Running - 5K for the first time

  Thursday turned out to be a special day. In fact, it started like any other. Or rather I was feeling pretty sore already when the day started. We had done a few days of intense exercise and I was feeling sore. On Monday, we had done some jogging where I got really really tired and then did a lot - and I mean a lot of strength training. So much so that I didn’t think I’d be able to walk at all afterwards. And Tuesday was very very sore.. so mostly did stretching and some exercise. On Wednesday, we did jogging again - or rather HIIT - this time on the Taljai slope. Run up on the slope and then walk down. Going up the slope was very hard for me. But we did the activity for 45 mins. So on Thursday, when my coach, GG suggested running practice, I wasn’t sure if that was going to be possible for me at all. But by afternoon, I was feeling ok again and so reached the Taljai ground at 4. GG showed the running technique again. Chi Running. Fall ahead and run while moving legs back (not forward)… co-ordinate with the breath and feel the energy pushing you. It took a while to get into this Chi Running form. .but once I did - it was like magic. I stopped feeling tired, could run almost effortlessly. And for the first time actually felt that I’d be able to run. I completed a few rounds around the ground - and wasn’t feeling that tired. It had become like a meditation experience…. And I actually completed 5.2 kms. After that last round, It felt as if I could go on and on. I wasn’t feeling tired - but instead was full of energy.  And with the added confidence that finally that barrier is broken - and will be able to run now.. it can only get better from here. And as the weight comes off, running will only get easier and easier. 

My Cycling Journey - From 0 to 100 kms .... In 8 months

 It was 5am, Oct 14th, 2018. I was standing in front of Sarasbaug - a little excited, a bit apprehensive! Would I be able to do it?! .....was the thought running through my head as  I was waiting for my coach, GG and my group of friends. We were going to cycle 100 kms that day. For me, that was a huge deal. As we started the ride, I started remembering how it all started. It was 8 months ago on Feb 17th 2018 that I first bought my cycle. I wasn't really convinced. I hadn't cycled since my high school days many years ago. But GG had convinced me that cycling was the best exercise for me - I was extremely overweight. The continuous activity would be good for me without much impact on the knees. So we bought the cycle. We did a first ride - went all the way to Nanded city and back, which was about 26 kms. Looking back, I spent a less time on the cycle and a lot more time walking with the cycle in hand. But that ride gave me a confidence that at least I would be able to cycle. But then the next day dawned..and I could hardly sit .... anywhere!! So, I made up my mind that cycling wasn't for me...maybe it was for thin people who can tolerate sitting in the saddle - not me. During this time, GG was very patient with me, and didnt push me to do the next ride immediately. Also, I was out of the country for a couple of months, so was able to avoid the cycle. But as soon as  I was back, he took me out for a fun ride to Khadakwasla - it was June and the rainy season was just starting. Just a few minutes after we started, it started raining heavily. But we completed the ride in heavy rains -- what a way to get over jetlag I thought! This time, it didn't hurt so much to sit...and the weather, the ride was so much fun that I was hooked. Since then, we've done multiple rides - to the new  Katraj tunnel, Khadakwasla, Sinhagad base, the necklace route etc... I was now starting to enjoy the rides - the wind in the face, being out in nature,  the quiet times of reflections and also the wonderful conversations!! The maximum ride distance I'd covered was 50 kms. But now was the time for breaking barriers. I was scared of riding in a ghat and so had avoided the ride to Katraj ghat. On Friday, Oct 12th, decided to attempt the Katraj ghat..and managed to ride all the way up. The next day on Saturday morning, we went for a 40kms warm up ride..and now it was Sunday morning..and the 100kms attempt!! GG kept motivating me, and with the very supportive company of my group, I was able to complete the 100 kms ride...and it didn't even feel like it was too much! And am now looking forward to the next one..There is still a long way to go - in terms of fitness and cycling experience and also the weight loss. But the journey is so enjoyable that I feel more confident that I'll get to my destination ..... And the  journey is what will make the destination worthwhile!