BC Runner

Being A Passenger

2009-07-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I donned by boots in place of my running shoes and hopped on the back of my husband's bike for a much-awaited, long delayed, bike ride. Prior to having the kids, I was a fixture on the pillion seat of his Cagiva Elefant and we have some super memories of having to use a glue stripper to get me off it! But once the kids came along, the pillion seat gathered dust as my husband zipped off to work and back and the occasional exploratory round, without me.

So yesterday was a special treat and I must say that now I've tasted freedom on the back seat once again, it's going to be hard to go without!

Here's me as my son says, 'pretending to ride the bike'!

A Run Around The Block!

2009-07-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged on this site for awhile, not because I haven't been out running or don't have much to say; but because it's been busy!

Summer is a crazy season (no, am not complaining)! What with planning holidays to visit family, hauling the kids to waterparks and swimming pools and trying to get work done; there's not much time to write. There is however always time to run! I find myself in such a better mood when I take off for a half hour plod along the block. Am not sure if it's the scientific explanation that most avid athletes would give you or the fact that I'm kids-free for 30 minutes! Whatever the reason, I'm loving it!

River jogging in Hradec

2009-05-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

After a couple of rainy, gloomy days and really heavy workloads, the sun finally shone bright and clear today as I donned by jogging shoes and set out on a brisk morning run.

It wasn't very late by any standards; around 9:30am, but the roads were deserted the morning joggers and power walkers too had for some reason, decided to give this morning a skip. So I was alone with my thoughts and it reminded me of another morning jog a year ago, in a little town by the river called Hradec Nad Moravici. Located on the banks of the Hradec River in Moravia in the Czech Republic, this town holds a special place in my heart as my husband and I got married in the 'Red Castle' there, 8 years ago. There was no jogging then, but when we revisited it last year and in fact, stayed in a chalupa (cottage) by the river for a couple of weeks, I did take my shorts and trainers. And I managed to fit in some excellent morning runs with my sister in law who was also visiting with her family. She's an excellent runner and I have to admit I had to try really hard to keep up with her long strides and fluent gait, but it was well worth the effort. Jogging through verdant fields and shady forested glens with no one but the occasional dog walker (and dog) in sight was really special. So was the fresh smell and the healthy river air that the locals enjoy all year round. And sipping on a chilled Pilzen (beer) and eating wood grilled meat at the end of the day did not make me feel guilty in the least bit, thanks to all those early morning runs we did.

My husband revisits Czech this summer, but there's no possibility that he runs those trails (or any others) My husband is not a jogger or even a walker ;) As for me, I look forward to packing my shoes for my next trip, a two week holiday in California next month!

Till then, I'll stick to my morning runs along the usually busy, but occasionally deserted roads around my home!

Happy running!

Runners Of The World Unite

2009-04-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how runners seem to gravitate towards each other. A couple of weeks ago, I began hunting for apartments for our upcoming trip to San Francisco. We had sent out a number of requests and it seemed that most of the places have already been booked. But one gentleman called me back and we got talking- mostly about what a lovely city Vancouver is (I agree), how San Francisco is great in summer (I agree), how cyclists are taking over both cities (I reserve comment on that) and how both cities have marathons; the reason of his visit to Vancouver in the first place. So, our talk moved to running and the great cities we've both run in...and after 10 minutes, he actually offered me a discount on his place.

Are we taking it? Probably not. My ever finicky mother from whom I obviously inherited my ever finicky habits does not recommend the area (and she's a true San Francisco veteran), but it was nice to connect with another like-minded soul, even if it was for a few minutes!

Happy running!

The Colaba Woods Circuit

2009-04-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

It's funny how your body adapts to running in different climates. In the 80's, I lived in India and that's where I first started running. Our apartment building (or flats as we called them) was in a very exclusive location (Cuffe Parade for those familiar with Bombay as it was then, not Mumbai, as it's now) and we had a newly developed park next to it, christened Colaba Woods by the locals who used it. There was nothing woodsy about it- it was a large oval park, ringed by trees, with bushes and smallers plants strategically placed throughout the park. There were wooden benches and bricked walls. But the best part of it all was the long-winding 'jogging' path, which ran the entire gamut of the park's circumferance! On it, comfortable middle aged men and women took their 'evening constitution'; young kids chased after stray puppies; elderly gentlemen walked with their friends and neighbours while their wives trailed behind them; and young girls and boys huffed and puffed their way into a new world of fashion and fitness!

