RunAddicts- Local Heroes: Inspiration series [Profile 3: Dr Anuradha]

The day I thought about this inspiration series, the first name that crossed my mind was Dr Anuradha. She is an inspiring person. I was lucky the second time to get her time. She is a Doctor, Mother, Wife, Ultra Runner, a Wonder woman, always on her toes. Having run with her a few times and watching her running journey grow year on year has been inspiring.

We are in a world with least opportunities to women. They need to fight through their way up.

I would like to recall the words of Warren Buffet. “The womb from which you emerge determines your fate to an enormous degree for most of the seven billion people in the world,” Buffett told journalist Rebecca Jarvis in 2013. “Just in my own case: I was born in 1930, I had two sisters that have every bit the intelligence that I had, have every bit the drive, but they didn’t have the same opportunities.”

In short, “if I had been a female, my life would have been entirely different.” The ovarian lottery is “the most important event in which you’ll ever participate,” Buffett continued. “It’s going to determine way more than what school you go to, how hard you work, all kinds of things”.

Source: CNBC

It is sad but bitter truth; however, it is a proud moment for us to have so many women achievers amongst us.

Let us celebrate their success!!

Dr Anuradha, Welcome to RunAddicts- our Local Heroes: Inspiration series. Congrats on being selected as a Local hero for our RunAddicts Inspiration series. It is a joyful coincidence that I am interviewing you on the eve of women’s day.

Sai: Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Dr Anuradha (Dr Anu): I am a consultant neurologist in Aster Cmi hospital, Bangalore. My husband is a cardiologist and have an 81/2-year-old daughter who is interested in running and swimming.

Sai: I would love to know how you got into fitness?

Dr Anu: I was always interested in sports and physical activity. I was learning Bharatanatyam dance in my childhood but could not pursue as I could not manage both my studies and dance. I took up running to stay fit, both mentally as well as physically. I felt we should practice what we preach.

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

Dr Anu: Since 2017. participated in events like TMM, Bangalore marathon, Pinkathon, TROT, Thump, Auroville marathon, Malnad ultra, Stadium run etc

Sai: I see that your love for Ultras has increased of late. What is the reason for this?

Dr Anu: There is no specific reason as such, but I did not want to take my ability for granted, so thought of giving it a try. It felt like I was on top of the world and just continued it. It’s also my biggest passion, pure joy, a way for myself to see my own strengths (which I didn’t think I had), and a great way to explore my surroundings wherever I go in the world.

 Sai: Recently you were a podium finisher in the stadium run. Can you share your experience? What were the improvements you made as compared to your run couple of years ago?

Dr Anu: I never aimed to be a podium finisher as I was just recovering from my COVID lung. So, I did not make any plans before going to the run. I just wanted to run for complete 12 hours and do at least 60kms and meet minimum distance criteria. I Thought it would be great if I can run 72kms, like last year stadium run. But I have consciously put efforts during my training to improve my pace as well endurance by running almost daily and also concentrating on my little bit of yoga and strength training.

 Sai: Eventually you ended up clocking 87.15km. That sums up the story. That’s amazing and inspiring grit you displayed out there.  The year was rough, but you ended on a high.

 I understand it is a trance feeling running for long hours. We undergo different emotions, what runs in your head?

Dr Anu: It makes me feel free. I feel like I’m soaring, and everybody is a blur when I pass them. I feel happy when people are amazed at how fast and far, I can run. So, to sum it up, I’m a better person when I run.

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

Dr Anu: 10K: 53.32, HM: 1.45.40, FM: 4.10

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

Dr Anu: I make sure I do a day of tempo, a day of interval run, a day of hill repeats and a day for long run and rest of the days aerobic run in a week. I make sure I do my weight training and stretching twice a week. My long runs are never more than 3 hours.

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

Dr Anu: Probably Malnad ultra because of the company of RunAddicts and as it is amidst beautiful nature.

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

Dr Anu: It is a challenge as a mother, wife, and a busy profession. But I am a very organized person, so I do not find it very difficult. Start my day as early as 4.30. Finish my training by 6 and then take care of daily chores at home and then hospital and make sure I go to bed by 10. Running keeps me stress free and happy throughout the day.

Sai: That is akin to robotic precision. Hats off to your commitment. I hope people will think twice before saying they are busy for fitness. Next question, what is RunAddicts for you?

Dr Anu: Amazing, happy group with just positivity around and this group has been the inspiration to achieve my goals.

Sai: Any specific running goals?

Dr Anu: Keep running till my 100th year with no injuries.

Sai: What is your favourite running quote?

Dr Anu: I do not run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days.

Sai: What is your advice for beginners?

Dr Anu: Keep Running, become better runner day by day. Don’t compare yourself to others, learn from your friends / others, help and encourage others to become better Runners. We are not here to compete but to enjoy each day and each moment.

Thank you, Dr Anuradha, you make running an ultra a cakewalk. This was a thought-provoking interview. I am sure this will compel many of us to reconsider prioritization of our commitments in life. You are a doctor and an ultra-runner; I hope this will also dissipate many doubts newcomers have about running.  I wish you success in all your endeavours.

Happy women’s day to all our readers.