1. How did your running journey start?
"I started my running journey at a time when I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I felt ashamed looking into the mirror—overweight, unhealthy, and exhausted. Simple things like climbing stairs left me breathless, and that reality was harder to face than any comment from others.
Food had become my stress response, and the constant taunts from family and relatives slowly broke my confidence. What hurt most wasn’t just the words—it was realizing that I had started believing them. Running didn’t begin as a goal or a dream. It began as a quiet decision to stop feeling helpless. The first days were uncomfortable and slow. My body resisted, my mind doubted me, and every step felt heavier than it should. But those steps mattered. They were proof that I was trying.
Over time, running became my therapy. With every run, I released stress, rebuilt discipline, and learned to be patient with myself. As my body grew stronger, my self-respect returned. I wasn’t running to change how others saw me—I was running to change how I saw myself.
Today, running represents healing, resilience, and self-belief. I turned shame into strength, exhaustion into endurance, and self-doubt into confidence. My journey is a reminder that transformation doesn’t start when you feel ready—it starts when you decide you deserve better."
2. How has running changed you — physically, mentally, or emotionally?
"Running has given me confidence in my own skin and peace with my body at every stage of the journey. Physically, it made me stronger and fitter, but more importantly, it taught me that ability is not defined by size. I’ve learned—through experience—that a chubby runner can run, and can run fast.
Mentally, running shifted my focus from how my body looks to what it can do. Every run reminds me that consistency matters more than comparison. The discipline I’ve built on the road shows up in every part of my life.
Emotionally, running healed my relationship with myself. It replaced self-doubt with self-belief and shame with pride. Today, I don’t run to change my body—I run because I respect it. Running taught me that confidence isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about owning your strength, exactly as you are."
3. What has been your biggest struggle in running or fitness?
"My biggest struggle has been dealing with societal expectations and family pressure as a woman who chose fitness differently. Running isn’t always seen as a priority for women—especially when you don’t fit the “ideal” body image or the expected lifestyle. I’ve faced questions, comments, and subtle discouragement about my weight, my appearance, the time I dedicate to training, and even whether running is considered “necessary.”
Beyond the external noise, I also had to silence my own inner doubts. As a runner who doesn’t fit the typical “athlete” image, I faced judgments and assumptions about my ability because of my body type. In the beginning, consistency was a challenge—balancing fatigue, weight struggles, and the fear of being judged when I ran in public.
There were moments when stepping out to run felt harder than the run itself. My body felt heavy, my confidence felt lighter than my legs, stairs felt exhausting, and progress often felt invisible. But the hardest part wasn’t physical—it was showing up anyway, despite the doubt and exhaustion.
Today, that struggle fuels me. I run not just for fitness, but for freedom—to show that women can choose strength, discipline, and ambition on their own terms. Every run is a quiet statement: I belong here."
4. Share one funny, embarrassing, or inspiring race moment.
"One of my most memorable race moments actually had all three—funny, embarrassing, and inspiring.
At the start line, I was surrounded by much younger athletes and a few well-known coaches. Because of my non-athletic body type—thick thighs and a curvy build—I could feel that no one really saw me as a threat. I was just another runner in the crowd.
Once the race began, everything changed. As the kilometers passed, I could sense surprise turning into respect. I maintained my pace, trusted my training, and finished the race in the top three female athletes.
Then came the funny part.
Right at the finish line, my shoe tip caught the ground, and I fell forward. For a second, there was silence—until I instinctively turned that fall into a laugh. I got back up laughing, crossed the line, and realized that even my stumbles couldn’t stop me from finishing strong.
But the moment that stayed with me came after the race. A young girl from the crowd approached me and said, “I secretly followed you on Instagram. I’ve been inspired by your journey of ultrarunning. I want to grow and run like you one day.”
That touched me deeply. It reminded me that this journey is bigger than podiums or appearances. It’s about showing others that strength doesn’t come in one body type—and that sometimes, even a fall can become part of your finish."
5. What achievements, prestigious WINS, and milestones are you most proud of?
"Conquered personal limitations in short-distance running, transforming fear into excellence by winning the Navy Heritage 5K Run twice, proving resilience and mental strength under competitive pressure.
Course Record Holder – 100 km Ultra
Created the course record at the Khadakwasla Ultra 100 km, demonstrating exceptional endurance, pacing strategy, and ultra-distance dominance I'm proud of.
Elite Finisher at the World’s Highest Altitude Races
Achieved 4th position among non-Ladakhi runners at the Khardung La Challenge, one of the toughest endurance events globally, and completed the Ladakh Marathon under extreme altitude and climatic conditions just one day after khardungla challange 4th Position.
Runner-Up – SRT Ultra 53 km
Secured 2nd position at the prestigious SRT Ultra (53 km), one of India’s most technically demanding trail ultramarathons, competing against the nation’s top endurance athletes.
Back-to-Back Champion – Lonavla Varsha Marathon (50 km)
Achieved consecutive victories at the Lonavla Varsha Marathon, highlighting consistency, monsoon-trail mastery, and competitive longevity.
Champion – Birla Opus Half Marathon (2025 & 2026)
Winner of the Birla Opus Half Marathon in two consecutive years, showcasing sustained elite performance across seasons.
Winner – SBI Mumbai Half Marathon
Clinched first place at the SBI Mumbai Marathon, excelling in a high-visibility urban race with strong national participation.
1st Runner-Up – Aapla Pune Marathon 2025 & Winner for 2024
Finished second overall at the Aapla Pune Marathon, reinforcing podium-level consistency in major city marathons.
There are many more Poduim finished in Brands like HRX, GM Modular - Goregaon HM, & Other. “
6. What keeps you showing up — even on tough days?
"What keeps me showing up is remembering where I started and why I began. Running became a promise I made to myself at a time when I really needed to choose me—and I don’t like breaking that promise.
On tough days, I don’t wait for motivation because it doesn’t always come. I rely on discipline and self-respect instead. Running gives me clarity and confidence. It gives me a sense of control in a world that once made me feel small. It reminds me that strength isn’t built in big moments, but quietly, through showing up again and again.
I also show up for the women who are watching—especially those who don’t see themselves represented in fitness. If seeing me run helps even one person feel like they belong, then every hard day is worth it.
Some days are still difficult. But on those days, I remind myself that I’ve already won my biggest race—the one against my own limits. So I don’t ask, “Do I feel like running today?”
I ask, “Who do I become if I don’t?”
7. What advice would you give to aspiring runners?
"In today’s social-media-driven running culture, a lot of running has turned into reel content. But real running actually starts long before the camera is on—and usually when no one’s watching.
My advice? Just start before you feel ready. If we waited to feel perfect or confident, most of us would never begin. Growth shows up the moment you do.
Try not to get caught up in the noise—comparisons, opinions, who’s faster, who’s posting more. Focus on your own path and your own pace. Running isn’t about proving anything to others; it’s about building trust with yourself, one run at a time.
And be patient with it. Progress is sneaky—it’s working in the background even when it doesn’t look like much is happening. Keep showing up, keep going, and one day you’ll smile and think, “Wow… I’ve really come a long way.”
Most of the runs that change you don’t make it to social media—and that’s perfectly okay."
