Fit'spiring cities

Running enthusiasts in the city are discovering alternative routes to keep their feet going. While practice trails are important, a runners exchange programme in the city is also building social and cultural connections with their fellow running buffs. As a part of the initiative, the runners have travelled to each other’s cities and experienced the joy of sprinting on different routes. Aside from the celebrated run routes, they also discovered local hotspots.

Running is taking another leap in India, feels Ayesha Billimoria, the captain of Adidas Mumbai runners. “We aim to excite, inspire and empower the running community to get out, explore and create their own routes. We have covered five cities so far — Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Banglore and Pune,” she shares.

The team rediscovered routes and were delighted to find a common passion for running, “Different people have different fitness goals, from losing weight to increasing stamina. Reasons might differ but the ultimate goal is the same — getting healthy and staying fit. A programme like this becomes very important as it makes you dedicated and disciplined towards achieving your goal. It challenges you and gives an opportunity to see how far you can push yourself. And, in the end, helps you in your overall well-being and holistic development,” feels TV anchor Freishia Bomanbehram, who was also a part of the initiative.

Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park is their favourite pick of the lot. “This route was different as it gave the girls an opportunity to run on different terrains,” shares Ayesha. “This has been the magical run I’ve done. We also explored the Kanheri caves and the monsoons added a magical touch. It is an experience to remember,” says Frieshia.  

The beaches and the hills en route spurred Pooja Gor’s appetite for running, “I had a lovely opportunity to go to Alibaug and do a beach run and a lovely hill trek there. In the city, the Marine Drive promenade is the best stretch,” says the television actress, adding, “The outcome of the practice was quite positive. Mentally because it made me believe that I can. That was my biggest challenge. I don’t get tired too fast and easily anymore. I can push through my initial limit, which was barely a few metres when I started.  And when you meet people who are more experienced than you are, you always end up learning something new.”