RunAddicts- Local Heroes: Inspiration series [Profile 11: Guruprasad]

Guru and Sandhya, they are one of the famous running couples in our running community. Today, I have the privilege to interview Guru. He makes our long runs interesting and easy with his inspiring stories and a smiling face. Sometimes I wonder if he ever gets tired.  Let us try and know the secret from him.

Guru, Welcome to RunAddicts- our Local Heroes: Inspiration series. Congrats on being selected as a Local hero for our RunAddicts Inspiration series.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

I work for a Certification Body as Lead Assessor. An ex-serviceman retired from Indian Air Force in the Year 2018 after 20 Years of Service. My wife is a Teacher, luckily an Ultra Runner as well. Son is 14 Years, slowly transforming into a runner.

Since when have you been into fitness?

I was an NCC Cadet since Class 8th. May be the requirement was part of our life.

At 18 Years joined Indian Air Force, there was a professional requirement to stay fit. However, it got diluted due to unscheduled commitments in the field units. Sleepless nights, irregular food timings. Was diagnosed of sinus tachycardia where my resting heartrate was 110 beats/min (bpm) along with body weight of 94kgs. Marginally missed getting placed in Lower Medical Category. That made me to get into some physical activity in 2007. I chose running for weekdays and cycling for weekends. Running was limited to 5kms and cycling around 30kms.

 How long have you been running, and which are the events you have participated?

It was on 15 Aug 2014; I broke the barrier by running my 10k. Same year I registered for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and completed it. So officially, I can be called as a runner since 2014. Mumbai Marathon, Malnad Ultra 50k, Vagamon Ultra 60k, 12 Hour Stadium Run, TRORT 50k, Bangalore to Sakleshpur (222kms in 5 days) are the best to mention.

What are your 10K, HM and FM personal best timings?

10k – 50 mins, Half Marathon – 1:46, Full Marathon – 4:40 are the best so far.

How do you train for an event; can you share a few insights?

A typical week for any event consists of a day for Tempo, interval, long run, cross training, a day for core Strengthening drills, two days of rest. Any training starts with a week cumulative distance of 20% of next race distance to 150% next race distance, finally taper two to three weeks before the race date.

Eat enough and sleeping well are also taken care.

That is a pretty good training regime.

Which is your most memorable running event and what makes it so special about it?

Vagamon Ultra 60k – 2020 – The event taught me how to manage and finish, when you have every reason to quit.

Unending uphills, downhills where even balancing is tough, scorching sun between 9 AM to 4 PM, it is only patience and perseverance that took us (me & Sandhya) to finish.

An Ultra involves running around 8 to 10 hours or more. How do you plan this?

– Concept is drink before you feel thirsty, eat before you feel hungry.

– drink, eat, run and repeat and go on.

– let me tell you, no pre planning works for any distance beyond 42. That’s why the saying “If you want to speak to God Run an ultra”. 

– all ultras I took part happened to be trail runs, aid stations are separated by 7 to 10kms. So, these stations help to fuel very well. All ultra-organizers are runners, that is a huge blessing.

– Most important is your practice runs. I split the day into 4 parts and finish around 50kms whole day. 20 kms before breakfast, 15 After breakfast, 10 after lunch and another five in the evening and do it completely self-supported. This will be longest run before any ultra.

You run so effortlessly, no matter what the distance is. How do you manage?

This is a myth Sai. It looks to be. I just aim to finish cross finish line before cut-off. And Sandhya being with me makes it easier. We keep pulling each other and finish the race.

It is a happy myth I would like to believe.

How do you balance fitness, work, and personal life?

Split the day, morning is for me and myself, Day long for Work, evening for those around me. All gets balanced.

I am blessed, when I run, my “too personal” is with me – none other than Sandhya.

Ha-ha, that makes the balancing part easier. How has RunAddicts helped you?

It is the most I crave for when I need positive vibes, when I need motivation, when I need reason to run.

They bring “Life” into running, make the running an event of pure “Joy”. Also, perfect example for “Together we can achieve more”.

That’s perfectly put Guru! Any specific running goals?

Just to enjoy “the joy of running”, to finish couple of events strong including – Malnad Ultra 110k, Vagamon Ultra 90k.

 What is your favourite running quote?

” Don’t quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion”

What is your advice for beginners?

Graduate slowly in terms of distance, time. Along with training, proper sleep is also important. Also do give enough time for recovery.

Thank you, Guru, I wish you a lot of success in all your endeavours. I also hope RunAddicts can get together for ultra-training soon.