Run-Pod

In this heartening episode of RunPod, we welcome Brig (Dr) Debajyoti Bhattacharya (Retd), a humble yet remarkable veteran, a pulmonologist of national repute, whose running journey began with a self-trained half marathon back in 2012 at Pune. After a long break, he’s laced up again and now regularly conquers 10K runs, eyeing another half marathon soon.

Though he modestly claims he’s “not in the league like the other guests,” his return to distance running later in life is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a story of quiet discipline, self-belief, and the enduring love for staying healthy through movement.

Join us as we explore what it takes to restart, rebuild, and reclaim joy on the roads — no matter your age or pace.

In this extraordinary episode of RUNPOD, we bring you the story of Brig Rajesh Kakkar, an accomplished rheumatologist, veteran officer, and now a determined marathoner who redefined the meaning of resilience. Born in 1952 and having braved the storm of ischemic heart disease, angioplasty, and a triple-vessel CABG in 2021, Brig Kakkar laced up his running shoes at the age of 71 — and hasn’t looked back since.

With regular 10K runs already part of his routine, he’s now training for his first Half Marathon this August at AFMC, proving that starting lines don’t come with age limits. For him, running isn’t about speed or distance — it’s about health, longevity, and living with purpose.

Tune in for an episode that celebrates the power of the human will, the joy of second chances, and the quiet strength of a man running not just against the odds — but joyfully with them.

In this introspective episode of RUNPOD, we meet Dr. Himanshu Motalaya — a long-distance runner, cyclist, and occasional swimmer — whose journey through miles mirrors his journey through life. Having conquered numerous half marathons, two full marathons, and a grueling 100 km ultramarathon, Dr. Himanshu shares how running has reshaped not just his body but his entire way of living.

A true believer in David Goggins' mantra "embrace the suck", he dives into how endurance sports have taught him discipline, patience, and the quiet strength of consistency. As an introvert, he speaks powerfully about the peace and power found in solitude — where the only sound is his breath, his stride, and the hum of inner focus.

This episode is a tribute to those who lace up not for the podium, but for purpose — for clarity, for resilience, and for the strength found in silence.

In this powerhouse 23rd episode of RUNPOD, we spotlight a dynamic and multidimensional cadet who truly embodies the spirit of endurance, excellence, and leadership. From being the Inter-Collegiate Sports Representative Secretary of the prestigious Racquets Club, to clinching the Best Outgoing Sports Person award, his journey is etched with dedication and decorated with distance.

A Super Randonneur with cycling feats of 600, 400, 300, and 200 km, a college record holder in hybrid cycling, and a fierce contender in the Ultra Trail 100K mountain run, he has also clocked 9 full marathons, 3 ultra marathons, and two jaw-dropping Run to Moon events with 258 km and 235 km logged!

From theatre to aquatics, and racquets to resilience, his story is not just about sports—it’s about pushing limits, making every kilometer count, and living life with unstoppable momentum.

Tune in to get inspired by this cadet who runs with purpose, cycles with power, and leads with passion.

In this energizing episode of RUNPOD, we meet Medical Cadet Abhida Barretto, a final-year MBBS student at AFMC, whose running journey is more than just personal bests—it’s about belonging, balance, and building resilience. From the football field to the marathon track, from sprinting to gardening, Abhida brings a rare blend of grit and grace to everything she pursues.

Running, for her, isn’t just a sport—it’s a discipline, a support system, and a way of life. Tune in to discover how she channels focus from the track into all aspects of life and how the running community has become her second home.

In the 21st episode of RUNPOD, we bring you the vibrant and versatile journey of Medical Cadet Zoha Fatima, a final-year MBBS student at Armed Forces Medical College. What began as a way to break the monotony soon turned into a passionate pursuit—running became her rhythm, her peace, and her path to personal growth. From podium finishes in half marathons to completing a full marathon, Zoha shares how she balances the rigor of medical school with a kaleidoscope of interests—writing, debating, cycling, and more.

Join us as we dive into the story of a young woman who runs not just for fitness, but to fuel every other passion she brings to life.

Lt Col Ajay Tyagi – a dedicated Community Medicine specialist and a committed distance runner who began his running journey in 2022 with his first half marathon. Since then, he has completed three HMs, all in Lucknow, with a personal best of 2 hours and 1 minute.

Despite a brief challenge with a back injury earlier this year, he bounced back through consistent exercises—never letting the setback derail his discipline. His weekly routine includes short weekday runs and long weekend workouts, often on two wheels!

Running has transformed him, instilling greater discipline, self-control, and patience in both personal and professional spheres. A firm believer in consistency over mileage, he reminds aspiring runners: “Daily routine matters more than long runs.”

Stay tuned to hear how Lt Col Tyagi balances fitness, family, and fieldwork—one stride at a time. 🏃‍♂️💪

Gp Capt (Dr) Renu Rajguru (Retd), a decorated veteran and senior medical administrator, running is more than just physical exercise—it’s a daily ritual of renewal. As the Medical Superintendent and Head of ENT at AIIMS Raipur, her days are intense and demanding. But every morning run gives her the strength to face them head-on.

She shares how lacing up her shoes each dawn helps her "run out" of the negativity of yesterday and welcomes each new day with energy and optimism. In this conversation, we explore how running empowers her to lead with clarity, serve with resilience, and live with joy.

Tune in to hear a powerful story of balance, discipline, and the quiet strength that comes from showing up for yourself—every single day.

An accomplished ENT and Skull Base Surgeon and proud AFMC alumnus, Surg Cdr Rahul Naga began his running journey in 2019 with a simple goal: regain fitness and lose a few kilos. But what started as a health pursuit quickly became a way of life.

In 2022, a back injury forced a pause, but not an end. With quiet resilience and steadfast grit, he returned to the roads—stronger, wiser, and more determined. For him, running is no longer just about distance or speed; it’s a daily sanctuary, offering peace, purpose, and perspective.

In this episode, join us as we explore how one man transformed a setback into a comeback and found in running not just health—but healing.

A doctor by profession and a recreational runner by passion, Dr Abhilasha Rai embodies grit, growth, and the joy of pushing beyond limits.

Her running story began modestly with a 5K at AFMC—but quickly gathered pace. From her first half marathon in 2019, she’s gone on to complete her first official full marathon at Tata Mumbai Marathon, and never looked back.

2024 marked a milestone year in her running journey—completing the PROSLAM series, conquering the Rohtang Epic 50 miler, braving the altitude of Khardungla Challenge 72 km, and enduring the formidable Border Hell Race 100 km.

In this episode, Dr Abhilasha shares the mental, physical, and emotional highs and lows of long-distance running while balancing the demands of a medical career. Tune in as she reflects on the power of persistence, the magic of the mountains, and her dream to keep exploring what lies ahead—just under her two feet.