Before the run
Join a runners club
While many readers might be training individually because of irregular schedules or busy lives, it’s advisable to join a runners club, especially if you are a beginner. “You can learn a lot from your peers, who have been running in marathons for a while. If you have just started, join a running club,” says Dr Sudhir Pillai, cardiologist, PD Hinduja Hospital, who has been a marathon runner for three years.u00a0Deepak Londhe, fitness trainer and founder of the Mumbai-based runners academy, Striders, says that running in a group helps improve your confidence. One can join clubs like Striders; Joints in Motion in Mulund; Nike Run Club in Dadar and Juhu; Thane Runners Group, Run Indian Run in Chembur and Ghatkopar.

Marathon runners practise early morning at Shivaji Park, Dadar. Pics/ Pradeep Dhivar