I began distance running at the age of 12, starting with a 5km event where I finished in 45 minutes. At that time, I knew nothing about running, but I enjoyed participating in large group events.
As I continued, I became determined to improve my timing. I consistently trained and participated in events, eventually achieving a personal best of under 25 minutes for a 5km race.
Although I didn’t understand pacing for 5km, 10km, or 1600m races, my father helped me improve. I continued endurance sports until I was 16 in 2016, but then I moved to a hostel for my education, where I had limited time for outdoor activities. We were only allowed 30 minutes for physical activity and couldn’t leave the restricted area, which led me to quit running.
In 2018, I started my undergraduate studies but didn’t engage in any sports or running, leading to a sedentary lifestyle for nearly 6-7 years. After a long break, I moved to the USA for my master’s degree, weighing 100kg and feeling financially strained. I wanted to become fit,
so I began going to the gym and boxing. Inspired by my uncle, who ran a half marathon at 52, I realized what was holding me back.
Despite initial doubts, I started running daily without much hope or commitment. Gradually, I found joy in running longer distances. I never imagined running more than 10km, but within six months, I was running six times a week and completed a full marathon (42.2km).