There is scarcely anything more engrossing to watch than displays of sheer strength and endurance. What is even more pleasurable is when one comes across absolute raw talent. Untainted by the glitter of sponsorships, modeling contracts or media coverage. I came across something of the sort recently. I saw a 40 year old Haryanvi man climb up a tree and do what looks like splits in the air while holding on to the not-so-thick trunk of the tree with nothing but his extended hands. I can’t imagine what kind of core strength it requires to be able to do this. I asked him for a repeat performance so that I could make a video on my phone. I didn’t realise he would anyway be doing reps!
I ended up talking to him about how he does what he does and his dead reply was “Bas ji bachpan se pedh chadan ka shaunk se” (I love climbing trees since my childhood days), to which his friend or lacky (not quite sure) chimed in saying “re ji jab inka mann karein hai to is parak ke pachhis se tees (25-30) chakkar bhaag lete hai pedh chadne se pehle” (he runs about 25-30 rounds of the park at times just like that). The track is one kilometer long. He was wearing a shirt, trousers and torn keds. These are people who do it for the sheer love of what they do. Not for events or time or medals or certificates or staying in shape but because they must answer a voice within or may be it’s just a way of life.
A friend of mine had written a poem a while back which was from the perspective of these super talented but lesser fortunate athletes – it’s too profane to post here. It was about what they must think when they see us in our shiny dri-fits, our headbands and our writstbands, our bright water bottles. I already give away all event t-shirts, used shoes, and whatever other running paraphernalia I may or may not have use for. But in that moment I was hit by a sinking realisation of how far it is from enough. And how little else there is that I can do about it.
11 Comments
Loved the video. These people do it as a way of life Anupriya, look at some of the rickshaw pullers, manual labourers, guys who work at dockyards, coolies or wholesale markets carrying huge loads on their head/shoulders. They dont think of distance, time, core strength, cross fit, GFR etc.,. they just do it day in and day out, as they know no alternative to life.
But this is not to fault those who use all the resources at their disposal to get fit . At the end, it is appreciative that people are paying attention to keeping themselves fit and healthy.
It is amazing to see the enthusiasm levels increase with every passing year, and newer and newer inductees join the hordes of like minded “stay fit”groups .
This is not an age phenomenon too – its great to see elderly too take to the parks, roads, colonies early in the morning or late at night to keep themselves in shape and in good health.
This regimen is the best thing we could have aped from the west 🙂
great article as always
I agree with you Ajay. I have nothing against “haves”. I’m glad we are able to invest in ourselves but can’t help but feel small when I catch myself cribbing about stuff I should not.
Untold stories…Nice one!
🙂
It was such a pleasure and must day humbling experience yo watch that Video. True raw talents are found in such places but how many of us bother to look into, to shoot their video or write about them on social media. I must say I admire you for this. I must share once during trekking to pindari glacier our mule boy ran almost 15 km uphill as one of the fellow trekker had left his wallet there… He not only ran back but assured that he would catch us back by tea break I.e within 1.30 hrs.. Up n down.. We were amazed n offered he would come with us for proper training but.. He refused as it was a routine, a fun hobby n freedom n not for recognition or Medal.. I felt sad when he refused but understood and respected his view point. life is such.. Here we struggle with our plane track run and buy all possible gizmos moment we are able to do our 10k.. GPS, hydration pack. Garmin, shades dryfit, branded special running shoes.. N trainer…irony..
Thank you so much Dimple 🙂 I know what you are saying and thanks for sharing the story.
I am sure Anupriya u can give that guy a run for his money, talent knows no boundaries. If the ‘have nots’ can climb trees then the ‘haves’ can also climb wire net fences after running many kms in rubber chappals 🙂
Hi, I just discovered your blog and read, I don’t know, how many posts! What got me here was running. I am a mom too, and exactly the same age as you. May be that’s the reason your story resonated with me. I have just started running, this year. I have progressed from 1 round (400 mts) in our society premises to 7 rounds now. I started running because I wanted to get fit, I wanted to make health my priority. I have not done Marathons yet (may be next year). Reading your posts have been inspiring. You have touched upon several things which a woman runner can face. Just dropped by to say ‘hello’ and that keep writing and running. All the best 🙂
Thank you so much Reema for your comment. It’s overwhelming to say the least. We all have similar experiences irrespective of what path we walk on. And happy running 🙂
Hello Anupriya,
I am 42, year old full time mom from Pune India.Your blog has inspired me to take care of my health and I have taken up cycling and yoga,I get up at 5am to do so and I am loving it. Earlier I would give thousand excuses to others about not taking up exercise but I realised I was fooling myself,not them! i love your blog, Thank you so much!keep writing!
It’s very heartening to know that Kirti. I’m overwhelmed that you took out time to write this comment. Thanks a lot for sharing just when I needed to lift myself up. More power.