This then was the first path I used to try on my new 'running' shoes. I progressed from one round to four rounds in a couple of months. And I was hooked.

I have since then run in Dubai, Hong Kong, Cyprus, London, The Czech Republic and now don my shoes in Vancouver. I've used treadmills in Russia, Hungary, Poland, Indonesia, Greece and Turkey. But I will never forget the feelings of exhilaration and accomplishment I experienced when I ran the 'Colaba Woods' circuit!

Happy running!

How To Deflect Unwanted Attention- Of The Two And Four Legged Variety!

2009-04-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

So far, my blogs have been rather serious. But the fact is, I'm not a serious person. Nor am I, I have sadly discovered, a serious runner. I do love running- it gives me the freedom and exhilaration no other sports does! But with two young children and a new career, it leaves me little time to jog on a daily basis; much less blog about it. So I'm going to leave the serious running and blogging to those who do a better job than I do.

My running is all about fun running, running to lose the extra baby fat, running to remember my '5 minutes of no-fame' when I completed the Dubai marathon and running to get away from it all- and I guess that what this blog needs to reflect. So here goes!

Yesterday I did get to run and as I run along the neighbourhood roads, I've become adept as dissuading 'followers' from joining me. I refer to both the two and the four legged variety. I appreciate that dog walkers have their dogs on a leash. But a lot of them don't bother to tighten them when they see a jogger approaching! The worst offenders are the smaller pooches who believe that anyone running past is fair game! But if you do know that your dogsy wogsy is going to attempt to grab a chunk off my ankle, then wouldn't you want to do something about it?? Like maybe hold him off? So I have to confess to slowing down and sometimes even stopping when passing alongside a furry friend. If I'm tired and need to perhaps,gasp, stop!- then this works out well. But if I'm following a rhythm and doing rather well, then this is not always the best possible idea and I'm working on alternative solutions. Any ideas??

A worse threat is of course that of the two legged variety. Most women joggers would have experienced them at some point or the other. The 'hello' whispered in your ear as you breeze past; the unwanted comments which hopefully get lost in the wind, and the horrible eye-contact which you wish you never made coz it results in your needing to go home and have a shower immediately...and that's not because you've worked up a sweat!

My solution- the largest pair of glasses and a cap! I feel much better jogging incognito. That way, I can observe, hopefully before I am observed!

Happy jogging!

Jogging and spring allergies

2009-03-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Spring is not only about warmer, longer days, bluer skies, greener trees and happier people. Spring unfortunately is also about pollen and spring allergies! And for those who suffer from these allergies, jogging (or having a partner or family member who jogs) in the great outdoors can be quite difficult.

However, as they say, nothing is impossible and with a little care, you don't have to hide indoors till summer arrives.

Know your pollen count and keep indoors when it's high: Pollen counts calculate the given amount of a particular pollen in a specific amount of air during a given time frame. Learn from your MD what you are allergic to and when this count is the highest and stay indoors during this period.

Avoid jogging in the mornings and when it's very windy: Usually you will experience a higher pollen count in the mornings (from 5am-9am, when plant pollinate), and it's best to avoid jogging during this period. You should also avoid jogging when it's very windy.

Keep Rover at home: If you must go out for a jog in the mornings, try and avoid taking your pets with you. Pollen can stick to dog fur and be brought back indoors.

Shower immediately when you return home: Get rid of any possible pollen on your body and clothes by showering and changing as soon as you get back from your jog.

And finally, take your medicine before you leave for your jog. This will help protect yourself from any oncoming allergy attacks.

The Importance Of Hydration

2009-03-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Follow these few simple rules and you'll ensure your body remains hydrated, before, during and after a run.

Stick to what you know: I tried a new sports drink a while ago, and my body didn't take kindly to it. We were going skiing and I developed stomach cramps. The same could apply to any sporting activity. And more so if it's a big race. So stick to what you and your body are familiar with.

Don't give water a miss: It's easy to think you'll drink post your run, but the trick is to have water or a sports drink before you begin. If you wait to drink when you feel thirsty, it means your body is already dehydrated.

