Himanshu Puri: A Triathlete Pushing Boundaries
Meet Himanshu Puri, a runner and triathlete that is fuelled by grit, determination, and a passion for pushing boundaries. Hailing from Gurgaon, India, by day Himanshu is a sales professional in the hotel industry, navigating the hustle and bustle of corporate life. But outside of working hours, he transforms into a relentless force in the world of endurance sports. His journey into triathlon began with a casual interest in cycling back in 2018. Little did he know, this was just the start of an incredible journey. From conquering long-distance cycling events to tackling the daunting Paris Brest Paris in 2019, Himanshu's appetite for challenge was insatiable from the get-go.
From a novice swimmer to triathlete
What sets Himanshu apart is his audacity to embrace the unknown. Despite being a novice swimmer, he dove headfirst into triathlon, signing up for his first Sprint Distance Triathlon in 2020. His determination to learn swimming and excel in the water epitomizes his unwavering spirit.
Fast forward to today, Himanshu has conquered seven Ironman 70.3 races across the globe. His crowning achievement? Qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Lahti in 2023. And with the Ironman Hamburg on the horizon, Himanshu is gearing up for his biggest challenge yet—a full-distance Ironman.
“Beyond being a sport, triathlon has become a central aspect of my life—a daily source of motivation and purpose. The consistency I maintain and the motivation I derive from this passion, as well as the fulfillment that comes from each race, underscore its significance as more than just an athletic pursuit,” said Himanshu.
Finding His Purpose
Himanshu is the first to admit that balancing the demands of a full-time job with rigorous training regimes and early mornings has tested his resolve.” To surmount these hurdles, I've adopted a strategy of participating in various smaller races. This not only diversifies my routine but also plays a crucial role in conditioning both my mind and body for the main races,” said Himanshu. It’s through his sheer perseverance and strategic approach, that he has overcome these obstacles.
His affiliation with Purpose as a brand ambassador actually began long before it became official. Clad in Purpose sports attire during his first Ironman 70.3 race in Dubai, Himanshu said he has worn Purpose attire ever since and today he has found a sense of belonging that transcends mere sponsorship. He said, the brand's ethos, "Find Your Purpose," strikes a chord with me, mirroring my own transformative journey through triathlon.”
As a Purpose Ambassador, Himanshu aspires to inspire budding athletes to embark on their own fitness odyssey. His advice? “Do not rush into it. Patience is key. Triathlon isn't just about crossing the finish line; it's about the journey—the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and growth,” said Himanshu. He recommends assessing your skills carefully and considering the significant financial investment it entails. He also encourages newbies to avoid approaching any event with the mindset of merely completing it. Instead, take the time to prepare yourself, set clear targets and work systematically towards achieving them.
“Begin by testing your skills in local events and progressively advance by participating in shorter-distance races such as Sprint Triathlons or Olympic Triathlons. Once you feel confident in your abilities, consider signing up for an Ironman event. It's crucial to have a coach who can guide you in training, ensuring it's injury-free, and preventing overexertion in any particular disciplines” said Himanshu.
Life beyond triathlon
As a dedicated Purpose Ambassador, I strongly advocate for a steadfast commitment to one's fitness journey. Recognizing that the goals of each individual vary, what holds utmost significance is the mindset and approach employed to attain those goals. Achieving success in this endeavor requires proper training and guidance.
Himanshu plays a dual role as both an athlete and a coach/mentor. He takes pride in assisting aspiring triathletes and his aim is to guide them in developing a robust mindset and, more importantly, ensuring minimal risk of injury. “I believe that by offering the right training and support, individuals can grow and achieve their goals in the realm of triathlon,” he said
Beyond triathlon, Himanshu's love for travel intertwines seamlessly with his athletic pursuits, allowing him to explore the world one race at a time. As he continues to carve his legacy in the world of triathlon, one thing's for sure—his journey is far from over.
Follow Himanshu’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/hims_the_fitness_bot/
