"No race begins at the start line" – Meet Vaishali Kasture (Part 2/2)

This is in continuation to our article published here -Part 1

Vaishali Kasture is a regular on the Indian running circuit who has won many races including the full marathon, veteran women’s category, at this year’s Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, she is also winner of previous season’s half marathons. She recently qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon.

6. As the MD of a major investment bank you must have a hectic work schedule, how do you find a balance between professional commitments and your training?

Vaishali Kasture

I enjoy my fitness regime and I like to mix it up so the routine does not get monotonous. I run 3 to 4 days a week and also do power yoga, core strengthening and weight training. I usually workout or train in the mornings.I If I ever miss a workout I always head to the office gym for an afternoon session.

7. What is the next running challenge that you plan to take on after the Boston Marathon?

At this stage I am not thinking beyond the Boston marathon, I want all my training to remain focused on this event.

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

Indian women are brought up in a society that teaches them to put their needs and wants behind other members of the family. They are happy to lose a few hours of sleep to make breakfast no matter what the time. They genuinely want to do everything.

What I like to tell women is that they must find a few hours personal time out dedicated to their own fitness, take out 45 min to an hour of ” me ” time where you invest in your health, fitness and overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to ask your partner or spouse for help to relieve you of chores and duties and learn to say no when you must. When women in a society are health oriented then there is a ripple effect in society, families are more health consciences, children are healthy. The benefits go all round society.

Below 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.

Running at the Hyderabad Marathon

9. Your favourite running track or trail that you train on regularly?

Cubbon Park, Bangalore; it’s a beautiful place to run in the mornings and it is a safe place for women.

10. Your favourite marathon event or race?

I like the Delhi Marathon because of the awesome cool weather and the flat course..i always tend to get my PB at Delhi for the half marathon: The Mumbai Marathon on the other hand offers spirit that is unrivalled by most events. The Mumbai Marathon is particularly special to me as when I run through the familiar streets of south Bombay where I lived during my college days, I’m filled with nostalgia.

11. Your favourite sports personality?

Usain Bolt – I am blown away by his talent and raw power topped up with the certain swagger and attitude.

And, Fauja Singh – He teaches us all a lesson “it is never too late to start running” He started running at the age of 85.

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

I like to find and set the GPS location on my Garmin watch to track my running pace and distance.

13. What you eat before and after your run?

Before – if it is a short run or a tempo run then a cup of tea, if it’s a long run then a banana or energy gel.

After – I like to eat carbs + protein within 15 minutes to start my recovery. Usually a fruit+ glutapure powder

14. Your favourite quote, especially when you run?

“No race begins at the start line” – Haile Gebrselassie

These words are very potent and swirl around my head especially before the start of a race and remind me how each race performance is a culmination of all the training and commitment prior to it.

15. Your favourite running music?

Anything fast and Peppy really. My musical tastes vary though from rock to pop.

My current favourite – ‘Zinda’ from the movie “Bhaag Milka Bhaag” was a song that kept playing in my head during SCMM this year.

We would like to thank Vaishali Kasture for taking out her time to speak to us ! We wish her all the best for all her future runs..