Run-Pod

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 Parade to participating in Operation Brahma—India’s humanitarian mission to earthquake-affected Myanmar in 2025—her journey is one of resilience, leadership, and service.As a runner, soldier, and surgeon, Maj Khullar shares how discipline, endurance, and purpose flow seamlessly through both her profession and her passion. Tune in for a story that is as inspiring on the ground as it is in stride.

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. Over the years, running has become his sanctuary, a space to reflect, to recover, and to just be.This episode is a calming counterpoint to performance-driven narratives—a conversation about running for joy, peace, and presence. It’s about lacing up not to chase time, but to find it.

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 to medicine and life. In this conversation, he reflects on the parallels between pushing physical boundaries during training and navigating the emotional and mental demands of his professional world.Whether you're a doctor, a runner, or someone finding meaning in motion, this episode is a reminder that some of life’s deepest truths come to us one step at a time.

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-distance running. For her, running isn’t a task — it’s transformation. As she puts it, “Running is my religion and my body is my temple.”She shares the joys of solitude, the lessons of endurance, and her belief that women are naturally gifted for the ultra format — backed by both science and spirit. With a Bronze finish in the HDOR 100-day challenge (1,755 km), and a mindset built on patience and resilience, her journey is a beautiful blend of science, self-belief, and soul.Tune in to hear what it means to thrive on EDSO, to fall, to rise, and to keep moving forward — one powerful step at a time.

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 motto: “Fall seven times, rise eight.” She shares what it means to lace up after every fall, to rebuild strength—physically and mentally—and to never let a pause become a full stop.Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just learning to get back up, this episode is a tribute to the quiet courage of showing up again.

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 night without a set destination, our guest embraces discomfort and finds joy in the unscripted. Audiobooks, cycling, and swimming add texture to the journey—but the real power lies in tuning into the body, not the stopwatch.This episode is for anyone who's ever questioned the rules, run for joy, or believed that the road doesn’t need to be conquered—it just needs to be travelled, freely.

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 diverse experiences. Whether it’s paragliding, surfing, hiking, or reading over 100 books in two years, his story is about embracing life fully while remaining grounded in motion.As he transitions out of the Forces, his reflections on movement, mindset, and the enduring lessons of long-distance running offer a masterclass in resilience and curiosity. This episode is an ode to those who find clarity in solitude, strength in routine, and freedom in every stride

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—and occasionally practicing medicine.” Tune in to hear how this spirited officer weaves running into her identity, and why for her, every mile is a step toward something deeper.

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.

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.