In conversation with Shajan Samuel, who takes us behind the scenes on his formidable journey of personal transformation through fitness.   Once overweight and feeling lost, Samuel used running to find purpose and meaning in his life. But in the beginning, it wasn't easy, after discovering that even running 100 meters was a herculean task, he went on a quest to transform himself physically and mentally. Among other things, he moved to live in the Mumbai slums to embrace an austere lifestyle that changed him completely.   Over the last 10 years, he has completed 12,24 & 36 hours of stadium runs, Malnad Ultra, Rann of Kutch, Berlin Marathon, Deccan Ultra & countless other runs.

Youtube version 

https://youtu.be/tm1iy5fcV1M

In conversation with Arnab Banerjee, Seattle-based ultra runner and alpine-style mountaineer who was originally in episode 75 of the podcast.  He is back on the seat to talk about his latest adventure, the Bigfoot 200 miler foot race in the beautiful Cascade mountains of Washington, that had a 40% DNF this year. Bigfoot 200 is a tough point-to-point 200-mile race that needs guts, intense training, and passion.  Arnab is also the only South Asian finisher in the 2022 contingent of 200+ participants.

Youtube link https://youtu.be/s7_NxIUs82w

In conversation with Madhu Nagaraja, an incredible athlete who found his way back to his passion perchance amidst a personal breakdown. Sometimes, bad things happen for the good.   

Here is Nagaraja's incredible Open Water Swimming Career summary  

Open Water Swimming Career

In conversation with Tarun Chandrasekhar on his journey to Ironman as a Type 1 Diabetes situation. Tarun and Polly ( episode 102) are a Husband and wife duo who have managed to lead an active lifestyle as a family.  We get behind the scenes on Tarun's side of the story. This episode is so much fun and full of great learnings.

Chapter timelines

0:00 Intro and background

4:17 Flashback, how it all started

6:23 Meeting Polly

7:30 Long-distance bicycling

10:10 Beginning of Running

14:55 Living with Type 1 Diabetes

19:33 Pivot into the world of triathlons

28:07 Managing training amidst a busy work schedule

30:31 The first Ironman experience ( Indiana)

36:39 The Ironman Texas experience

40:37 Road-bike versus the TT bike

45:32 What’s next on the horizon

In conversation with the incredible Dr. Polly Niravath, who has had an amazing journey of marathons and triathlons for over a decade. We get behind the scenes on how she did it all, despite having a busy schedule as a doctor, parent, and homemaker.

0:00 Intro and background

2:53 Flashback, why and how it all started

4:45 How exercise can help fight cancer

8:13 How long from couch to 5k

10:19 Early mistakes and lessons

15:31 The step up to the first full marathon

16:37 The positive rub-off on kids

19:52 Role modeling for self-care

23:56 Balancing priorities

25:08 The first marathon experience

27:30 Conquering fear of water for Triathlons

34:55 Scaling the Triathlon journey

36:40 Dealing with a DNF

37:41 The first 140.6 Triathlon

42:27 The First IRONMAN, IMTX 2022

43:13 Dealing with an Injury 2 weeks prior to race day

46:44 “Ironmind”

48:34 Building confidence through training

50:58 Finding time to train for IRONMAN

53:16 What next on the horizon

54:31 Fun Q&A round

59:55 The Last word

#mountaineering #denali   In conversation with ultra-endurance athlete and mountaineer, Saurabh Bhasin on how to prepare for something as challenging as climbing Mt. Denali. We get behind the scenes on how he did it.  Also, check out episode #61 if you are interested in Saurabh's journey in ultra-endurance including 140.6 triathlons and ultras.

Chapter timelines

0:00 Intro and background

3:00 Getting re(started)

6:39 Training for the summit

16:54 Beginning of the trek

18:14 What happens at the gear check

19:57 Packing for the trek

21:53 Heading to Talkeetna,AK for a bush plane

22:28 The Denali base camp

23:32 Pushing to camp 1 (pic)

28:29 Pushing to camp 2 (pic)

31:15 Pushing to Camp 3

33:35 Camp 4, 14k ft ( pic)

33:48 West Buttress Ridge ( Pic)

35:10 Summit attempt day(pic)

36:47 The emotional state on day of the summit

41:09 The summit

43:09 Making your way back

46:12 How are teams created

48:23 How are effort and push determined for climbs

59:04 How does one process an amazing achievement

54:32 What’s next on the horizon

In conversation with Badhri Chakravarty who started running after he turned 50, and has not looked back. He started his running journey from scratch and discovered he is good at it. He shows us that it's never late to discover something about yourself.  From getting faster to finishing all the 50 states, he is on a path to 100 marathons. We get behind the scenes on his fun and inspiring journey.

