Saumya's MindfulRunning

  “Small and consistent steps taken regularly over time lead to big gains. You spend a minute on top of the mountain but hundreds of hours on its sides.” Brad Stulberg Everyone has their Everest. Something that, relative to their capabilities, requires them to push their boundaries, both physically and mentally, to the max. Something they are not sure if they can achieve. I signed up for “my Everest” 4 months ago – to run 50 kms in the Sahyadri’s. Any task that seems daunting initially is something that excites me. I enjoy the process because the process or the journey is what makes you stronger both physically and mentally. If there is no challenge, there is no fun. I traveled to Lonavala for the Tata Ultra Marathon late Feb 2024. By this time, I had downgraded my distance to 35 kms because of a lot of other factors (which were non run related). I was unhappy yet relieved at the same time. This race that is so well organized in terms of just about everything. The new elements added we

  "The eye never forgets what the heart has seen" African Proverb The idea to run the Tusk Safaricom Marathon came from my podcast guest and friend Matt Fitzgerald. He said it was his most memorable marathon. Since then, I was very curious to find out more so I decided to run it myself.  It took a lot of planning, preparing and fundraising for this marathon.  I was fortunate enough to travel to Kenya and run the Lewa Safaricom Marathon through the picturesque Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It is a very unique race where your spectators are a few humans and a few animals. It’s situated on 5500 feet of altitude, hilly and rocky trails, over 80% humidity and an average of 35 degrees heat. It is a challenging and breathtaking race that cuts across Kenya’s oldest wildlife reserve – the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Running the Lewa Marathon is not just about the race. It's an entire experience on its own. From fundraising to school visits to running, to making friends from different

"Depression hates a moving target. A little bit of exercise every day helps to keep the mind at bay." Brad Stulberg, author and well-being coach This quote has stuck with me for a good time now.  For many people, lacing up their running shoes can take them on a journey out of a dark place in their lives. Regular movement can help prevent, manage, and even treat depression. The same is true for anxiety where the reasons could be biological (chemicals in the brain), psychological (confidence), social (community), or some reasons still unknown. Intrusive thoughts and feelings are stubborn. This is why "think positive" usually fails. Carving out at least 20 minutes of physical activity into your day helps. Even if it feels like you are forcing yourself or just going for a walk. The idea is to show up and do it regularly. One mantra that always holds true is “mood follows action”. You don’t need to feel good to get going, you need to get going to feel good. Sometimes you