Retired architect, 77, Gurugram

 
On the run!

11 years

The beginnings

I started running in 2006 when I was 66. I was a brisk walker earlier. What prompted me to run was a slogan written on a T-shirt in a mall: ‘People who exercise just die healthier.’ Moreover, my youngest brother, who had run a couple of marathons in the UK, motivated me to take up running. Initially, the regimen became boring and taxing and I decided to call it off. But a chance meeting in Gurgaon with Melvin, a Reebok training team member, altered my life. After training with him for almost a year, I became confident and started taking part in half-marathons.

First marathon

2008 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

No. of half-marathons

19

Personal best

02:09:07

Running means….

Running is an important part of my life now; without it, I feel incomplete. There’s a sense of despair if I don’t run for a couple of days. Running has also given me the ability to make the right decisions.

The challenge

My family was quite apprehensive about me taking up running at this age. However, seeing me win marathons, they relented.

The high!

I never wanted to compete but to complete the task within the given time. The accomplishments came as a bonus!

Training

I train with Runbugs, a group of 70-80 runners; we normally run on the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road. I run 5-6 km two to three times a week; 10-14 km on weekends; and at least one half-marathon 15 days before the event.

Health issues

Nothing, except a couple of injuries this year

Top gear

Nike Vomero shoes

Motivation

To keep good health

Marathon moment

When I overtook a young runner at the 18-km mark and finished before him. Earlier, he had taunted me that I could not even complete 5 km!

The goal

To finish the next three half-marathons this year within 2 hours and 20 minutes

The age effect

Ageing is trying to affect me, but I am not letting it overpower me.

Message for silver runners

Get up, wear your shoes and run!

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