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.
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.
Super inspiration Guru sir was always great to run with you and we did Malnad and Stadium run with you Sandhya was so awesome and you both add so positive vibes when we run together.
Congratulations Guru n Sandhya.
You are 3S Strong, Smiley , Super Man.
All the best for your future endeavours.
Super Guruprasad sir. It’s a great acheivement by you and you are really inspiring other to run more. You are amazing
Nice one Guru u keep inspiring us I have seen u from the initial days of running urself and Sandhya r always a great inspiration keep inspiring us
Super inspiring ultramarathon couple. It was good to know your journey. Thanks for the advice Guru. 🙏
Fantastic discussion Guru. Always a pleasure to run with you and Sandhya. Proud that you are part of Runaddicts. Best wishes for future races to your entire family 🙂
Guru and Sandhya, you are Unmatchable Duo!
Live hero you are, and inspiring all, not only in running but also in all matters of life.
Lucky to have you as a friend, as a family and a Motivator!
India feels proud on you!
Awesome running couple – Guru, Sandhya. RunAddicts is lucky to have you in the group. Great inspiration for many of us and learnings from you. Hope to get back to normal running soon 🙂
Amazing Guru and Sandhya.
Your time management and dedication is amazing! I always look forward to you both.
Good Speed.
God Bless You Both!
And yes Sudi is our rising ⭐
Keep it up Sir
You are inspiration to us towards fitness.
Stay fit keep running
Congratulations Guru and Sandhya. It was a real fun for 5 days running with you both during our Bangalore to Sakleshpura. Keep inspiring !!…
Great sir Many Many congratulations
Kudos the ever inspiring amazing couple 🙌🏻😊 Has always been a great company to run with Guru (12 Hr Stadium Run, Bangalore Sakleshpur Run etc). He would be running in a calm and composed manner. No matter what the circumstances are, he makes it look easy. Guru is a great motivator. Guru instilled confidence in me to start Brevet Cycling Rides too! Keep inspiring us all Guru 👏🏻
Inspirational.. proud To have a friend like you.
Congratulations to both of you Guru & Sandhya.
I know secret of few achievements of yours- lady behind the success is Sandhya
All the best.. lot more accolades to come.. this is just a start for a guy like you..disciplined, enthusiastic and jolly friend.
Just awesome bro.
Keep going. Wish u many more medals.
The ever inspiring and amazing couple🙌. It’s always been a great company to run with Guru sir. Guru sir is a great motivator, he instilled confidence in me to run my first half marathon (adhm) and that was just a start. Then we took part in many events. He inspired and motivated us all at work place too. Keep inspiring us all sir..
Hi Guru,
You inspired me for running and I could complete 3 Delhi half marathons apart from other events. I wish Sandhya Ma’am, Sudheendra and you a wonderful journey ahead.
Take care, God bless…….
Runaddicts. Simply super and inspiring couple,infact I motivate watching you and your dedication , we had a good runs before and always enjoy running with you guru sir..you create postive vibes with your energy and endurance levels. Thank you for guiding me when ever I need. #insipring humaN.
Thank you Guru for sharing your story. Your story truly reflects to the name of this series – Inspirational… 👍👍
Your training schedule looks very well thought and will definitely help beginner like me.