Shibani Gharat Interview
Q. You’ve built such a multifaceted life-what are the core values that have shaped who you are today?
My life is built on three core pillars: curiosity, resilience, and authenticity. Journalism taught me to never stop asking questions-when, what, why, and how-while ultra-running showed me that the mind can go where the body hesitates. Whether I’m in the newsroom or out on a trail, I value showing up as my true self-unfiltered and ready to put in the work.
Q. Looking back, what has been one experience or phase of life that truly transformed your perspective?
The Khardung La Challenge in Ladakh in 2014 was a turning point for me. Running 72 km at an altitude of 17,582 feet is not just a physical challenge-it’s a deeply spiritual experience that strips away the ego. It reshaped my understanding of limitations, showing me that what we often label as “impossible” is usually a lack of preparation.
Subsequent experiences-24-hour runs, a demanding 100-mile race in Singapore’s humid conditions, and many others-reinforced this belief. They taught me that when you hit a wall, you don’t stop-you learn to breathe through it. You focus on the present moment, one kilometer at a time, and keep moving forward.
Q. You’ve traveled to 40+ countries-what has travel taught you about people, cultures, and yourself?
Traveling to over 40 countries has been my greatest education. I truly believe there is no learning experience quite like it. It has taught me that while cultures and languages may differ, our fundamental human needs remain the same-we all seek connection and purpose.
At the same time, travel has been incredibly grounding. It has made me appreciate aspects of life in India that we often take for granted-such as safety in cities like Mumbai, digital conveniences like UPI, quick commerce, and accessible public transport. In many ways, it has deepened my appreciation for my own country.
Q. Outside of everything you do professionally or physically, what brings you the most genuine joy and peace?
My deepest sense of peace comes from moments of silence. After a high-energy day or an intense run, I find comfort in simple things-sitting quietly with a cup of coffee and a good book, or watching a sunrise.
Even small activities like taking a walk with music or spending time in the water help me relax and recharge. These quiet, mindful moments are where I reconnect with myself.
Q. Discipline seems to be a big part of your lifestyle-how did you develop that mindset over the years?
Discipline, for me, has been built through small, consistent, non-negotiable actions. I don’t rely on motivation-it’s unpredictable. Instead, I focus on systems and consistency. When you commit to taking small steps every day, it gradually stops feeling like a choice and becomes a part of your identity. That’s where true discipline comes from.
Q. Life isn’t always smooth-how do you personally deal with setbacks or moments of self-doubt?
I view setbacks as data points rather than dead ends. Whether it’s a story that doesn’t work out or an injury, I allow myself a moment to process the frustration, but then I shift my focus to what comes next.
I ask myself what I can learn from the experience and how I can come back stronger. In many ways, setbacks and failures are the greatest teachers-they offer lessons that success often cannot.
Q. When you think about the future, what kind of life or impact do you hope to create for yourself?
I want to demonstrate that the only real barrier to our potential is the one we create in our own minds. The mind can either limit us or empower us-it can tell us to quit or to keep going.
Through my journey, I hope to inspire others to silence that inner critic, set clear goals, and realize that once you overcome internal barriers, external challenges begin to feel far less daunting. Ultimately, I want people to understand that they are capable of far more than they believe.
Q. When you’re not anchoring the news or training for marathons, what does a typical day in your life look like?
Days without work or training are rare, but when they do come around, I use them to focus on everyday life. It’s usually about catching up on personal responsibilities-managing the household and ticking off long-pending tasks.
These moments may seem mundane, but they help bring balance and a sense of normalcy amidst an otherwise fast-paced lifestyle.
Bio:
Shibani is a dynamic journalist and endurance athlete who brings stories to life with both her voice and her spirit. From the newsroom to some of the world’s toughest ultra-marathons, her journey reflects resilience, discipline, and an unyielding drive to push limits. Having explored 40+ countries, she continues to grow through experiences that shape her perspective, inspiring others to challenge themselves and live beyond boundaries.
Interviewed by: Gunjan Joshi
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