A year in running with Team AID Asha

There is a runner in everyone, just that some of them have not discovered it yet. This cliché may not be true for everyone, but the idea persists that most people get into running as part of a sudden burst of inspiration. Having stumbled onto the idea, they fully embrace the delusion based upon a fantasy fueled by countless slow-mo videos of athletes in motion with Eye of the Tiger playing in the background. This fantasy culminates into signing up for an event comfortably in the distant future upon the completion of which the said individual will bring home a piece of metal proudly displayed as a reminder of glorious achievement.

Cut to the present – and this fantasy is abruptly interrupted by the mundane daily anxieties of running. Too cold, too warm, too dry, too humid, rain or snow, extra layer – should it be warm or water proof? Fuel belt, phone holder, choice of music? And then constantly dealing with aches and pains, chafing and stretching. Why then, do so many people run?

Team AID Asha address this in their own way – their training begins on an invariably damp, cool day in April. Running around the Charles river provides a great backdrop to the initial runs with plenty of opportunity to take a break and stare into the distance as traffic rolls along. There are returning runners, who try to get into training like a familiar feel of an old shirt. Then, there are new runners – some of them absolute beginners to running. All hustle and bustle, arms flailing and minds whirring with questions for the coach.

Spring turns into summer and the runs become more challenging. It’s time to learn about hydration, a cup of electrolytes fluid can provide so much relief. The runner’s high when it arrives, is fleeting and can be elusive but the memory lingers long after. Stretching is now an ally, no longer viewed with suspicion but a partner to keep injury at bay. Shoes, fuel belts and running apparel is constantly on the runners’ minds as the promised date looms.

And the race day briefing it is hard to believe that training is almost complete. The camaraderie with fellow runners formed over months of arduous running days has endured helps everyone get through all their concerns. As runners prepare for race day, it is also time to remind themselves about the great cause that is Team AID Asha – this being the 15^th year that has helped raise funds to benefit people who need it the most. Sangharsh, seva, nirmaan and the belief in providing education are lofty - and seemingly distant – goals, but the will and commitment of all runners over so many years combined with the dedicated team that has willed this effort into reality has been an inspirational and worthy effort. In their own small way the runners help move the struggle along with their own entirely transformational experience.

Team AID Asha is a running program that has been operating in the Boston area since 2003, to help runners train for half & full marathon. Along with training, Team AID Asha provides support to runners to help raise funds and also bring awareness to development programs with Association for India’s Development (AID) and Asha for Education.

For more information on joining for the new season, please visit https://www.teamaidasha.org/

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