"Burn fat, not oil. Run": T. K. Sudhir, Founder of Scandent Pharmaceuticals

Sportskeeda is proud to present a brand new series – Runspiration. In this series, we converse with runners from across the country who have had health conditions in the past but by taking up running and related activities, have been successful in warding out those conditions. These are people who lead truly inspirational lives.

Today, we are in conversation with the founder of Scandent Pharmaceuticals – T. K. Sudhir. In February 2010, Mr. Sudhir was admitted to Jayadeva Institute for an angiogram. This was no drastic situation, but it came as a timely warning for Mr Sudhir, who weighed 108 kg and was a patient of diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems and gastritis. Mrs. Sudhir forced him to take up exercises and practise a strict diet, and following a few running regimes and diet control, Mr. Sudhir lost almost 20 kg within a span of six months, thereby reducing his diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems.

Gradual increase in day-to-day running has now made Mr. Sudhir a true runner. Here he chats with us about two of his favourite hobbies – keeping fit and having fun. Excerpts below:

How and when did you first start running?

While travelling to Mumbai one day, I happened to meet my friend Mr. Dharmendra. I told him about my running and after he had heard it all, he asked me to start running with RFL (Runners for Life). After coming back from Mumbai, I went for their fortnight run with him. I really enjoyed that day because we were running in a group.

I got close to Dharmendra and Gajendra from the group, and many others too. They asked me to up my level and start participating in competitive events. I took part in TCS’ 10K in 2012 and that’s where it all began.

Which was the first marathon you participated in?

My first full marathon was in fact an ultra-marathon, the Bangalore Ultra Marathon held in November 2012. It was 50 km long, and I clocked a time of 06:10:03. I was very happy indeed with my performance. It was tough, but I enjoyed it very much.

How do you go about preparing for a marathon?

I run 10 km everyday. On weekends, I run longer distances like 20 to 30 km. I run two stretches of 35 km before any marathon with my friend Gajendra.

Do you follow a diet in preparation of a marathon?

My diet mantra is simple: I don’t eat sugar, rice, oil and coconut. This is my routine. The day before the marathon, I eat daal and two rotis with little rice and if possible badam milk. I am a vegetarian and I don’t touch egg. I eat a lot of sprouts and lentils and dry fruits for protein.

What kind of kit do you use for running?

My running kit consist of shorts, a dry-fit T-shirt and shoes and when I travel – these accompany me. I don’t believe in diet supplements apart from drinking a lot of water.

How often have you participated in the TCS 10k run?

I started in 2012; this year was my second year.

What are the other runs you participate in?

This year, I did SCMM-FM (04:28:21), Auroville FM (04:48) and Mangalore HM (02:05:37).

What other sport do you play or follow?

I used to play cricket, football, badminton and table tennis during my school and college days.

Your favourite sportsman?

G. R. Vishwanath, and presently Rahul Dravid.

Any message to our readers who wish to start running?

1. Running is a mind game; it requires 9o per cent mental preparation and 10 per cent physical preparation. Hence, start running right now; do not postpone it for tomorrow.2. Running is the only antidepressant which is available free of cost.3. Burn fat, not oil. Run.