Damodar Balduwa: A simple yet fast Marathon runner

Marathon: The Ultimate Test of Endurance

A marathon, covering approximately 42.2 km, ranks among the most grueling footraces—whether staged on open roads, winding trails, hilly terrain, or even occasionally inside a stadium.

As someone who’s logged many miles on these courses, an extra edge seems inevitable. And—and please don’t tell my ego—an inflated sense of self-importance tends to creep in as well.

Endurance, Humility, and the Unexpected Journey

On paper, a marathon is a test of stamina. But from my experience as a marathoner, I’d argue it’s equally mental, spiritual—even whimsical. I’ve met countless runners who began with no formal training, patchy dietary knowledge, and minimal support. Yet they shattered milestones that seemed unattainable.

Behind the sweat and sore muscles lies something remarkable: despite their achievements, these runners exude profound humility. Often I catch myself wondering—are they hiding something? Is it that easy to transcend limitations and stay grounded?

As Rabindranath Tagore wisely said, “It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.”

Discipline, Dedication, Discipline. Oh, Did I mention Discipline?

Running a marathon demands far more than a fast pair of shoes—it requires unwavering dedication, consistent training, a disciplined diet, and yes, discipline again. Yet somehow, the most accomplished among us remain modest. It’s as if they carry a secret: true greatness in endurance sports doesn’t inflate the ego—it flattens it.

In the end, the marathon is a perfect metaphor for sustained hard work leading to lasting results. And apparently—paradoxically—a reminder that staying humble isn’t just admirable—it’s downright difficult.

Damodar Balduwa

Introduction.

I’m a marathon runner based in Thane, originally born and brought up in Goregaon, Mumbai—though my roots trace back to Rajasthan. Academically, I’m a Qualified Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary, with my schooling at Ruia School, Vile Parle, followed by NM College, Vile Parle. Currently, I work as a CFO in the corporate sector.

I have a decade-long passion for running. My downtime is filled with listening to iconic voices like Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and playing or watching cricket and lawn tennis—favourites since childhood.

My Running Journey: Discipline, Dedication and Diet (No Bhujia, Please!)

Twelve years ago, I started off as an amateur runner in need of a lifestyle overhaul. Slightly overweight, I was warned by doctors as age crept in. So I traded bhujia for nuts, swapped crackers for seeds—not an easy transition, but boy, was it worth it.

Gradually I began walking—short distances at first—and realized the human body is a crafty negotiator. Resist change, and it rebels; persist long enough, and eventually it backs down and adapts. That realization struck when I started with just 200 meters daily, yet with patience and persistence, I built up to 26 kilometers.

Today, with nearly 30,000 km run under my belt, I look back with pride at how a small change led to a monumental transformation.

Why This Transformation Matters

Mental Toughness: Trading comfort snacks for wholesome fuel built more than just muscles—it fortified resolve.

Body Intelligence: Through persistent walking, I learned that the body rebels at first, then surprisingly cooperates.

Progress, Not Perfection: What started as daily 200 m gradually became full marathons—lesson: consistency beats bursts of effort.

The Results: Health, Humility, and Habit

📉 Weight dropped. 🧠 Energy skyrocketed. 🏃‍♂️ Endurance soared. Running became not just a pastime but a statement of discipline and dedication.

And despite accumulating miles and milestones, I stayed grounded. Maybe that’s the irony of fitness: the tougher your journey, the humbler you stay—because real gains bypass the ego and train the soul.

In Summary: The Marathon of Lifestyle

My story isn’t just about distances. It’s about the transformation of habits: swapping junk for nutrition, exchanging lethargy for motion, and replacing excuses with consistency. Running—even walking—taught me that a healthy lifestyle is hard at first, but eventually makes you harder.

The Marathons I have participated in.

I have participated in More than 300 half marathons

9Tata Mumbai full marathon

4 vasai virar full marathon

1 Atal Setu full marathon

3 Mumbai Ultra Maratho with maximum of 72 kms in 12 hrs.

Mumbai Ultra,

My Pb(personal best) in Half Marathon has been 1hr 50min and my PB in Full marathon has been 4hrs 7 minutes.

For beginners, 10 k marathon is a running distance of 10 km. The half marathon distance is 21.42 km. The full marathon distance is 42.2 km and any distance higher than 42 km is an Ultramarathon.

Running a Marathon: A Mind Over Matter Game

While many view marathoning as a purely physical endeavor, I believe it’s primarily a mental challenge. It’s about shattering internal barriers. With steadfast training, dedication, and discipline, one can metaphorically move mountains.

