Runner of the fortnight - Daniel Vaz
Daniel Vaz (or Zico as he is popularly called by his friends) is a prolific marathon runner. He is the CEO of a company and travels a lot but that doesn't stop him from running almost every day.
Wait! That's not all! Zico also wants to give back to running. He regularly gives out tips and contributes to discussion on this website. He is also very active in the Mumbai marathoners group. If that wasn't enough, he helps out many newbie’s to get started. He is now also a coach at the recently started Nike Run Club Mumbai.
Zico has completed a sub 4 marathon at SCMM, and is the Runner of the Fortnight in this edition of the RFL newsletter.
We caught up with Daniel Vaz, for a chat and here is what he had to say.
1. How long have you been running and when did you start?
I began recreational running in 1994 when a friend encouraged me to participate in the Pune International Marathon. It was a painful yet thrilling experience, running 25kms (which was the mark where they took away our bibs and herded us, stragglers, into busesJ) without any training but I perhaps managed it because I used to play football on weekends then. I haven’t looked back since, and now well, running – is my life.
2. What do you enjoy about running?
It’s a great stress-reliever for me and allows me to eat and drink (read beer) all I want. Besides, I am hooked on the buzz I get in racing a marathon.
I think we experience true deliverance when we cross the finish line.
3. Which are the events you have taken part in and what are your best timings?
I have run full marathons in Goa (Salgaokar Sports), Thane (Varsha), Chennai, SCMM, Auroville, Hyderabad, Berlin, Lausanne and Istanbul.
My best time is a 3:57 in SCMM 2008 with a 5th place as a veteran.
4. Your advice to someone who wants to start running?
Make modest increases in the time or distances that you run only after you are comfortable running (have adapted to) your current time or distances.
Don’t blindly follow a training schedule from books or the net. I also advise all runners to be absolutely certain to take adequate rest and recovery in their weekly schedule so as to avoid injury and over-training.
5. What are the events you plan on taking part in 2010?
I have SCMM 2010 and Auroville on my immediate horizon. I plan to either run Prague or Madrid in April / May 2010.
The Bangalore Ultra (75K), in Nov 2010 is an absolute must for me.
6. Do you have any message for our runners?
The world of the passionate runner revolves around his training schedule and his next race. It is important to prioritize your family and work, and factor it into your schedule - you cannot afford to neglect them.
Daniel Vaz embodies the true spirit of RFL, all of us at RFL wish you a very safe and enjoyable running season in 2010 and we do hope a lot more of our runners get a chance to interact with you in the coming year.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Prashant Sharma on -
Apart from the above all points would like to add one more, Zico is a driving force in making the MMR group to be so lively.The theme which has been kept for the group is so good.He is ever ready to help , and share his experience when ever asked for.
All the wishes to Zico (Daniel) .
-prashant
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Permalink Reply by Kingshuk Mukherjee on -
Hi,
Prashant is BANG on target. Dan (Zico) besides being a very FIT person has excellent knowledge and a superb coach. He is also a very humble person ever willing to help anyone and is very open to new ideas. He gives all the relevant and necessary information that a Marathoner needs according to his or her needs. We need more of his kind. Good luck Zico and Keep Up the GREAT work!
Warm Regards,
Kingshuk Mukherjee
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Permalink Reply by Madhumita Dasgupta on -
The journey which has taken me from a sedentary spectator to one who has completed 4 HMs in 2 years has been possible becasue of my Mentor and Coach , Zico. .Zico is a rare phenomenon and an unbelievably modest person who trains us with his mind , cares for us with his heart and guides us with his soul. Time and again, he has felt our disappointments , pieced together our shattered confidences, given us back our belief and most important "Ran the Talk" to set an example for us. We are very fortunate to be training under him and wish him the very best for 2010 and beyond because he deserves the very Best that Life can offer.
Cheers!
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Permalink Reply by Veera on -
Truly, "Daniel-Zico" embodies the true spirit of long distance endurance running .
With best wishes for the new running year - 2010 ,
Veera
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Permalink Reply by Ric Hart on -
Heck I'm honored as well to know Dan "Zico" . As said above a very humble but accomplished man, in business as well as sports. Hopefully you'll come over to the US and we can shake hands personally. And maybe talk you into qualifying for the Marathon Maniacs club! It would be a great jersey to wear on that trip here. Regards, Ric
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Permalink Reply by Dharmanandana on -
Non stop since 1994 ! !
Very inspiring to all running aspirants.
I would be very happy to run with you some time.
Keep going Daniel bhai.
Regards
M.Dharmanandana
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Permalink Reply by Dharmanandana on
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Non stop since 1994 ! !
Very inspiring to all running aspirants.
I would be very happy to run with you some time.
Keep going Daniel bhai.
Regards
M.Dharmanandana
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Permalink Reply by zico on -
Ric - Oh God, I didn't think you'd visit the forum. Thanks.
Dan
Dharam - thanks
Dan
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Permalink Reply by Srinivasa SA on -
Zico, Great to know your acomplishments and the passion for Marathon. You fire the spirit of running in others by your enthusiasm.
On a side note, you look very young in this article photo (in red Tshirt), compared to your RFL profile photo (mature and coachlike)! :-)
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Permalink Reply by RISHIKESH BASU on -
Zico,
Heard about you from Bhasker Sharma. Missed meeting you in last Auroville I know you were there, but will meet you this time. Congratulations for all the achievements and the special one this year across two continents in Istanbul. If you are in Bangalore let us know will love to run with you.
Rishi.
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