Ashok Nath is probably India’s most decorated amateur distance runner, who spent over two decades in the corporate sector, his last stint as COO of a Brand Consulting Firm, before taking the leap to follow his passion for distance running and writing.
It was only after entering corporate life that he grew serious about running. “After two decades in the corporate world, I realised that I no longer had my heart in my work. Something was missing from my life. After some soul searching, I realised that I wanted to do something more actively in the running space, both for myself and my community of fellow runners.”
Mr Nath has run the prestigious Boston Marathon four times and been running the Bangalore Marathon since 2005, has run six Mumbai Marathons and is aiming to run at the New York Marathon in 2015 since he could not qualify this year.
Running for Mr Nath is not just a physical activity or a way to keep fit. “Running is life made small. A run has a beginning and an end. There are obstacles to overcome, good days and bad days. There are tests and challenges, disappointments and chievements. You pass some people, and get passed by others. There is so much to learn if one is serious about something and the same applies to running. From being an activity undertaken for fitness, running has taken on a whole new meaning in my life. Running had made me a more confident, disciplined and patient person, and most importantly a nicer human being.”