I am Harsh Pandya, from Mumbai, India. I am an architect by graduation working as an illustrator. I have been “living” with Type 1 Diabetes since 23 years and pursuing my dream of creating art and participating in races at exotic locations across the globe.

Q. How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life? 

I schedule my work and workouts and I stick to the plan. It sometimes gets tricky to manage both, especially when either has a bigger load. Trying to enjoy the dance of balancing both aspects is exciting. 

Q. When and why did you start running? 

I started running in November 2016 to provide a variety to my workout. Up until then, cycling and functional training was my only workout. Also, doing triathlons was my larger goal and running is one of the 3 sports. I realised, running helps me stay calm and focus on my entire body.

Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it? 

What motivates me is that I am the only Indian with type 1 diabetes training for Ironman. I inspire many who look up to me as a role model for fitness and health and that motivates me to keep pushing.

Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?

The fact that I am out there with a purpose. Period.

Q. What was your best running experience? 

Tata Mumbai Half Marathon, 2019. I was pacing myself to the T and my mind, body and focus were all synced perfectly to give me a Personal Best by 15seconds at base training. 

Q. What was your worst running experience?

Same event, Tata Mumbai Marathon, but in 2018. This was only my 2nd HM and the suffering started in training itself. I never knew shin splints could be so bad. At one stage I could not jog more than 200 m. All bandaged up, I did finish the 21k in 3:15:33. The greater lesson was that it helped me mentally to never give up. I walked the first 14k, by which my muscles had warmed up enough and be able to run the last 7k. 

Q. How do you push through the pain?

I remember why and where I started, all the miles, hours and money that I invested to be at that event/ stage of life. 

Q. What advice can you give somebody who wants to start running?

Start slow, be regular and let your body adapt to the regime before picking things up. Focus on strength training and flexibility.

Q. Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you?

On Instagram- fitboyharsh_t1d and themcmuttonproject