How Gautam’s journey began
Back in 2015, Gautam was an obese individual weighing 115 kgs and unable to climb a floor of stairs. Gautam took up Crossfit as a way to loose weight and get back to his school days fitness levels. Around the same time, a bike store opened under the Crossfit studio which led Gautam into the previously unknown world of endurance sports to him resulting in his first timed 10K run in November 2015.
Since then, Gautam has raced multiple 10Ks and half marathons, finished four marathons, at least four trail 50Ks, the Comrades Marathon and attempted a 100K MUT race in Hong Kong. Gautam also is a Super Randonneur and has done multi-day bike tours. Through this journey, Gautam has managed to transform himself from an obese individual to a reasonably fit runner.
Gautam started coaching runners since early 2020 and has transitioned into a full-time distance running coach in 2022 after 9+ years of tax consulting.
What People Are Saying
“
Training with a coach like Gautam is a fantastic learning experience. I have been running for the past 5 years on and off and there so many basics that I missed until I joined pondi express. The program helps me to be consistent with training and flexible to my current work-life balance. Gautam also keeps nudging whenever I go off-track with the plan which helps to reassess and stay focused on the goal post. I have been training with Gautam for the last 12 months and it’s been a great experience. One of his best abilities is his turnaround responses on any queries that I may have.
”
— DEEPESH SHAH
“
Gautam is meticulous with his planning on whatever your goal is. He knows when to push and when to let go. He doesn’t make you feel bad that you missed a workout/run, quite understanding and quick to respond to any minor queries. I enjoy my training with him.
”
— ANUPAMA DONEPUDI
“
It’s been over a year since I started my coaching under Gautam and I have seen improvement across distances from the 5K to the Marathon. Gautam has a structured plan for each of my target race enabling me to achieve my goals. He is humble and listens and understands every query of mine.
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— SUNIMA DILA
“
Gautam’s running philosophy leans more towards “sustainable training” focussing on long-term improvement in strength and running capacity. Training with him has been a rollercoaster ride - sometimes he is this grumpy uncle refusing to increase weekly mileage while sometimes he is in this COACH KABIR KHAN avatar. Nonetheless, I enjoy the training a lot and look forward to continue having fun training under him.
”
— ARCHANA BHATTA
Personal Bests
5K - 19:31 (September ‘17)
10K - 40:20 (March ‘18)
Half Marathon - 01:30:09 (Club Run ‘21)
Marathon - 03:30:14 (TMM ‘23)
Every athlete deserves a coach who cares.
