A big playground in the vicinity of the house is the biggest blessing a child can have. I was also a blessed child as there was a big ground in the backyard of my house.

I enjoyed playing outdoor games like football, running, Pakdam Pakdai a lot with my siblings, friends and my parents. My dad, being a sports person always encouraged us to play outdoor games. Almost every day we used to have tough football matches. Those are the best memories of my childhood.

During my teenage, we changed our house and there was a small ground in the vicinity where we used to play Badminton. There was a pathway around the lake near our house. It was a stretch of about five kilometers and we had a routine of going for morning walks for years.

Eventually, in higher classes, I don’t know when that passion for playing took a backseat to the pressure of studies and social obligations. I also gained some weight during that period. I got married and started living in Shimla. Everybody knows that in Shimla being a hill-station you have to walk a lot on daily basis to do your chores. I always enjoyed that.

After being a mother of triplets I have awakened that passion for running and playing. I used to take kids along to run and play whenever wherever get a chance. My favorite activity with kids in free time was to go for long walks. It was our fixed activity on weekends.

When kids started going to school I made a habit of going for walks around 3-4 km daily after dropping them in school. Eventually, I started jogging. This one hour used to be my best time of the day. It raised my stamina and fitness. Being a lean person many people advised me not to do so but how could I make them understand that it makes me feel happy and energetic. I feel more positive & enthusiastic now. It has boosted my life force. I am not scared of many things which I used to be earlier.

Then one day accidentally with some apprehension I filled a form for participating in a mini-marathon within two days time. I simply wanted to test my stamina. The race began and I ran earnestly. Soon I realized that I was leading in my category and bagged the first prize.

I was very happy, it felt as if my upset younger version got in sync with me after a hell long time. I decided to continue the practice. Next month I again participated in another mini-marathon and grabbed the 2nd position.

One month later I came to know that there will be an open marathon in my native town. It was the same route where I used to walk 20 years back. I got excited and wanted to participate. When I reached the venue I was shocked to see student-athletes from nearby colleges as the participants.

I really wanted to run. I took part and grabbed the 10th position in 7000m run. I had a wonderful experience running with young girls. They motivated me and vice versa. I am determined to participate in more marathons in the future.

When the discomfort strikes, a strong mind in the strong body is the most powerful weapon of all. Look at a day when you are utmost happy and satisfied at the end – It’s not a day when you did nothing much but, it’s when you’ve had much to do and you managed to do all.

I am trying to pursue it and I found it to be a very relieving experience. To be in sync with your younger-self keeps yourself young forever.