Heart attacks fail to curb marathon zeal

You don’t expect a person, who, just a year ago, suffered two heart attacks and underwent an angioplasty in a span of six months. But Mahalaxmi resident Sanjay Pandya will be running the Mumbai Marathon on Sunday.

The 43-year-old, who works as a manager with the Markendeshwar Temple Charitable Trust, will run the 21-km half marathon with the support of his fellow members from the Road Runners’ Club. They have been practising every day at the Marine Drive.

Pandya underwent angioplasty at Jaslok Hospital about six months ago. “I had four blockages in my heart,” he said.

“Two months ago, when I started practising for the marathon, my doctor warned that running could be harmful for me. But I love sports, and want to be a part of the marathon. My faith in God and the support of my friends have got me this far. I plan to finish in 2 hour and 20 minute.”

Pandya has full faith in his coach Leelama Alphanso, who is strictly following the Elite Marathon Chart to get the Road Runners ready for the gruelling run.

“The marathon has taught us discipline and teamwork. It has given us a clear goal. We have learnt that hard work pays in the end. All this can be applied in professional life,” Alphanso said.

The Road Runners team comprises corporate executives, army officials and social workers. “It is all about pushing oneself to the limit. In your mind, you can run any distance. We will be running for an NGO that works for the welfare street kids,” Farah Dada, who works for the Aditya Birla Group, said.

“Eat small portions at a time, and drink loads of water. It is about lasting longer, and setting the right pace — be it in life or at a marathon,” HR Shashikant, also from the Aditya Birla group, said.