Finding My Stride
My New Journey with “Running Punters”: More Than Just Miles
It has been a few weeks since I joined Running Punters, and I have to say, the experience has been just great. It is a group of like-minded people who are totally passionate about running and living a healthy life. If you are looking for motivation to get off the couch, this is it!
Not Every Morning is Easy
I’ll be honest—I am not someone who wakes up every single day excited to jump out of bed at 5:00 AM. We all have real lives. Sometimes late-night work calls or late-night parties with friends make it very hard to get up. There are mornings when the bed feels too comfortable and the alarm feels like an enemy!
But that is the best part about being a “Seasonal Punter.” Even if I miss a day or feel a bit sluggish, the group is always there to welcome me back. It’s not about being a “perfect” athlete; it’s about showing up when you can and staying connected to the fitness lifestyle.
"The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen."
Our Guide: Coach Aviinash Baoker
The heartbeat of our group is our coach, Aviinash Baoker. He is a truly passionate coach who really knows the art of getting the best out of his team of runners. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, he knows exactly how to push you.
Coach Aviinash is always full of energy, even when the sun isn’t out yet. He constantly encourages us to do our best and go beyond our comfort zones. Having a coach like him makes the hard training feel like a rewarding challenge rather than a chore.
A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who has you see what you don't want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be.
More Than Just Miles: The Power of Community
What makes Running Punters truly special is the mindset. We aren’t just running for kilometers; we are building a healthy lifestyle together. The atmosphere is always supportive. Whether it is sharing tips on the best running shoes or just cheering each other on during a tough stretch, the energy is amazing.
The best part is seeing the diversity in our group. We have runners from all walks of life and different age groups. You will see young students sprinting alongside senior members who have years of experience, and busy working professionals running with homemakers. Even though there is a big age gap between some of us, once we lace up our shoes, we all have one single goal: to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday. Seeing a 60-year-old veteran runner keep a steady pace is just as inspiring as seeing a youngster push their limits. In this group, age is just a number, and the shared passion for running makes us one big family.
It’s much easier to finish a long run when you have friends of all ages chatting and sharing life stories beside you!
"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."
A BIG MILESTONE: THE PUNE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
The biggest highlight of my journey so far was running the Pune International Marathon. I had only been with the group for a couple of weeks, but the impact was huge. Even in that short time, the advice I received on how to hydrate and how to pace myself through the Pune streets helped me immensely.
During the race, there were moments when the humidity and the distance started to get to me. When my legs felt heavy and my mind wanted to stop, I remembered the energy of the Punters and the lessons from Coach Aviinash. I could almost hear the group cheering me on! That mental support acted like an extra boost of fuel to keep me moving.
Running through our own city, seeing the familiar landmarks, and feeling that local spirit was a feeling I will never forget. As I approached the final stretch, I wasn’t just running for myself; I felt like I was representing the Running Punters. Crossing that finish line and receiving the medal was a proud moment. It proved to me that with the right training and a supportive team behind you, even the toughest goals become achievable.
Following in Great Footsteps
This journey is also very personal for me. Running is in my blood. My father was a dedicated runner until his very last breath at the age of 82. In his lifetime, he completed an incredible 56 marathons. He showed me that fitness is not a phase, but a lifelong commitment. Every time I lace up my shoes and hit the pavement with the Punters, I feel like I am honoring his memory and carrying forward the legacy he left behind.
“Your legs are not giving out. Your head is giving up. Keep going.”
Looking Ahead
Joining Running Punters has given me a fresh perspective on health. It’s about balance—enjoying life, working hard, and still making time to hit the pavement. I am looking forward to many more runs, more sweat, and more memories with this fantastic crew.
To my fellow Punters and Coach Aviinash—thank you for the motivation. See you at the next run (unless I’m catching up on sleep from a late night!).