How Running Changed My Life: A Journey from Lockdown to Marathons

Growing up in Ahmedabad, I had always been a fitness enthusiast. I used to work out regularly in the gym, play sports, and even swim. I loved staying fit. It was a completely non-negotiable part of my day. 

So imagine my plight when COVID-19 hit and the world went into lockdown. I found myself stuck at home, restless. Gyms were closed, sports grounds were empty, and for a fitness freak like me, doing nothing wasn’t an option. 

That’s when I picked up running—something I’d never done seriously before—and it changed my life.

How it all started: Running in circles, literally

At first, I started running inside my society compound. As a complete beginner, I realized I lacked stamina and endurance for running. 2-3 kilometers seemed like an achievement at first. But soon, I kept at it, slow and steady. Eventually, the distances grew: 5K, then 10K. 

In just three months, I completed my first half marathon, all within the compound walls. The high I felt after that was unmatched. It was addictive, and I knew I had found something special.

Training my mind and body

Once the lockdown eased, I took my passion a step further. I joined a running club and got myself a coach to train more systematically. Structured running programs, strength training, and better nutrition—I embraced it all. Fitness became more than just a hobby; it became a discipline. Mentally and physically, I began to transform.

My first official race

My first official race was a rollercoaster. I was so excited that I started too fast. Big mistake – it left me exhausted in the second half. Still, I finished my first half marathon in 2 hours and 19 minutes. It was an amazing experience that taught me important lessons about pacing, endurance, and humility.

Running: A gift beyond fitness

When I moved to a new city from Ahmedabad, it was running that turned this foreign place into home. Each stride connected me with the city and its people. I found not just fitness, but a warm and vibrant running community that welcomed me with open arms. Waking up at 4:30 AM, driving 20 kilometers just to meet my running group, running for hours under the rising sun, and laughing over a hearty breakfast afterwards—these moments stitched my new life together with threads of friendship, resilience, and belonging.

The marathon journey

Training for my first full marathon was nothing short of transformative. Every early morning wake-up, every gruelling long run, and every tiny victory were threads woven into a tapestry of dreams, discipline, and determination. When I crossed that finish line, I wasn’t just completing a race—I was stepping into a version of myself I had only imagined. It was a triumph of will over doubt, and a reminder that extraordinary things happen when you refuse to quit. Less than 1% of the world may achieve this, but the real victory was discovering the limitless strength within me.

Lessons I learned along the way

In fitness, there are no real mistakes—only lessons. 

I learned that discipline is everything. 

Nutrition is crucial. 

Rest is not optional. 

Ignoring these led to injuries, and those experiences taught me to respect my body and the journey.

Advice for new runners

If you’re just starting out, my advice is simple: Enjoy the process. 

Don’t just chase the finish line. Fall in love with every step, every breath, every mile. That’s what will keep you going in the long run.

Books that inspire me

While I haven’t read specific books on running, I draw inspiration from stories of resilience and innovation:

• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
• No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings

Persistence is the common thread in all these stories, and it’s what fuels me every day.

Fitness is a status symbol. It’s something you work hard for; you can’t buy it, inherit it, borrow it, or steal it. It’s yours because you earned it.

Through my journey, I’ve realized that health is not just a destination but a way of living. That’s why initiatives like #AllForHealth resonate so deeply with me. Because when you commit to your health, you commit to a better, fuller life.

Here’s how you can contribute to #AllForHealth:

✅ Share your health journey using #AllForHealth and tag us! 📸

✅ Or log your activities on the Activ Health App

For every 1,000 participants, we’ll take wellness to one school.

Let’s create a ripple of health and hope. 🌟

Post Karo. Track Karo.

Apni Health Ko Own #ABHIkaro