“Runner of the Fortnight” – Ashok Nath
Ashok Nath, one of the fastest long distance runners in RFL is most definitely an inspiration for upcoming runners. With a personal best of 3hours 21 minutes for a full marathon, he constantly competes with himself – mostly because very few runners can catch up with him!
We interviewed Ashok on life, running and everything in between, right after his stint at the Mumbai marathon and this is what he had to say:
1) What does running mean for you?
It’s my "amphetamine" as it keeps me feeling fighting fit and confident.
2) How many marathons/half marathons have you taken part in?
Honest, after a while you lose count but roughly 2 Ultras, 6 Marathons and 11 Half Marathons.
3) How many years have you been running for?
Running for fitness for over 2 decades but serious running only the last 3 years
4) Personal bests:
I used to do 32m for 10k when in my 20s. Otherwise 1.28 for the half at Lipton 2005 marathon and 3.21 for the Full at Kaveri Trail Marathon 2008.
But, I believe I am capable of doing 1.20 for half and a sub-3 for the full if I find the right conditions and stay focused enough.
5) What are your favourite running shoes?
LOL. For a long time I ran in the Reebok Rs.990 shoes and it took me a while to accept spending Rs. 7500 on myself for running shoes. Today I have 2 pairs of Reebok, but no loyalty to a brand. I look for shoes that have flexibility, cushioning and feel right.
6) When did you start running?
I must have been 12 years old when I started running. I felt strong, full of pep and loved the breeze in my hair - still not of age for a motorbike.
7) Which was your toughest marathon?
As of now it must be the Great Tibetan Marathon at Ladakh where the conditions were testing - thin air, scorching heat and a largely exposed terrain with places where rivers crossed the trail and you had to break stride and hop across on the stones.
8) If you weren’t running, you’d most likely be:
Swimming and trekking more, even cycling. I need to "feel fit" and so I would find another outlet to ensure this.
9) What’s your favourite running route?
I like running in the evenings and do that within Koramangala inner lanes. Just me and the stars and occasionally, some furry friends. But otherwise, I enjoy running in Cubbon Park.
10) Favourite running quote?
I know someone has already quoted this but it’s our man Lance's "Pain is temporary, Quitting is forever".
It’s so apt to our distance as you feel like kicking yourself after the race if you give up before the end. With experience, a runner learns to live with the pain, knowing that pain doesn’t last and staying focused on the goal does.
11) Any advice to runners out there?
Build your distance gradually, allowing your body to adapt to a level before pushing it for more. Find your own ideal distance - not all of us need to be doing the full Monty - and come to terms with it. Finally, listen to your body and the signals it sends you. Sometimes it’s better to lose the battle but win the war.
12) If there’s one thing you’d change about running, what would it would be?
Running should be more about fun and less about being competitive and analytical. We are getting too obsessed with measuring time, distance, calories, speed etc and losing the sheer joy of running.
13) When you’re running uphill on your last lap, your brain is saying?
"1, 2, 3, 4 ...... and so forth". I count my steps and that forces me to maintain stride. Remember, if it is hurting you then its hurting the other runners and the one who best handles the pain comes out a winner.
14) Your favourite running benefit is?
Running has kept me lithe and mentally strong.
15) What do you like listening to while you run?
Not my cup of tea. In a structured training run, I will be listening to my body and what it’s telling me. In my easy loosening runs, I will use the time to think - about my Angel, about work, about life etc. Music doesn’t have a role in my running.
16) What you don’t tell other runners about yourself:
Hmmm. Running is my private space, a time for myself. If I run with you, then I am letting you into my private space and must find you special, very special.
Running should enrich your life. Enjoy your running and use it to keep you feeling good about your body, make running friends and set some landmarks to keep you motivated.
Fact is that I only do about 30 to 50k per week BUT I follow a lifestyle that sees that I stay fit. I will be the only person walking stairs at the airport; I use my laptop/shopping bags as a weight and do some exercises whilst standing; I rarely will sit in the airport bus to/for the plane; I will walk rather then take out the car or bike for reasonable distances; I will never have 2 heavy meals at a stretch; I will carry my shoes for any travel beyond 2 days; and so forth.
Net net, make fitness a process, not a goal.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sharath Raju on -
Dear ashok,
A true runner/athlete's words i've just read. Look forward to catching up on a run sometime.
Reg
Sharath.
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Permalink Reply by Madhumita Dasgupta on -
Congratulations Ashok,
You are truly an inspiration, as Veeramani says, esp. to newbies like us. I am learning the truth of enduring pain and winning over it. You are absolutely right that while the motivation to better timings inspire you to stretch your potentials, one should never lose the sheer joy of running.
Do continue to inspire us and wish you many more challenging and satisfying miles.
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Permalink Reply by kishore kumar .D on -
hats of to u ashok, its a gr8 inspiration for fellow runners. wish u all the best in ur future runs.
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Permalink Reply by ashok on
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Thank you all. Initially i was a lil skeptical in opening up as running is something private for me but realise that there is much we can share, learn and give to others; do walk up and intro yourself when we next meet, and share about yourself. We learn from everyone we come across in some way.... Ashes
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Permalink Reply by Vasudha Khanapur Tavag on -
Wow ! Truely inspiring and motivating specially for rookies like me. Congrats and great going Ashok. All the best for the future.
Vasudha
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Permalink Reply by Brig(Retd) K Venkataraman on -
Dear Ashok,
Your interniew is not only inspiring but also an eye opener on many accounts. We congratulate you on your wonderful performance and let this be a precursor for many more laurels to follow. Your pragmatic approach to running and fitness is really encouraging and we shall definitely use most of them to improve our own timing in our Half Marathons. Looking forward to meeting you in one of the RFL runs
Regards,
Brig(retd) K Venkataraman & Sharada
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Permalink Reply by sridhar srinivasan on -
Hi Ashok,
You are great and you are definitely inspiring me very much to do better in my full marathons. As you say, listening to the body and planning the training around that will work out in the long run(s).
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Permalink Reply by Gautam Mahtani on -
i'm happy to run half as fast as him.. :)
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Permalink Reply by Ramesh Palani on -
Hi Ashok,
Congrats !!!
Thks a lot for your candid replies..
Having read you interview, there is no wonder you have achieved this milestone...
Each one of your reply is inspiring and this one is a real eye opener for me.."We are getting too obsessed with measuring time, distance, calories, speed etc and losing the sheer joy of running."
Its pretty surprising that Music doesnt have a role & its really an interesting take..
I would want to thank you for all the great service you did to help all of us right from the time we reached Pondy until we started back to Blore..Your tireless job in Solar Kitchen is commendable.
Looking forward to run with you & to take tips to see if I can do a full marathon..
Cheers,
Ramesh.
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Permalink Reply by Running Minds on
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Hey Ashok, its very nice konw about you. You are just amazing guy. will try and match your half marathon time if not full in next couple of years and i wish to get featured on this space like you very soon :-)
best wishes - MRK (Murthy RK)
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Permalink Reply by Tapan Karecha on -
Ashok, here's a question I wish was a part of the questionnaire. Would be great if you can answer: "What was your worst running injury and how did you cope with it? Any advice for preventing/dealing with a running injury?"
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