Hyderabad-based Anna Alexander is a retired teacher who taught at a private school for two decades. She’s now a volunteer for Teach for Change and teaches English in government schools. When she isn’t in the classroom, chances are that you might spot her running or cycling at least thrice a week.
An early riser, she likes the crisp morning air and the relative silence on the streets to practice her runs. Enroute, she greets other familiar walkers and runners with a smile and continues at her pace. “There are not many runners in my age group. But it’s nice to observe how runners mutually encourage each other on the way. I enjoy running alone and do it at my convenience,” says the 61 year old.
- If you’ve never run and want to, begin with a walk-run-walk routine and step it up slowly.
- Join runners in the neighbourhood. Hyderabad Runners has members across the city and many of them are eager to help by correcting a new runner’s form and giving handy tips where required.
- Health check is mandatory for older runners and anyone with specific health conditions.
- Allow days for rest.
- Stretching, strength training and muscle conditioning are important to cope with muscle wear and tear. A good fitness trainer can help.
Anna came second in the recent Mumbai marathon, in the 60 to 64 age category. She completed the 10K run in 1:19:46 (1 hour, 19 minutes and 46 seconds). In 2018, she bagged gold by completing it in 1:19:13.
Three years ago, Anna’s son who is a marathoner, signed her up for the Pinkathon in Hyderabad. Anna was an athlete in her school and college days but hadn’t run for decades thereafter, as life happened and she was consumed with responsibilities at home and work. “In my school days, running wasn’t such a big deal,” she laughs.
The running culture grew in the city gradually as Hyderabad Runners group became proactive and the Hyderabad 10k runs and marathons gained prominence.
Anna practised for a month, and ran the 5k run at Pinkathon. Glad that she could do it, she opened a new chapter in running.
Anna Alexander post the Mumbai Marathon 2019 | Photo Credit: By arrangement
She participated in 10k runs in Hyderabad before heading to Mumbai Marathon 2018. “For years, Mumbai Marathon had only half and full marathons; no 10Ks. Last year they introduced timed 10k runs. I participated and won in my age category. I had never dreamt of winning. The fun of running was more important to me,” she says with pride.
All these years, she had been a brisk walker and exercised regularly but never went to a gym. “I did something or the other to stay reasonably fit. I also understand the importance of strength and conditioning. I give myself enough time to stretch and strengthen my muscles,” she says.
For those who are beginning to run, across age groups, she advises picking up pace and distance gradually.