Positive Running

There is magic and beauty in running. There is also a sense of community that anchors one’s soul to life. The children of the Positive Running Program know this. While their daily medicines keep the deadly virus away, daily physical activity builds healthy confident young individuals.

 

The mission of the Positive Running Program is to enable good health and self-sufficiency in children living with HIV and growing up in disadvantaged circumstances. The essence of the Positive Running Program is to create not winners of the race, but winners for life.

 

The objectives of the Positive Running Program are to:

  • Incorporate age-appropriate daily running, strength training, endurance training, and confidence-building
  • Provide children with appropriate nutritional knowledge and support

The Positive Running Program is implemented in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, in southern India. In 2023, the Program reaches 250 young people (8-21 years) living with or affected by HIV. In 2024-25, the Program will expand to include 100 more children in the two states.

The Positive Running Program includes modules that cover physical and mental health and nutrition education. Topics have theoretical and practical components, and include exercise physiology, strength conditioning, nutritional education and injury prevention. Topics also include psychosocial health and leadership skills to promote overall physical wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Participating children receive nutritional supplemental resources related to daily protein, electrolytes and micronutrients intake. Participants are supported by designated Captains and Senior Captains who train participants, track daily attendance, motivate them and function as role models and changemakers in the making.

I. Exercise physiology and techniques

  • Running: This session is designed to help participants improve their running form and technique, enhancing efficiency, preventing injuries, and maximizing performance. Key topics include foot placement for efficiency, the importance of core strength and stability for maintaining posture, and breathing techniques to optimize oxygen intake, reduce fatigue, and enhance endurance.
  • Strength conditioning: Build foundational knowledge in basic strength training and running exercises, utilizing bodyweight and resistance bands. Emphasize the vital role of consistent physical activity within a healthy lifestyle. Highlight a diverse of exercises and stretches designed to enhance joint mobility, muscle flexibility, and core stability.
  • Injury prevention: Introduce essential exercises and strategies crucial for maintaining optimal health during physical activity. Stress the significance of rest and recovery in health maintenance. Educate participants on preventive drills for daily exercise routines, promote proper footwear and equipment usage, and teach correct techniques to mitigate injury risks.
  • Sports nutrition: This session delves into the specific nutritional needs of runners, emphasizing how proper nutrition can enhance performance, aid recovery, and prevent injuries. Participants learn about the role of various nutrients, hydration strategies, and meal planning tailored to the demands of running.
  • Goal setting: This session equips individuals with the tools and strategies necessary to set effective goals and create a structured plan to attain them. Key topics covered include understanding the importance of goal setting for success, introduction to the SMART criteria for setting goals, steps to break down larger goals into manageable milestones, and strategies to maintain commitment towards achieving these goals.

 

II. General health

  • Foundational health: In this session, participants are offered insights into the core scientific components that form the foundation of exercise theory, including anatomy, physiology, and hygiene. The session aims to promote physical wellness, hygiene practices, regular health monitoring, and awareness of common health risks, alongside preventive lifestyle measures.
  • Nutrition: Provide practical guidance on cultivating healthy eating habits, maintaining balanced diets, and understanding the role of nutrition in supporting physical activity and overall well-being. Teach basic nutrition (macronutrients, vitamins, minerals), encourage mindful eating, stress hydration’s significance pre/post-exercise, and address special dietary needs/disorders.
  • HIV education: The participants are provided with HIV/AIDS education which is crucial for raising awareness about HIV, and making informed decisions about their health. Topics include the biology of HIV, modes of transmission, treatment medications, and the impact of running on the immune system. We are dedicated to empowering participants to thrive and run joyfully despite HIV.

 

III. Psychosocial health
Running promotes the integration of mental and physical health. Self-awareness enhances psychosocial health through self-reflection and positive talk. Resilience is developed through mindfulness and positive reframing, helping participants overcome challenges and improve performance by viewing setbacks as growth opportunities.

