![Kuldeep Singh](https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/f412663/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2994x1996+3+0/resize/300x200!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.aboutamazon.com%2Fad%2F8e%2Fc64e1afb4d9ca2496b94f01cd471%2Fkuldeep.jpg)

# 'Failure fuels my drive. It pushes me further'

*Kuldeep, who is part of Amazon Web Services, is one of the 40-odd Indians and the only Amazonian from our country to have ever successfully completed IRONMAN, one of the world’s toughest triathlons.​ Let's get to know about this Amazonian...*

This father of two, through sheer grit, determination and a never-give-up attitude has ensured that his fitness has grown in leaps and bounds in the 7 years since he started his journey. Here’s a brief look at the chat we had with Kuldeep about his fitness regime, motivation, accomplishments and more…

**Kuldeep, tell us about some of the highlights of your journey.**
I was a national level swimmer in school, so the journey started early for me. In 2004, I completed a full marathon (42.2 kms) in 3 hrs 12 mins in the Bangalore International Full Marathon and came 10th. In 2013, I completed an Olympic distance triathlon (1.5km sea swim – 40 km cycling – 10k run) in the International Singapore Triathlon and was one of the top 30 triathletes in Asia.
In 2014, I won the bronze for India in the National Triathlon and was the first to break the record set by Army personnel in the past. And in 2016, I completed IRONMAN San Diego Oceanside.

**What does your fitness regime look like?**
My day starts at 3:30 a.m. Then this is how it goes: half an hour of meditation followed by stretches and warm-up, then I swim for 2 to 3 kms, have some low GI (glycemic index) food, run 10 to 12k, and then cycle about 15 to 20k after shooting some liquid carbs. I get done with my workouts by 8:30 a.m. I burn about 6,000 calories per day, so I keep eating plenty of dry fruits and eggs throughout. 
On weekends I run 50k and cycle 100k.

**That’s some serious training! How do you manage to stay motivated?**
It’s a journey full of ups and downs, but I keep my eyes on the prize, which is the sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving my goals. I’m always competing against myself, trying to be better than I was. Failure fuels my drive, it pushes me further. I also try to balance training with fun. I train 3 quarters a year and for the other three months, I let loose. I do everything I can’t when I’m training – meet my friends regularly, eat whatever I want, party a lot, sleep more than I usually do, travel with my family. It’s my fun time!”

**We’ve heard you help others get fit as well. Tell us a bit about that.**
After joining Amazon, I created an invite-only coaching group which consists of about 30 colleagues now. I’m a certified swimming, running, cycling, strength & conditioning and triathlon coach, and a certified personal trainer as well. But what I do for my colleagues is free of cost. Everyone in the group is driven about getting fitter, and they have to fill out a questionnaire before they start. I individually coach each person on exercise and diet, and expect their wholehearted commitment to the plans that I customize for them.

**What advice do you have for people trying to get fit?**
Don’t give up. Don’t debate with yourself too much when you don’t feel like working out. Go for it. Life is too short. Don’t go after money, prioritize health over money.

**What made you join Amazon?**
The level of innovation here is very high. A lot of companies innovate but Amazon stands apart. Amazon solves real customer problems. Being a deeply tech-oriented person, Amazon fulfills all my desires.