1. What kind of training do i need to go through to run a  marathon ?                                 

     Regular Training - 10 to 15km per day and  20km per day 1 month prior to the marathon.

2. Is age a barrier to start running ?

    Not necessarily, Human body tends to adapt as we train. There are marathon runners

    who are 100 years old.

3. What kind of diet or supplements do i have to adhere to?

    Food/Fluids rich in calcium - yogurt, vitamins and minerals. It is advisable to stay away from

    supplements  as there is no assurance of its contents. It is advisable to blend fruits/vegetables

   - oranges,  tomatoes, carrots etc. with yogurt/water - this mixture would replenish energy level

    and provide the  necessary vitamins and minerals . Food rich in protein - meat, eggs, cheese to

    be taken  moderately. During the run - body to be replenished with fluids containing electrolyte salts

   (sodium, potassium etc.)

4. Do i need to do any other exercise to improve my endurance ?

    Yes, it's advisable to cycle and swim in the evening besides running.

5. When is the best time to run ?

   First thing in the morning when your body is fully rested. You may want to take a cup of green tea

   to warm your body, and start with some body stretching and a slow run for about 10 minutes

   at 6km/hr and gradually increasing your speed to 10km/hr if you are running on a treadmill.     

6. Could i smoke or drink occasionally?

    You will need total abstinence from any kind of alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Treat your body

    as something very sacred - "Take Care of It, It will Take You a Long Way - Abuse It, It will

    Let You Down In No Time"

1. Would distance runners suffer from Osteoarthritis ?

   There is no medical findings that distance runners suffer from Osteoarthritis, in fact distance

   runners who have been running from their younger days continue to run even in their 90s

  without suffering from joint pains.

2. What are general health benefits in distance running?

   Your heart and bones would become stronger - blood pressure would remain below 120/80,  pulse

   would decrease to 50-60 beats per min and body mass index (BMI) would stay within a range of

   22-23. You would not suffer from common ailments such as  hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, gout,

  osteoporosis etc.

3. I  have work commitments and may not have enough time to exercise, what  alternatives do i

    have besides exercising ?

   The saying goes "You give away your health to accumulate wealth, and finally you give away all

   your wealth to get back your health".