Running has been an integral part of my life, a journey that started unexpectedly during my years in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at college. What began as a form of punishment soon blossomed into a deep-seated passion, transforming not only my physical health but also nurturing my spirit.
In 2006, I took my first steps into the world of running, viewing it merely as a sport and a recreational activity. Little did I anticipate the profound impact it would have on my life. Alongside my best friend Abhijith, we embarked on our running adventures, registering for the 5k Majja run at the Sunfeast 10K events, marking the beginning of an enduring camaraderie intertwined with our shared love for running.
Our weekends were dedicated to training, tracing routes around Sankey Tank, culminating in the reward of delicious Idli Vada from Veena Stores. These simple pleasures, coupled with our gradual progression from 5Ks to 10Ks and eventually 21Ks, laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of personal achievement and fulfillment.
One pivotal moment in my journey occurred in 2008 when I participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. Crossing the finish line with a timing of 2:02 hrs filled me with a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment. It was in that moment that I realized the true essence of my running journey – a fusion of determination, perseverance, and passion.
More than just a sport, running has transcended into a spiritual journey for me. It serves as a means of connecting with my inner self and the world around me. The rhythmic pounding of my feet against the pavement fosters a profound sense of mindfulness and tranquility.
Running has been instrumental in maintaining my overall health and well-being. I witnessed a transformation in my physical health around 2006-2007 when running served as a catalyst in normalizing my high blood pressure and I could completely stop my medication for the same.
Back in 2014, Bhashini and I made our grand plan to jet off to the US for a whirlwind adventure spanning nearly a month. Amidst the excitement, I stumbled upon the Chicago Marathon registration, mere weeks away. Without a second thought, I seized the opportunity and secured my spot. Before the run in the Windy City, we went on an unforgettable road trip to the Yellowstone National Park accompanied by our high-spirited dear friends: Divya, Pavana, Madhu, and Ganesh, along with Our impeccably mannered cousin, Omkar.
Chicago greeted us with its brisk chilly winds, a stark contrast to the mild weather of Bangalore. With my steadfast companion, Raghuram, by my side, we tackled the daunting challenge of the full Marathon head-on. Crossing the finish line in 3:52 hours felt like a triumph beyond measure, a far cry from my humble beginnings at the Singapore Marathon in 2011, where I labored across the finish line in over five and a half hours.
As I basked in the post-race euphoria of the Chicago Marathon, little did I realize that I had ticked a milestone in the prestigious ‘World Marathon 
Majors.’ Back then, the event lacked the fanfare and frenzied registration rush that characterizes it today. The following year, Bhashini surprised me with an unexpected entry into the Berlin Marathon on my birthday as a gift. With gratitude and determination fueling my stride, I set foot on the streets of Berlin in September 2015. The result was staggering— 3:28 hours, a significant leap forward from my performance in Chicago. Undoubtedly, the rigorous training regimen with PaceMakers had paved the way for such remarkable progress. With two World Marathon Majors under my belt, I was filled with unwavering resolve to conquer the remaining four.
Credit for my progress undoubtedly goes to the training regime I undertook with the well-known running group, the Pacemakers, under the expert guidance of Coach ‘Pani Sir’. His meticulous program not only honed my physical prowess but also instilled in me the resilience and determination needed to conquer any obstacle on the road to success.
Immersing myself fully into the grueling regimen, I dedicated three early mornings each week to Pani Sir’s rigorous strength and training sessions, followed by running drills at Kanteerava Stadium, totaling six days of commitment to the pursuit of my goals. I was blessed to have been surrounded by a supportive network of fellow enthusiasts who facilitated my entry into the prestigious Tokyo Marathon of 2017. The anticipation soared as training commenced six months prior, culminating in promising trial run timings that hinted at a good performance on the horizon. Though Bhashini could not accompany me as she was expecting, the void was filled by the comforting presence of my parents.
My dear friend and classmate Darshana, fondly known as Chai, was settled in Tokyo and ensured we had everything we needed in the vibrant city. As race day dawned, the crisp chill in the air served as a harbinger of the impending challenge, yet the conditions proved optimal for a great run. Crossing the finish line with a sense of achievement, I etched a new personal best in my journey, clocking 3:25 hours. The support of my parents and Chai, strategically stationed at the 39/40km mark, infused me with a final surge of adrenaline, pushing me to a triumphant conclusion.
The arrival of Kedar, our precious firstborn, in October ’17 heralded a joyous new chapter in our lives, inevitably shifting the focus from running pursuits to the responsibilities of parenthood. Yet, amidst nurturing our growing family, an opportunity emerged in the form of an entry to the renowned London Marathon ’18. While in London, Skandini and Som, with kids Aadya and Aarna, played perfect hosts, making sure we got our comfort South Indian food and much more.