Training the Body—and Silencing the Mind

When you train consistently, your body begins to adapt. At first, every run hurts—but soon you acclimate and seek more. I started barely able to run 200 meters. Today, running 42 kilometers feels almost routine. That transformation didn’t happen overnight; it required unwavering dedication and patience. That, friends, is the power of progressive overload—gradually increasing training stress so the body—and mind—grow stronger

Mastering the Inner Game

True running success hinges on mental toughness—resilience, confidence, and unwavering self-belief . It’s the ability to push past doubts and discomfort.

As Olympic marathoner Molly Seidel put it: Training isn’t just about pace, it’s preparing your brain to endure the pain and stay present when it hurts like hell

From “I Can’t” to “I Can (Sooner or Later)”

This is more than a slogan—it’s a mindset shift. You train harder each year to beat your previous time at the same distance—that achievement is real progress. Setting small, process-oriented goals (versus vague outcomes) keeps motivation high and discouragement low. When running gets tough, tell yourself: “I can’t run that fast… yet.” That simple word holds immense power.

Visualization and Positive Self-Talk

Mental rehearsal is key. Visualizing each segment of your run—mile‑by‑mile, finish line, emotions—creates positive mental momentum. Jeanne Runs. Pair that with affirmations like “I am stronger than I think” or “I’ve done hard things before—I can do this too” to keep the mind anchored to the body through the toughest miles

Victory Is Reserved for the Mentally Tough

At the end of the day, the mind gives up long before the body does. The difference between finishing or faltering isn’t pace—it’s perseverance. Those who persevere are not just physically fit—they’re mentally unstoppable.

Running vs. Drinking: A Tale of Endorphins, Organs & A Clear Winner

When you lace up and go for a run, your body releases endorphins—those natural feel-good hormones that elevate mood, reduce pain, and lift spirits

Yes, alcohol can also trigger a short-lived burst of β-endorphin‑induced euphoria, but here’s the catch: long-term drinking quietly wrecks your internal organs (think liver damage, heart troubles, cognitive decline, and even cancer risk)

In contrast, running strengthens your internal systems over time. It promotes cardiovascular health, cognitive resilience, and neuroplasticity (hello, DNF!)

Addictive—but in Different Ways

Sure, both running and alcohol tap into your brain’s rewarding pathways (dopamine and endorphins), making them technically addictive.

But here’s my preference: I’d much rather start my day with shoes in hand—chasing endorphins on the road—than end it with a glass in hand that might cost me my liver, mood, and mornings.

My Clean Lifestyle (No Booze Allowed)

I’ve been a teetotaler all my life, strictly by principle—never cigarettes, never alcohol. Running didn’t just change my life; it transformed it completely. I’m less susceptible to stress or depression, brimming with energy, and exuding confidence every day.

Fueling the Runner’s Spirit
A runner should be passionate, relentless, and competitive with oneself. Marathon running isn’t about beating others; it’s about becoming a better, faster, smarter version of yourself. Every training tweak, every PR beaten, is proof that discipline delivers results.

This discipline has spilled into every corner of my life:

As a finance professional navigating ups and downs, I can pat my own back: I’ve inspired others—my corporate friends—to swap boardrooms for running shoes. We now meet over runs, not drinks.

⚡ At work I’m more alert, eager to tackle tasks, and radiating positivity.

My colleagues often joked they “envied my non-stop bustle of energy.”

Striking the Perfect Balance: Family, Work, and Running

Maintaining balance in life isn’t just important—it’s essential. I’ve managed to weave together family life, social time, professional responsibilities, and my passion for running, without compromising any of them. It’s a juggling act—yes—but with discipline and planning, all the balls stay in the air.

When I travel or take vacations with family or friends, the one constant difference is I bring along my running shoes. While everyone is still hitting snooze, I’m already out exploring a new route—returning just in time to be part of family breakfast, without disturbing anyone’s rest.

Habit-Driven Harmony

I rise a few hours before the household wakes up—long before email notifications or social media updates—so I can seize my time without interrupting anyone else’s morning. This routine lets me enjoy the day ahead fully present and energized.

Maintaining this balance is crucial—not only because my family life and social life matter—but also because running fuels me both physically and mentally. The discipline I’ve built helps me stay exceptionally alert and energetic at work. As multiple studies point out, a well-maintained work‑life balance actually boosts productivity, mental wellness, and long-term health

Life’s Equation: Running + Family + Work = Fulfillment

At its core, my life formula is simple yet powerful:

• Running fuels my energy and discipline.
• Family and social life bring joy, connection, and meaning.
• My professional role supports those joyful experiences—especially vacations, where running shoes often join me unnoticed in the suitcase.

