This 44th episode of World of Running dives into the world of running communities in India. How they are built, sustained, and why they have become so popular in India over the last decade. Listeners will learn about the evolution of running clubs, the impact of community support on individual fitness journeys, and practical strategies to engage and nurture a thriving running group.

Key topics discussed:

• The rise of running communities and their role in transforming running in India.
• A look at India’s running scene and how community initiatives have reshaped it over the years.
• Insights into creating and maintaining momentum in a running community.
• The story behind Soles of Cochin - its inception, growth, and the challenges faced along the way.
• The importance of inclusivity, of women and younger runners.
• Practical advice and lessons learned for anyone interested in starting or expanding a running club.

Guest Intro:

Joining the conversation is Ramesh Kanjilimadhom, an IT professional and seasoned marathon runner from Kochi. Ramesh boasts an impressive record with 89 marathons under his belt - including six appearances at the Boston Marathon, and has been running barefoot for the last 15 years. In 2013, he started Soles of Cochin a vibrant running community that has motivated hundreds of runners locally. His journey from casual running to creating a vibrant community provides invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of building a lasting network of runners.

References (links):

• Soles of Cochin Community: ⁠Learn more about Soles of Cochin⁠
• Spice Coast Marathon
• Vagamon Ultrail
• YouTube Channel: @geeksonfeet
• Training Plans: Runstrong
• Weekly Newsletter: Sign up here

Welcome to the 43rd episode of The World of Running! In this episode, we’ll dive deep into goal-based training—a strategy designed to help runners improve by tailoring their training toward specific targets. Whether you’re working on shaving minutes off your personal best or chasing a big milestone like qualifying for the Boston Marathon, setting clear, realistic goals is the key.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is goal-based training? How to set realistic goals.

• Managing burnout and avoiding injury.

• Breaking down goals into intermediate milestones.

• Training strategies to move from current fitness levels to ambitious goals.

• How to balance endurance, speed drills, and tempo runs.

• Validating your goals during the training cycle.

• Tune-up races and the role of goal-paced runs.

• Signs of overtraining or burnout, and when to lock in your race-day goals.

Aditi Pandya

Aditi is a seasoned endurance runner and the host of The World of Running podcast. She qualified for the 2024 Boston Marathon, has numerous podium finishes in Indian races, and holds a personal best of 3:37:06 in the marathon. Learn more about her at aditipandya.com.

Aravind Ajad Yarra

Aravind is the co-founder of GeeksOnFeet and also the producer of The World of Running podcast. He is an experienced marathoner with a personal best of 3h:23m. He’s deeply involved in running science, mechanics and data based training. Aravind shares his experience with goal-based training and helps runners set realistic, data-driven milestones to keep improving.

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• YouTube: GeeksOnFeet
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Welcome to the 42nd episode of the World of Running, over the last two running seasons, 2022 to 2024 (April to March), the total number of running events organized in India was 1,185, and the number of finishers was about 1.1 million. Running takes off in India, and marathons are no longer a once-a-year event. Aditi Pandya discusses the booming running scene in India with Venkatraman Pichumani, the author of the India Marathon Annual Report. They explore the key findings from the report, trends in race participation, performance, and the challenges faced by race organizers.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growth of running events in India

• Top marathons and emerging trends

• Factors contributing to increased participation

• Regional differences in race participation

• Impact of new events and changing demographics

• Challenges faced by race organizers

• Future of running events in India

Aditi Pandya

Aditi, the host of ‘The World of Running’ podcast, is an accomplished athlete and an endurance runner. She qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2024, has won multiple podiums at various races in India and her current PB is 3:37:06. You can know more about her at https://aditipandya.com/

Venkatraman Pichumani

Venkat is a successful professional turned entrepreneur who now chases his passion for promoting running for good health. By profession, Venkat is a CA. He is a Level II RRCA Running Coach and RRCA Race Director, a member of the Road Running Clubs of America (RRCA), and USA Track and Field (USATF) among many others. Venkat has many publications to his name, including "Sofa to 5K – A Beginner's Handbook for Running" (in 5 languages). He is a regular blogger and Vblogger and the founder and trainer of the Zippers Club.

Venkat can be reached on Tel 9920121097

email p.venkatraman@youtoocanrun.com

web www.youtoocanrun.com and racemart.in

Zippers Club https://youtu.be/DtblWvm10C8?si=35oEZZnzTuOQPddv

https://www.facebook.com/youtoo.canrun/

https://www.instagram.com/youtoocanrun/

https://www.youtube.com/@YouTooCanRun