Pacers

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I am Gunjan Khurana. I am a home maker and a proud mother of two beautiful daughters. I am an engineer by qualification and have been a teacher for quite a while. I am fun loving and full of life. Running makes me smile and completes my day! My family is my biggest inspiration and cheerleader!!

Setting up a PB gives happiness, but I guess helping others set a PB will hopefully give satisfaction. It's my first time to be a pacer and I am super excited about it and that is why I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer.

I feel on top of the world!!!! to be pacer in the TCS W10K 2022 All Women Pacer Squad On a serious note, I feel grateful and I really hope to stand up to the expectations and make people finish the race in their dream time!

I have always felt women are way more stronger and can endure better. Their will power is unmatched and it feels great that through such prestigious events ( having a All-Women Pacer Squad )such strong message is given out in the society.

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Shanthi is a chartered accountant by profession and a fitness trainer by passion. She is the founder of Initi8 Athletics, a company which provides training to kids and adults. Shanthi’s passion for athletics began shortly after she and her husband moved to Singapore in 2009. A state level football and hockey player , she was always into sports. Fitness was a way of life for her. However when she was attacked by asthma in Singapore , she became more health conscious . What started as a battle with chronic asthma became her life . From then there has been no looking back. She has participated in several half and full marathons and an Olympic distance triathlon. While she started with a 3:00 half marathon her current PB for a half is 1:47 and she has run a full marathon in 3:50. All barefoot. Along with running, over time, she also realised it was essential to get fit and strong both physically and mentally. Yoga has helped in this and has become a very important part of her journey. She has been practising and teaching yoga for over three years.

Id like to see more runners achieve their time goals. It’s more satisfying. Not every race is about a PB or a podium. Sometimes it’s just enjoying the spirit of running that is why I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer

It feels great to be part of the all-women’s squad.

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Vandana is a full time IT professional with a product company and a doting mother. She loves cooking for her daughter and spending time with her in her spare time. Her journey in fitness started in her mid 30s and it was only in her late 30s that she became serious about her fitness and took to running long distances as one of the avenues to stay fit.

Last three years have changed my fitness journey. I qualified for Boston and got many other achievements. Last three years I have also seen people suffering from Covid and losing near and dear ones where fitness took a backseat for some. With this pacing opportunity, I want to do my part for the community. Helping someone achieve the PR is fulfilling.

I feel honoured to be part of W10k 2022 all women pacer squad.

I feel having a All-Women Pacer Squad is a great initiative where it will encourage other women to start their fitness journey. Women runners will also feel less hesitant towards any discussions with their pacers.

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I have a Master's degree in Control system, Electrical engineering from IIT Bombay. I am currently leading a team in Arm that develops processor tools. Prior to Arm, I was working at a startup to develop the Moon Lander, which is something that I am most proud of. My fitness journey started with a fun Oxfam 100km walk just to have a good time with my friends. Gradually I started lifting weights and to be honest I used to shy away from it thinking it is not meant for women. But once I started lifting, I felt really strong and confident. During the pandemic, I thought of picking up a new hobby so I started running. There is no looking back since then. I love training for speed workouts. Running gives me a sense of accomplishment and the urge to challenge myself. Life is a lot more fun when you are able to share your interest with your better half. My husband, Abhishek G S is a seasoned runner. We both love going on running vacations, discussing training runs, planning race strategy together and everything around it.

The satisfaction of helping fellow runners achieve their target and cheering them to the finish line, motivates me to be a pacer. A pacer requires good control over the pace and to have energy throughout the run to motivate everyone. As a control systems engineer, pacing is more like solving a Math problem for me :P

I am pretty excited to be a part of an all women team. When I did the Oxfam 100km walk, we were the only all women team from work. We took it up as a challenge because we wanted to set an example that women are capable of more. Just like how as a manager my role is to silently enable the team to perform at its highest level, I feel my role as a pacer is to help fellow runners achieve their targets.

I feel having an all women pacer squad is a very good initiative to showcase women empowerment. In my experience, I have observed fewer women in sports be it gym or running track and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) be it college or work. This would be a good way to influence social perspective.

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Profession: Teacher- Business Studies / social studies for 10th grade & 12th. Mother of two teen boys. 6.5 yrs of running 🏃‍♀️ More than 85 competitive events. (2k, 5k, 10k, 21k, 42k, 50k, 80k, 3hrs, 6hrs, 12hrs, 24hrs and 500miler(805 km in 16 days ) . Podium finisher in all categories. 30podiums & still counting Pacer : 2 times ( TCS World 10k , 2018 & 2019)

I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer because :

"Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give". Ben Carson

I feel at the Top of the world to be pacer in the TCS W10K 2022 All Women Pacer Squad

Having an All-Women Pacer Squad will build self-confidence for women. Also, will inspire a lot of women to take up running.

