On Your Marks!

Brinston Miranda, fitness expert & founder of Be Fit, explains how to get marathon-ready

- Haresh Patel

What is the best time to run?

The morning is the best time for running—the heat is comparatively less. Second, the body is fresh from a six to eight-hour sleep. Performance comes only when you are fresh.

What are the problems that can occur while running in different seasons and how can one tackle them?

In summers, runners sweat a lot and lose a lot of electrolytes, which can lead to muscle fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Products like Enerzal replenish electrolytes lost in day-to-day training. One must drink plenty of water; a well-hydrated body can overcome the severity of heat and humidity. Another advice in summers is to drop the pace at the first sign of dizziness or nausea.

It is a common misconception that running in winter is harmful. However, cold air can aggravate the airways and make a run more challenging. Cooler air tends to be drier, so inhaling it can cause the runner to experience a raw, scratchy or burning feeling in the throat and windpipe. Some report a dry cough. Simply inhaling cold air while running won’t cause an infection, but a previous ailment might get exacerbated. It is better to start your run well covered with a pullover. A fulltights outfit will help maintain core temperature in your body and ear plugs will protect your ears from the chill.

In the monsoons, the only problem is that your clothes and shoes get wet and heavy. Avoid wearing cotton clothes that will become heavy and make it difficult to run. Dri-FIT clothing is the best in the rains. Wearing a windcheater will also give you some protection.

How does one choose the right shoe?