Running has been a cornerstone of my health journey, helping me stay active and push my limits. But I’ve also learned firsthand that there’s a fine line between running smart and overdoing it. This lesson was reinforced by the tragic stories of two colleagues who embraced running—only to pay the ultimate price.
A Shared Passion for Running
In 2013, I traveled to Bangalore, India, with three co-workers for a business trip. One of them was a fellow runner, and as we struggled with jet lag, we found ourselves hitting the hotel treadmill at odd hours. At first, it was 2 a.m., then 3 a.m., then 4 a.m., adjusting with each passing day. By the end of the trip, we had bonded over running, and our enthusiasm rubbed off on our two other colleagues.
Inspired by our experience, our colleague from Sweden, whom I will refer to as Johan, decided to train for his first marathon, while our colleague originally from Bangalore, whom I will refer to as Vikas, set his sights on a half marathon.
Tragedy Strikes Twice
Vikas joined a running club in preparation for his race, but during a summer training run in the Texas heat, he didn’t feel well. He went home to rest, but when he failed to show up at work on Monday, emergency responders found him at home—he had passed away from a heart attack in his mid-30s.
A year later, Johan, who had successfully completed his first two marathons, was training for a third. During a routine training run, he collapsed. It was another heart-related event, and tragically, he too did not survive.
Finding the Right Balance
As I shared in my previous post, I started running to stay healthy and avoid the fate of my grandfather who died of a heart attack at the age of 63. The loss of my colleagues to heart attacks while running shook me. I couldn’t help but wonder—had I encouraged something that led to their deaths? Could they have avoided these tragedies with more caution? Is a similar fate awaiting me?
What I’ve taken away from these experiences is the importance of balance. Running is an incredible tool for health, but pushing too hard, especially in extreme conditions, can be dangerous. I now prioritize smart training—following the 10% rule (not increasing mileage more than 10% per week), paying attention to how I feel, and respecting my body’s signals.
When I ran the Stockholm Marathon in 2023, I wasn’t aiming for a personal best. An injury had limited my training, and on race day, I reminded myself that my ultimate goal is longevity, not just finish times. Around mile 23, I saw another runner being carried away on a stretcher. That moment solidified my belief: running should enhance life, not jeopardize it.
Running Smart for the Long Haul
At the end of the day, I run not just to race but to be there for my family—to see my kids grow, to hopefully meet my grandchildren, and to enjoy an active, fulfilling life. So while I still push myself, I do so with mindfulness. Running should be a lifelong pursuit, not a fleeting obsession. The key is not just running—but running smart.
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