Chandra Gopalan-Featured Runner
For this week’s newsletter we caught up with Chandra Gopalan one of the intrepid lady runners at RFL. Chandra is one of the early breed of lady runners in.
Chandra was kind enough to speak to us even though she has been traveling and was in Mumbai at the time of writing this article. As you will see from the answers below Chandra has run several of the best long distance running events in the country and abroad.
We asked Chandra a few questions, read on to know more!
Q. How long have you been running?
A. I have run a fair bit in my school and college days. I won several of the track and field events which I participated in my school and college days. With regards to marathon running I took to it fairly recently. I started running long distance in late 2003. Since then it’s been almost 6 years of serious running.
Q. Can you tell us which events you have taken part in over the years?
A. I have done five half marathons ( Mumbai, Bangalore and Bangkok), 5 full marathons (Mumbai and Bangalore), 2 ultra marathons ( 26K and 50K), both the Sun feast 10k events in Bangalore, the BSA Hercules Duathlon and of course several weekend runs organised by RFL.
My personal best time is 1.55 hrs at the half marathon in Mumbai in 2005, which got me the gold in the senior category.
Q. Describe Running and You?
A. Running gives me my own space. Even if I run with several others, I compete only with myself. It relaxes me and gives me a wonderful high! The sense of achievement after every run is enthralling.
Q. What would you like to say to someone who has just started running?
A. To every beginner, my advice is to enjoy your runs, build up the pace and distances slowly and supplement running with some cross training. Never underestimate the importance of core strengthening and stretching.
Q. What does your running calendar in the coming months look like?
A. I am looking at running a full marathon at the upcoming Kaveri Trail Marathon and running 50k at the Bangalore Ultra Marathon this year. I’m looking forward to the Mumbai Marathon and the Auroville Marathon in the near future.
Thank you Chandra and we do hope you have a fantastic running season ahead
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Running Minds on
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Hey Chandar.. nice to see your picture here.. but i knew what all you mentioned above.
half marathon 1.55 best time.. amazingggggggggggg. when will you repeat this ? am sure you can.
all the best, Cheers !!!!
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Permalink Reply by zico on -
Congratulations Chandra. It is evident that you are a seasoned distance runner now.
zico
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Permalink Reply by Chandra Gopalan on -
Thanks a ton !
Running Minds said:Hey Chandar.. nice to see your picture here.. but i knew what all you mentioned above.
half marathon 1.55 best time.. amazingggggggggggg. when will you repeat this ? am sure you can.
all the best, Cheers !!!!
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Permalink Reply by Chandra Gopalan on
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Thanks Zico
zico said:Congratulations Chandra. It is evident that you are a seasoned distance runner now.
zico
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Permalink Reply by Rahul Chauhan on -
Congratulations. That's an amazing time for half. thanks for sharing your experiences.
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Permalink Reply by Thennavan Subbiah on
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I only knew you as a wonderful coach! Didn't know the amazing stats... Thanks for sharing your experiences.
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Permalink Reply by muniappa gajendran on -
hai chandra ! nice to see your picture .very amazing to see your participation in so many marathon.congrats
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Permalink Reply by kishore kumar .D on -
hello chandar, congrats, its a very good timing. i wish u have gr8 runs in ur future marathons.
kishore kumar.
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Permalink Reply by Asif Masood M on -
Chandra, this is just fantastic. I am really inspired by your track record and hope one day i would achive something like this.
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Permalink Reply by Venkateshwaran Srinivasan on -
Coach ! wish you many more years of great running ! Congrats.
Venky
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Permalink Reply by RISHIKESH BASU on -
Chandra,
Wishing you Happy Running for Years to come.
Rishi.
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Permalink Reply by Madhumita Dasgupta on -
Hello Chandra,
You are truly an inspiration to us! I hope you astound and motivate us with your feat for many many more miles.
Regards,
Madhu
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