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Vandana Goel Dewan

@vandy_1682

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Architect|Marathoner|Ultra runner|Artist|Certified instructor Yoga| IM 🇻🇳 | IM 70.3 Goa AG 4th| 70.3 🇮🇳 🇪🇪 |Reiki master

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In 2016, Vandana Goel Dewan was trapped in a bed. A severe slipped disc had left the busy 34-year-old architect and mother completely bedridden for nearly six months. This anchor point followed demanding work schedules, heavy travel, and a brutal string of medical crises: tuberculosis, a painful miscarriage, and a pregnancy that caused massive weight gain. Her body felt entirely broken, and society whispered to accept a quieter, limited life.

But Vandana refused to let a mattress define her destiny. She chose to stand up, deciding right then not to spend her life in bed.

Her rebuilding process was slow and invisible, yet deeply architectural. She restored her physical foundation brick by brick. First, she learned to move again. Then, she tried running, cycling, and finally swimming. Once her weakest discipline, swimming became a strength. By 2022, she crossed her first major milestone at Ironman 70.3 Goa.

Then came 2024. Ambition met a brutal wall. Back-to-back full-distance attempts at Ironman Kalmar and Ironman 70.3 Philippines ended in disappointment. The world grew noisy with negativity, doubt, and social pressure. Most people would have quietly quit. Instead, Vandana chose courage over doubt. With strong family support and Coach Kishlay Rai, she began rebuilding from scratch.

On May 10, 2026, that quiet, relentless work met its ultimate test. Under the suffocating heat and brutal humidity of Da Nang, Vietnam, Vandana pushed through the impossible: a 3.8 KM open-water swim, a 180 KM cycle, and a gruelling 42.2 KM marathon. When she stopped the clock at 14 hours and 18 minutes, she became the fastest Indian female finisher at the event.

Vandana’s story is proof that resilience is built in silence through pain, setbacks, and the courage to keep going when nobody believes in you. From being bedridden to becoming the fastest Indian female finisher at Ironman Vietnam, she transformed suffering into strength and setbacks into history. Her journey reminds us that the human spirit is always stronger than the circumstances trying to break it.

Follow @thepeoplestory.in for more! by @vandy_1682

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5 months ago

From Slip Disc to IRONMAN Vietnam 2026 Finisher

In 2016, she was bedridden for almost six months due to a severe slip disc. From struggling to even move properly to becoming an IRONMAN finisher today, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

She started with running, then cycling, and eventually swimming — once her weakest discipline.

In 2018–2019, she completed her first IRONMAN 70.3 Goa. But the real test came in 2023, when both her IRONMAN Kalmar and IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines attempts ended in disappointment.

Most people would have quit.
She didn’t.
Despite failures, negativity, and constant societal pressure, she kept showing up with courage, belief, and consistency. With strong family support,

we rebuilt everything step by step from August 2024.
And today, she conquered IRONMAN Vietnam in brutal heat and humidity, finishing in *14 hours and 18 minutes*

What inspires me the most is not just the finish line — it is her mindset. From once swimming at a 3:30 pace per 100m to confidently completing the swim today at around a 2:30 pace, her transformation reflects years of dedication and hard work.

IRONMAN training is never easy, especially for women balancing family, life, and social expectations in India. But she proved that determination is stronger than excuses, failures, and opinions.

As a coach, I feel incredibly proud today. Stories like hers remind us that champions are not built through perfect journeys, they are built by refusing to give up.

Many congratulations, Vandana! A long way to go. Har Har Mahadev 🔱🧿

@ironmanindanang
@ironmantri
@trainwithkishlay

#ironman #swimbikerun #triathlon #ironmanvietnam #ironmantriathlon by @vandy_1682

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5 months ago

A little late and Long post Alert!!

Yes!! 2nd IM 70.3 Tallin in my bag.

Talinn 70.3 is close to my heart and a come back, as i missed last year in Kalmar. Yes, taste of success is different after a heart wrenching failure!
I was taken a back, zeal to reattempt dint go!

Like a famous qoute - Every Fall is a chance to rise.
(Don’t remember its by whom)

Hence, i gathered myself to attempt Talinn 70.3, discussed and reengineered my whole routine with my coach.

A big thanks and Gratitude towards my coach Kishlay @raikishlay , who was there to guide and hold my hand when I was in dilemma. Thank you for the push and a structured training plan with an eye on nutrition (sorry missed a lot of running workouts).
I will try to keep up with all training plans and thrive to do better.

