KAMAL DATTA: Welcome to this podcast. I'm excited to have you here and hear about your story. Let's start with your background. Like what do you do, and how did you get into running? Let's start there. DILIP GHADGE: Yeah, thank you for inviting me here. My name is Dilip Ghadge. I'm from India, Mumbai. I am a civil engineer by qualification and a businessman by profession. I’m 56. I started my running at the age of 47 in 2014 or 2015, and I have a sweet family with two daughters. We're running, managing business, family, and a commitment to long-distance running. KAMAL DATTA: Great. So you do have a busy life. You're a civil engineer, you're running your business, and you have a growing family. Why did you choose long-distance running, not just running short distances here and there? And how do you balance all of this, Dilip? DILIP GHADGE: Actually, when I started running, a lot of unnecessary clutter from life's goals vanished. In India, we say adding sugar to a cup of milk does not increase its value; it just dissolves in the milk. Running is like that. It doesn't take much of your time; it's a very disciplined sport. You don't need to travel far to practice. You sleep early, wake up early, follow your training plan, and then go about your day. You're not running all day; you're running only in the mornings. Long distance running, in particular, brings me joy. It's more than just a sport. KAMAL DATTA: I see. So you started running relatively late in life, and it's interesting how you found joy in it. Could you tell us about the different races you've run so far? DILIP GHADGE: In my childhood, I was called "fatso," and I was a very overweight boy, but I was a sports enthusiast. I couldn't participate in sports due to my weight and lack of required skills, but that desire to become an athlete lingered in the back of my mind. After setting up my business and settling the dragons of life, I started running. I registered for a 10-kilometer race in my area, and I finished it in 63 minutes. It felt great, and that's when I found joy in running. For the next four years, I ran half marathons and 10Ks, considering myself a marathoner. Then someone asked me about my marathon time, and I realized I hadn't run a full marathon yet. So, I set a goal to run a full marathon. Achieving that goal made me dream bigger, and I eventually set my sights on the Comrades Marathon, a 90-kilometer race. It started as a dream but became a goal. The journey continues from there. KAMAL DATTA: That's impressive, Dilip. It's amazing how you set and achieve these goals in running. Now, let's talk about the motivation behind your running. Do you see running as a way to run into something or run away from something? What drives you? DILIP GHADGE: Running is an interesting question, and not many people try to answer it. I run to escape the boredom of life, to break free from lethargy, and to leave behind unnecessary sorrows. I run towards the finish line, towards happiness, and for a healthy lifestyle. Running is my escape from the mundane, and it brings me joy. It's not just about running away from something; it's about running towards a better life. KAMAL DATTA: That's a wonderful perspective. It sounds like running has had a significant positive impact on your life. Do you feel that it has given you enough benefits over the years to continue running? DILIP GHADGE: Absolutely, I plan to continue running as long as my legs support me. Age is just a number for me, and running keeps me thinking ten years ahead. It has taught me not to give up, and I don't give up in life, be it in business, relationships, or running. It's a mindset that I've developed through my running journey. Running brings joy and a sense of accomplishment, and that's why I continue. KAMAL DATTA: It's inspiring to hear your perspective on running, Dilip. Now, let's shift our focus to your goal of running all six World Marathon Majors, starting with the Berlin Marathon. What inspired you to take on this challenge, and what are you excited about regarding the Berlin Marathon? DILIP GHADGE: Well, there were many options for what to do next after completing marathons in different places. I love the idea of traveling to various countries, experiencing their running culture, and meeting international runners. So, I came across the concept of the six World Marathon Majors, and it became my purpose. I started with the Berlin Marathon because it excited me. I'm excited about Berlin because I've been training hard for the past few months. I want to finish the race strong, even though I'm not the fastest runner. My personal best in a marathon is around four hours and nine minutes. For Berlin, I aim to complete it in under four hours. The course is flat, and I've prepared well. Regardless of the timing, I want to enjoy the race. If I achieve a good time, that's a bonus, but the primary goal is to enjoy every moment of it. KAMAL DATTA: That sounds like a great approach, Dilip. I hope you have a fantastic race in Berlin. Speaking of your training, training in India can be challenging, especially during the hot summer months. How has your training been going, especially considering the weather conditions? DILIP GHADGE: Training in India can be challenging, particularly during the scorching summer heat. However, I've been training according to my coach's instructions, and my trainer is happy with my progress. I'm confident that my training will pay off, and I'm looking forward to a good race in Berlin. Weather can be tough, but it's part of the journey. KAMAL DATTA: It's great to hear that you're managing your training effectively despite the challenging weather. Now, running may seem like an individual sport, but it often requires a strong support system. Who makes up your support system, and how important is it in your running journey? DILIP GHADGE: Running is indeed a team sport in many ways. While I train and run alone, I wouldn't be able to do it without my support team. My family understands my commitment to running, from my diet to my sleeping hours and early mornings. They support me in every way. My coaches have been instrumental in my running journey, providing guidance and plans. Some of my medals belong to them, too. My running buddies are a constant source of encouragement. But perhaps the most significant part of my support system is my running community, a group of friends who celebrate my every finish line. Whether it's finishing a race, overcoming challenges, or simply enjoying a run, they provide the motivation and energy I need to keep going. Running is a team game, indeed. KAMAL DATTA: It's wonderful to hear how your support system plays such a crucial role in your running journey. It truly makes running a team sport in every sense. What message do you have for those who are considering taking up running but may be hesitant or looking for motivation? DILIP GHADGE: I would say that running is a fantastic sport. It doesn't require any special skills, and it's accessible to everyone. People enjoy watching sports like tennis, cricket, and athletics, and they celebrate athletes' victories. But you don't have to be an athlete to enjoy running. It brings excitement, endorphins, and a sense of accomplishment. It's a way to break free from life's boredom and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Don't let age be a barrier; it's just a number. Whether you're 20 or 60, running can bring joy and vitality to your life. When you run, you don't just run away from problems; you run towards happiness and health. So, pick up those running shoes and start your journey; you won't regret it. KAMAL DATTA: Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights, Dilip. Your passion for running is evident, and I wish you the best of luck in the Berlin Marathon and all your future running endeavors. We look forward to seeing you at the start and finish lines, enjoying every step of the way. Note: This summarized transcript is generated by Gen AI from the raw transcript