Get Off Your Arse: A ran-dumb blog to get you moving, by a bit of a nudge and a bit of a push.
Dig deeper to know what you are capable of
We can be preaching running or any other life skill to beginners for ages but till we experience it at that level, we have no clue how difficult it can be. I ran-walked Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromso, Norway, with a friend who isn’t the fastest in the world. His determination to get to the finishline taught me an immense lot.
Running and exercising in extreme hot conditions
India is sweltering this summer and Delhi NCR just experienced the hottest day ever in the month of June (48C). These conditions of skyrocketing temperatures and the scorching sun pose significant challenges for us running enthusiasts. How can we even run let alone feel good in the heat of the summer?
Fitness a way of life but not the only thing in life
Amongst runners ‘Death Before DNF (Did Not Finish) is a very jazzy thing to say but when death comes calling, the bravest of us are humbled. Even more importantly, we need to realise that living on the edge is all good but there is more to life.
Mentors transforming to bullies in running & in life
We need to go back to the simple question that needs to be answered for your own sake every week. Why do you run? If besides everything else, it is about joy of running and to connect with your deeper self, we are on the same page. But if it’s only about a better time, longer distance each time and yet another finisher’s medal, I feel sorry for you. Somewhere you have lost the plot.
Run to get out of the Rat Race
We often look to others for appreciation, which then defines our sense of self-worth, which creates an internal disconnect. Shifali Gupta, a 40 years old, mother of two, first discovered running, jumped in to the deep end of the rat race, but along the way, happened to discover her own self too.
If you want to Run as Fast as you can, Slow Down
Many gurus and experts will give you a discourse on running and life at drop of a hat; a similar pattern found on social media. These sources undermine your true potential and only bring passive understanding. Lessons learned from your daily experiences are your best teacher. Focus on those, and how they will serve us well in the future.
It’s never too late to be more active
My College Dean, Dr. Nagra & Mrs Nagra picked up running at 74 & 69 yrs of age. They share their fitness routine, and dabbling with running at this ripe age. Physical fitness is an investment for a better tomorrow, he feels. Dr. Nagra gives his take on Sports Medicine from the 1990s and it's evolution to where it is now.
Running doesn’t cause knee arthritis, not running does
Contrary to what people think, it’s not running that causes the bad knee pains, but running with poor form. Unfortunately when you pick up running in 30s and beyond, you are trying too hard as you’ve forgotten how to move naturally, the way you did as a child.
There is no rocket science to it. You need to slow down and work on your strength training. Be patient as you’ve taken decades to master the art of moving inefficiently and unnaturally. It’ll all soon come together.
Picking up running in your 50s
What if I tell you that you could pick up running even in your mid to late 50s! That age is just a number if you focus on form and overall health for running. Let me illustrate this point by talking about Mr. Ramanjit Singh Oberoi.
Need to Move For a Sense of Balance
“Blindness separates people from Things, Deafness separates people from People”. This quote from Hellen Keller sums up the importance of the senses of seeing and hearing in our lives, which enables us to forge personal and professional relationships as a society and with the surrounding environment.