Favorite distance: 5k.
It is one of the easiest distance for me to run. I can wake up any day and do a 5K as it needs the minimum to no training time to jump on a 5K race.
Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?
Dreams remain dreams until you take action - if you want to become healthy and a regular runner, take action. Start with small steps, be consistent. Try to go out 2-3 days a week outdoors.
A narrow focus brings big results. The number one reason people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go instead of how far they have come. But it's a series of small wins that can give us the most significant success.
I learnt it the hard way, don’t overtrain. Overtraining may result into injuries. Trust your instincts and watch out for the signals that your body is giving, include sufficient rest in your training plan or running habits.
Why do you like running River City Races events?
I love River City Races because it offers races for people at different level of fitnesses. With different distances to choose from, one can pick the races that fits their fitness level, can challenge themselves for a longer distance or train for a mini/full marathon . Also the fact that it is local, it is always less crowded than any commercial events. I finished ‘Run The 502’ series of six runs in 2018 and Polar Bear Grand Pix.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I was never into regular running or participating in races in past. Although I played soccer regularly in my high school days that included running as part of training. I used to hate that part of the training. I think, I still hate running :) When my friends and family ask me about why I run - more often than not I say “I run because I hate to run. And I love to do what I hate to do!”. That doesn’t always make sense to few people but that’s my own way of pushing myself to get what seems difficult at the beginning.
I started running regularly from the last 3 years and still consider myself a newbie in running. My running journey started from neighborhood runs to park runs to races. Small races, number of 5Ks, 10Ks, 15K and finally my first half marathon *KY History Mini Marathon” in 2019. Its a great feeling to cross the finish line in any races be it small or a marathon. I regret that I still couldn’t do the KY Derby mini which is one of the very popular marathon in Louisville. I signed up and missed it in 2019 due to injuries. Again signed up, going to miss it this year as the race is cancelled (damn you Covid-19). Hope to be able to participate in 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my wife (Aditi) and 3 year old son (Ahaan) for being supportive even though I take time away from the family time to go outdoors for regular runs and races.
Louisville has a great running community and it is great to see so many familiar faces in the River City Races. When we get back to normal, Hope to see everyone out and running in River City Races. Keep doing the great job in organizing the Races. Cheers!