"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional"

                                                        - Haruki Murakami

6 months ago, I decided to give running a shot. I had no idea what I was getting into. And probably would not have started if I knew the long distance ahead (literally!)

Today, I love it all!

3 kms...5 kms...10 kms... and now 21 kms... a half marathon! The progress has been slow and a little painful but mostly fun!

Now you must be wondering why I am writing about all this. What's the point of putting in all this effort unless I can make it fun for my friends and family as well? J I need your help! I need you to challenge me to FINISH! Make it difficult for me to give up at the 15 K mark when I am running in the gruelling sun and ready to give up... when all I can think about is a cold shower, my bed and a book!

My goal is to raise Rs. 500 for every km that I run at the Kaveri Trail Marathon happening 9 days from now! Here's what you should do - Contribute some money that will go towards Asha to bring a positive change in the lives of the underprivileged in India. Asha is a zero-overhead, volunteer-driven organization that strongly believes that holistic education is critical for socio-economic change. I hope you will support me!

Please write to me with tips, advice or just to tell me I'm crazy on ujjvala.ballal@gmail.com. Be sure to visit our blog for the Team Asha Blog to see what other people like me are doing J

I will keep you updated with pictures and about my experience!

Thanks to 10 supporters who have helped me raise Rs.118000 towards my goal of Rs.21,000