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Pattissier by profession. Entrepreneur & Culinarian at Batter & Beyond. Born and brought up in "COORG" the Scotland of India. Apart from my confectionary, have a coffee plantation to look after. Started running in 2020 just for fitness, now it's more than addiction. Been associated with the Jayanagar Jaguars running academy since 2020 as the training head for Koramangala location in Bangalore.

I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer as It's not about only ourselves each time. It's also about helping the fellow runners achieve their deeds as well.

Who run the world?? WOMEN. And this shows that all women squad can conquer the world.

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I was introduced to Running to help me manage my weight, but Running has given me more than I can ask for. My entire lifestyle has changed and so has for many people to whom I have been an inspiration. Running is my meditation. My Running team has been no less than a family. They constantly motivate, inspire and help me set new challenges for myself.

Achieving a target time is a feeling of accomplishment of all the effort and training that one has put. Having someone just give you a nudge really helps. Knowing what that feeling is and the platform, I would like to give it back to the community by helping them bring the bus on time.

We are natural leaders now we are actually leading everyone! Like the saying goes, men are after women, now literally to achieve their target/dream time:-P , by running behind All Women Pacer Squad.

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About my base and family- I have been living in Bangalore with my family (husband and 2 daughters – 22 and 16 years) for nearly 20 years now- this city grows on you and you fall in love with it for its ever so warm-hearted people and fluid culture. Juggling motherhood, home, work and running keeps me on my toes all day. My career- I started off my career in the IT industry, way back in the early - 90s. I am an engineer with degree in business administration. I took a career shift some time back from being an erstwhile thorough bred IT Marketing professional to follow my passion for fitness. I have been into the fitness industry professionally for a decade now, and am currently a full time Fitness Coach. Since venturing into the fitness industry professionally, I have added a few qualifications - Master Functional Trainer/ Certified Personal Trainer/ ZUU Gradus 1 Certified (exercises inspired by animal moves)/ Reebok Mat Pilates Trainer/ Trained in Suspension Trainer, Functional Bag, Kettlebell, Battle rope format of workouts/ Certified Rehab Instructor About my running- Running has been an integral part of my life since schooling. Glad that I can still call myself a runner post 50 yrs of age. Ran my first event race in 2009 and ventured out to long distance running in 2016. Have run 5 FMs so far and many HMs, 10k and 5k. Have also been blessed to see the fruition of my trainings with a few prestigious podiums in Full Marathons, 30k and Duathlons.

Being a fitness coach, I am passionate about nudging people towards their fitness goals. Being a pacer will give me an opportunity to help other runners reach their target timings. And being a pacer of an event as prestigious as TCS World 10k will be an additional feather in my cap.

TCS World 10K has been around for 13 years; I think it is one of the first such global running events conducted which brings people of all facets of life together in a healthy competition. Being a part of such event and that too, as a pacer for All Women Pacer Squad, gives me immense honour and excitement.

Women in today’s world are no less than men and they have been making equal, if not more, impact on all spheres of life. Having an All-Women Pacer Squad would definitely have a positive impact and provide a boost towards motivation and participation of female runners.

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This is Diksha from JJs. I am a Marathon Runner from the city of joy - Kolkata. I am running since 2017 and have ran at major events of India including Tata Mumbai Marathon. I train with JJs Kolkata since 2019 and lead South Kolkata JJs Centre. Professionally I am a Fashion Designer.

I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer because Running for me is not about personal goals but touch to more and more lives through structured training format of JJs. Pacing at TCSWorld10K 2022 would give me an opportunity to help runners cross the finish line in their target time. This the biggest joy for me rather than achieving any personal feat.

Being a pacer at one of most prestigious event of the country is a WOW feeling. I am looking forward to Roar on 15th May 2022 at Bengaluru !!

Having a All-Women Pacer Squad is definitely a kickass initiative where the fact "Women is at par with Men in all parameters in today’s world" is re-iterated.

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I am a Masters in Statistics from Pune University and have been working as a Data Scientist for the last 18 years. Last few years I have also been involved in few social transformation program where I get the opportunity to work on high impact projects for leading non-profits. Leveraging my digital and process expertise, to bring about a systematic change to the social sector. I grew up in a small town, Rourkela where sports played an active role as my dad was a state level cricket player in his days and always encouraged us to participate in different events. Running happened a little late in life at the age of 36, post having 2 kids. In 2016, I was going through some health issues and was mentally not in a great place. My then yoga teacher who was part of Soles of Bangalore introduced me to the sports and there was no looking back. I did my first HM within 2 months of taking up running and ran my first Ultra Marathon (50k Malnad) at the end of the year. By end of 2nd year I was running the 12 hours stadium run. Though not a fast runner, I like to challenge myself with the tougher Marathons and trail runs. Other than running I love to go for treks and hikes. Some of the Himalayans trek has been the best experience of my life. Lately I have taken a liking towards CrossFit which has helped me immensely to increase my strength and endurance. I feel the right proportion of strength training and mobility will help you be injury free. Pursuing fitness, being a mother of 2 young boys and having a full time job involves lot of hard work and discipline. I hope to inspire and motivate people around me with my experiences and stories.

