Racing IQ

We all know training matters—but what separates good races from great ones? It’s how you respond when you had to face the harsh realities of race. Think Sifan Hasan’s London Marathon debut: hamstring issues mid-race, but still a win. That’s Racing IQ.

In this episode, we unpack the art of staying calm and smart when race-day chaos strikes. Because on race day, it's not just about the body, your brain better show up too.

• Pacing IQ: The mind game of knowing when to hold pace or chase.

• Race-day decisions: How to adapt in real-time such as dropped gels, hydration mishaps, and the mental reset process.

• The metrics that matter: What data to track (and what to ignore) when racing.

• Training RacingIQ: Workouts, simulations, and post-race audits to build smarter instincts.

• Expect the unexpected—and have a plan for your plan falling apart.

• What could be a decision tree to manage mid-race pacing.

• Conditions (heat, hills, headwind) demand adaptation—not stubbornness.

• RacingIQ can be trained like any other skill.

Host: Aditi Pandya

Aditi is a seasoned endurance runner and the host of The World of Running podcast. She is qualified for the Boston Marathon multiple times and has numerous podium finishes in Indian races, the recent one is first runners-up at the TMM 2025 half marathon with a timing of 1:42:19 and holds a personal best of 3:29:05 in the marathon. Learn more about her at ⁠aditipandya.com⁠.

Expert Guest: Vijayaraghavan Venugopal

Vijay is one of India’s most accomplished masters marathoners, with 10 sub-3 finishes and all six World Marathon Majors completed. His best: 2:47 at the 2025 London Marathon. He’s also the co-founder of Fast&Up.

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🔁 Errata:

• Aditi mentions in her case of cramping - the marathon as being in 2023—it was actually in 2024.

The Elite Mindset

In the 45th episode of World of Running, host Aditi Pandya explores how an athlete’s mental framework can drive record-breaking performances. Joined by performance and mindset coach Andrew Snow, the discussion delves into:

• Mindset & Certainty: Examining the mental commitment behind iconic runs.
• Balancing Life & Training: Strategies for juggling a demanding 9-to-5 with rigorous running goals.
• Overcoming Mental Blocks: Techniques for dispelling limiting beliefs and developing focus on goals.
• Goal Setting & Emotional Alignment: How to set ambitious targets, whether it’s shaving minutes off a PB or aiming for world-class records.
• State of Flow: Understanding the balance of mental fortitude, practice, and embracing the routine to reach peak performance.
• Training Approaches: Insights into Andrew Snow’s method that differentiate elite training from conventional routines.

Aditi Pandya

Aditi is a seasoned endurance runner and the host of The World of Running podcast. She is qualified for the Boston Marathon multiple times and has numerous podium finishes in Indian races, the recent one is first runners-up at the TMM 2025 half marathon with a timing of 1:42:19 and holds a personal best of 3:29:05 in the marathon. Learn more about her at aditipandya.com.

Andrew Snow

Andrew Snow is a performance and mindset coach for distance runners and the founder of Run Elite, a unique program that helps runners achieve extraordinary improvements across distances from the 5K to the ultra-marathon. His innovative approach blends mindset tactics with world-class training science to guide runners toward peak performance. Andrew holds a degree in exercise physiology, a master’s degree in bio-mechanics, and has undergone extensive training under Tony Robbins' Master University system to facilitate rapid life change. With 29 years of competitive running experience, Andrew has earned a conference title on the track, multiple Boston Marathon finishes, and transitioned to trail ultra-running where he has won numerous races, holds course records, and completed several races over 100 miles, including the iconic Tahoe 200-mile endurance run. In addition, he holds a black belt in the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. When not traveling to discover the best tropical fruit, Andrew resides in the scenic mountains of Asheville, NC, where he continues to run.

References:

• RunElite: RunElite Book
• RunElite YouTube Channel

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This 44th episode of World of Running dives into the world of running communities in India. How they are built, sustained, and why they have become so popular in India over the last decade. Listeners will learn about the evolution of running clubs, the impact of community support on individual fitness journeys, and practical strategies to engage and nurture a thriving running group.

Key topics discussed:

• The rise of running communities and their role in transforming running in India.
• A look at India’s running scene and how community initiatives have reshaped it over the years.
• Insights into creating and maintaining momentum in a running community.
• The story behind Soles of Cochin - its inception, growth, and the challenges faced along the way.
• The importance of inclusivity, of women and younger runners.
• Practical advice and lessons learned for anyone interested in starting or expanding a running club.

Guest Intro:

Joining the conversation is Ramesh Kanjilimadhom, an IT professional and seasoned marathon runner from Kochi. Ramesh boasts an impressive record with 89 marathons under his belt - including six appearances at the Boston Marathon, and has been running barefoot for the last 15 years. In 2013, he started Soles of Cochin a vibrant running community that has motivated hundreds of runners locally. His journey from casual running to creating a vibrant community provides invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of building a lasting network of runners.

References (links):

• Soles of Cochin Community: ⁠Learn more about Soles of Cochin⁠
• Spice Coast Marathon
• Vagamon Ultrail
• YouTube Channel: @geeksonfeet
• Training Plans: Runstrong
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