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Parag Kulkarni is the Sr.Vice President & Business Head, Commercial Lighting & Furniture Business at Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting Group. Aged 46, he is father of two and has been with Wipro for the last 20 years and is Bangalorean for the last 10 years. He is a jogging enthusiast, goes to the gym regularly and plays weekend tennis as well. In fact, he has played University level Tennis at the All India Inter Universities during his college days. We had the opportunity to catch up with him and here are the excerpts of the interview:
When and how did you first start running?
I took it up about 5 years back. I was a walking enthusiast before that, regular at walking for the last 15 years before that. I played tennis, badminton and other sports before that at school and college level. Jogging came naturally to me and I strated enjoying it, first at the gym on the treadmill and later on the lanes and roads of Koramangala, which to me is a far more pleasurable experience considering the greenery, serenity and openeness of the space available here. It’s terrific to connrct with nature like this early morning, hear the birds chirp and enjoy the terrific Bangalore weather. Now I am a die hard jogger with my sneakers tucked in to my travel bag wherever I go. I enjoy jogging in different cities in India and outside as it helps you understand and connect with that place better.
Can you recall your first marathon?
It was a few years back at TCS World 10K. I just fell in love with the atmosphere, the energy, the enthusiasm of even those who were not running but cheered from the sidelines – it was terrific. The realisation that I could do a 10K was fantastic. I had my young son participating too and that made it even more memorable. I targeted a finish of under an hour, and I guess I just managed that. With the current levels at 53 – 54 mins for 10K, I seem to have improved.
How do you go about preparing for a marathon?
I do my regular weight training in the gym; that’s important. But I cut weight training time a bit and devote slightly more time to cardio – essentially running to increase my stamina and also to get my body get used to a longer run. I start this about 45 days before the run – spend more time running outdoors, on the roads, to get used to the conditions. I do a 40 minute run about 8-10 times in the 45 days before the 10K run to get acclimatised to a longer duration (that’s possibly the maximum that time permits with your regular work).
Do you follow a diet in preparation of a marathon? If yes, describe it.
Nothing specific, but definitely stay off any unhealthy food. Eat light to ensure you feel fit and fine and also eat less outside.
Can you take us through your running kit? For example, shoes, outfit, drinks, supplements, etc.
To me, simple things like good shorts and a good tee is very important to feel nice, light and flexible in them. Running shoes are also very important – they have to be light, should support your ankle and you must get used to it. What I mean is that, in case you are going to try a new shoe, you must run in it a good dozen times before you embark on your Marathon. Don’t buy a new shoe a day before the event and try and run in that. It might not be the right way to handle a run like this.
How often have you participated in the TCS 10K run? Any highlights?
Three times. Last year was hot and humid. I think the previous evening it had drizzled a bit and hence by 8, when the run starts, it was quite sunny and muggy. I thought it was going to be difficult, and around the 4km mark, it was getting harder with the sun beaming as if it wanted to test us all. I then found ahead of me a young ex pat and a couple of forces runners running and decided to tag them and keep pace with them. It was a master stroke as I was able to take my mind off the weather and had a goal to stay in touch with them, and they maintained a nice pace. Ultimately, it helped me improve my timing significantly to 54 minutes and a 500 finish at the end.
What are the other runs you participate in?
Spirit of Wipro run, which is an annual event at Wipro. It’s equally good and well managed.
What other sport do you play or follow?
Lawn Tennis is my favourite and I use the weekends to have a good game of tennis.
Who is your favourite sportsman?
Many, but when it comes to Athletics, it’s Usain Bolt.
Do you have any message for our readers who wish to start running?
It’s never too late. I started post 40 and have only improved. I think it’s a fantastic way of keeping fit and if you run outdoors, it also helps you keep in touch with nature
