NOT the joy of crossing the finish line!

We all make plans and dream - some while sleeping, others throughout the day. And often, another step towards making a dream good is to - take a step forward!

Sharing my journey from one year to another - of running a seemingly meager 5K marathon - yet a meaningful milestone in the direction of making dreams happen!

Jan 2024

Huf puff huf puff...lub dub dub lub lub dub! ????

That's how my heart sounded like almost a year ago, when I ran my first 5Km marathon in Q4 2023 - https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/rajni-sethi_running-runningmotivation-sundaymotivation-activity-7093805123428073472-FK3z

I was skeptical if I was going to finish it at all, leave aside timings and other aspects.

And yet me being the resolute me, I knew I would cross that finish line whatever happens!

I was doubtful, but not afraid. I hadn't practiced much of running (I cycle and do yoga mostly), and in the past my knees have given up on me at times, due to injuries of teenage years and 20s (when I ran long distance races - 400 mts, 800 mts and 1600 mts). This was almost two decades ago!

Nonetheless, some great company and a lovely morning encouraged my to go with the flow. #GoWithTheFlow

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John Bingham

We soon realized, that there are bridges (pretty steep uphill) and not-so-well maintained roads on the way (cleared up of traffic for that morning). With intervals of running and walking in chunks of 500 meters, I managed to cross the finishing line, right when some of the 10 Kms folks crossed it alongside me ??! It was a moment of relief and awakening.

I had to work on my general fitness. Not weight, not diet, but overall fitness.

Jan 2025

The opportunity arose and this time, it was me who got all my friends and family registered. I knew I was still not up for a 10km, and yet, I would again try the 5km.

And it was not about working out the previous month, or running my heart out the week before. The preparation had been there all the year through. Small steps.

The 5km category was flagged off, and with slight palpitations and butterflies in my stomach, I started with a constant slow pace, while others next to me ran, as if their life depended on the speed. They sprinted in a marathon, and I smiled knowing, it will be difficult to sustain the speed for them. And soon enough, they were trailing, stopping for a breath or walking to catch up on the friends.

I carried on. I did not stop until the 2km mark, and with two short breaks of 200 mts, I ran throughout the distance. I could hear the constant beat of my heart, steady and calm. The music of the morning birds, colors of the sky changing from dark, to dusky, to shades of purple, red until the sun rising in the distance. This time, breathe in control, I had the time and wherewithal to marvel ??!!

This was pleasant, heart warming (and beating hard of course!) and the joy inside expanding to embrace the morning.

20 mins ahead of my time in 2024, I came where I had started with crowds standing to cheer and welcome each one crossing the finish line.

But I had already experienced the highs and lows of the path. I was content just for being there. I was grateful for every smile and the joy of fellow runners.

“Whether a mile or a marathon, you get there the same way… one step at a time. Such is life.” – Baylor Barbee

Note on the event: The mini marathon (10km, 5km, 2.5km) was organized by Young Indians chapter, part of CII - Confederation of Indian Industry in partnership with Indian Army - an effort not only towards fitness but also a call for unity as a community.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to your stories, comments and experiences.

Topics like courage, confidence, self exploration, fitness, joy of living, wellness, growth and learning are close to my heart. I will be sharing a few series in different formats this year. Follow the hashtags to catch them up, as they are published!

#WellbeingWithRajni #ExploreWithRajni #StoriesAboutUs