A big thanks to the man alongside - Sumit Dewan @sumit_dewan who supports and endures my madness and takes care of the HOME while i m away early morning or coming late.

My Tida @aditdewan_aditida always pushing me for not missing any workout. Although he tries to do failed attempt of copying me as mother - Applies everything back on me the way i do ( 🤪) and manage the tution timing n everything wherever possibly he can manage.

Parmila @the_fitfreak28 , My friend thanks for being there during our swim cycling sessions and treadmill pe run karne ka idea came from you only.

Sumit singh @trainwithsumit , who laid the foundation when in 2022 i was not able to swim for long duration and was recovering from foot injury. Thank you for the push.

Vidhi @vidzeeeeee always my biggest cheerleader and nagging as well.

@anwarhussainvlogs Once again thank you as you are the one who have seeded this idea.

Above are a few people whom i have mentioned else list is much longer …

#tallin #vannarunamore #crazy #lifestyle #triathlon #triathlete #ıronman #insta #viral #ironman #ironman703training #structuredtraining #crazy by @vandy_1682

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a year ago

#bappa #visarjan by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

Mumbai real vibe check and Bappa’s blessing #mumbai #mumbaidiaries #travelvlog #bappa by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

And when everyone said its taking 6 hours for darshan, Bappa blessed us and gave darshan in an hour and 15 mins.. Ganpati Bappa Morya.. #mumbaidiaries #pandalhopping #mumbai #besttime taken in Lal Baugh Cha Raja- Mumbai by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

Honoured to be recognised as the Swim Head Judge at HR26 Triathlon 8th Edition. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the event, uphold fair play, and be part of such an inspiring community.

Once again congratulations to all winners!!

Thank you
@mehakfromwtowe @balwinder_the_singh @caf_thewellnesshub @hr26triathlon for believing in me🙏

[ HR26 Triathlon • Swim Head Judge • Recognition • Achievement • Honour • Sportsmanship • Leadership • Fair Play • Teamwork • Triathlon • Swimming • Event Official • Race Official • Sporting Excellence • Dedication • Commitment • Proud Moment • Gratitude • Excellence • Contribution • Inspiration]

Prize Distribution @caf_thewellnesshub
@shamachawla @vandy_1682

@vandy_1682

@_old_junkie_ it was pleasure to meet you 🙏 by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

HR 26 Triathlon Prize Distribution ceremony at CAF The Wellness Hub. Prizes gifted by @cyclofitindia and @rainbowchildrenshospital
Congratulations to all winners.
Felicitation by members of @gurgaonrunners
Thank you Pooja @coach_poojaroda_triathlete and @vandy_1682 for encouraging all triathletes
#hr26triathlon #aquathlon #triathlon #triathlonindia taken in CAF - The Wellness Hub by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

Run. Soar. Inspire.

I am proud to be associated with the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026, a celebration of courage, discipline and the indomitable spirit of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC.

Join us as we come together to honour the legacy of India’s only Param Vir Chakra recipient from the Indian Air Force and run for a stronger India.

4 October 2026 | 5K | 10K | 21.1K

Register now: www.sekhoniafmarathon.in

#SIM2026 #SekhonIAFMarathon2026 #RunSoarInspire #IndianAirForce #NirmalJitSinghSekhon PVC IAFMarathon RunForACause StrongerIndia
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc0hcQTze-J/?igsi=MTVmaDRhbHJkdjRkMA== taken in Jwahar Lal Nehru Stadium N Delhi by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

When a woman becomes an Ironman!
We are glad to welcome as our guest Ironman Vandana Deewan @vandy_1682 at HR 26 Triathlon to be held on Sept 6, sector 75, Gurgaon
Vandana recently accomplished Ironman Triathlon (3.8k open water swim + 180k cycle + 42.2k Run) and became one of the few women in Gurgaon to achieve this. We are inspired by your journey Vandana.
#triathlon #ironman #hr26 taken in Gurugram by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

#ironmandanang vibes on run route .. electrifying energy when u r dead tired.. #ıronman #crazy #vannarunamore by @vandy_1682

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a month ago

The 11th edition of the Harvest Gold Global Race 2026 is here! With 20 slices of bread donated for every registration, every runner can help make a difference while being part of a truly nourishing race.

So, call your friends, bring your family and make this race a shared experience. Register now and run for a cause. Link in bio.

#HarvestGoldGlobalRace2026 #HarvestGoldGlobalRace #HGGR2026 #YouRunWeDonate #RunTheDistanceMakeADifference by @vandy_1682

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2 months ago