Category Archives: Sports

Choosing the right Health Apps

There are more than 165,000 apps to track your health and fitness available. Of these only 36 apps account to more than 50% of downloads according to a study by IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics which analyzed 26,000 apps.

Interestingly, only 10% can connect to a device or a sensor and only 2% sync with any providers systems.

I have been tracking my steps, calories burnt and fitness (Running and Training) very sincerely for over 2 years and have been tracking my food off and on.

There are a variety of apps available and my recommendation would be to try few before you finalize on what you wish to use.

It will be interesting and exciting to be using and tracking activities in various apps, but over the period of time it will become monotonous and you will start to be away from them.

Which apps to select?
First, identify your goals (Food, Steps, Calories, Running, Walking, Swimming, Cycling and workouts). Then look for apps which provide you with the information you wish to track and the ease of use and then finally settle down on what you wish to use.

I personally use a Garmin Vivofit, so I use the Garmin iOS app. Over the period of time, I also bought a Triathlon watch (Garmin Forerunning 920) and hence it became more easier to track all my activities. For food, I use MyFitnessPal which integrates with Garmin App.

In summary, use the apps which motivate you and your data syncs to the servers instead on being remote on your device.

What I learnt while Running?

I did my first 10K this year (#TCSW10K), just because I wanted to push myself and participate in life and then there is no looking back. I wanted to run more. People around me asked why I was running and what makes me do it? My dad asked me if i was running for improving my health, my coach asked me. Why?
I started thinking. I was running earlier too, but just because I enjoyed the run. I could not correlate my running to anything specific, but just the fact that I really enjoy the time I run and the rest of the day is very healthy and positive.
I have been constantly in search for doing something different in life. Since my childhood, I wanted to “achieve” life. I don’t know How, Why, What and When? I started reading biographies and self-help books over the years, learnt how people became what they are and why they did what they wanted to do. But, the lessons learnt through the books have not given me the absolute insight. The only point I took away from reading was what they achieved. Even though i understood a little about why they did, I quite did not take away how they did it.
What I could underline in all my learnings is that to create a dent in this universe, one needs to have Persistence, Consistency and Commitment. Success is a by-product of these attributes in a person.
What I missed realizing is that while trying to understand how to “achieve” life, I was focusing on reaching milestones and I missed looking at the path I was taking. What I need to really focus on is “experiencing” the journey. What I mean by “experiencing” is that the journey of life is not about reaching milestone, but achieving what you wish to accomplish in a Consistent manner with Commitment and Persistence. It is a very fine line difference. Both are the same and end of the day you reach your milestone, however the journey makes the difference.
Let me illustrate with an example. As a student, we were always focused on getting first rank/high marks/grades to ensure better career prospects. When one is focusing on getting marks/grades, he/she misses the actual “learning”. This is exactly what I was doing. Learning is more important that mere getting marks. Because getting great grades don’t really teach you how to live life, but learnings do guide you to live life.
What I missed is the thin line difference of these attributes. This is the realization I have had during my run and this has changed my life. Simple. Isn’t it?
“When the student is ready, the master appears”.
I am from today, going to ‘experience’ life along with focusing on what I want to do and do it with Passion, Persistence and Commitment, because, only the crazy one’s who wish to change the world are actually the one’s who change it.
Here’s to a new beginning of life….

 

Anandayana 2015Anandayana 2015Anandayana 2015

 

 

 

Pic Courtesy – The Talented Photographer’s from Anandayana

 

Reincarnation

Well, that’s a very big word to use, but that is how I feel today about myself.

I slept last night a little anxious about how will I be dealing with today. When I entered the stadium it was electrifying and very energizing. I was only telling myself that this is not a competition and only to enjoy the run as long as I could run. I was clear that I am going to push myself but not as much that I am going to hurt myself. The flag off was at 6:00 AM and it was on time. I was very high on energy seeing the crowd. Started at my regular pace and within few minutes was out of the stadium beginning my first ever official 10K. Usually I take a break after about 10 minutes of run and walk for few seconds before I start running again. But today, I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to keep running at my regular pace and see how far/long I can go. Well, I surprised myself. I didn’t not take a break to walk for the first 5K. Then took a small walk break and again back to my pace. I carried lemon and honey water to keep me going. At one place I grabbed few orange slices and a gulp of water. Kept to my pace, kept my cool and just kept going. I completed the 10K in 1:16:23 and when I walked though the finish line, I felt reincarnated. Yes. It is a new beginning of myself and I look forward to reinvent myself.

The #TCSW10K is a wonderfully organized event and a big hi-five to the organizers and volunteers

Finishing the #TCSW10K

Finishing the #TCSW10K

#TCSW10K Medal

#TCSW10K Medal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to a new beginning.  Look forward for my next 10K on 7 June for Anandayana.