With a lot of excitement, we set out on a memorable holiday through the picturesque landscapes of England and Scotland, accompanied by our dear friends Rohant, Ranjni, and Vidhur. However, as fate would have it, London greeted us with an unprecedented heatwave. Under the sweltering conditions, I sprinted through the initial stages with gusto, only to be met with the harsh reality of exhaustion and dehydration in the latter miles.
Despite the obstacles, I persevered, crossing the finish line in 4:50 hours, marking my slowest full marathon to date. Though disappointment lingered, tempered by the knowledge that I had evaded the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish), the experience served as a poignant reminder of the resilience inherent within. With renewed resolve, I was eager to start on a journey of redemption, fueled by the promise of greater triumphs yet to unfold.
The elusive lottery draw for the 2019 edition of the New York Marathon left me disheartened, realizing that only a mere 4% of hopeful applicants would secure a coveted spot in the race—a statistic that seemed to dwindle with each passing year. Determined not to be thwarted by fate, I was on a mission to secure an entry through charitable means, pledging my efforts to support the noble cause championed by ‘Save the Children’ NGO. With the generous contributions of many kind-hearted souls, I successfully raised $3000, earning my place among the other eager participants. Joined by the spirited Ranjini Gupta, on this Journey we were welcomed and hosted by our dear friends Shubha & Sridhar, and Chandu & Manasa.
The anticipation surged as the race day drew near and excitement coursed through the air. On the race day, as I ran through the cityscape a nagging knee issue threatened to derail my aspirations, however I pressed on, fueled by the will to overcome adversity. With each step, the encouraging presence of Chandu, Manasa, Rishi, Sridhar, Shubha, Kavya, Omkar, and a host of other cherished companions breathed life into my weary limbs, infusing the final stretch through Central Park with a sense of euphoria. For, in that moment, amidst the jubilant cheers and embraces, I realized that the true essence of victory lies not merely in crossing the finish line, but in the enduring bonds of love and support that carry us through the challenges.
The dream of conquering the iconic Boston Marathon lingered on the mind. However, life had other plans, as the onset of the Covid, coincided with the commencement of my MBA journey at IIMB, alongside the joyous arrival of our second son, Vishnu, in September ’20. With the new responsibilities and academic pursuits swirling around me, fitness and running reluctantly took a backseat, their absence keenly felt as the pounds crept on and even a 5k run became a daunting task. For two years, the rhythm of daily runs was replaced by the symphony of family life, work obligations, and the pursuit of knowledge. Yet, as the MBA chapter drew to a close in April ’22, a newfound determination sparked within me to reclaim my former vigor and stride. Seeking guidance from the ever-reliable Ranjini Gupta, I started my training regimens with commitment. Joining forces with Rungenie Fitness, I wanted to rebuild my strength and conditioning, laying the groundwork for my return to the running circuit.
Amidst the training schedule, I also participated in various races, each serving as a milestone in this journey. The TCS World 10K in May ’23 proved to be a pivotal moment, where I not only tested my physical limits but also raised over Rs. 10 Lakhs for the Neonates Foundation of India, emerging as the highest fundraiser of the year. The race itself was a testament to perseverance, as I pushed through the pain and exhaustion, fueled by the knowledge that every step taken was a step towards making a difference in the lives of those in need. As the months passed and my training regimen intensified, I found myself faced with yet another hurdle—relocating to Ahmedabad for a new assignment at HCG Hospitals, while my family remained in Bangalore. Despite the distance, the support of my loved ones remained constant, providing the encouragement and motivation needed to stay the course.
In September ’23 the opportunity to participate in the revered Boston Marathon materialized, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, rallying friends and connections to surpass the daunting fundraising goal and secure a place among the elite runners. The process of fundraising was both arduous and rewarding. The culmination of my efforts was marked by the overwhelming success of raising $7500 for the Boston Medical Center, a feat that filled my heart with pride and gratitude and I also secured my entry to the Boston Marathon, slated for April 15th, ’24.
Throughout this journey, Ranjini Gupta remained not only a running coach and fitness trainer but also a pillar of strength and support, guiding me every step of the way. Together, we meticulously planned the way forward, fine-tuning training regimens and strategies to ensure peak performance on race day. As the countdown to the Boston Marathon began, anticipation mingled with excitement, each passing day bringing me one step closer to realizing a dream.
With a well-crafted training plan in place, I dove headfirst into the journey of preparing for the Boston Marathon. Committed to enhancing my strength and conditioning, I dedicated four days each week to intense workouts, focusing on building endurance and resilience. Concurrently, three days were reserved for specialized run-related training, honing my speed and technique to perfection.
From October to January, every aspect of my training regimen was carefully fine-tuned to optimize performance. A strict diet regimen coupled with targeted strength and conditioning sessions facilitated the shedding of excess weight, shedding 5 kilograms in the process. The dividends of this disciplined approach became increasingly evident, as increased speed and agility propelled me.
