Run Sharada, Run

Running is emancipation for Sharada Venkataraman, who took to it at the age of 52! Ten years on, she has represented India in Masters Athletic tournaments and is one of the stars of a film on Indian women runners. Here’s how she does it, in her own words…

A few months back, I got to know of a story writing competition for runners across India. They had to write about their running journey, the agony and the ecstasy involved, and so much more. Certain stories would be shortlisted by a panel of judges for further consideration. ‘Oh well! I have nothing to lose. No harm in putting down my running story,’ I thought, and that’s how it all began!A few weeks later, I was pleasantly surprised to get a mail from the organisers, the India Amateur Runners Trust, informing me that my story had been shortlisted to be included in a soon to be filmed documentary! That was the onset of a magical journey, as I deem it a great honour and privilege to be one of the eight women in ‘Run Sister, Run!’ a crowd-funded movie on women runners in India. Never been considered important enough to be filmed before, this experience was a novel, unforgettable one for me! People were interested in what I had to say about my hobby and passion – running, and ‘my’ story of it mattered! I truly felt like a celebrity!

Sharada with her husband and son, Dr Krishnan.

Here’s How It All Started

You may be surprised to know that I took to running in the twilight of my life. I was 52, the age when most women, especially from conservative South Indian families in India, have ‘retired’ and are in ‘relaxation’ mode. They have discharged their duties – educated their children, married off their daughters and procured daughters-in-law. It was now time to relax, take holidays abroad, attend bhajans and kirtans and generally take it easy.

Destiny, though, had different things in store for me! In 2006, my husband, Brigadier Venkataraman and I, had gone for a vacation to Vermont, USA, where our son Dr. Krishnan was working as a Post Doc at the university. A few days into our vacation, Kris (as he is called) felt that we had nothing novel or challenging to do and had too much time on our hands. Being a Marathon runner himself, he had a ‘brainwave.’ He decided to help us train for a Half Marathon happening in Stowe, which was two months away. Convincing Venky was easy as he had always been a sportsman and runner during his college days. I was another kettle of fish! Running, and me? No way! I had never run in my life before or participated in athletics, except run after the husband I had to wait for five years to get married to, due to our parents’ disapproval. But that’s another story.

I was very reluctant in the beginning. During my younger days, girls from South Indian families were supposed to learn classical music and dance, master the culinary arts and become graduates to qualify as acceptable brides. ‘Rowdy’ sports like athletics and running were only for the boys. With that kind of upbringing, it was no wonder that I was so skeptical. It was my son’s persuasion that made me change my mind, drop a few mental barriers and start off on a new journey that was to grow into my passion – Running!

Kris, who kept an eagle eye on our progress through our workout feedbacks, trained us for our first Half Marathon. He was encouraging, patient and tolerant, never letting our spirits flag. We were coached about the importance of good nutrition, regular training, sufficient rest and hydration, cross training, the right running apparel and running shoes. In fact, my best performance in a half marathon so far, was at the Stowe Marathon, where I clocked 2 hours and 20 minutes!

Getting filmed for Run, Sister, Run Photograph courtesy: India Amateur Runners Trust

Ten Years On

It hasn’t exactly been a joyride after that. I faced several challenges that came my way in the past ten years, like disapproval from friends and family who thought we were mad to have started off on something as ‘strenuous’ as running at a time in life when we should be relaxing!

Lifestyle changes needed to be made. I now have to always watch what I eat, and ensure I eat correctly on a regular basis. I have to ensure I have sufficient sleep on a daily basis and go for the workouts regularly. I have to do all my household chores too, and also look after my mother (aged 87), mother in law (aged 90), run my yoga and language classes (I am a yoga teacher and an IELTS and TOEFL trainer). Amidst all of these, I cannot afford to neglect social functions and celebrations and need to wake up at 4 AM in the mornings for my workouts.

I must mention though, that both my sons (My younger son Vijay works in Bangalore and stays with us) have always been very encouraging and supportive, as is my husband Venky, regarding my running. They are the reason why I continue to run and remain my inspiration and motivation. It is only off late that some of my other family members have become less critical and more appreciative of my achievements.

My sons’ encouragement proves how support from immediate family members like daughters and sons, can work magic and go a long way in motivating parents to take up running or any other activity in their retired years.

Sharada running through Cubbon Park

Photograph courtesy: Rupeeforhumanity/Sharada Venkatraman

My Running Life

The benefits of running for me have been many. My health has improved by leaps and bounds. I feel very energetic and upbeat and am able to do a lot more things than before, though my life is packed and hectic. There has been a new surge of confidence in me and a feeling of ‘I can.’ I have shed weight, lost fat and gained muscle.

I have had some injuries during these ten years and all of them have occurred during running or practice, like a knee ligament tear, a fractured foot, a broken shoulder, a broken maxilla and a surgery. I think my passion for running and my burning urge to get back to it at the earliest, as well as encouragement from Venky and my sons, has helped me bounce back faster. In fact, my recovery and healing happened so quickly that even the doctors were surprised! It helped to maintain a positive attitude too. Running is not all roses and sunshine and we must, as runners, take ups and downs with equanimity, get up after every fall, and move on regardless.

As an older woman taking up running, I probably face more challenges than younger women doing the same. Firstly, I am constantly advised by many that I am ‘too old’ to pursue a sport like running. I also have to face constant censure from people with a certain mindset and rigid, ancient views. I have to hear unsavoury comments on my running apparel too as these are not ‘age appropriate!’ Added to all this, I also feel as I grow older, my responsibilities and commitments have changed and increased in certain ways, making it a tough balancing act.

But the pros outweigh the cons. Running has contributed to my well-being. It has gained me a huge circle of friends, and ushered me into a new magical world where I can be myself and breathe free. I find I can enjoy time with myself; connect with nature and feel free and unfettered. Yes, running has helped me to feel fitter and younger. It has helped me to recognise the potential within. It has made me see myself in a better light.

But running takes both mental and physical dedication and perseverance. I am with a running group called Pacemakers and my coach is KC Pani. I run three days in a week and participate in several 10 KM competitions and Half Marathons in and out of Bangalore. I have run about 25 Half Marathons till date. One of my happiest moments was when I ran a 10 and a 5 km race in Sacramento in July 2011 and represented India! It was an honour to wear the country’s colours and the feeling was nothing short of euphoric! So how did it come about?

I participated in the MAFI (Masters Atheletic Federation of India) athletic competitions in Bangalore and was selected for Nationals held in different cities several times. In 2010, I was selected for the Asian championships held in Kuala Lumpur from where I was selected for the World Masters competition in Sacramento. I didn’t get a medal, as the other competitors were far superior to me, but the great feeling of pride and humility in equal measure, was reward enough!

Running for me, is emancipation! Running for me, is freedom! So wear a sensible pair of shoes and run. You can do it! Two thumbs up for more women stepping out of their comfort zones no matter what their age and three cheers for running!