Cinjal Shah has enjoyed running since childhood and has found it contributes greatly to her personal and professional development. She rediscovered her passion for running after experiencing kidney stones in 2013 and took up distance running to stay fit. Since then, she has completed several half marathons and 10K runs. She also founded a running club in 2016 to promote running and raise money for charity. Running provides health benefits for Shah and helps give her a clear mind. It has also helped her connect with others and take on new challenges to reinforce a growth mindset.

1. Essay Submission for September 2018 Admissions Intake
I. Show us an activity you enjoy doing. Tell us how you think it
contributes to your personal and professional development.
Cinjal Shah

2. I have been associated with running as
far back as my memory can serve, and
photographs can provide proof!
Here’s my first ever run (and win) at a
tender age of 3, and that is me,
beaming in white.

3. All through high school, I participated
in a lot of sprint events.
The adrenaline rush that speed gave
me and the joy of leaving opponents
behind is something I still remember
distinctly.

4. Years later, in 2013, I rediscovered my joy for
running after a painful experience with kidney
stones.
I decided to pick up distance running as it is
the simplest and most effective form of
exercise to keep one fit.

5. However, running distances of 5
kilometres and above was a different
ball game altogether.
Through sheer effort, diligence and
learning and following best practices, I
was able to gradually build strength
and stamina.

6. Since then, I have
successfully
completed three
half marathons..
Bangalore New DelhiMumbai

7. .. and over a dozen 10K runs, including charity
events.
I am also currently preparing to run my first full
marathon this year.

8. However, I wanted to bring the joy and science of distance running to
more people and founded the Mu Sigma Endurance Club in March 2016.
With the assistance of a core group, I organised multiple 5K events to
raise money for our NGO partner Prayaas to assist with education for
underprivileged children.

9. We also conducted practice runs
and training sessions for members,
and competed in various corporate
running events held in Bangalore.

10. Apart from the obvious health benefits, running
has given me an outlet for free thinking.
The meditation-like state while running aids a clear
mind and provides for a necessary “me” time.
It has also helped me connect with a lot of people
and make new friends.

11. But above all, running has given me new
challenges, reinforced the growth mindset and
a perspective towards “consistent effort yielding
results in the long run”.
All necessary attributes to become a leader.

12. “For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running
day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar,
and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that’s
why I’ve put in the effort day after day: to raise my own
level. I’m no great runner, by any means. I’m at an ordinary
– or perhaps more like mediocre – level. But that’s not the
point. The point is whether or not I improved over
yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you
have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”
― Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About
Running