A few years ago, I was new to running

I used to run in the premises of the gated society where I live

I never thought of going out on the road, some practice is necessary before rubber meets the road I thought

After every run there was strange pain in my calves and shins

I dismissed this pain assuming this is the necessary suffering 

No pain, no gain, we hear that everywhere don’t we?

Even after a few months of running, the pain did not recede

Eventually I developed Plantar fasciitis which is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes

Thankfully it was a mild condition that alleviated after a few weeks

I continued my routine, mild pain had become a norm

One fine day a gentleman met me near the lift as I was heading back 

He asked why you run on this concrete? This increases the shock on your legs and knees and makes you more prone to injuries

He went on to narrate how he went through the same ordeal that I went through

And finally suggested go out on the road

That was the last day I ran on the hard concrete floor

I hit the road, and touchwood never had to go through the heavy pain again

I also improved my pace, form and distance

Moral of the story? Sometimes we take adages like “No pain, No gain” too seriously

You always don’t have to go through pain to achieve something meaningful 🙂