- Published on
Running
- Authors
- Name
- Rajesh Padmanabhan
- @rajeshpadman
Without any background into athletics started running for fun. This was in 2012. Honestly didn’t know any difference between a running shoe and sneakers. Participated in events in 10k and then moved to Half marathon a year later. And as expected the inevitable happened - Injury stuck. It is bound to happen when you run on an improper shoe with no stretches pre or post run, no workouts, what else can we expect - podium finish :) The rest made me realise the importance and the need to improve on fitness. Got a good running shoe, joined a running group called Marina Runnerz. Purpose of joining the group was to do proper stretches and workout. Most of them were beginners and that suited because I was recovering and wanted to experience the joy of running with groups/like-minded runners. Till then always used to do solo run and in a couple of known route for practice. Was there with them for a year and a half. I felt over a period of time, they ‘started’ giving importance to speed/pace and stopped enjoying the joy of running. The race to finish in podium actually kills the enthusiasm among middle and backbenchers. Average runners are not bothered about a podium or the position in which he finishes the run. Running is more about feeling peace with oneself rather than pacing and speeding to glory. This is my need for running.
Off late I feel not to pay and participate in any running event, btw there are way too many running events happening almost on all the weekends in Chennai. Until March 2017 was very particular about regular workouts and running. For the next four months, neither did I touch the shoe or did a workout. All of a sudden self and friend decided to participate in DRHM - 10k event. We did that without any practice - straight from the couch to field. And we did finish the race. Immense satisfaction.
Some say running is an addiction, but for me running gives me the sense that the entire duration belongs to me. Am not doing running to reduce weight or to be fit. I do running because that time belongs to me.