It all comes down to intentional scheduling and firm boundaries—waking early to train, then shifting gears to be fully present with loved ones and fully engaged at work. Research consistently shows this kind of balance prevents burnout and improves overall well-being

A Bit of Runner Humor

Yes, my life includes running, family, and making enough to fund memorable holidays—with minimal compromise. And I laugh when people ask: “Does your family mind?” They don’t—mainly because I’m back before even the first coffee is poured.

• I prioritize early‑morning training so I don’t inconvenience anyone.
• I deliberately blend running, family time, and career without letting any one area spill into another.
• With strong routines and boundaries, I preserve my energy and preserve my relationships—all while staying race‑ready.

In other words: yes, you can balance family, social life, work, and running—with the right mindset, shoes, and a little humor.

Financial Yoga:

Yoga: A Way of Life — and Yes, Even Money Matters Need Mindfulness

Yoga is far more than just an exercise—it’s a holistic way of living that nurtures mental clarity, physical vitality, and professional well-being. But let’s not forget: financial wellness is equally critical.

Discipline and Awareness Across Dimensions

Just as yoga demands focus, patience, and discipline on the mat, managing your finances successfully relies on similar principles—thoughtful budgeting, conscious spending, and steady saving. Both practices flourish with consistency and mindful awareness.

---

2. Stress Reduction for Body and Budget

Yoga is well-known for lowering stress and increasing emotional resilience—a huge plus when dealing with work deadlines or financial dilemmas like mounting bills or balancing investment choices. Less stress, better decisions.

---

3. Balance: On the Mat and in the Ledger

In yoga, balance emerges from aligning body, mind, and breath. In personal finance, it’s about balancing income with expenses, planning short‑term needs alongside long‑term goals, and keeping liquidity for emergencies. Yoga’s emphasis on equilibrium beautifully parallels smart financial planning.

---

4. Long-Term Growth Requires Patience

Yoga isn’t a transformation overnight—it evolves gradually. Similarly, wealth building demands patience, discipline, and incremental progress. A well‑structured financial plan, like a consistent yoga practice, pays dividends over time.

---

5. Mindful Spending as Intentional Movement

Just as yoga encourages mindful breathing and movement, mindful spending encourages tracking expenses, aligning them with values, and avoiding impulsive purchases. It’s the financial equivalent of Utkatasana—strong, steady, and centered.

---

😄 Humor Meets Wellness

So in short, if yoga is the daily discipline that keeps your spine aligned, financial wellness is the daily habit that keeps your savings upright. Let’s call it Downward Jog for the soul—and upward trend for your savings account.

Final Word

Yoga isn’t just a fitness routine—it’s a lifestyle that teaches awareness, patience, and balance. Extend those same yogic principles to your money life—and you’ll experience a double dose of wellness: calm mind, healthy body, and a robust bank balance. After all, true wealth is not just what’s in your account, but how well you manage your life, on and off the mat.

Embracing Regular Detox and Continuous Learning for Holistic Growth

True wellness isn’t a one-time achievement. While financial security, mental clarity, and physical health are essential foundations, I firmly believe in periodically hitting a mental and physical detox reset to rejuvenate both body and soul. This practice restores energy, sharpens focus, and supports emotional equilibrium. Research shows that holistic detox approaches enhance organ function, reduce fatigue, and stabilize mood—not just physically, but mentally as well.

A Growth Mindset: Open, Curious, and Always Learning

I actively work on becoming a better version of myself, keeping an open mind and never shying away from new challenges. Whether it’s experimenting with new fitness routines or staying updated on cutting-edge financial trends and technologies, lifelong learning keeps me sharp and ahead of the curve—especially in today’s fast-evolving world, where adaptability, emotional intelligence, and continuous up-skilling are key to success.

Let’s just say: if curiosity were a sport, I’d always be on the podium.

Sharing Knowledge—But Only with an Audience That Gets It

Sharing insights shouldn’t feel like monologuing to a wall. I don’t broadcast thoughts into a vacuum—but when I engage with a genuinely interested audience, I dive in eagerly. Sharing knowledge not only helps others but also reinforces my learning, enhances communication skills, and builds confidence, and often contributes to a stronger community of growth-minded individuals

The Ripple Effect: Personal Honesty Fuels Spiritual Growth

This mix of detox, learning, and thoughtful sharing nurtures both mental and spiritual health. I strive to maintain honesty and authenticity—not just for the sake of integrity, but so I can genuinely love and respect myself more each day. Because when you treat your inner self with kindness and truth, everything else aligns more naturally.

