Beyond the Stride: The story of SR

I have known Seetharam Rajamani (SR), or Seetharam Rajamani sir, as I like to call him, for about a year and a half now. The first thing that has always struck me about him is his incredible zest for life. He is perpetually full of energy, greeting everyone with a broad smile, and I often feel that his mind runs at a million thoughts per mile.

My earliest interactions with him were through social media, where he would regularly send encouraging messages whenever I posted about my runs. His genuine appreciation, warmth, and unwavering support make him one of those people whose positivity is impossible to miss.

But there is much more to SR than the runner we see crossing finish lines. As we spoke, my goal was to uncover the person behind the medals, the achievements, and the social media presence.

He is an accomplished runner, a devoted family man, a successful professional with over 25 years of rich corporate experience, and now an entrepreneur and a budding author.

I am delighted to share my conversation with Seetharam Rajamani.

Running, Corporate Life, and Entrepreneurship

Indrani: Today isn't about your medals or your books. Those are already public. I want to know the person who keeps showing up on ordinary Tuesdays, when there's no race, no applause, and no finish line.

Please complete this sentence for me:

"Running has made me more ______ and less ______."

SR: Running has made me more agile and less inactive.

Indrani: You? Inactive? That's hard to believe!

SR: My running journey began in 2014. At that time, almost every health parameter was moving in the wrong direction. I had gained a lot of weight, and my blood pressure had become so high that I was prescribed the maximum dosage of medication.

That was the moment I realized I had to take charge of my health. I knew it was time to address the problem.

Indrani: What scared you the most at that point?

SR: It was my health. There is a history of health issues in my family, and that made me more aware and mindful of where I was heading. I realized that if I wanted to live a healthy life, I had to address it before it was too late.

Though I was not new to sports, the daily grind of life sometimes takes over, and you lose focus on your health. During college, I regularly played tennis with my father, and running was already a part of my life. My father had a profound influence on me. He served in the Army, and discipline was simply a way of life for him. He had a routine, and I naturally grew up following it, whether it was going for a run or spending time on the tennis court together.

Indrani: I've noticed this in our earlier conversations too that your father seems to have had a tremendous impact on your life. Did you ever think of joining the Army yourself?

SR: I always wanted to. It was definitely on my mind, but somehow I never pursued it.  As I progressed through school and college, I found myself increasingly drawn to the corporate world.

I don't know if you remember the movie "Pretty Woman". Watching Richard Gere on screen, I remember thinking, "Wow, that's the kind of life I want." That was probably the first moment that influenced me to build a career in the corporate world.

Indrani: You've worn so many hats in your life: a family man, husband, father, corporate leader, entrepreneur, runner, and now an author. If you met someone who knew nothing about your background, how would you introduce yourself?

SR: I would simply say I'm a sports-loving person who is deeply passionate about what I do. Over the last few years, my entrepreneurial journey has become a major focus, alongside my love for running. Above everything else, my family remains my biggest priority. I find immense joy in supporting them and being a part of their growth.

Indrani: I've noticed that many serious runners eventually become entrepreneurs. Do you see a connection between the two?

SR: I think there is, and it evolves. Serious running demands a significant investment of time, and as you become more committed, the hours required for training increase. Balancing that with a demanding corporate career isn't easy. At least, that was my personal experience.

From 2014 to 2023, I was still working in the corporate world while pursuing running passionately. I didn't participate in too many races because of work commitments, but I followed my training plans consistently. Since I was in sales, my career in sales allowed me to visit many cities across India. Wherever work took me, my running shoes came along. Every morning, one hour would be dedicated to exploring the city and running. Whether it was Hyderabad, Jamnagar, or somewhere else.

Then, in 2023, I decided I wanted to take on the challenge of running in Ladakh. About two to three months before the event, I left my corporate job and dedicated myself completely to training. I completed the event, and it remains one of the defining moments of my running journey.

Indrani: If tomorrow your knees told you, "No more running. Ever." Who would you be?

