After an intense and eye-opening two weeks in Chennai, I’m back in the UK, and I must say: what an experience it’s been. The contrast between running in Chennai and running here is stark, and I have a newfound appreciation for the good roads and more manageable conditions we often take for granted in the UK.
Kudos to Chennai Runners
Running in Chennai was a challenge like no other. The relentless heat, suffocating humidity, and chaotic streets made every run feel like an adventure. Navigating the bustling roads filled with cyclists, motorbikes, cars, and lorries was an experience in itself, and it gave me immense respect for the local runners who make this their daily routine.
During my time in Chennai, I had the pleasure of bumping into the local running community on August 15th, India’s Independence Day. The warmth and welcoming nature of the runners was incredible. They invited me to join their running club for a Saturday run, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to connect with them. It was a reminder of how universal the running community is, no matter where you are in the world, runners support and uplift each other.
Fiver Years Later: met with a kind soul & PT
One of the highlights of my trip was reconnecting with JD, also known as Arvind, a PT & running coach I had met five years ago during an early morning run. Back then, I had a close call with a motorcyclist, and JD’s kindness to complete stranger and humility left a lasting impression on me. It was wonderful to see him again, and he empathized with my struggles, acknowledging that running in Chennai has become even more challenging with the increasing heat and traffic.
JD suggested that I head to Besant Nagar Beach for my long runs, where the conditions are slightly more forgiving. He also recommended a fitness club called Monday Monk, where they offer group classes focused on strength training. I decided to give it a try, and it was a blast! Each day of the week has a different theme—lower body, cardio, etc.—and they make it fun and engaging.
A Tough Lesson in Strength Training
However, after being away from weights for 14 days, I might have jumped back in a bit too enthusiastically. The first day at Monday Monk was intense, and I paid the price with some serious DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). This experience made me realize that my current strength training routine might need an upgrade. It’s a reminder that even when we think we’re in good shape, there’s always room to push ourselves a little further.
Gratitude for the Simple Joys
This morning, I completed my first 5K run back in the UK, and I’m so grateful to be back in familiar territory. My time in India was filled with memorable moments, including the small but meaningful interactions with local vendors near my parents’ house. The tender coconut lady who greeted me with a smile every morning taught me how to drink coconut water without a straw—a simple pleasure that felt like a refreshing reward after a hot run. Opposite her was the fruit seller, who always had my favourite guava fruit ready and even fetched some sour kalakkai, a childhood favorite of mine.
These vendors, with their hard work, resilience, and warm smiles, left a deep impression on me. They start their day at 4 AM, pushing heavy trolleys and standing in the sun for hours, all for a few rupees. Yet, they radiate happiness and goodwill. We, as runners, can learn so much from their resilience and positivity. Their spirit reminded me that the journey is just as important as the destination, whether it’s in running or in life.
Looking Ahead
Now that I’m back, it’s time to get back into my routine with a definite plan. The challenges of running in Chennai have strengthened my resolve, and I’m ready to push myself even further in my marathon training. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue this adventure—both in running and in life.
Thank you for following along with my journey. Let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time.
