Businessman, 72, Mumbai

 
On the run!

8 years

The beginnings

I used to be a regular walker and yoga practitioner earlier. In 2006, I thought I would give the Mumbai half-marathon a shot. I went to register on the last day and luckily got an entry! I ran the marathon without any practice or electronic gadget. My only aim was to complete the run; else, I was depriving someone of their chance. With great difficulty, I completed it in 3 hours. I developed blisters on my toes that took almost eight days to heal. However, the run proved one thing—my body had the capacity to run… I could run for 3 hours at least to save my life!

First marathon

Half-marathon at the 2006 Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon

No. of half-marathons

9

Personal best

02:42:00

Running means….

It is basically to keep me fit, active and energetic. It also makes me sleep well!

Power booster

During the marathon, I carry dates in my pocket and snack on them in between.

The challenge

In 2007, I took a break from running owing to a back problem. I got back in form in three years and have not looked back since.

Health issues

Though there are no health issues, sometimes my heart rate crosses the maximum limit while running continuously. I track my heart rate using my GPS running watch with wrist-based heart rate. I also ensure I get a minimum 6-7 hours sleep and have a proper diet.

The high!

I keep my targets. When I complete my race, I am ecstatic!

Training

I am training with Be Fit Fitness Academy’s Brinston Miranda. My training is on alternate days between 6 am and 7.30 am on Juhu beach. On Sundays, I run for 60-90 minutes, which sometimes includes hill training.

Top gear

Garmin Forerunner 235 (GPS running watch with wrist-based heart rate monitor) and Asics Gel Kayano 22 (running shoes)

Marathon moment

During the 2016 marathon, I started getting cramps in my calf muscles. However, I continued and completed the run.

The goal

To improve my previous best

The age effect

Regular practice, proper sleep and a healthy diet are helping me overcome the age factor.

Message for silver runners

Use it or lose it! During my last marathon, I met a 65 year-old runner who had undergone a bypass surgery when he was 60; he completed the half-marathon in 2 hours 52 minutes. This was an eye-opener for me: where there is a will, there is a way!

Other interests

Trekking—I have done the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna base camp, Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra and many more in the Uttarakhand and Himachal regions.

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

• KHUSHRU PATEL
• VINOD KAUL
• 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