Yesterday I ran my third 10k for this year and by far my worst performance, timed 65 minutes. It was my first night run and the weather was hot and humid, there was a time when I also thought of quitting the run and head back home. That’s when I asked myself, why do I run?!

Marathons are fun, you run in group of thousands and similar number of people gun for you. For me it helps clear my head and gain focus. It’s my morning dose; I have being running since my childhood, though not marathons. Last year a friend suggested participating in one of the upcoming Marathons my first ever; we started practicing for it and since then got addicted to it.

Running taught me the importance of team members; you need to build your team if you plan to run long distance. It’s same as any other sport where team cheers you when you lose momentum or lack motivation. They help you to get back on track and fill you with much needed support.

It also taught me perseverance, to complete the run. Yesterday during my run as mentioned earlier there was a moment when I was convinced to leave the race; it was the easiest way out. However, I ran with a smile and crossed the finish line. Such moments have crossed my mind not only while running but life in general. However, running taught me to condition my mind and has helped me be more determined, in all facets of life.

A slow and steady start helps in long distance running. We need to pace ourselves with the strength of our body and mind. Generally, for 10K, I include various forms in my practice sessions, right from yoga, core strengthening, swimming to long and short runs. This ultimately helps in better performance on the race day.

Well, on the race day it’s a mind game; your body will listen to your mind. Important part is how our mind perceives our self. When we talk affirmations is also when we get the same kind of results. There is no better way to experiment, then on a sports ground. Here the level of competitiveness and fair play is the highest. As we are exposed to our own people as well as to thousands of unknown faces.

So fellas, in time of high pressure, if you start taking life as a sport, not only will you up your game but reach to the finish line with a smile 🙂