Lokesh Meena

Q: When did you begin running and why?
After I reached US in June 2014 to join my assignment at Embassy of India, Washington, DC, I saw people were running everywhere and throughout the day whenever they find some time. I was amazed by that. Somewhere in late 2014, doctor told me that my blood pressure was high and also my weight. I was about 27 years old at that time. It stuck in my mind. I searched internet that how can I lose weight and found out that running is the best way to do that. I started with a half mile run somewhere in March or April 2015, and I was totally exhausted and couldn’t take another step. But I didn’t give up and keep showing up again and again.

I used to have so much pain in my knees and ankles that many nights were sleepless. Slowly I started increasing distance to one mile than one and half and so on. By August 2015, I was running 20-25 miles weekly with 5-6 runs. I also used to cycle in evenings for about 8-10 miles for 2-3 times in a week. And lunch walk daily on working days. So basically if you look back I was working out thrice a day. I ran my first self- timed trial half marathon on September 2, 2015 evening, which I completed in 2 hrs. and 3 minutes, when I bought my first running shoes from Road Runner Sports. It was a virtual challenge race. I was disappointed that I couldn’t break 2 hrs., so I ran again next day, and I think I finished in 1 hr. and 53 minutes, or something.

After completing virtual race, I started looking for a race where I can run with other people in person. I found out that there is a 8K in Kensington, MD, in September 2015 which is near to my house. I signed up for that and I finished Kensington 8K in 37:55 with 77th place finish. I was stoked after finishing that race. Signed up for another one next weekend and another one next weekend which is still going on. I ran my first half in October 2015 and first full marathon in November 2015 which was NCR Trail Marathon. From May 2015 to November 2015 I lost about 70+ lbs. weight. In preparation to qualify for Boston Marathon I ran 90 miles a week, which was amazing. So far I have completed 200+ races from September 2015.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I found about DCRR in January 2016 when I was looking for local races nearby my house. I joined DCRR on January 10, 2016 right after finishing Al-Lewis 10 Miler. As I found out that DCRR have a series called the Snowball Series for which you have to be a member to participate.

Q: What are you training for right now?
I love races. I race almost every weekend. So there is always something on my calendar.

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
World Trail Championship 2018 in Spain where I represented India. It had about 16,000ft+ climb over 86KM.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
DCRR has some awesome people I have ever met. I have made many friends and also made so many memories which I won’t forget my whole life. Snowball Series and Bunion Derby Series which provides so many races throughout the year.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
Keep trying, and never give up. Running has given me a positive attitude.

Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
Billy Goat Trail, C&O Canal Towpath, Potomac Heritage Trail, and Cabin John Trail

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
I need caffeine and nice warm up.

Q: What’s your proudest running moment?
The following:

1. Representing INDIA at World Trail Championship 2018 in Spain which was like a fairytale for a runner like me.
2. Winning my first ever Marathon at Grant-Pierce Indoor Marathon and setting new Asian Record and Indian National Record.
3. Qualifying & running Boston Marathon 2017

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
I am a Diplomat at Embassy of India in Washington, DC I have three kids who keeps me busy when I am not in the office and not running.

Q: What is one thing you wouldn’t run without?
Running shoes, running shorts, and GPS watch.