Retired business executive & author, 66, Gurugram

 
On the run!

8 years

The beginnings

I was inspired by Rahul Varghese from my alma mater [IIM-Ahmedabad], though he is 10 years younger. He had resigned from a cushy MNC job to follow his passion; he started organising marathons in Gurgaon. He invited me to run my first 10 km in his race and egged me on to achieve even more. I soon joined a group of like-minded professionals who spent all their spare time running—we called ourselves the ‘Ganapatis’ after the liquor vend where we often congregated for a beer after a run!

First event

10-km run in Gurgaon in December 2009

No. of marathons

39 half-marathons, 9 full marathons and 6 ultra marathons

Personal best

Half-marathon – 01:58:32; full marathon – 04:57:24; ultra – 71 km in 12 hours

Running means….

Why do I run? I ask myself that each time I hold my breath at the starting line of a full marathon; or worse, a 12-hour ultra! No, it’s not for health, though it supports that. To me, it is a spiritual journey that tests body, mind and soul and takes you to the next level of freedom. Add to this, the glory of the dawn—a rising sun, chirping birds and friends by your side—and the runner’s high. Running is a compulsion, an addiction to which there is no known cure!

The challenges

I started long-distance running at the age of 58 when I thought I was already over the hill. The biggest challenge was my own reticence. Once I got over it and realised I had the potential to be as good as [or even better than] others half my age, I was able to concentrate on the discipline and skills involved in this new sport and get stronger and faster.

The high!

When colleagues and friends tell me I am an inspiration, I feel thrilled; there is a sense of accomplishment!

Training

I usually start focusing on a full marathon six to eight weeks before the event. I run 20+ km every Sunday with my running group, Palam Vihar Running Junkies (PJ’s), of which I am co-founder and chief. We mostly run in the Gurgaon area that offers different types of running paths including normal, hill and trail. I go for a minimum 40-50 km cycle ride once a week and a swim of 600 m. I work without a trainer but keep my ears open to all the great advice from my advanced running colleagues and coaches. I also regularly read journals on running.

Top gear

I wear a belt to carry my car keys, mobile phone [I am an avid running photographer] and safety money [once I ran too far and got lost!]. Also a CamelBak water backpack for long summer runs.

Health issues

Nothing except a few minor niggles

Marathon moment

My most challenging moment was to run the half-marathon in under two hours. While I came close to two hours many times, shaving off the final few moments was extremely challenging. Finally, taking on a friendly coach and working on a three-month plan, I did 01:58:00 on 2 December 2012, choosing the cold, flat December roads of Gurgaon! Another favourite is the 50-km run between Ranikhet and Nainital that four of us undertook last year. It was an all-hill run that required much planning and coordination.

The goal

To take part in a triathlon. I have already got into cycling and have forayed up to 200 km. My challenge is actually swimming as I am almost starting from scratch. I have already successfully participated in a duathlon last year and need to add the swimming part!

The age effect

Over the years, running has only made me stronger and more confident.

Message for silver runners

Start today… long-distance running is age-free! There’s nothing to hold you back. We were all born to run—you just have to discover it yourself.

Photo: marathon-photos.com
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
November 2017

• KHUSHRU PATEL
• ELSIE NANJI
• P K N NAMBIAR
• PERVIN BATLIVALA
• KAMAL KALRA
• NISHA SUTARIA
• MAHADEV SAMJHISKAR
• PREMANAND RAMANI
• ASHOK KALLA
• SUNEETHA PRASANNA
• KRISHNA AGARWAL
• MOHAN NATHANI
• RAKESH MITTAL
• JAYANT DAVDA