My Coaching Journey and Running Philosophy
Running is about more than just the miles. Here is a look at the people, places, and lessons that have shaped my coaching approach and philosophy.
I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on 'Who is an Athlete?' at a TEDx session organized by SIBM Bengaluru. I believe the answer is broader than most people think.
Thank you, MP Tejasvi Surya, for your kind words. I was also lucky to chat with global fitness role model and world No. 1 tennis doubles player, Rohan Bopanna.
My Iten, Kenya Diaries. I was lucky to spend time with Brother Colm O'Connell, the Godfather of Kenyan running, who has coached over 25 world champions. A true source of knowledge.
With Brother Colm O'Connell at St. Patrick's High School in Iten, Kenya. He was very curious to learn about how I use technology in my training programs.
A crash course in coaching from the legendary Patrick Sang, coach of Eliud Kipchoge. Getting an inside view on the preparation for the Sub 2 Marathon is something I will cherish for life.
I am honored to be working with Hugo van den Broek, a coach par excellence, to create a one of a kind marathon training program inspired by Kenyan methods, including a 2 week camp in Iten.
Announcing our 'Kenyan Inspiration' marathon program. This 16 week plan, created with Coach Hugo, is for serious runners aiming for goals like a Boston Qualification or a Sub 3 marathon.
About this collection
My coaching approach is rooted in continuous learning, from the high-altitude trails of Iten, Kenya, to the local tracks in Bengaluru. I believe in bridging the gap between elite sports science and everyday fitness, which is why I combine data-driven feedback with personal, on-ground mentorship to help every runner build a sustainable, injury-free practice.
Running is a process of unlearning and relearning. My own journey has taken me from the local running scene in Pune and Bengaluru to the legendary high-altitude trails of Iten, Kenya. Working alongside world-renowned coaches like Brother Colm O'Connell, I learned that coaching is as much about the athlete’s spirit as it is about their gait. This experience allowed me to refine my 16-week marathon programs, blending intense Kenyan endurance methods with data-driven recovery techniques.
I believe in transparency, whether I am speaking at a TEDx session about what it truly means to be an athlete, or sharing insights with the sports startup community in Bengaluru. The goal isn't to just hand you a schedule. It is to help you understand the science of your own body. I often tell my runners that a 'Jatre'—a community gathering—is the best way to train. When we share the load, the running becomes easier.
My programs are designed for everyone, from the first-time 10K runner to the veteran aiming for a Boston Qualification. We use technology via the Onca Run App to track your data, but we pair that with real-world form correction and strength conditioning. My focus is simple: keep you moving forward, keep you safe from injury, and make sure you enjoy the progress, no matter how small the step.
Pramod Deshpande
I'm Pramod. I believe anyone can run if they take the first step. My coaching philosophy comes from years of learning on the field, not just textbooks, and I’m here to help you move forward one step at a time.
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