Running helps break one's goals into smaller milestones: Sheran Mehra, Group Strategic Marketing & Communications Head, DBS Bank India

Sheran Mehra has been running for almost a decade now. She is no stranger to running. Back in school, she used to be a sprinter. But an injury in her teens meant that she had to slow down. Also, Bhopal in the early 1990s where she grew up was a sleepy, small-town that was yet to be kissed by the Internet, fast-paced economic growth and advancement. Infrastructure - running tracks, awareness, availability of running gear - was not readily available, leading her to shelve her sprints.

Ten years on, it was her boss at Barclays who helped Mehra re-discover her love for the road. Initially, she started running in a small group on Sundays, clocking seven-and-a-half kilometres. In 2009, Mehra institutionalised her passion by joining a running group in Mumbai called The Striders.

"Joining The Striders helped me channel my running energies. There was encouragement and enthusiasm to excel as a group of people from different occupations and backgrounds came together for a common passion," Mehra says, while recalling her stint with the group.

And the collective love paid off. Mehra made her marathon debut in Singapore in 2010, signing off at 4 hours and 57 minutes.


Mehra trains throughout the year, and prior to an event, she follows an intensive 16-week programme.

"Running in a group can be uplifting. It gives a sense of harmony and helps each one to push their limits in order to reach their goal," she adds.

And pushing one's limits is something that she is familiar with. Mehra, who happens to be the head of group marketing at DBS, feels that running holds some important corporate lessons for executives. Apart from breaking one's goals into smaller milestones, it helps solve business problems, and defines objectives and targets. With a finish line in mind, every complex challenge can be broken down into simpler units.

Quite the seasoned runner, Mehra, has run across latitudes. From Mumbai to Singapore and New York and Amsterdam, this mother and executive has done it all. So, which remains her favourite running haunt?

"It was a treat to have run in New York. Apart from being impeccably organised, the crowd was extremely well-behaved and supportive. And the weather was just meant for running," she says, laughing.

But does a marathon participation mean especially upping the training programme?

Not really, says Mehra. For her the training happens through the year, and prior to an event, she follows an intensive 16-week programme that helps her prepare physically and mentally.

"I follow the module of enhancing load and mileage levels four days a week. I also do other strengthening exercises," she adds.

Mehra believes in a carb-rich diet with generous doses of protein and nuts before a run. For this busy executive, having a regimented life has helped. Her day begins with a run at 4:30 a.m. in the morning, and then heading off to work at 7:30 a.m. And in this clockwork life, most socialising happens over morning runs.

"I am an early riser and lead a disciplined life. During the week, I do a three-hour training run in the mornings. Weekends, however, are devoted to longer runs," says Mehra.

And it helps to have company. Mehra often runs with her husband - the head of marketing at Sony TV - whom she has managed to convert four years ago. And this time at the NY marathon, where she managed to better her own previous record at 4 hours and 8 minutes, the couple ran together, cheered by their son.

For this busy top executive by the day, there seems to be nothing better than a round of running to help her strike work-life balance.

"With running, the mind becomes clear and the next milestone in life doesn't appear completely unsurmountable," she says, with much pride in her voice.

And while there have been moments that have sometimes raised self-doubts, quitting has never been an option.

"Running is like a mindgame. You have to forget what has happened earlier and keep pushing the boundaries. You may be tired but never give up till you reach the finish line," Mehra says.

Perseverance, patience and the art of making the impossible, possible - for Sheran Mehra, life is a running track.

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