The North Carolina-based long-distance runner is on the verge of completing a unique record as a Marathon runner. Having competed in the top 5 Marathons of the world he is looking to take part in the sixth one. As and when he does it he will be recognised with a 6-star medal from Abbott World Major Marathons
DOHA
The realisation of a dream does not fall into your lap, we have to work very hard for it and the road to success is not without obstacles. It does not happen overnight. You need to draw up a long-term vision and be ready to make certain sacrifices, these sacrifices which are inextricably linked to the goal you want to achieve in life.
That’s precisely what Cuncolim-born USA-based Francis Jawahar Borges has been doing in his professional life as Global Head of Food Value Chain at UPL Limited and as a Marathon runner and inspiring many people around him and elsewhere with his exploits in the sporting world.
The Durham, North Carolina-based long-distance runner is on the verge of completing a unique record as a Marathon runner. Having competed in the top 5 Marathons of the world he is looking to take part in the sixth one which will elevate him and make him a member of a select club. As and when he does it he will be recognised with a 6-star medal from Abbott World Major Marathons.
The road to success has not been easy, sometimes you are laughed at, especially in the beginning but with the right investment in equipment, knowledge, skills and nutrition, among other things, you can get to your highest attainable goal and that’s what Francis, who did his school studies at Our Lady of Health Cuncolim, has been doing in long-distance running for the last 17 years beginning with his Mini-Marathon journey in 2005.
The Mini-Marathon journey has taken him to different parts of the world over the years having competed in around 50 so far.
He has also successfully competed and crossed the finish line in ten marathons so far including five of the World Major Marathons – Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Berlin and London-- and he is looking to his sixth one next year in Boston, says Francis, who did his Higher Secondary education from Chowgule College Margao and First year BSC from St Xavier’s Mapusa before moving to Mumbai to complete his graduation in Microbiology from Ramnarain Ruia College Matunga.
The list of ten marathons he has done so far include Antwerp-Belgium, Paris-France, London-UK, Memphis-USA, Toronto-Canada, New York-USA, Dubai-UAE, Tokyo-Japan, Berlin-Germany, Chicago-USA and is looking towards the Boston Marathon which will take place on April 17, 2023.
The Boston Marathon is very important for him, he says: “With this (Boston Marathon) I would have done the top 6 marathons of the world. For this I will be recognised by a 6-star medal from Abbott world major marathons,” he said while adding “fitness is important to have a holistic life.”
“Holistic fitness allows us to completely integrate mind, body and spirit in order to support total well-being. Working to improve holistic fitness positively affects every aspect of our lives including increased health, mental clarity, spiritual awareness and improved self-esteem. I practice meditation daily. I do volunteer work regularly in church and social clubs like Kiwanis. Giving back is an important principle in my life,” adds the former CEO of Agrichem, Netherlands.
Very focused and willing to make sacrifices Francis says discipline is the key to the long road to success.
“I train 6 days a week with one-day rest. During marathon training, I train for 16 weeks usually with a coach. I run about 800 Kms during these 16 weeks,” said Francis, who was based for 18 years in Belgium while working in the Netherlands and has since moved to the USA.
“I think the USA has a much better sports/running culture than Belgium. I was able to get a good coach who helped to improve my form and gave several tips to improve my performance,” when asked about the sports infrastructure and coaching facilities in Belgium and USA.
As for the rest of the year when he is not taking part in marathons his training schedule includes: “3 days’ strength training for 50 minutes, 2 days metabolic/Cardio/boot camp training for 50 minutes, 3 days of Yoga for 50 minutes each and 6th day - cross training with a bike/swim/football/tennis/table tennis. The above routine I follow almost 80% of the time,” says Francis, who also plays and coaches youngsters in tennis during his free time.
“I also play football with fellow Goans and Mangaloreans here in North Carolina,” says Francis, who moved to the USA in 2015.
Diet, he says, is an important part of a Marathon runner’s life, who has a Master’s degree in Management studies specialising in International Business from Welingkar’s Mumbai and a Diploma in Import Export Management from Somaiya Management Institute Mumbai.
“Food is fuel. So I am mindful of what I eat especially while training and running for marathons. Hydration and fueling are important parts of Marathon running.
His advice to any upcoming long-distance runners and those who want to indulge in fitness is to be dedicated, committed and to strive to be on the top which will make the difference.
“Take the first step. Plan a race and train for it. The most difficult part of running or any sport is the first step out of your bedroom/couch. Everybody can run or do sports. In fact, it is necessary for a healthy life. Most medical sound advice is 10000 steps per day. How you want to get these steps is up to you.”
As for advice for youngsters, he says: “Train, train, train. There is no easy way. Be serious, be disciplined. Give your best effort. See sports as a way of life and not to stop after teenage years.”
The sporting and fitness culture has rubbed on to all the members of the family.
“All 4 of us (including my wife, son and daughter are runners). We have all run half marathons (21 kms),” he says about his family member’s deep connection with sport.
So what next for him after the marathon trail, quick came the reply: “My next goal is to do trekking. Major treks and mountains in the world. I recently did the Grand Canyon - North rim to south rim. It took me 16 hrs. I started at 430 am, I did 130 kms trek Santiago de Camino in Spain, I will do Kilimanjaro next year and I plan to do base camp Mount Everest in 2024,” who says he got his inspiration to indulge in sports during his childhood days watching many a sportsperson from Cuncolim playing at Dulpia Xett (Cuncolim Union Sports Complex ground).
