Becoming a Yoddha: My Yoddha Race Chandigarh Vlog Experience

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, I (Chirag Manocha) took on one of the most intense and unique fitness challenges I’ve ever done – The Yoddha Race in Chandigarh. This wasn’t just a simple 5-km run. The format challenged every part of my strength, endurance, and mental grit, thanks to its 7 brutal workout zones scattered along the route. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my full race-day journey, insights from each zone, my pacing strategy, and the key lessons I picked up – just like in my vlog.

What Is The Yoddha Race?

For those who aren’t familiar, The Yoddha Race is not your typical city run. It’s a hybrid fitness challenge where participants alternate between running and functional workouts. According to the race concept, the standard format is:

700 meters of running, followed by
One of 7 workout zones, repeated 7 times.
In total, that’s about 5 km of running, plus seven very different strength- and endurance-based tasks.

Every city has the same course structure for regional rounds, so the challenge and the leaderboard are comparable across all locations.

My Race Day – Quick Highlights

Finish Time: 1:16:12:29
Venue: Chandigarh – same 5 km + 7-zone course as other regions.
Why I Loved It: The mix of running + strength keeps you constantly engaged, and every workout zone pushed me in a different way.

Breakdown: The 7 Workout Zones I Faced

Here’s a simplified rundown of each zone, what it tested, and how I tackled them:

1. Rowing (1,000 m)

Pure endurance. You sit on a rowing machine and row your heart out.
My approach: keep a consistent pace, don’t sprint. It’s easy to burn out here but it sets the tone for the rest of the race.

2. Sled Push (50 m)

All about leg power and control.
I leaned forward, kept my body stable, and pushed steadily rather than lunging wildly.

3. Sled Pull (50 m)

Upper-body strength + grip + coordination.
Important to keep the rope straight, maintain posture, and not waste energy. Technique > brute force.

4. Kettlebell Carry (200 m)

Requires grip strength, core stability, and endurance.
I tried to stay controlled: carried with good posture, tightened my core, and broke it mentally into smaller chunks.

5. Box Jump (30 reps)

Explosive power, coordination.
Rather than go all out, I divided the jumps in my mind (10 + 10 + 10) so I didn’t fatigue too fast.

6. Lunge Walk (100 m)

Strength, balance, and lower-body endurance – often with a weight.
I made sure my form was solid, each lunge was deliberate, and I controlled my breathing.

7. Wall Ball Throws

Full-body functional movement + coordination.
When tired, doing the reps cleanly becomes a mental game. I split them into smaller sets, focused on squat depth, and threw with precision.

You can check out their rule book here : www.theyoddharace.com/ruleBookEnglish

My Strategy & Pacing

I didn’t go out all-guns blazing. My goal was to survive strong, not just sprint.
Transitioning between the run and zones was key. A lot of workouts came right after a 700m run, so how I paced the run mattered.
I prioritized form over speed in workout zones – especially in sled push, pull, and wall balls.
I kept mental notes of where I was strong and where I felt weak: that helped me adjust mid-race.

Key Lessons & Take-Aways

Train functionally: Running is just one part of this race. If you want to do well, incorporate sled work, box jumps, lunges, and rowing in your training.
Practice transitions: Don’t just run. Train shifting between cardio and strength. That “shock” between running 700m and hitting a strength zone is real.
Recovery matters: After this race, recovery is not optional. Your muscles will need proper cool-down, hydration, and possibly foam rolling.
Mental grit is huge: By zone 5 or 6, when fatigue hits, it’s really your mindset that keeps you going. Break things into micro-goals.

The Yoddha Community & Why It Inspired Me

One of the most powerful parts of The Yoddha Race is its community. It isn’t just a race; it’s a gathering of people who want to test their limits.

Crossing the finish line felt different from a typical run – there was real camaraderie and shared exhaustion, but also that unspoken respect for everyone who showed up and pushed through.

Why This Race Vlog Is a Must-Watch

We’ve captured every part: the run, the workout zones, the struggle, and the highs.
You’ll get actionable tips: what worked for me, where I messed up, and what I’d do differently.
It’s not just about finishing; it’s about growing stronger – physically and mentally.

Final Thoughts

Taking on The Yoddha Race in Chandigarh was more than just “finishing a race”- it was proving something to myself. The 7-zone format pushed my limits physically and mentally, and every segment demanded a different kind of strength and focus.

The only thing we feel could be improved is the race timing. Since my slot was around 11:00 am, the sun was quite harsh, and the race area didn’t have any shade or covered zones. This made some sections more challenging for the participants than expected, especially compared to events like HYROX Delhi, which took place indoors at the Yashobhoomi – India International Convention and Expo Centre. A slightly earlier start or some shaded setups would really enhance the participant experience.

That said, the overall energy, community vibe, and the thrill of completing such a demanding hybrid race made it absolutely worth it.

If you’re someone who loves a challenge or is preparing for hybrid fitness competitions, I highly recommend watching our vlog for a complete on-ground experience and practical insights.

Do share your experience in the comments if you participated! And if you’re planning to join the next Yoddha Race in Delhi on Saturday, November 29, 2025, let us know – would love to hear your prep journey too. 🍁

Thanks for reading – and here’s to becoming a Yoddha!🏅🔥🤝