Soman sets off on Goa trip where he will cycle 100 km and run 21 km every single day during the five-day journey

Soman said before starting his run from home ground, which is Shivaji Park, “I will be doing approximately 100 km cycling and 21 km running, every day.” He then added in typical easy, breezy Soman style, “Let’s see, it depends on how I am feeling. I may do a 90-km bike ride and run 30 km that day. The idea is to keep moving forward.”

Milind Soman readying for the run

This annual endurance event was called the Unity Run earlier and it usually happened near Independence Day. This year, it has been moved up to the end of June. Soman said, “Previously, we flagged off the runs around August 15, but this year, I wanted to start earlier so I could engage more deeply with communities along the route. This way, the message of unity and fitness has time to ripple across ‘before’ Independence Day. It is about building momentum, both physically and emotionally, or a more connected and healthier India.”

Feet sheathed against the elements

Shivaji Park walkers and runners stopped mid-stride and looked on as camera persons milled around Soman. Asked about why Goa in particular, Soman said philosophically in a slogan that can be used by Goa tourism, “Goa is where the sea meets the soul. It is vibrant, diverse, and full of positive energy. The journey from Mumbai to Goa along the Konkan coast is challenging yet beautiful; it mirrors our journey toward better health and unity as a country. That’s the perfect place to finish this edition of the run.” 

Flow go

Most long-distance runners are alone on these journeys, which is why ‘the loneliness of the long-distance runner’ is not a cliché but real. Soman said, “I run solo, but I’m not alone. There is a small support team with me, and they help with logistics, safety, and nutrition. But the run itself is deeply personal. It’s just me, the road, and the people I meet along the way. That solitude is what keeps me grounded and focused. Of course, Ankita, my wife and my biggest support, will be accompanying me as well,” and he added, “I urge people to join me along the way.”

The fitness enthusiast with wife Ankita Konwar

Soman said, when asked about the Goa rains, “I have always believed that nature isn’t something to fight, it’s something to flow with. Yes, the rains can be unpredictable, but they also bring freshness and a rhythm of their own. I prepare as much as possible, right gear, hydration, rest and embrace the elements. Rain or shine, the journey goes on. I know my body well and just go with the flow.”

Comfy pace

Soman, asked whether he ever “hits a wall” in his endurance forays, which in running parlance means a feeling where the athlete thinks they just cannot go on, said, “Not really. As I go at the pace I am comfortable with. Discipline is key. I start early, rest when needed and fuel my body with simple, nutritious food. I also think about what I am going to eat when I am running,” he said with a laugh and added, “I have been trying intermittent fasting for a while now. I do the 16:8 method, eat within an eight-hour window and fast for 16 hours. I feel good. I must reiterate that fitness is not about extremes, it’s about consistency and care. When you go at your own pace, whether it is fitness or in life, you will rarely or never hit a wall.”

Barefoot runner

When it is Soman, barefoot is always top of the mind, and he usually runs barefoot as he said, “Barefoot running helps me connect more deeply with the earth — with every step, I feel more rooted. It is a reminder of simplicity and strength. I have done many of my endurance events barefoot, and this run is no different. I will wear Vibrams or Luna sandals, both types of footwear, while cycling or if it rains.” In the end, as the excitement built to a crescendo and Soman’s time of flag off beckoned, he talked about his earlier runs and routes.

He said, “I select different routes to give a deeper perspective about India. The terrain tests your body, but also fills your spirit. I have run from Jhansi to the Red Fort, Delhi via Vrindavan, and those are the moments that stay with me. They remind me why I started and most importantly why I keep going,” the 59-year-old concluded with a flourish as the tricolour flew high and pride filled Dadar, Mumbai 28. 

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