Sarthak Malani is not the runner next door who chases PBs. Rather, he changes how running is viewed—he runs barefoot and backward. He is much liked by runners in the community and he inspired many others to take up running (backwards).

In this episode, Vikas sits down with Sarthak to discuss what inspired Sarthak to take up running backwards:

In this episode, they cover:

• How Sarthak transitioned from shoes to barefoot running over 6 to 8 months
• Why backward running works, how it gave relief to his runner’s knee, and how he got back to running from 100 metres to over 60 km
• Training without a coach, doing back to back long runs, and what actually helped him achieve a 1:29 half marathon
• Running in Kenya and what Kenyan athletes taught him about truly slow running
• His advice to beginners, fall in love first, ignore social media, and stop comparing and
• A moment in Kolkata that reminded him why being able to run at all is the biggest privilege

This one will make you want to take your shoes off and just run.

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Twitter: @vikashsingh101

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Welcome back to Run with Fitpage!

As the 130th Boston Marathon approaches on April 20, 2026, we are bringing back one of our most cherished conversations — our episode with Jack Fultz, the 1976 Boston Marathon champion.

This year marks the Golden Jubilee of Jack Fultz's legendary victory — 50 years since one of the most iconic and grueling races in marathon history. On that day, temperatures had already crossed 100 degrees an hour before the noon start. Spectators lined the course with garden hoses to cool down the runners, earning the race its legendary name, "The Run for the Hoses." With fewer than 40 percent of the 1,898 starters managing to finish, Jack held his composure, took the lead with six miles to go, and never looked back, finishing in 2:20:19 to become only the 5th American to win Boston since World War II.

In this episode, Jack takes us deep into his race strategy, his mindset, and the lessons he learned from running one of the most brutal marathons in history. He shares the fascinating insight that viewing other runners as allies rather than opponents was one of the key reasons behind his victory. Post his running career, Jack has coached the Dana Farber Institute Boston Marathon team and spent nearly 30 years teaching sports psychology at Tufts University, making him one of the most thoughtful voices on what it truly takes to run and win

If you are an Indian runner heading to Boston this April, or a runner anywhere in the world gearing up for your biggest race yet, this conversation is one you cannot afford to miss. From race strategy and pacing to the mental side of running 26.2 miles, Jack covers it all — and every word of it is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

Whether you are toeing the start line in Hopkinton this April, chasing a personal best, or simply a lover of the sport, this episode is a masterclass in racing smart, staying mentally strong, and finding meaning in every mile.

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Twitter: @vikashsingh101

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!

Most people see running as just a fitness activity. For Dr. Sonia Haboub, it became a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and personal transformation. After overcoming early-stage cancer and leaving a high-profile corporate career, she discovered that running not only helped her recover but also gave her a new purpose: inspiring others to push beyond their limits.

In this episode, Sonia shares her journey from Italy’s snow-covered Alps to the UAE and explains how running helped her build mental strength, self-awareness, and inner peace. She also talks about how complete beginners can start running by focusing on enjoyment rather than obsessing over pace, gear, or performance, and how to overcome common fears like body image, judgment, and inexperience.

We also explore practical insights—why mindset is crucial for consistency, how social media affects new runners, and whether run clubs truly help long-term progress. Sonia emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, celebrating progress over perfection, and staying patient with your journey.

Whether you are an experienced runner or someone thinking about starting, this conversation offers inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on running—not just as exercise, but as a path to resilience and self-growth.

About Vikas Singh:
Vikas Singh, an MBA from Chicago Booth, worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, APGlobale, and Reliance before coming up with the idea of democratizing fitness knowledge and helping beginners get on a fitness journey. Vikas is an avid long-distance runner, building fitpage to help people learn, train, and move better.
For more information on Vikas, or to leave any feedback and requests, you can reach out to him via the channels below:
Instagram: @vikas_singhh
LinkedIn: Vikas Singh
Twitter: @vikashsingh101

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Weekly Nuggets of Knowledge!