The four runners, featured in the 10 weeks to 10K column in MetroPlus, who had been training intensively before the run, recall how difficult it was to get into shape for the big day. They tell Preeti Zachariah how delighted they are now that their effort has paid off, especially as they were not just all able to cross the finish line running, but they have also inspired others to start running their way to fitness
Ravikumar K
Timing: 1 hr 18 minutes
The training was effortless, compared to the final run. I started finding it challenging at around 6 km but I pushed myself and managed to finish with a smile on my face. I have lost at least 4-5 kg and have visibly toned down, despite not having to make too many changes in my diet. More important, my sugar levels have come down drastically, and I am planning to meet my doctor sometime to check if I can tweak my medication.
I am feeling very good and will certainly continue running. One of the best things that has come out of this is that my friends are also motivated to run like me. I hope to help them discover the joy of running, too.
Padma Ram
Timing: 1 hr 35 minutes
It was tough but I’m so thrilled that I managed to finish. I feel like a celebrity and I am thankful for the friends and family who encouraged me so much. Quite a few of my friends who have seen me have decided that they want to run too. Not only that, many of my son’s friends now want their mothers too to run too, like me. It feels wonderful to be a source of inspiration.
I have lost 2 kg and feel lighter and healthier. I am brisk and energetic all day long this has helped me cope much better.
I am certainly going to continue running and hope to do a half marathon next.
Mangalamba Varma
Timing: 1 hr 40 minutes
This was a life-changing event for me and I’m so glad I opted for it. The run was hard but I had a great buddy, Anitha, who encouraged me all through — I don’t know what I would have done without her. I don’t think I have run continuously for this long before (I normally do a walk-run) but I crossed the finish line running. My energy flagged mid-way, but Anitha held my hand and told me to let gravity take over. And it did.
Training for this 10-km run truly put me in touch with my body and helped me rediscover myself. I look and feel better than I have, in years. It wasn’t easy — I am going through menopause and there were days when running was really uncomfortable but because I felt like that, I sought medical intervention. And it really helped.
It has been a lifestyle change — I have overhauled my diet completely and am looking and feeling much better. My skin glows, my body is slimmer and stronger, I have more energy and zest for life.
I am planning to write a book on how Indian women should handle menopause — it is a frightening period where your body goes through a lot of changes and there isn’t enough information or support out there.
The only drawback was that my night life suffered a great deal, as I had to get to bed earlier than usual, to wake up on time to train. I missed the socialising and I hope to strike a balance between the two in the future.
I don’t want to push the bar any further. I don’t want to go beyond a 10-km run. But I will continue to run and participate in more 10-km races. I have gone so far physically, emotionally and mentally and am truly grateful for having being able to achieve what I have today.
Girija Balasubramani
Timing: 1 hr 46 minutes
I went to Shiridi and came home only at 2 this morning. I ran with just three hours of sleep but I completed the run and I’m so happy.
The last two weeks were traumatic — I suffered from a lot of aches and pains after my fall, but once I began running today I didn’t think about anything but the finish line.
The tangible benefits of this experience are obvious — I lost 5 kg, my sugar is under control and my eating patterns are much better. But the entire experience is much more than that.
It was awesome, and I have no words to describe it.