Don't fill up on too much either: While you should drink before you run, you shouldn't 'over drink'. Stick to a comfortable limit so your body doesn't feel too full and bloated.

Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages: Caffeine is a strong diuretic and will contribute to your dehydration. Water or sports drinks are your best bet.

How much? Drink 2-4 cups up to two hours prior to a competition, and then sip according to what your body demands.

What else? During the day, think of consuming light and watery food such as cucumbers and oranges.

8 Steps To Get Motivated

2009-02-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

It’s so easy to get de-motivated when it comes to running. You can blame a number of external factors- the weather (always top of my list), an aching body, work, lack of time...but the fact remains, motivation always springs from within and all external objections can be overcome, if your internal motivation is strong enough.

Sounds very Zen like and the question is, how the heck do I get my internal motivation going! The following are some tips to get you started:

1. Set just one goal, in writing: Start off with just one goal, so you don’t get overwhelmed. It could be a simple, run thrice a week, or run for 20 minutes each session. Keep it achievable. And now, write it down, in large letters, and paste it somewhere your assured to see it daily. Your refrigerator, besides your work desk, next to your bed. It doesn’t matter where, as long as you’re guaranteed to see it each and every day.

2. Be inspired: Follow someone you admire- it could be a friend who runs or a famous athlete whose work inspires you. Speak to them or read their books and find the key things that inspire them. And be inspired from it.

3. Inspire: In turn, aim to inspire at least one person around you. It could be your child, your partner, your colleague. You can do this by sticking to your commitments, following your goals and achieving your dreams. Even if it’s the simple goal of step one- run for a minimum of 20 minutes each session- by doing it, you are inspiring someone else to follow their own goals.

4. Get excited and enthusiastic: You will never get those shoes on if you’re not enthusiastic about it. Sometimes however, enthusiasm is hard to come by. The weather (always the weather) is miserable and you’ve had a late night! How can you be excited about going out and doing your 3 mile jog? This is where fake enthusiasm comes into play. You know how they say- if you pretend to smile and like something, eventually, you are bound to (maybe not love it, but ) feel comfortable with it? The same is with fake enthusiasm. Smile, tell yourself you’re going to have a great time, keep smiling, get those shoes on, still smiling, sail out of the door. Half way through your ‘feel good’ hormones are bound to kick in.

5. Commit to an audience: Go public. Tell as many people as you can (and who you care about) that you’re going to ‘run a marathon’, ‘run each day’...whatever your goal is. And then see how difficult it is when you have a whole personal audience cheering for you, to back out from it all!

6. Get a support structure in place: If you find it really hard to go at it alone, then consider getting a running partner or joining a running club. There are a number of excellent ones out there and you’ll be partnered with someone who’s at the same level as you’re at. It’s much easier to get out of the house when you have someone waiting and relying on you.

7. Take one step at a time: This ties in with point one. Go slowly and set small, achievable goals. You cannot run a marathon if you’ve never run the block. But you will finish a marathon if you make running around the block part of your daily goals.

8. Think positive: And finally, focus on the benefits, not the difficulties. Take the most positive things you can find about what you’re doing, and keep them affixed firmly in your mind. You are running to lose weight, or to complete a marathon or to relieve stress...the pain, sweat and hard work is only a side effect, and the benefits you get from running, far outweigh any of the immediate discomfort you feel. Focus on the benefits, focus on what you’ll accomplish (a sexy six-pack, a toned body....), whatever your reason is- that’s why you run.

So read this, re-read it and then strap on your shoes and hit the road!

Keep running!

If The Shoe Fits

2009-02-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Next week, I need to purchase a pair of new running shoes. With all the variety available out there, how does one choose a good pair of running shoes?

Every single person has a different shape of foot, and of course, a different requirement (not to mention, budget). Trying on a few pairs of shoes will give you a good indication as to which one fits your feet and wallet. Though I mention budget and understand the importance it plays in a person’s shopping experience, I would like to stress that while investing in a pair of shoes, try not to skimp too much. A good pair will not only help you with your running style and speed, but is vital in protecting your legs and knees from the impact and shock of each run.

