City group geared up for Mumbai Marathon

Nagpur: A fascination for fitness, benefits of running and the thrill of reaching their goal is what makes a good number in the city take part in the Mumbai Marathon, scheduled for January 18 this year. The high profile event in the state capital will see a robust participation from the city, for which preparations are on in good measure.
Started to promote running in the city, the members of a marathon participants group have seen their tribe grow over the past three years.“I have lived abroad and saw that people ran habitually for fitness. I wanted to promote this culture in the city and so selected Mumbai Marathon to encourage people to run,” says city businessman Shashank Garg, founder of this group. “Participation sets a target and provides motivation. We are all amateurs, who are participating not to compete but to complete the marathon,” he says.
Started with just four, the group has fifty members this year. The 42km distance has been completed by many of them. “We prepare in terms of building our stamina for nearly six months,” says auto distributor Yash Gandhi, who has been taking part in the marathon since past three years. “This year, I have a personal trainer and a personal dietitian, which has changed the dimensions of my training.”
The group remains connected with each other through Whatsapp and learn about each other’s progress too, which helps them remain motivated.
There are many who are coming out of the gym to run. “Running inculcates a sense of discipline and gives mental strength,” says Aditya Saraf, who ironically operates a gym. “I have been encouraging and adding many people to this group of participants. I feel this activity creates awareness in us about our own capabilities.”
Motivating the young, and even those who are not so fit, is city doctor Jay Deshmukh, who also participates in this event. “Last year, I had put my certificate and medal outside my clinic to motivate younger generations and my patients.” However, he rings a note of caution too. “A participant should be fit and have had some conditioning. Those above 30 should obtain a fitness certificate from a doctor.”
Running can also give some lessons in life skills, feels chartered accountant OP Agarwal. “I will be running the full marathon and am preparing for last six months. My biggest lesson has been that with planning and hard work we can accomplish any goal,” he said.
Making his debut this year is another doctor, Nilaya Nimbalkar. “We keep advising our patients but do little for ourselves. This marathon preparation keeps our fitness regime in top shape throughout the year,” he says, adding that he has been training for seven months and his eating and sleeping cycle too has changed to keep up with his running. “Setting a goal and going out to achieve it is a very different high. It tones up your entire lifestyle.”