SR: I'm an author as well, and I've been working on a few writing projects. I've already published two books, one of them as a co-author, and I would probably devote more time to writing. There are so many experiences from my life and my running journey that I'd love to share in greater depth.

Indrani: Do you ever miss your sales life… the thrill of chasing numbers and closing deals?

SR: Not entirely, because I'm still very much involved professionally. As a partner in my current venture, I look after business development and sales.

But after spending 25 or 26 years in the corporate world, you naturally start looking for something different. You need a change. That's where a passion like running enters your life. It gives you something to look forward to beyond work and brings a different kind of satisfaction.

Indrani: Tell me about your favourite races. Which ones stand out?

SR: Ladakh, without a doubt. Nothing comes close. The atmosphere, the mountains, the entire experience, it's simply unforgettable.

Indrani: Not even the Chicago Marathon 2025, your first international marathon?

SR: No. Chicago Marathon 2025 was incredible, but in a very different way. Ladakh wasn't about chasing a finish time. It was about soaking in the landscape, the mountains, and the sheer beauty of the course. It was an experience that stayed with me, and I'm sure I'll go back and run it again someday.

Chicago Marathon 2025 would definitely be my second favourite. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. The crowds, the energy, the excitement- you could feel it throughout the course.

Of course, I know I could have run a better race there. The weather in 2025 was much warmer than expected, and I think that certainly played a role in how the race unfolded.

Lessons from Running and Setbacks

Indrani: Have you ever crossed a finish line and felt... empty?

SR: Yes. In fact, a very recent memory comes to mind.

It was a CME, shortly after the Chicago Marathon 2025. Somehow, things just didn't go as planned. I started well, perhaps a little too fast. It could also have been the accumulated fatigue from the Chicago Marathon 2025, since the races were so close together. There were probably several factors at play.

Whatever the reason, I wasn't happy with the outcome. I had gone into the race full of enthusiasm, but by the end of it, I felt deeply disappointed. That's one race that still stands out in my recent memory.

Another difficult memory is the only DNF (Did Not Finish) of my running journey. It was many years ago, around 2016 or 2017, at an event called Vitarun for runners above the age of 45. I had trained well, but severe cramps forced me to stop at the 13-kilometre mark. Sometimes, despite all the preparation, race day simply doesn't go your way.

Indrani: How do you recover from those disappointments? How do you move on so quickly?

SR: I allow myself a day or two to reflect on what happened. I think about what went wrong, process the disappointment, and then I get back to training.

Indrani: Do you journal your thoughts after races?

SR: Yes, though probably not as consistently as I should. Journaling helps me understand where I went wrong and what I can improve. I usually write after major races, both to preserve the memories and to capture the lessons.

Indrani: What has age made you better at as a runner? And what has it taken away?

SR: Age has definitely made me a better runner….not necessarily from the perspective of pace, but in terms of maturity.

Today, I understand how to prepare for a race, how to handle difficult situations, and how to recover when things don't go according to plan. Those are lessons that only come with experience.

For the first several years of my running journey, I was a solo runner. It's only in the last couple of years that I've become part of a running group. Both experiences have shaped me in different ways.

Running alone taught me discipline and consistency. I always had my own training plans, and I made sure I followed them. Even if life got busy and I had to shift a workout, I never skipped it. That consistency has remained one of my biggest strengths.

One of the biggest lessons age has taught me is the importance of strength training. In my early years, from 2014 to around 2018, I hardly gave it any importance. My focus was entirely on running, especially while preparing for races like the Tata Mumbai Marathon.

Over time, I realised that you simply cannot keep running every day without building strength. If you want longevity in the sport, strength training isn't optional; it's essential.

Indrani: You've experienced both solo running and group running. What do you see as the advantages of each?

SR: Honestly, I enjoy both.

Solo running gave me self-discipline. It taught me to stay accountable without depending on anyone else. Even today, if work or family commitments force me to change my schedule, I make sure I don't miss the workout. That mindset was built during those years of training on my own.

