Fitter Mumbai gets ready for run, plenty of fun at Sunday’s monsoon marathon
Mumbai city news: On July 23, they will be among 3,200 Mumbaiites participating in the Hindustan Times Monsoon Marathon Challenge organised by Run India Run.
Alpana Dewasthalee, a 44-year-old homemaker, will be running her eighth marathon, so will 37-year-old banker, Rohit Talwar, in a few days.
On July 23, they will be among 3,200 Mumbaiites participating in the Hindustan Times Monsoon Marathon Challenge organised by Run India Run.
The marathon will be flagged off at Jio Garden at Bandra Kurla Complex and end there. Participants aged 10 to 70 will run either 5 km, 10 km or 21 km.
“We organise marathons to encourage people to run,” says Ashish Panjwani, spokesperson for Run India Run. “It’s to tell people that running is the best form of exercise. You don’t need any company, infrastructure or equipment to train.”
Running marathons is a goal-oriented exercise that motivates people. “You always want to reach the benchmark you’ve set for yourself,” says Panjwani. But training is very important.
Currently, all the marathoners are being trained four times a week. They also do cardio exercises and are taught strengthening exercises and stretches for after the marathon.
Both Dewasthalee and Talwar feel running has made their lives a lot more disciplined. “It keeps me fit and free of ailments. I’ve encouraged my family and friends to run too,” says Dewasthalee.
Talwar says running with people gives him a kick. “When we train together, it’s like we are a family, we’re always asking people to continue running and not stop.” Talwar has grown so fond of the sport, he has encouraged his wife to join too. “The training helps a lot. Without it, I would end up with body aches and muscle pains, but now I know the right way to run, what to do after a run, and even the right way to breathe,” he says.
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