When talking of feet, there are two important considerations- supination (the outside of the heel) and pronation (the inside). Most people’s feet ‘roll’ one way or the other. Check to see the bottom of your sole. If your shoe is worn more on the outside, you are probably over-supinate. If it’s worn more on the inside, you are likely to be over-pronate. If you can’t tell by looking at the underside of your shoe, then you are probably neutral. Nowadays, there are a variety of shoes which cater to each of the above conditions.

When buying your shoe, always see if you can get your shop-assistant to help you make the right choice. However, it’s not a bad idea to know a bit about it yourself. Flexibility, cushioning and support are some of the key features in a running shoe that you should look at. You will also need to buy your shoes depending on how often you run, what kind of surface you usually run or and the distance you clock in each week.

When buying shoes, try them on in the afternoon because your feet tend to swell during the day, and it’s important never to buy a pair that’s too small for you. Be sure to carry the pair of socks you usually wear when you run.

You should replace your running shoes depending on your weight and the frequency with which you run. More serious runners may alternate between two pairs of shoes.

Winter Jogging

2009-01-27T07:03:00.000-08:00

Falling temperatures does not mean that crazy runners have given up their passion; or so I’ve learnt the hard way. Coming from some very warm countries, I was quite happy to hang up my sneakers and take a break this winter. After all, the roads outside still sport snow and our insane neighbour has just washed his car, creating a huge ‘waiting for a disaster’ icy patch in front of his garage. So, why would I even want to think of donning my shoes and gear and heading out?

Because if you love running, then it’s what you do. No one holds a gun to your head, though in some instances I wish they would! But it’s impossible to skip running for 3-4 months, especially if you’ve built up a nice little rhythm.

It’s also an exclusive fraternity; these winter joggers! And one that it’s quite exciting to be a part of. Nod to a fellow jogger in summer, and you’ll get a grunt and a nod back. Nod to this same person on a frosty morning jog, and he’s sure to include a wide grin.

Jogging/Running in winter however comes with its own set of to-do’s. Here are some of them:

Dress in layers: Start of with a layer that wicks sweat away from you. Any good sporting shop should have these inner layers. An outer layer of Gore-Tex will help you against the wind, while keeping you warm and well insulated. Stay away from cotton which will hold in the sweat and moisture. The same goes for socks. If you’re still cold, you may want to add a polar fleece jacket, but make sure it can be zipped and unzipped to control your body temperature.

Monitor your extremities: Tips of the nose, fingers, ears etc. are all very susceptible to frostbite, so on cold and windy days, cover them up. It’s quite easy to get frostbitten in a matter of a short time, so ensure your take extra care. You’ll also probably be a whole lot more comfortable jogging with a cap and gloves on. If it’s very cold, you may want to consider a pair of mittens which will allow your fingers to share their heat.

Avoid windy situations: If it’s very windy, it will displace the warmer air around you that your body has created. In such circumstances, it may be better to stay indoors.

Wear shades: Sun and snow can be quite a combination when it comes to giving off blinding glare. Avoid having to squint by investing in a good pair of shades. This will also help on windy days when you have to scrunch up your eyes to keep the wind out!

Drink lots of water: It’s easy to forget to drink the same amount of water before and after a winter run, as you do on a summer run. Your body needs to stay hydrated and you will be losing a sizeable amount of moisture. So keep that water bottle handy!

Enjoy your winter days and keep running!

Image courtesy of Indiana University.

Varying trails and routes

2008-11-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

It’s important to vary your jogging routes, to keep for getting bored, de-motivated and of course, to test your strength and stamina. For instance, many joggers will select a path and continuously stick to it each time they jog. After a while, you unconsciously begin to take to this path. You may convince yourself that you are trying to better your time or run a slightly greater distance each time; but the fact is you do it because it’s convenient and comfortable.

By running different routes, you can do two things: a) add variety to your routine, which in the long run (pun intended ;) is definitely guaranteed to keep you from getting bored and b) vary distances.

Jogging or running can be either short or long distanced. Short distances are usually 3-6 kms, and are generally run at a steady medium pace or fast pace.
Long distance jogging is usually between 6-20 kms and is done at a constant medium speed.

If you are jogging/running uphill or on an incline, the distances are of course, shorter.

