Running, Resilience, and Life Goals | Running Tales With Craig Lewis

In this episode of the Running Tales Podcast, Craig Lewis sits down with Deepak Shukla, a British-born Indian runner whose journey in running is about resilience and achieving life goals. From starting his running journey as a teen to tackling ultra-marathons, Deepak’s story reflects how running can serve as a pathway to both physical and mental resilience.

Early Beginnings in Running

Deepak began running at 15, developing a passion for the sport in Black Park, Hillingdon. A chance decision to enter the Chicago Marathon transformed his view on endurance sports. With each marathon, he discovered more about himself and the discipline it takes to keep moving forward. Over the last 14 months, working with a coach has greatly refined his technique and boosted his endurance, allowing him to balance his roles as a business owner and athlete.

Embracing Ultra-Marathon Challenges

Ultra-running has been a significant chapter in Deepak’s journey, particularly his love for mountain running. He shares candidly the highs and lows, from gearing up for tough terrains to facing brutal weather conditions. Deepak’s experiences underline the need for preparation, both physically and mentally, and how these extreme conditions push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Race Day Rituals and Strategies

Deepak also reveals his unique strategies for staying focused during long races. Music, podcasts, and even moments of prayer play an essential role in his routines. For Deepak, every runner’s strategy is personal, and he shares how his playlists and motivational voices help him stay grounded, motivated, and ready to take on any distance.

Fueling the Journey: Nutrition Insights

For Deepak, nutrition has become a key component of his training. He experiments with different approaches, from minimal intake during training to more structured fueling with gels and solid foods during races. Deepak’s approach to fueling offers insights for runners looking to optimize their nutrition, particularly for endurance events.

Personal Growth Through Running

Running has been more than a sport for Deepak; it has been a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection. As a role model in the ultra-running community, he hopes to inspire others, especially those underrepresented in endurance sports. With goals of completing a 200-mile race and breaking the sub-3-hour marathon barrier, Deepak is committed to balancing these ambitions with his family aspirations, proving that endurance sports can be both challenging and deeply rewarding.

The Everyday Athlete’s Spirit

Deepak Shukla’s story is one of running, resilience, and life goals. His journey from a novice runner to an ultra-endurance athlete inspires all who dream big and strive for more. Each mile, each race, and each goal tells a story of self-discovery and the joy of pushing beyond limits. Whether you’re just starting or looking for motivation to keep going, Deepak’s story reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within each of us.

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