Srividya & GowriShankar
It’s always an uplifting experience to be around someone who is easy-going and absolute fun to be with. Now, imagine a double dose of it – well, that’s exactly how the Bessie Flyers feel being around with this couple. They are one among the blessed, made-for-each-other couple who love doing everything together. From attending a carnatic concert to running a formal race, they are always spotted together – sharing, caring and having fun. Their sheer presence can light up the group, and make any arduous effort seem light. Srividya & Dr Gowrishankar Nagarajan for you – one of the most witty and fun-loving couple. Their picture is a proof of the pudding!
A gold medalist in Nutrition and Dietetics, Sri has always been a stickler for wellness, making healthy lifestyle choices. While she took to regular gymming in the US, physical fitness only remained a wishful thought for Gowri given his work commitments. As much as he wanted to be consistent, his work pressure and erratic travel schedule made it difficult for him to stick to a routine.
After their move to Gurgaon from the US, Sri started pursuing music seriously, and gymming became secondary – something she was not happy about. And Gowri continued to focus on work and family commitments, not paying enough attention to his physical wellbeing. As one would imagine, the fitness enthusiastic couple was not happy with this lifestyle.
At this point, the fitness conscious Sri decided to take charge and motivate the whole family. Where there is will, there will always be a way! She realized that syncing her time with their kid’s playtime was a great way to keep her physically active, without compromising on quality family time. The walking track around the apartment complex in Gurgaon made it easy for her to run/walk everyday while the kids played – it turned out to be a perfect arrangement.
Observing a routine setting in, a runner friend casually planted the thought about training and running formal races. She started the initial training by setting timing goals. For someone who could barely run for 5 minutes continuously, running 5 km in 28 minutes was like a shot in the arm. Furthermore, drawing inspiration from the runners community in Gurgaon, she felt very motivated to sign up for her first 10 km formal run. There began her running journey, which eventually brought her entire family on the same path.
Remarks the excited Gowri as he relates to her debut run, “Kids and I were in the car, and we were navigating her route while cheering, as she was running. Frankly that was the point I got motivated to run myself”, says the proud husband who acknowledges his wife’s contribution in every aspect of his life.
All things indeed come together when the time is right! Sure enough, Gowri started running too – along with Sri! Their move to Chennai brought them to Bessie Flyers at a time when the group was just forming. They feel that their TWCM half-marathon finish last year with a good timing was possible, only because of the regimen and training set by the group.
Today, the couple goes to “The Unit”, a cross-fit training camp, for strength training, and they take to running more for enjoyment and doing fun stuff together as a family. Passing on their belief to the next generation, they have recently taken up the mentoring responsibility along with few other parents, for the Running committee put together by their children’s school.
Just like salt and spices add to the flavor of a delicious meal without standing out separately, it’s all the different essence that each one of the runner brings in that adds vibrancy to the group while not losing the cohesiveness. On this note, I take leave wondering that maybe their flavor is a little stronger in the dish, purely because of the smile and cheer they spread around!
Want to experience what it feels like to have a cracker of a run? Join us tomorrow and feel that for yourselves!