Start running and everything else will fall in place: Anil Viswanathan, VP Marketing, Cadbury Kraft India

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 Vice-President of Marketing, Cadbury Kraft India – Anil Viswanathan. A lifer at Cadbury and the father of a five-year-old daughter, Anil makes time for what he believes he was born to do – run. Excerpts below:

How and when did you first start running?

I was a sprinter in school & college. I started long distance running in 2004 after being inspired by a college junior and a couple of office colleagues.

Which was the first marathon you participated in?

The first marathon I participated in was the Mumbai Standard Chartered in 2004. The first half of the run was very, very difficult. I was wearing poor quality shoes and my legs were throbbing. I felt crowd support the most in this run. My first full marathon was the Mumbai Standard Chartered in 2010, which I struggled to finish.

How do you go about preparing for a marathon?

I am part of a running group called Striders. They are the heart and soul of my preparation. Training mostly comprises of building core strength, mileage, and capacity expanding runs – hills, sand and interval.

Do you follow a diet in preparation of a marathon?

I don’t follow any diet in particular. However, I do reduce my liquid consumption closer to the marathon!

What kind of kit do you use for running?

I train in Vibrams. I’ve been using Nike Frees for running since 2004. They are wonderfully light and help in the stride. Other than this, comfortable dry-fit clothing, incuding socks, t-shirts and socks, is a must. I mostly use whatever drink is made available in training.

What are the other runs you participate in?

I participate in the local Mumbai runs – Thane, Sanjay Gandhi etc. I participated at Amsterdam last year, and plan to run to Berlin this year.

What other sport do you play or follow?

I play squash, football and badminton. Saturdays and sometimes Sundays are dedicated to these sports.

Who is your favourite sportsman?

Roger Federer is my favourite sportsman. His effortlessness is inspiring to watch.

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

Anyone can run. We are born to run. Start running and everything else will fall in place – your body, your schedules, infrastructure, motivation – everything.

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