Achievements:
About Me
My name is Praveen Kumar, and my journey with running began back in 2009. At the time, I was staying at Teenhath Naka in Thane, where my Sunday ritual was to jog around Kachrali Talav. One morning, I stumbled upon a large crowd gathered for a municipal 10K run. Curious, I enquired about registration, only to learn it required pre-enrollment. Still, I quietly sat among the runners without a bib, determined to experience it. When the race began, I joined in, covering 9.5 km before avoiding the finish line since I wasn’t officially registered. That first taste of running—those simple, unrecorded kilometers—ignited a love so strong that it grew into a lifelong commitment. Since then, I have completed more than 150 runs across formats: half marathons, marathons, 100 milers, and even the legendary Comrades.
For me, running is everything. It is charm, charisma, passion, speed, distance, and challenge rolled into one. It’s about soaking in the morning sun, breathing the fresh air, and embracing every uneven track. #LifelongRunner is not just a tag; it’s a way of living.
I am a heart-rate-based runner who trains every day, balancing intensity with my daily rhythm. Some of my most cherished memories aren’t just about podiums or medals but about overcoming life’s obstacles alongside running. One special story is what I call “Triple Dhamaal”—running with my wife Prarthana while ensuring our one-year-old son Pratham was cared for, and still managing a personal best and podium finish. For me, every run is a story, every effort is a memory.
Though I enjoy trails, roads, hills, and open nature, my favorites remain the serene Nere–Matheran route and Kharghar Hills. I usually train alone but find immense joy in the company of groups like LifelongRunners, KRC, and NMR. I follow Dr. Phil Maffetone’s MAF method and largely coach myself, constantly learning from fellow runners, experiences, and the universe itself.
On average, I target 24–30 races a year, often using them as part of training. Some of my favorite events include TMM, VVMM, Matheran, and Comrades. My biggest motivation is the feeling of being completely alive each morning when I wake up to run. Like a river, life flows best when it’s moving—running is my way of keeping it alive and meaningful.
Fitness for me goes beyond running. As an Ironman, I also swim, cycle, practice yoga, play badminton, and engage in natural strength training—rope climbing, pull-ups, push-ups, and resistance work. I believe in a plant-based diet and follow recommendations from my carbohydrate intolerance test. On long runs above 30 km, I keep it simple with bananas, breathing techniques, and meditation to steady the heart and mind.
Minimalism defines my running gear—Luna sandals, Vibrams, Skinners, or occasionally Nike shoes, paired with my Garmin Fenix 5s watch. Over the years, I’ve celebrated highlights such as podium finishes at the Western Ghat Ultra (100 miler), Far East 65K, Atul Run 10K, Kamothe HM, Matheran HM, and MGM Triathlon, among others. I’ve also proudly finished iconic events like Comrades (89 km), Ironman Goa, and barefoot marathons. My current PRs stand at FM – 3:05hrs, HM – 1:29 hrs, and I’m now chasing a sub-2:55 marathon and the Ultraman challenge.
To every fellow runner, my message is simple:
Run, run, and run—it is the greatest gift you can give to your body and soul
Appeal
Why Tapasya Matters:
In a world where healthcare can be inaccessible and unaffordable, Tapasya stands as a beacon of hope. Their selfless work ensures that no one faces terminal illness alone, without dignity or support.
My Support:
By supporting Tapasya, I am contributing to:
- Alleviate suffering and pain for terminally ill cancer patients
- Provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and families
- Empower communities through education and awareness
- Foster a culture of compassion and empathy
Why I Support Tapasya Palliative Hospice Care
I am deeply committed to supporting Tapasya Palliative Hospice Care because of their extraordinary work in providing comprehensive, free-of-cost care to terminally ill cancer patients. Here are the key reasons why I believe in Tapasya's mission:
Reasons to Support Tapasya:
1. Unwavering Commitment: Tapasya's dedication to providing palliative care to those in need, regardless of their financial background, is truly inspiring.
2. Holistic Care: Tapasya's multidisciplinary approach addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients, ensuring dignity and comfort during their final stages.
3. Free-of-Cost Services: Tapasya's commitment to providing free care to terminally ill cancer patients alleviates financial burdens on families, allowing them to focus on their loved ones.
4. Quality of Life: Tapasya's expert team enhances patients' quality of life through pain management, symptom control, and psychological support.
5. Community Outreach: Tapasya's outreach programs raise awareness about palliative care, breaking societal stigma and ensuring timely interventions.
6. Compassionate Care: Tapasya's staff and volunteers embody empathy, kindness, and compassion, providing a supportive ecosystem for patients and their families.
7. Impactful Work: Tapasya's efforts have transformed countless lives, bringing solace and hope to those facing terminal illness.
I firmly believe that Tapasya's work is essential, and I am proud to be a part of their journey.
Join Me in Supporting Tapasya:
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
MESSAGES
