Marathoners and fitness instructors in Visakhapatnam share their New Year goals

As 2024 unfolds, marathoners, fitness instructors and yoga trainers in Visakhapatnam share their fitness goals and aspirations for the New Year

For 2024, my goal is to embrace a year-round running routine, to stay injury-free and prepare for new challenges as I gear up for my maiden full marathon this month in Mumbai. My fitness journey is not just about personal goals but also exploring fresh trails for our annual ultra trail race Ultribe Paderu. Running has become my constant companion, guiding me through the highs and lows of life. Training for the full marathon is a testament to the dedication and passion that fuels this incredible journey.

My journey as a runner dates back to my school days, but the true love for running blossomed in 2014 when I decided to quit smoking and seek a new, healthier addiction. Over the past decade, I’ve participated in numerous half marathons and ultra marathons. One of the most fulfilling experiences has been organising three editions of Ultribe Paderu and two editions of the Vizag Half Marathon. On a personal note, achieving my best timing of completing a half marathon in 1 hour and 38 minutes is a milestone I hold dear.

I’m dedicated to cultivating and reinforcing a vibrant community of fitness enthusiasts through Visakha Trail Running Association, a volunteer-driven initiative with a mission to inspire the people of Visakhapatnam to embrace running and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Yogeshwar Rao Vangada, founder of VTRA and race director of The Ultribe Paderu

Balancing work and life is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. That’s why, despite a busy schedule, I decided to incorporate fitness activities like tennis, cycling and running into my routine.

In 2023, I realised that running isn’t just about speed; it’s about strategy and planning. Inspired by older individuals participating in marathons, I sought guidance from a trainer and ran nine official half marathons in places like Kakinada, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Panchmarhi and Visakhapatnam. The well-organised events provided a sense of achievement and it was a joy running with thousands of people, each with their own story like someone trying to beat his own personal best or someone spreading awareness about cancer or soil conservation and animal protection.

For 2024, my goal is to keep running, practising, and improving every day. I plan to run my first full marathon on World Cancer Day on February 4 in Kolkata, paying tribute to the resilience of people with cancer.