Biography
I started running in 2003 in my village, Parbhani. As a schoolgirl, I excelled at all the sports at school and also loved to cycle. The school coach who also trained runners recognized my talent and asked me to join his academy to train under him. I didn’t take it seriously and 3-4 months simply passed by. That year I failed my 10th standard exams and my parents were very disappointed in me. The coach happened to pass by my house during the time when he asked me why I hadn't shown up and I told him about my academic failure. A few days later, he along with a few other runners from his team showed up at my house and convinced my parents that I had a lot of athletic potential and that they should just give it a shot. That was how this running journey began for me.
Career Highlights
Current National Record Holder for 100K- 8:20
Tata Ultra 2022, 3rd place- 4:21:09
TMM 21- 2nd place, 2:45
NDM 2021- 1st place, 3:00:00
Indira Marathon, Allahabad, six-time consecutive winner
Hyderabad Marathon, three-time winner
Tata Ultra 2021, 1st place- 4:00:20* *Course record
Up Close, and Personal
To me, sport stands for...
Running to me is life, my career, my financial support, my everything. Where I am today is only because of it.
A sports personality I look up to...
Paula Radcliffe, the full marathon world record holder. She has been my inspiration since I started running.
On a typical training day...
I do: 30-35kms runs every day. Some days I will have 2 sessions, one in the morning and evening.
I gear up with: My Garmin watch.
I eat: Nutrition wasn’t in focus, and I do not have a specific diet plan. Cashews and almonds ground in milk, overnight-soaked legumes, eggs, and bananas are a staple throughout the week.
I cross-train with: No other sport, I only run.
The moment I discovered my athletic potential was...
In 10th grade, when my coach believed in me.
The toughest aspect of being an athlete...
Until now I have not labeled anything as tough. I believe that once you label something as tough you have a hard time accomplishing it.
Your biggest source of motivation…
1.My coach, without whom I wouldn’t be here.
2.My parents who supported me through and through. They let me venture on this unconventional path and did not stop me.
3.My running buddies, who just run whatever distance is planned for me without any questions.
Before a big race, I tell myself...
I pray and just tell myself to give my best.
The toughest competition of my life was...
Tata Ultra 50K. Hills are tough for me.
The most memorable moment of my sporting career so far...
My whole running journey right from 2003-2022 is memorable. But last year, when I broke the national record for 100K was special. Going into the race, the longest distance I had run was 35K and I did not believe I would even be able to toe the finish line, let alone break the national record. On the race day, looking at all the international athletes present and also with the help of our coach and his students who ensured we were well-hydrated throughout the race, I could accomplish it.
My training sanctuary is...
The roads of Parbhani.
My dream starting line is...
The Olympics & the Asian Games.
I nourish my soul with...
I like to listen to music.
My 2023 goals are...
A sub 2.30 Full Marathon at NDM 2023
Improving my timings at 100K this year at the 100K Asia Oceania Championship
My 2023 race schedule is...
New Delhi Marathon
Pune International
Adani Ahmedabad Marathon
Indira Marathon, Allahabad
Vasai-Virar Marathon
Tata Mumbai Marathon in 2024
Other Athletes
Kalidas Hirave
Marathoner