Journey of 34-43-38 & Back to 44

Welcome to another edition of Musings@Accidental Marketer! Today, I take a detour from marketing and delve into a different kind of journey – my journey as a long-distance runner.

Let me preface this by saying, I wasn't always a runner. In fact, the idea of running long distance seemed ludicrous in 2018. But in the winter of 2018 in the biting cold of December winter, I decided to challenge myself with a seemingly audacious goal: "running 10km for 10 consecutive days". With a starting Vo2Max of a mere 34, it was a daunting task.

However, that audacious goal & Covid lockdown sparked a passion. I embraced the challenge, pushed my limits, and steadily built my endurance. By May 2023, countless 10kms and 4 half marathons later, my Vo2Max had risen to a respectable 43. I was proud of the progress.

Then came a curveball – a relocation to Bangalore in June 2023. The new city, the adjustments, and the overall stress forced me to put long-distance running on hold. While the miles dwindled, I decided to look after myself in a different way. Running was making my body stiff, I was suffering from frozen shoulder, could not sit cross legged because stiff hips, winter of 2019 I took up "Yoga" and it helped improve my flexibility significantly.

Fast forward six months, and I'm back on the road (quite literally!). Resuming running after a break comes with its challenges – my Vo2Max has dipped to 38. An indicator that, my fitness and endurance has taken a beating, But here's the thing: this accidental runner isn't easily discouraged.

This journey of 34-43-38 isn't over. With unwavering grit, I'm determined to climb back to 44 and conquer a half marathon by winter 2024.

Many of you would be wondering, why a running story on a professional platform like LinkedIn? Well, this story is a testament to the power of perseverance, even when faced with setbacks. It's a reminder that progress isn't always linear, and sometimes one must take detours to growth. This is applicable in professional field in a big way, you should know when to take a step back, when to rally resources and when to take a detour. Just ensure, you don't lose sight of ultimate goal.

So, are you an accidental runner too? Have you faced similar roadblocks in personal and professional space? Share your stories in the comments below – let's keep each other motivated on this journey!

P.S. Stay tuned for future editions of Musings@Accidental Marketer, where we'll return to the world of marketing with fresh insights and experiences.