Reinvent – Series

It is easier said than done.

My previous blog, Reinvent, touched many readers, and they could relate to the topic. Thank you for your feedback! So, here is another blog related to the same theme.

Reinvent—the word sounds exciting, and the concept sparks curiosity to do something about it. It’s a piece of cake, provided you have clarity on what you want and are ready to work toward it. Sometimes, it helps to look around, observe, and decide what you can take up.

In this series, I plan to share stories of ordinary people like you and me—writing about hobbies or activities they embraced to break free from routine and their experiences with change. Hence, the title: Reinvent – Series.

Before starting with others, I will share my own journey. Here’s my experiment with Run.

Run

I used to run when I was in school—participated in races and enjoyed it. But as life moved through phases like college, work, and motherhood, the joy of running faded into memory.

One fine day, a friend asked if we could register for a 10-kilometer run. Immersed in mundane activities, this sounded exciting and different. With a little pep talk, she convinced me, and I registered for the run. The first step was taken in a new direction.

At home, I shared the news with my family—they were happy to see me so excited! That night, I kept thinking about the run. My mind started questioning: On what basis did you register? You haven’t run for 15+ years. You have no time to practice, no fitness for 10K, and small kids to care for.

It’s easy to get bogged down by mental chatter. When resistance comes from outsiders, we defend ourselves. But when the inner critic takes over, we tend to surrender. Facing ourselves requires more energy.

Still, I decided to try. On Friday night, I kept my shoes and clothes ready. I wanted to start early so no one would see me struggle. The next morning, December’s chill tempted me to stay in bed, but I pushed myself out at 5:30 am.

I could barely jog 300 meters—I was aghast! Years of sitting in an office and juggling household chores had left me this unfit. But I decided to face it and keep going. I alternated between walking and jogging for 30 minutes and returned home determined to get fit for the 10K.

My morning adventures continued for two weeks. Then came the day I jogged 2 km without a break—I was thrilled! I celebrated with my family and even told my colleagues. Progress was gradual, and within 40 days of registering, I was ready for race day.

Race Day

I spoke to friends, arranged transport, and tried to sleep early to wake up at 3:00 am. But excitement kept me awake—I checked the clock every 30 minutes! By the time I dozed off, the alarm rang. My legs ached, my head throbbed, and my eyes burned. Still, enthusiasm won—I got ready and reached the venue on time.

It was an all-women’s run, and the energy was electrifying! Thousands of women in Run Day T-shirts, foot-tapping music, selfie stalls, and medals—it was a place to be! The adrenaline rush pushed me to start and finish strong. I completed my first 10K in 68 minutes!

I was ecstatic—I clicked plenty of photos with friends and fellow runners. The completion medal was my pride! My kids were thrilled, and yes, I boasted about it to family, friends, and neighbors.

The Journey Ahead

That was just the beginning. I made new friends, got interested in running gear, and started reading about fitness, food, and training. I registered for more races, and within two years, I completed my first 21K run.

This journey—from 300 meters to 21 kilometers—brought immense benefits. It transformed me physically and mentally. Running isn’t just about fitness; it demands mental stamina. When fatigue sets in, the mind urges you to stop. To push limits, you must convince yourself you can do it.

This is one of my reinvention stories—others are on the way. Next, I’ll share experiences of people around me—the changes they made and their impact. Stay tuned for more insights.

—Anitha KC