Running as the sun rises

When Suresh Pathi, a businessman, started ‘Jayanagar Jaguars’ (JJ) a few years ago, it was for a group of like-minded people who enjoyed running. Slowly, the group became bigger and more structured and today, it has over a 100 passionate members, who enjoy the run as well as learn the right way to do so. 

When the clock strikes 5.30 am, this group of runners/walkers wear their running shoes and hit the green lanes of Jayanagar. Pramod Deshpande, a senior executive with a software firm, has been part of JJ for three years now.

A sprinter in the 80s, Pramod was always into athletics. Today, he not only keeps the group motivated but also coaches them and conducts different programmes for them. “When Bangalore Marathon happened for the first time, we started our first programme called ‘Run Your First Half Marathon’. Not many people know that a marathon covers a stretch of 44.2 kms while 21.095 kms is a half marathon,” he says.

“Currently, we have two new programmes — ‘Fit To Run’, which helps runners learn about the scientific preparation that goes into running and ‘Strength Training for Runners’, which is meant for people who are already into running but haven’t undergone specific training,” he informs. The group will also start training for the TCS World 10K in April. “Our main goal is to get people to run because they love it. Yes, competition also is a part of our spirit but it should be the outcome not the goal,” he says.

For Swaroop Mediah, “running is intoxicating”. “I just can’t stop myself from it,” she gushes. So when she met Suresh in the gym a few years ago, his passion for running motivated her to join the group. “I may lag behind while running but I thoroughly enjoy it. Running is something that is done alone. You run for yourself. Also, being a morning person, I just love watching the sunrise while I run,” she adds.

 The best part about the group, according to her is, the fact that each person is analysed. “They see how much you have run earlier and start off accordingly. For beginners, they start with a walk of two to three kilometres and then go on to a mix of walking and running. Sometimes, there are theory sessions too,” she adds. After a walk-cum-run, the team comes back to the ground and does stretches for a short while. On Saturdays, the group goes for a round of breakfast after the run. “Being foodies, we explore new restaurants in the area,” exclaims Swaroop.

The group is also gearing up for the ‘Bangalore Runners Unity Run’, a meet meant to get runners together and discover new routes. “Scheduled to be held on March 1, this the second edition and we will also hold a party post the run for the runners to interact with each other,” explains Pramod. “We also want the families to be involved. So while last year, we held a trek and birdwatching session for the families while the runners ran, this year too we have planned some enjoyable activities,” he adds.

The runners meet in Jayanagar 5th Block every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.30 am. Anyone can be a part of the group for a nominal fee. For details, visit their Facebook page — ‘Jayanagar Jaguars’.