It’s an interesting story about how I started running at the age of 38. It was a rewarding journey in my life.
The Decision to Start Running
At first, let me share a piece of information about my journey to running. I was not particularly curious about running and didn’t follow any running events. However, I tried to exercise a little at home and often walked to and from my office.
I lived in Dhaka, Bangladesh, near Hatirjheel. Occasionally, I heard about running events held in Hatirjheel, but I never thought about participating in one. Everything changed when one of my close friends called me with an unexpected proposition and asked, “Will you run? Let’s run.”
The Invitation
My friend invited me to join a running event. I replied with a lot of surprise, “Why and when?” I asked about the registration procedure, and he sent me a link for registration.
I opened the link immediately and found all the details. I saw two options: a 10K (kilometer) and a 25K event. Without thinking too much, I selected the 25K event and completed my registration on January 16, 2024. The event date was set for March 8, 2024, in Hatirjheel.
Seeking Guidelines
I started talking about this event with my colleagues. They knew as little about running events as I did. However, they began encouraging me.
I started searching for information on how to start running. After reading some articles online, I realized that starting is the first step and then following the basic rules of running.
Initial Plans
In the evening, we had a tea party and discussed this event and how to start practicing. Because without proper practice, running 25K is very difficult for a newcomer.
We planned to start the next day early in the morning at 5 am. Ha, ha, ha, we didn’t start as promised. Getting up at 5 am is not very easy for anyone who always gets up at 8:00 am. to 8:30 am.
We just couldn’t get started. We failed several days in a row.
First Day of Practice
After a few days, at last, we managed to get up around 5:15 am to 5:30 am. We called each other and said, ‘Today we will start this no matter what, let’s go!’ And we did just that.
At that time, I ate a little bread and drank a little water. Within 30 minutes, we all reached our starting point in the Hatirjheel area. On our first day, we set the target: 2.5K within 40 to 50 minutes.
First Experience and Reflections
However, I, along with them, started running. Within 60 seconds, I was out of breath, so I stopped and started walking. After a while, I started running again and then stopped to begin walking.
We all repeated this same process. This way, we completed 2.5K within 40 to 50 minutes. I realized that walking is easier than running.
I felt a little pain in my leg muscles, but from the core of my heart, I felt joyous, happy, and inspired, thinking that we were finally successful. My friends felt the same way.
Making a Commitment
I thought to myself that I will never stop running. Every morning, I would go to Hatirjheel, and if I couldn’t continue every day, I would do it at least 3 or 4 days a week.
This commitment also led me to change my daily routine, going to bed early and rising early to fit in my runs.
Hydration
After finishing the point, I drank 1/2 liter of water. I returned home on foot within 15 minutes. Then, I ate one egg and took a shower. I felt pain in the muscles of both legs. Before going to the office, I had a large meal to energize me for the whole day.
Final Saying
I want to say that starting to run at the age of 38 was a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just about physical exercise; it was about embracing a new mindset and challenging myself in ways I had never considered before.
The initial hurdles, from waking up early to managing the physical strain, were all part of a transformative journey that taught me resilience and determination.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that starting something new at any age is possible with the right mindset and support system.