On Sunday, May 17th, 2026, the energy at the Wadia College Ground in Pune was absolutely electric. The occasion was the Run & Miles event—a fantastic race featuring half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km categories. As a passionate runner, participating in these events is always a rewarding experience, but this particular morning turned out to be one of the most memorable milestones of my running journey.
The highlight of the event was the presence of the ultimate fitness icon and running ambassador, Milind Soman, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. For anyone in the Indian running and fitness community, Milind Soman is a legendary figure whose dedication to health and endurance has inspired millions. I had been looking for an opportunity to connect with him for a long time, and finally, the stars aligned at the Wadia College Ground.
Presenting “Stride & Thrive”
Meeting him was a privilege in itself, but what made it truly special was having the opportunity to share my own journey with him. I presented him with a copy of my book, Stride & Thrive, which I published last year and which went on to become an Amazon No. 1 Best Seller. The book is a reflection of my philosophy on running and building endurance as a singular system for personal and professional growth. Handing it over to someone who embodies the very essence of endurance was an incredibly proud moment for me.
For those interested in reading the book, Stride & Thrive is available globally on Amazon:
- Get your copy on Amazon India
- Get your copy on Amazon US / International
A Moment to Cherish
We had a brief but wonderful conversation, and taking a picture together was the perfect completion of this long-awaited meeting. In the journey of running, it is moments like these that fuel our passion and remind us of the community we are building. A huge thank you to the organizers of the Run & Miles event for setting up such a brilliantly managed race and creating an environment where runners can connect, thrive, and share their passions.
Keep running, keep striving, and keep thriving!