Imagine suffering from a Slipped Disc and the Doctors telling you ” You will not be able to walk”. From that condition to go about running 97 , 4 half marathons in a span of two years and 50+ Virtual RUN. The achiever of this feat is Avtar Bhatia from Roopnagar Punjab. If you want to describe him in one word that would be *FIGHTER*. My new achievement during lockdown is 100 days of Pushups challenge and completed my 13495 push-ups. Avtar Bhatia is a certified gym instructor and also a tattoo artist by profession, has garnered several accolades. Let us hear his journey from the “fighter” himself.
How long you have been running?
It all started when I was majorly injured! As we all know that in every sportsman’s Life, there is always one fear and that is getting INJURED. The painful experience of my life, when my life came to a standstill because of an injury sustained in Gym way back in February 2016. I had a serious injury in my spinal cord (PIVD PROLAPSED INTERVERTEBRAL DISK), which caused multiple health issues.
The toughest part was, that I was not able to walk properly and this led to continuous drop in my body power and muscle. I consulted many doctors & physicians, they suggested me to take a proper bed rest. I was on bedrest for 3 to 6 months. Even after bedrest, I was still experiencing immense pain in my body. Doctor also advised me to get operated and was suggested to quit Gym for Lifetime. This also came as a tremor to me and I was very disheartened. I started losing hope with every day passing, as my dreams had gotten shattered.
At that moment, I motivated myself and started mild exercises like Yoga, stretching and walked with stick for half to 1 km on a daily basis. Day by day, my stamina also improved which ultimately boosted my confidence. Now, running and cycling were also back in my life. Ignoring all negative things was what kept me stable, and I just followed my heart and moved forward working on building my strength. I also got introduced to an unexplored side of mine, which was a cyclist and runner, which were hidden deep inside me. I became much stronger than before
What motivated you to run?
I am inspired by many great Runners in various age groups and backgrounds like SARDAR FOUJA SINGH JI, BIBI MAN KAUR JI, MILKHA SINGH JI, AMAR CHOUHAN JI. I’m also thankful for their encouragement and continuous support.
Why do you enjoy running?
I am a fitness addict, I love RUNNING, GYMING, BODYBUILDING, SWIMMING AND CYCLING. Till now I have completed official 101 Half and Full Marathons and that’s what makes me happy. I wake up at 4am every day to simply head out and run while the world sleeps. I run 5 to 10km every day. Running really makes me feel alive. I’ve come down from 125 kg body weight to 80 kg. And I lift heavier, run faster and longer. I’m only getting better every day. It’s always me vs me and that’s the reason I run to see how far I go.
What is that you don’t like about running?
There is nothing I don’t like about running. But, there were times when I wanted to give up badly, as nothing new was happening. With time everything changes around and your hard work pays off. The struggle you are facing today, gives you the strength you need tomorrow!”
How do you take care of the injuries?
I take a nutritious diet and also take care of my sleep. After workout one needs to do proper stretching and eat a balanced diet.
How running changed your life?
Running has changed my life. All my health problems came to an end. I am very strong physically as well as mentally now. and have many friends all around the country with whom I enjoy running. I started running from 11th February 2018 and participated in half marathon which was organized by Thrill zone in Chandigarh called Punjab Half Marathon which I successfully completed in my first attempt Time -01:57:00. My never give up attitude made me a world record holder. Till now I have successfully completed 101 Official Marathons (97 half and 4 full) across India. Now I am more excited for upcoming International Marathons.
What you eat and your daily diet?
Diet plays an important role in your game and goal, so I focus on having a rich fiber diet which includes vegetables and fruits. I like to cook them perfectly without any added fat and season them with cumin, black pepper and coriander and also do include homemade soup at the beginning of my meal which curbs my appetite. I also avoid caffeine and prefer green tea as it boosts my metabolism and removes belly fat easily and also carry something nutritious in my bag every time you step out like nuts and fruits.
What is your best experience in running till date?
My journey has taken me to Jammu Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and down south as well. Competing in events such as the Airtel Delhi half-marathon, Airtel Hyderabad Marathon and TATA Mumbai marathon, which are recognized by the world athletics body, *IAAF*. I am a for running the most number of Half Marathon in one year 51 “INDIA BOOK OF RECORD 2019” and an” INTERNATIONAL RECORD HOLDER 2020” for running the most number of Half Marathon in 2 years. Not only running, I also cycled 200 km in about 10 hours and also has five more Indian records to my name. I was also a brand ambassador for 50+ marathons. “I am also looking forward to running marathons abroad, perhaps in London or Chicago.”
Tips for beginners
Smile, Laugh & Enjoy Every Bit of your Life. If I can transform 125 kg to 75 kg by running, then anyone can run. The idea is to keep smiling, keep running and also keep rocking. Just believe in yourself, be consistent and be stubborn for your goals. Run to Manifest, magic will soon happen and also don’t give up ever.
How do you unwind?
Self-discipline is the magic power that makes you virtually unstoppable. I rest to make my body stronger and improve my stamina.
Avtar Bhatia’s achievements:
AWARD OF HONOR BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL’S
- AWARD OF HONOR BY SPORTS MINISTER of PUNJAB RANA GURMIT SINGH SODHI, MANISH TIWARI MEMBER PARLIAMENT (ANANDPUR SAHIB) and VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB RANA K.P SINGH.
- 2 TIMES AWARD OF HONOR BY D.C RUPNAGAR DR. SUMEET JARANGAL IAS.
- AWARD OF HONOR BY A.D.C RUPNAGAR.
- AWARD OF HONOR BY S.D.M RUPNAGAR.
(WORLD and NATIONAL RECORDS)
- INTERNATIONAL BOOK OF WORLD RECORD 2020
- INDIA BOOK OF RECORDS 2020
- WORLD RECORD INDIA (GENIUS FOUNDATION)
- COSMOS WORLD RECORD 2019
- NATIONAL RECORDS HOLDER 2019
- INDIA STAR BOOK OF RECORD 2019
(ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018 TO 2019)
- INFLUENTIAL LEADER OF THE YEAR 2019
- YOUTH PLEDGE CERTIFICATE GIVEN BY MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
- FIT INDIA MOVEMENT STATE TEAM LEADER PUNJAB & CHANDIGARH.
4- 20 PACER ASSIGNMENT
5- 40 BRAND AMBASSADOR ASSIGNMENTS
(The story teller is Mr. Avtar Bhatia)
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