The fitness-freak family of the Divgis are into ‘walks and runs’ for the past few years; the eldest runner in the family being 78 while the youngest is all 6 – witnessing a journey towards wellness that began with just five km in 2015 and touched the milestone of 42 km in 2024... The family is eager to participate in the upcoming I-Run Goa Marathon on January 5
Software quality engineer Nehali Chodnekar’s wish list in 2015 had 10 items, one of which was to participate in a run. So she enrolled herself and her husband Pramod Divgi in a marathon in Panaji in March 2015 for a 5km run. Pramod was not at all confident about running that distance. The run was not a smooth one once it started but both enjoyed it. Then the couple got connected with several like-minded persons. That was the kick-start. The couple felt the urge to challenge themselves for trying longer distances and there has been no stopping since then.
From a 5km walk and run in 2015, the couple completed a 42 km run at the Tata Mumbai Full Marathon in 2023 and 2024 too. Pramod had done this full marathon in 2019 as well. “I participated in Ironman relay (run) in 2023 and Tata Mumbai Marathon (42 km) in 2023 and 2024. I also participate in the I-Run every year which is 10 km. In 2023 it was 21 km. I also did the Goa River Marathon (21 km) in 2022 and 2023 and (10km) in 2018 and 2024,” recalls Nehali, 36. Taking inspiration from their daughter-in-law Nehali and son Pramod, parents Janardhan and Pushpa Divgi also joined the bandwagon.
“We didn't have to convince them, they were interested by themselves. After recovering from bypass surgery, the doctor had advised regular walking to my father and he rightfully abided. My mother followed the lead. Also, we live in a society where all senior citizens walk everyday so they have their friends and companions who check on them if they don’t turn up for regular walks,” adds Pramod, 41. A programme manager Nehali undergoes annual health check-up at her workplace as a part of the corporate medi-claim while Pramod accepts that he does it only if required.
Pramod has under his belt, runs like Ironman 70.3 in 2022 and 2023, I-Run first edition in 2023, and Tata Mumbai Full Marathon in 2019, 2023 and 2024. He also completed the GRM 42km in 2019, 21km in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Apart from this Pramod completed Kolhapur 50km Ultra in 2019 and also Indian Independence Day Run of 75km in 2020. He has been two times Super Randonneur (BRM Cycling) in 2021 and 2022 and has completed various half marathons in India.
As the eldest couple at I Run Janardhan and Pushpa along with their grandson Satyaansh participated in I Run 2022. Going a step ahead, Satyaansh participated in I Run 2023 and 2024 too. All of them have received finisher medals at all events. While Pushpa was the eldest runner at Women’s run at Talaulim, and Janardhan the eldest runner at I Run, Satyaansh was the youngest runner at I Run 2024. Nehali won the 3rd place in the 30-35 age category at Sangli half-marathon.
“The 6th edition of the I-Run Goa Marathon features a 2km fun run, a 5km timed and charity run, and a 10km and 21km run. My parents and son will participate in the 2km run while Nehali will run 10km as she is the pacer this year for the runners. I will run for 21 km,” briefs Pramod, who is the president of ‘Fit Swaggers Goa’ – a group of 350 plus members in WhatsApp group of Tri-athletes, swimmers and runners.
“We run together but we don't train or work out together. Satyaansh stays with either of us when the other trains. So our workout sessions are the ‘me-time’ we deserve. The routine we have has helped us to stay disciplined and manage our time for fitness, professional work and family,” says Pramod.
Nehali agrees that running together has helped them understand each other's physical and mental strengths and limitations. “We both have seen each other grow and improve physically, mentally and emotionally,” she shares.
“Start with short runs, weekly once or twice in the starting phase then slowly increase the mileage and intensity, to enjoy the run and its benefits,” advises the couple whose son is following their footsteps. The kid likes music and gymnastics as well and running is not forcefully imposed on him. It was a natural inclination and inspiration taken from the parents and grandparents that is gradually becoming a habit now.
