Run for Wellness, Run for Humanity – Run a Marathon

You must have experienced the thumping of your heart, increased breathing, and an adrenaline rush that makes you feel alive when you are out for a run, jog, or even brisk walk.

These activities have been proven to not only keep your body fit and healthy but also affect the brain with the release of endorphins - the feel-good chemicals that counteract physical discomfort your body experiences due to a strenuous activity. These endorphins are natural anti-depressants and keep you away from the blues.

Recently, with enhanced awareness towards wellness, there has been an increase in activities such as walkathons, marathons, cyclothons and yoga camps being organised on a large scale. In India alone, more than 190 marathon runs are to be organised between July 26, 2016 and March 26, 2017.

Marathon organisers focus on creating a health buzz and raising awareness in the society through NGOs, sponsors and media. Thus, as mass events like these attract thousands of professionals and amateurs, the proceeds from the participation and charity, which are often in crores depending on the scale, are used for social causes.

Busting Common Running Myths

Myth #1: Stretch before you start

Static stretching, that is holding a stretch for some time, is not always the ideal way to start a run. It could make your muscles sore and taut, especially if you have had no recent physical activity.

The best way to start is a warm-up with brisk walking, climbing stairs, or slow jogging. Static stretching should be carried out after your workout session.

Myth #2: Take no breaks in a week

Experts recommend no-run days to help relax muscles and avoid a burnout. For beginners, it is also advisable to start slow and extend the time and length of run gradually while resting adequately in between.

Myth #3: Running is painful

Running pushes your body to its physical limits. But, it does not mean running has to be painful for your feet. You must never ignore a minor injury while running and get your feet and gait checked by professionals to avoid further damage.

Myth #5: No lifestyle change is required

If you are planning to incorporate a running schedule, you need to make major lifestyle changes. It includes the food you eat everyday, which should be balanced and well cooked, investing in good quality workout apparel and pair of shoes, and parting ways with unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking.

Myth #6: Follow a fixed routine

Running a marathon requires discipline, hard work, and proper training. However, a fixed routine can soon bore you out. To avoid such a slump, mix up your workouts with strength training and cardio to increase your core strength. You can also seek professional guidance to chalk out a weekly workout and diet schedule to keep things interesting.

Dos and Don'ts for Marathons Runners

If you have been training for a while or are a seasoned marathoner, you must abide by the following dos and don’ts for a marathon run:

Before a Marathon

Do

• Learn about the track you will be running and weather conditions
• Maintain your routine; this includes waking up the exact time you would for the marathon day, eating the same food and practising your run
• Practice long runs or even over-distance runs to train your mind and body a month before. Taper down the intensity of your runs a week prior to the big day
• Relax before the race
• Lubricate your skin that is prone to chafing, on the race day

Don't

During Marathon

Do

Don't

After Marathon

Do

Don't

So, what’s stopping you? #DoTheDifficult

Opposed to common belief, anyone can train to run in a marathon. If you are motivated to run to be healthy or to run a marathon as a life goal – begin today! When you run for wellness, you change your life and those around you positively. When you a run a marathon, your wellness has the potential to bring a change in the society.