The Adani Ahmedabad half Marathon in October ’23 and the Tata Mumbai half Marathon in January ’24 served as crucial benchmarking events, providing valuable insights into my progress and areas for improvement. Despite a somewhat lackluster performance at the former, clocking 1:55 hours, I found solace in the foundation laid for future success.
The Tata Mumbai half Marathon on January 20th proved to be a watershed moment, as I crossed the finish line in a remarkable 1:46 hours, surpassing all my expectations and reaffirming my readiness for the challenges that lay ahead. With this confidence, I entered the final phase of my training journey, with the focus shifting towards increasing long run distances and refining race-day strategies.
From February ’24 onwards, the intensity of my training regimen reached new heights, with weekend long run distances steadily increasing to 55-60 kilometers per week. The training plan included intervals, tempo runs, and specialized drills aimed at enhancing endurance and performance. The culmination of this training block saw me conquering multiple 36K runs, alongside a series of 32K and 30K distances, each driving me towards my ultimate goal—the Boston Marathon.
Boston, here we come 🙂
Race day had finally dawned, casting a golden hue of anticipation over the bustling streets of Boston. In the comfort of Omkar’s home, mere moments away from the hallowed grounds of Hopkinton, the symbolic starting point of the marathon, we prepared ourselves for the experience that lay ahead. This year marked a significant milestone, commemorating the 100th start at Hopkinton—a testament to the enduring legacy of this storied race. Adding to the sense of occasion, Raghuram assumed his role as a dedicated volunteer for the second consecutive year, stationed at the start area to lend his support to the proceedings.
The air buzzed with excitement as our friends – Sridhar, Shubha, Rishi, Divya, Madhu, Pavana, Ganesh and little Mia joined us from other cities. Their presence infusing the atmosphere with an extra dose of warmth and camaraderie. With a grand send off from Omkar’s house, Ranjini and I reached the start line, our hearts brimming with excitement and nerves.
Unlike the cool temperatures of the past week, race day greeted us with a warm embrace, the mercury hovering around 20°C. With ample hydration and nutrition at my disposal, I awaited the starting gun at 11:15am with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
The early stages of the race passed by in a blur of exhilaration, as I settled into a steady rhythm, mindful of conserving energy for the challenges that lay ahead. The rolling hills of the course presented a formidable obstacle, requiring a delicate balance of strength and endurance to navigate successfully. I made sure to hydrate at every water station, the cool refreshment providing a welcome respite from the punishing sun.
Fueled by Unived 180 gels at regular intervals, I maintained a steady pace. The support of family and friends through their loud cheers and words of encouragement provided the much-needed boost of morale at every turn. The emphatic “oodo Gautham oodo” (Run Gautham Run) still rings in my ears and brings a smile.
As I approached the 21st mile, a sudden turn of events threatened to derail my momentum, as the battery of my Apple Watch drained unexpectedly, leaving me without the means to monitor my pace and distance. I pushed on relying on instinct and feel to guide me through the final stretch.
With the iconic Citgo sign looming large on the horizon, I summoned the last reserves of my strength, pushing through the pain and exhaustion. As I turned onto Hereford Street and caught sight of the finish line on Boylston Street, a surge of emotion washed over me, propelling me forward with renewed vigor.
With the Indian tricolor flag held aloft in a triumphant salute, I crossed the finish line in a time of 3:58 hours. As the weight of the Boston Marathon Medal and the coveted Six-Star Medal settled around my neck, a profound sense of accomplishment washed over me.
In the grand tapestry of achievement and triumph, there exists a thread of unconditional support and love. The joy and awe in my sons’ eyes when they see my medals and express their desire to run like me fills me with immense pride. Bhashini’s steadfast presence and encouragement have been the cornerstone of my journey and reason for my aspirations to have taken flight.
For more than a decade of my running journey, she has stood by my side as a pillar of strength in times of doubt. She has shouldered the bulk of the responsibilities with grace, freeing me to chase my dreams with single-minded determination. Her courage during her cancer journey in 2012 stands as a testament to her strength of character and spirit. It serves as an inspiration to me and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Every milestone achieved is a tribute to her strength and grace. The Six-Star Medal that adorns my neck is not mine alone—it is hers too, my eternal muse.
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About The Guest Author: Gautham has over 23 years of experience in Hospital administration, Business management, Advertising, Brand and Marketing management across different industry verticals. Highly adept at business development, processes, cost and crisis management. He is also an avid runner. An avid runner. Train hard through the year with a group of runners. He has recently finished the six world marathon majors, a feat of its own. Gautham is also very active in philanthropy and fundraising, having raised money multiple times for various NGOs and causes.
