BY SANJAY TRIPATHY
Senior EVP – Marketing, Product, Digital and E-commerce, HDFC Life
Twelve years ago, I had a near-death experience in a road accident that really changed my life. Around that time, I came across the first Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon ad, and decided to give running a try to boost my confidence and energy levels. That was the beginning of a journey. It brought a sense of discipline, focus and made me realize that running is more about controlling the mind rather than the body.
Marathons take us beyond our comfort zone, help us confront the limitations of the human body and discover our inner strength to succeed. My first half-marathon of SCMM was the toughest, but it helped me push my running and stamina levels. Every time I run – be it the Thane, Satara or Delhi half marathons - I am determined to challenge myself by running faster than earlier. My best time so far has been at the Delhi marathon last year, when I completed it in 2 hours and 3 minutes.
For marathon training, I prefer to run outdoors on natural terrain as the body comes across wind resistance that helps me find and maintain a pace of my own in the fresh air. Three days a week, I train with my running group ‘Be Fit’ at Shivaji Park, Mumbai. It helps to associate with people who have the same passion and I end up making great friends in the bargain.
My training includes running, interval and speed training, strengthening, core workouts, resistance and endurance training, cross training, cycling, weight training, yoga and swimming. For amateur runners, it is important to set a running goal, research on techniques to avoid injuries and add weight training to their fitness routine. It is also necessary to stick to a runner’s diet, hydrate well and have a good support group. A combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is essential for a marathon runner. Potatoes, beans, peas, wheat bread, bananas, cereal, raisins, apples, brown rice, rich in carbs, are important. Proteins from milk, cheese, yoghurt, and eggs help in muscle repair. There must be a balance of protein and carbs on rest and low-intensity training days. While running, your body depends on glycogen primarily as a source of fuel. By increasing carbohydrate consumption, you increase your glycogen storage, thus adding more fuel to your tank. I try to balance my carbohydrate and protein intake, based on my training intensity and have oats and banana an hour before my run to help maintain glycogen storage.
Thirty minutes after each run, I have carbohydrates and protein to help my body recover. Running has helped me reduce stress, relax, establish self control and stay more focused on a daily basis. All this has given me a sense of accomplishment which automatically transfers to my professional life. My lifestyle has changed as I start my day early and keep going through the day without fatigue.
Unfortunately, a month back at the Delhi half marathon, I had a bad fall on my knee. The injury will keep me out of running for a good 8-12 weeks. For a passionate runner like me, the amount of rest required for healing seems to be a cruel and unusual punishment. I had trained hard to run my first full marathon this year and the disappointment of not being able to do so is unbearable. But injury is a part and parcel of any runner’s life and I am determined to follow my doctor’s advice and rest properly so I can come back much stronger and continue what I love the most - running.
It’s truly amazing how running and exercising are not just physical lessons but help one understand challenges irrespective of their magnitude. Obstacles are overcome, dreams are achieved and marathons won in your professional life as well.
Feedback: sanjay.t@hdfclife.com
