Running My Heart Out

Being part of the community and contributing to it is one of the defining characteristics of being human. Life itself is about taking action, and I believe that even at a young age, we can still be responsible to those around us. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, in July, I spent a week working for the NAPSR book bank who help underprivileged children get access to books and study material they may not be able to get otherwise. I really enjoyed working there and genuinely believe that the work that they do is outstanding. Even after I left Dehradun and got busy with school and activities, I continued to think about the

opportunity to help them again.

A few days ago, while walking in the neighbourhood I noticed a hoarding advertising the Jalaja Foundation’s Run for Unity. They do it in honour of Sarsdar Vallabh Bhai Patel, a freedom fighter for India and one who had an enormous influence on shaping India as a federation of states. I like athletic activity and I used to do cross-country runs when I lived in Zurich. Unfortunately, in Mumbai few opportunities present themselves. I was gearing up mentally to try the 5 kilometre run. That was when an idea popped into my head, what if it was made into a run for charity. That way, I would have increased motivation and a good reason to run. It was a win-win! I immediately arranged for the donation drive to begin, and thanks to some very generous friends and family, before I knew it, there was ₹25,000 ready for donation.

At the time of signing up, it had seemed like a great opportunity to enjoy exercising, however, as the day for the final run itself crept closer, I realised just how nervous I was. On Sunday the 20th of October, I prepared myself for a challenge that I was unsure I could face. So many people had turned out! It was a melee of people in the Jalaja Foundation T shirts as far as the eye could see. So many people of different ages showed up. I felt my nervousness slowly dissipate - of course there was a field of what looked like talented athletes with set, focused faces also, but the entire atmosphere seemed one of celebration.

However, once the 5K was called, I started to feel the butterflies again. I lined up with the others and looked around me again - the group seemed to be entirely composed of the athletes. I puffed out a deep breath and steadied myself. I was going to focus on my own run and keep my eye on the pace-maker. Finally, the start horn blared and the race began. 

I tried to pace myself, knowing that the run would be a difficult one. However, seeing those in front of me charge forward, it was hard to keep my composure and a steady pace. While running, I tried to stay focused on myself throughout the run and tuned out those around me. Pushing onwards, I saw the markers that indicated how much more I had left to run, I knew that I had enough left in the tank to finish strongly. Puffing and panting, I gave it my all until I reached the final kilometer. Wanting to keel over from exhaustion, I kept my body moving, and my mind off the increasing pain in my legs. Finally, with the finish visible in the distance, I put on the afterburners and powered through to the finish line, ending with a time of 25 minutes and 26 seconds. As the crowd began to disperse, I felt the gentle breeze brush over my sweat covered back.

After the race, I enjoyed myself during the celebrations, before the announcers finally began announcing the fastest runners in their respective categories. As a casual runner, more looking for an opportunity to exercise, I had low hopes when it came to winning an award. However, to the astonishment of myself and everyone around me, I had managed to claim the second position in the u-17 boys category! I knew that the main purpose of this run would be to help me continue my journey helping the community, however, it was nice to have something to show for the enormous effort I had put in during the race. 

Looking back, I was glad that I had taken the risk to face the challenge that was posed by the run, and glad I had overcome it. I am so thankful that I had also managed to help the book bank and that it had provided me with the extra motivation to run my best. An opportunity for some exercise had proved far more exhausting than I could have ever imagined, however, I am glad that I went through with it, and even came out with an award! What a stroke of luck it was that I saw that billboard for a run in the neighbourhood. Sometimes in life, opportunities to do good come in all shapes and sizes, it is up to you to grab them.