KHURSHID MISTRY – BEST ATHLETE OF THE YEAR!
Responses to Questionnaire of Jame Jamshed- 17.2.16
Q 1. Please tell us about your latest award at the All-Parsees Meet
Ans: I was awarded the Best Athlete of the Year Award at the All Parsees Annual Athletic Meet which was held on February 14, 2016 at University Stadium. This award was across all age categories.
Q2. Tell us about your achievements in year 2015.
Ans: 2015 was a very successful year for me for both Sprinting and Marathon running:
I started with Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon- 2015 in January 2015 where I secured 3rd position under my age category. Completed 21 kms in 1 hour 56 minutes.
In March 2015 I represented Maharashtra for the Masters National Athletic Championship 2015 held at Rohtak where I won 5 Gold Medals in 100 mts, 200 mts, 400 mts and 4*100 mts relay and 4*400 mts relay.
In May 2015 I represented by organization, UTI Mutual Fund in the National Mercantile / Corporate Masters Track and Field Championship 2015 held at Mumbai where I won 4 Gold Medals in 100 mts, 200 mts, 400 mts and 4*100 mts relay. I also received the Individual Championship as Best Female Athlete under my age category.
In September 2015 I won the Satara Hill Ultra Half Marathon in 1st position under my age category. Completed 21 kms in 1 hour 59 minutes. The Satara Hill Ultra Marathon this year entered the Guinness World Record Book for most people running up a single mountain was achieved by participants of Satara Hill Marathon 2015. This makes it a very special occasion for all its participants.
In October 2015 won the Bangalore Half Marathon 2015 in 3rd Position under my age category. 1st and 2nd winners were both foreigners. Completed 21 kms in 1 hour 56 minutes
In November 2015 I won the Vasai Virar Marathon 2015 in 1st Position under my age category.
In November 2015 also won the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2015 in 3rd position under my age category. 2nd winner was a foreigner. Completed 21 kms in 1 hour 53 minutes.
I have started the New Year with a bang by winning the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2016- Half Marathon in 1st Position under my age category. Completed 21 kms in 1 hour 54 minutes.
Q3 . Is recognition from the community more special — and why
Ans 3: It’s important, because recognition is about feeling special, and when it comes from those we hold in high esteem and close to us, its special. I am a proud “Parsi athlete” and accolades from my community for my efforts means a lot. It is an honour for me that my community has recognized my efforts.
Q4. What is your typical training routine like
Ans 4: My training routine depends on the competition I am participating in i.e. whether it Sprinting or a Marathon since the training routines for both these activities are different.
Round the year I do speed and strength training. A typical week comprises of 6 days of training in the morning at Priya Darshani Park under my coach Dinanath Maurya from 6 am to 8 am , evenings at the office gym alternating between weights and core exercises. Sundays are for unwinding and resting the muscles. On weekends I mostly complement my routine with swimming for relaxation.
Three months prior to the Marathon, I stop speed training and start long distance endurance training to build the required endurance for the marathon. Long distance running will involve endurance training, slope running, long runs on the road (once a week), repetitions, tempo runs etc. My training routine requires total dedication and 100% effort from my side.
Q5. What motivates and keeps you going even at this age
Ans 5:Remembering my passion and purpose, allows me to stay disciplined and there is always some unreached potential waiting to be tapped and fulfilled. Like they say – Motivation gets you going, Discipline keeps you growing. It is never too late in life to pursue your passion and excel in it. Age is immaterial.
Q6. What future milestones have you set for yourself?
Ans 6: I would like to participate in the World Masters Athletic Meet. I would also like to keep running half marathons in different places both in India and Abroad and improve my timings.
Q7. What/Who is your driving force?
Ans 7: My father, who is now with me in spirit. He is the one who always encouraged me in any endeavour that I wanted to pursue/achieve. This is what he taught me – never give up, keep trying and the goal will be achieved. Today the only regret I have is not achieving this while he was around – seeing the pride on his face when I brought home these accolades.
Today my strength and support is my mother.
