For context, I was running 10Ks in 2022 and 2023. However, due to lifestyle and other factors, the last 2 years were spent in rehab for my lower spine and knees. Thus, running was out of the question. For the past 6 months, I have been doing yoga and walking. I decided to run the GoHeritage run as a fitness check. Run up to the race included:
The thing to remember is that I took running as a means to be fit and experience an active life. I was never a runner and got into running only after my retirement.
Before the race started, the information provided to the participants was both explicit and clear with respect to the kit distribution venue/ location, route and time
On the previous two days of the race, i.e., 23rd had long walks of sightseeing which involved hilly terrain, while on 24th had a 5 kms long walk in the sun and early afternoon.
On the day of the race, there were no race blues experienced by me, especially because it was a non-timed fun run and I ran with a purpose of fitness and inclusivity.
We rolled into the race location at about 5:40 am, and the energy was already buzzing at the holding area. Some young guns were seen on stage doing Zumba. The on-ground team was on alert, crossing every I and T. In no time, the M.C rocks up and gets everyone pumped up with some fun hype, 20 mins of workout on Hollywood / Bollywood music, and the vibe was electric.
Just then, I moved toward the start point and spotted them -a small vibrant group of 4 adults and a youngster, who looked about 6 to 7 yrs all dressed in traditional attire, playing the dholaks. The little one climbed over the huge dholak fearlessly, and the beats kicked in. The atmosphere transformed the energy hit to a whole new level.
Pacing was - 1 km run & 1 km walk. I had 100ml of electrolytes after 6kms and some more, thinking it was lemonade. But thereafter, it was very uncomfortable, and for about 1 km I was pulling myself. Could be, as I had it in one breath.
The course was rolling with elevations, especially at the 4th and 8th km. The weather was supportive. Cool breeze with the winter sun.
On the way back, the traffic was on with buses plying around, but the traffic police were very supportive. The two wheelers, especially workers, kept on cheering all runners in the local language. The fueling stations were appropriately placed every 2.5 kms and personally felt were sufficient. Besides electrolytes, there were tasty toffees and candies for those who prefer.
Proud of pushing my limits from 10K to 12K and crossing the finish line. Receiving the medal and certificate for completing 12 k was an incredible feeling, at any age for me.
Post race was like ‘Dil Mange More’ of participation in races for fitness.
I believe in a healthy mind & body, race or no race, hence personalised training and planned nutrition help me to set a goal.
Next, I plan to improve my core strength in the next three months and run a 5K race in April.
Dr Amita Pandya is an amateur runner. She started running post her retirement from M.S.University Vadodara, as a means to stay fit. She runs 10K races and is a podium finisher in her age category, 65+ years, at the MG Vadodara Marathon multiple times.