Satish’s story of starting running to beat his habit of smoking, and emerging as one of the most respected long-distance runners in the country is truly inspiring. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian to earn a Green Number in the prestigious Comrades Marathon. Even at 61, he continues to participate in ultramarathons and marathons, inspiring many along the way.
Satish Gujaran is the founder of RunWithSatish and is also associated with Network TwentyOne at the Director level. He has been coaching marathoners and runners, particularly those aiming for the gruelling 90-kilometre Comrades Marathon in South Africa, as well as adventure runners.
Satish has garnered numerous awards and medals throughout his running career, starting with finisher medals and progressing to being invited as an ambassador to various marathons across India. A remarkable achievement in his running journey is being the only Indian to complete 13 consecutive Comrades Marathons and the first Indian ever to receive a Green Number in this prestigious event. Even at 61, Satish continues to participate in ultramarathons and marathons annually, inspiring many along the way. He has become a mentor, often taking a sizable group of people with him to marathons.
Initially, coaching wasn't on Satish's radar; his focus was solely on his own running pursuits. However, his experience eventually led him to embrace coaching as a means to share his expertise and assist others in their fitness journeys.
Satish's affinity for marathons dates back to 2004, when he began running as a means to combat his smoking habit. Over time, running not only helped him overcome his smoking addiction but also ignited in him a passion for the sport. As he continued to run and assist others in adopting healthier lifestyles, his coaching journey began to take shape.
His engagement with the Comrades Marathon, the Ultimate Human Race in South Africa, began in 2010. Participating in the marathon not only fueled his passion for the sport, but also inspired him to extend his expertise to train others to conquer this formidable challenge. The overwhelming love and support he received from people served as a driving force, motivating him to persist in this endeavour. Embracing his role as a full-time coach not only enables him to assist others in achieving their marathon goals but also contributes to his own physical fitness and overall well-being.
The Comrades Marathon, spanning approximately 90 kms, holds a rich history and will soon celebrate its centennial. Satish describes the race as a magical experience. He highlights the significant presence of the Indian community in Durban, which enthusiastically supports and cheers for Indian participants, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an Indian city. He expresses gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the locals, enhancing the overall experience of the event.
During his two-year stint in South Africa for work, he frequented the Comrades Marathon, where he connected with fellow running enthusiasts. It was during this time that his friend Derek offered a suggestion to kick his smoking habit by taking up running. Inspired by this advice, he embarked on his own running journey in South Africa. His inaugural participation in the Comrades Marathon occurred in 2010, initially alongside a modest group of five to six individuals. Over time, over 400 individuals have joined him in the marathon.
Beginning his coaching journey based on personal experience, Satish recognised the value of guiding others in their running endeavours. To bolster his expertise, he pursued formal education, obtaining an ACSM certification. Satish believes in sharing his own journey as a means to inspire and mentor others, offering tailored training plans by meticulously analysing runners' data, including metrics like heart rate and threshold. He adopts a flexible approach, regularly adjusting plans every week or two to accommodate the evolving capacities of his runners. Additionally, Satish imparts fundamental knowledge about techniques and positions, providing continuous guidance and support throughout their journey, including during meets and competitions.
Originally from Katpadi, Karnataka, Satish completed his education up to the 12th grade in his hometown before moving to Bengaluru. He fondly remembers Katpadi as a beautiful place surrounded by paddy fields, rivers, ponds, and the sea just a few kilometres away. Satish used to walk to school through the paddy fields, which was good fun, especially during the rainy season. In the summers, when the paddy was harvested, they would play cricket in the fields. These memories have stayed with Satish and influenced his love for marathon running, as they remind him of his adventurous childhood days in the fields.
After graduating, Satish relocated to Mumbai for work and settled there. His journey into running commenced during his time in South Africa.
When asked about his role models, Satish recalls being inspired by cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid during his upbringing. However, as his interest shifted towards running, he drew motivation from runners. He also finds motivation in people who have overcome significant challenges to succeed in life.
Sharing his mantra with fellow runners, Satish emphasises the importance of starting easy and finishing strong. He believes that beginning a race at a slower pace helps maintain heart rate and leads to a stronger finish. For Satish, running isn't just about fitness; it has become a part of his daily routine, influencing him to adopt healthier habits such as sleeping and waking up early. Moreover, running boosts his confidence and leaves him feeling rejuvenated, allowing him to clear his mind and generate fresh ideas.
Satish faced a significant challenge when he accepted a job offer from a friend's company, in addition to his existing job. Initially, everything seemed to be going well, so he decided to leave his current job after three months. However, shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing his friend's company to suffer losses. In this uncertain situation, one of his students suggested that he start his own company. Satish followed this advice and started his own venture, while also retaining his part-time role as a director in his previous company.
Reflecting on this experience, Satish draws parallels between life and running, particularly in a marathon. He likens the struggles faced in a marathon to the challenges in life, underscoring the importance of persevering towards a goal despite setbacks. Just as in a marathon, where one might slow down but must finish the race, life's problems are temporary and should not deter one from their objectives. Satish credits his running for teaching him valuable lessons that have greatly benefited him in life.
His dedication and achievements have been recognised by the Comrades Association, which invited him to their event and awarded him with a gold medal, a significant honour. Satish talks about the extensive preparation required for Comrades Marathons, with training starting as early as January each year. Despite the challenges of qualifying for these marathons and meeting the stringent cutoff times, Satish remains committed to pushing his limits and achieving new milestones in his running career. His recent participation in the Kalimpong Ultra Marathon is a testament to his enduring passion and dedication to the sport.
Offering valuable guidance to aspiring runners, he advises building a strong foundation by mastering the basics of running, understanding proper posture, enhancing efficiency, and incorporating strengthening exercises. He believes that a solid foundation sets the stage for recognition and success in the long run. Satish encourages runners to find joy in the sport, support fellow runners, and share their experiences with others.
Addressing the youth of the country, Satish Gujaran highlights the abundant talent present in every field in India and underscores the need for recognition beyond just awards. He acknowledges the lack of incentives and future prospects in sports and running, which often discourages young individuals from pursuing these endeavours. However, he urges the youth to prioritise their health and well-being by incorporating sports, like running, into their lives, as it can greatly benefit them in various aspects. Satish stresses the distinction between fitness and overall health, advocating regular blood tests as a preventive measure.
In a message of empowerment, Satish reminds everyone that with determination and focus, there are no limits to what we can achieve. He encourages individuals to harness the power of their minds and pursue their goals relentlessly.
