One of the things I am really excited about being able to do on this website, is to celebrate inspirational people. People who embody the philosophy of the U-Kandu Way, and deserve to be celebrated for being such fantastic examples of the human spirit and wellness.
Often, inspiration really does begin at home. My Dad, Sukhwant Singh Kandula, is a perfect model of the U-Kandu Way. In fact, he has inspired it.
Dad was born in 1949 (I’m sure he won’t mind my saying!). He ran his first 10k race in June, 2013. He now runs regularly on the Warwickshire and Midlands circuit, completing 10k, and half marathon events. He has been given honorary member status of a running group that operates in Worcestershire, and attends the Leamington Spa Parkrun, both as a runner and as a volunteer, on a weekly basis. He has just run his 164th race. Not bad for a guy who ran his first distance race at the age of 64.
The most inspiring thing about Dad’s approach is not the distance he runs, or the times he achieves (though I will say he’s shaved a good 5 minutes off his earliest race times!), but his mental approach to his running. He isn’t obsessed with his weight, or his race times, or pushing through his limits. He runs because it feels good for him, keeps him healthy, and most of all, because he ENJOYS it.
I firmly believe that if he were running simply for aesthetic gain, or to prove some kind of point, he wouldn’t still be doing it. Those goals are so short term, and fundamentally unsatisfying, that the time inevitably comes when you will look to something else to bolster your sense of self-esteem. Dad is a wonderful example of sustained progress, because his mental approach is one that is geared towards self-fulfillment and the improvement of his health. He walks regularly, runs regularly, eats well, and is fitter than many people half his age. Plus, he makes it look easy!
Whenever we get together for family events, we all share our aspirations. Often, health and fitness will come up (as they do in many families, I’m sure!). While we natter on about what we will do in the year, months or weeks to come, Dad sits quietly, a knowing smile on his face. He doesn’t need to talk about it. He just gets it done. He represents the health and fitness that many aspire to, and is leading by example.
There are no barriers to leading a healthy lifestyle. Only you and the approach that you choose to take. Dad’s approach is one geared towards health, and gentle, sustained improvement. 4 years and innumerable races later, he is proof that his approach works.
Treat yourself as an individual, take your time, and be kind to yourself. With enough patience and self love, you'll find the approach that works for you too.
