How COVID-19 Made Me Attempt a Marathon
It is March 2019; the first lockdown has been announced in India. The general expectation is that it will last for a week before things return to normalcy. Fast forward 8 months hence, we know that wasn’t true and there is still uncertainty on the potential for future lockdowns and restrictions.
At the time the lockdown was announced I used to hit the gym regularly and considered myself decently fit. Neither Did I have chiseled abs nor did I have a bulging belly, I was somewhere in between.
Due to the lockdown restrictions, I downloaded a fitness app and started a home-workout regime. Sooner than later, I lost motivation and had completely stopped working out. I started gaining weight and wasn’t even bothered to change that.
The lockdown period was characterized by many phases and one such phase was posting on Instagram about your attempt to bake banana bread and/or your 5k Run times. For some strange reason, I felt inspired by these posts and thought a 5k run was an easy workout to try.
To my surprise or rather an embarrassment, I found that I couldn’t finish a 5k run in a single stretch.
However, fast forward 8 months since and things have changed for me. I have completed a half marathon and am aiming to compete in a Full Marathon this year. I have lost around 7 kg and look & feel like a completely different person.
The journey of failing to complete an easy 5k run to now attempting a full marathon hasn’t been easy. There was a steep learning curve and several key lessons such as:
1. RUNNING IN BIGGER LOOPS HELPS:
The core problem behind my struggles in completing 5k Runs was that I was running in my neighborhood park, a small loop of 400 meters. I would confuse my boredom for exhaustion and would pause by the 8th round (approx. 3 km).
Over time I shifted to bigger tracks and parks (as much as 2.5 loops) and found it much easier to finish my runs. Mentally it is much easier to run two loops of 2.5km than 12.5 loops of 400 meters to finish a 5k run.
2. IT IS EASIER TO RUN ON THE ROAD THAN AT PARKS:
I find it considerably less tiring to run on roads than at parks. Parks are often unleveled (declines/inclines) and uneven (stones & debris) surfaces that do not allow for a smooth run.
Running on relatively flatter surfaces such as roads allow for efficient runs that are easier on your knees & feet.
3. THE MONOTONY NEEDS TO BE BROKEN
Running a 5k every day neither improved my stamina nor my speed.
Instead, I found it better to break the run into 3 categories -
Easy runs: These were benchmarks that I progressively increased over time and was comfortable doing every day. I started with a 3k then slowly increased it until I reached the 10k mark.
Tempo Runs: These were meant to improve my speed and was structured into splits.
example — 1km warm up + 2 km high tempo + 2km high tempo + 1 km cooldown.
Long runs: These were performed on weekends, just before my rest day. Long runs would be 1.5x /2x of the easy run.
Easy Runs acted as benchmarks for improvement, tempo run worked on my speed and long runs worked on my stamina.
4. CREATING A RUNNING GROUP HELPS
The only problem with creating a running group is that one may not stop talking about it.
I found Running with a group is a great way to keep myself motivated, entertained, accountable and above all — TO DO SOMETHING OTHER THAN EATING OR DRINKING WITH MY FRIENDS.
5. IT IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD
Turns out they had been lying to us all along with facts such as — You can’t run on an empty stomach, it is too hot/cold to run outside, you can’t run with a mask, Smokers can’t run, etc.
Trust me, running is not affected by all those factors until and unless you’re trying to be a professional athlete.
I have done it all and have realized that showing up to the run is half the battle won.
6. RUNNING ALONGSIDE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES IS KEY TO YOUR MOTIVATION
Running in places where professional runners, athletes, and fitness freaks run is a great way to feel motivated, inspired, and energized.
This may take some effort and trial & error in Finding but I’m sure every city has certain spots where professional athletes and runners run every day at a specific time.
7. INVESTING IS CORRECT SHOES ACTUALLY SAVES MONEY
I initially made the mistake of saving some money by buying inferior quality shoes than the ones that were recommended for my feet structure, running goals, and frequency.
All shoes start degrading after certain mileage and make you more prone to injury. Consequently, I not only ended up spending more on replacing my cheaper shoes but also injured myself eventually.
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I am currently attempting to Run a Marathon in June 2021. I have never been a very athletic person but I’m glad that amidst the several changes that the pandemic has bought in my life, exploring my athletic potential has been one of them.
I plan to keep writing more about my experiences and recommendations as I undertake this journey of becoming an amateur marathoner.
