Amar Singh Devanda is a former Indian Army officer who was commissioned in 2013. He has been competing in long-distance running events since 2015.
The Indian Team’s Performance at the 2023 IAU 100km Asia & Oceania Championships
The Indian team, comprising nine male and three female runners, made a strong showing at the 2023 IAU 100km Asia & Oceania Championships.
He gradually increased his weekly mileage by 10% every two weeks. This steady increase allowed him to build up his endurance and speed. Devanda’s training also included strength training to improve his running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.
The Importance of Gradual Progression in Training
Gradual progression is a crucial aspect of any training program, especially for endurance athletes like Devanda. It allows the body to adapt to the demands placed upon it, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall performance. The key to gradual progression is to increase the intensity or volume of training in a controlled and sustainable manner.
The Road to Recovery and Training
After a foot injury, Ranjan took a break from his intense training schedule. However, he soon realized that he needed to get back into shape to compete at the world championships. In June, he started training again, determined to make a comeback. Key aspects of his training included: + Cardiovascular exercises to improve endurance + Strength training to build muscle + Flexibility exercises to prevent injuries + Long-distance running to build stamina Ranjan’s training regimen was rigorous, with multiple sessions per day. He also incorporated various techniques to improve his performance, such as visualization and positive self-talk.
The Qualification Process
As part of the qualification process for the world championships, Ranjan participated in a 100km run. He clocked an impressive 7 hours 40 minutes, which placed him among the top contenders.
He’s been running in the hills of Shimla, the plains of Punjab, and the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
Preparing for the Marathon
Building Endurance
Binay Sah is training for his first marathon, a challenging feat that requires dedication and perseverance. To prepare for this monumental task, he has been focusing on building his endurance. This involves increasing his weekly mileage, incorporating strength training, and practicing proper running techniques. Increasing Weekly Mileage: Binay has been gradually increasing his weekly mileage to allow his body to adapt to the demands of running long distances. This has involved adding more miles to his daily runs and incorporating longer runs on the weekends. Incorporating Strength Training: Binay has also been incorporating strength training into his routine to improve his running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. This has involved exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts to build strength in his legs and core.
Overcoming Mental Fatigue in Endurance Sports Requires a Holistic Approach to Training and Mental Preparation.
Sah has been training for 15 years and has been running for 20 years. He has also been involved in various other sports such as cricket, football, and hockey.
The Mental Aspect of Endurance Sports
Endurance sports, such as distance running, cycling, and triathlons, require a unique combination of physical and mental toughness. While physical training is essential, mental preparation is equally crucial in overcoming the challenges of these sports. Sah’s experience highlights the importance of mental preparation in endurance sports.
The Role of Mental Fatigue
Mental fatigue is a significant factor in endurance sports. Sah notes that the fatigue is more mental than physical, and it’s often the mental block that leads to losing the race. This mental fatigue can be attributed to various factors, including:
He had been running for 6 months non-stop, with no rest days. He had been running 30km a day, 6 days a week. This was not sustainable and was taking a toll on his body.
The Reality of Overtraining
Overtraining is a common issue faced by many athletes, including Kumar. It occurs when an athlete pushes their body beyond its limits, often due to excessive training or competition.
The pressure to perform, to be the best, to be the one who can bring home the gold. The pressure to live up to his family’s expectations, to make them proud. The pressure to be the best version of himself, to make his own way in the world.
The Weight of Expectations
Kumar’s journey is not just about him; it’s about the people who believe in him. His family, his coaches, his friends – everyone has high hopes for him. They see potential in him that he may not even see in himself. And with that comes a weight of expectations that can be crushing at times. The pressure to perform is not just about winning; it’s about being the best version of oneself. The pressure to live up to expectations is not just about pleasing others; it’s about finding one’s own identity. The pressure to be the best is not just about external validation; it’s about internal fulfillment.
The Unseen Struggle
But Kumar’s journey is not without its challenges. There are unseen struggles that he faces, struggles that are not always visible to the outside world. He struggles with self-doubt, with fear of failure, with the fear of not being good enough. He struggles with the pressure to conform to societal norms, to fit into a predetermined mold. The fear of failure is a constant companion, always lurking in the shadows. The fear of not being good enough is a weight that can be crushing at times. The pressure to conform is a struggle that can be suffocating.
The Turning Point
But then comes a turning point. A moment of clarity, a moment of realization.
