Last Saturday morning, I set out to Kanteerava Stadium with my husband and daughter to take part in the exercise programme organised by the Nike Run Club. There were quite a few people already assembled - some, who looked like first timers (just like me) and some who were really fit, lean and well muscled. Reeth Abraham, the national sprinter was also there. She was tall, athletic and looked smashing in her running gear.

Well, we started off with a few jogs around the car park - just to loosen ourselves up. Our trainer then lined us up and started on the actual workout. The first few minutes were great - it was easy-going and I sailed through smoothly. Subsequently, the exercises became slightly intense. I continued on, breathing hard and letting out loud gasps. Our trainer then increased the pace of the activities - the combination of high speed and intense exercises sustained over a longer time period had all my muscles crying for mercy. Some muscles that I didn't know even existed in my body, started howling in pain! It was such a relief when our trainer ended one set of exercises and gave us a few seconds respite before he started on the next set. Finally, after 25 long minutes, our trainer blew the whistle. I felt like I had been tossed and turned around in a washing machine -completely drained of all energy.
Our trainer, (he must have been a sadist!) very cheerfully commented that we were now sufficiently warmed up to go for a long run! I was aghast! I had thought that the so called "warm-up" routine was to be the sum total of that day's workout but apparently it was not.

Reluctantly, I headed to Cubbon Park with all the others to begin the long run. My husband, who was already ahead urged me to follow quickly. My legs screamed and refused to move. It felt like as though heavy stones were tied around them - just raising and moving them seemed like moving a mountain.

At this point, I was giving up all hope of even running half a kilometer. That was when I saw the image of Reeth Abraham in my mind's eye. Reeth, standing so tall and looking extremely fit, and going about her exercise routine with such ease and litheness. I held on to that image and huffed and puffed my way across the park. I was probably one of the people who came in last but at that point, it felt just great to complete the run! I felt a great sense of achievement and and was brimming with fulfillment, forgetting all the aches and pains in my body!

Thanks Reeth, for being the inspiration!