With the Standard Chartered Marathon coming up, ZAMPLEMAN feels that it is appropriate to write a short writeup to introduce these established sports to the less informed. 

The basic idea: 

Participants test their mettle in a 42.195 km run and aim to reach the end of the line. As Marathon veteran Liang Wen Hwa says: ‘It is about completing the whole journey than to reach the end first, and it is a journey of mental discipline and staying focused’. 

Along the way, refreshment stations dispense isotonic replenishment to prevent the participants from over exhaustion. In addition, medical checkpoints are also available to safeguard the interest of the participants. 

What is the best way to train up for this? 

1. It is important to take steps slowly at a time. Do not become over ambitious and take that confident leap. In fact, we do not recommend running the full marathon the very first time. Go for the lighter half marathon before you take your endeavor to a higher step next year. 

2. The best way to train up of course is to run frequently. There is no better way to put it than the age old saying of ‘Practice makes perfect’. However, be mindful of the possibility of over-running and becoming over exhausted. Countless aspiring Marathon runners have met with a life long regret of painful knee and ankle injury, because they over-trained. There is a fine line between being gung-ho (colloquialism for being over enthusiastic) and pushing your limits, so don’t let your ego get hold of you. 

3. Know the route maps before hand and get familiar with the terrain. Psych yourself up for the actual road, and imagine yourself running the route on the actual day, under the hot sun, or in cloudy weather. Better still, if you can run through the route once, or on a car/bike, it will definitely be helpful. 

4. Invest in a good pair of running shoes. Never never never wear your newly bought feather light running shoe with the latest shock absorbing technology to a marathon. Run with a pair of reliable shoes that you are comfortable in and make sure you tie that shoe lace before you run. 

Note: Standard Chartered is holding a series of Marathon clinics for participants. It is important to know more about Marathon running before running the full marathon. Seek advice and guidance from any friends and the more experienced marathon runners!
 

Test your mettle today!P.S: ZAMPLE|MAN has secured another good surprise for our members, this time from Deep Heating Rub! Grab your zample for Deep Heating Rub here today!