Imagine taking time out from work, even if it’s for 30 minutes at any hour of the day, to fulfil one’s passion. For 41-year-old Unnikrishnan Potti, who’s into sales, it was his goal to be fit which made him venture into running and marathons.
“I took up running in 2015 with basic jogging and went to 2K and 3K runs just to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Soon, my love for running grew by the day as I outdid my limits and set new goals with the help of my running friends. I used to run every day at the KBR Park and that’s where I met members of the Secunderabad Runners Club, who have since become my pillar of strength. They motivate me to better myself with each passing day,” he says, as he explains, “Even the challenge of taking up ‘100 days of running’ was inspired by them. 100 Days of Running is a fitness movement which started in 2015 to encourage people to make running a part of their lives, a habit, and a way towards better fitness.”
Of course, Unnikrishnan has found that making time for one’s passion is always a challenge, especially when field work and travel is involved.“As I am into sales which involves lots of moving around from one place to another with no fixed schedule, there are times I used to feel bad that I was missing my daily dose of running, but I used to make it a point to run each day, whenever possible,” he says.
The avid runner has successfully completed four full marathons and many half marathons in just a span of two years. And after shifting jobs, Unnikrishnan has now devoted himself to running more than ever before. “Running every day is different from taking part in marathons and other competitive runs. Formal trainings like cross and tempo training are very important before one takes part in these high intensity runs,” he advises fellow runners and other fitness enthusiasts.
