“From Conquering Her First Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition to Empowering Women with Fitness – Pooja Gaikwad’s Inspiring Journey”
In a bustling city like Vadodara, where life moves at a fast pace, one woman has embarked on a remarkable fitness journey to transform her life. Meet Pooja Sachin Ga
ikwad, a 35-year-old working professional, who found solace in cycling and running to stay fit and healthy. Not too long ago, Pooja struggled with fatigue and her fitness level was nearly non-existent. However, her determination and passion for a healthier lifestyle led her to discover her true potential.
Pooja’s fitness journey began in 2020, during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. Feeling the need to improve her physical well-being, she decided to take up cycling to increase her stamina. Her initial days of cycling were filled with excitement and determination as she explored nearby places on her newly acquired cycle. However, just as she was getting into the groove, the lockdown forced her to put her cycling aspirations on hold.
As soon as the lockdown restrictions eased, Pooja wasted no time in resuming her cycling endeavors. She set ambitious goals, aiming to complete 100 kilometers of cycling every weekend by venturing to various random destinations. Pooja conquered milestones like the Statue Of Unity (SOU) and Bharuch twice, along with 25 other 100-kilometer cycling trips during weekends.
Not content with just cycling, Pooja extended her fitness routine to include running. Her enthusiasm for running led her to participate in prestigious events like the Night Ultra Marathon in Ahmedabad twice and the grueling 50-kilometer Tata Ultra at Lonavala in February 2023, which featured an 800-meter elevation.
Pooja’s dedication and perseverance paid off, as she managed to not only maintain her weight but also significantly improve her stamina and overall fitness. Her unwavering commitment to her fitness regime is supported by her husband Sachin Gaikwad, who is also an avid runner. Pooja’s in-laws have been pillars of support, allowing her to strike a balance between her responsibilities at home, her professional life, and her fitness pursuits.
In 2023, Pooja embarked on a dream cycling expedition from Manali to Leh, covering a distance of 486.8 kilometers in just nine days. The challenging tour took her through rough terrains, elevations, and unpredictable weather conditions. Battling adverse elements like cold weather and inclining routes, Pooja’s determination to conquer the undefined territories within herself fueled her throughout the ride. She was part of a group of 71 cyclists, and an astounding 50 of them successfully completed the arduous journey.
During the expedition, Pooja carried essential supplies like ORS, juices, and dry fruits to sustain herself on the road, while the organizers ensured that the participants were well-fed at various stay camps along the routes. Her cycling route encompassed awe-inspiring places such as Sishu, Jispa, Zing Zing Bar, Sarchu Plains, Whisky Nala, Debring, Rumtse, and finally, Leh.
Pooja’s undying passion for sports and adventure is not limited to the present. She nurtures a dream of running on the frozen Pangong Lake in Leh during winter. Though she currently pursues these activities as a passion, Pooja remains open to the possibility of taking them up as a career if an opportunity arises.
A graduate in B.Com from MSU Baroda, Pooja currently works as a data process analyst in a private firm. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is driven by the desire to inspire and empower other working women like herself to prioritize their health and well-being. Through her actions and achievements, Pooja Gaikwad stands as a shining example of how determination, dedication, and a love for fitness can transform lives and shatter barriers. Her story resonates as an inspiration to all, urging us to conquer our limitations and unlock our true potential.
