10 weeks to 10 k

A week into training for The Wipro Chennai Marathon, the four first-time runners experienced aches, colds and fatigue, but they’re still raring to go.

K. Ravikumar, 46

I ran three days this week — a total distance of 19 km. I also did some cycling, yoga and stretching. Though I did feel tired while running, I felt good after it was over and the feeling lasted all through the day. My energy levels are high and I am sleeping a lot better.

Being a diabetic, I follow the diet given by my doctor. But as I felt more hungry than usual, I supplemented it with some boiled egg whites between meals.

I am very excited about this coming week. My flexibility, timing and capacity is better now and I hope to do the same five-six km in a better timeframe.. I am also planning to incorporate some strength training.

Girija, 53

My back has been troubling me so I could train only four times this week. Monday was my rest day. I didn’t run till Wednesday, though. I ran three times this week and walked twice. I am able to cover a distance of around five km now and I hope that I will be able to go up to seven by next week.

I have been eating clean — lots of fruit and vegetables. In fact, I ate only fruit for dinner most days this week. I also made it a point to include plenty of raw vegetables with my meals.

Other than the back ache, I had a good week. I am feeling very light and am really looking forward to the week ahead. And yes, my back is perfectly alright now.

Padmavathy R., 40

I ran only two days last week — a total of 10 km. I did four km on Thursday and six on Saturday. I cross-trained on my off days by working on my abs and core. I’ve developed a bit of a cold due to the change in weather but I’m feeling fresh and relaxed overall.

I always eat well but this week I made it a point to include more vegetables and also some energy-dense foods like nuts and dried fruit.

My pace has increased this week and I’m thrilled about it. I hope to be able to run six-seven km continuously this week, so let’s see.

Mangalamba Varma, 53

I ran twice last week and managed to do five kms in about an hour. On the other days I did some aerobics, dance and cross-trained with some spine stretches and floor exercises thrown in. I’ve been feeling a bit tired, so I took it easy this week — surprisingly, however, people tell me that I look very fresh.

I’ve been eating well — fruits, such as mosambi, apple and banana, whole grains, such as brown bread and fibre cookies, and proteins in sundal.

My thighs and hips feel free and easy — I feel healthier and lighter. I am looking forward forward to pushing up my endurance levels and achieving more in the coming week.

The runners are being trained by the Chennai Runners for the Wipro Chennai Marathon, powered by The Hindu.

H 30 Sep 2014