Her inspiring story is one of grit, guts, glory and self discovery. Although we can imagine Sumedha’s modest nature laughing off this statement, her story is bound to lead to some amount of healthy introspection in all of us.

Dumbelled.com is privileged to be able to feature the ferocious runner who also heads her own consulting firm. Her candid yet articulate answers had us enthralled from start to finish:

  1. Tell our readers about your younger days; were you always an avid runner and fitness buff or was it something you developed later on in life.

Sumedha: I am an asthmatic patient born to a family inclined towards sports and fitness. My father, sister and brother all are all lawn tennis players. So naturally tennis was the first game I was introduced to. Growing up running was not a very interesting sport; it was just part of warm up before getting ready for the game. I always wanted to start my game and found warming up boring.

I developed the love for running in 2010, after my wedding as that was only practical sport available near my house.

  1. From an asthmatic to a celebrated distance runner, your fitness journey is an inspiration, tell us what was the methodology you took too achieve this transformation.

Sumedha: It sounds great to be called an inspiration. To be honest I don’t think I didn’t anything exceptional. I did everything what I was not supposed to do whether it was in terms of precautions, medications, training or anything – there are strong stereotypes and mindsets you need to break. All I did and still do is follow my heart and do what I want to do.

I followed only one method for cure and that was “Exercise”. The more I do physical activity more I became breathless and I kept reminding myself this is just momentary and my actions are making lungs grow stronger. And that has been mantra for anything in life, when it gets hard move harder but don’t stop. Even today whenever I fall ill I start doing workout. It has always worked for me and it still does.

  1. In order to overcome these hurdles and improve your running, have you taken any training or coaching?

Sumedha: Until May 2013 I had been training just like a normal runner does. Run as far as you can and some basic stretches along with Power Yoga.

But then I had slipped disc in early 2013 in lower lumbar while doing weights. Did lot of convention treatments for the same, even went to some good physiotherapist and took ayurvedic treatments but nothing worked but just made the condition worse.

In June 2013 I met Dr. Abhay Nene. He introduced me to Qi Spine clinc. Since then I have been training under them. My spine no doubt is back and I have started running but in fact my strength and performance has improved.

Now I train and run under the guidance of Dr. Abhay Nene and Qi Spine Clinic.

  1. You have run various distances in various formats of running, which of these is your favourite distance or format of distance running and why?

Sumedha: Every run and distance is challenging in its own way, in some it’s about speed, timings and in some it’s about distance and mental stamina. I love all the formats as long as I have to fight me against me.

  1. What was the most challenging event that you have taken part in and why?

Sumedha: 1500kms run from New Delhi to Mumbai .It was challenging as I had only started running in 2010 and did ran my first marathon in 2011. I took part in it because it sounded crazy and for a change I was running for a cause rather than just for medal and finisher’s certificate.

  1. We would like to chose the word ferocity to describe your running, as in the few years (since 2010 we believe) you have taken up running you have be become one of India’s most prolific and recognizable women runners. With several accomplishments and laurels, including a record in the Limca book of world records, what is your proudest personal moment in regards to running?

Sumedha: Wow, You make me sound so glamourous. Thanks for your kind words.

Proudest moment in running for me is none as I have loooong looong way to go.

But for me proud moments in running are when after a hectic work of running my own company, finishing my daily house hold duties and cooking dinner, I’m still able go for my regular run and distance before going to bed. It really makes me feel proud of myself that I was able to push myself out of the comfort zone.

  1. You hold not just one but two records in the nation for running one for the most distance covered by a women in 24hrs and one for being the only woman to be a part of the six person team to complete the gruelling 1500km run from Delhi to Mumbai! Can you tell us more about these experiences?

Sumedha: For 1500km experience I have written a book which has been published by Rupa publications and it will be launched in mid of this year.

For 24hrs run, it was crazy as I ran it in few months after I ran 1500kms. So it was tough and rough for me. The run was held in Gurgaon and running at night in that city and at cold temperature was pretty daunting. It was tough, mad, fun and good experience over all. I would love to do it again soon.

  1. What is your next challenge that you plan to take on?

Sumedha: Once my visa is stamped and the tickets are done, I will share with running world.

  1. What advice or message would you like to give amateur runners especially women?

Sumedha: When we run for some goals and targets then running loses it charms, but when we run just for fun and don’t worry about outcome then we deliver good, give our personal bests and above all we enjoy the run. And that all running is about “Having fun”.

These are a few fun questions we at Dumbelled.com like to ask every one we interview, its much like a downhill stretch that you can catch your breath and relax on.

  1. Your favourite running Music?

Sumedha: I listen to hard rock while running it pumps up my adrenaline levels. I listen to tracks from Rammstein, Hammerfall, Grave Digger, Eisbrecher, Amon Amarth.

  1. Your favourite sports personality?

Sumedha: William Sisters

  1. The one thing you simply must do before a run?

Sumedha: Tie your shoes laces well.

  1. What you eat before and after your run?

Sumedha: A bowl of curd an hour and half before the run, and a good cup of coffee just 30mins before the run.

  1. Your favourite quote, especially when you run?

Sumedha: Just run…… Don’t make it complicated.

“Thank you Sumedha for this fantanstic interview. Hope this interview would inspire all of our readers and runners across the country.” – Dumbelled.com

0 votes