At the age of 40 I found myself standing at a crossroads I never expected to face. As the founder of Su-Kam, my life was an exhilarating whirlwind of meetings, travel, and relentless growth, spanning both India and Africa. I was driven, dedicated, and deeply passionate about my work. Yet, amid this bustling success, my health hit a brick wall. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. The weight of these conditions felt heavy on my shoulders, making me question not only my life expectancy but also my ability to sustain my business for the long term.
Until then, I always considered myself active. I walked regularly, but travel disrupted my routine. With every missed workout, my health slipped further away. The doctor’s words echoed in my mind: “Living with these two diseases will be a challenge.” The thought of curtailing my dreams was terrifying. It was then that a seed of change was planted. A friend suggested I start running—a notion I had always dismissed as “not my cup of tea.” But I realized that I had a choice: I could either let my health dictate my life or take charge and redefine my narrative.
I joined a gym, but from the very first day, I struggled. Running on the treadmill felt excruciating, and I could barely manage five minutes without gasping for breath. In that moment of exhaustion, I saw two fellow gym-goers training for the Airtel Marathon in Delhi. Something stirred inside me. I envied their focus and determination. Inspired, I decided to push myself beyond my limits.
Gradually, I began to build my stamina. From five minutes, I progressed to ten, then thirty, and finally reached a continuous run of forty minutes. It was during this journey that I realized I had not just started running—I had changed my mindset. In an unexpected twist, I found myself contemplating the idea of running a marathon. Initially, my goal was to run 10 kilometers, half the distance of a full marathon. However, as my confidence grew, so did my ambition, and I set my sights on completing the full 42.195 kilometers.
Admitting my goal felt daunting. I was shy, reluctant to share this new dream with friends, and I decided against hiring a trainer. Instead, I relied on my commitment to improve myself. Those early mornings and tireless hours at the gym reshaped my routine and my perception of what was achievable. Every step I took was a victory—each run an affirmation that I was reclaiming my health.
The day of the marathon arrived. As I stood at the starting line, the nerves and excitement mixed in my stomach. I didn’t just want to finish; I wanted to push my limits. Crossing the finish line after 2 hours and 25 minutes felt euphoric. At that moment, I realized I had transformed not only my health but my entire life. Over the next three years, I continued to participate in the Airtel Marathon, each year striving for better. Eventually, I achieved my goal of finishing the marathon in under 2 hours—a feat I hadn’t dreamed possible.
Running those 21 kilometers reshaped my mind. It strengthened my resolve and improved my health, helping me drop my high blood pressure and pre-diabetes diagnoses. The power of running became clear to me; it wasn’t just exercise but a path to resilience.
Now, running 5 kilometers feels effortless, an act of joy rather than a burden. Each stride represents a triumph over adversity. I share my journey not only to inspire others facing similar health struggles but also to remind everyone that it is never too late to take control of your life and rewrite your story.
As I reflect on this journey, I am grateful for the obstacles that pushed me toward greater strength and insight. Today, I continue to run, not just for fitness but as a reminder of the power of commitment, resilience, and the ever-evolving journey towards health and happiness