My name is Marimuthu Sathasivam, and I come from a small village nestled in Tamil Nadu, South India. My venture into the realm of endurance wasn’t immediate; rather, it evolved gradually, fueled by a growing passion that gradually took root within me.
Growing up on a farm, physical activity was ingrained in my lifestyle from an early age. Whether it was walking a mile to catch the school bus or pedaling five miles to reach school, fitness was a constant presence. Despite not being initially drawn to sports, my path shifted in the sixth grade, leading me to boarding school in seventh grade due to some mischievous escapades. It was there that I was introduced to a variety of sports, including Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, and Track and Field. While I may have been only average in many of these pursuits, I found my place in volleyball and running throughout high school and college. Over time, my running capabilities evolved from short sprints on the school track to enduring 5000-meter cross-country races by the time I completed my college years.
Chennai Trekking Club
Following my college years, I embarked on a new chapter in Chennai, where my career journey began. It was there that I crossed paths with a remarkable group of individuals at the Chennai Trekking Club, sharing similar passions and adventurous spirits. Together, we ventured into the majestic mountains dotting Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and various other Southern Indian locales. Through these explorations, I explored deep into the details of hiking, camping, and mastering survival skills amidst nature’s wonders, all while safely navigating uncharted trails. Despite the hustle of city life, running took a backseat during this period, yet I diligently upheld my fitness routine through hiking and strength training.
Running Journey
In 2012, my journey took me across the globe to the USA for my inaugural onsite job, marking the beginning of my enduring love affair with long-distance running. Initially, I eased into the rhythm by pounding the pavement daily, embarking on a series of 5K runs and 10K trail adventures. With time, my endurance grew, allowing me to tackle a half marathons every Friday before the workday commenced. However, the allure of the full marathon eluded me until a friend’s encouragement nudged me towards the starting line. In October 2013, I completed my inaugural marathon, the Mankato Marathon, crossing the finish line in 4 hours and 35 minutes. This marked the beginning of my marathon journey. The Twin City Marathon of 2014 saw me slashing my time to 4 hours and 9 minutes, a testament to my growing resolve and stamina. Following a brief hiatus post-marriage and the arrival of my son, I returned to the racing circuit in 2019, focusing on half marathons. The Harrisburg Marathon of 2021 witnessed me crossing the tape in 4 hours and 7 minutes, a reaffirmation of my enduring passion for the sport. Seeking greater challenges, I tackled the formidable Blue Ridge Marathon in 2022, renowned as one of the toughest road marathons in the USA, conquering 4000+ feet of elevation in 4 hours and 23 minutes. Finally, in 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by breaking the 4-hour mark at the York Marathon, crossing the finish line in 3 hours and 27 minutes, marking a 30-minute personal record. This stands as my personal best to date, fueling my ambition to eventually conquer the sub-3-hour marathon barrier.
Triathlon and Ironman
My journey into triathlon was entirely unplanned. In 2014, a friend signed up for the Chisago Lakes Triathlon, a half ironman distance event. A few days before the event, he invited me for a swim and impressed by my abilities, suggested I had the potential to excel in triathlon given my running background. Encouraged by his words, I decided to take the leap. Despite my doubts, I acquired a $1000 Trek road bike the next day and embarked on a 16-mile practice ride. With a mix of nerves and determination, I faced my first triathlon, conquering the half ironman distances of a 2.5km swim, 90km cycling, and 21km running, completing the race in 7 hours and 16 minutes. In 2015, despite being less than peak fitness due to post-marriage celebrations, I returned to the challenge, crossing the finish line in under 8 hours. The next goal was to tackle Ironman Wisconsin in 2015, but the demands of my professional and personal life intervened, temporarily halting my Ironman dreams.
In 2020, the emergence of Covid-19 prompted significant lifestyle changes for me. I embraced outdoor activities like biking and running, reigniting my aspiration to participate in Ironman events. By 2023, I had registered for Eagleman 70.3 and Ironman Maryland. Once swimming pools reopened, I incorporated swimming into my training regimen. In June 2023, I completed the Eagleman 70.3, followed by achieving my ultimate goal of finishing the Ironman Maryland—a grueling 140.6-mile course—in an impressive 12 hours and 47 minutes in September.
Ultra Running
In December 2022, I went on a vacation to Florida. On the way back home to Pennsylvania, I met a friend in Atlanta. He told me all about his experiences with ultra running and I got really inspired. By the time we reached our home, I knew I wanted to run an ultra marathon in 2023.
In May 2023, I was gearing up for my personal best marathon when I made a bold decision: to tackle my first ultra, a 50-miler, just two weeks after the marathon. I combined marathon training with trail running preparation for this new challenge. Surprisingly, this dual training approach not only helped me achieve my personal best marathon time but also enabled me to conquer the 50-miler despite facing heavy rain and muddy conditions, completing it in 10 hours.
Curiosity sparked my interest in whether I could handle the daunting challenge of 100-mile ultra runs. Determined to find out, I committed myself to a rigorous training regimen, focusing on progressive overload, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest.
In September 2023, I took the leap and embarked on my first 100-mile ultra. The course, though flat, presented its own set of challenges. With my wife providing crucial crew support and friends pacing me from the 30-mile mark, I crossed the finish line after 23 grueling hours.
However, completing that first 100-miler only fueled my hunger for more. I set my sights on the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB in California for 2024, a major American race crucial for UTMB qualification, featuring a staggering 18,000 feet elevation gain. Additionally, I registered for the Rabid Raccoon 100K in Pennsylvania as a tune-up for the April 2024 100-miler.
Throughout the winter, I dedicated myself to training, incorporating extensive hiking, strength training, and of course, running. With relentless determination, I tackled both the 100K and 100-mile races, overcoming every obstacle solo, without the assistance of a crew or pacers. As the saying goes, “the body is capable of achieving what the mind desires”.
Coaching
In December 2022, I attained my RRCA distance running certification, marking a significant milestone in my journey as a runner. Inspired to share my passion and expertise, I embarked on a coaching venture in 2023. My aim was clear: to empower others to realize their running aspirations and conquer new challenges.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, my plans are diverse and thrilling. I intend to enjoy more 5K races alongside my kids and wife, fostering a sense of togetherness and fitness within the family. Additionally, I’ll continue my coaching endeavors, guiding others towards their running aspirations with passion and expertise. On a personal level, I’m eyeing a few more 100-mile races, or perhaps even longer distances, as I persist in challenging my own limits and exploring the depths of my endurance.
Thank you for taking the time to read through!