Shariq is an RRCA certified coach who started running as an adult to counter his seasonal allergies. By indulging in regular running he was able to build a strong cardiovascular function and thus avoided being put on regular medication. Initially he started running a couple of miles every other day until he met a friend of his - Aaamar who inspired him to take on longer distances. Under Aamar’s guidance Shariq did his first half marathon in the middle of 2017 and then his first full marathon later that year. Since then Shariq has run 11 full marathons of which 3 gave him Boston qualifications. Shariq attributes his success in achieving Boston Qualifying to perseverance and being lucky that he didn’t face any significant injury during his training cycles.

Endurance running has opened up other doors in outdoor activities that wouldn’t have been possible without the mental and physical endurance that one builds with long distance running.