JOURNEY OF A FEMALE ULTRA RUNNER

In the world of endurance sports, where pain meets passion and limits are meant to be broken, a special breed of athletes emerges - ultra runners.

- Priyanka Bhatt

When I started my running journey, I just wanted to be fit so that I could eat anything and stay free from diseases. I had no idea where this journey was going to lead me, and I eventually became an ultra-runner because this journey challenged not only my physical strength but also my mental fortitude.

Every remarkable journey has a starting point, and for me it started with a miserable 12 hours run in Mumbai in the year 2015. It all began with an insatiable thirst of exploring my capabilities and pushing boundaries. But at the end of 12 hours, I had found new committed love for the long haul. What started as a mere hobby blossomed into an unwavering passion for conquering the vast distances that define ultra running.

Having a full-time job, I only have limited hours to train on weekdays. My training week is decided depending on my work week. My training schedule includes short runs 12-15km on weekdays and 2 days of strength and conditioning. Weekends I dedicate to long-distance runs and putting my mental and physical endurance to test. Beyond physical endurance, the mental game is equally crucial in the world of ultra running. In a 24 hrs race, as the miles stretch and every hour passes by, you encounter moments of doubt, exhaustion, and pain. I have done 24 hours races about 6/7 times and every time, the race has taught me something new.