After swine flu, dengue and mall aria, another bug seems to have bitten the Gurgaonites – the fitness bug. The bug has been in the air for some time but of late it has acquired the proportions of a syndrome. Apart from golf, tennis, squash and gymming, the latest ‘in’ thing seems to be running.
There are a few women who are into running but mostly it seems to be the preserve of the thirty plus
male. One of common sights early in the morning, apart from the stray pig and doodhwala, is the running man. The running man wears the latest running gear, usually color coordinated shorts and T shirt in a sweat resistant material, the latest Nike/Adidas/Reebok shoes and a gizmo which will tell him everything from the speed, distance, altitude, air pressure, heart beat, calories burnt, pollution levels and the decibel levels of the stray dogs barking behind him. The newbie runner is recognized by the valiant grimace on his face as though he is preparing for a tough performance appraisal . The veteran runner tries to adopt a Zen like expression as a truck ploughs dust onto his face. In the absence of running tracks and easy roads, some runners opt to run in parks or inside the building premises. These runners exhibit a mixture of resentment and wariness as they try to dodge cars, school children, other runners, slow walkers, maids, maalis, drivers and pet dogs answering the call of nature. Sometimes, the run becomes a decathlon or a hurdle race.
Running is a solitary sport but runners are a gregarious lot. At any social gathering they form a little coterie and talk about running . The intellectual ones quote Murakami and make plans to exchange their ‘Born to Run’ and ‘Dare to run’ copies.’ The travel buffs plan running holidays, always centered around a marathon they want to participate in- ‘this year it is France since I want to run the Medoc , next year we will do Africa because I really want to do the Big Five.’ The foodies among them will discuss the merits of various energy gels and protein shakes. The hypochondriacs will exchange notes on shin splints and Achilles Tendonitis. There will be a heated debate on the best training schedule for the next marathon. Terms like Hal Higdon ‘s schedule and hitting the wall and ultra marathon will be tossed around. Soon the runners make plans to form a group and run together every Sunday morning. The coterie shows signs of becoming a cult.
Why does the running man run?
Runners to whom I put this question said things like “Running is like meditation”. “It is only when I run that I am truly free.” “ Running helps me reflect on the true meaning of life.” “ I like pushing myself and discovering my possibilities.” Such statements were accompanied by a philosophical expression or a faraway look in the eyes. The runners’ wives to whom I put this question said things like, “ He thinks it will impress the young girl who has moved next door.” “ Dieting didn’t help to get rid of the paunch, so he is trying running.” “It is a last bid to recapture his lost youth.” “ I don’t care why he runs but must he wake up the entire household at 5.30 a.m every morning?” Such statements were accompanied by an eye roll or a murderous glint in the eyes. My husband too has succumbed to the bug and has been running seriously for the past year with two half marathons under his belt. I put the question to my him one morning as he was getting ready for a run. “I am learning patience and endurance.” he muttered . “ And that will help me to put up with you!” he grinned and sprinted away from my response.
It is not such a bad thing, I figured. Running does not require expensive equipment or club membership, it can be done almost anywhere and the family may even get to go on exotic holidays and cheer for the marathon man in the family.
