Author: Natasha Ryntathiang, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist from Baroda, began training with KaysFIT Academy under Coach Kay in April 2024.

I started running about two years ago, and like any beginner, I showed up consistently to my Thursday and Sunday runs. Fellow runners often joked that I didn’t show any effort on my face after running. But it wasn’t until I started training with Coach Kay that I truly understood what it meant to really push myself.

When I signed up for the Ladakh Marathon, I knew I had a massive challenge ahead. Having completed a 50k ultra, I was no stranger to distance, but this felt different. I needed guidance, and that’s where Coach Kay came in. His structured coaching approach, with an emphasis on ‘fixing the foundation’, introduced me to self-care, ‘putting the house in order’, an array of running specific speed work, interval training, and understanding how my body responds to effort. For the first time, I felt my heart pound, my legs burn, and my mind sharpen with purpose.

During this time, I also had my running buddy, Samirbhai. He was the fastest runner in our group, known for his discipline and knowledge. While we didn’t always run together, he was a constant source of advice—especially with race strategies. Samirbhai’s belief in me and his quiet words of encouragement added an extra layer to my training.

Coach Kay’s training wasn’t just about running fast; it was about mobility, strength, and understanding the science behind every run. I used to find mobility exercises boring, but soon enough, I caught myself doing toe exercises at my desk at work! Strength training was something I knew, but with Coach Kay’s input, it became more focused. It wasn’t just about lifting weights; it was about running stronger.  As we both approached the Ladakh Marathon, we was also introduced to the concepts of altitude acclimatization and how crucial it is to adjust both physically and mentally to the thinner air, ensuring that my body could perform under challenging conditions while minimizing the risks of fatigue and dizziness.

Natasha with Samirbhai at the TCS 10k 2024 race

But life wasn’t smooth. My father-in-law’s illness took a toll on my time and energy. I wasn’t sure if I’d even make it to Ladakh. Through it all, I stuck to my running plan. I couldn’t do much else, but running gave me peace. It became my escape, my therapy, and a way to cope with everything that was going on.

When race day finally arrived, it wasn’t just about running. It was about everything I had trained for, everything I had gone through. The high altitude, the nervousness, the sleepless nights, and yes, my period arriving two days before the race—all of it could’ve thrown me off. But Coach Kay’s words and Samirbhai’s steady confidence stayed with me: focus on the process, trust your training.

The race itself was breathtaking—both in the literal and figurative sense. The mountains, the people, the challenge. A blister around the 16 km mark slowed me down, but I didn’t let it stop me. I focused on the joy of running, the stunning scenery, and the thought of crossing that finish line.

And I did. In under 5 hours.

I finished 6th overall in the women’s category, but more than that, it was the feeling of accomplishment that mattered most. My husband was there to greet me, and I couldn’t have been prouder.

This journey taught me so much. It wasn’t just about running fast or completing a marathon. It was about purposeful training, the power of having a coach like Coach Kay to guide you, and the role that a running buddy like Samirbhai plays in keeping you grounded.