Ashok Daniel sprints his way to victory

After four big races in 2016 so far, 25-year-old, Ashok Daniel is ready to conquer more. “I was an overweight kid in school without any interest in sports. When I began college, I wanted to get rid of the extra weight and joined a gym. I did my first marathon with the Chennai Trekking Club, where I ran 21 km. Later, when the Chennai Marathon happened for the first time in the city, running a marathon was also in my bucket list. A month ahead of the marathon, was the Bangalore Ultra. There were two loops — 25 kms each. Though I was apprehensive in the beginning, I ended up running 50 kms. And then there was no looking back,” says the youngster.

In August, he ran one of the most difficult foot races in Europe — the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. “It was the most challenging trail I had ever undertaken. Considered as Europe’s most gruelling race that covers three countries and two alpine summits, it was an unforgettable experience.”

An early riser, Ashok’s day starts at 4 am, when he runs by the Besant Nagar beach. “Since most of my friends are runners, we run daily as a group. I also follow a healthy diet, and avoid processed foods. For the last one year, I am trying to be a vegetarian. It helps me recover quicker from injuries. When we do longer distances, your body needs to cooperate — and in the long term, this seems to be the healthier option.”

According to him, running in the mountains is a beautiful experience. “Even when you are tired, you can look at nature, and the spectacular sight gives you energy.”

Explaining his diet during the trails, he says, “Eating during the race is important. For shorter distances, you don’t need to eat much — but for longer outings, you have to eat a little at regular intervals. A combination of dry fruits and regular fruits like oranges and bananas helps.”

Talking about what’s next, he says, “I have to improve as a climber — and in the next four-five years, I want to climb the Himalayas! After doing these long distances, I need to step up my game. I want to do solo climbing or with a partner. I don’t want to hire a guide, as there won’t be any challenges then.”