Run-Pod

In this episode, we feature Nursing Cadet Sandhya Uniyal, a passionate runner who discovered her stride amidst the rigors of nursing college. From casual runs to clocking an impressive 21 km half-marathon in just 2 hours and 6 minutes, her journey is a reflection of grit, balance, and self-belief.

Running became more than just a physical pursuit—it became Sandhya’s anchor, helping her navigate academic pressures and personal growth. Join us as she shares how discipline, passion, and purpose turned every mile into a story of resilience.

In this inspiring episode, we meet Lt Col Smitha Thadathil, an Armed Forces nursing officer, educator, and passionate long-distance runner. While running was always part of her younger years, it was in 2016 that she truly embraced it—as a powerful response to life's challenges. Since then, she has completed five full marathons and numerous half-marathons, each race a testament to her resilience, discipline, and inner strength.

For Lt Col Smitha, running is not just a sport—it’s a way of life. It has shaped her identity, fortified her perseverance, and been a steady source of growth and self-discovery. Her story is one of determination, transformation, and the sheer will to keep moving forward—one mile at a time.

In this episode, Brig Dr J Muthukrishnan is joined by Dr Bernard Rodrigues, an alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College and a runner who finds balance and clarity in motion. Introduced to fitness during his college days, Dr Bernard has carried that joy into his daily life, making time for running and cycling amidst the demands of career and personal growth.

Join the conversation as he shares how the road has been a steady companion through the changing seasons of life.

In this thought-provoking episode, Brig Dr J Muthukrishnan sits down with Col Jafar Husain, a paratrooper, general surgeon, and minimal access surgery specialist whose life has been anything but ordinary. A sports enthusiast, swimmer, recreational scuba diver, and Tae Kwon Do green belt, Col Jafar embodies a lifelong commitment to pushing limits—physical, mental, and philosophical.

From overcoming the grip of smoking to balancing perfectionism with purpose, he shares candid reflections on discipline, change, and the personal journey toward wholeness. Running, for him, is more than a sport—it's a metaphor for living deliberately in a constantly changing world.

This episode is a reminder to pause, reflect, and keep moving forward—one stride at a time.

In Episode 12 of Runpod, we dive headfirst into the world of adrenaline, endurance, and exploration with a guest who wears the uniform by day and lives for adventure every chance he gets.

An Intensivist in the Indian Navy, he ran his first half marathon in 2005, a full in 2014, and became an Ironman in 2016. But his journey doesn’t stop at finish lines. As part of the Navy team in the grueling Adventure Race World Series 2019, and a passionate pursuer of extreme sports like wave surfing, skiing, and diving — both free and scuba — he thrives where most fear to tread.

This episode is an inspiring conversation about embracing discomfort, chasing high-altitude and deep-sea thrills, and living a life that constantly tests the limits of endurance and spirit.

In Episode 11 of Runpod, we bring you the story of grit, reinvention, and relentless passion with Dr (Brig) A Jairam — a distinguished nephrologist, former Army officer, and endurance athlete who proves that it’s never too late to chase greatness.

After 31 years of dedicated service in the Army Medical Corps, Dr Jairam transitioned to academia as Professor of Nephrology at St. John’s Medical College and Hospital. But it was at the age of 45 that he discovered his love for long-distance running — a journey that has since taken him across 8 full marathons and numerous half marathons.

In the last couple of years, he’s plunged into new waters — quite literally — embracing swimming and conquering his first sprint triathlon in 2024. Now, with unwavering focus, he’s training for the ultimate test of endurance: Ironman 70.3.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about discipline, transformation, and the quiet power of starting late but finishing strong. Dr Jairam's story is a reminder that age is just a number — and the human spirit, limitless.

In Episode 10 of Runpod, we are joined by an exceptional guest whose life exemplifies both precision in science and passion on the road — Air Commodore Dr T V S V G K Tilak, Consultant (Medicine) & Medical Oncologist at Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru.

A decorated medical professional with a string of academic laurels and global recognitions, Dr Tilak's contributions span cutting-edge oncology, international research, and innovative medical patents. But beyond the white coat lies a relentless endurance athlete — a marathon runner, long-distance cyclist, and certified open-water scuba diver.

Join us as we explore the rare fusion of military discipline, medical excellence, and athletic grit. From navigating the complex world of cancer care to chasing finish lines on foot and two wheels, Dr Tilak shares what keeps him grounded, driven, and constantly moving forward.

This episode is a deep dive into the art of balance, resilience, and the power of movement — both in science and in sport.

In this inspiring episode of Runpod, we welcome Dr (Col) Sandeep Karunakaran – Scientific Director & Senior Consultant at Apollo Fertility, academic leader, entrepreneur, and a man who found his true calling through the quiet rhythm of solitary running.

Once a passionate sportsperson, a severe knee injury in 2003 brought his athletic life to a halt. But years later, amidst the solitude of the 2020 lockdown, he began a transformative journey — from brisk walks to marathons, and from battling BMI to embracing mindful miles.

Tune in as he shares how running became his sanctuary, a path to healing, self-discovery, and resilience. With nearly 80 half marathons (most of them unpublicized) and a silent commitment to self-growth, Dr Karunakaran redefines what it means to run — not for records, but for reflection.

This is a story of endurance, evolution, and finding your ikigai.

In this episode, Brig Dr J Muthukrishnan speaks with Col Rajesh Adhau, SM (G)—a decorated officer, sports medicine specialist, and endurance athlete whose journey spans battlefields, mountain summits, and marathon finish lines.

Commissioned in 1997, Col Adhau served as the Regimental Medical Officer during the Kargil War with 13 JAK RIF (PVC), a chapter of his life that found its way into two acclaimed films: LOC – Kargil and Shershah. Beyond his military service, he has summitted several Himalayan peaks including Mt Bhagirathi-II and Leo Pargil, and set records through grueling motorcycle expeditions across India's highest passes.

A passionate runner, he has participated in numerous full and half marathons, ultra-distance events like the Khardung La Challenge (72 km) and the 164 km Kargil Ultra, and continues to pursue fitness as a way of life.

Join us as he shares insights on resilience, discipline, and how the spirit of service seamlessly blends with the rhythm of running.

In this extraordinary episode of RunPod, Brig (Dr) J Muthukrishnan welcomes Dr Arashdeep Singh, a physician currently serving in Chennai, whose journey from mountain peaks to marathon podiums is nothing short of legendary.

A qualified mountaineer, Arashdeep began his adventure journey through cycling expeditions and high-altitude climbs. But in 2022, after relocating to high altitude, he discovered a new love—long-distance running. What followed was a test of human endurance in some of the harshest conditions on Earth: frigid temperatures, oxygen-deprived air, and the constant threat of altitude illness.

Highlights from his journey include:
🏅 Guinness World Record for completing the highest frozen lake marathon on Pangong Lake (14,000 ft) in 2023
🥇 Back-to-back finishes in two of the toughest ultramarathons in the world:

• Khardung La Challenge (72 km)

• Silk Route Ultra (122 km)

In this episode, Dr Arashdeep shares:
❄️ What it’s like to run in the death zone – facing physical and psychological extremes.
🧠 The intersection of medicine and endurance – how these adventures reshaped his outlook as a doctor.
💡 Lessons from the edge – resilience, risk, and redefining one’s limits.
🔥 What drives a man to keep running when every step is a challenge to survival?

🎧 Tune in to witness a mind-blowing story of courage, cold, and conquering the impossible.