Olympian and marathon runner, Nitendra Singh Rawat has an advise for runners in the pandemic
Rawat is hoping for normalcy soon.
By Maleeva Rebello, ET Bureau | Updated:
Marathon season is set to commence in the new normal. Olympian and marathon runner, Nitendra Singh Rawat is hoping for normalcy soon and marathons in 2021 to take place as they used to.
"Marathons have become a way of uniting people aiming towards fitness. This pandemic has made people tougher and stronger mentally and physically. So if you planned to start marathons in the upcoming season, then you should have been following some fitness schedule during this pandemic," he says.
If a person has been training and practicing by doing cross training or strength and conditioning, then nothing will be impossible and difficult for them feels the Rio Olympic runner. There may be some who haven't done that, so there may be weight gain problems, strength, endurance and flexibility issues.
"If you still want to start with marathons, take it slowly one step at a time and start with getting back your strength and mobility. If you try to take shortcuts, and work out extremely hard, then it will not support the body and will cause injury to you," he says.
Running with masks is very difficult and should be avoided unless it is a running mask. "You can rather plan your run timings and avoid crowded areas and run to breathe the fresh air. Use a mask which will allow you to breathe easily," he says.
Rawat was in the Ooty training centre practicing for upcoming events. MotionPro, founded by Kartik Desai, an integrated Sports Fitness & Wellness solution for promoting talent and shaping the sports culture manages some of India’s leading athletes including Nitendra Singh Rawat who is among one of the top elite marathoners.
"I am doing hill training, temp runs, weight training, endurance training to keep myself fit and ensure my endurance is built up to help achieve my goals," he says.
Core exercises and weight training have been a regular for Rawat's training regimen. "Most important is a nutritious diet to support my body through the training. The most important tip for every runner is to trust yourself and coach. Don't get over excited, I know you have been waiting for too long for a good marathon. Remember your long term goals, your running career is not defined by this one race. Positive self talk works wonders. Self motivate and you shall be a motivator for many others too. You and your opponent want the same thing. The only thing that matters is who sorks the hardest for it," he ends.
"Marathons have become a way of uniting people aiming towards fitness. This pandemic has made people tougher and stronger mentally and physically. So if you planned to start marathons in the upcoming season, then you should have been following some fitness schedule during this pandemic," he says.
If a person has been training and practicing by doing cross training or strength and conditioning, then nothing will be impossible and difficult for them feels the Rio Olympic runner. There may be some who haven't done that, so there may be weight gain problems, strength, endurance and flexibility issues.
"If you still want to start with marathons, take it slowly one step at a time and start with getting back your strength and mobility. If you try to take shortcuts, and work out extremely hard, then it will not support the body and will cause injury to you," he says.
Running with masks is very difficult and should be avoided unless it is a running mask. "You can rather plan your run timings and avoid crowded areas and run to breathe the fresh air. Use a mask which will allow you to breathe easily," he says.
Rawat was in the Ooty training centre practicing for upcoming events. MotionPro, founded by Kartik Desai, an integrated Sports Fitness & Wellness solution for promoting talent and shaping the sports culture manages some of India’s leading athletes including Nitendra Singh Rawat who is among one of the top elite marathoners.
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"I am doing hill training, temp runs, weight training, endurance training to keep myself fit and ensure my endurance is built up to help achieve my goals," he says.
Core exercises and weight training have been a regular for Rawat's training regimen. "Most important is a nutritious diet to support my body through the training. The most important tip for every runner is to trust yourself and coach. Don't get over excited, I know you have been waiting for too long for a good marathon. Remember your long term goals, your running career is not defined by this one race. Positive self talk works wonders. Self motivate and you shall be a motivator for many others too. You and your opponent want the same thing. The only thing that matters is who sorks the hardest for it," he ends.
With the outbreak of Covid-19, and the subsequent shutdown of most public spaces, including gyms, stay fit became a challenge. However, with the right motivation, and determination, this time at home provides the perfect opportunity for you to focus on your health and fitness, and achieve the body goals you always desired. What’s more, is that working out will help you feel happy and ensure your mind stays healthy.
To help you get started with a home fitness routine, here’s a list of workout accessories you require for a good home workout routine.
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