In the tapestry of life, where responsibilities weave intricate patterns, there emerges a story of resilience, determination, and a commitment to fitness. Meet Minal Lele, a woman whose journey through different phases of life has been marked by a continuous quest for health and well-being.
Minal stands as a beacon of inspiration, especially for me. Prior to meeting her, I had never encountered a woman in her late 50s who was not only incredibly fit and active but also engaged in outdoor activities. I was awe-struck, and the day I met her, I rushed home, excitedly calling my mom and mother-in-law, exclaiming, "You know, I met a lady of your age, and she is super awesome—she runs!" 😄
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"My tryst with an active lifestyle started during my school days and continued through college. However, as life unfolded with five years of intense college studies, sports took a backseat. Post-education, marriage ushered in a period of relative lethargy, but fate had other plans.
The turning point came with the arrival of motherhood. Having two kids, both through C-Section, my mother ensured that I embraced yoga for postnatal recovery. Those 40 days of dedicated yoga practice laid the foundation for my resurgence into an active lifestyle. I realized these kept me going and my energy levels were high.
Throughout my life, marked by relocations from Mumbai to Goa to Belgaum, I found solace and continuity in activities like walking and yoga. However, it was my move to Pune in 2003 that ignited a renewed commitment to personal fitness.
Balancing part-time work and a hectic schedule, I prioritized my well-being. Mornings became dedicated to walks, and soon I joined a gym to accommodate my unpredictable routine as sometimes I had to skip morning walks due to some other priorities.
The marathon bug bit me during the surge of enthusiasm around 2014-2015. Got introduced to the Pune Running University group through a friend from Belgaum. I started enjoying these running and ST sessions with them so much, however, the distance was quite a bit from my place and hence later I joined Bavdhan Brigade which is much closer to my place. It was extremely fun for me at that time as we were an extremely small group and very tight-knit. The friends made since then are very much an integral part of my life now. This is the community that redefined my concept of fitness.
I didn’t know much about running long distances back then. The group was going to register for the Hyderabad Marathon in 2017 so I also did a casual enrolment with them😊 for the Hyderabad marathon in 2017.
The experiences were transformative and exhilarating and I found myself running at least one event a month. Since then, I have run many events and have earned podium finishes at events like the Satara Hill Marathon and AFMC, even in the face of injuries.
For me, the feeling of accomplishment after completing a workout or reaching the target distance and pace is unparalleled.
Beyond the world of marathons and podiums, I also indulge in the traditional folk dance form of 'Bas Fugdi.' This age-old practice, woven into the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, has become not just an entertaining tradition but also a fitness ritual for me.
In olden times, the girls used to marry at an early age. There is a ritual called Mangla Gaur, kind of a worship for Lord Shiva. The prayer goes on for the whole night and the girls are kept engaged by playing various games. This is performed on every Tuesday of the Shravan month. This “Bas Fugdi” engages the core. As a kid, you can do it easily but when you grow up it becomes difficult. I liked doing it since my childhood hence I never left the practice.
This commitment to fitness has not only elevated my position in the family but has helped in inspiring friends and acquaintances. I firmly believe that exercise should not be a prescription but a personal choice made for the well-being of one's own body.
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Minal’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of adopting a healthy lifestyle, proving that regardless of life's challenges, one can always rewrite their story with determination and resilience.
Some more podium finish pics and others -
Podium finisher at Belgaum Half Marathon
Podium finsher at Duathlon, Kolhapur
Podium finisher at Khadakwasla Ultra - 2023
First Full Marathon at Delhi - 2020
Runner - Minal Lele, Pune
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