All it started was in first week of October when I had my first run. It was those days, when my head was spinning with lot of thoughts for days and weeks. From my past experience, I knew sweating does help calm down – that is how the first set of run started. I continued just turning up 4-5 times a week and run.
Those earlier October days was random runs with no technique, no plan and no target – it was just being there and sweat.
After running for days – I realized my body can do better and on towards end of November I set target to complete 5K in 30 mins. On December 31st, I completed my 5K in 30 minutes and 5 seconds. 
This affair has been quite a learning and following are some of key learnings that might help you get started
Be Regular and turn-up
There have been days when it was cold outside OR raining OR I was too tired, but I ensured I turn-up and get started. Within 5 mins or so starting run, all those reasons seemed irrelevant and turning-up was key. There have been days, when I felt stopping half-way or quitting – but I kept going for sake it now. After month or so into running, I got into a state where if I didn’t run – I was feeling that something was missing in my life and that pulled automatically to me.
There were days when I ran at 4am because I had to drive out of station at 6am, I ran in rains because I didn’t feel my day complete until I ran. On vacations, I ran in ghats and highways. Just resolving to turn-up gives immense pleasure and you keep going.
Learn Techniques
It is key to learn right techniques to effectively run longer. After I resolved myself to run 5K in 30 mins or less, I realized in few days that my speed is not improving, I was unable to run continuously despite turning-up regularly. That is when I turned to looking at techniques – I watched videos on Chi running, effective ways to run etc. Body posture and techniques does matter in terms of running effectively.
Secondly, I joined training program by RunKeeper. Initially when I started this program, I felt I am coming back/slowing down as compared what I have been doing before starting program. However over a period I realized that these programs was built so that you built strength gradually, have enough rest and recovery time.
Enjoy the journey
Reaching a running goal is long journey that includes lot of hard-work physical and mental. It is important that process is enjoying equally and one turn-up daily. There have been tough days when I had hard time completing planned run and there have been days when it was breeze. All days will be different and it is key to understand how your body responds – to align that day running accordingly.
I never stressed myself with the target I set for 2019 but focus has been enjoying run at a time and day at a time. Intent was to get there for that day, enjoy music and new surrounding on every run. Naturally – it all lead to goal I wanted to achieve.
The moment you change mind-set from goal to “सफर खूबसूरत है मंजिल से भी.” – you will enjoy more and forget all hard-work.
There are side benefits
Last few weeks of my running, I have reduced 4.5kgs, energy levels gone up and generally quieter head 🙂
What Next?
This affair with run started as just one of running, now has turned into a love for running. There is no way looking back – next target 10K in less than an hour!
Hope this helps you fall in love with running and do it right! I will leave you with some photos of this awesome journey and feel free to reach-out if you need any help.
Mandar Nilange 