About Nilesh
Welcome to a blog series called “Why do you run?“. I hope to publish inspiring insights from runners I know, on why they started running and continue to do so.
I know Nilesh through MRC, and we’ve ran together for quite a while now. I also know he is a big Orange Theory guy, so he takes his fitness seriously — all while juggling family and work commitments!
Why did you start running?
I am an Indian, and in India physical activities are 6% compared to 21% for westerners. There is one important risk factor which I could not control: my South Asian ancestry.
Heart disease is the leading killer of adults nationwide, our bodies develop the disease up to a decade earlier. Indians tend to develop high blood pressure, high triglycerides, abnormal cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes at lower body weights than other groups. Indian men are also prone to high levels of coronary artery calcium, a marker of atherosclerosis that can be an early harbinger of future heart attacks and stroke.
My first circle of family have already gone through all these diseases, so that is one of the motivational factors for me, I don’t want to pass on all this to my next generation.
I realized this very late, started running in mid 2012.
What keeps you motivated?
Yes definitely the above mentioned reason is one prime motivation. Being healthy, physically and mentally.
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt as a runner?
Running gave me a big mantra of life The Four D’s of Success- Desire, Dedication, Determination, and Discipline.
If you couldn’t run, what would you do instead?
Definitely spending time with my young kids, walk or spending time in indoor gym (there also I prefer treadmill run — no weights).
What’s your biggest running goal?
Crossing finish line of a marathon is dream for any long distance runner — yes I also have the same dream before I turn 42.
Alastair Vance 