Dharmesh Mistry: From unfit to ultras
In Episode Seven of the Running Tales podcast, in collaboration with Run Tri Bike, Craig Lewis chats to Dharmesh Mistry - a man used to success.
As part of a career working in technology for financial services, mainly with banks, he has set up and sold three technology startups, become the host of a FinTech podcast and written for a journal on the subject, and acted as a consultant to Boards on FinTech.
But as he reached 40, his health was not mirroring his business achievements. Weighing in at almost 15 stone (95kg) at five foot eight inches tall (1.7m), Dharmesh was forced to confront medical issues similar to those which had seen his own father die at just 53.
A conversation with his doctor led to Dharmesh taking up running, with the sport encouraging him to quit smoking, eat healthier and manage his mental health better.
Since then, running has become an integral part of Dharmesh's life, to the stage where he has completed half-a-dozen 100-mile events including the Marathon des Sables and the five-day, self-sufficient Capital to Country Ultra in Nepal.
He also holds a Guinness World Record in the sport after taking part in the largest virtual marathon.
For Dharmesh, it is the taking part in events that counts - although he jokes he finished first in the Ugandan over-55s category during his Nepal adventure and he even has a top 20 finish to his name in the London to Brighton Ultra.
Capital to Country: Dharmesh's Nepal adventure
Capital to Country: Dharmesh's Nepal adventure
Capital to Country: Dharmesh's Nepal adventure
Dharmesh Mistry took a sharp intake of breath.
His eyes took in lush green hillsides, a river snaking its way through the valley below and a set of snow-peaked giants. It isn’t every run that allows you to gaze out at the majesty of the Himalayas.
But, Dharmesh said, the Capital to Country Ultra isn’t any race: “It is like a dream, something to give you kudos and to tell your grandkids.”
Read Dharmesh Mistry's story on Substack
Capital to Country: Dharmesh's Nepal adventure
Capital to Country: Dharmesh's Nepal adventure
“If there's anyone that's borderline thinking about doing something amazing, just go and do it. You'll feel fantastic afterwards.”
When ultra runner Dharmesh Mistry gives this advice, you know he means it.
After all, he’s completed multi-day ultra marathons in the Sahara and the foothills of Nepal.