Tomorrow is the day

Well, after about 8 weeks, now I am ready for my first 10 K tomorrow. Nervous and excited. Even though I prepared well, there was a major event in my life about two weeks ago, and this kept me away from running for about 4 weeks in total. Came back and pushed myself to run over the last two weeks and now ready for tomorrow. I feel I am ready, but feeling a little excited. Smoking has definitely come down considerably, but taking time to kick the butt completely.
Today, I rested at home, did some cleaning of the house and relaxed. It has been raining since afternoon and I am thinking it would be good weather in the morning when the run begins. The roads will be in a bad shape. I am just hoping that there are no slush’s on the road, this would get the shoes heavy and that would impact the run.

Training to be a Runner – 2 Weeks Review

As I mentioned in my earlier blog Beginning to be a Runner, I started to run 🙂 I signed up for a beginners 10K running plan from Runners World.
Break up of the Training Plan
The 6 week beginners 10K Plan starts to push you from Day 1. I started with 6.49 KM on day one and ended with 8.21 KM by the End of the week.
The second week started with 4.2 KM and ended with 9.44 KM. Honestly, from second week, it gets a little pushy. You run 5 days a week. For beginners, this might be a little too much, but trust me, you will feel accomplished end of each week. You will not regret the miles you will be logging.
 
Here is a snapshot of how I did in the first two weeks. My Average speed has been dropping down, but Average pace is bettering up as you can see below.

2 Weeks Running Summary

 

Diet
 
I started using myFitnessPal to track my food intake and below is a snapshot of how my food intake (calorie intake specifically) has been over the last two weeks. Three days in two weeks, took a break with beer, remaining days have stuck to what my plan.
To add to my luck, my organization started to serve Healthy menu for lunch for the last two weeks and have been sticking to that menu all five days a week, except one day when I had to step out for lunch.
However, being a Vegetarian, it has been a little difficult for me to maintain my food intake. I could pick up Fruits only for few days and then I could not, but was sticking to dry fruits (Walnut and Figs) regularly.
I am not happy with my food intake. Have not been eating healthy and the below graph is a visible proof.
Food Intake
Before the run
 
Eat a fruit before your run, it will help you build energy. I do early morning runs, considering it is getting warmer here in Bangalore and also there are no decent places where i can run during the day or evening near to where I live. So, before I head out by around 5:20 AM, I eat a fruit and that really pushes me to run more.
Ensure that you warm up and stretch out before the run. Just getting out on the road and running will not help, your muscles get sore and you give up in just few days. Warming up and closing your run with a Cool down process are very important aspects your your run.
Post Run
Relax. Sit down and calm your body and mind. Once you get your breath, complete your run with stretches. This is very important.
Have a Protein shake (2 Scoops) which would help you add some protein to your body and also help you to come out of your tiredness quickly.
Shoes
 
Ensure you are wearing a good pair of running shoes. Regular sneakers and canvas shoes don’t help. If you are serious of running, then you need to find the right shoes which support your feet and body. There are quite a few websites which provide insightful information on choosing running shoes. Here are few sites where you can begin,
I am currently using Brooks Revana 2. I put 270 KM on these and I am looking at picking up a new pair after I complete 400 KM.
 
Clothes
 
I prefer shorts and sweat absorbing tee’s. Anything which is comfortable for you and doesn’t make you stop running is absolutely fine 🙂
 
Water
 
You will need water while you run. Carry a small bottle so that you can sip when your tonnage dries up. Over the day, drink plenty of water, else you will feel dehydrated which will give you headache and other pain’s which will make your stop running.
 
Choosing your music
 
You need something to push you. If you are running alone like me, you would definitely need something to push you further. Choose the right kind of music which suits your style. As long as the music pumps up your heart beat, you can listen to any music you like.
I personally like Rock and fusion along with good Telugu music. You can search on the web for what other runners are listening, see if that suits your tastes and you can pick up from there. You might want to begin here.
After I got access to Spotify, I stopped buying music. The $10 monthly fee is worth to listen to which ever music you wish to listen and even save songs to listen when in offline more.
Tracking your runs
 
Tracking your runs are definitely going to motivate you when ever you look at statistics they provide. I use Endomondo and Nike Running apps to track my runs. I look at them very frequently to motivate myself. If you use either of these apps, do add me to your friend list so that we can motivate each other 🙂
 
Reading
 
Find interesting Running books to get even more motivated. They say that it takes 21 days for a new habit to become a part of life. So, the first 21 days of your running schedule is very important.
Here are few books which I suggest, trust me, you would love them.
After I am done with my 10K running program, will start with a Marathon Training plan, but along the way I wish to start following the 60 Week Plan to Be Iron Fit: Time-efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness.
If you are not much into reading, then watch You Tube videos of Ironman events. They will change the way you look at life completely.
Workouts
 
Yes. I did not touch on these topics since I did not do much of strength training in the last two weeks. Building stamina, strength and building your core to take you the extra mile are very important part of your running. I personally wanted to push myself for two weeks before I started on my core workouts. Once I start, I will definitely provide an update in my Running Stories

Beginning to be a Runner

I have been running off and on for a while and over a period of time I decided to take running a little more seriously than I did earlier.

