Float Through Your Long Distance Runs! This Marathon Runner Tells You How

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Ok, we kinda get it. You were born to run {go Springsteen!}. But, if you have been planning to move on to the advanced stage of running – long distance/marathons, there are certain rules you gotta follow. So, we teamed up with Kavin – head coach with Reebok running squad in Mumbai, who has over 60 half marathons, 22 full marathons and 8 ultra-marathons under his shoes, to tell us how one can easily conquer long distance running like it’s NBD!

Newbies, Pay Attention!

Start by adopting a healthy lifestyle {greasy snacks, late-night movies? No, thank you!}, and inducing a walk-jog activity in the daily routine. Rome and neither your home was built in a day. Remember to not do too much too quickly, because you may end up hurting yourself. So, start slow, repeat the activity on a daily basis and once you become regular, build endurance and strength by increasing the duration of the workout.

Thumb Rule For The Ages

When training for long distance running, it’s very important to measure your runs in time and not by distance. Once you start putting your time goal behind, move on to distance goals.

Be Stubborn

When it comes to conquering goals, your training calendar should be your only point of reference and you’ve got to stick to it. Don’t jump into a new training schedule because your squad is participating in it. You are your only competition and every day you step out to achieve a pre-set goal, you are making progress.

Sweltering Heat Isn’t Going To Help

Summers are here and hence, it is important to keep your body hydrated at all times, especially during the training sessions. Kavin prefers energy gels for his long distance running.

Running Essentials – Shoes

Running hard and far puts extra pressure on both – the body and the feet and therefore, choosing the right gear becomes important. Kavin sports the latest Floatride from Reebok – light shoes with better ground reaction, cushioned sole and knitted upper, which makes them perfect for summer training. This is a limited edition shoe – available for INR 17,999, in select Reebok stores and online on Jabong. If you are looking forward to comfortable running, you gotta grab a pair for yourself.

Test Yourself

Once you have gotten into the groove of making long distance runs, it’s important to test yourself in a challenging environment. One event which Kavin recommends joining is Reebok Float-A-Thon, where you can meet and compete against professional athletes and running trainers; set in a professional and challenging environment. A recent run on April 2 saw over 500 runners; though you gotta keep your shoes ready because it sees a lot of participation and registration closes well before the event.

What’s In Kavin’s Little Black Book?

Favourite Place For Running – Marine Drive and Malabar Hill. Kavin suggests that long distance running requires hill training. Hence, Malabar Hill in the city is one place that offers good elevation.

Running Communities To Join – Kavin suggests that newbies and even serious runners should join the Reebok running squad in Mumbai. They meet every weekend and provide free professional training to develop the right technique. You can join the Reebok Running Squad on Facebook here.

Lastly, long distance running isn’t something you can do in a day or week or even in a month. You will have to build endurance and strength over a period of time by doing speed endurance drills, boot camp workouts in addition to running training {to gain mileage}, but if you are willing to put in the effort, with time, you will be able to float through your runs. Guaranteed!

This story is in partnership with Reebok.