A running group, on the other hand, offers something completely different. You're surrounded by people of different ages, abilities, and experiences. You learn from their journeys, not just your own.

Having a coach also makes a huge difference. You receive regular feedback on what's working and what needs improvement. We do our strength training together, motivate one another, and keep each other accountable.

Indrani: What's something the running community has become obsessed with that really doesn't matter?

SR: I'm fairly active on social media myself, but I have observed a lot of people in their early days of running post about their runs. For many new runners, it's a way to stay visible, stay accountable, and celebrate their progress. There's nothing wrong with that.

But over time, I've realised that the less you seek validation from social media, the better. I used to post much more in my early running days as well, but I've consciously toned it down.

What matters far more is your own self-analysis. Are you improving week after week? Are you becoming stronger, fitter, and more consistent? Those are the questions that really count

Indrani: If you could erase one running myth forever, what would it be?

SR: The belief that running alone is enough.

Many runners think that if they keep logging kilometers, they'll automatically become better runners. That's simply not true.

Strength training is essential. It's what keeps you injury-free, improves your running efficiency, and helps you stay in the sport for the long term.

This is one area where being part of a running group makes a huge difference. A good coach and a supportive group constantly educate and encourage you to include strength training in your routine. You also get to see the improvements in other runners, which reinforces just how important it really is.

Indrani: What's an opinion you've completely changed over the last ten years?

SR: Before I started running, I never really appreciated the importance of physical activity in everyday life. There was a long phase between my college years and my corporate career when exercise simply wasn't a priority. It was only after my health parameters deteriorated that I had a wake-up call.

Today, my opinion is completely different. The earlier you make physical activity a part of your life, the better. When we're young, we tend to believe our health will always be there. Most of us don't change until life gives us a jolt.

Indrani: What achievement impresses other people but means very little to you?

SR: Probably the number of years I've been running.

People often appreciate the consistency, but I don't see it as an achievement anymore. What began as a way to improve my health gradually became something I genuinely enjoyed.

Now, running is simply part of who I am. Wherever I travel, I carry my running shoes.  It's no longer something extraordinary. It's just my lifestyle.

Indrani: Have you ever experienced impostor syndrome?

SR: Not really. I've always believed that if a responsibility is entrusted to me, I'll give it my absolute best. That's something I learnt from my father. His approach was simple: whatever the task, do it to the best of your ability.

The one place where I do feel anxious, though, is the marathon.

I've completed only two full marathons, one at the Tata Mumbai Marathon and the other at the Chicago Marathon 2025. I'm naturally an impatient person, and that is the complete opposite of what a marathon is all about. The marathon rewards patience, restraint, and discipline over speed.

It's something I'm still working on. I enjoy the 10K, and I'm comfortable with the half marathon, but the full marathon continues to challenge me, not just physically, but mentally as well.

In a way, the fact that it took me eleven years of running before attempting my first full marathon says a lot. It was unfamiliar territory, and I'm still learning from it.

Indrani: What's the hardest lesson life has taught you that running never could?

SR: That success should never come at the cost of your values.

During my corporate career, especially while leading sales teams, there were times when the pressure to deliver numbers was immense. Looking back, some situations could have been handled differently. Sometimes, in the pursuit of targets, we pushed harder than we should have, and those decisions had consequences.

Experience has taught me that every professional eventually faces moments where they have to decide where to draw the line.

For me, the biggest lesson has been this: no achievement is worth compromising your integrity. Results matter, but values matter even more.

About Book and Legacy

Indrani: Do you realise that you're leaving behind a legacy? Your books, your words, they'll always be there.

SR: Honestly, I didn't fully realise it until my first book was finished.

The coach who guided me through the writing process said something that stayed with me. He told me, "Sales achievements are temporary. A book is forever."

My father was an author too and wrote four books. Even today, people remember them. Whenever someone discusses those subjects, his books are still recalled. That's when I truly understood that writing has a life far beyond the person who writes it.

