I used to dread waking up early. Now I wake up by 3 am every day to run and cycle,” says e 22-year-old Keerthana. This long-distance runner and classical dancer, who was obese during her schooling (weighing about 104 kilograms), has shed about 50 kg through long-distance running. Growing up as an introvert in school, Keerthana had low self esteem. Wanting to beat that and learn more about herself, she chose psychology as her course of study in college.
Meanwhile running daily, with her parents, who were also on the mission to lose weight, gave her the motivation to try out long-distance running. Both running and study of psychology helped her break free from the person she was.
“This was more than just weight loss for me. It was a character change that was more impactful,” the athlete states.
After completing a course in sports psychology in the UK, Keerthana is now a counselor and consultant for many talented athletes, who need support. “The stigma that sportsmen and athletes don’t face mental challenges is very wrong.
They need someone to constantly support them to achieve their goals and targets,” she adds. Also encouraging prospective athletes and other to exercise every day, she talks about her sessions with kids, saying, “I prefer to meet kids alone without parents or coaches. Hence, a public place like cafes and parks near their residence is what I prefer, not clinics. That way they can open up more.”
Stating that her first book When I Looked Back It Was 21 Already is fully about her 21-year journey, she reveals the reason behind the title. “I wrote my book when I was 21. Also, all runners will know that 21 km is a half marathon; hence the title!” Having written the book in a narrative style, the writer also asserts that every reader can have reference to characters in the book. After the launch happened in the city a couple of days ago, the feedback from the readers has left Keerthana overwhelmed. “These days, children are glued to gadgets more than the outside world, which is sad. A 50-year-old woman said that she’d make her kids read my book and encourage them to play. Another 19-year-old told me that the book has changed her perspective about things and she has now learnt to take everything as an experience. What more does a writer need?” exclaims Keerthana.
Having penned the book over a period of four months, the youngster states that her favourite part is the last chapter. “It is a collective summary of my life with many excerpts which is fun to read,” adds the author.
About her upcoming goals, the sportswoman says, “I want to reach out to more people and create awareness about sports psychology, and bring hidden talents to the limelight.” Encouraging the youth to take up sports, Keerthana concludes by saying, “Sports create character in a person. It helps one to come out of an identity crisis and many other problems that youngsters face these days. It is as important as academics and parents should motivate kids to practice at least one sport.”
