Businessman, 66, New Delhi

 
On the run!

15 years

The beginnings

For many years, I used to jog 5 to 6 km every day. In 2009, a friend suggested I participate in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon that year. I got myself registered without any training or understanding of the hardship involved.

First marathon

2009 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

No. of marathons

8 half-marathons and 5 full marathons

Personal best

My 2013 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon timing was 01:45:59 and the 2016 Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon timing was 03:55:08 seconds.

Running means….

It is like meditation for me. While running, I forget all my troubles and get transposed to a different world altogether.

First time at the 42-km mark

2013 Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon

The challenge

Completing the marathon itself is a big challenge. You try to run faster on D-day; by the time you finish 75 per cent of the distance, you’re completely exhausted. Then, only your will power helps you manage the remaining distance. Failure is never an option.

Motivation

I really enjoy a good workout and that is my only motivation. Running long distance just happened.

The high!

Despite all the mental stress you undergo, the moment you cross the finish line you forget it all and feel such great pleasure—it cannot be explained in words. Also, training among youngsters and racing ahead of most of them gives me a big high!

Training

My fitness regime is more overall training and not just for running. On average, I run 15 km a week. Two months before the race, this increases to 30 km per week apart, from an hour-long workout three times a week.

Special advice

Sleep is a must. I make it a point to catch up on my seven hours of sleep every day.

Marathon moment

When I completed 42 km with a timing of 03:55:08 in 2014.

The goal

I don’t believe in setting goals. My idea is to keep running without thinking of the results.

Message for silver runners

Almost everybody can run. Just make up your mind, start with an aim and go for it. There’s no competition when you run the marathon. No one goes to the marquee to win a medal. There’s only a whole lot of pleasure while running.

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

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