I had just returned to India in 2006 and was staying alone for three months as we relocated from Australia. I had some time and also wanted to lose some weight as my BMI was few points above the ideal. I was a couch potato before that with no physical sports. I prepared for 3 months and ran my first half-marathon in 2 hours and 20 minutes. This one initial success got me motivated to keep running for the last 8 years. I built up on that success and improved by speed and distance.
Gear and Tech
I wear the Vibram 5-Finger shoes for the last 4 years. These are minimalist shoes and very close to barefoot running. These are not for everyone but I must say that I have been injury free and my recovery is faster after a race. I use MapMyRun as the app to track my running or cycling. I have not used any wearable tech right now but in the future I might take something that works across both running and cycling – measuring distance, calories, heart rate, time etc. I would recommend god comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the sport. Invest in a good pair of shorts and T Shirt or cycling shorts or cycling jerseys. Initially anything might be fine but as you get better, good equipment matters and keeps you safe and comfortable.
Lifestyle and Health Effects
Running has certainly brought be back to my ideal BMI and kept me there. It has given me increased vitality and I do most of my thinking while I am running so it becomes a great place to be alone and concentrate on my thoughts. I have certainly become more disciplined and this has positively impacted my work as well.
First Marathon
I started training for my first marathon by running on the treadmill. Initially for 20 mins then 30, then 40 and then an hour. After that I started running on the street. I slowly graduated from running 10Kms to 20Kms in two months time. I have participated in 5 Half and 5 full marathons. My most recent marathon timing is 4 Hours and 13 minutes. I immediate goal is to reach a sub 4-hour timing sometime soon. I plan to continue running one or two full marathons a year going forward. I train throughout the year and not just before the main event.
Motivation
I would advice all leaders to take up a long distance sport – be it running, cycling or swimming. Health benefits are obvious but life and leadership lessons are also there when you see so many people achieving goals and improving themselves. They are competing against themselves. You have to choose to become a role-model for someone – your children, your team, your company or to someone who matters. Once that happens, you will muster up the motivation to keep going and keep motivating others. A healthy body is required for a healthy mind and you will be able to stretch yourself further every time.