Chapter timelines

0:00 Intro and background

2:44 Flashback to where the running journey started

6:21 The first half marathon

8:31 Why running

11:44 The first full marathon

12:57 Scaling to more marathons

13:48 How the Chicago marathon changed perspective

15:52 Aspiring to do Boston

18:05 Starting to run after 50

18:29 Doing the Boston Marathon

21:48 Key success factors for consistency

24:48 The importance of family support

26:42 Dealing with others’ cynicism

27:57 The three people who inspire Badri

32:48 The project management mindset

35:26 The Big Sur marathon

39:46 The training approach

45:01 Race strategy

48:49 The funny episode in Alaska marathon

54:21 Views on stretching and strength

55:45 Importance of hydration

57:43 On the path to 100 + marathons

59:26 Why no ultras and trail runs

1:01:47 The Fun Q&A round

1:08:34 Wrap up and final word

In conversation with Gauri Jog on her journey of running from ticking off a bucket list to doing an Iron distance Triathlon in a matter of just 4 years.  She started running with Team Asha in 2016 and participated in two races that year, the San Francisco Half Marathon and Portland Full Marathon. In 2017,  she coordinated the running program and was the fundraising coordinator for team Asha. In 2018, she took on participating in triathlons, eventually doing the full Ironman in 2020.

Chapter timelines

0:00 Intro and background

3:52 Flashback on how it all got started

7:04 The first run

10:22 Physical activity growing up

12:23 The first big race

14:39 The meditative experience in the first full marathon

20:07 Dealing with a layoff through running

23:22 Getting involved in coordinating for Asha

26:54 Beginning of the Triathlon journey

31:05 Learning to do longer and open water swims

38:41 Committing to do an Iron distance

45:43 Overcoming the mental block

49:01 The Asha 140.6 full triathlon

55:01 What’s next on the horizon

56:54 The Fun Q&A

1:00:06 The last word

In conversation with Santhosh Padmanabhan, a man on a mission of using running as a tool for empowerment for adults and children alike.  He founded Runner's High ( https://runnershigh.in) as a social enterprise and not as a non-profit or just a profiteering business. They have volunteers from the community coming forward to support all initiatives and currently have served over 10,000 runners.  Running is a simple yet beautiful activity that can open a world of learning for anyone. Runner’s High is a social enterprise, inspired by the infinite possibilities of learning and growth that running as a sport offers.  

Ever since it took off, Runner’s High has worked with children in Ananya Trust, Sita School, Spastics Society of Karnataka, Shristi Special Academy, Thulir, Snehadaan, and Asha.

Chapter Timelines

0:00 Intro and background

3:48 Flashback on how running entered life

11:28 Moving to the US and change of perspective

15:13 The Austin Asha phase

24:05 AT crossroads, figuring out what to do

26:40 Angst against societal unworkability

28:00 Taking Running into education

34:10 The birth of Runners High

39:07 Why runners are a happy bunch

42:13 Family’s reaction to an unusual journey

44:38 How Runners-high has spread

50:10 What was happening to personal running journey

54:57 Anandayana, a unique running event

1:01:46 Will there be a future Olympian

1:09:03 What next on the horizon

1:13:33 The fun Q&A round

1:18:50 The last word

Motorsport racing is an endurance sport The sport demands mental and physical fitness at the highest levels, especially if you are behind the wheel.  

An emerging sport in India,  it's a pleasure to be in conversation with this young man pursuing his passion.  In conversation with the 16-year-old Rishon who has been racing since 2017. In just 5 years his accomplishments have been very impressive in Karting both at the International and National levels. In his Debut year, right off the mark, Rishon won the best newcomer award and also won the 2nd runner up at the FMSCI Rotax Max Indian National Championship 2017 in Micro level. In 2018 he moved to the Junior Max category. In his first year in junior class, he won many accolades, two 2nd places and a third-place to his credit, and finished an impressive 4th place in the championship standings. Rishon made his International Debut in the Trofeo easy kart Italian Championship in 2018 and his best race result was in round 5 where he finished 5th place. He has had several top 10 finishes ending 8th in the overall championship standings. In 2019 Rishon was selected to represent India in the CIK FIA world championship 2019 by the Federation of motorsports India. He was qualified among the finalist in 2 rounds. His best race finish was 6th place. He has expanded his racing experiences in the CIK FIA World championship 2019. In the same calendar year, he did the X-30 junior level in India, Rishon finished in 3rd place in spite of missing round 2 of the championship as he had to attend the CIK FIA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2019. In 2019 Rishon was also leading the FMSCI Rotax Max Indian National championship in Junior max with 3 first place wins and a second and third place wins but had a DQ to his disadvantage and lost the championship. In 2020 Rishon did only round 5 of the X-30 FMSCI Indian Karting Championship 2020 in a SENIOR category where he finished 1st place. In the same year, in 2020 Rishon became the National Champion by winning the FMSCI ROTAX MAX INDIAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 in junior max and also won THE BEST DRIVER OF THE YEAR 2020. In the year 2021, After Karting Rishon took part in the National formula open-wheel racing championship 2021, the MRF Formula 1600. In his very first year, he claimed the 2nd runner-up title in the overall championship 2021. He ended the season on a high note by winning the final 2 races of the championship. He also got the best lap timing to end the championship.