From Weight Loss to Marathon Running: Sourav Kashyap’s Inspiring Fitness Journey

Saurabh Tankha

It all began when his weight started increasing and his Body Mass Index (BMI) touched 32. A stern warning from his doctor to reduce weight immediately pushed him to explore fitness options.

He tried swimming and gym workouts, but couldn’t stick with them for long. Eventually, he turned to jogging and tempo runs—and that decision changed his life.

A Life-Changing Start to Fitness

“I lost eight kilos in two months. By then, I was running up to 5 km every day. That’s when I stepped into the world of long-distance running with my first 10K run in November 2016—and the journey continues,” shares Sourav Kashyap, a Kolkata-based senior analyst with an IT firm.

An economics graduate with an MBA in finance, Kashyap quickly progressed in his running journey. After his first 10K, he went on to complete a 21K run at the Airtel Run for Education (RFE) in 2016, guided by pacer Tushar Tripathi, popularly known as “Mahaguru” in Kolkata’s running community.

Scaling Up: From 10K to Marathon Goals

One of his toughest early challenges was the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K in 2016, where he struggled in the final stretch.

“That experience made me realise I needed to train harder,” he says.

He increased his weekly mileage to over 80 km, which helped him complete major events like:

• Tata Steel Bhubaneswar Half Marathon 2017
• IDBI Kolkata Full Marathon 2017 (Half Marathon category)

Finding Mentors and the Running Community

Initially training alone due to lack of exposure to the running community, Kashyap’s journey took a turn when he met Jaydev Raja, also known as J Bro.

“Meeting him changed my perspective. I began to look beyond full marathons,” he says.

With mentorship and guidance from fellow runners like Saurav Bhartia and Chao Lengdon Chaocing, an ex-army professional, Kashyap refined his pace and technique.

The Power of Mental Strength in Long-Distance Running

According to Kashyap, becoming a long-distance runner is not just about physical fitness—it’s about mental strength.

“A strong mind decides how fast we reach our goals. Discipline and dedication are equally important as the body takes time to adapt to intense training,” he explains.

What Are Stadium Runs?

While marathons are widely known, stadium runs remain relatively unheard of in India.

Kashyap explains:

“Stadium runs test mental endurance. Runners continuously run on a 400-metre track for hours, covering ultra distances while seeing the same track and surroundings repeatedly. It requires immense focus and mental strength.”

Advice for Beginners in Long-Distance Running

For youngsters looking to take up long-distance running, Kashyap recommends a gradual approach:

• Start with 10K runs
• Progress to 21K (half marathon)
• Move to full marathons
• Eventually explore stadium or ultra runs

“The goal should always be continuous improvement—be better than yesterday,” he says.

Five Essential Tips for Long-Distance Runners

1. Focus on Injury-Free Running

Avoid pushing beyond limits. Sometimes sacrificing short-term goals helps achieve long-term success.

2. Know Your Body (KYB)

Every runner is different. Choose a training plan that suits your body and capacity.

3. Listen to Your Body

Rest is as important as training. Pay attention to signs of fatigue and recover properly.

4. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Diet contributes over 50% to performance. A runner’s diet should include healthy carbs, proteins, and essential nutrients.

5. Prioritise Clothing and Hydration

Wear comfortable gear and stay hydrated before, during, and after runs for optimal performance.

Sourav Kashyap’s journey from weight loss to long-distance running is a powerful example of how determination and discipline can transform lives. For him, fitness is not just a routine—it’s a form of self-respect.

“A healthy body houses a healthy mind. If we love and respect our body, it gives that love back,” he says.