Dubai Fitness Challenge: Expat to run 900km, raise Dh90,000 for mental health awareness
‘During this challenge, I would like to show that with the right approach and help, everyone can deal with their problems,’ Ayush Krishnan said.
21-year-old ultramarathoner and photographer Ayush Krishnan, who is a resident of Dubai, has made a firm decision to take part in the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge which officially starts today. Ayush intends to complete 30km running every single day for the next 30 days, amounting to a total of 900km range. It aims to go beyond the physical boundaries of Ayush and make his feelings ‘As to why this challenge’ ‘It’s about time we bring focus to our mental health’.
Working along with Stride 4 Mental Health, Krishnan plans to set up a fundraising target of Dh 90,000 for this challenge, which is perfect for his cause as October is also marked as Mental Health Awareness month across the world.
He explained, “I opted for this 900-km run because it is tough and will pull the interest of the people. It’s a multi-day trip, reflecting the emotional vicissitudes that quite a number do encounter. Through this challenge, I would want to showcase the fact that, with the right attitude and support, anyone can go through their challenges.”
Nonetheless, it’s his educational background associated with endurance sports that in a figurative sense takes him to new heights. Running the world’s highest marathon in Ladakh and reaching the Everest base camp have both been in a number of his various marathons. Yet, he did concede that there’s an added tough aspect to the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
“They say that showing up is half the battle. This remark fits perfectly as this is a 30-day test in discipline and endurance. Running proved to me that consistency is most important—when I am feeling low and don’t feel like running, I just get up and run. This is a kind of discipline that I hope touches others,” Krishnan stressed.
This revolution defines his life due to a number of reasons. Apart from the obvious being a runner’s high, he has overcome a lot throughout his life. Practically at the infant stages, he was already criticized for his dreams in pursuing photography, videography and drones. Nonetheless, he systemically advancing despite odds and graduated in audio and creative media.
“Life has never been simple. I have experienced self-doubt and other external factors, but running and an active lifestyle has been helpful in keeping my mental toughness. This is what I wish to impart to people—running is not merely a sport or physical exertion. It is a weapon which can be used to conquer psychological as well as physical battles,” he stated.
Overcoming fatigue and mental exhaustion
Preparing for the possible weariness of mind and body Krishnan accepts the fact that running almost 900 kilometers is going to be tiresome. He addresses this concern by looking up to David Goggins, Rich Roll, the Huberman Lab podcast, mentors who endorse mental strength.
“Every one of them warns that if the mind is not activated regularly, it loses its resilience, there is no standing still – it is either progress or regression. To which I find my motivation to strive for mental focus, resolve the challenge into challenges for the day and always remember for what goal I am doing it all,” he said. The support of the Dubai Creek Striders community will motivate him to run subdivided portions of the run, by running together with the community.
Besides, Krishnan has worked together with Active Minds which is an organization that helps change attitudes towards mental health stigma. “We’re sending a message that mental health matters. Active Minds works to ensure that there are no barriers to talking about mental health, and by collecting and donating funds for this cause, I am helping them achieve their goal,” pointed out Krishnan, adding: “People can assist by making a donation, supporting my cause, and even doing parts of the run with me. My instagram account @ayushkrishnann serves as a platform where people can watch all elements of this undertaking.”
“Mental health needs to be addressed especially amongst young adults. Further, any small type of awareness may help ensure that more and more people are able to seek the help that they need,” he underlined.
Krishnan’s message is one of hope for many, a reminder that nurturing mental toughness is possible and that mental fitness is a marathon – not a sprint. In pursuit of his dream, he drives home the point that all obstacles are surmountable as all that is needed is the patience and persistence to take small steps at a time.
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