Running

Photo: Ihtisham Kabir

It is just before sunset and a thick humidity hangs in the air. Summer's flowers are mostly gone except for a few krishnachuras and jaruls which persist with tenacity; meanwhile, rongons have arrived with their colourful show. The day's heat lingers, holding out the coolness of the evening. My body feels much heavier than it is, my breathing is laboured and my lungs work furiously to extract oxygen from the moisture-laden air. My muscles groan and my joints creak protesting against the thumping to and fro motion. But the discomfort eases after the first few minutes and I settle into a smooth rhythm.
After a six-month break, I am running again.
Strangely, there is much conventional wisdom against running. From the standpoint of overall physical well-being, there are better exercises: swimming and brisk walking, for example. The intensity of running can be downright dangerous if one is not properly conditioned. The pounding that the knee and feet receive transfers to ligaments, menisci, bones and joints. Some years ago, while running, I tore a meniscus and limped for months until I had it surgically repaired.
How did I get here?
It started three decades ago when I was finishing college. To fulfil a Physical Education requirement that stood in the way of my graduation, I searched for an easy class and found Running. I was hoping to get away with minimal work, perhaps some slow jogging. Instead, in no time I was running three miles and looking forward to the next class. I was soon addicted.
But, really, why bother?
While there are many reasons, I run because it makes me feel alive. There is something primeval about running. Perhaps it is because long before we were driving cars, working in the office, or watching TV, our ancestors had set themselves apart by balancing themselves on two feet and moving about quickly. We have an innate need for speed, and for me, running satisfies it.
There is also a “runner's high” that comes from a moderately intense run. The endorphins kick in and fatigue is replaced with a feeling of well-being verging on euphoria. Other benefits of running are increased energy level and better sleep.
I will be the first to admit that as a runner I am neither fast nor meticulous. I do not run long distances. There is a whole world of serious runners out there - with technique, training, and gear - that I admire from a distance. For example, I don't know whether my feet pronate or supinate (that is, roll the wrong way while running), whether my posture is correct, or whether my shoe cushioning is optimal.
Still, I run because I love it.
Want to try it? Go ahead, but first consult a doctor. One strategy is to start with walking, increase the pace slowly, and build up to running. Moderation is key. Dhaka's parks provide space for running, but avoid busy roads at all costs since they are dangerous for runners.
Who knows, you might become addicted, too.

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