Meet Gurgaon’s marathon moms and running divas

The 20km Gurgaon promo-run on August 25 for the Pinkathon that’s set to take place next month saw several running enthusiasts – men and women.
But it’s the latter, some of whom belonged to clubs like Gurgaon Moms, Biz Divas and Run Divas, that caught our eye. Here are five Gurgaon women who are moms, divas, and professional go-getters, but what really sets them apart is the fact that they run an average of 60km a week.We ask them how they set the pace going.
Mala Honnatti
Retired banker
Lives in Sector-52
I maintain a weekly mileage log which goes up to 80km per week during peak months. Otherwise 8-10km on weekdays and 15-18km on Sundays. I change my training according to the seasons also. In summers, I run very less, maybe 25-30% of my regular mileage, and focus on building strength and flexibility. During winter, the mileage can go upto 80km. I am a vegetarian and add lot of fruits and vegetables in my diet. I avoid junk, fried, processed and outside food. Asking me why I run is exactly like asking someone why they eat or sleep or go to office or party. Just like how these things sustain our life and fulfil certain aspects of it, so does running. It is something that I don’t just want, I need to run to keep my body, mind and soul happy, healthy and in high spirits. It balances my life, emotions, sanity, well being and in the least, balances my weight and waistline also!
I usually run in Tau Devi Lal Botanical Garden, towards CRPF Camp, Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, and Nehru Park in Delhi on Sundays.
Anupama Krishnan
35 years old
Freelance corporate communication trainer
Lives in DLF phase V
Runs with Run Bugs, also associated with the Run With Me foundation
I typically run anywhere between 8-10km on an average, and one long run on weekends which is approximately 15-16km. Running for me is an hour of magic because it has the power to magically transform confusion into clarity, self-doubt into confidence, chocolate cake into muscle and a rough morning into an awesome day! I trail within our gated community or run on routes in and around Leisure Valley, Gurgaon Faridabad Expressway, Devi Lal Botanical Garden and Sohna Road Ext.
Deepa Krishnan
38 years old
Freelance professional
Lives in Phase IV
I run for about 7-8km on an average and cover about 21-25km on weekends. I am passionate about running on the road, I don’t run in an enclosed area. I don’t have a special diet but I make sure that I eat sufficient carbs and proteins for better nutrition.
I have been running for three years and it’s a stress buster for me. People meditate to de-stress, I run! It’s one of my biggest passions and I am extremely regimental about my running routine.
I run at the Biodiversity Park near MG road and Tau Devi Lal Park.
Priyanka Mehta
36 years old
Former private banker
Lives in Sector 30
On weekdays, I run 8-10km approximately, while on the weekends, I cover longer distances from 12-17km. I try and supplement my running routine with strength training and yoga.
It basically started as an activity around weight loss and has now moved to constantly challenging my body and mind to achieve greater distance at a faster speed.
I don’t follow a specific diet, in fact, I feel less guilty binging knowing that I’ll burn it all off the next day! But I drink lots of water, try to indulge in lots of proteins post a long run.
I usually go to the Kadarpur side of Gurgaon (starting from club Florence in Sector 56). I also run starting from Sector 56 roundabout down to the Golf Course Extension road, and sometimes on the Gurgaon-Faridabad highway.
Tanuja Sodhi
43 years old
Fitness consultant
Lives in Jalvayu Towers
Runs with Run with Me Foundation, Run Divas, Run Bugs and Running & Living
I run 40 to 50km on an average per week, including treadmill runs. Running is my ultimate passion and gives me a ‘runner’s high’. It releases ‘happy hormones’ that keep me spirited all day. I find running to be the most intense and satisfying cardio workout. I use it as a challenge and strive for harder goals, pushing myself through the pain and exhaustion that long distance running invariably induces. I make sure I eat a balanced diet which has adequate complex carbs to keep me energized for the rigorous run sessions. I keep myself hydrated by drinking lots of water. I run at Tau Devi Lal Botanical Garden, Smriti Vatika, Bio Diversity Park, Kadarpur Road and Leisure Valley.