Getting Set,To Go

This advance preparation to spruce up the muscles and joints and build up the required stamina for the event has been possible because of Deepak Londhe and Praful Uchil. In 2006,the duo started a group called ‘Striders’ to train people round-the-year to make them fit for the marathon.

“At the time,people wondered as to how to train them. We got an opportunity through an NGO and started training with 10 people. We have been growing in numbers since,” said Londhe.

The training works wonders. “On Day 1,many can’t even complete 50 metres but on the day of the marathon they are able to run 21 kms,” Londhe said.

This year,they have already signed up over 100 people who train every day at five selected locations,Powai,Kandivili,Chembur,Shivaji Nagar and Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Last week,they even started a batch in Chennai as well.

“Training for a marathon is not about running alone. We do a lot of activities to strengthen the joints and muscles. We keep people interested by introducing a lot of variety in training,” Uchil said.

Although training is set for early morning,the dropout rate is negligible,trainers said. The first few weeks of training are spent on getting started,with light stretching and other exercises. Gradually,they go on to exercises like walking,jogging and coordination activities with balls. More difficult exercises are introduced later,like running on sand and climbing stairs on the run. On Sundays they play handball. Training continues even in monsoon when runners go for slope training or long-distance running.

“Our day starts at 4 am. Our motto is if you love what you do,it will not seem like a chore. Those who come for training are also a dedicated lot. I’ve had a few people coming and telling me they have a flight to catch at 7 am,so could we advance the training session by an hour,” said Londhe.

Some of who trained here have gone on to participate in international marathons as well. In April,two from the Striders’ team participated in Boston and London marathons. In May it was the Copenhagen marathon while in June some Striders are set to participate in a marathon in Australia.