I returned to sports after 25 years…I am now a happier person :) :)

I was blessed to be part of a school that encouraged overall personality development and emphasized on sports a lot. I led a very athletic life during my school days – participated in long jump, shot put, relay, hurdle race & throw ball. The Lord had blessed me with the body and spirit of an athlete and after school, I also played 7 tiles, sakli (chain), hide and seek, land and water, lock & key and many other games. I used to dabble with cricket and football as well. Life was just sports and play during school days.

Once I entered college life, focus on academics and work took over and then there was no looking back. I left my passion for sports far behind.

After bearing two kids, my weight had shot up by 30 kgs and tiredness, irritation and joint pain had become a part of life. My moment of truth came when I participated in a 5 km Marathon and was unable to run – walked the entire length and fell ill for the next 3 days.

Once the life of parties, I now could manage to dance for 2-3 minutes maximum and then sat down to catch my breath.

Life was going completely downhill.

The athletic Mayura was an image that I could remember faintly, felt no connect whatsoever.

Fortunately, there were no medical alarms that were raised. At the ripe age of 40, I was standing at the crossroads of life with almost nil stamina and loads of work stress. It was like a ticking time-bomb.

Sedentary life does offer comfort but it comes with a price – overweight, coupled with fatigue, lack of stamina, irritation, constipation, lack of sleep, etc. etc. Its a vicious circle and getting out is really tough.

I used to envy my husband who is 6 years elder than me but still continues to represent the club for cricket tournaments and even win accolades for himself and the team.

I don’t know when life changed, on February 28, 2018, I took a stroll at the club while my husband played the 45 plus cricket league. Surprisingly, I felt relaxed and the fresh air did a lot of good to my starving lungs. I decided to continue walking – atleast during the period that he was playing.

My legs were weak, very weak and I had to take a lot of breaks during my walks. It took a while for my stamina to build.

I learnt that a good warm up will make me last longer and cool down exercises will help me go back the next day.

One evening, while walking, I saw a bunch of women practicing throw ball for an upcoming tournament at the club. On inquiry, I learnt that I was eligible to participate.

Throwball…after 25 years…ummn…will I even remember how to play?

Well, it turns out that throw ball is like cycling, one never forgets it :). It did take me a while to get my alertness and focus back, my body at times listened to me and at other times it revolted for the 25 years of torture that I had put it through.

Healthy eating, proper sleep and being regular was my strategy and maybe only option to stay fit & remain in the game.

I clearly remember, the first day that I ducked to allow the ball to pass to my team member – there was a cracking sound in my knees and back – though the move was something I had done in school, doing it after 25 years was a huge effort.

My arteries and veins felt a new rush of blood, parts of my body that were never being used started to pump blood. Every evening, I still go back bruised, tired but very happy – it is an exhilarating feeling to play under lights on a platform as large as the Goregaon Sports Club.

Today, here I am, writing this post for you to read….

My fitness has improved considerably, I have knocked down 6.5 kgs and 17 inches overall.

I still have 25 kgs and many more inches to go…however, this time, the weight-loss is not important. I am just happy that I am getting to play one of my favorite sports without being judged by a “well-meaning” acquaintance.

I have found new friends, made some great memories and most importantly, I am back to my favourite sport – throw ball. As I write this post, we are preparing for the upcoming tournament and hope to win it too. (Fingers crossed)

I am a happier person, more positive and have learnt to be a team player. Its amazing when one meets like-minded people who are bonded in just one spirit – the spirit of sports and camaraderie.

Have you ever thought of getting back to fitness? Do leave a comment and share your experiences, I would love to read. 🙂

Penned by 

Mayura Amarkant