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On Running

·5 min read·886 words

Today I’ve received my 10th medal for running in marathons in as many years. Eight of those were quarter marathons and two were half marathons. I have always encouraged people around me to take up running as a hobby and to register for a marathon at least once in their lives. It’s an experience in itself. But I see that people are a bit reluctant to run long distances. So I thought I should write down my thoughts on how to prepare for running quarter and half marathons for those who want to run but are afraid to commit to it.

The information provided below represents observations that have been helpful to me, not established facts or advice. I hope these insights can assist other newcomers as well. There are people who have been running multiple full marathons a year for decades now, and their experience and advice would be very different from my observations. But I just want to put this out there.

Before the race:

  • Practice jogging and running for at least 2 weeks before the race. Start off slow. First, try running for 1 km without taking breaks. Then 2 km. Then try running 3 km. Measure your timings every time. Be aware of how much time it is taking you to run your first, second, and third kilometers. Observe how the pace is changing as you run.
  • Build a strategy that works for you. Learn when your body needs rest, when it needs fluids to recharge, what music is preferred at what stages, etc. These insights will help you build a good strategy. Remember, no strategy works 100% during such events, but it will definitely put you in a comfortable mental state that helps you navigate the next mile. Also remember that everyone has a different strategy, so do not try to blindly copy what worked well for one individual into your own strategy. Follow your own insights.

Terrain:

  • The terrain on which you are running also matters a lot. You can assume that no terrain will be 100% flat. There will be elevations and depressions. Learn to navigate them well. For instance, when running on a low-lying area, bend slightly backwards, regain your breath, and let gravity do its magic. Similarly, when running on an elevated terrain, bend slightly forwards, take short breaths, and put in slightly more effort since now you are moving against gravity.

Music:

  • Make a playlist of high-tempo, high-beat, and slightly relaxing songs. While practicing, identify the songs that work well during your runs. Try not to experiment with music on the day of the run. If an annoying song suddenly pops up, you’ll feel a strong urge to change it. Sometimes, this leads you to stop and focus on operating the phone rather than focusing on the run itself.
  • Once you know your strategy, you can play songs in a particular order that helps you maximise the strategy. For example, this pattern works for me quite well at the beginning of the run: a couple of high-beat songs, followed by a motivational song, again followed by a couple of high-energy songs, followed by a slow song to catch your breath. Repeat.
  • Pro Tip: If Linkin Park’s “In the End” starts playing, just do not stop until the song is over :D

Running Gear:

  • Make sure you wear comfortable shoes on the day of the run. I had once made the mistake of buying a new pair of shoes just before the run. On the day of the run, I realised that the shoes were one size smaller. It caused me a lot of trouble on the day of the run. That’s why it is preferred to wear shoes that you have been using during the practice sessions.

Do’s and Don’ts:

  • Eat carbs the night before the race. It will give you enough energy to push yourself to the finish line.
  • Eat a light snack (a banana or an apple) in the morning before going for a run. This will keep your hunger in check till the time you finish the race.
  • Don’t stop for a break just because someone around you stopped. Stop only if your body requires a break.
  • Everyone is running at their own pace. Don’t feel too competitive and start overtaking others or feel disheartened when someone overtakes you. You do you. Maintain your own pace.

Running a quarter or half marathon is not about speed, medals, or competing with others. It is about understanding your own body and learning to stay mentally steady over a long stretch of effort. The first few runs will feel uncomfortable, and some days will feel harder than others — but that is part of the process.

If there is one thing running has taught me over the years, it is patience. Progress comes gradually, and confidence builds quietly with every run you complete. You don’t need the perfect plan, the best gear, or years of experience to begin. You just need the willingness to keep going one step at a time.

If you’ve been on the fence about signing up for a race, consider this your nudge. Commit once, train honestly, and experience it for yourself. The journey will be painful, but when you cross the finish line, you'll feel that it was totally worth it.