It gives me immense joy to run with a group and help them achieve their goals. 70 mins bus would mean there will be lot of first timers. I would love to share my experience, stories and engage them to make the experience enjoyable. I am sure many will pick running as a sport and become regulars, at the end of it.

I am really excited about this opportunity to be pacer in the TCS W10K 2022 All Women Pacer Squad. There would be lot to share and learn from the all-women pacer squad and I am eagerly looking forward to actively engage with many of them.

I have personally come across a lot of women who neglect their health and prioritize their kids family and work. All women Pacer squad will hopefully inspire many women to come forward and take up running and try to stay healthy.

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I have a PhD in agriculture. I am working as director (operations) In a private limited company in the field of certification of organic agriculture. I have been running since 2018, took it up for fitness and then fell totally in love with it. I am a single parent and have been able to manage a balance between personal and professional commitments and finding time for running. I also do motorbike and enjoy going on long and short rides on dominar 400.

I used to look at people running on roads and wonder how anyone could manage. One of my friends recommended running group JAYANAGAR JAGUAR S and I joined this group. Their structured training helped from walking to running. And for me running is liberation, a form of meditation. And I realised that it is possible for persons who have their mind can do. I would be happy to be a comfort for people who want to achieve their pace.

To be pacer in the TCS W10K 2022 All Women Pacer Squad I am very excited , and I find that this is real Women empowerment. I am proud be part of it.

Having an All-Women Pacer Squad is an empowerment and recognising that women can break the barriers.

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I have done by BE in Information technology from BMS College of engineering Bangalore. Started running in 2015. Completed 2 Full marathons and several half marathons. I love running in trails and natural locations. I am a Yoga instructor and practitioner and completed by teacher training in 2017. I love trekking in the Himalayas and ensure that I spend a month a year in the Himalayas every year. Mother of 2 boys aged 10 and 14, my husband is my biggest support in every journey of life.

The joy of helping someone reach their target is absolutely satisfying! And that is the reason why I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer.

Having a All-Women Pacer Squad is a Wonderful initiative. It would go a long way in building the confidence of every woman runner

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Software Engineer and a proud mom! Been running from 7 years. Completed Procam slam in 2019. Apart from running am an endurance cyclist as well, been cycling 12 years now. In 2019 along with Procam slam, completed Super Randonneuring - It’s a Series of cycling events where in the rider has to complete 200,300,400 and 600km rides within stipulated time in the same calendar year. Have done this thrice since then. Tots outdoor person who loves trekking, travelling and touring on cycling bicycle.

Having an All-Women Pacer Squad would motivate more women discover the joy of running and registering to such events

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Ranjani, a medical professional found her beckoning in running a few years back. She did her first 10K way back in 2008 in Procam’s Sunfeast World 10K but being a working professional and a mom of two kept her away from regular running for about 9 years after that. However, the beckoning was too strong, and she got back to running in mid-2016, when she was part of one of the relay teams running from Bangalore to Mysore. This was a turning point, and she never looked back. She has done several HMs and 2 FMs of which the first one was barefoot. She did her first 50K in December 2020, thus qualifying to be an ultramarathoner. She is also into cycling since few months and has done up to 100K. She has been an OFFICIAL PACER in several events conducted by Procam and Life Is Calling and has been part of the all-women pacer squad in both editions of the TCS World 10K (2018 and 2019). She has also been the EVENT AMBASSADOR for various running events by Life Is Calling. She regularly trains along with Team RUNPHORICS, which is a group of like-minded runners ranging from novices to ultramarathoners and triathletes, in the serene campus of Bangalore University amidst the lush greenery. Her goal is to inspire more and more women to take fitness seriously, and also handhold the newbies so that their interest in running and fitness is sustained and becomes a way of life. Apart from running and cycling, she loves to spend time with her teenage boys, baking and watching movies.

The joy of making others cross the finish line is unparalleled, and more satisfying than me crossing the finish line and that is why I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer

I have been part of the first two All Women Pacer Squads, in TCSW10K 2018 and 2019. It is just such a great joy to see women manning their respective busses with such great efficiency and cheer.

