BHARATI PAWASKAR
She has lost the count of timed races she has ran so far - 50 marathons all of which were with podium finishes, and over a dozen of full marathons across the globe, including the Mumbai Marathon that she runs every year. Meet India’s super runner Kranti Salvi who ran the Berlin Full Marathon (42.195 kms) wearing nine yard saree and entered Guinness World Record for achieving this feat in record time of 3.57 hours. She broke the earlier record by more than an hour and earnedthe title of fastest female marathon runner dressed in a sari on Guinness website. And the day was September 16, 2018. Coming to Goa for Rotary Rain Run this month-end, Kranti spoke to TGLife at length and stated, “Some causes are close to my heart and of concern. I love to support them.”
Recalling the Berlin Marathon, Kranti exclaims, “It was unbelievable response at Berlin. I had never imagined it that way. The attention the Berlin media gave me along with all the winners of the Berlin Marathon is beyond my words. I shared the same stage with elite athletes Eliud Kipchoge, and Gladys Cherono! While the runners’ crowd from all across the globe was present, there was a line of marathoners to take selfies with me! Some even got their shoes to take my signature on! It was a live broadcast on German TV. Similar response was seen after my return to India. In fact, I have run faster earlier too, faster than the GWR marathon in sari but it was the sari that made the difference! The presentation of Indian ‘nau vari’ (nine yard) sari on a world platform happened through this attempt. I’m proud that it happened through me.”
What led this busy Mumbaikar to try this incredible feat of running for Guinness record in Berlin Marathon? Sheer determination! It was a rewinding exercise for Kranti who restarted running in 2012, after a gap of almost two decades. Was it difficult to get in shape again, after a long gap? She just smiles and adds, “It was joyful and exciting to go back to childhood again. In school I used to wn medals for athletics. But I didn’t pursue that. It all began again with my sporty son - Chirag. He was featured as the youngest tri-athlete when he was just 11 years old. He is a good swimmer, cyclist and an athlete runner. We do train together, but our paces are different. He is much faster, younger with different energy level. I feel proud about him; grateful, too. Chirag is my lighthouse.”
She agrees, “Yes, it’s quite challenging to manage work-home-diet-practice routine. But we runners, love challenges! We thrive on them. They make us grow; achieve more! The passion for running gives you the feeling of confidence that anything is possible if you try.” Kranti ran a 400 meters race as a track event for master’s athletic championship in 2015. The maximum she ran was 89 km in South Africa - Durban to Pietermaritzburg. It is called as the ultimate human race “ Comrades, which she did in June 2019.
“I love running, especially training toward a race. It’s like studying for an exam that you have enrolled for. Training for a marathon consistently requires dedication and some sacrifices too. There are times, when I’ve refused to join a social program when I had a long run to do next morning. My planner is based on running events and invitations. When I run a marathon, I observe and enjoy the nature, surrounding things, people. But yes, sometimes, the mind is literally without any thoughts. No doubt running is easiest and the best cardio workout, having several benefits, not only at physical level, but emotional, mental and spiritual level as well. It is like a meditation,” she feels.
A businesswoman, she feels that nurturing a personal hobby as a stress buster helps a lot, - “Of course, the essence of life lies in following your passion and hobby. It does help in many ways. There are many physiological advantages of running, that improves are efficiency in whatever you do. The feeling of positivity and confidence can transform one’s life. This transformation of woman actually is so contagious; it spreads from her family, to community, to nation.”
Blessed to have a very supportive family Kranti mentions that her husband grew up in Goa. “He is a strong pillar for whatever I’m today,” agrees Kranti who cooks all the meals to ensure they are adequate for the sports persons in her family. She shares her secrets openly, “You won’t believe, healthy food is always easy to prepare than any elaborate meals. It needs less processing or we can eat them whole. My office staff also understands our race schedules, and they take on many responsibilities when we are away. Friends and neighbours are always there to motivate and support.”
When it comes to food, the family chooses to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and sea food. “We eat everything that is nutritious, clean and whole. Focus is on protein rich meal post exercise,” she shares and sends out a message, loud and clear to all women of her age, “It’s never too late to start. You choose what you are today. The support flows in automatically once your purpose is genuine, in whatever you want to pursue. So, don’t give up. And start today! We need to be fit and healthy to support our families. So don’t ignore it.” Age doesn’t matter as long as you are in great spirits. However, there are some limitations as we grow older. Yet, it is possible to start any exercise regime at any point of our life. Human body is wonderful, it adapts to changes. So, run for your life!
