Running
We follow the Bharathon man Raj Vadgama on his daily run to see what maketh a runner.
It’s often said that running is the simplest form of exercise. But the question is: How many actually practice it? In our mundane 9-to-5 work week, running ends up becoming one of those things we can always do but most of us never end up doing it. But then there are those who wake up before the sun does and clock up several miles on foot before rest of us have our first cuppa. We caught up with one such long distance runner – Raj Vadgama – and followed him on his routine.
While Mumbai is said to be the city that never sleeps, 3.30 – 5 AM is the time when it takes a power nap before hitting its stride. It’s 4.15 AM and the city is deep asleep. As we’re approaching the meeting point, junction of Goregaon Western Express Highway and Aarey Colony, we can see four men in their running gear, stretching and warming up. Bathed in fluorescent light, the empty Western Express Highway is a stark contrast to its otherwise choc-a-block day-time scene. At sharp 4.30 AM, the runners, headed by Raj Vadgama, started their run.
As the time passed and mileage got logged up, other runners joined the group from their convenient starting points, namely, Andheri, Bandra and Mahim. The formidable group of dozen-odd runners marched in unison even as the first ray of sun hit the earth.
At 6.45 AM, the convoy reaches the famous Shivaji Park. The ground where Sachin Tendulkar grew up playing cricket is abuzz with activity since dawn. Runners of all shapes and sizes could be found here. From pre-teens accompanying their parents for their morning runs to octogenarians walking about to keep their limbs active enough, and just about every early riser. It’s a sight that would make you realize that not everyone is resigned to the couch potato lifestyle. The energy in the air is contagious. At 7 AM, one would instantly feel out-of-place if they’re in trousers instead of running shorts.
The running group stops at Shivaji Park to take a breather. Few Shivaji Park regulars and fellow runners stop by to exchange pleasantries. The conversation revolves around running schedules, past/upcoming marathons and other running-related nuances.
Just like in Formula 1, here too, the pitstop has two different strategies:
1. Relax: Some runners prefer to relax for few minutes and stretch their tired muscles,
2. No cooling down: Others lap Shivaji Park to avoid their bodies from cooling down. They like to keep the temperature going so that the cold muscles doesn’t get injured when they restart the run.
Post hydration, the running party heads South. Mobile phone on the armband, currency notes in a zip lock (to protect from the sweat), energy bars in the waist pouch and fitness tracker on the wrist; for the 21st century runner, it’s a case of ‘form follows function.’ Whether it’s a bandana or a cap, wrist band or a hair band; practicality overrides fashion. Every piece of clothing and accessory is to aid running.
It gets breezier as the run reaches Haji Ali Sea Face, a great relief given the fact that it’s now 10 past 8 and the sunlight’s getting intense. The uphill climb at Peddar Road is tough on the tired muscles but that’s the part which distinguishes serious from casual runners. But the downhill curve down the Kemps Corner towards Babulnath gives much respite. And that prepares you for the last big hurdle – the iconic Marine Drive. According to Raj, while the last 3 km. of Marine Drive might be a bit too much for some runners, for him and his team, this homestretch amidst the second largest congregation of art deco buildings outside is the best and the most refreshing part.
The run culminates at the edge of the Nariman Point opposite NCPA, as Raj Vadgama jogs alongside the last set of runners to make sure they keep going till the end. It’s now time to relax and cool down those tired muscles.
But don’t mistake relaxation to be a ‘sit down in shade and warm the benches’ act. It’s a sequential cool down and each muscle is given due respect. Raj lunges to relax his hamstring while the muscular-built Yousuf Sayeed grabs the light pole and stretches his back. Fellow runner Vikas Arora alternates between squats and calf raise to cool down the calves, glutei and quadriceps. Others follow their own routine giving attention to their weakest and most tired muscles.
The group takes a pause as the morning calm is broken by the noise of the recently-started hovercraft. Curious jaywalkers hurriedly unlocked their phones to capture the beast. As the craft disappears in to the horizon towards Girgaum Chowpatty, the peace is restored and the runners get back to their usual grind.
And now, it’s time to reward yourself to a healthy breakfast. As the saying goes, ‘A group that runs together, eats together’. Omlettes, sandwiches, fresh lime and juices filled the centre table of iconic Café Mondegar. There’s a stark contrast in the type of conversations taking place on the next table occupied by bikers who had just returned from their early morning ride. The running shorts and the biking jackets might be different ends of spectrum, but one thing’s common between both the groups: camaraderie.
After the carb-rich breakfast, it’s time to the team to head home and wait for the next day to repeat the process. But for Raj, the carb and protein building process continues throughout the day. He follows up the heavy breakfast with a regular lunch comprising of roti, vegetables, dal and rice. Being an eggetarian, he doesn’t have the liberty of red meat as a source of protein. He offsets this by having lentils and curd. According to Raj, “For vegetarians, it’s difficult to get 100% protein intake from vegetables. Though lentils is the best source of proteins, it’s only nourishes 50%, for the remaining 50%, you have to look to animal-based protein. If you’re a vegetarian, you can mix curd with lentils and that would a great combination to fulfill your protein requirement.”
Raj is not satisfied with only the morning run. To strengthen his core, he alternates between swimming and non-weights workout. Having practiced martial art for decades, he is already an expert at workouts and doesn’t need a specialized trainer to help him through.
It has taken Raj years to reach this stage where he can run 20-30 km at the drop of a hat. and be able to burn 1000-1500 calories every day and offset it with balanced nutrition. While everyone can’t do the same on their first day, remember, he too also started somewhere.
Raj Vadgama is currently training for the Wings For Life World Run which will take place on 3rd May, 2015 at Gurgaon. How far, do you reckon, he will run before the Catcher Car overtakes him? Let us know in the comments below.