Running can teach you things about yourself: Premdeep Gangadharan, Director, Fans on Stands

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.

Premdeep Gangadharan is a die-hard sports fan and ex-advertising professional. He is also the co-founder and director of India’s first dedicated sports tourism company – Fans on stands. Today, Premdeep talks to us about his love for sports and particularly running. Excerpts from the interview below:

How and when did you first start running?

I first started running back in college when I used to play basketball for a club in Mysore. I’d jog to the courts as a warm up and then hitch a ride back with the guys after practice. But I seriously took to running just before the first ever World 10K race in Bangalore. I trained in a group with fellow gym members and then took part in the race. The bug really caught me then, and I have continued ever since.

Which was the first run you participated in?

My first run was the Sunfeast World 10K. The excitement of that run and the trepidation of not knowing what to expect, whether I’d run the entire way, how long I’d take to finally finishing in a little over an hour, and feeling on top of the world. That is a feeling which only a fellow runner can truly understand!

How do you go about preparing for a run?

When you are a regular runner, 10K races are something you are always ready for. But leading up to the race, you try and run at least 3 times a week with a long run, tempo run and some speedwork thrown in, if you are the type looking at besting your own personal bests. This schedule is then tapered off a week before the run with no running involved atleast for 3-4 days before the race.

Do you follow a diet in preparation of a run?

Not specifically, but I try to load up on carbs before race day and also hydrate as much as possible before the race. Hydration is critical and I also carry a bottle of Gatorade with me during the race. I make it a point to take a sip periodically before I start to feel thirsty so as to avoid dehydration. Also, it helps avoid the rush at water stations.

What kind of kit do you use for running?

I use Puma idCELL running shoes, a waist bottle holder and my smartphone band, which is my must-have gear for running. Like I said before, I always have Gatorade with me while running, and on long runs I carry some glucose biscuits. Never really tried gels or supplements.

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

I have run the TCS 10K thrice. Last year, I ran the last 5KM in steadily faster kilometre splits, with the fastest being the 10th kilometre.

What are the other runs you participate in?

I plan to run the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon this year and the Kaveri Trail Marathon too. Otherwise, I have run only the TCS 10K.

What other sport do you play or follow?

I follow F1, MotoGP, football, cricket, basketball, golf and tennis. I play football twice a week, and the occasional game of cricket whenever I can.

Who is your favourite sportsman?

Too many to list here. But off the top of my head – Michael Schumacher, Michael Jordan, Valentino Rossi, Pele, Ronaldinho and Usain Bolt.

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

Try it out. Running can teach you things about yourself that even you didn’t know existed.

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