Towards the end of 2025, I told my two running cheerleaders that I would attempt a 10K in 2026. I registered for the NMDC Hyderabad Run 10K, scheduled for 30th August 2026.

But then I received a notification about the RUN FOR SMA 4th Edition on 9th July 2026. I had participated in its 3rd Edition, and the cause had stayed with me. So, purely out of emotion, I decided to register for the event this year too—but this time, for the 10K.

My running partner, Prema, registered as well. I thought I had a couple of months to practise for the 10K, but that never really happened. What I managed were a few small runs, with the longest being a 7.5K practice run.

Anyway, I was confident that I would finish the 10K.

A day before the run, I was the one who suggested that Prema decide whether to run, as she wasn't feeling very strong. By the end of the day, however, it was she who was asking me if I really wanted to run—because my periods had started.

We decided that we would take a call at 5 a.m. the next morning.

I kept thinking about it through the night.

The washrooms at the stadium are pathetic. My periods are generally painful. What if I got severe cramps? What if it leaked?

I managed to sleep for a couple of hours and then woke up to the alarm. I sat up, closed my eyes again, and made my decision.

I am going to run.

Prema would help in case of any emergency. My brother lives close by. I would do my stretching at home and skip the Zumba at the venue. I would conserve my energy.

I set off for the stadium with Prema, collected my bib, relaxed in my car for a while, and then headed to the starting line.

I started my first-ever 10K on Day 1 of my periods.

We kept checking on each other. We ran on the flat stretches and slopes and walked through the steeper sections. We took hydration and refuelling breaks.

And we finished it.

A few days before the run, I thought I would finish the 10K in 1 hour 45 minutes. I did it in 1 hour 51 minutes.

Not bad.

In fact, it wasn't even exactly 10K. It was a little more than 10K!

Did I just finish my first-ever 10K? Yes, I did.

On Day 1 of my periods? Yes.

Yeah, I did feel dizzy at one point after the run. But I closed my eyes, lay down for five minutes, and everything was back to normal.

What have I learnt?

• Every running event I have participated in so far has given me a unique experience.
• You need to set your mind on a target and follow the path. Things will eventually fall into place.
• Running is an endurance sport. You discover your own strengths as you make little but consistent progress.
• Maybe I can still do lighter workouts even during my periods from now on. That would eliminate the monthly breaks I take to rest, after which my whole cycle of being active goes for a toss.
• Friends who push you out of your comfort zone while standing firmly behind you—or running alongside you or guiding you online—are precious. Keep them with you always.
• It's okay if your day doesn't turn out the way you expected it to. Take the necessary precautions, and then leap.

It wasn't a decision I made just like that.

I had always wanted to run, but I never made an effort in my younger days to pursue it. I have now.

I am 42 years old.

It is difficult, and I am not expecting podium finishes. All I want is to have an aim in my life: to stay consistent and keep getting better every day.

Small steps don't bother me.

But every step shall be taken.

As for SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), I wish more and more people would become aware of this rare genetic condition and take early action to manage it.

God willing, I will keep coming back to this event every year and continue to show my support.

Love and peace, everyone!