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Nandini Ashokumar is a multifaceted versatile person, a prolific teacher par excellence, runner, dancer, motivator, fitness enthusiast, all rolled in one. As a teacher, she believes in continually updating and equipping herself to meet the demands and challenges of the modern era. A trainer of process drama workshops conducts workshops for teachers on various critical thinking problems that are predominantly interactive with new technology and tools. Her passion for theatre and teaching makes every classroom and workshop experience unique and inspires young minds to think creatively. Her innovative teaching practices fetched her the BEST TEACHER AWARD South Zone 2008, Education Quality Foundation of India (EQFI). As one of the Top 5 finalists in the Primary Teacher category, she received a Certificate of Commendation from The GLOBAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (TGELF) for best teaching practices. ‘We Are the City India’, recognized her passion and talent and awarded her the ‘Rising Star India’ award in Education and Technology category. In addition to garnering several teaching awards, she is also an active marathon runner with several marathons under her belt. She has paced 15 marathons which include Half Marathons and 10K events. She was also part of the first-ever Women's Squadron Pacing Team, at TCS WORLD 10K'18. She will be pacing TCSworld10k for the 4th time. As a senior member of the running club ‘Chennai Runners Pillar Pacers’(CRPP), she has orchestrated many events, as a mentor and pacer, she has helped many to achieve their dream goals. She was one of the Fitness Ambassadors for the Inner Strength Half Marathon. She has extended her support to the volunteers of Teach for India classrooms by planning weekend games activities. During the pandemic, she conducted dance sessions for 'Get-Fit-Series'. The idea was to promote an active lifestyle through dance and simple workouts. She is a huge inspiration to many in the running community. She is a role model for her children and students. Running to her is like celebrating one’s soul, expressing joy and embracing nature.

I'm extremely delighted to be associated with this internationally acclaimed event since 2017. I was part of the first-ever Woman Squadron in 2018. Glad that this year too I have got the opportunity, which makes it 4 years in a row.

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I was born and raised in Hassan, Karnataka, India. I did my entire education until BE in Computer Science from Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan. We are a family of Engineers with father an Electrical Engineer, brother - Mechanical Engineer, husband - a civil Engineer & son - a Computer Science Engineer! Living in Bengaluru since 30 years, Made a successful career in IT (including the IT giants Infosys, Wipro, IBM) for 26 years, worked/visited with/in several countries (majorly USA & Europe) and IT-Retired since 2018. Both my husband Sampath & I are Ultra runners & high altitude trekkers! This transformation happened to me since 2013 at my age of 44! Since then, Running is my lifestyle, my way of life, my happiness, my close companion! I love to spread awareness about benefits (both physical and psychosocial well-being) and assist those who are keen to work on their health & fitness! I have done countless 5k-10k runs, approximately 100+ half marathons (21.1k) & 10+ marathons (42.2k) & 8+ ultra marathons.

Being a seasoned and consistent and disciplined runner, I can assist the runners who want to run the race in a said timeline, so I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer

To be pacer in the TCS W10K 2022 All Women Pacer Squad Feels very special & from the fact that women go through lot of physical changes in life, health needs to be a priority & surely running is one of the best methods women can opt to.

As men are associated closely in helping women perform better in running (i hardly see any gender differences) I personally feel the pacers can be mix of both men and women

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I want to be the kind of person that makes other people up their game. Starting with a short intro about myself, I am an engineer and a software techie by profession working at one of leading crypto companies in India. I come from a nuclear family and have a twin brother, who always kept me on my toes and made me a be a “sportsperson”. I was in the school volleyball team and table tennis teams and have played at interstate level. I am an avid reader and writer. Being a millennial, the world of digital technology and social media has been my forte. I have my own blog – https://www.soulfulmindz.com and Instagram handle – ssoulfulmindz directed at motivating and inspiring people at taking their health, fitness and running seriously. Back in 2017, I had no dream of running, let alone running a marathon. Sometimes, it feels surreal, as if I have left an older version of me behind and I have become a brand new me. I started running in 2018 and this run changed my life, my lifestyle and there is no going back now. Running has become my therapy, my passion. I have done nine 10km runs, six half marathons, one 30km run, one full marathon, two stadium run relays (2 hour run) and one 12-hour individual stadium run covering a distance of 66.6km. I am thankful my coach, family and friends for encouraging me and pushing me to do better and to find the right balance between work and my training schedule.

I’m a person who loves to motivate and push people to achieve their best. Helping someone to finish a race gives much more happiness than doing it alone and achieving the best, So, I have given up the opportunity to run- TCS World 10k 2022 to be a pacer

TCS W10k is one of the most prestigious runs and being a pacer on such a platform is my big achievement.

In India, encouragement for women in sports is a bit less compared to men. Personally, as well there have been many eyes raised when I say I’m a runner. Having an All-Women Pacer Squad is a wonderful initiative it is one step in empowering and educating the people.