USF World News
Indian alumnus excels in both business and endurance races
TAMPA, FL (May 2, 2024) -- USF Alum Aditya Sharma (MS in Information Technology, 2018) balances a full-time career as a senior software engineer with another passion — endurance sports. His career has seen him working for top companies such as JP Morgan & Chase in the U.S. and interning for Yamaha and Microsoft in India. His accomplishments in endurance sports are equally impressive, boasting achievements such as an Ironman 70.3 Finisher, 100K Ultra-Run Finisher, Century Rider, and half-Marathon Swimmer. Sharma recently spoke to Aruna Dasgupta from USF World about how his USF experience impacted his personal growth and his career.
USF World: How did your interest in endurance sports begin? Please share some memories of those early days.
Aditya: My journey into endurance sports could be traced back to about 4-5 years ago when I used to go cycling with a group of peers. While I had seen advertisements of Ironman Triathlon [which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run], I hadn’t considered participating in any such event until a friend, noticing my dedication to training, suggested I try Ironman. This sparked my interest.
Initially, I delved into training for Olympic distance triathlon, though somewhat cluelessly, grappling with the intricacies of nutrition, recovery, and training strategies. Despite stumbling through my early races and even forgetting to grab my race timer once, I persisted.
I gradually transitioned from casual morning runs to ambitious long-distance swims and bike rides. Along the way, humorous mishaps, like toppling over due to clip-on pedals, taught me invaluable lessons. These early experiences, filled with both challenges and laughter, laid the foundation for my unwavering passion for endurance sports. I began participating in major races in 2021 and haven’t stopped!
USF World: What was your first big title and for what did you get it? What are some of your other triumphs in this arena?
Aditya: My inaugural triumph was clinching the Ironman 70.3 title in October 2022 in North Carolina. However, the achievement I hold dearest is conquering the 100K Southern Discomfort Ultra-Run just five days after completing the Ironman 70.3. It was a test of my mental fortitude like no other, and I see it as the pinnacle of my endurance endeavors. I've now proudly completed two Ironman 70.3 events, navigating challenging courses that comprise a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run each. Additionally, conquering a half-marathon swim spanning 3.1 miles was a remarkable feat.
USF World: What is your daily routine?
Aditya: Most mornings commence with intense workouts before the workday begins. On days with consecutive training sessions, I squeeze in another workout after office hours. Despite occasional fatigue, maintaining consistency is paramount to preventing setbacks.
USF World: So, after office hours too, it’s all work and no play for you.
Aditya: Striking a balance between my professional commitments and rigorous training regimen is a daily challenge requiring unwavering discipline and significant sacrifices. Social outings have always taken a backseat as I prioritized early morning training sessions over late-night partying.
It was often difficult to explain to perplexed friends why I couldn't join them as frequently or why I adhered to such an arduous training regimen. Sometimes, I had to give in! I vividly recall completing a grueling 100-mile bike ride one day and attending a social event the next or returning to work immediately after conquering an Ironman 70.3 event, followed by an 11-hour drive back home.
Endurance races, I've come to realize, are 70% mental fortitude and 28% physical prowess, with the remaining 2% comprising various other factors.
USF World: How can a student or even a young adult begin their journey in endurance sports?
Aditya: Embarking on the journey of endurance sports requires taking gradual steps and not diving in headfirst. Start by focusing on one discipline, whether its swimming, biking, or running. Patience, consistency, and unwavering discipline are key to achieving endurance goals.
Remaining grounded and humble emerged as yet another invaluable lesson. In the realm of endurance sports, arrogance can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Thus, I've learned to approach every challenge with humility: a trait I have seen among ultrarunners and Ironman athletes alike.
USF World: Do you follow a special diet? Do you have to forego Indian favorites like paranthas and samosas?
Aditya: Ensuring a precise diet and sticking to a strict diet regimen is crucial, especially for a vegetarian. I meticulously curated my nutrition to optimize performance and facilitate swift recovery, avoiding processed foods to maintain the ideal weight and stave off injuries.
While it's not without its challenges, I've found ways to adapt. Although I miss these traditional Indian delights, I've learned to prioritize nutrition while still occasionally relishing the traditional delicacies of my country. When I visit India, I do relax my dietary restrictions!
USF World: How have endurance sports changed you as a person – and as a professional?
Aditya: Through my journey in endurance sports, I've acquired invaluable life lessons in discipline, consistency, and resilience, which have extended into every facet of my life, including my professional endeavors.
Discipline is the cornerstone of success, both on the racecourse and in the workplace. It's about rising before dawn, braving cold pool water, and adhering to strict training regimens. Similarly, in the realm of work, discipline manifests itself in consistent efforts to broaden knowledge and adhere to structured plans, even when motivation wanes.
Consistency steadfastly lays the groundwork for achievement. Regardless of one's innate talent, success in endurance events hinges on consistent training. Similarly, in the professional realm, dedicated efforts to hone skills and executing tasks methodically yields tangible results over time.
Resilience serves as a protective shield against setbacks and propels us forward. Endurance athletes often face grueling training sessions with uncertain outcomes, mirroring the unpredictable challenges of life. Yet, it's the ability to persevere through adversity, envisioning the finish line despite doubts, that distinguishes champions. This resilience extends beyond the track, empowering us to weather life's storms with fortitude and grace.
USF World: How was the transition from an Indian university? Please share some of your memorable moments at USF.
Aditya: My journey at USF has been nothing short of extraordinary. Amidst the excitement of my arrival during the week of welcome, I had a humbling moment when I flunked an advanced programming assignment within just four weeks. This experience was a stark realization of the level of academic rigor expected at this prestigious institution, leading to two years of relentless hard work and countless late nights in the library.
The transition from an Indian university to USF was profound. Unlike the more theory-centric approach in India, USF emphasized practical application, with projects accompanying almost every course.
USF's impact on my growth, both personally and professionally, cannot be overstated. It equipped me with a diverse skill set in programming and leadership. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and vibrant extracurricular landscape created an atmosphere that nurtured my overall development. Engaging with diverse student groups and seizing research opportunities under esteemed professors broadened my horizons and sharpened my skills. Without their support and guidance, I would not be where I am today. Even as an alumnus, I continue to leverage the university's resources, a testament to the lasting impact of my alma mater.
Beyond academics, adjusting to independent living, battling homesickness, and embracing cultural diversity added layers to the experience.
USF World: Let’s rewind to your days in India and how you started off on this journey.
Aditya: My passion for both academics and sports traces back to my high school years at Apeejay School in New Delhi. From excelling in physics to playing a dominating role on soccer fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools, I've always embraced challenges with fervor. My stint with AIESEC in India was transformative. As part of the world's largest youth-run organization, I gained invaluable exposure and honed various life skills. Interacting with international exchange students fueled my aspiration to study abroad – a dream that eventually led me to USF.
USF World: What makes Tampa special for you?
Aditya: Tampa holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just a city; it's a dynamic hub of innovation and cultural diversity. With its burgeoning tech scene to its breathtaking beaches just a stone's throw away, Tampa offers an unparalleled quality of life. Whether indulging in outdoor adventures or immersing oneself in its vibrant community, Tampa never ceases to inspire and captivate.