SPORTS & WELLNESS
If you think you can’t run, just stop thinking
The recent Running and Living Half-Marathon, in Panchkula, brought together people whose life got a different spin, thanks to the sheer joy of running. A few of them describe how their life changed after running became a way of life, reports Ruma Kat

When a whole lot of people from across the globe congregated at the North Park Hotel in Panchkula last week for the second Running and Living Half-Marathon, there was just a solitary thought dominating their minds — to run.

Extreme cold climate in these parts has forced many people to the confines of their living-rooms but here were these die-hard runners willing to brave the wintry conditions just to experience the joy of running. Jatadhushan (36) originally from West Bengal, travelled a night before from Delhi, was completely drenched in rain when he reached Chandigarh, but was all set at 7am the next morning to be the first one at the flag-off of this 21.097 km race.

As he was wrapping up his feet in crepe bandage, Jatadhushan spoke to The Tribune about his second marathon experience. "I work in Delhi in a social sector company. It’s a sitting job with zero physical exercise. So I began running six months back and this is the second marathon I am participating in," said Jatadhushan, who has made a resolution to participate in at least five marathons a year and runs for two hours every morning in the streets of the capital. "Delhi Airtel Marathon was the first I participated in and I saw a change in myself from there on. I could actually feel myself running away from all sorts of minor and major ailments of life."

Participants at the recently held Running and Living Half-Marathon

Jata admitted that initially running made him feel tired and sleepy but later, he came back smiling and rather fresh the following day. "I was inspired by the CEO of my company, who is a 54-year-old from Denmark. He runs every day and smiles every minute. He is punctual, disciplined, physically fit and isn’t suffering from any disease. When he can enjoy life by just running, then why can’t I?," said Jata, as he got up from the couch after having bananas, energy drinks, and ready to start his run.

Following him on the track, were many others with their own set of stories. Moti Lal Meena (57) from Gurgaon had stood first in the recently held marathon in his city, and was fourth in the Delhi Airtel Marathon in his age category. "I’ve been into sports since my young days and running is like a basic exercise," said Moti Lal, who has also been a sky-diving instructor with the IAF. "If you can spare two hours every day to run, you will keep fit for the next 22 hours of the day."

Moti Lal laughs at the fact that he is always teased by his kids when he’s leaving for a marathon, "They’ll say, go papa, you are the next athlete of India. Go run! But I enjoy this, and even try to pull them along, but they don’t come."

Amidst a group of runners could be seen two young and fit Japanese who were having their energy chocolate bars while they were warming up for the run. Akio (38) pointed towards his flat stomach to say, "I run to make my abs," while his friend gulped in a piece of the bar and said, "It makes me fit."

If you are still afraid and think running can make you feel tired, then Josef Hrubec from the Czech Republic had a different take. "Running gives me energy and keeps me enthusiastic," said the 31-year-old who works in Chandigarh and loves to run around the Sukhna Lake.

Running can also be family fun just like it was for the Cheema family. 46-year-old KJS Cheema, who is principal secretary to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, came with his wife and daughter to participate in a marathon for the first time. Vinnet Cheema (41) said, "I’ve been walking my whole life and it’s the first time I’ve tried to pull out my family here early morning to participate in a run. It’s fun," smiled the lady who undoubtedly looked in her early twenties.

Rabi and Swarachita were a couple from Chandigarh participating in the 5-km run. "I’m at peace with myself when I run," said Swarachita, who was accompanied by her little son on the track. Looking at him, she smiled, "He’ll definitely participate next year."

Being there with all the runners from different walks of life was an ethereal experience and I just had one thing in my mind – tomorrow morning, I’m starting myself.

"You don’t have to be great to start, But you have to start to be great.’’ — Zig Ziglar