Running a marathon is one of the most challenging and aspiring event in my life. It is an achievement and would desire to pursue more of it, in my coming days. I started my preparation-in Dec 2017,2 months prior to my actual running on FEB 2018, Calicut Marathon organized by IIM Kozhikode. I did a little research on Marathons, types, strategy etc. Here are the tips for long distance running.
1. Land on the front part of the leg, LIKE in contemporary dance and then back part. And the body should move forward and leg a little back like you are about to fall
2. Run as straight as possible. Don't incline your legs and your hands too should be Straight. Any bent will provide air resistance to your directional running.
3. Increase the lung capacity by breathing exercises. Blowing in more, deep breathe slowly, hold for 10 sec, exhale slowly. This will also calm you and release your stresses. Try to breathe only through Nostrils while running. The other ways to increase breathing capacity are:
- Swimming
- By blowing a set of Balloons
- Controlled breathing
- Trecking/High elevation workout
5. A proper rest should be taken before running.Do not practice on the previous day of your running and don't diet for Marathon. Reward yourself 😊 with ice cream or a biriyani AFTER running.
6. A snack/ small biscuit pack should be consumed half an hour before running. Sugar drink or energized/normal water can be consumed while running. After coming back-Eat anything you like-You have earned it.
7. Slowly increase your limits:1st 2 days:2 km, next 2 days:4 km, and gradually progress it every 4-6 days and within a month you can nail it. Coming back from a run, Do squats and abs workout.
8. Push your limits and find that X Factor-That factor can be achieved only by hard work, practice, and consistency.
How Kenyans and Ethiopians excelled the marathon:
How Kenyans and Ethiopians excelled the marathon:
- Thin calves-Kenyans and Ethiopians have thin calves on their body.They are already born with it. The thrust they impart from the ground to their feet muscle is less.
- Lungs adapted to their altitude and heat-Usually the live in hot condition and high altitudes. Mutation is the key in Evolution.They adapt to this hot,high altitude conditions.
- Lifetyle-They are good runners. They are active and their nation is very poor. Walking is a part of their culture, rather than use of vehicles.
The experience:
- I was already competing with my weight loss, I decided why not push my limits more?
- I had the Samsung health app, which counted how much steps I took. As I was working in 'Site' I usually walk about 15000-20000 steps daily.
- I read about marathon as the muscles in the leg is always on Compression. You have to breathe in more oxygen and stretch your legs whenever there is a problem. You would have hydration problem. Water dries out from the body-We should Learn to conserve it. You do have to finish the race.
- I just kept on running for a month and practiced.
- I started by the expectation to complete the marathon, Me, Bro in Law and my sister were the participants.
- Sister had already participated in the marathon, 2 times. Even I thought I wrote everything above I never ran 10km in my life.
- In life, We have to face 'Tests' before the 'Lessons'.
- On the day of the race-Bro and I ate a Bun and black tea 5 AM in the morning.
- The race stated @ 6 AM in Calicut Beach and I clocked the timing of 1.02 hour. (It could have been better if I had not stopped for selfies 😂 on the way)
- While running, Music and some good happy thoughts keep motivating me to keep going.THE WILL TO KEEP GOING IN LIFE IS THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS OF THE MARATHON.
