Challenge Accepted

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am an engineer by profession and the head of a division in a listed company. Marathon training and distance running is my passion. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from NSCA, USA, which is a credential you earn based on the study you do on the entire domain of fitness. I have been training runners for the last 12 years and have worked with corporates as well. I am also the head coach of the Nike Run Club in Mumbai.

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When did you take up running as a sport?

I started in 1996 when a friend told me about the Pune Marathon - one of only two events in the country at the time. It was a full marathon and I wasn’t aware of the exact nuances. I was an active football player and managed to do 21 out of the 42km - but was not allowed to proceed since I did not make it within the cut-off time. That’s when the running bug bit me.

What are the advantages of running over cycling and swimming?

The biggest advantage is that for running you don’t need a club or gym - no matter where you are, you can always go out for a run. It doesn’t require too much of an investment other than a pair of shoes and apparel. With cycling, you need a proper road and a cycle. With swimming, you need to be part of a club to access to a swimming pool. Running is something that anyone can take up.

What are some of the best outdoor surfaces for a long-distance run (e.g. Road, unpaved etc.)?

A tar surface is the best, since it has some amount of damping capacity and isn’t too hard on your legs. A better surface than that would be a grass track - but that isn’t something you would find everywhere. The worst surface to run on would be concrete.

Have tool like fitness wearable’s increased the interest around running?

They have increased the interest since they tend to provide proper data. Before they came in, you needed a stopwatch to time your runs and you couldn’t measure the distance properly. Today, you can track your distance, pace and some of the more expensive ones come with GPS tracking as well. Plus, you get to network with people wearing the same accessory. Also, in Apps like ‘Nike Run Club’ you have voice overs from famous athletes that provide encouraging words whenever you finish a run or achieve a new personal best in your training.

What does one need to know before investing in a pair of running shoes?

If you have no lower extremity problems like flat feet, the best thing is to go for a standard shoe from a good brand. They are designed with technological inputs and are designed with materials meant for runners. If you are uncertain about whether you have feet issues, you can get a gait analysis done by one of the shoe companies – post which they can recommend the best shoe for you.

There are reports that long distance runners suffer from knee injuries. Any thoughts?

Knee injuries can be part of any sport, not just running. It depends on how safely you make progress and whether you have done excessive mileages – you need to know how to recover and include strength training as it is a significant part of your domain. There aren’t long term injuries with runners and they don’t get arthritis because of running. Sedentary people will have more knee problems that runners.

How can one include running in their routine and stay motivated enough to follow it?

You should work with experienced runners or a coach, if you have access to one. You can even link up with a group which will motivate you, since it’s not easy to get up every morning and head out for a run.

Steps a novice should take on their journey to becoming a runner...

You must work with runners who could advice you about progressions or with a coach, especially if you have a significant long-term goal. They can advise you about what kind of shoes and apparel to buy, how much to run and how to take care of injuries.

Some essentials equipment required for an aspiring runner...

The most important is to buy the right pair of shoes for you and running apparel. The sports bra is a very important part of women’s apparel.

Any spiritual benefits of running...

When you look at running in the domain of the half or full marathon, you’re going to experience fatigue, exhaustion and pain. At such times, it is your perseverance that can help you get through it. The moment you overcome these factors and cross that line, a spiritual aspect embraces you. Dr George Sheehan, a late running guru, said “I run, therefore I am.”

From the February 2019 issue of FHM India.