Constant tiredness, body aches, fatigue, leg fracture. How a fitness decision of Dehradun middleclass couple, in their 50s, helped change their lives

For many people, fitness feels like something that belongs to youth. Long workdays, family responsibilities, and health issues often push personal well-being to the background. But a middle-class couple from Dehradun has quietly rewritten that narrative. After years of fatigue, injuries, and body aches, they decided to take control of their health in their late 50s. What began as a small step toward better living has since evolved into marathon runs, treks, and a growing community inspiring others to move.

In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Tara Thapa and his wife Sushila reflected on their journey and the transformation that followed. The couple described their life as rooted in simple values, growing up and living in Dehradun with a philosophy of simple living and high thinking. Tara runs an electronics sales and repair shop, while Sushila works as an insurance advisor. For years, their focus remained on family responsibilities, raising their two sons and building a stable household.

Today, their sons have carved their own paths, one working as a solar permit designer and the other as a content creator. But while dedicating their energy to their children and their future, the couple realised they had unintentionally neglected their own health. Gradually, the effects began to show. Sushila experienced constant tiredness, recurring aches, fatigue, and even a fracture in her left leg, along with persistent knee pain. Tara struggled with severe back pain.




That period became a turning point for them. Instead of accepting physical limitations, they decided to challenge them. In 2017, Tara began focusing seriously on fitness. Watching his determination slowly motivated Sushila to begin her own journey two years later, in 2019. What started as a personal decision soon turned into a shared lifestyle.



Their mornings now begin long before sunrise. Five in the morning has become their sacred time. While most of the world is still asleep, they wake up to exercise, walk, and run together. Living in the hills also allows them to make the most of nature, often spending holidays trekking through the mountains surrounding Dehradun.

Alongside their active routine, they also adopted a simple and mindful approach to food. Their meals largely consist of everyday staples like dals, vegetables, and seasonal fruits. Even during festivals, they try to maintain balance and moderation rather than indulging excessively.

Their journey has also inspired change beyond their own household. About three years ago, Sushila started a women’s group called Pink Panther. The group encourages women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace fitness. Many members who once hesitated to even leave their homes are now running distances of five to ten kilometres. The group is also preparing to organise its own Pink Half Marathon.