148.8km | Overall 2nd |  1st in Female | A Risk Taken on Faith

Sometimes courage looks like confidence.
And sometimes it looks like showing up injured, uncertain, and scared—but committed.

This was my second “stunt” of 2022—and yes, I call it a stunt because attempting a 24-hour run just weeks after a road accident was nothing short of a risk.

But at that time, my heart was set on one thing:
Qualifying for the World Championship 2023.

Before the Race: A Risky Decision

Earlier that year, I had met with a road accident and was on bed rest for nearly two months. Naturally, my original goal had to be adjusted.

Still—I had already registered for the 24-Hour Stadium Run, and despite fear, uncertainty, and physical limitations, I decided to stand on that start line .

Not because I was fully ready.
But because I didn’t want to back out of a commitment I had made to myself.

A Love–Hate Relationship with Stadium Runs

In March 2022, I had participated in a 12-Hour Stadium Run organized by Western Naval Command at Kohli Stadium, Mumbai.

And while running that event, I clearly remember telling myself:

“Never again. No more stadium runs. Especially not in Mumbai heat.” 

Ironically, life had other plans.

Race Progress: As Planned… Till 100 km

The race started well.

Everything went as per plan till 100 km

• Targeted pacing
• Hydration strategy
• Nutrition management

At 100 km, I took a planned break:

• Stretching
• Breakfast
• Refreshment

It was around 10:00 AM when I restarted.

That’s when the real battle began—not with the body, but with the mind.

The Mental Storm After 100 km

As soon as I resumed, negative thoughts started creeping in:

I should have registered for the 12-hour event—it’s too tough to continue for another 8 hours.
The minimum qualifying distance (100 km) is already done. I can just walk now. 

These thoughts came again and again.

But every time they did, I reminded myself of:

• The commitments I had made to my coach
• The faith my mentor and supporters had in me
• The reason I had registered despite all odds

Support That Kept Me Moving

Whenever my motivation dipped, I reached out.

Video and normal calls to my closed ones
Constant encouragement from @baramatisportsfoundation family, who were themselves busy with a 300 km cycling ride that day

My crew team executed their roles perfectly—handling nutrition, hydration, and morale when I needed it most.

And my family—knowing fully well that I wouldn’t be able to walk properly after the race—traveled all the way to Mumbai just to receive me.

I truly felt how blessed I was.

The Result: Beyond Expectations

I finished my first 24-hour stadium run with:

• Overall 2nd Rank
• 1st Rank – Female Category

An outcome I couldn’t have imagined while lying on bed post-accident just weeks earlier.

A Dedication from the Heart

I dedicate this run to my bhai Kranti, who left us in September 2022 .

I know wherever you are, your blessings are always with me .
This run carries your strength.

 Gratitude

Heartfelt thanks to:

• NEB sports, Sunil Shetty Sir,Sangeeta Shetty Ma’am for excellent arrangements
• Guest of Honour @runwithsatish Sir, whose words in the final minutes gave me the push I needed

Lessons from My First 24 Hours

• Courage isn’t absence of fear—it’s acting despite it
• The mind gives up long before the body does
• Support systems are as important as training
• Sometimes, risky decisions define your future path

This race was not just my first 24-hour run.

It was the starting point of everything that followed.

From here, the journey truly began.