Prathima's Miles & Milestones

This article is compiled from my observations among my fellow runners (most pursue multi-sport) & who keenly pursue long-distance running.

• Running is all fancy with t-shirts, medals, timing bibs, freebies, etc.
• But it all comes with the blisters, blood, and sweat, sticking to a breathing pattern, the train of thoughts running through your mind, the disappearing toenail, tight calf muscles, runners knee, massage guns, wounds turning blue and black, physiotherapy, the soreness of the muscles, dehydration, gels, ice packs, hot water bags, needling & cupping therapy, the deep tissue massages, the taping technique, shoes with carbons plate, the pain killers, supplements, the dedication and consistency of 4 am so much more.
• Injuries in running are usually due to the body not being warmed up before the run & body not being stretched post the run. So I hope we all have something to learn here.
• DNF (Did Not Finish) is the scariest phrase for any runner.
• Ultra, trail, & full marathons need a lot of strength, a high level of endurance, and long & daunting strength training. Do NOT ever consider doing it without mental & physical prep.
• A study says that 80% of runners have a deficiency of Vitamin D, poor aerobic base, wrong form, & a weak core.
• The best advice I’ve heard from my Coach & fellow podium finishers is to sleep early, have two-three meals a day, no white sugar & salt, no Netflix or binge watching & a lot of climbing stairs.
• With age, you can get better if you trust the process, build your mental strength & are willing to show up every day. As Kipchoge says — “No human is limited”.
• All marathons are brutal toward the end. In the last few kms/miles, you witness death. The rolling hills and sunlight almost kill us, yet we run toward the finish line. This is why they say running is a mental exercise, not really a physical one.
• We are not built to run 100 kms, but we can if we want to.
• To prevent burnout follow some of these pointers — make time for regular physical activity, sleep, and healthy eating. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling with burnout. Don’t be obsessed with your job, your job is not your life. Celebrate your small wins. Take a vacation.
• Runners’ clubs have the best people in the world. Most Running clubs are free all over the world. Your effort & sacrifice is the only fee you pay for compounding health benefits. You’ll find people from all walks of life, all professions, and all age groups. After all, age is just a number.
• P.S. There’s no fun in doing the easy things in life. Yet, it’s all for one big cause — the joy of running 🙂