilometer run, and finally completed the run and set a Guinness World Record at 14000 feet which I never dreamt of!

Looking back, the last year had been a rollercoaster ride. My life has entirely changed from being a messy overweight guy snoring at night to breaking a Guinness World Record.

How did I accomplish this?

Of course, it was my devotion and hard work, but there were many facilitators, such as my wife and parents. However, my boss, Dr. Ravi Ramamurthy, was extremely helpful in this journey of mine. He supported me in every way imaginable and enabled me to attain my goals.

I dedicate this Global Running Day to him in gratitude!

Thank you Sir!