Spotlight: Runner Ritibha Mehta

There are many avid runners in South City 1, and some of them have been making waves in the local community. Through this column, we wish to highlight their journey and maybe even inspire some among us.

In this edition, we are featuring Ritibha Mehta from The Palms, South City 1 who has been running in the neighbourhood for over a decade now.

1. Where are you from? – Kasauli, HP
2. How long have you been running? – 11 years
3. What got you into running? 
   Blame it on my Pahaadi genes-:) I have been walking/ jogging regularly since childhood. Had participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon a couple of years back with a humble distance of 5 kms. I enjoyed the run thoroughly, that was the triggering point, and the running bug caught me. A close and equally enthusiastic friend (Minakshi Tewari) and I started running without any guidance or support. We self-trained, the addiction continued, and in 2013, we co-founded an informal group (Sole Jammers). We made a humble start. Today, we are a vibrant community of health-conscious members, supporting each other in our health aspirations and spreading fitness cheer around us.
4. What do you enjoy about running? 
   Running is pure freedom; it relaxes one’s body, mind, and soul. It has helped me connect with my inner self and brought more focus and discipline to my personal and professional lives. It has given me a sense of purpose. The early morning camaraderie with fellow runners, the fresh air, and the vibrant energy help release stress and prepare me for a fruitful day. Besides, I get to discover new places vide running events. Simply put, running is my sanity-:)
5. What is your running shoe of choice? – Nike
6. What is your favourite local place to run? 
   GFR (Gurgaon Faridabad Road)/GCR (Golf Course Road) route
7. Most frustrating running injury?
   A knee injury due to which I had to refrain from the sport for almost 2 years
8. How many days a week do you run? 
   Thrice combined with strength training 
9. What is your proudest running accomplishment? 
   Every run is an achievement in itself. However, my proudest moment was when I shaved off my PB (personal best) by 25 minutes in a running event 
10. What would you like to say to people who are thinking to picking up running? 
    Running is a high-impact physical activity, so take baby steps at a time. Start gently by walking; gradually incorporate periods of running in your walking schedule. Focus on increasing the running time, then build up speed, stamina, and mileage. Many like to run solo, but it’s advisable to join a running group. You will be more motivated to stick to training plans with the push and pull from your running squad. Once you get addicted, there will be no looking back. Instead of catching up for a bash, you would want to catch up over a run-:). So run more or often, run short or long, run slow or fast. Run, run, run and experience the joy of running!
    So next time, if you happen to see Ritibha running in the neighbourhood, be sure to wave and say hello. Who knows, maybe her passion for running will rub off on you too!
    Know an inspiring artist or runner from South City 1 that you’d like to nominate to be featured here.Email Mekhla.maheshwari@gmail.com with your nomination

by Mekhla Maheshwari (The Palm, 9982844990)