Interview: “The Comrades Marathon is an emotional and mental battle” – Ramani Easwaran, Ultramarathon Runner

Image Courtesy: Ramani Easwaran

How it all started:

Ramani has been running for six years now with his first official marathon being the Bangalore Ultra in 2009 (50 Km). But he began running for a reason: “I started running to get over my parental bereavement.”

“It was a pretty tough period in my life, and running helped me get over that phase. But if you ask me today, why I’m still running, I don’t think I’ve figured it out. Maybe I’m addicted to it or maybe to test my limits, honestly, I do not know the answer.”

Asked about preparation for a race, Ramani said, “Honestly, I don’t prepare for a particular race. For me, running is sort of a second nature”

“I try to ideally log in about 90kms a week; I would love to run all seven days a week, if I can. Realistically, it usually boils down to about four to five days a week – almost a half marathon each running day. That’s how I run; I don’t train myself for a particular event,” he said about his training regime.

An expensive hobby:

Ramani has run 39 marathons so far, 49 is you add ten half marathons to the list. And to keep himself motivated, he brings in an element of craziness to his schedule.

“I’ll be running a marathon a month this season – Hyderabad (Aug), KTM (Sept), Chicago (Oct), New York (Nov), Chennai (Dec), Mumbai (Jan), Auroville (Feb).”

“Apart from South Africa, I’ve also run marathons in Singapore, Berlin, London, Tokyo and California. This is an expensive hobby I pursue,” he went on to add, rather amusingly.

Craziest thing to do:

When asked who he admires the most, Ramani was quick to reply. Bruce Fordyce, the South African ultramarathon athlete, who is best known for having won the South African Comrades Marathon a record nine times, eight of which were consecutive.

“He ran 30 comrades and retired last year, and I admire him because though he is a champion, he relates to a slow runner like me. He is also a very good motivational speaker.”

“I believe the Queen had visited South Africa and when she saw Bruce, all lean and thin, like most marathon runners are, she asked him, Mr. Fordyce, I thought runners are sturdy strong people but you look so thin?

“To which Fordyce replied, Your Majesty, to run you need three things: strong legs, strong heart and lungs and less of brain cells – as this is the stupidest thing to do. “

Ramani’s message for first-time runners is simple but also a heads-up in a way, “To me, running a marathon or an ultra for that matter, is the stupidest and craziest thing to do.”

“And to anyone who wants to take it up, he or she must take it gradually, have a set regime and be disciplined and dedicated.”