In essence: Regularly refreshing my mind and body, committing to lifelong learning, and sharing with interested peers keeps me growing—not just professionally, but emotionally and spiritually. And with a dash of humor, it makes the journey all the more enjoyable.

Investing in Your Health: Strong Armor for Life’s Adversities

We often hear that health is wealth, and rightly so—regular exercise, sound nutrition, and mental resilience are essential pillars. Yet even the healthiest among us can’t avoid life’s inevitable knocks: illnesses, injuries, and infections. While no one can fully evade them, a disciplined regimen fortifies the body to withstand these challenges with strength and grace.

Why Good Habits Matter

Exercise enhances immunity: Regular moderate-intensity workouts—think 30 to 60 minutes most days—boost circulation of immune cells, reduce inflammation, and improve stress resilience, making body systems more resistant to illness

Balanced nutrition strengthens defenses: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and micronutrients ensures immune cells get the energy and building blocks they need.

My Personal Commitment: Non-Negotiable Discipline

From personal experience, I’ve seen that consistency is everything. Come rain or shine, I never skip my routine—because the only thing worse than facing a storm is being unprepared for it. (As the saying goes:)

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination.” — Jimmy Dean

Adjusting Your Sails (and Staying Upright)

Battling illness or stress can feel like navigating rough seas. You may not calm the storm, but with strong health habits, you can trim your sails, maintain course, and arrive at your destination sturdily. Regular exercise and nutrition are the tools that help you steer better when the forecast turns rough.

• Exercise + nutrition = durable immunity and systemic strength.
• Mental toughness + routine consistency = readiness to face any adversity.
• And yes—sailing through life works better when your body is your steadfast vessel.

So keep the sails trimmed, the engine tuned—and let your lifestyle be the wind that takes you forward.

Achieving Small Daily Goals: Listening to Your Body, One Run at a Time

Every morning, I set out for my run in Thane with an open mind and a flexible spirit, learning from the many beautiful routes we’re fortunate to have nearby. I pay close attention to what my body is telling me and push just enough to challenge myself—small daily goals that offer a satisfying mix of progress and pride.

Mood Swings Are Real: Even for Bodies

Despite years of running, I still have days when I tire faster than usual. Those feel like my “off days”—the saddest few. But I don’t sulk: even bodies get mood swings! I respect what it’s telling me, so if needed, I take it easier. My body sometimes gets a guilty pleasure out of treating me badly—but ironically, if I let it have its way today, it often bounces back stronger the next day.

Communication Is Key: My Body Speaks—I Listen

I like to think my body is my best friend, and it’s speaking to me—subtly—every day. When it whispers “rest,” I listen. Research shows that tuning into your body helps prevent overtraining, boosts recovery, and reduces injury risk. Studies recommend scheduled rest days—soft activity like yoga, walking, or foam rolling—because recovery is as important as the run itself.

Adapt, Recover, Repeat: The Science Behind the Strategy

Training causes microscopic challenges—tiny muscle fiber tears, stress on tendons and bones—and rest is where the real gains occur. Recovery allows those micro-damages to repair stronger, replenishes energy stores, and primes the body for the next effort.

Mental recovery is equally crucial: a full stop or easy recovery day wards off burnout, keeps motivation alive, and even improves sleep and cognitive clarity.

Why This Works: Small Wins Add Up

Sensible goal-setting: I train with daily mini aims—run a certain distance, feel great—and celebrate those micro-victories.

Listening over ignoring: When fatigue creeps in, I don’t bulldoze through. Instead, I respect it, rest or taper, and return stronger.

Balance fuels consistency: Mixing focused training with intelligent rest ensures long-term momentum, rather than burnout or injury.

Final Thought: My Body Is My MVP(MOST VALUED PRODUCT)

At the end of the day, my body isn’t just a vessel—it’s a lifelong partner. If I treat it with respect—honor fatigue, accept rest, and celebrate small wins—it’ll reward me with endurance, enthusiasm, and that priceless streak: showing up day after day, ready to run.

After all, a body that feels heard is a body that helps you run farther tomorrow.

My biggest fear before a run.

