From a Small Village in Bihar to the IRONMAN World Championship, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 2024!
They say extraordinary journeys begin with a single step. For me, that step was taken in a park in Delhi, back in 2016, where I gasped for breath after running just 200 meters.
But let’s rewind to where it all began.
Humble Beginnings:
I grew up in a farming family in a small village in Bihar’s Arrah district. My childhood was spent amidst lush fields, with my parents dreaming of a better future for me. Like most rural Indian families, our challenges were plenty, and resources were few. My parents worked tirelessly in the fields to managed our home. Their dream? That education would pave the way for my success.
The Wake-Up Call:
By 26, I was what society might call “successful” – an MBA degree and a corporate job in Delhi. But behind that polished exterior was a man battling obesity, high blood pressure, and an unhealthy lifestyle. A doctor’s warning shattered my complacency:
“Start exercising or prepare for a lifetime of medication.”
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. They led to months of self-doubt and depression. But somewhere in that darkness, a spark of determination was ignited.
Finding My Feet
It began with baby steps – literally. Early morning walks in a park where running just 200 meters felt impossible. Slowly, those 200 meters turned into kilometers. In 2016, I joined a running group in Delhi DRG – Delhi Runners Group and discovered the exhilarating world of marathons, ultra running and Triathlon . And then came a word that would change my life: IRONMAN Triathlon.
From Fear to Triumph
In 2017, I faced my biggest fear: water. Without any swimming background and a deep fear of drowning, I dove into a pool for the first time. What followed were months of relentless practice, countless technique videos, and visualizing myself conquering this new challenge.
Armed with a borrowed cycle and no formal knowledge of endurance training or nutrition, I set my sights on completing my first IRONMAN.
The Turning Point
Life threw its curveballs. In 2018, after 18 months of grueling training, my Australian visa for the Port Macquarie IRONMAN was rejected. It felt like my dream had ended before it even began. But fate had other plans.
My mentor Mohit Oberoi sir, who introduced me to professional coaching and gave me the tools to dream bigger. In December 2018, I completed my first full IRONMAN in Malaysia – with a fractured wrist! It took me 14 hours and 15 minutes, but that race taught me one unforgettable lesson: Limits exist only in your mind.
Rising Through the Ranks:
From that first race in 2018 to standing at the start line of the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in 2024, the journey has been nothing short of transformational.
– 14x IRONMAN Finishers (140.6 Miles)
– 3-Time IRONMAN All World Athlete (AWA) Gold Athlete (2022–2025).
– IRONMAN Certified Endurance Coach.
Each race, every setback, and every triumph have shaped me into the person I am today.
The Bigger Mission:
Now, I’m taking this journey forward with Train with Kishlay. My mission isn’t just about helping athletes cross finish lines; it’s about showing people that dreams don’t care where you come from. All they demand is your dedication, perseverance, and the courage to take that first step.
If a small-town boy from Bihar can conquer the IRONMAN World Championship, so can you!
Are you ready to transform your life and chase your dreams?
Visit www.trainwithkishlay.com to start your journey.
Remember, the only impossible journey is the one you never begin.
What’s your biggest challenge in achieving your fitness goals? Drop your thoughts in the comments – let’s conquer them together!
