The year was 1984. The women’s marathon had finally made its way into the Olympics. After years of struggle, women were deemed fit to be a part of long-distance running.
“I loved the feeling of freedom of running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I’m competing with is me.”
— Wilma Rudolph
The year was 1984. The women’s marathon had finally made its way into the Olympics. After years of struggle, women were deemed fit to be a part of long-distance running.
It’s been 28 years now, and the definition of running has taken a new perspective altogether. More than competition, women now use it as a medium to spend quality time by themselves, stay fit, and renew the feeling of independence. Be it a working woman or a homemaker, many women make it a point to take time out of their busy schedules and run regularly.
Dr Rohini Kelkar, 52, who is the head of the department of clinical microbiology at the Tata Memorial Hospital, is a fitness freak even at her age. “In 1997-98, I gained 15kg due to thyroid problems. I went to the gym, but indoor activity can be claustrophobic. So, against my doctor’s advice, I ran the half marathon,” she says.
“Physically, I feel I am almost back in school. Earlier, I was hyper and irritable. Running has calmed me down. Even at 9pm, if a patient calls me and is angry or upset, I can talk calmly and give them sound advice. We now even plan our family holidays around my running,” Kelkar adds.
And with the Stayfree DNA I Can Women’s Half Marathon scheduled for March 11, Kelkar feels women now have the perfect platform to take the first step towards running. And for those who feel they don’t have enough time, she says, “That’s just a lame excuse. If I, with such a busy schedule, can take some time out, so can you. It’s an independent sport, so it helps you spend some quality time with yourself.”
Prachi Kothari, 39, a homemaker from Lower Parel, has been an avid runner for the last seven years. The mother of two put on her jogging shoes to shed weight, but the joy of the experience turned her into a regular. “I have struck a deal with my kids on the two school-going days that I run. My husband running with me makes life much easier. When you run a marathon, after a point it is mind over body. Your body might give up after a while but your mind takes you all the way,” she says.
Banker Sheron Mehra, 37, starts her day at 4am with a run. She says, “It’s just the initial inertia which stops you, you have to take time out and it will be possible. You can manage everything, it’s not so difficult. With discipline, everything can be done.” And how has running changed Mehra’s life? “I get some ‘me’ time in the morning. It helps me de-stress and ease out,” she concludes. So what are you waiting for? If these women can, so can you!
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