Opening Doorz
“Celebrating Life”
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | March 08, 2025 International Women’s Day 2025, Special Imagine the electric hum of a starting line, the collective breath held tight, the […]
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | March 08, 2025
Imagine the electric hum of a starting line, the collective breath held tight, the distant boom of the starter’s pistol echoing through the city. For Vandana Tandon, this wasn’t just another race; it was the culmination of a year-long odyssey, a relentless pursuit of the coveted Procam Slam.
On January 19, 2025, in the vibrant chaos of the Mumbai Marathon (TMM), this dream, etched in every runner’s heart, was finally realized. But this wasn’t just about crossing finish lines; it was about conquering personal mountains, stride by determined stride.
And in the heart of Mumbai, amidst the roar of the crowd and pounding of her own heart, Vandana etched her name in her history, shattering her personal best with a phenomenal finish of 4 hours and 23 minutes. How did she achieve this feat? And what drove her to this accomplishment?
A Hindi teacher at Don Bosco International School, Matunga, Mumbai, Vandana always felt a pull to do something extraordinary. Even as a child, she yearned to stand out. This desire led her to the Republic Day camp in Delhi as an NCC cadet, a formative experience that instilled a deep sense of discipline.
Life, however, had other plans. At 21, she married and embraced the roles of wife and mother, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family and a teaching career. Years flew by, filled with the joys and challenges of raising a family and shaping young minds.
Then, a turning point. When her son finished his 12th standard, a sense of renewed purpose stirred within Vandana. A transfer to Mumbai, and a new job at the prestigious Don Bosco International School, opened a fresh chapter in her life. The school’s vibrant sports culture initiated by the then Director Fr Crispino D’Souza fuelled by the passion of their Sports Director Edgar Mascarenhas (former India hockey player), reignited a long-dormant spark within her. Watching the students’ boundless enthusiasm for running, she felt a flicker of recognition, a whisper of her unfulfilled aspirations. Hesitation warred with curiosity. Could she, at her age, take up running?
In 2017, at the age of 43, Vandana took the plunge. She joined a local running group in Palava city. Her husband, son, and mentor, Hari Prasad, became her biggest cheerleader, encouraging her to push her boundaries and discover her hidden potential. With their support, Vandana began to blossom. She discovered not just a passion for running, but also a source of solace, a way to connect with herself and the world around her.
The Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM), a prestigious event, became her next goal. Qualifying for the TMM required chip timing, a measure of accurate race performance. Vandana trained diligently, her determination growing with each stride. Her hard work paid off at the 2017 Yeor Hill 21K run. Not only did she achieve the necessary chip timing, but she also earned a podium finish. This was proof of her dedication and burgeoning talent.
Running became more than exercise; it became a part of Vandana’s identity. She embraced the challenge, pushing herself further and further. Ultra-marathons, gruelling tests of endurance, beckoned. She even completed the Pune to Mumbai 100-mile run with Pinkathon, a remarkable feat of physical and mental strength.
Life, however, has a way of throwing curveballs. In 2021, Vandana faced a double blow: ITB pain and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. Many would have seen this as a sign to stop, to give up on their dreams. But Vandana was not like most. She refused to let these setbacks define her. Once again, with support from her family and the running community, she adapted her training regimen. Strength training became a crucial part of her routine, and she modified her diet to manage her condition.
Remarkably, these changes not only helped her manage her health but also improved her running performance. She achieved personal bests, earned more podium finishes, and discovered a new level of resilience. While she has temporarily stepped back from ultra-running, her passion for running remains undimmed. She continues to focus on full marathons, half marathons, and 10K runs, always striving to improve.
Vandana started her marathon journey relatively late in life, but her determination has taken her further than she ever imagined. She often says, “If God takes something from you, He gives double in another form.”
Excerpts:
Running has become a source of solace for me during any challenge in my life. It’s not just about finding happiness when I’m sad; even when I’m happy, I need a run to enjoy the moment. Running helps me clear my mind, release tension, and gain a fresh perspective on life. It gives me a sense of freedom, fosters self-discovery, and allows me to reconnect with myself. Essentially, it provides me with valuable ‘me time’.
Receiving the news of having rheumatoid arthritis was a significant challenge for both my running journey and my personal life. For a few days, I was completely depressed, thinking that my life would never be the same. However, my family and running community supported me in overcoming this depression. With the help of medical professionals, I resumed running and adopted healthier eating habits. As we know, this disease brings chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue. But by following a proper diet and staying passionate, I continued running.
Although I experience stiffness in my hands and body during each run, regular exercise makes it easier to keep going. I also discovered new ways to manage my symptoms, such as incorporating strength training, yoga, and meditation into my routine.
During my youth, I was part of the NCC, where I learned an invaluable lesson: “Life is never easy, but staying consistent in your passion, no matter what happens, will lead to success and help you achieve what you desire.” I have always followed this principle. I also believe that whatever happens, happens for good. One should give their best with 100 percent positivity and leave the rest to God. This mindset has given me the strength and energy to pursue my passion, even in the face of challenges.
My willpower and passion for running, along with my desire to challenge myself, drive me forward. I take pride in continuing to pursue my passion at this age and improving each day. I still have the desire to explore my limits, and if everything remains within my control, my next goal is to participate in the Comrades Run. I believe that the day I stop pushing myself beyond my comfort zone is the day I will stop living. This mindset motivates me to embrace every challenge with determination.
If I could go back to my childhood, which I often reflect on, I would wish that I had started practicing running from a young age. If I had, I might have had the opportunity to compete in the Olympics. Discovering my passion earlier could have allowed me to enjoy it even more. However, on a positive note, what’s done is done. Now, I focus on the present and make the most of it.
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Image Credit: Vandana Tandon
