Planning To Run A Marathon? You'll Need These Tips And Tricks For Your Big Run

Running is more than athletics; it is a lifestyle. Numerous studies have shown that running increases lifespan. It is often said, "If exercise were a pill, it would be the most popular pill in the world." Worth noting: It would also be the least expensive, with little to no cost. Once your body and mind start to acclimate, running can be blissful and provide a sense of freedom. Besides being a significant mood booster, running also has an impact on your physical system; it helps mitigate the effects of long-term chronic stress on the brain, ultimately helping the body. With a positive mindset, sports can truly be life changing.

All you need is a pair of comfortable running shoes to start on track; Image Credit: Unsplash

Here are some tips that can help you adapt to running in your daily routine and experience life-changing benefits that can lead to a productive and healthy lifestyle.

1. Running Helps You Sleep Well

Running helps you fall asleep faster. It also increases the release of endorphins from your body, a natural chemical that makes you feel better. These hormones act as a stimulant in the body, resulting in what many call a "natural high". What you require after a long run is recovery and sleeping helps you recover from the energy spent during the entire day.

2. Great Stress Buster

After a long day, your body begins to relax when you go to bed. But the mind doesn't always follow. Running works wonders for stress relief. Regular running can bring remarkable changes to your body, metabolism, your heart, and your spirits. This is the best form of exercise where one can enjoy some solitude and enjoy the ever so wanted 'me time'. The chemicals released during and after running can help ease anxiety and make you feel calmer.

3. Easiest Calorie Burner 

Running is an incredibly effective and efficient form of exercise for burning calories. The calories one burns completely depend on a few variables, including your weight, sex, age as well as the weather, terrain, and effort you put into each step. A 30-minute run is guaranteed to burn between 200 and 500 calories, with speed being an important variable. The more you run, the more your body release unwanted toxins in the form of sweat. Sweating should not be perceived as something bad, but rather as an essential part of staying healthy.

4. Increases Productivity

It's only natural to feel demotivated sometimes; a quick solution might just be a run away. Research shows that people who run on a regular basis are more productive and have more energy than peers who are less active. 

So, Are You Preparing For Your Next Big Run?

Race days are always a bit nerve-wracking. You focus on training, goal-setting, and perfecting everything from eating the right fuel to wearing the correct shoes, but when showtime arrives, the stakes are high-especially if it's your first-time racing. Select and own a pair of shoes in which you will run your next race and break into the new shoe before going for a long run in those. Like a light weight pair from ASICS' neutral running shoes. Train well; it reduces your risk of injuries and promotes recovery and enhances running performance. Take in some calories; eating whatever worked for you prior to your long training runs is a good idea and stay hydrated by drink plenty of water. Start slow; a fast start usually spells disaster. If you feel strong you can always start running faster later in the race.

Rajat Khurana is the Managing Director of ASICS India and South Asia. Other than his expertise in taking the company to newer heights in the sports realm, he is an avid runner himself with the experience of running half a dozen half marathons.