There's an age-old saying, "Life is not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up." Dr. S. N. Sethi is the living embodiment of this belief. Today, we dive deep into the enthralling story of a man who, despite age and adversity, didn't just get back up but ran miles, inspiring millions. Meet Dr. Somanath Sethi, a 71-year-old physician with an unstoppable spirit.
Before a life-altering accident, Dr. Sethi was a celebrated athlete in Haryana, consistently securing top positions in races. However, his world took a dramatic turn post-accident. Despite the challenges, his journey didn't end there. It was a competitor who first introduced him to marathons. This suggestion marked the beginning of a new chapter in Dr. Sethi's life, filled with extraordinary achievements and profound life lessons.
Dr. S. N. Sethi's story is one of unparalleled resilience, where physical limitations were defied by an indomitable spirit. His journey serves as a stirring reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, and no hurdle is insurmountable.
The Scientific Backing: Run, Even a Little!
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." - Arthur Ashe
At the recent CME INDIA presentation, Dr. Sethi, a distinguished MD in Medicine from Kurukshetra, underscored the potent health benefits of running. With robust scientific evidence, he advocated that even a brief 5 to 10-minute daily run at moderate speeds can be a game-changer. Especially in countering cardiovascular diseases, a menace that's been gripping the global community.
From Passion to Obsession: The Running Saga
"It's not about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." - Rocky Balboa
Imagine this: A severe road accident in 2011, multiple fractures, a long bedridden stint, and a grim prognosis to never run again. But for Dr. Sethi, running wasn't merely an activity; it was his lifeblood. The accident did put a pause but couldn't erase his love for race walking and marathons.
The Rise, The Fall, and The Rise Again
As life's unpredictable tides hit, Dr. Sethi faced a devastating challenge. A severe road accident, multiple fractures, and bleak predictions – many would have seen this as the end of the road. But for Dr. Sethi, it was a detour. A detour that led him to more significant victories and unparalleled grit. As he rightly puts it, "The more I do, the more I realize that I AM AT THE TIP OF ICEBERG."
Against all odds, Dr. Sethi not only returned to the running tracks but blazed them! Participating in over 160 marathons, including ultra ones and half marathons, his journey is a testament to sheer willpower and tenacity. Winning accolades like the third position in the prestigious Standard Chartered marathon and a bronze in the TUFFMAN HALF MARATHON, Dr. Sethi continues to inspire countless souls.
The Marathon Man
Completing 16 full marathons and ultra-marathons in just six months is no mean feat. Dr. Sethi didn't just participate; he excelled, evident from his 2021 Virtual Boston Marathon performance. To him, running isn't just a hobby; it's his lifeblood, his elixir.
In the words of Winston Churchill, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Dr. Sethi embodies this spirit, encouraging us all to push our boundaries, strive for more, and above all, never give up. After all, the race of life isn't about the start or the finish, but the journey in between.
Among the marathons that Dr. Sethi has graced, the Boston and Singapore marathons remain close to his heart. The Boston Marathon especially was a notable achievement where he secured the 31st rank in the 70-75 age category.
Dr. Sethi reminisces about his college days when he regularly clocked distances ranging from five to ten kilometers, earning the moniker of 'race walker' champion. His belief that "God has endowed us with immense capabilities that are perhaps seldom utilized to their full potential" fuels his enthusiasm.
The transition from 10km races to marathons seemed daunting at first. Yet, in 2015, with encouragement from Mr. Paramjit Singh, a retired DGP of the Border Security Force, Dr. Sethi participated in the Bombay Marathon. To his own surprise, he clinched the third position, igniting a newfound passion for marathon running.
A Phoenix from the Ashes: The Road to Recovery
When the world saw his broken bones, Dr. Sethi saw an unbroken spirit. From the confines of his bed to walking races and eventually marathons, he exemplified the spirit of a phoenix rising from its ashes. Participating in walking races in 2015, four years post the accident, he's shown that tenacity can overcome the grimmest prognosis.
The Pillars of His Success
"Success is no accident. It's hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing." - Pelé
Dr. Sethi's incredible comeback wasn't just fueled by his passion but also his disciplined lifestyle. A combination of yoga, regular sleep, strength training, swimming, and of course, his beloved running, sculpted his road to recovery. He's a living testament to the idea that harnessing our God-given potential can lead to miracles.
Excellence in Academics: A Life of Achievements
"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." - Bobby Unser
Parallel to his marathon feats, Dr. Sethi's academic laurels shine brightly. Topping Punjab University in 1971 during his medical college admission is a feather in his illustrious cap. Clearly, destiny had chalked out a grand plan for him, making him an emblem of hope for many.
2023 Setback: Ready to Roar Back in 2024 with Unstoppable Fire!
Tragedy struck again on October 28, 2023, with Dr. Sethi suffering a patellar fracture. Planning to return to marathons by January 2024, he stands as a living example of the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” His marathon tally is impressive, with 160 marathons, including 40 full marathons and an ultra-marathon.
Diet: The Marathoner's Fuel
Dr. Sethi also emphasizes the crucial role of diet in a runner's regime. Advocating for a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, he echoes the sentiment, “You are what you eat.” He warns against the allure of junk food, reminding us that “True strength is keeping everything together when everyone expects you to fall apart.”
Empowering Words for the Aspiring Runner
Dr. Sethi’s life and achievements are a beacon of inspiration, echoing the philosophy, "Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the ache in your lungs, the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells, 'I can't.' But you do not listen. You just push harder. Then you hear the voice whisper, 'I can.' That’s the moment you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are."
The V-DAD Formula
Dr. Sethi's life lessons extend beyond running. He believes in the V-DAD formula: Vision, Decision, Action, and Desire. This approach, coupled with his life experiences, offers invaluable insights for overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.
Merging Medical Practice with Marathon Philosophy
In his three-decade-long medical career, Dr. Sethi sees parallels between his medical philosophy and marathon running, both holistic in nature. He believes that maintaining one's health is of utmost importance. Age, for him, is just a number. It shouldn't deter anyone from pursuing their passions, and running is no exception.
He eloquently sums up his sentiments, saying, "Running is my life. I cannot remain without running. If someone asked me ‘What is the one thing you would like the most in this life’ I would say that I would like to die on the ground while running. It is my life-long passion.”
Dr. Somanath Sethi is not just a physician or a marathon runner. He is an embodiment of determination, passion, and the human spirit. His story stands as a compelling testament that it’s never too late to pursue one's passion, and no obstacle is insurmountable if one has the will to overcome it.
So, the next time you think about giving up on a dream or passion, think of Dr. Sethi and his unyielding spirit. Let his story inspire you to run the marathon of life with unwavering determination.
Incredible journey Dr Sethi.Very inspiring
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot. Keep reading, keep supporting.
DeleteI am really impressed with this writing about my dear Sethi my lovely classfello Dr Khurmi
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Dr Khurmi. Do share this post within your circle also. Keep reading, keep supporting.
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