Learning to Run

During an earlier attempt to run, mid-way through the run, there was this sudden stabbing pain in the right calf. It was almost like some veins in the leg just got knotted during the run. This grounded that attempt to restart. I was told, it was a cramp and occurs if the running load suddenly increases because the body is not adequately prepared. Reading a little on this condition, it appears to be a combination of Potassium deficiency Sodium deficiency Dehydration Stiffness in the hamstrings Foot landing issues  When this ailment struck, this is what helped me Stay away from running the for next few days (7 days in my case) till the pain completely subsides RICE it  Go Bananas and coconuts! Bananas and Tender Coconut water are supposedly the best supplements for potassium. A little Electral  (ORS) also helps.  Create a hydration plan - a simple reminder on the phone to drink a glass of water every 30 minutes - nothing fancy. Stretch - no crazy stuff - and remember to

Amongst the first things you would hear as part of any conversation of early runners is the choice of running gear - and shoes. People freak out on the technicalities of shoes, trying to compare the advertising specifications and then in trying to make up their mind. And later, often, they are rationalizing their splurge on shoes by supplementing the specs along with their newer experiences.  Two schools exist in the footwear space or the absence of it - those who swear on bare feet running and those who prefer to run with shoes. I've tried both when I restarted running - bare foot was not for me. I was squealing in pain on my first few days of running bare feet on Bangalore roads before I gave up on it. But in due course, I will tell you all about my bare feet running,  and how I managed to safely intersperse it in my training. This was much later and not on roads. I still prefer running with my shoes on.  When I restarted my running, I got myself these Nike shoes - relat

Welcome! Getting started - sharing my strategy to improve running; I went from 5k in 38 minutes to 23 minutes for the same distance without getting injured while actually enjoying the process - not the enjoyment in pain kind. With very few genuinely easy steps I shall explain the method I used and why I think it can be replicated by anyone. I am not the one to promote fancy shoes or crazy gear or supplements. Like I said earlier, these are easy steps to enjoy running and getting addicted to the process. What I gained during my transformation,  from a couch warmer to someone who looks forward to getting outdoors and relishing it, is also a template that I'm applying to other walks. I call this the Low Quality Goals template. Whilst I'm still tweaking it as I apply it to other walks of my life, I will share this template with the hope that some of you can benefit from it and I can also use the feedback to refine it further. I'm constantly comparing and enhancing it with m