So... In April of 2016 I participated in my first race, a 5K. First time that i have ever run (post school/college/sprinting to get on a bus or train hahaha ) for any distance, in my adult life.
This run was called womanathon.com . This one, was for for ALL the women in my life.
This was baby steps... the beginning of a journey (which i hope to continue ... injuries notwithstanding). This is a pretty short distance, just above half an hour. A minute portion of my life. I had butterflies in my stomach, I was nervous, anxious even. It wasn't a big crowd of people, a few hundred maybe. It wasn't even a timed race. The organisers were doing the same run in 3-4 cities concurrently, i think.
Its not the race that was important... it was the outpouring of emotions which succeeded it.
I finished the race, collected my medal, did a few stretches, got a few snaps clicked and went to find my car. Once i got to my car, it actually hit me... i'd done 5K ! This was huge. I'd never really done a race before. I'd been practicing for only a few weeks prior to this. The adrenalin rush had hit me in the car. I cried. I sat and cried for a couple of minutes. Now, i'm not really a very expressive person emotionally, but this just came out. I had flashes of people in my life. I thought about a few of them - family, friends. Frankly, it's overwhelming for me to write this even now - I'm writing this in June of 2018, after two years of going through that experience.
I knew then...that I wanted to make running a habit.
By this time i'd been practicing running 3 times a week under the C25K program. Sandeep and Raghu were ever helpful, constantly guiding us, leading us in runs, doing exercises and stretches with us. Telling us not to hurry...that it wasn't about us being in a race... that it was about us completing a distance and getting fitter and healthier, by doing it. They'd always have a word of encouragement for us newbies. They got a set of middle aged folks to meet up in the mornings, shed a sedentary lifestyle and run for a 5K. I distinctly remember Sandeep telling us on the first day - "Running is an addiction. It's a good addiction ! You'll want to get up and go for a run in the early mornings". I agree completely.
The dynamic duo were volunteering and helping us 20 odd folks in this endeavor. They run throughout the year... unlike others who train for specific events / marathons and then go into hibernation till the next season. I've seen them being diligent and careful while going out on early morning runs and i admire them for their outlook towards this facet of their lives. Raghu is always smiling, Sandeep is slightly more serious. Past two years, I've bugged them both on multiple nuances of running and they have always given valuable advice. They are and will always remain my teachers.
Hyderabad Runners organised the C25K graduation run in the last week of April. Folks from all over town gathered at Hitex. Seasoned runners volunteered their time for cheering, medals, breakfast, managing parking... It was the first time that i felt part of a community which gives selflessly. It was great to see so so many people come together and graduate from that 8 week program. The sheer joy of seeing people come together for the run and complete the entire course, is a memory to be cherished.
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