Two years ago, I struggled to complete a 1km run. That small, shaky step marked the beginning of a journey that brought me to this extraordinary milestone—completing the Border – Hell Race, a gruelling 100km ultra-marathon through the unforgiving Thar Desert from Jaisalmer to Longewala.
This race wasn’t just a challenge of endurance; it was a deeply personal journey and a tribute to my late father. Though he is no longer with us, his memory and values—perseverance, courage, and belief—were my guiding forces. I know he would have been proud to see me cross that finish line.
Running through the Thar Desert was a battle of extremes. By day, the sun blazed mercilessly, and by night, temperatures dropped to a chilling 3-4°C. The course stretched endlessly across barren landscapes, with hydration points 10km apart, demanding strategic pacing and unwavering mental focus.
As I stood at the starting line under the pre-dawn sky, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The first few kilometres passed in a blur of adrenaline. But as the sun rose higher, bringing with it the searing heat, the true challenge began.
The second half of the race was particularly daunting. By midnight, I found myself running alone on the dark and isolated Bharatmala road, surrounded by nothing but desert silence. It was haunting yet surreal, and fear crept in as fatigue began to take over. But it was in these solitary moments that I drew strength from within. I pictured my loved ones—my wife, Kirti, my children, and my friends—waiting for me at the finish line. That vision gave me the resolve to push forward.
The mind game – As I crossed the 90km mark, my body was completely drained. My legs were heavy, my feet covered in painful blisters, and every step felt like an insurmountable challenge. Physically, I had nothing left. But mental toughness became my greatest weapon. I reminded myself: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
With every step, I fought against exhaustion, enveloped by a mix of emotions—pain, determination, and hope. The finish line wasn’t just a physical destination anymore; it symbolized every hour of training, every sacrifice, and every ounce of belief I had poured into this journey.
When I look back at the journey, This wasn’t an overnight feat; it was a year of:
- Intense Training: High-mileage runs, strength training, and disciplined recovery.
- Impeccable Time Management: Balancing demanding work at TCS, quality family time, and rigorous training schedules without compromise.
- Belief in the Process: Knowing that with the right plan, consistent effort, and self-belief, nothing is impossible.
This ultra-marathon taught me lessons far beyond running:
- Resilience Under Pressure: The desert’s extremes mirrored the unpredictability of life and leadership. Staying composed and focused despite adversity was key.
- Breaking Big Goals into Small Wins: 100km was overwhelming, but focusing on one hydration point at a time made it achievable.
- Mental Strength Over Physical Limits: When the body gives up, the mind becomes your greatest ally. This journey proved the limitless power of mental toughness.
- Balancing Priorities: Successfully managing work, family, and training without compromise taught me the value of discipline and adaptability.
What began with a shaky 1km run has become a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and belief. This race wasn’t just about crossing a finish line; it was about pushing beyond limits I never thought possible.
This accomplishment belongs to the incredible people who supported me, some great runners from my running community at Palava Runners, my coaches, Trainers, M family and to my wife Kirti, my backbone, who from supporting my early morning and late-night training runs to meticulously handling every aspects of my running journey.
A heartfelt thank you to the organizers of the Border Hell Race for creating such a challenging and meaningful event. Running through the historic battlefield of Longewala, a site of courage and resilience, was an honor I will cherish forever.
“This race is dedicated to my father, whose memory continues to guide me, and to my family, friends, and mentors who believed in me every step of the way. Limits exist only in the mind—once you break through them, you discover your true potential.”
To anyone chasing a dream: Start small, trust the process, and embrace the grind. The impossible becomes possible when you dare to keep going.
#BorderHellRace #100kmUltra #Dedication #LeadershipLessons #MentalToughness #HumanPotential #Gratitude #PushYourLimits
