Six months ago, Shankar Uthale, a head constable in Mumbai, would have been counted as one of the unhealthy policemen. Today, however, he has become the first constable in the country to complete the Ironman race, which is one of the world’s most gruelling single-day events, reported The Times of India.
Uthale, who has been in the force for 14 years, used to weigh 92 kgs six months ago. He is now down to 60 kgs. He competed in his first Ironman Triathlon held at Langkawi, Malaysia on 17 November.
According to the report, he completed the race – a 3.8km swim, a 180.2km cycling and a 42.2 km run – in 16 hours and 15 minutes. Participants need to complete the race within 17 hours, without a break, to win the title of Ironman.
While Uthale is not the first to achieve this feat within the police, he is the first to do so within the constabulary.
According to Uthale, two years ago, he began to start running when he started feeling that his weight would take a toll on him and his work. So he started waking up at 5 am to go running. Eventually, he was inspired to take part in marathons, says the TOI report.
“During my marathons I heard about Ironman. I took up cycling in the rain. I would cycle from 5am to 10am and still be fresh at work 30 minutes later,” he said. After that, he took up swimming, reported TOI.
Uthale said that despite his job taking him to the field at odd hours, he makes it a point to carry food with himself. And his wife ensures that he carries boiled items and salads before he leaves home. "After graduating from fat to fab, my advice to everyone, especially policemen, is to spare an hour for exercise everyday," he said. Uthale intends to participate in future Ironman races too.
(With inputs from The Times of India.)
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