When Poongodi was little, she was envious that her elder brother got to go outdoors for running, while she remained indoors to help with the chores. “In 2009, while I was still in school, I thought to myself, ‘If my brother can run 10 kilometres, why can’t I?’” says the 22-year-old, a regular marathon runner and State-level athletics champion, who belongs to a conservative family in a village called Gobichettipalayam in Erode district.
Poongodi convinced her mother, a daily wage earner, and enrolled herself in every single athletic event in school. She also roped in her junior, Vasanthamani, a regular marathoner, to participate in the competitions along with her. They were among the few girls who represented their school and college, for athletic events, and brought back medals (Poongodi for 800 metres and Vasanthamani for 1,500 metres). “Not many girls are encouraged in our village to participate in athletics. But we do our best to inspire kids to get into running. I even volunteer to train them if they want to,” says Poongodi, who is currently pursuing her M.Phil.
“It’s not just about physical fitness. Getting into sports has made me bolder and more confident. It has given me opportunities to visit so many cities, which otherwise would have been possible only in my dreams. Also, it has instilled in me the practice of waking up early. Even on weekends, I am up and active by 5 a.m!” she says with a laugh.
Poongodi and Vasanthamani train for two hours every morning (between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.) and evening (between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.). “Back in school, we just ran for a few hours because we liked it, but when we entered college, our games teachers gave us a regimen that included stretching exercises, jogging for 45 minutes and stretching again,” she says. That apart, both of them make sure they keep away from oily food, and take in more vegetables and fruit juices. “However, the best energy drink you can get is the water in which the previous night’s rice is soaked. No kidding, it gives the maximum energy,” she says.
Even as they are gearing up for The Wipro Chennai Marathon in December, they are travelling across India for other marathons. “I have completed over 10 half marathons (21 kilometres) this year — that’s almost one every month. Sometimes, there are runs in consecutive weeks, and I can feel the energy drain. But my willpower to reach the finishing line always keeps me charged,” she says.
Registrations close Nov 22. Log on to thewiprochennaimarathon.
com and register today!