Fear Before a Marathon: Still That Little Schoolboy Inside

Running a marathon has always felt to me like sitting for the ultimate exam—training is the months of studying, and race day is the big test. Even after 11 years and nearly 28,000 km logged in training and races, I still feel that familiar pre-marathon fear: Will I hit my personal best (PB)? It takes me right back to being a schoolboy fretting over exam grades.

That Fear Keeps Me Sharp

If I don’t hit my PB, I know exactly what it means—I must train smarter. That little edge of fear—will I or won’t I—keeps me motivated. As Franz Stampfl famously said:

“Fear is the strongest driving force in competition. … In the achievement of higher performances … the athlete defeats fear and conquers himself.”

Elite runners may race for trophies. Me? My goal is very simple: a better time than before.

Routines and Routes: Thane Flats & Yeoor Hills

Most of my training runs are on flat terrain around Thane—but sometimes I venture up to the Yeoor hills when I want a bit more drama. Each day is a joyful challenge, but nothing beats the memory of my very first full Mumbai Marathon in 2012: I had just 18 months of running experience, no expectations, and somehow finished smoothly, with the whole city cheering.

Not Elite—but Elite in My Way

Let’s be clear: I’m not an elite athlete. My ambitions differ. My driving motives are:

• Maintaining health
• Boosting motivation
• Elevating my energy and confidence
• Managing weight, diabetes, and blood pressure
• Cultivating the runner image among friends, family, and colleagues
• Spending quality time with myself

My Family and Me.

Living with Joy, Running with Purpose

Living with Joy, Running with Purpose

I’m a happy man—deeply in love with my life and thankful for my family: my wife, children, parents, siblings, and loved ones. Running is my daily way to cherish myself by keeping my mental and physical health in top form.

My family jokes that I’m “obsessed” with running—but over time, they’ve seen how it fuels my happiness, so they now support my passion wholeheartedly.

Connection Over Screens

I’m more a people-person than a social media person. Although I maintain accounts to stay in touch with fellow runners, I prefer real-world relationships and meaningful conversations.

I also make it a point to get regular health check-ups—and believe me, my doctor is amused by my running obsession.

Work & Run Rhythm

During the pandemic, working from home meant I could run as usual—and sneak in early miles before conference calls. While working remotely had its perks, I now prefer commuting to the office. Tight schedule aside, my energy is higher, focus sharper, and I save time that would otherwise be lost in office travel.

Because as they say: Health is wealth—especially when it’s earned through daily sweat sessions.

Cricket & Childhood Vibes at Wankhede

Since 1986, I’ve loved watching matches at Wankhede Stadium—most memorably the 2011 World Cup final. Cricket is still ingrained in me, but on the road, I transform. When I run, I’m not “Damodar the husband, father, or son”—I’m Damodar the Runner. Just a guy who waves back at friends and recalls childhood yells of “Come out to play!”

Running as My Happiness Mantra

I firmly believe everyone should incorporate running or a sport into their lives—it’s the ultimate stress-buster and a one-way ticket back to our childlike joy. If you’re angry, run. If you’re happy, run. If you’re bored, run. Running gives you the energy to face life’s good, bad, or ugly moments. And if you see me out there—wave! Maybe we’ll run together.

Global Travel, Local Goals

I’ve traveled across South Africa, Europe, the USA, UAE, Hong Kong, and China—but no matter where I go, my shoes come with me. My lifelong dream? To complete a full marathon in under 4 hours.

Health Wins from a Daily Run

I started running to lose weight—and ended up gaining much more. My visceral fat dropped, internal organs strengthened, LDL and cholesterol levels decreased—my stress test results rivaled those of a 16-year-old. I now have the energy of a newborn baby, all from one hour of daily running and some dietary tweaks. What else could I ask for?

Gratitude & Contentment

Life has shaped up just right. I have:

• A loving family
• Friends who embrace me for who I am
• Financial security
• My running passion

God has been kind—I have no regrets.

Final Note: Lace Up Yourself

If you have nothing to lose, why not run? Go ahead—experience the energy boost yourself. Your body and mind will thank you. And who knows—you might just become my next favorite running buddy.

Wishing you a joyful, energetic journey ahead!

Supporting Insights

• Running in groups boosts motivation, accountability, and emotional well-being while strengthening social bonds. It also enhances performance, safety, and pacing awareness (especially relevant to my activity with fellow runners in Mumbai)
• Recent research shows running just 75 minutes a week can significantly slow biological aging, potentially making you biologically up to 12 years younger