Inspirational senior - Mr. Surendra Dasadia- Staying fit at 79 by running and walking

 

After running his first 21kms in 2012

When we are impressed by some people in our lifetimes, it's usually because they show us what we ourselves have the potential to become. If we had their discipline, grit, the never give up attitude, then we could also achieve some fame and glory. This thirst to be thrilled by someone else's achievements can boil down to the fact that most of us lack the discipline to do something regularly, to expend energy into perfecting, let alone mastering any skill. We are masters of procrastination and our mental patterns always slide back to what's easy.

One man has stood out in the last ten years of my life of learning to respect my body and cultivate a healthy lifestyle. While I was out there running, hiking and learning to dance, there was someone in my friend's circle who was also on a similar journey. Except that this gentleman started his journey to good health after a heart-bypass surgery after he turned 66!

Let me introduce you to the resilient and determined Mr. Surendra Dasadia, a 79 year old resident of Dadar, Mumbai. Mr. Dasadia or Surendra Uncle as I call him is my school friend's father-in-law. She had spoken about his achievements over the years in our school group.

After being operated at the Asian Heart Hospital in Bandra in 2009, Surendra Uncle joined the Cardiac Rehab department of the same hospital. He made 'friends' there. These people were patients like him who were now on the journey of learning how to care for their bodies and their hearts. For over five years, he would work out generally with his buddies from 6 to 7am. At 7am, the doctors on duty would make him and the others work out on the machines like the treadmill, indoor cycles and ellipticals. They were trained and surveilled using light free weights. This routine was part of what is called the stress echo test health routine.

As his health improved and he started feeling confident, Surendra Uncle started walking outdoors and wanted to start running in events. Dr. Contractor gave Mr. Dasadia the green signal after which he ran the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in 2011 and completed 7kms! As he finished the race, Surendra Uncle decided that he would race for the half marathon distance or 21kms the next year. And he did just that from 2012 all the way to 2020. Mr. Dasadia has since completed 17 half marathons in different events in India. He has been featured as an inspirational man in his seventies in Gujarati and English Newspapers.

Since 2020, Surendra Uncle has walked and run the Tata Mumbai marathon for distances of 10kms. Minor health issues notwithstanding, he still trains at the Asian Heart Hospital three times a week, waking up at 4.30 am and traveling to Bandra to do this. On three other days, he wakes up at 6 am and walks or runs with his neighbourhood buddies.  His age defying fitness routine can keep us stumped.

Banner in the Asian Heart Hospital

Uncle points out that age is not a factor when it comes to health. He humbly mentions that his local group has 12 members who are above 80 and they train alongside to stay in good health. "One has to exercise by running or walking daily to keep yourself healthy" is his advice for me and you. All it takes really is a bit of consistency, discipline and the will to get moving. The question is really are you upto it?

Hindustan Times 14th Jan 2012

Since July 2011, Mr. Dasadia trains with the coach and members of the Zipper Club. This is a club of active seniors which comprises mostly of heart bypass patients. Mr. P. Venkataraman, who is also a survivor of the bypass operation acts as the coach and driving force of the club.

Mr. P. Venkataram busy with the Zipper Club members

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