I started in a military family in which discipline was not a word; it was a way of life. My Dad was a military man with a moral character, who was trained at Pakistan Military Academy, and I'd seen him live a life of total commitment when he was a young boy. In his childhood, he would have to walk miles daily, no matter what the weather was like, three kilometres to school, and sometimes seven kilometres in bad weather. His early struggles have left a deep impression on me. I was learning some of the lessons of discipline, resilience, and consistency without knowing it.
My childhood was a simple, active, and organized one because I grew up in a cantonment. My days were spent with football, cycling, and cricket. No modern facilities or formal training were in place; only movement, curiosity, and energy within a disciplined context, which subtly infused patriotism and strength of character.
In 1993, I joined Cumilla Cadet College. I wasn't an exceptional athlete. I was usually in second or third place, and my best performance in cross-country was 10th place. It was unremarkable, by conventional standards. But somehow it sparked an inner motivation in me to get better.
This pivotal moment is the first step in my journey to becoming a gentleman cadet at the Military Academy in 2000. Life there was very demanding and intense; it tested both the physical and mental limits.
Night drills, endurance running, and discipline were part of the daily routine. Fitness was no longer a choice; It became a requirement! Every challenge was beyond my comfort zone, from one to two-mile runs with equipment to 16km endurance runs under combat load. It was difficult in places, and I had some failures, but I never thought about giving up because it wasn't an option.
Once, I was given great advice from a mentor that changed my mindset: Train after scheduled hours – use your afternoons, and even sacrifice some sleep at night. I adopted that attitude. I started practicing above the minimum standard – sometimes by myself, for the sake of improving myself.
In 2003, I took on the very challenging Army Commando Course, which made a huge impact on my confidence and mindset. It was teaching me that endurance is not only about physical effort, but it is also a mental effort as well. I found that people's bodies and minds can withstand a lot more than they'd like to think.
Picture: Colonel Md Nurul Haseeb.
In 2010, I was able to attend one of the most prestigious institutions in the world: the United States Airborne School, in extreme winter conditions. I recall a test day when the temperature dropped to minus three degrees Celsius. I trained early in the morning, usually by myself, watching others who were pushing themselves to their limits. I said to myself, “They are human, and I am human.” That little idea was a great motivator. The 3.2 km (2 miles) run took me less than 14 minutes. It was not only a personal success for me, but it was also a great honour to represent my country.
Running was and still is a constant in my life, even while deployed to the Congo and Mali on United Nations peacekeeping missions. It was no longer an instinct; it was my identity.
In 2016, I met another runner who invited me to join a running community named BDRunners in Dhaka, and this was a turning point. Just one invitation changed my perspective. I began to run alone and then began running in a group, and kept lengthening my distances.
By 2018, I ran my first official half-marathon in 2 hours and 23 minutes. It was a small step but a motivating one. I started training structured with a focus on nutrition and added strength training to my program. The results were amazing - in months, my time for 5km dropped from 30 mins to just under 21 mins and 30 seconds.
Picture: Colonel Md Nurul Haseeb.
Later, I got into the world of trail running in Bandarban, where I encountered the rugged and challenging terrain. Every year was a better year, both in terms of ability and stamina.
My first full marathon, in Singapore, was a humbling experience. It was challenging me to the extreme with the heat, cramps, and exhaustion. Being inexperienced at the time, I was having a little trouble – but I didn't give up. I ran this race in 5:19. It was during that marathon that I learned one of the greatest life lessons: Resilience is a product of perseverance.
Since then, I have run 7 marathons, including the Boston Virtual Marathon in 2021. The best I achieved in 2024 took 3 hours, 59 minutes, and 47 seconds, which is the result of years of hard work. In addition to running, I have also taken part in several Triathlons and Duathlons to challenge myself in other disciplines.
But for me, the most important thing isn't about my own accomplishments; it's about impact. I feel I have succeeded in inspiring younger officers and other runners when they tell me that it is what they feel.
My lifestyle is disciplined, and it is a conscious choice. I don't engage in unhealthy routines, and I also pay attention to health since I think fitness is a lifelong process. I always bring my running shoes with me on trips, including when I'm on missions. Through running, I have met people from different cultures, and I'm proud to represent Bangladesh in every part of the world.
Something especially significant was the time I spent training with a local runner, who ran his first half-marathon in Mali. When I know I can be of service to someone else's journey, it's really fulfilling.
Picture: Colonel Md Nurul Haseeb.
One of the most memorable experiences of my life was doing a skydive with the national flag, to attempt a Guinness World Record. 54 people jumped together from 12,000 ft. The occasion was truly unique and a wonderful one. I have also jumped with a parachute over 400 times without injury, and that is another big step in my accomplishments.
My mind is still in the same place today. Fitness isn't a phase, it's a way of life. I still train, run, and pace for others to help them reach their goals. My motto is to compete against yourself and work towards self-improvement. Any progress, no matter how slight, is worthwhile.
Also, I believe that titles and ranks are irrelevant in running. We are all on the same path or in the same ship as doctors, engineers, and students. It is a place where we are determined by effort and not status.
I am proud of my profession as a Colonel in the Bangladesh Army, but regardless of my earned title, I consider myself a lifelong student of endurance.
