Inside the mind of an Ultra Runner FEAT Taher Merchant
The becoming of an Ultra Runner FEAT Taher Merchant
Looking for a little motivation to get back to running? Every runner likes to get out of the house and run but was it hard for you during the lockdown to do so? Are you looking for something that will get you going outdoors again?
Revealing how real runners keep up their mojo in 3.2.1. Presenting to you one of the most talented and versatile athlete of CEP India, Taher Merchant. Talented runner and versatile for the fact that there is not really anything left that he hasn’t tried and tested. We talk about his lockdown journey, running, participating in a few virtual runs and what 2021 has in store for him.
Tell us about your transformation journey and was that a motivational factor for you to run for marathons?
Running was accidental. I started running with my wife Soraya to lose some weight and stay fit. It started with a few rounds around a stadium in Jayanagar which led to a 10k, a Half, a Full and later an Ultra Marathon. The process was gradual and a lot of sacrifices had to be made as the distance got longer. Time away from family, switching to healthy eating habits, early morning training routines were some of the changes I incorporated. Running now is a way of life, it is something I look forward to every morning when I wake up from bed.
“If people were possessed by reason, running marathons would never work. But we are not creatures of reason. We are creatures of passion.” — Noel Caroll, Olympian
What running phase are you in right now and what are your goals in 2021?
During the entire COVID-19 lockdown I was in a phase where I was more relaxed and not training too hard. COVID has changed a lot of things for me. It has made me pause and realize how important the people around me are and how life can change any second. I have been spending a lot of time with my family, in particular with my children. Usually training schedule has been very rigid and ever since 2021 has started, there has been no late night movies, no weekend dinners. I thoroughly enjoyed the downtime with my girls, Soraya, Aaliyah and Ameerah but now it's time I get back into my groove.
2021 Goals — This is going to be the year when I attempt to conquer the 4Deserts, also known as the world's toughest high endurance race. The Hottest, The Windiest, The Driest and last The Coldest Desert of the world. First race being in Namibia in May. These are all self sustained ultra marathons. At the start of the race I will be carrying my food and sleeping bag for the next five days. The only thing that I get along the way will be water.
I am done with single stage runs spanning a few hundred. I need to do something more exciting and hence this race is my first choice for 2021. If I do have some time left I will take part in a few ultra marathons organized by my friends in India.
Another major reason why 2021 is going to be an extraordinary year of running for me is because I will be trying to raise US$100,000 to educate the underprivileged children in India through running. I believe that they are the future of our country and have the equal right to education just as we have. Running is a very powerful tool and if used the right way, can change lives. I will do it and I hope fellow runners in India and across the world start to do it as well.
Who is in your running support network? And does running in a group really help motivate you?
I generally run alone because my training plan is very different and tailored according to my races. Jayanagar Jaguars is a group I train with regularly and sometimes I am lucky to have some runners join me for weekend long runs. It definitely is motivating to run in a group.
How do you balance work, family, running and workouts? What’s your basic day like to equalize all this?
I have a very supportive family and I am truly grateful and thankful for that. A lot of time is required away from family and work especially when you attempt races which are high endurance ultra marathons. My typical day when I train is as follows:
- 4am – Wake up
- 4.30am – Start my run
- 8 am – Conclude my run (Do some strength training and stretching)
- 8.30am – Break
- 9.30am – 5.30pm – Work
- 7pm – Dinner
- 8pm – Bedtime
A birdie told us that even in the lockdown period you did not stop running and took part in multiple ‘Virtual Runs’. What does that mean and would you recommend it for runners out there?
As you are certainly aware, most events had been cancelled due to travel restrictions — but, RUNNING WAS NOT CANCELLED. A virtual run is a run that is conducted in the same format but can be run from home or from your city of residence. To explain it further, I took part in the ULTRA RACE ROMANIA which is a 250km race which I took seven days to finish. I would run a daily distance of about 35-40 kms and then send a screenshot of my watch with the distance and time taken at the end of the run. The organizers would then update it on their website and once you cross the distance you are awarded with a finisher certificate and a medal.
As a community we must unite and stay connected in these difficult times. I would definitely recommend the virtual format races to all runners. It will keep you motivated and in shape.
What is that one thing you would ask the budding runners to follow while they are doing these Virtual Runs? Like, how do you even find out about one? Does one have to Google about it?
I always tell runners whether you are attempting to do a virtual or an on-ground race, sign up for events where the targets are realistic. Everyone wants to run a full marathon or an ultra marathon but without proper training, it can be disappointing or even worse, detrimental for your health. You can't train for a 10k and then expect to run a Full Marathon. Once the distance and training plan is in place make sure to focus on a healthy diet, take in good nutrition and get the best gear available – don’t ever compromise!
Google is definitely an option, a lot of leading event organizers are on social media these days. Checking out their handle once in a while gives a lot of information. High endurance racing is mostly by invitation or based on previous records. It is not open to all.
Do you like to experiment with running, like you deliberately look for runs that are more challenging?
Yes of course, I believe that as individuals we can achieve anything, all we need to do is believe in our ability to achieve it. Never doubt yourself!
I like to push a bit more outside of my comfort zone. The regular races don’t appeal to me anymore.
We see that you have used various other brands for compression wear. Tell us why CEP compression wear is something you stand by? How does it help you in recovery?
Yes, I have experimented with many but nothing comes close to CEP. I have the compression socks, calf sleeve and the running tights. The elasticity is just fantastic. I use it over and over again but it just does not get loose. I have used the full length running tights for over 14hrs in one go and I have never felt better. No muscle cramp, compression fit was perfect in the quads and calf, overall till date I have not been in a better pair that the CEP full length running tights. I am not going to get into details about the need for compression as most of you would already know it.
Recovery is an important part for any athlete. If you recover smart you will get back on your feet faster. It has been only a month since I have started using the recovery tights and have found it to have reduced muscle soreness to a certain extent. I haven't used it much enough to speak more about it but once I start training full throttle I will share more about this product as well.
Your sports idol? And any words by him/ her that you remember?
I have had many, actually every year I have someone new, but if there is thee numero uno, it is Dean Karnazes, the God of Ultra running (In my view). Let me share a quote by him:
“Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you’re not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you’re not demanding more from yourself – expanding and learning as you go – you’re choosing a numb existence. You’re denying yourself and extraordinary trip”
You're a foodie, how’s your meal planned out for the day or its just aimless eating?
I love my food and I really freak out in my downtime, which is Nov & Dec generally. I eat everything that I am not allowed to eat while training. But when I train it is a different ball game altogether. My diet is super restricted. I make an effort to eat right so my physical training does not go to waste. I keep track of my calories as well. I start my day with a pre nutrition and end it with a light meal like soups and bread. I do have cheat meal days and Biryani wins hands down on those days.
PRODUCTS THAT TAHER IS CURRENTLY USING
Active
Recovery
