My Fitness Journey: Embracing Progress Over Perfection
Fitness isn't just a highlight reel. I have navigated fractures, asthma, and the messy parts of being a mom and athlete. Here is my real story of what it actually takes to build lasting strength.
This is the real story of my running journey. From the high of a saree run to the low of a snapped metatarsal, and then another accident injuring my hand. The struggle is real, but so is the hope and the passion that drives me to come back stronger.
A simple before and after of a 6km run. It starts at 6:00 a.m. with zero kilometers, and ends with a smile and a sense of accomplishment. It is about showing up and putting in the work.
People say I am lucky, but this is the "luck". It is the daily grind, the consistent effort, and the hard work you put in when no one is watching. Stay consistent for yourself.
A clip from an interview where I talk about my journey. I saw myself getting better and better, and I realized I had to make a choice to follow my passion. I am so grateful for the support of my family who understood my dream.
Then and now. 2011 to 2024. Confidence comes with age, and looking beautiful comes from the confidence someone has in themselves. It is a journey of self-discovery and growth.
We only live one life, so live it to the fullest. Enjoy the sunrise, watch that silly movie, go on that trek, and most importantly, love and take care of yourself. Age is just a number.
It has been 14 years of running. This sport has given me my identity, countless friends, and incredible experiences. I am grateful for every step of this journey and still look forward to every run.
About this collection
People often think I wake up ready to run, but that is rarely the reality. My journey is filled with real struggles like foot fractures, asthma, and days when I just want to skip it. I share this because it is vital to see the messy middle. When we train together, we are not chasing a perfect aesthetic. We are building the kind of strength that helps you recover from injuries, keeps your joints healthy, and actually lets you enjoy the sport for the long haul.
When I look back at the photos from my early running days in 2011 compared to now, the biggest change is not the distance or the pace. It is the confidence. I have dealt with a snapped metatarsal, hand injuries, and asthma, but these are not reasons to quit. They are reminders that a body in motion needs care, mobility, and smart programming.
My approach to coaching is built on this progress over perfection mindset. Whether you are prepping for a marathon or just trying to build a consistent habit, we do not just stack miles. We work on:
- Injury Prevention: I incorporate mobility and yoga flows because if you cannot move well, you cannot run well.
- Strength Foundations: We focus on functional movements like squats, lunges, and core work. This supports your running gait and keeps you resilient against the kind of wear and tear I have had to navigate myself.
- Community Accountability: Fitness is easier in a tribe. Whether we are training at Cubbon Park or doing speed work at the HSR BDA complex, the group energy keeps you showing up when motivation dips.
I do not believe in cookie-cutter plans. If you are struggling with a specific injury or trying to overcome a plateau, I look at your data like pace, heart rate, and cadence, and we tweak your plan together. We are here to build an engine that lasts for decades, not just one race season.
Shanthi Krishnan
I am Shanthi, a mom of two and a runner who has seen it all, from finish lines to hospital beds. My goal is to build a tribe where we celebrate the extra rep and the one more kilometer, not just the finish time. Let's work on getting you strong, resilient, and ready for whatever your day throws at you.
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