On the Fringes: running is a passion, it’s a sporty feel, it’s pushing yourself

I’ve been running and cycling for more than a decade now, for reasons that are philosophical and meditative in nature; many people have been asking how I run 10 and more kms, whereas it’s hardly anything if you compare it to a triathlon & I bring this up because I just finished listening to “What I talk about when I talk about Running by Haruki Murakami”, the second time, loved it btw…?

I would like to pen down the fact that running, just like investing or starting up or any long term enduring activity, works on the simple mathematical principle - power of compounding, nothing more or less, incidentally I have some data saved on this, big thanks to MapMyRun/MapMyRide app, this is from 2014 when I bought a new bike :D so of course I rode for a few days, but I have been running on and off since 2011;

For Delhi folks, the running tracks in Ashoka Garden, Ashok Vihar, Delhi was heaven, green, long and spread in around 60+ acres, used to love running there, have run a lot in Noida, though when I compare this to Murakami’s running tracks in Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii where he enjoyed Beer and Fish, I witness the great Indian sights during my run;?

Actually, I think, running makes you a better human, because when you’re pushing yourself km after km, you not only build endurance, but also build empathy for other runners, sportspersons, entrepreneurs, artists, etc. i.e. everyone who believes in the fact that “there’s no finish line”, yeah, I’m taking this from Nike and btw, Shoe Dog is another favourite read/listen of mine; Whereas the emotional quotient builds resilience, also when you are running on Indian roads, you get to see life up close, like real close, this is where I switch gears…

This is where it gets really personal:

E.g. today I saw a lady running with her slippers in her hand, I guessed it was probably to catch a bus or some other vehicle, maybe, this creates so many thoughts in my head, like when I used to be in that position in the starting point of my career, I had these runs to catch cabs, buses, etc, then I saw, actually have been seeing a man, for almost 4 days now, who is just lost, he has this bad smell coming from him, and is aimlessly walking on the Noida roads, or standing and staring in infinity, it’s a strange feeling, and then some youngsters and oldies running around too, in groups, which is beyond my comprehension, as I love to run solo…

In summary, running is a passion, it’s a sporty feel, it’s pushing yourself, I was chatting with a friend today, a school friend, setting context as only a very good friend can ask this question, “Pandey, kisse bhaag rahe ho aaj kal”, I was like, literally laughing my ass off while answering, but then I answered, “khud se hi bhaag raha hun yaar”;

On the fringes, you meet with oblivion, nostalgia, memories, moments, yourself!!!