Anticipation
Dear reader,
Welcome to Weekly Carb-Loading! Your Sunday morning dose of running and fitness inspiration.
We believe every run has a story, and we’re bringing these stories straight to your inbox, along with runner profiles, home workouts and challenges!
Together, we want to build a healthier world, a world where each of us regular folk exercise everyday, and lead a longer life!
This week, our story isn’t about a run or a marathon. Its about the overwhelming feelings and emotions that coursed through our veins earlier this month, when the nationwide lock down was lifted, and the possibility of our first run outdoors in over two months, presented itself.
Enjoy!
A daily ritual, snatched away in the last week of March and forbidden since. An activity improvised and pivoted within the four walls of home this year, over the long summer months.
Your mind is racing, your heart beats faster. Possibilities flash past in a blur.
“Why not? Whats the harm?”, you ask yourself.
An idea has been planted. Inception.
—
The memories come rushing back.
The freedom of the open road as far as the eye can see, as far as the legs can take you.
Days when the Gods were kind, and blessed you with a cool breeze and slight drizzle. Days when they were angry, and you crawled through hot and humid streets.
The midweek mornings, begun before dawn, a small high to carry you through the rest of the day. The post-run breakfasts, exploring small joints and quaint eateries in the neighborhood.
A smile on your face. How much fun it was, back then!
An idea gathers momentum. Nostalgia.
—
“Will it be safe?”
“Should we run with a mask?”
“Are we taking a risk without it?”
Thoughts which remain unasked, but ring out aloud.
“The authorities may have accorded permission, but has the pandemic subsided?”
Doubt clouds the mind. Grudgingly, the socks and shorts are rolled away, disappearing back into the wardrobe.
An idea loses steam. Hesitation.
—
You try to hedge the risks, seeking comfort in the herd.
“Why not head out early? We won’t be in close proximity to many others”
“Let’s not carry water, no exposed objects near the face”
“So many runners on the road. So many others are doing it too!”
“It isn’t transmitted through the air, unless someone coughs or sneezes in the vicinity, right?”
A fading flame re-ignited. Excitement.
—
A burst of energy and adrenaline courses through your body. You’re ready and waiting, prepared to run your heart out. Charged up.
It feels like the night before a race, after months of preparation. Ironically, its only the first day of a new season.
“Why not go now? Why wait till the morning?”
An idea chomping at the bit. Impatience.
—
Small everyday things dusted off and brought back to life again. Clothes, socks and headband, ready and folded. A bunch of bananas on the table. Wrist-watch and ipod fully charged.
You grab an early dinner, set the alarm and jump into bed.
Never before has a forced break this long prevented you from running. Never before have you been in perfect physical condition, but unable to step out of the house.
An idea on the cusp of fruition. Anticipation.
Beginner Workouts - Go For A Walk
If you are new to workouts, and wondering how to get started, we have you covered!
This section will, over the next few weeks, get you started on the road to becoming a healthier and fitter version of yourself!
Over the last two weeks, we covered Warming Up, and Stretching and Flexibility - two very important activities before any workout.
This week - why not go for a walk!
Walking carries numerous health benefits, and best of all, can be done by everyone, across all ages and fitness levels. It burns calories, strengthens the heart, protects the joints and boosts immunity. By increasing blood flow and heart rate, it is an effective energy booster while in office or at home.
Walking is low-impact. It is easy on the knees for those who are overweight, the elderly, or for those who haven’t exercised in a while, and its fairly easy to get started.
You can start at any pace, slow or fast. Choose a scenic tree-lined avenue, a sea-facing promenade or a nearby park! You can even plan a route around historical monuments in your city.
This week, once we’re done with our daily warm-up and stretching, lets head out for a 15-30 minute walk with our loved ones.
Tip: You can carry a pedometer, or use a fitness tracking app on your phone to check the distance or number of steps walked every day! If you already walk on a regular basis, for a change in routine, try increasing your speed, or walking uphill.
General Instructions: Please wear sturdy shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. Hydrate well before and after your walk. Try to walk in well-lit areas or parks. In the dark, please wear a reflective vest.
Note on Covid19: The lock-down may be scaled down, but the virus has not subsided. We at Team WCL recommend avoiding crowded spaces and practicing social distancing while outside. Please wear a mask. In case your community or neighborhood is in a quarantine zone, please stay indoors.
Challenge - Wall Sit Hold Results
Last week, we introduced a wall-sit challenge for you, our readers, and it was so much fun!
Some tried it for the first time, and still pulled it off for more than a minute. One thing’s for sure, we all felt the quads burn!
Well, the timings are in! Among the entries we received, here’s the top three! Kudos!
Ankita Singh [3 mins 11 sec]
Kartik Iyer [2 mins 44 sec]
Pankaj Arora [2 min 06 sec]
We will definitely do this again soon! Meanwhile, stay tuned for a new challenge next week, and keep strengthening those quads!
Fun Feature of the Week!
How many of us have these thoughts ‘running’ through our heads, while on a run? :D
Running Tip of the Week!
If it was easy, it wouldn’t be half as rewarding!
That’s a wrap from us this week.
Have you been out for a run yet? What thoughts were flowing through your mind on the day before? Shout out to us in the comments section below!
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To read any of our previous posts, head to the Archive.
Until next week, stay healthy, stay fit, and stay safe!
- Team WCL <3