The Program facilitates each child to participate in at least two 5K running events per year. This personal goal serves as a motivator, setting personal growth benchmarks, and opportunities to celebrate collective achievements. This approach promotes inclusivity, equal opportunities, and team spirit. Training schedules are customized for effective preparation, and participation is determined by consistent attendance and dedication.

 

  • Great Bangalore 10K, 10 January 2023: The excitement was high as 20 participants took part in the Great Bangalore 10K Run at Sri Kanteerava Stadium. Four of them completed their first 10K, achieving their best timings.
  • Delhi Marathon, 26 February 2023: Seven participants embarked on their inaugural out-of-state 10K endeavour. Braving the cold weather, each participant displayed extraordinary resilience and determination, completing the run successfully.
  • OneEight Marathon, 26 March 2023: Twenty-seven participants joined the challenging 5K running event, featuring tough terrain with uphill and downhill sections.
  • Bangalore 10K Challenge, 2 July 2023: Twenty-three participants excelled in the challenging 10K event, achieving impressive timings.
  • Bangalore Marathon, 8 October 2023: At the iconic Kanteerva Stadium, the 10K and 5K running events witnessed the active participation of thirty-four young PRP runners.
  • Ranipet Marathon, December 24 2023: Fifty-seven participants enthusiastically joined the 5K and 10K running events, with twelve achieving their personal bests in the 10K, finishing in under 43 minutes.

Two Positive Running camps are organized annually with the aim of enhancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and increasing networking among participants and the wider community. The three-day residential camps has a well-structured curriculum, interactive sessions, and practical exercises, and always proves to be a transformative event that unites participants, partners, and volunteers in a shared commitment to holistic well-being, growth, and leadership.

 

The Positive Running Camp 2023, Aug 12-14, 2023

The Positive Running Camp at Snehagram in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, brought together participants from 6 institutions in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This exciting event fostered holistic physical development through immersive experiences, leadership training, and camaraderie. Dynamic sessions, including endurance runs, aerobic workouts, and strength exercises, combined fitness with fun, inspiring participants to embrace healthier lifestyles and positively impact their communities.

Ramu

Senior Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“I want to inspire young people to embrace running for their health.” At 19 years, Ramu’s life showcases resilience. Despite being born with HIV and orphaned at 7 years, he found sanctuary in running and in inspiring youth to embrace running for health.

Meghana

Senior Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Running gives me power. I want all girls to find their dream and pursue it”. At a young age, Meghana lost her parents, but began a transformative journey of education and self-discovery. Driven by her passion for sports, she leads with compassion, empowering underprivileged girls to prioritize health and embrace exercise.

Amar

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“I find hope and joy in running, and I want to show other children how they can change their lives into whatever they want.” Amar, born with HIV, overcame immense challenges. He is relentless in his pursuit of knowledge, and is committed to transforming children’s lives through running and resilience.

Sahana

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Every day brings fresh challenges and opportunities. I face each day with courage” Sahana refuses to let orphanhood or HIV define her. She faces each day with courage. Regular exercise is vital for her, offering strength and vitality. She empowers young people to prioritize health and pursue their dreams with determination.

Sridhar

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Embrace the power of running; it transforms your spirit and empowers you to conquer any challenge life presents.” Sridhar, 21 years-old and living with HIV, finds health and happiness through sports. He motivates young people to stay active, showing them that being physically active can keep life joyful.

Nirmala

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Keep chasing your dreams, knowing that each step brings you closer to making them come true.” Nirmala, a resilient 19-year-old from Bidar, faces life with HIV head-on while pursuing her Bachelor’s studies in Commerce. She is celebrates the power of regular exercise and helps children stay fit through sports and dance.

Consider going the extra mile
Sponsor additional running gear and athletic training equipment for children as the program continues to expand in 2024-25.

How your donation helps:

  • ₹ 1000 enables a child to participate in a national running event
  • ₹ 2000 provides two pairs of T-shirts, pants and shorts for a child
  • ₹ 2500 brings ten children a month of nutritional supplements consisting of eggs, pulses, fruit, electrolytes
  • ₹ 5000 supports a child to attend a 3-day running camp (travel, food & accommodation)