Running is the simplest way to build stamina and a good base for any sport – that’s what will make you look cool, but more importantly – feel cool. If you are into tennis, or soccer or cricket or swimming or….. running is the warm up or stamina builder.
Most importantly you need to have fun.
“My younger daughter ran her first 5k in Chicago at the age of 6, my older daughter now runs a few days a week on a treadmill because she says, “when I run, I sweat and secrete oils which keep my hair oily, naturally”. There are as many reasons to run as there are those of you going through this page. So go for it” Rahul Verghese.
What’s the best distance to go – I would say 3-5km. 3K would be a minimum to warm up and get into rhythm and get your heart rate and breathing up – this helps you keep cough, colds and flu at bay, also headaches and worries seem to lessen – according to medical reports and studies. 5kms for this age group is not so tough, but not too easy either. It is just the right max distance for this age to do, get charged up, and feel great.
What is amazing is that when you do something like a 5km run – you will feel and should feel really  proud of yourself. If you need to do more, try and quicken the pace rather than increase the distance.
A few tips –
Running requires an all round approach – as do most things in life –
A focus on –
Fun – play games which require running – whether it is soccer, baseball or a simple fun game of catch.
Diet and nutrition cut down on fast foods and colas and eat more fruit, vegetables and milk, cereals and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Running schedule
Stretching routine check out a few basic stretches post your run/ sport
Strength training – focus on pull ups, push ups and sit ups
Sleep well – at least 8 hours a day, and 9 hours at least twice a week
Regularity of practice and attention to all the above
Make a start and see the difference.
Get your parents ad brothers and sisters to join you too.
Have fun and definitely sign up for the next 5km run in your school or city.
Do NOT run long distances of more than 10 km or so – long distance running, swimming etc are activities for people of at least 18 or older, whose lungs and heart etc are fully developed and grown. Endurance sport and activities below this age could hamper body and organ growth and could have other problems. |
