Sixty-year-old Jayendra Maniklal Deliwala is one among city’s many senior citizens who will be running Mumbai Marathon. Though Deliwala started running seven years ago, from the last two years he has been setting an example of how a bypass surgery is not an end of life.
Deliwala, who will run 21km in marathon for the eighth time, underwent a bypass surgery two years ago, but this has not deterred him from living a normal life.
In 2014, blockages were discovered in Deliwala’s heart in a routine check-up and he underwent a bypass.
“Stress test results were negative. So, the doctor suggested that I undergo an angiography, which revealed that I had two major blockages. So I underwent a surgery,” said Deliwala.
But neither age nor has the surgery crippled aspirations of this avid marathon runner. Deliwala was determined to get back to his normal routine post the surgery, unlike many others who think a heart surgery is end of their life.
Associated with Jolly Gymkhana in Ghatkopar from eight years, Deliwala began preparing for Mumbai Marathon and restarted exercising.
“I believe a heart surgery is not end of life. In fact it’s the new beginning. I use to run in marathon even before bypass, so I decided to run this year too,” said Deliwala.
In preparation for the marathon, Deliwala practices for one-and-a-half-hours for four days in a week. It includes stretching and running exercises. He also has to follow a diet which includes fruits and home-cooked vegetables.
“After bypass, I was advised to do minimum stretching and cardio. After sometime, I started running small distances in gymkhana and in my area by-lanes. I finished 21km of Mumbai Marathon in 2016 and now am ready for 2017 marathon,” he said.
Deliwala says his coach has played a vital role in encouraging him to start running marathons after surgery.
With this attempt, Deliwala wants to set an example of how one should nurture positive attitude towards life, even after a surgery.
“I want to spread awareness among people who suffer from heart diseases that it is not the end of life, so don’t be upset about it,” said Deliwala.
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