My Running Journey

How I went from a beginner to a half marathoner

Running has been a passion of mine for the past few years. I signed up for the 5k category at Pinkathon’Bengaluru, not knowing what to expect. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I completed the race feeling proud and exhilarated. I and my partner also got the podium finish in the team category. That was the beginning of my love affair with running. After Pinkathon, I wanted to challenge myself more specially after returning to work post maternity. I registered for the TCS 10k’ Bengaluru, one of the most popular running events in India. I trained hard, following a structured plan and improving my pace and endurance. I finished the race in competitive time, beating my own expectations. I was hooked on running and wanted to explore more events and distances.

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The next milestone in my running journey was the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon , one of the most prestigious, toughest and competitive races in the country. I ran 10k in 2022. This was a special race for me and in many ways for the entire world. The world was slowly getting back from virtual races to in-person races after 2 years pause due to COVID. I ran with a smile on my face, enjoying the scenic route and the cheering crowd. I crossed the finish line without any injuries though not my personal best(PB) ?. Hyderabad has a tough terrain with many elevations and overbridges to cross. Running in Hyderabad is a dream for runners across India to test endurance. I felt humbled and was ready to prepare hard next time.

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The ultimate goal for many runners is to complete a half marathon, a distance of 21.1 kilometers. I decided to take the plunge and register for my first half marathon last year in 2023. It was at the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon. I have run earlier here, so I was prepared mentally. I knew it would be quite a challenge because of the distance this time, but I was determined to do it.

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Thanks to the Hyderabad Runners Society the first group in India to institutionalise running. HR is a not-for-profit society with the aim to help people lead active lifestyles by making running a preferred form of fitness activity. It runs many structured training programs for beginners (Kouch to 5k) and advanced (Train and Shine) trainings across 30+ societies and running groups. I followed rigorous trainings conducted by HR, running three ?times a week and doing cross-training and strength exercises. Also focused on my nutrition and hydration, eating healthy and drinking enough water. I prepared myself mentally and physically for the big day.

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The race day came and I felt nervous and excited. I joined thousands of other runners at the start line, sensing the energy and enthusiasm. The race began and I ran at a stable pace, following my plan and paying attention to my body. I encouraged other runners and expressed gratitude to the volunteers and spectators. I got to the halfway point feeling confident and strong. I kept on running, challenging myself and dealing with the exhaustion and pain. Long distance running is a real challenge of endurance. It’s not about speed but consistency and saving your best for the last. Its also more about mental strength then your legs. Legs will hurt, body will want rest but its your mind that will motivate you. All the trainings I had gone through appeared in my mind as I continued to guide myself. I spotted the finish line ahead and ran towards it, giving it my best. I finished the race, feeling happy and emotional. I had achieved it. I had run my first half marathon.

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My running journey continued after that. I ran and joined in more events in the city. I had bigger goals this time. I wanted to travel and run in different places. I trained well with HR training programs. I also began my mentoring journey with Kouch 25K training beginners. The next target was the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) - the largest running event in India and Asia. It is one of the top 10 marathons in the world. I ran at the TMM Half marathon this year. The Mumbai atmosphere was amazing. It was a wonderful experience to see people of different genders, ages, ethnicities, cheering and running. "The road is a great leveller". I loved running in TMM and also improved my timing setting a new personal best.

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Running has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience for me. It has taught me many lessons, such as discipline, perseverance, and resilience. It has given me confidence, happiness, and health. It has also connected me with many wonderful people, who share my passion and support me. Thankfully running gave me some of my best buddies Sangeetha Antaragangi Greeshma Kanugula , Jaya . By design, running is very boring but if you have got the right set of people its becomes 10x interesting. Running is more than a hobby, its is a way of life.

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