It's a runner's dream to cut across the finish line, while keeping track of time and being the first to do so. With many marathons planned in the next few months, Bengalureans who regularly participate in marathons share with 'Metrolife' about how they are working towards the big day.
Training is a big part of the preparation. Karen Maciel, a strength and conditioning coach,
who is a half-marathoner says that she does test races before her main events. "Training throughout the year is a requisite. It is important to build one's strength and be injury-free when getting ready for the event," she says.
Her routine is a mix of long interval and short runs. "I also do cross-training in the week which includes swimming, which helps build my strength. The diet specifics also varies accordingly," she says. Her diet includes 60 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat and 15 percent proteins. Karen, who is studying sports nutrition says that she has around six small meals throughout the day. "For carbohydrates, I have brown rice and whole-wheat bread and for proteins, I have 'dal' and chicken. Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of my diet," she says.
Working out with groups is the best way to prepare for running events, says Deepti K, a homemaker. "I work out with a group called 'Pacemakers' and we have planned schedules. Each run is an attempt to achieve one's personal best and specific goals. Targets are set according to one's potential," she says.
It was the need to stay fit that made Deepti opt for half-marathons and takes the preparation time quite seriously. "We build up on carbs just before the event. Through the year, I opt for homemade food and avoid non-fatty food. During the week, I train at the gym which helps shape up," she says.
Karthik Anand, a businessman, who also does international marathons, says that it takes a lot of preparation to be a part of marathons.
"Every athlete trains differently. I implement a high-mileage training which includes running for 100 to 120 km every week. This is a mixture of easy runs and speed workouts. I start on Monday with a slow run which is followed by speed workout on Tuesday. On Saturdays, I do a long run which goes from 32 km to 38 km," he details. This helps him train well for a marathon.
"Though preparing for marathons differs from person to person, training just a few days before a run is not advisable. Around five weeks before a marathon, I increase my pace. I always stick to my schedule and stick to the basics that I've been trained in. At a marathon, it is easy to get carried away but I stay focussed to my regime," he says.
Different elements grouped together work better for different people, points out Arun Rajaraman, senior manager with a software engineer. "The second half of the year, from October onwards is when most running events happen. Running for an event before one's actual event is a step most marathoners do," he says.
"Training in a group works best for most people. One should have a good coach who guides one through the whole process. It is also important to have a mentor, who is not your coach. This way you get more tips and ways to handle the run," he says. Planning one's schedule to make time for training is an important step. "Since one will be running a lot before the event, avoiding injuries by including cross-training exercises like cycling helps," he says.
Be it to stay fit or achieve some personal goals, running a marathon is an exciting idea. So, what are you waiting for? Get, set and go prepare!
Training is a big part of the preparation. Karen Maciel, a strength and conditioning coach,
who is a half-marathoner says that she does test races before her main events. "Training throughout the year is a requisite. It is important to build one's strength and be injury-free when getting ready for the event," she says.
Her routine is a mix of long interval and short runs. "I also do cross-training in the week which includes swimming, which helps build my strength. The diet specifics also varies accordingly," she says. Her diet includes 60 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat and 15 percent proteins. Karen, who is studying sports nutrition says that she has around six small meals throughout the day. "For carbohydrates, I have brown rice and whole-wheat bread and for proteins, I have 'dal' and chicken. Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of my diet," she says.
Working out with groups is the best way to prepare for running events, says Deepti K, a homemaker. "I work out with a group called 'Pacemakers' and we have planned schedules. Each run is an attempt to achieve one's personal best and specific goals. Targets are set according to one's potential," she says.
It was the need to stay fit that made Deepti opt for half-marathons and takes the preparation time quite seriously. "We build up on carbs just before the event. Through the year, I opt for homemade food and avoid non-fatty food. During the week, I train at the gym which helps shape up," she says.
Karthik Anand, a businessman, who also does international marathons, says that it takes a lot of preparation to be a part of marathons.
"Every athlete trains differently. I implement a high-mileage training which includes running for 100 to 120 km every week. This is a mixture of easy runs and speed workouts. I start on Monday with a slow run which is followed by speed workout on Tuesday. On Saturdays, I do a long run which goes from 32 km to 38 km," he details. This helps him train well for a marathon.
"Though preparing for marathons differs from person to person, training just a few days before a run is not advisable. Around five weeks before a marathon, I increase my pace. I always stick to my schedule and stick to the basics that I've been trained in. At a marathon, it is easy to get carried away but I stay focussed to my regime," he says.
Different elements grouped together work better for different people, points out Arun Rajaraman, senior manager with a software engineer. "The second half of the year, from October onwards is when most running events happen. Running for an event before one's actual event is a step most marathoners do," he says.
"Training in a group works best for most people. One should have a good coach who guides one through the whole process. It is also important to have a mentor, who is not your coach. This way you get more tips and ways to handle the run," he says. Planning one's schedule to make time for training is an important step. "Since one will be running a lot before the event, avoiding injuries by including cross-training exercises like cycling helps," he says.
Be it to stay fit or achieve some personal goals, running a marathon is an exciting idea. So, what are you waiting for? Get, set and go prepare!
