Mind Over Marathon!

Countdown begins - 3 days to Tata Mumbai Marathon 2019

The onset of the Mumbai Marathon brings into focus all the metaphors related to running – technique, mobility, strength, recovery and the most significant of them all ‘The Mind’. 

I have learned that long distance running is not just an athletic achievement, it’s a state of mind - a conflicting yet satisfying sense of finding peace amidst the chaos of the runners. Which is why Mind over Marathon. Running long distance needs more mental toughness than physical.

I am not a very fast runner. I usually take around 5:35 hours to complete a full marathon, that’s equivalent to viewing two Netflix originals! Yet, here I am advocating the sport for how to run a marathon first in your mind. 

Besides the steely resolve that it requires, it’s important to believe that you want it all to be, about being confident, enjoying the day, and tell yourself that you would be running against the distance rather than the runners. Well maybe also against the one who is just a bit ahead of you! 

My first stint of running over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, about 6 years back, for 3 kms was not easy at all, but was enough to get me hitched on to the sport. The progressions were gradual and steady from 5km to 10km, a half marathon and a full marathon eventually. And it’s been worth it definitely, with a resplendent domino effect on both the personal and professional spheres. 

In my view, here are the top 4 positives from the sport that should help to prepare a beginner’s mind to run his/her marathon. 

1. Time Management 

People often think they don’t have the time to prepare for long distance running. On the contrary, running as a hobby sharpens your time management capabilities. The run at dawn between 5:30am – 7:00am presents you with the much needed solitude required for reflecting - both long term and short term. And consequently you tend to spend time effectively. Not to mention the discipline it inculcates in your routine, when you need to get up at 4:00 am on a Sunday - Believe me, I actually look forward to this :-)

2. Fitness 

While, most benefits cite strengthening of the legs and lungs, running also gave me the “Athletes Heart” – a latest from my physician, when I did my annual medical exam. It’s a non-pathological condition in which the human heart is slightly enlarged (due to elongated periods of running or playing any sport), and the resting heart rate is lower than normal. A welcome change from the usual commentary in previous medicals - fatty liver & high cholesterol (what can one expect, considering our rich Indian Palette!).

3. Feel Good Feel Young 

Besides slowing the aging process (a fringe benefit close to my heart) running also relieves stress and enhances the immune system. The endorphins released from running makes one feel good & energetic - ready to take on the world (read take up the challenges & opportunities, coming up later during the day!). So the next time you are stressed, hit the road for a 20 minute run and return elated and feeling high. 

4. Social Camaraderie 

Usually you develop a group of like minded friends and build a social community of runners. While running long distance, there are times when one part of your mind tells you to take it easy, may be walk for sometime or even give up, if the going is tough. This is where the company matters. When you run with a group of friends or family, the motivation resonates with your spirit. The “c’mon you can do it” motto is an invisible signage every time your glycogen levels are depleting. Few from this group are now part of my close friends circle who partake also in annual holiday with family - Thanks to taking running as a hobby.

Coming to Mumbai Marathon on 20th Jan, if you are running a half marathon or a full one for the 1st time, relax and do not fret about the timing. Sleep well (especially 1-2 nights before the run), hydrate yourself well, eat a lot of carbohydrates, and exercise light in the last 3-4 days. But most importantly, imagine yourself crossing the finish line and feeling proud with the TMM medal around your neck.

All the best to the runners. Remember running is one of the best investment you have made in yourself. See you all at TMM. Enjoy the run.