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Fitness, Simplified: My Journey from Couch to Half Marathon
I’m someone who used to look at fitness as a mountain too high to climb. But post-COVID, I had a wake-up call. I was 21-22, yet I often felt drained - physically and mentally. That didn’t sit right with me.
Around that time, I saw friends getting into fitness, and it sparked something. I started small-with basic strength training and a few dietary changes. Slowly, my energy improved, and I began to enjoy the process. That’s when I knew this wasn't just a phase - it was going to be part of my life.
What Kickstarted It All
I remember feeling unusually sluggish during daily tasks. I wasn't even 25, but I didn't feel sharp or physically capable. So, I committed.
In the first 7–8 months, I dropped 20 kilos by:
- Cutting out excess sugar and bad fats
- Focusing on strength training - using weights and 2 body parts per day routine
- Eating with purpose, not restrictions
What I Ate (and Still Eat)
I didn’t follow any fad diets or count every calorie. Instead, I aimed for balance:
- Breakfast: Dosas (for good carbs) + eggs (for protein)
- Lunch: Light protein salads
- Evening snacks: Fruits or peanut butter with bananas
- Dinner: Roti, dal, and some dairy
- Post-workout: Protein shake
My goal? 20-22g of protein per meal. That was my sweet spot.
Sports Saved Me from Boredom
Gym routines can get repetitive. What kept things fun for me was sports - especially badminton and cricket. They not only improved my stamina but made working out feel like playtime. Every match is different, and there's no better feeling than pushing your body while having fun with friends.
My Daily Movement Strategy
Right now, I don't go to the gym regularly. Instead, I:
- Walk during meetings
- Take stairs instead of elevators
- Get post-lunch and post-dinner walks in
- Play sports in the evenings
All this adds up to 10-12k steps a day - without a treadmill in sight. That's how I stay active without turning fitness into a chore.
My Half Marathon Experience
Training for the half marathon was a whole different game. I followed a very simple plan:
- 5K one day, 7K another
- One slow long run (10-12K) each week
- Rest days (non-negotiable)
- Sprint days to build speed
When race day arrived, I wasn't chasing a specific time - I just wanted to finish. I ran 21K across Hyderabad - from the Old City to Gachibowli Stadium - in 2 hours and 45 minutes. The energy, the streets, the weather - it was surreal.
What Kept Me Going?
Not every day was easy. I had zero motivation on some days. But what pulled me through was remembering my "why." I didn't want to go back to the drained version of myself. Feeling better, lighter, and more confident was enough fuel to keep going.
Also, having a few fitness-minded friends made a big difference. When you're surrounded by people on similar journeys, you uplift each other.
What About Lazy Days?
Yes, I have them. And no, I don't force myself through them.
On off days, I let my body rest. I might watch a movie, eat something nice, and just chill. The only rule I follow? I get back to movement the next day. No guilt, no overcompensation - just showing up again.
My Advice for my Future Self and anyone just starting it out
Here's what I'd tell anyone starting their fitness journey:
- Start small - walk, dance, play a sport
- Don't compare your pace to others
- Focus on feeling good, not looking a certain way
- Skip the "grind" mindset - make it enjoyable
Fitness should be a positive experience, not a punishment.
📈 What’s Next for Me?
Right now, I'm focusing on flexibility and mobility. That means:
- More stretching
- Weekly yoga sessions
- Learning to move better, not just harder
I've realized that flexibility improves how you play, how you lift, and even how you sit through meetings at work. It's underrated but game changing.
Some Thoughts
I didn't write this to show off stats or numbers. I wrote it to remind me that fitness can be simple. It doesn't need a gym membership, a crazy diet, or a new fitness gadget (although a gadget keeps it engaging :P).
All it needs is a mindset shift: one where movement becomes part of your day, not an interruption in it.