Monday, September 1, 2008

Why do I run...

Well I know I said I won't bore everyone about my running, but what the hell...
Things we do to keep in shape... I even took up running regularly. It started as an accident as many things in my life.

here I was happily eating and having fun and joined an airline of all places. These were the days when I could still hog away any amount of chocos and what not and not have an ounce to show... (I know I know I am one of those Lucky ones who did not have to do anything at all to watch my weight until after the magic age of 35!) However, I am one of those who always wants to 'belong'

So here goes, these guys wanted to set up a corporate team to take part in running around the TAN. For those of you non Melbournians, Tan is a 4 KM track around the Botanical gardens in the fringe of the city. This needs at least 3 girls in the team, and at least 1 running in each team event. So Ms C & I joined up on urging from the one and only woman runner in the team, along with all the other guys bribing us with chocolates and other such things...

Then came a day when I had to be the 1 girl who ran... So here I was all dressed ( Had to get the right kind of shorts and T-shirt for it... Cant go running in daggy traks can I?) and looking the part and started the run. Most guys finish this round in about 17 to 18 mins, I started off with them and thought this is not bad., and then hit the hill! This is a steep 300 mts stretch (felt like 3 Kms) where I came to a screeching halt. Felt like one of those cartoons, I was huffing and puffing but seems to be making ever so slow a progress. Finally finished the run in 25 mins... Then got to work and was embarrassed. BUT the guys were sweet, and told me you did great. Those who know me, will understand when I say, that brought a beeming smile and I was hooked.

Even did the race against the steam-engine ( the engine bet me very easily) . This is a cute little train in outskirts of Melbourne that goes through the hills to a lake. A lovely picnic spot and a great favourite for kids as you can sit with your legs dangling from the window and go chook chook up the hill. That was the one and only time I ran that one, Other times Let Mr P do it while I either drove to pick him up or went Chook Chook... You get the picture.

Then I was a good little indian and gave up all this mad activities, when three years back Mr K decide he wants to do a marathon to check if he was 50 yrs young or 50 yrs old... I became the default trainer. By this time, I found that chocolates do stick to your mid riff... So as trainer I started running with him , and found lo and behold the tyres disappeared...

Mr K did his Mara and proved he was 50 yrs Young. Seeing the crowd cheering and supporting the marathoners was incredible. I got sucked into it... as did a few more friends and ow we have a running group of our own.

Guess I always did enjoy being the odd person out, and am still the only one among the Indian crowd who is into the running 20 Kms plus. BUT I have called it quits there, albeit a loot of persuasion from the blokes who are doing the full...

The good news though is that I am back to the size I was when 25 and am back to eating as much sugar/chocolates and am loving it. Also, I find running 5 Kms or so, is enough to maintain this. Running the TAn or Albert lake circuit (both close to home now0 is also very pleasing to the eyes, as there is a lot of eye candy to be seen for both men and women when you run here.

My verdict...

Running medium distances is worth it to eat all those chocolates and lovely food. I love this method rather than give up. Also I like the runners high and enjoy seeing the shock on peoples faces when I tell them my real age... (most guess it to be at least 10 yrs lower)

So get out there to a nice park and go for it... because I am worth it (definitely better than Lo'real... )

4 comments:

Preethi said...

oof.. so u say I have to run 5 kms every day.. that's only 3.1 miles.. bet I could do that..anything for the chocolates.. right now they sit on the dining table and I avoid them like plague!! (no not really.. I can be quite sneaky!!)

Preethi Sukumaran said...

Nice post, and you've just inspired me to try my hand at running as well..Long family intro follows: I got onto your post after having a chat with Vijaya Mami - whose husband's sister's son's wife I happened to me (phew! I think I lost some calories typing that!)

Preethi Sukumaran said...

Sorry, the last line should read, "I happen to be"...

The Nomad said...

ooof... Preethi Sukumaran... Took me a while to figure out who you are... anyway, just lets leave it as you are somehow related to my sis Viji... :)

Sorry for the long time to reply... Have not been on the blog for a while. BUT intend posting something new soon :)