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

In this episode, we delve into the complex relationship between weight loss and running performance with Evan Lynch. We discuss the allure of the "ideal" racing weight and whether it's truly necessary for recreational runners. We explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of weight loss for runners. This episode also discusses practical strategies for safe and effective weight loss, including tips on nutrition, managing cravings, and avoiding common mistakes. Additionally, the importance of mental well-being and balancing self-care with performance goals, with Evan.

Key Points Covered:

• The myth of "ideal" racing weight and its relevance for recreational runners.

• Is there any impact of weight loss on running performance, both positive and negative?

• Common nutritional mistakes to avoid.

• The importance of mental well-being for runners.

• Balancing self-care with performance goals.

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/

Evan Lynch

Evan is the owner of the Southeast Nutrition Clinic. He is a sports nutritionist based in Ireland.

He works as a sports nutritionist with the Dublin City University athletics team and with the Irish wheelchair basketball team. Evan has worked with Olympic sprint finalists, European cross-country medallists, and Kona Ironman world medalists amongst other athletes. You can reach him at evan@southeastnutritionclinic.com or on instagram @elynchfitnut

Key Links and References

• Mary Cain's story: https://youtu.be/qBwtCf2X5jw?si=Ciw89biAPPq1R54K&t=155

• Geeks on Feet YouTube channel: @geeksonfeet

• Southeast Nutrition Clinic: https://southeastnutritionclinic.com

Related Episodes & Articles

• Episode 6: Nutrition for Runners https://geeksonfeet.com/podcast/ep6/
• Healthy Approach to Weight Loss for Runners https://geeksonfeet.com/blog/weightloss-approach/

In this episode, we’ll discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of running - “Breathing”, and how runners can improve their performance and health through better breathing.

• Breathing and its affects on running
• Common breathing mistakes
• Breathing mechanics and posture
• Breathing techniques
• Training to improve breathing economy
  

Aditi Pandya, the voice behind the World of Running podcast, is an avid runner and is co-founder of GeeksOnFeet. Aditi is an accomplished athlete, and is an endurance runner with a personal best in marathon of 3:37. Her goal with this podcast is to democratize running and ensure that valuable content reaches every runner, from beginners to experienced.

SUNIL MENON

Sunil Menon is the Founder and Head Coach of Menon Fitness Systems. Sunil quit his 18 years of IT career to start Menon Fitness Systems with a mission to Influence the right habits for an active lifestyle by providing Training & Nutrition plans, Safe and Natural Nutrition products, and Healthy hacks for smart training and leading an injury-free life. He started teaching 8 years back in 2016 & has his mentees globally.

Sunil is a two-time Ironman finisher. In July 2019 he participated in Ironman Zurich which he completed in 13hr:26 mins and was the winner of the 2012 Bangalore Ultra. He is a Boston qualifier and ran it in 3:05 which is also his Personal Best. He is a certified Ironman Coach from Ironman University in 2015.

Sunil's book on breathing: Breathe Better, Live Better & The Power of Conscious Breathing

Sunil can be reached at Menon Fitness Systems, and on Instagram Menon Fitness Systems (@menonfitness)

Youtube Episode

Links to Other Episodes and Articles:

• YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@geeksonfeet for running tips, and workouts.
• Weekly Newsletter: Stay updated with the latest in the running world by subscribing at geeksonfeet.com/newsletter].