HR manager and counsellor, 71, Bengaluru

 
On the run!

9 years

The beginnings

I started running to get rid of the emotional pain and loneliness I felt after losing my partner of over 40 years. I wanted to be at peace and make my life more meaningful and positive.

First marathon

The 10-km Kaveri Trail Marathon in 2008

No. of marathons

50-plus 10-km runs in India and the US; and 8 half-marathons

Personal best

10 km – 1:28:00; half-marathon – 3:32:00

Running means….

It is like meditation for me. It gives me peace and the joy of freedom and achievement.

First time at the 21-km mark

I touched 21 km in 3 hours 40 minutes at the 2014 Shriram Properties Bangalore Marathon.

The high!

Each time I run, it makes me feel proud and gives me a sense of achievement.

The challenge

The biggest challenge was to add more kilometres in my training; I overcame that with regular training.

Training

I train regularly, not only for marathons. Twice a week, I run 10 km at a nearby playground; on other days, I go to a park and do some light exercises such as breathing and yoga.

Health issues

I suffer from allergy owing to pollution that almost turns into wheezing. I try to keep it under control with inhalers and medication.

Motivation

My motivation comes from the need to keep myself physically and mentally strong and to prove to others that discipline is an integral part of warding away lifestyle diseases.

Marathon moment

My favourite moment was at the 2016 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. The route was a flat course without inclination so I enjoyed it. I’m a part of the Globeracers team that organises exclusive and difficult marathons and their 2017 Bhatti Lakes Ultra Marathon was the most challenging one for me. The trail was full of inclines, rocks and pebbles and the weather was hot. I did a short distance of 10 km even after missing out on sleep for almost 48 hours.

The goal

My goal is to keep going as long as possible and to complete a full marathon one day.

The age effect

With age, I have got more freedom to do what I want.

Message for silver runners

Keep going and get whatever you aspire for. Age is just a number; it is always mind over body.

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
• KRISHNA AGARWAL
• MOHAN NATHANI
• RAKESH MITTAL
• JAYANT DAVDA