Running will change your life forever: N.S. Parthasarthy, Founder and COO, Mindtree

Sportskeeda is proud to present a brand new series – ‘CXOs on the run’. In this series, we converse with industry leaders, entrepreneurs and other high-profile personalities for whom running is a way of life, and how they manage to find time to pursue doing what they love the most.

Today, we are in conversation with the founder and COO of Mindtree Ltd – N.S Parthasarthy. In addition to having been part of the Indian IT industry for the last 23 years, Partha, as he is fondly called, is also an accomplished badminton player, having played the sport at the University level. 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?

I started running five years back, just for the heck of it. And, as they say, the rest is history. I only run half-marathons. I have done 15 half-marathons, including two international ones. I try to do about four every year.

Which was the first marathon you participated in?

My first marathon was the Bangalore Ultra; and I swore to myself that I would never run again. But looking at all the others enjoying it, I decided to continue and eventually start enjoying it myself.

How do you go about preparing for a marathon?

I normally do two months of training for a half-marathon. I try to run 25 kilometres every week and do at least two long runs of 18 kilometres before the run. Keeping injury-free by not overdoing it, and controlling my food and drinks are the other key aspects of preparation

Do you follow a diet in preparation of a marathon?

I don’t have any specific diet in preparation of a marathon.

What kind of kit do you use for running?

I use ASICS shoes. I love them and have been using them for all the five years I’ve been running. I carry my own drinks with me. I use Gatorade to hydrate myself. But I don’t take any supplements.

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

I have been participating in the TCK 10k from 2009 onwards. I try to encourage my family and colleagues to run as well. In the last two years, my wife and daughter have participated as well. This year, I am expecting about 200 of my colleagues from Mindtree to run, all of whom are training hard.

What are the other runs you participate in?

I have participated in marathons in Mumbai, Auroville, Bangalore Ultra, Hyderabad and Chennai. I also select one international run every year; I ran in Cologne in 2011 and Amsterdam in 2012. I’m not sure where I’ll be running in 2013.

What other sport do you play or follow?

Badminton and tennis are two sports that I play.

Who is your favourite sportsman?

Roger Federer is my favourite sportsman.

Do you have any message to our readers who wish to start running?

It’s a great way to make friends and keep fit. It is addictive and will change your life forever. Come on in.

Read the rest of our series here: CXOs on the run