HDOR is not a Hammer of THOR !

Guess what, I finished the HDOR challenge today i.e. Hundred Days of Running Challenge. Basically HDOR challenge is that you have to run a minimum of 2 km for Hundred Days through the hot summer months. 

I ran everyday for HUNDRED DAYS without even missing a single day. It is a satisfaction like no other. It has taught me that you must all complete what you have started. As I am sharing this milestone with you today,  let me take you through my running journey so far and how I think running can make life better.

My first was a run at the age of ten years in 2014 which was the children’s day run in KBR park organised by Hyderabad Runners. It was 4Km and my overconfident 10 year old self was thinking that it will be a piece of cake but I ended up panting before the end of the first 500 m. I don’t know how I finished that run but I was exhausted and realised that running is not as easy as it seems. Running long distance without practice is like writing an exam without preparing for it. Then slowly I got into running not so much as regular running practice but running in events as my parents are regular participants in running events in Hyderabad. I did Club Run 2015, Pinkathon 2015, Airtel Hyderabad Marathon 2015 , our very own Peerancheruvu Runners Anniversary Run and these events have been regular since then. 

I did the Dehradun Half Marathon in April 2017 where I won second prize in Under-18 years age category for completing the 10K run in 1 hour 18 min. 

The fact that  I did it in rain, cold wind and steep slopes has made it to be one of my favourites. 

I did one virtual run which is that I ran in Hyderabad and other runners across the country but the event host Indian Marathon Group was in Jaipur. That is why technology is amazing as you can connect yourself to any part of the world. I have done close to five 5 km, ten 10 km and many more practice runs. I have done the 5*5 challenge which is running 5 km everyday for 5 days. My most recent event was the MatheRUN Half Marathon. This has to be the craziest thing ever. We just went to Matheran for a family trip during Winter Vacations 2019 and get to know that a run was being conducted the next day and that too right in front of our hotel. Divine Intervention you might say - Running has never and will never leave our side. I did 5 km and it was one of the most beautiful routes I have ever done !

Running has brought together people in our residential society called PBEL City through our community running group aptly titled PeeranCheruvu Runners . 

It is not only a sport anymore ,it is a way of life. Running does make you feel refreshed but it also gives you motivation to have a better lifestyle. You wake up early , go out and enjoy environment . As you have to wake up early you have to sleep early ,so you have your dinner early as well. You get conscious of your health and reduce junk food as you want to be in the best form. Running makes life better. It is also one of the sports which you do not need to learn , it is natural for human beings. But long distance running comes to you with practice and right kind of practice.

I am love running at organised events because of the overall atmosphere. I love interacting with the runners, they are all so inspiring and  supportive. Imagine thousands of people early in the morning on the road walking or running , no traffic, people cheering and motivating on the sidewalks , volunteers at the aid stations with water and refreshments, people taking photos and just everyone proud of themselves. It is truly an unbelievable sight and something that makes me really refreshed and happy. That is something that gives me peace of mind. It is challenging no doubt. But slowly counting down the kilometers left and then finally finishing. When you are sweating , feel your legs numb, head spinning, other finishers congratulating you, you have your breakfast in hand and you have the shining medal around your neck that feeling is something that cannot be put in words !

So, if we put our heart into it, all of us are worthy of Thor's hammer !