Running addict, marathon runner, ultra-runner, gallowalker, RGI founder 

Before leaving Germany for Kenya in 1995, I was a recreational runner, running several times a week in our local forests without any ideas about mileage or pace. The only two running events I ever entered back then were a 10 mile road race and a 10K Volkslauf ("people's run") in my hometown of Herford (Germany). 

After leaving Germany, moving to Kenya and then on to India, I did not run for almost 15 years, gaining almost 20 kg in weight due to lack of exercise (and loving Indian food too much!).  

In 2006, I was (mis)diagnosed with diabetes and sent to a nutritionist to help reduce my weight. There I discovered that what I was eating was basically healthy, only the portions were too big. I embarked on a 1400 calories a day diet combined with a walking program (starting with 30 min a day and gradually increasing it to 1.5 hours) and started losing weight fast.

After about six months I had lost a significant amount of weight and I decided to try running on our new treadmill at home only to discover that I could not even run 1 minute without gasping for breath! I then found a run/walk program on the Internet and after two months I was able to run about 5K, slowly but without a break.

In April 2007, I came across the RunnersForLife group and ran with them for the first time at GKVK. With the help and  encouragement of other RFL runners, I registered for my first half marathon (the Bangalore Midnight Marathon) in May 2007. After that I became truly hooked on running, running my first full marathon (the Kavery Trail Marathon)  in October 2007, followed by my first ultra-marathon (52K) at the Bangalore Ultra in December 2007, then the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in January 2008 and the Hannover Marathon in May 2008.

For the remainder of 2008, I am planning to participate once again in the Kavery Trail Marathon (October) and the Bangalore Ultra (November), where I hope to complete a distance of 78K.

My words of advice to new runners: "If I can do it at the age of 42, you can do it! Just believe in yourself! I still have days when a 5K run is a struggle but that's okay. Listen to your body and take each day (run) as it comes!"

Update: In early August 2008, I discovered I was pregnant and hence have not participated in either the Kavery Trail Marathon or the Bangalore Ultra. I did, however, continue to run (albeit at a very slow pace and significantly less mileage) for most of the first 6 months of my pregnancy and found that running did help in reducing the symptoms of morning sickness.

On 19 March 2009, I delivered a healthy baby girl. Despite my age (42), I had a natural delivery and a very speedy recovery - I actually ran/walked my first 5K 18 days after the delivery! My doctor attributes this to being a runner and keeping fit and active during most of my pregnancy. I am currently trying to get back into running with a run/walk training plan.

I can highly recommend the book  "Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy" to any woman considering running during pregnancy:

"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up." - Dean Karnazes