The name of our Freedom Run this year was a bit symbolic. We had enough of being boxed in and locked down. Time to fly free over the fields of Punjab again.

An early morning thunderstorm scared away some of our runners and it went from being a small run to a tiny one. We wore our masks, took some pictures and videos and undeterred by weather, numbers or viruses, we set out at six-thirty from Sukhna Lake. We were five runners, six support cyclists and three cars. And it was lovely. Perfect weather for running and not a drop of rain after we started.

The green fields of wheat were stunning even as many of the farmers were holding protests in Delhi against the three farm laws. For long distances it was my son on his bicycle and I all alone on deserted roads. I saw Rohit (another runner) a few times, cyclists came and went, our support vehicles came to restock our supplies. As always the camaraderie, almost a type of brotherhood, was tangible.

Later on, I got some pains as is to be expected. My right shin acted up, my left hamstring, my right foot. My son decided to start whistling tunes to distract me, and we went through a large number of Christmas carols that way. Somehow my pains balanced out and did not get any worse.

The last ten or so was tough, as fatigue was setting in and I had to walk more. I even sat for five glorious minutes on a cement wall with my son, and ate an orange.

But then, it was all done and we were received at the Maharani Club in Patiala with open arms, kind words, cool drinks and later on some welcome snacks.

“How far will you run to bring change”, is what our web site says. I am free to run and have a sound body and mind. There are so many bound by one thing or the other. Some are ensnared by their own bad choices, in debt or crime or drugs. There can be grace even for them. Some are bound by their physical or mental handicaps, like the children that Arushi serves. (please support them here www.arushi-india.org) There are others abused by their own family members, or who are enslaved by evil people. Let’s free those who are in bondage.

Luke 4:18 in the Holy Bible says this:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
    and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed…”

Jesus has always cared, and still cares for those who are in bondage. As we did the Chandigarh Freedom Ultrarun the 5th time this year, I realized again that we are working with Him to help bring change. If you are reading this, why don’t you join us to help those who are less fortunate. Extend a hand to help someone up who needs it. Or help those who are more equipped to help. Do something.

Keep running

Stephan