Running makes me feel super strong: Sushma Singh

Kidney donor Sushma Singh confident of completing the 10k run

NEW DELHI: For Delhi-based entrepreneur and distance runner Sushma Singh, the act of running is therapeutic. She likes to challenge herself every time she puts on her running shoes.

Sushma participated in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) last year in the 10k category. It was after a gap of more than 20 years that Sushma returned to the track.

"I started running 2-3 kms, and then steadily increased my distance during practice sessions last year. Actually, running makes me feel super strong and I am able to handle all my life problems quite easily," Sushma told TOI.

"It felt so good when I ran the 10k, and finished under 60 minutes. I was on cloud nine. That day, last year, I decided I will continue my distance running and go for more," she added. 2023, however, brought manifold challenges in Sushma's life. Earlier this year, she donated a kidney to her husband. It was next to impossible for her to get back to running the way she wanted. "From July 4 till Sept 3, I was in the recovery period. The doctor said to me that I can only go for walking. No other strenuous physical activity should be done, no weight training, no running, and no jogging at all," said Sushma.

But the 40-year-old was determined to run, and slowly but surely she found her way back to the track. "The thought (that she won't be able to run again) didn't come to my mind even for a single second," said Sushma, with a sense of resoluteness in her voice.

"Post my recovery, I started running again… practicing again. I will definitely not stop at 5 km! This year, I have registered for the 10k run at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon once again and I am positive that I will be able to complete the race," she added.

While Sushma is delighted to be running again, leading her 'cheer squad' will be her 11-year-old daughter.

"We (Sushma and her daughter) were watching the Asian Games and Harmilan Bains (silver winner in 800m and 1,500m) was running with the India flag. That was a striking visual. My daughter told me that she wanted to see me run like that. She has this unshakeable belief that I would be able to achieve it. That was an emotional moment for me. I told her I would make her and India proud," said Sushma. "I tell her that running is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy. And it is also a liberating feeling."