Hyderabad: Running is not just about fitness, but is also about life, family and resilience.As part of the ‘Hyderabad Runners Beyond the Track’ webinar series, several runners shared their experiences – from their first steps on the track to crossing the finish lines of marathons. Of the 10 speakers, two were couple-runners. Prominent among them was Vaishnavi Goud, 23, a dentist who found her way back into sports through running. Encouraged by her father, she grew up with an active lifestyle that exposed her to karate, skating, swimming, yoga and classical dance. But the demands of academics pushed her into a two-year break from fitness during intermediate studies. In 2019, Vaishnavi rediscovered her rhythm. Running soon became her anchor. What began as a simple attempt to stay active eventually grew into a passion that not only kept her fit but also helped her stay disciplined and focused in academics. Today, Vaishnavi runs half-marathons, mentors beginners and serves as a pacer at major events. Talking to Deccan Chronicle, Vaishnavi said, “My dad has always been my inspiration. Thanks to my parents, I grew up with the freedom to explore sports and have an active lifestyle. Once I became consistent, I found peace. While running, I found solutions to many of my problems.” Suman Ojha’s story is about resilience against odds. She battled weight issues and a sedentary lifestyle. She turned to running as a way to reclaim her health. What began as short jogs to shake off stress soon grew into a passion that reshaped her daily routine. Over the years, Suman has transformed not just her body but also her mindset. Running, for her, is not about pace or medals but about consistency. “Every run teaches me patience. Finishing a long run reminds me that small steps, taken daily, build big results,” she said. For G Sampath and G Soujanya, running began as a daily routine, but it soon became much more than just a shared hobby. While Sampath was the first to take up running, his wife quickly joined in and together they discovered not only the joy of fitness but also the strength of companionship on the track. Despite some setbacks like injuries and time constraints, they kept each other motivated, achieving personal bests. “Running as a couple is more enjoyable because we take care of each other and never feel alone on long runs,” said Sampath. Their shared passion also helped balance nutrition, training and lifestyle. “Whatever we can’t talk about at home, we talk during our runs. Those two hours together give us time, joy and motivation,” said Soujanya. For them, running has turned into not just a sport, but a journey of travel and togetherness. Nagabhushana Rao was the oldest runner among the panelists. The runners’ community summed up his journey with a message of encouragement for all ages, “It’s never too late to start something new. Running taught me that age is a number and as long as you take the first step, the rest will follow.” He advised the younger generation,“Start now, when your body is strong and adaptable. It will not only build stamina and discipline but also helps you manage stress, improves focus and keep long-term health issues at bay.”