When selecting a new route, ensure you are mindful of the following:

Your surroundings: You should ideally check out your new route prior to your first run there, to make sure it’s safe and well populated or not too isolated to get help if you need it.

The terrain: Make sure it’s not too hilly, pot-holed or difficult to run on. While good shoes will act as shock absorbers, you still do not want to jog on a very uneven road surface.

Traffic: If you are running on a busy street, avoid wearing headphones, be careful of traffic and always remember to jog against the traffic. Stay on the sidewalk where possible.

Company: Find a partner to try out new routes with. It makes jogging all that more fun and challenging.Just remember to get someone who can keep pace with you, or vice versa.

Happy new trails!

Running in the rains

2008-11-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

The interesting thing about running in a town such as Vancouver, is the amount of rain one gets to run in. For a person used to jogging in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern climates, this has been quite a challenge.

The other day, I jogged past the many homes that line our street and into the neighbourhood park. And the first thing that struck me were the many people out and about, irrespective of the rain that fell. Halfway through my run, I had to almost stop and laugh in delight as I came across a lady wearing a sweatshirt, sweatpants, running shoes and jogging along, carrying her umberella! The picture she made was quite amazing and has stayed with me since! That, and the fact that she did her couple of rounds, with the only thing wetting her; the sweat of her effort!

I find my new experience of jogging in the rain quite exhilerating. I am still not a hard core rain-runner and will not step out in a downpour. But a little bit of the drip-drops don't deter me anymore.

A few things I've learnt along the way:

Lace up those shoes; both in the literal and figurative sense. The hardest part of running in the rains, is getting started. I mean, which of us really wants to leave the comfort of our cozy home to go out when it's raining? But once you step outdoors, it just seems to make sense. And keep those shoes tightly laced. You really don't want to be stopping to retie your shoes with rain pattering on your back.

Dress in layers especially if it's cold, and make sure you have a moisture wicking garment closest to your body. I tend to feel real cold as soon as I step out, but warm up really quick. A zippered jacket is ideal and ensures I don't need to stop to adjust my temperature requirements.

Wear a hat to keep the rain off your face and away from your hair. A must if you have the frizzies like I do.

Stick a pair of gloves in your jacket pocket as the rains can cool the weather down considerably. If it's windy, you may want to add a pair of ear muffs to the mix.

Dress to be seen; and this does not refer to midriff baring tank tops! It's sometimes hard to see runners during a downpour and so make sure you have on a brightly coloured jacket or reflective bands on your clothes.

Stay to a path and avoid running on the road -a great tip if you're running on uneven surface. Nothing like a big splash to get you completely soaking and chilled to the bone, not to mention covered in mud!

And finally, remember to dry out your shoes completely when you get back home. Jump into a bath first if you must; but be sure to head back down to grab them and dry them out.

Happy rain runs!

Breathing technique- 2

2008-11-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

Practising your breathing even when you don’t run is a great way of ensuring you maintain a correct technique when you do in fact put on your running shoes. Laboured breathing, fatigue and cramps are all indications that your speed and breathing needs to be synchronized and corrected.

While running is a great way to reduce mental stress; it also relies on your positive mental will to make the distance. Here, an overall relaxed approached is the one that’s best taken, and this is where correct breathing comes in.

The Deep breathing technique:
Unless you are a trained athlete or practise yoga, Pilates, martial arts or some form of trained exercise, you are most likely to be unaware of your daily regular breathing patterns. Most of us breath shallow and through our diaphragms. This involves using only the upper two thirds of our lung capacity. Taking a deep breath, right down to our stomach, will ensure that your body immediately relaxes as all the muscles get the oxygen they require. Take a deep breath, feel it going deep into your diaphragm, and then slowly release it. Make sure you do not hold your breath. It has to be a continuous flow of breathing in and out.

The 3:2 technique:
This technique has been described in my earlier post and works well for a more disciplined mind. You need to count on this and it takes some practice to get it right. But once you’ve got it down and can do it unconsciously, it’s a great technique to help boost your running.

Free thinking and Music:
I tend to count my breath. I’ve tried running to music and running to free flowing thoughts. Of the two, the latter works best for me. I just let my mind go and I imagine and dream up all sorts of possibilities- my grouchy neighbours is finally taught to be nice, new ideas for work and my blog, things I should do with the kids once school is out....letting my thoughts flow in all kinds of directions, keeps me focused on running and I don’t have to think about putting one foot in front of another. For others, music works well. When I need to get some oxygen though, I tend to count my breathes and I deep breath into my system.
Go for whatever works for you. And happy running!

