Yes, running relaxes you. Yes, running de-stresses you and yes, running is your way to find your self. Running – for professional athletes - is also about clipping that extra second off the timings, about winning medals for your state or country. However, ultramarathon and its exponents are a different ball-game altogether. An ultramarathon is a running event that covers a distance longer than a traditional marathon - greater than the 42.195km/26.219 miles of a marathon.
Meet Sufiya, 35, a former aviation industry professional turned ultra runner. She decided to participate in a half marathon in Delhi in 2017 for the first time. Soon enough, she realised that running was her true calling. And so, she chucked her job much to her parents'consternation and decided to take up running full time. So, in 2018, Sufiya quit her job and took up running to relax and de-stress herself. She started by breaking a national record in 2018 by covering the Golden Triangle Run of 720km in just 16 days, and also became the first female runner to achieve this feat. This spurred her on to challenge herself further. In 2019, Sufiya created a world record by becoming the first-ever female runner to run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari (4000km in 87 days). In April 2021, she became the fastest female runner in the world to cover the Indian Golden Quadrilateral Highway (6,002 km in 110 days).
She isn't done yet - there are more miles to run and records to break. Sufiya spoke to THE WEEK about her forthcoming ultramarathons, how she prepares herself for these tough challenges and what running, above all, means to her. Excerpts:
Q/ How did the running start and what was the reaction of your family to your decision to quit your job and concentrate on running?
A/ I worked in the aviation industry for almost 10 years. The journey that started with great enthusiasm and positivity soon became a burden, resulting in my resignation. I remember, initially, my family was not thrilled about my resignation and decision to become an ultramarathon runner because they were concerned about my health and safety. But when I won my first Guinness World Record and people started praising me, my family realised that I was bringing a change in society. Now, they are happy, and it keeps me encouraged.
My first race was 3 kilometres, and organised by a residential society in 2017. Later, I pushed myself even more and participated in my first half marathon in November 2017 in Delhi. By this time, I wanted more. I wanted to know what else I could do. Hence, I started training and participated in several official and ultramarathons. All this hard work, dedication, and commitment have brought me where I am today.
Q/ What motivates you to keep running ultramarathons and what does it mean to you? What have been your biggest challenges?
A/ Many things motivate me, such as being a good ultra-distance runner, making new records and challenging my body limits. After entering this field, I learnt that my body has great capabilities.
So far, I have participated in a total of four expeditions. The first one was the Golden Triangle Run (2018) of 720 km that I completed in 16 days. The second one was in April 2019; I ran from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and emerged as the fastest female runner to cover the distance. In April 2021, I became the fastest female runner to run along the Indian Golden Quadrilateral Highway, which was 6,000 km, and I broke the previous record by 82 days.
The fourth expedition was in October 2021, in which I challenged myself to run on the world’s most demanding route, that is, Manali-Leh Highway. It was a 480-km long route with unbelievable harsh conditions like high altitude, low oxygen, unpredictable weather and bad road patches. The conditions were extremely rough. I fainted twice during my run on this track because of low oxygen levels (below 60 per cent). The temperature was minus, and the elevation broke me mentally. But I was ready to face such conditions. I completed this challenge in 6 days and 12 hours and became the fastest female runner to achieve this route.
Q/ How do you sustain your dream to be a runner and what are your plans? Do you have a trainer or coach?
A/ Firstly, always stay positive. Secondly, adopt a regular training routine. And lastly, adopt a balanced and healthy diet. To be a good runner, one should have a good balance between all these three factors.
When it comes to my goals, numerous things are in my basket. I am looking forward to beginning my longest and biggest expedition, 'Circumnavigate the World by Running or Run Around The WORLD', which I am kicking off in 2024. Speaking about my coach, I had one at the beginning of my running career. But now, I am self-trained. Sometimes my husband helps me in training and workouts.
Q/ How has Under Armour been supporting you to achieve your goals?
A/ Under Armour has helped me overcome the mental and physical challenges throughout my expeditions.
Also, any athlete would understand the importance of the right gear and how they support you in your success. The Under Armour gear that I have used in all my expeditions has had a huge role in my success as it helped me perform better and recover faster.
