100 days of running challenge - 2018

I want to run happily, with a smile in my thoughts and on my face - like I would when I was 5 - without having to worry about the distance & pace.  

100 Days of Running Challenge - 2018

As a child I was mainly into dance (Classical Indian Dance and 3 years at the Shiamak Davar Inst. of Performing Arts) and swimming, not much into sports per se. Though I would enjoy playing badminton and tennis - even though I was never really good at them. And I remember being a fast sprinter when I was a kid. Sometime around while I was giving my board exams - I completely stopped any kind of activity - and sadly, that remained the trend well into 2014. I started an advertising agency - the work timings were haphazard, my routine and food habits weren't great either. I remember gathering the courage to get onto the weighing scale - and it read 108 Kgs. I remained in denial for a while, as I couldn't process what I had done to my body.  

My journey with this sport (running) is rather recent. I was nervous, but thanks to my partner, I went out for a run after years on 13th March 2018. I mention the date, since this date will always remain special to me. I was scared - but i sprinted - till I felt dizzy. And that's when I remembered what it felt like to be running and panting, cheeks red, a slight nice sort of buzziness in the head, as a child. Soon after that I registered for the 100 days of running challenge - as I was worried that I may lose the consistency and may not be able to gather the courage to run if I left it again . I was loving whatever was happening, maybe not through the run, but afterwards. All those deep breaths I hadn't had in years, the muscle soreness and the post run sleep - the glow on the face - the spike in the mood all day - I didn't even realise when it turned addictive. 

I am inspired by my partner, Sandeep. I would be amazed at how he had completed a full marathon and many half marathons - but never landed up really telling him how much it made me proud of him. Maybe it was difficult to say this, since I was complexed about my recent drastic weight gain. I would ask him things that I get asked now as well - things like 'Yes, I get you are running.. But where are you running to?" .. I am glad I joined in. Of course, later on I began following runners on Instagram, and there are many men and women out there - all ages, all sizes - running and smiling. And that is my source of inspiration on days when I don't feel like lifting my butt to get my run in..  

I am relatively new to running, and have only taken part in 5 running events, namely - The Potpourri Challenge (1 Mile Run), The 100 Days of Running Challenge 2018, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (10km) and IDBI Half Marathon (5km), Run For Her (5km). I am terribly knock kneed - and am unfortunately not ready to be running larger distances. When I think of how I was told by a doctor never to run and to even avoid climbing stairs not too long ago - and then to running a 10km - injury free - that is my largest achievement. The second largest fear was of me being a fat person (and the feeling magnified since I suffer from dismorphia), who was running - So my first run, which was a short and sweet distance of 1 Mile only - I mentally found that way more daunting than my 10km run at Airtel. 

 I have and I still do go through days when I feel there is lack of time to slip my workout in through work days - but the HDOR challenge made me realise it really is a mind game. I would encourage everyone to give it a shot - running will feel like a pain and aimless in the beginning. Slowly, once you develop your style of running, and begin to catch the rhythm - it is the therapy you need after a busy day. It's an instant mood lifter, impacts the confidence positively and in general - makes you happy and light. Just like me, if the consistency bit is the issue - catch hold of a friend or family member and sign up for a challenge - and reward yourself on completing it! Because that challenge acts as the warm up period to understand ones pattern, likes and dislikes and figure out the rhythm, and really start enjoying it. 

At 108 KGs, hardly being able to breathe or climb stairs, and being knock kneed - with constant pain in my knees, having swollen ankles - I decided I didn't want to live in that body anymore. I met Dr. Rajat Chauhan, to get my knees checked. And there really was no looking back. I guess it was a vibe I got from him, I got back home, read up on him and I instantly wished I could go through the physiotherapy and get a go ahead from him on running. I had already dropped many kilos before I began running though. But quite frankly - while I signed up for HDOR - I didn't really over think it. I didn't want to focus on the distance or how well I ran - I just wanted to work on the consistency and on feeling happy with every gulp of breath while I ran. I really had not imagined that I would go past even 30 days. It surprises me till date - how my mind and body supported me through the challenge - all through I anticipated my usual knee problem - of the knee cap slipping out of place, of my nasal allergies disrupting the challenge, or of work stress leaving me with no time and energy to run - but I fortunately sailed through all of that - only because of how running had changed my state of mind. 

My brother and I were obese kids - two years back, he began weight training and running and lost over 65kgs. Sandeep had also gained weight due to lack of work life - personal life balance. And that is when he pulled himself out of depression, alcoholism and being overweight. I really look up to both these guys - and of how on a lot of days they are my fuel. I would not have been able to complete the HDOR if Sandeep was not running it with me. There were multiple evenings when we lifted each other up after hours of procrastinating to go and get those 2-3 kms in.. 

So, would I take part in the 100 days of running challenge or other running events in the coming year? 

 I am yet to figure that out. I have battled depression and anxiety in the past - and running for me is a very personal activity, which in parts acted as a cure for my depression and mood swings - it is very close to my heart - and whatever goes on in my head while running is usually therapeutic and I currently enjoy running alone. I would of course like for my knees to get stronger, my muscles to get stronger as well - and for me to soon plan on running my first half marathon. Though I don't feel the need to rush into it - I would wish to do it when it feels like the right time.

You can take part too, if you feel ready for it: https://100daysofrunning.in/