Sandhya Chaudhary (Sandy) - Fat to Fit

 Sandhya Chaudhary (Sandy) - Fat to Fit

This is the journey of my passion called Running. Here I got a chance to share my running experience including barrier breaking, self- motivating, inspiring others and lot more things I learned, took a step and moved ahead to achieve my goals in my running tenure. I believe that the hard days are what make you stronger. 

I am an IT stat programmer by profession, Mother of 2 (daughters) and add-on is enthusiastic about running. My running journey started in 2019 after the 1st postpartum (2016). In Initial months of postpartum period around 6-7 months I had my normal body check-up, which is usually do every year, I got my report where the fat level was remarkably high, bad cholesterol was high, showing cardiac risk, obesity etc. due to this I was suffering from severe acidity and headache (migraine). After this I decided to cut my weight and make myself fit.

In 2017, I started walking around 6 km per day and it gradually increased to 14-15 km. This journey continued for around 2.5 years. While walking I used to see every day one running group in my area (Bavdhan, Pune) and I was keen to join that group to practice myself as a runner. I enrolled in that running group and was kicked to run for a 13.1-mile distance without injury in 3 months of training.

It was an enjoyable period with the Pune running group for 8 months but one of the substantial changes in my life took place, which was to move to Ahmedabad. I was scared and sad, I was unhappy to leave my running friends and was not sure whether I would get back on my running path in a new city with new people. Finally, I moved to Ahmedabad in 2020. After 1-2 months of pandemic COVID, -19 knocked on the door and it was time to stay indoors, at home. I wasn't doing much in the initial months as I was suffering from cervical spondylitis which is biggest barrier for me. This medical condition broke me inside and thought that I would not be able to do exercise anymore because it was severe at that time. Diagnosed it thoroughly and treated for 2 months and it got partially recovered. Felt much better, at least I can be able to move my head, I could sit, I could sleep. Afterwards, Gradually I started with some Yoga/stretching exercise and there was another health break (I conceived my 2nd child) in which I had to give quality time to myself and somehow get back on my running track. 

I put on a lot more weight during my 2nd postpartum and the situation was the same as earlier. Again, I started my walking therapy after 5 months of my 2nd C- section delivery but was seeking running friends because it is not easy every day to take ourselves alone on this path.

I was looking for a running group nearby in my area (Gota) for 2.5 years and a miracle happened! Someone (Mithun Garai ADR CK runner) was following me on Strava. Once I was checking my walking activity randomly on the app and I found this person- Mithun liked my activity regularly. I checked his profile and found his running photos near my area, so I contacted him, and he responded kindly. He gave me information and guided me to join the ADR (Ahmedabad distance runners) group along with the area group (Godrej Garden City running group) – fir to chal padi apni gadi runway pe from May, 2022 onwards.

I got an amazing response from ADR members which I could never think of. And here I am “Fat to Fit” - I reduce my 20 kg postpartum weight  

                                                                 

                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                Gratitude towards my husband as he is always by my side, I would say every single day. And without family support it would never happen.  As I am a self-motivated person, I committed myself and did it, achieved it. Always believe in yourself.

“I Don’t Find Time to Run… I MAKE  Time to Run”

To balance my life as a runner, mother, wife, and employee I just follow my strong soul, and everything is going smooth in all ways of living. 

Running is my therapy, and I am taking it every day in my life. I am glad to be part of ADR where I am learning a lot about running improvement and getting marvellouse support from each one of from the group member. Moreover, this is my first September challenge - The running festival of ADR I am greatful to being part of “Ironman Squad Champs” team in lines it is enjoyble expendition of September challenge.

We feel Lucky that Sandy is part of our ADR September Challance Team Ironman Squad Champs 2022 and she always teaches determination to us and Believer of

•    RUN LONG…LIVE STRONG

Thank you for being an important part of our group Ironman Squad Champs.