Run-Pod

In a rare and refreshing role reversal,  RunPod Episode 36  turns the spotlight inward. For the first time,  Brig J Muthukrishan, SM, VSM —the familiar host and commanding voice of RunPod—steps out from behind the microphone and into the interviewee’s chair. Leading the conversation are two young, dynamic long-distance runners,  Medical Cadets Zoha and Chaitanya , whose energy, curiosity, and endu...

In the 35th episode of  RUNPOD , hosted by  Brig J Muthukrishnan , we sit down with two exceptional medical cadets— Chaitanya Agarwal  and  Vikas Kumar —whose journeys exemplify endurance, consistency, and quiet grit. Chaitanya, a multiple-time marathoner and  SRTL 100 km finisher , also served as  Secretary of the AFMC Marathoners Club (2024–25)  and has played a key role in organizing college ru...

In this episode of  RunPod , we feature  Maj Srishti Khullar , commissioned into the  Indian Army Medical Corps in 2015 , an Ophthalmologist by training, and a para-qualified officer who’s earned her maroon beret through sheer determination and daring. From the snowy posts of East Sikkim to the surgical lights of AFMC, and from leading the  first-ever AFMS contingent at the 75th Republic Day Parad...

In Episode 33 of  RunPod , we welcome  Col Ashish Simalti (Retd) , a D2 batch alumnus of AFMC and a seasoned  paediatric intensivist , whose relationship with running is refreshingly personal. For him, running is not about mileage, medals, or medical metrics— it’s an indulgence , not an obligation. It's a quiet rebellion against pressure, a return to self when the world turns overwhelming. Ove...

In Episode 32 of  RunPod , we welcome  Maj Pranshu Agrawal , a B3 batch alumnus, long-distance runner, and committed physician whose strides on the road echo far beyond the finish line. For Maj Pranshu, running has been more than a sport—it’s been a teacher. Through countless kilometers, he has embraced the lessons of  resilience, patience, and perseverance , qualities that now shape his approach...

In Episode 31 of  RunPod , we feature  Col (Dr) Shivani Sangwan , a pathologist and a K2 batch alumnus of AFMC. Trained in cytogenetics and posted at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, she brings the same precision and discipline from the lab to the long run. From  Half Marathons and Full Marathons  to the  gruelling 100 km Border Ultra , Col Shivani is now venturing deeper into the world of ultra-distanc...

In the 30th episode of  RunPod , we’re joined by  Gp Capt Pragya Sharma , an oncopathologist from AFMC and a proud alumna of the H2 batch. Her running journey has been anything but linear—marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in bouncing back. From injury setbacks to recovery, and from frustration to finish lines, her story is stitched together by a simple but powerful mott...

In this offbeat and thought-provoking episode of  RunPod , we meet Lt Col (Dr) Sreevatsa T , a runner who defies conventional playbooks. No obsession with personal records. No fixed training distances. No gels, gadgets, or hydration rituals. Just purpose, curiosity, and instinct. Whether it’s  pausing mid-run for a photo ,  fueling with a minimalist one-meal-a-day diet , or  running through the ni...

n Episode 28 of  RUNPOD , we dive deep into the remarkable journey of  Surg Lt Cdr B Sai Pavan Kumar , an alumnus of AFMC’s A3 batch, Aquatics and ICSR captain, and currently a  Submariner in the Indian Navy . From morning runs at AFMC that instilled discipline and purpose, to navigating unpredictable deployments at sea, Sai Pavan shares how  running has been his compass —anchoring him through div...

In this episode of  RunPod , we meet  Dr Pratyusha Yedla , an alumnus of AFMC’s A3 batch and a passionate runner whose journey began in 2016. What started as short sprints has turned into a lifelong rhythm — of chasing distance, finding clarity, and staying grounded through movement. With a characteristic wit, she shares how she now spends most of her time “running—away from the humdrum of life—an...

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 th...

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...

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 tru...

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 R...

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 j...

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 share...

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 d...

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 o...

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 d...

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 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...

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 resil...

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...

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 overcomi...

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 Ad...