Breathing techniques- Part 1

2008-11-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

If you are new to running and can't do more than a few steps before stopping to catch your breath, you may need to look at your breathing technique.

One of the most important aspects of any jog or run, is to fine tune a correct breathing pattern. Inhaling and exhaling at a steady pace allows oxygen to flow to your tired muscles, making it easier to take the next step.

During a slow run, you should develop a (3:2) ratio i.e. inhale for three steps and exhale for 2 steps. Breathing in a 3:2 ration will also help prevent painful cramps while running

3:2 Breathing Techniques

Step Breath
Left Inhale
Right Inhale
Left Inhale
Right Exhale
Left Exhale
Right Inhale
Left Inhale
Right Inhale
Left Exhale
Right Exhale

When you move to a faster pace, your breathing pattern should switch to a 2:1 ratio.

So, lace on those shoes and happy running!

Our anatomy

2008-10-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

If you ever felt your body was not suited to running, and this often happens after we complete our third mile; then you couldn’t be more wrong. The human body is in fact a perfectly designed ‘running machine’. All our parts complement each other really well and our muscles, tendons and ligaments are designed to get us moving.

Let’s start at the top. A well proportioned head makes it easier for us to run carrying the weight on our shoulders so to speak.

Our vertebrae are structured to help balance our arms and shoulders during running. Shorter forearms make it easier for us to flex our muscles and keep them close to our bodies, hence creating a smoother air flow.

The length and structure of our bodies makes it easier for us to cool down during running.

We have a strong connection between our pelvis and spine which allows for greater shock absorption. Very important when running on rough and uneven terrain.

Our buttocks have huge muscle mass, critical for helping maintain balance when running. A runner will usually lean forward as he pushes onwards. Without this ‘balancer’ so to speak, he would be apt to fall flat on his face.

Longer legs let humans take larger strides with less energy expended.

And finally, the bones in the human foot are arranged is such a way to allow a runner to push off and keep the pace, using the bottom of his feet as springs.

So no more excuses. Lace up those shoes and happy running!

Image source: www.zudfunck.com

Why do we run?

2008-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

The conventional theory has always been that running is a by-product of walking. We walk, therefore we can run. However, recently, more and more researchers are leaning towards the theory that running is in fact been a key to shaping the human body form. It was the ability to run, not walk that has led the human body to evolve into its present day form and structure. If we could not run, our bodies would still be shaped like the present day apes. Fantasy?

According to researchers Bramble and Lieberman, who examined 26 traits of the human body, only some of them were required for walking. Running however needed a lot more of the available traits, including leg and foot tendons and ligaments.

"All these anatomical features make humans surprisingly good runners. Over long distances, we can outrun our dogs and give many horses a good race," says Daniel Lieberman, a runner, dog owner, and professor of anthropology at Harvard's Peabody Museum.

Why then did we start running? Were we fleeing for predators or being the predators? Would our running ability help us get away from bigger, hungrier, stronger animals, or did we use our cunning to achieve that? If so, was our running used to help us catch faster but less intelligent creatures? That is another possibility that is being explored, along with the idea that humans were scavengers and needed to get to, eat, and get away from the carcass before the larger animals arrived.

Whatever the reason, today, running has become not only a sport for the strong and capable, but a challenge for those who wish to achieve higher stamina and fitness levels. It’s also an excellent means to let off some stream, build a more lean and toned body, and enjoy the outdoors as nature intended (unless you prefer to work-out in a gym).

It doesn’t matter at what fitness level you currently are. Running can be enjoyed by all. So, buy a pair of shoes, grab a bottle of water and happy running!

Why this blog?

2008-10-27T06:52:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I've just come back from a run on a 'freeze your bollocks' kind of day. In this instance, it was my nose and ears that suffered. But it was an exhilarating moment. I finally managed to run the distance I was looking at, without stopping! And hence the birth of this blog. In it, I plan to share and learn about the many different techniques to increase your running stamina and speed. Hope you'll who visit will also share.

Happy running!