In a matter of days, Saiyami Kher will undertake one of the toughest challenges of her journey in physical fitness. And though this would be her first attempt, this isn’t the first time the actor has prepped for the Iron Man challenge, comprising a 1.9 kilometre swim, followed by a 90 kilometre cycling bout, and culminating with a 21 kilometre run, to be executed within a stipulated time limit.

It was in 2020 that she was first set to take part in the challenge, having also made significant headway with her preparation. That was, of course, until the pandemic struck. “[At the time] when I was training, the conditions were much better. [Now], there is so much pollution in our city, that after you step out to exercise, you come back having developed a cough. Doctors too advise against running outdoors. So, it gets difficult to train,” says the actor, who now runs on her treadmill, and aims to increase the distance she covers by 10 per cent, each week.

“Ever since I finished my first full marathon in 2017, it was my dream to do the Iron Man,” says the actor, who completed her 15th half-marathon this year. “I’ve participated in Delhi, and Berlin too. So, I have participated in different parts of the world.”

Though the half-Iron Man also takes place in Goa in November, New Zealand was her preferred location since it is a “beautiful country, the air is clean, and the route is simpler”. 

Kher’s weekly routine involves executing one or two of the three forms. This will entail three running sessions, two swimming sessions, and four cycling sessions. “Once a week, I execute the brick-workout, which involves all three forms. This is usually done on Sundays. I consider it a blessing that my parents live in Nashik. I head there when I get a couple of days off. The roads are nicer, and there is less pollution and traffic. I swim in the lake, which is essential, since, at the event, I will be swimming in Lake Taupo in New Zealand. Swimming in a pool is different from swimming in a lake.”

Strength training, she admits, continues to find a place in her regimen. “No training routine is complete without it. I try to get two sessions in every week. I also practice yoga to keep injuries at bay. Also, flexibility work is imperative, and should not be ignored, regardless of which training pattern one adopts.” 

Kher doesn’t intend to stop at the Iron Man alone. Goal-setting, she says, is the mental fuel that keeps her going, both as an athlete and an actor. “For me, running the half-marathon earlier this year, or participating in the Iron Man, brings a sense of achievement. It’s not comparable to any other feeling. Actors like me live with insecurities. We are dependent on people, and need people’s validation.  e are dependent on someone else for our next project. So, there is always this period of waiting, which can get exhausting. On the other hand, you have a lot more control on your achievements when you participate in races. The sense of accomplishment you get when you cross the finish line is truly unparalleled.”

I don’t drink alcohol, and never have in my life. So, that helps in training and recovery. I’ve reduced my sugar-intake, and pick jaggery instead. My breakfast comprises three to four eggs with toast, and some fruit. For lunch, I have a couple of bhakri rotis, with dal, and vegetables. Dinner comprises grilled-chicken or grilled-fish, and some salad. I eat home-made food, and consume a lot of fruits. When I crave for ice-cream or sugar, I may go for it. Since my caloric burn is high, I don’t mind indulging.