Femina India – August 09, 2019

(Jacob Rumans) #1
“I FACEDNEGATIVECOMMENTSDURING
MYSECONDATTEMPT.IFI WOULD’VELET
THEMAFFECTME,I WOULDN’TBEHERETODAY.’”

ankles and knees. At times, I used to run 30
kilometres five times in a month.

What role did your father play in your
decision to participate in the race?
Not many know this, but my dad and I started
training together for the Ironman in France.
We participated together and I lost the cut off
in cycling by five minutes. I was somewhat
relieved that the entire stress of working out
daily was over. My parents always told me if
I was quitting because I failed, then I needed
to introspect. Finally, I decided to try again
because I didn’t want to disappoint them or
have any regrets later in life.

How long did it take for you to prep for
the triathlon?
I started training in December 2017 after the
All India Swimming Games in Chandigarh.
I’d reached a certain level of saturation
when it came to swimming, and needed
a fresh start. My coaches, Mufasa Topiwala
and Taher Kachwala, suggested the Ironman,
the toughest triathlon there is, which had to be
completed in 17 hours, and I accomplished the
goal in 16 hours and five minutes.

As a teenager, what did you have to let
go of to pursue something so huge?
I had three training schedules over eight-and-
a-half hours every day, so I lost out on a lot. The
sun affected my skin adversely and I became
prone to break-outs. I never really battled with
physical fatigue, but was rather separated from
a ‘normal life’. I used to call my friends at 2 am,
in the middle of a breakdown, wondering what
I was doing. Kudos to them for supporting me
despite me not being socially active.

In your journey, did you ever reach
a breaking point?
Before my first Ironman commenced,
there was a party for all the participants.
I thought, okay, I get to be girly! I was
applying foundation when I realised it didn’t
match my skin tone since I’d tanned a lot.
I was so emotional, I simply started crying.
Most people don’t realise it, but it’s hard to
always stay positive when you’re on such
a journey. Some days are more negative than
positive. You have to learn to embrace them
and start on a fresh note the next day.

What advice would you give young
female athletes like you?
Always believe in yourself. I believe that,
‘An entire sea of water can’t sink a boat unless
it gets inside the boat.’ The negativity of the
world can’t put you down unless you let it.
I faced negative comments during my second
attempt. If I would’ve let them affect me,
I wouldn’t be here today. Letting go of
negativity is the key to success.

So, what’s next for you?
I haven’t set eyes on anything yet. I’m still
trying to figure myself out.

REALITY interview

Free download pdf