Tips on preparation to participate in a Marathon
Someone once said that Exercise is the poor man's plastic surgery. Participating in a Marathon whether for fun, health,charity, competition or a cause is a splendid idea. It is an all-round rewarding activity. Running is good for emotional and physical benefits. In Uganda, marathons have become annual social events. In fact you will need a truck of excuses to tell someone that you were not part of that fun. Marathons can help families bond and unite. I personally attend every marathon event organized in Kampala.
Wear your Sunday’s best. Be picky about your outfit. Wrong clothes and shoes can turn out to be uncomfortable and may pose health hazards. Try out running shoes and sports outfits the day before. Try hugging yourself and fast marching to confirm if the clothes fit perfectly. This is likely to be an enjoyable day. If the T-shirt flips up or you feel it’s too tight then get another one. It must leave room for you to breathe. Wear clean shoes and clothes to the Marathon. You may have a field day with a swarm of journalists that day.
Practice early enough and always remember to register for the Kilometres you can manage. Remember sometimes it’s not the winning that counts but the finishing. Run within your limits.
Highlight your calendar with the date of the Marathon. Pick a kit early, make sure everything inside is the right size. Make sure you are conversant with the route .Sometimes a map is part of the kit. It’s always good to go through the route days before the D-day. Knowing where the water points will be and so forth.
Remember to carry the must have gadgets if you can like iPods, radios, timers. Make sure shoes and other outfits are comfortable. Run within your means not with others. Don’t be intimidated by people who do warm-ups or who tell you it is their 100th time. Start slow then progress, some people who start fast end up walking half the route.
Beware of other road users .Watch out for cars and motorcycles on the road. Do not listen to loud music. For networking, a marathon event is the answer; it brings people from all walks of life. Marathons are networking platforms to meet clients, employees, and business partners. Carry your business cards.
Do not strive to win unless you are a professional athlete. Stick to the right category you registered for don’t go for in 10km instead of 5km you registered for. Don’t introduce something new to the diet and avoid alcohol. Always get permission from your doctor to participate in the run.
As a business person always explore way you can market your brand on that day. You can do business or network your way to career progress as you participate in a Marathon. Think along the lines of company branded products like T.shirts, caps, wristbands and stickers. Carry along some business cards since you may meet potential customers. This helps you continue the conversation with people even after the Marathon.
Ivan.N.Baliboola
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