It’s a runner’s dream to cut across the finish line, while keeping track of time and being the first to do so. With many marathons planned in the next few months, Bengalureans who regularly participate in marathons share with 'Metrolife’ about how they are working towards the big day.
Training is a big part of the preparation. Karen Maciel, a strength and conditioning coach,
who is a half-marathoner says that she does test races before her main events. "Training throughout the year is a requisite. It is important to build one’s strength and be injury-free when getting ready for the event,” she says.
Her routine is a mix of long interval and short runs. "I also do cross-training in the week which includes swimming, which helps build my strength. The diet specifics also varies accordingly,” she says. Her diet includes 60 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat and 15 percent proteins. Karen, who is studying sports nutrition says that she has around six small meals throughout the day. "For carbohydrates, I have brown rice and whole-wheat bread and for proteins, I have 'dal’ and chicken. Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of my diet,” she says.
Working out with groups is the best way to prepare for running events, says Deepti K, a homemaker. "I work out with a group called 'Pacemakers’ and we have planned schedules. Each run is an attempt to achieve one’s personal best and specific goals. Targets are set according to one’s potential,” she says.
It was the need to stay fit that made Deepti opt for half-marathons and takes the preparation time quite seriously. "We build up on carbs just before the event. Through the year, I opt for homemade food and avoid non-fatty food. During the week, I train at the gym which helps shape up,” she says.
Karthik Anand, a businessman, who also does international marathons, says that it takes a lot of preparation to be a part of marathons.
"Every athlete trains differently. I implement a high-mileage training which includes running for 100 to 120 km every week. This is a mixture of easy runs and speed workouts. I start on Monday with a slow run which is followed by speed workout on Tuesday. On Saturdays, I do a long run which goes from 32 km to 38 km,” he details. This helps him train well for a marathon.
"Though preparing for marathons differs from person to person, training just a few days before a run is not advisable. Around five weeks before a marathon, I increase my pace. I always stick to my schedule and stick to the basics that I’ve been trained in. At a marathon, it is easy to get carried away but I stay focussed to my regime,” he says.
Different elements grouped together work better for different people, points out Arun Rajaraman, senior manager with a software engineer. "The second half of the year, from October onwards is when most running events happen. Running for an event before one’s actual event is a step most marathoners do,” he says.
"Training in a group works best for most people. One should have a good coach who guides one through the whole process. It is also important to have a mentor, who is not your coach. This way you get more tips and ways to handle the run,” he says. Planning one’s schedule to make time for training is an important step. "Since one will be running a lot before the event, avoiding injuries by including cross-training exercises like cycling helps,” he says.
Be it to stay fit or achieve some personal goals, running a marathon is an exciting idea. So, what are you waiting for? Get, set and go prepare!
Training is a big part of the preparation. Karen Maciel, a strength and conditioning coach,
who is a half-marathoner says that she does test races before her main events. "Training throughout the year is a requisite. It is important to build one’s strength and be injury-free when getting ready for the event,” she says.
Her routine is a mix of long interval and short runs. "I also do cross-training in the week which includes swimming, which helps build my strength. The diet specifics also varies accordingly,” she says. Her diet includes 60 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat and 15 percent proteins. Karen, who is studying sports nutrition says that she has around six small meals throughout the day. "For carbohydrates, I have brown rice and whole-wheat bread and for proteins, I have 'dal’ and chicken. Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of my diet,” she says.
Working out with groups is the best way to prepare for running events, says Deepti K, a homemaker. "I work out with a group called 'Pacemakers’ and we have planned schedules. Each run is an attempt to achieve one’s personal best and specific goals. Targets are set according to one’s potential,” she says.
It was the need to stay fit that made Deepti opt for half-marathons and takes the preparation time quite seriously. "We build up on carbs just before the event. Through the year, I opt for homemade food and avoid non-fatty food. During the week, I train at the gym which helps shape up,” she says.
Karthik Anand, a businessman, who also does international marathons, says that it takes a lot of preparation to be a part of marathons.
"Every athlete trains differently. I implement a high-mileage training which includes running for 100 to 120 km every week. This is a mixture of easy runs and speed workouts. I start on Monday with a slow run which is followed by speed workout on Tuesday. On Saturdays, I do a long run which goes from 32 km to 38 km,” he details. This helps him train well for a marathon.
"Though preparing for marathons differs from person to person, training just a few days before a run is not advisable. Around five weeks before a marathon, I increase my pace. I always stick to my schedule and stick to the basics that I’ve been trained in. At a marathon, it is easy to get carried away but I stay focussed to my regime,” he says.
Different elements grouped together work better for different people, points out Arun Rajaraman, senior manager with a software engineer. "The second half of the year, from October onwards is when most running events happen. Running for an event before one’s actual event is a step most marathoners do,” he says.
"Training in a group works best for most people. One should have a good coach who guides one through the whole process. It is also important to have a mentor, who is not your coach. This way you get more tips and ways to handle the run,” he says. Planning one’s schedule to make time for training is an important step. "Since one will be running a lot before the event, avoiding injuries by including cross-training exercises like cycling helps,” he says.
Be it to stay fit or achieve some personal goals, running a marathon is an exciting idea. So, what are you waiting for? Get, set and go prepare!