It was on a Sunday morning in September 2012, that I got a call from my school buddy that it was time for our annual re-union. As usual, I was thrilled, but then he added that a compulsory participation in a marathon was part of it. This was because his elder brother Rajesh Vetcha, an avid marathoner, felt it was time that we showed some concern over our health as we were turning 40. What better way to start than participating in a marathon with high school buddies at a re-union. Hence, we registered for the 10km event in the Chennai Marathon to be held in December 2012.
As a Medical Oncologist, I had a busy schedule dealing with worried patients and relatives, often breaking bad news, explaining the disease, the treatment, counselling and giving them hope. This is generally stressful and, hence, there is always need for some form of relaxation. As a member of the high school athletic team, I had run cross country races but that was 20 years ago. So, in order to get into running again, I put on my new running shoes and went for a jog at a school ground opposite GKNM hospital where I work. I was shocked to find that despite my regular swimming I was able to run less than a km. I had little more than 10 weeks to train.
But, Rajesh sent me a training plan that helped improve my endurance. I was able to successfully complete the 10 km run in Chennai. That was the beginning of a passion I didn’t know I had. Running became an addiction. A month later I joined Coimbatore Runners. Since then I have run two 10km, seven half and two full marathons.
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Running together as a group was the only reason I was able to achieve it. As a long distance runner, there is a constant battle between body and mind, with the body wanting to give-up and the mind refusing to do so. It is then that a few words of encouragement from your running buddy helps.
Innumerable tips on running techniques and gear, training plans and the wonderful company are some of the things that running groups provide.
Running has provided me with the much needed balance in life, helped me to stay fit and focussed and given me an unbelievable sense of well being. It has helped me handle my patients in a more calm and collected way and with much more energy that lasts throughout the day. My day starts early at 4.30 a.m. and I run thrice a week and cross train by swimming and cycling one day every week.
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Most days I run with my headphones on listening to some good old Ilaiyaraaja songs. At times I allow my mind to wander and introspect on life and its little pleasures. Whenever my pace falters, a favourite line from the Maestro is enough to bring back that spring in my stride and indeed in life too.