Rahul's hat-trick challenge

GoodGym Birmingham runner's 2021 running challenge

June 01, 2021

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Every year Rahul Vashisht sets himself a running challenge. This year, he’s opted for three.

In May, he completed 10 half marathons in 10 days.

Rahul, nicknamed ‘Raull the Owl’ is a member of GoodGym Birmingham and Solihull. He joined in early 2019, when he spotted the bright red t-shirt and wanted to know more.

“You can do community work and stay fit at the same time by running there and back. It sounded perfect” he explained.

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Rahul has been running and competing in events for nearly 15 years. He started with a 10k event for Cancer Research and went on to complete a charity place for St John’s Ambulance at the London Marathon 2008.
“I finished in 7 hours and 10 minutes” he remembers “with both feet full of blisters, but it didn’t stop me from wanting to run again.”

Each year, he sets himself a physical challenge to “keep going forward all the time.” Some have included 12 half marathons in 12 months and 12 marathons in 12 months. With lockdown and an injury, the 2020 plans were put on hold. Rahul, from Wednesbury, temporarily moved to Newham in London to work at the Covid-19 testing centre.

His setbacks impacted his motivation. He explains: “After the injury, my mind wasn’t allowing me to run again and I cancelled lots of plans. I almost gave up on the 10 in 10 challenge too, but I somehow dragged myself out of bed and made it to the starting line-up bang on time.”
He adds: “After the first half marathon on the first day, my morale had never been stronger and I had no injury. If I hadn’t dragged myself there, it would be a totally different story.”

Rahul says being a part of GoodGym has improved his life, his mindset and his running. He explains: “Helping out others always makes me a happy person.” He continues: “Run leaders have really helped me to improve my fitness and strength and made me capable of running long distances more frequently, and to take challenges more often. You get the best advice from them and then you go on to complete a good deed and feel good.” “Events and challenges are addictive”, says Rahul, who has completed a total of 79 half marathons.

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He’s a third of the way through a hattrick of challenges for 2021. He explains: “I have completed the hardest challenge for the year, so now I can concentrate on my next two challenges which are 52 Half Marathons in 52 Weeks and my 100th half marathon.”
Rahul looks forward to seeing his fellow GoodGym runners to celebrate his 100 th half in Birmingham on 10 th October.
He adds: “GoodGym and running has so many benefits, not only physical and mental fitness. I’ve met the loveliest people, seen amazing scenery and get fresh air. It also helps to burn calories, meaning after a challenge I can eat anything, which is perfect for a big foodie like me!”

Have your own GoodGym story to share with the community? Email getinvolved@goodgym.org and we'll be in touch.
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