Indrani: What did writing force you to admit to yourself?

SR: I started writing because I wanted to share my experiences, both from the corporate world and from running.

To me, the two journeys have many similarities. I also wanted to document, step by step, how to get in running. Another rewarding part of the process was speaking to six or seven other runners, interviewing them, and learning from their journeys as well. Their stories enriched my own perspective and made the book much more meaningful.

Indrani: Was there anything you intentionally left out?

SR: Yes.

Partly because of word limits, and partly because I felt some stories needed more space than I had.

There were several experiences from my corporate career that I wanted to include, especially around leadership, values, and knowing where to draw the line when you're under pressure to deliver results.

There were also a few important lessons from my running journey that I couldn't fit into the book. Perhaps they'll find a place in a future one.

Indrani: You've written books. You've delivered talks. You've done interviews.

Where do you draw the line between sharing your journey and promoting yourself?

SR: My primary intention has always been to share what I've learned.

If people remember me, I'd like it to be because something I experienced or shared helped them in some way. Promotion is only a by-product. If it happens, it happens naturally.

I'm already thinking about a couple of new writing projects, although they're still in the early stages. One idea a friend suggested was to write about the transition from a long corporate career into entrepreneurship, and how to prepare financially. t's something I'd like to explore when the time is right.

Indrani: And finally... what legacy do you hope survives?

SR: As of today, I'd like my running legacy to endure.

Writing is still a relatively new journey for me, and I hope it grows with time. But if people remember me as someone who inspired them to embrace running, stay healthy, and live with discipline and consistency, I'd consider that a legacy worth leaving behind.

Rapid Fire, Story Game and Final Reflection

Road or trail? Road. I haven't really explored trail running yet. To be honest, I'm a little wary of falls and injuries.

Morning or evening? Morning.

Solo or group? Both.

Music or silence? Silence.

Medal or memory? Memory.

Winning or finishing? Finishing.

Routine or adventure? Routine.

Discipline or joy? Discipline.

Failure or regret? Failure. You learn from failure. You must fail to succeed.

Books or podcasts? Podcasts.

Mountains or oceans? Mountains.

Chicago Marathon 2025 or Mumbai? Chicago Marathon 2025... but I'd love to run at least one marathon on every continent.

Coffee before or after a run? Anytime! Morning coffee is non-negotiable, and post-run coffee is a hundred percent mandatory.

Watch or feel? Both. But if I'm honest, I've become a little too dependent on my running watch. Sometimes I feel like I'm becoming a slave to the numbers instead of listening to my body.

Lead or follow? Lead.

Indrani: I'm going to give you one word. Tell me the very first thought or memory that comes to mind.

Father: "My greatest inspiration."

Failure: "A stepping stone to success. You have to fail to grow."

Fear: "None... except injuries."

Rain: "Enjoyable, but I'd still choose dry weather”

Finish Line: "Euphoria."

Home: "Fun with Family"

Silence: "Time with myself."

Pune:"A lovely city. It's been home for more than three decades."

Choose One

Lose every medal or lose every running memory?

SR: The medals can go. The memories stay.

Never write another book or never run another marathon?

SR: I'd choose writing another book. I've already realized that a full marathon is not something I want to keep punishing myself with! (laughs)

Indrani: What's the one question nobody has ever asked you... but you wish someone would?

SR: I'd love for someone to ask me about the experiences that shaped me, the lessons behind the journey.

People often ask about races, timings, or achievements. But I'd enjoy sharing the deeper learnings in detail, the mistakes, the decisions, and the moments that changed the way I think.

Closing statement

Indrani: Thirty years from now...Imagine your grandchildren discover this interview. What's the one sentence you hope they remember about you?

SR: Always keep moving. Keep moving forward consistently.

Set goals that are achievable, stay disciplined enough to work towards them every single day, and never stop growing.

Never stop.

 Seetharam Rajamani

Pune

Insta Handle @stride_with_seetharam