Runner of the fortnight- Meher D'Mello

Meher D’Mello, one of the most regular RFL runner, is our featured runner for the fortnight. Coming second in the midnight marathon, she is truly an inspiration for all those who want to start running. A true lover of long distance running, she says, “Nothing beats running” when asked about why she runs.

We caught up with Meher and interviewed her about running and all things related to it. Read on to know what she said…

1. Running for me means:

No matter how I feel going into a run, I always come out on top of the world. So I keep coming back to running. To me, it means feeling great.

2. How many marathons/half marathons:

Officially, 2 full marathons, 3 half marathons.

3. I have been running for…

A year, very consistently, 4 to 5 times a week. Prior to that I ran for a short spell in 2004 and stopped.

4. Personal bests:

4:31 hours at the 2009 Mumbai Marathon
Funny thing is I feared this marathon so much. One, because I was told it would be really hot - the sun would sap my strength during the later hours, and two, I had been unwell during the month leading up to the race and didn’t have the confidence I’d pull through. But a few kilometers into the race I started to feel great! I crossed the rest of the distance feeling strong and having a lot of fun.

5. My favourite running shoes:

I buy what fits and feels right and allows my feet to breathe.

6. When did I start running:

February 2008 in real earnest.

7. My toughest marathon:

Having described to you the feared Mumbai marathon, I’ll now safely say that neither that nor the Kaveri Trail ended up being as tough as some of my long training runs. The races themselves went pretty smoothly – even during the rough parts. Can’t say the same for, say, some of 35k-ers at GKVK. I remember wanting to give up so many times during them – if it weren’t for my obsession with running a marathon, and the high standards set by some of my fellow runners, I am certain I would have walked my marathons.

8. If I wasn’t running, I’d most likely be…

A different person altogether – grumpier for sure. Hey, nothing beats running. But if I couldn’t run, I’d be swimming.

9. My favourite running route…

Is at good old Cubbon Park. It’s one of the most pleasant routes I’ve run in or around Bangalore and tops the list for convenience. Plus, the 5k loop can be repeated one or several times to suit a short or long run day. I’ve done 8 loops for a long run – it was actually okay. And another nice thing about Cubbon is that even if you show up alone, you’re bound to run into someone you know!

10. Favourite running quote:

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucius.

11. Advice to runners out there:

Keep the freshness in your running: that means changing things up – routes, distances, speeds, sometimes not running at all. Also, if you are working towards an event, be very dedicated to your training schedule. Aside from helping your performance, it will give you a lot of confidence for race day.

12. If there’s one thing I’d change about running, it would be:

I love running, just the way running is.

13. When I m running uphill on my last lap, my brain is saying:

My last lap, my brain is thinking “This is it - give it all you’ve got. Move, Meher!!”

14. My favourite running benefit is:

Mental toughness – learning not to give up, to push through whatever might want you to stop.

15. What do I like listening to while I run:

Music or interesting conversation. I have to listen to loud and upbeat music when I’m getting tired though – a great tune definitely makes me run faster!

16. What I don’t tell other runners about me:

I get nervous before every single long run. I wonder if it will go well or not.

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