So, yesterday, I decided to get myself ready for the upcoming TCK 10K on 17 May 2015.

My last reading has been You are an Ironman, by Jacques Steinberg. It is a collection of stories of 6 running from around the world who started running for a small change and to get back in shape, and over the course of time, as fate would have it, have been introduced to Ironman and then began training for the mega-event. The stories will definitely pump up your blood.

Since reading the book, I slowly started to bring running into my schedule. Last week, went for a nutritionist appointment and chalked out a nutrition plan. Yesterday, after my morning run for about 3.66 KM, went and signed up for an on-line Training plan for 10K. Training begins from tomorrow (today being the rest day).

BTW, did I mention? I have been a smoker for last 15 Years and now, I decided to kick the butt (I tried few times earlier when i failed and am not willing to give up any soon). In this process, I wish to let the habit go too.

This blog is dedicated to people like me who wish to follow their passion.

Best Running Apps for iOS – ToR: 02 Mins 38 Sec

I tried few running apps available for the iOS Platform and analysed each of them to analyse which makes running more easier and fun.

Nike+

Cost: Free
Just made for running, either on the Road, Trial or Tread Mill. Keeps it very simple to track the map of your run track and Preselecting the music Playlist. When you open the App and choose to Run, it stars playing your Playlist.

With the ‘Coach’, you can train for 5K, 10K, 21.1 and 42.2 Distances. I tried the 5K and it has been very useful.
You can add friends and the app will consistently show you the analysis of how you and your friends are doing on a weekly and monthly basis.

RunKeeper

Cost: 1 Year – Rs.2,500 or Monthly fee of Rs.620
The basic app is free, however, if you want to have more insights into your activities, you will need to get a paid subscription.

RunKeeper tracks more activities than any other app – Running, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Walking, Hiking, Downhill Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Skating, Swimming, Wheelchair, Rowing, Nordic Walking.

I tried the basic version and for the Running, it does a pretty neat job in providing analysis. It provides you with the Start Time, End Time, Pace, Calories. Also, gives you the ability to see your activity in Charts and also run splits (if you wish to see how you have done at certain milestones)

Runtastic
Cost: Rs.300
The basic app is free for tracking your running. You also get Training plan for Weight loss, Beginner, 10K Run, Half Marathon, Marathon and Bikini Body Prep with the basic app.

In the paid version, the app provides you with information on Heart Rate and Elevations. Also there is “Story Running” in the paid version.

Endomondo

Basic App: Free
Rs.250 / Monthly or Rs.1,850 Annually

Provides you with information on Distance, Duration, Average Speed, Maximum Speed, Calories, Hydration, Minimum Altitude, Max Altitude, Ascent and Decent.

In the Paid version, you get beautiful graphical analysis of your run.

Endomondo can give you various Fitness Tests, Challenges and help you keep pace with your friends.

Zombies,Run

Cost: Rs.300

A completely paid app with a very different story line. I have not used it, but here is a very good link with the review of Zombies, Run.

LifeHacker identified MapMyRun, RunKeeper, Nike+, Endomondo and Zombies, Run as the best running apps based on a poll.

Based on the easiness to use, if you do not want to buy, Nike+ is the best. This app exactly does what you need, just for running.

But, if you are willing to try a paid version, go for the Endomondo.

What I learnt at a Football Game?

Today, for the first time, had an opportunity to see the KC Chief’s in action live at an almost packed stadium playing the Indianapolis Colts. It was electrifying. The open stadium is filled with Red (the official colour of KC Chiefs) beating odds of a mild snowfall too. I loved the passion in each of the supporters. I cannot really compare to the crowds of a Cricket Match in India, but still, the passion was electrifying and i was so very impressed. I did learn few things from today’s game.

KC Chief’s has had a very good track this season, winning 11 Games out of the 16 games they played. The KC Arrowhead Stadium recorded to be the loudest stadium in the world on 13 October 2013 recording a sound level of 137.5 dB and I was looking to hear it. Unfortunately, the Chief’s did not fare well today and hence it was not that loud.

Now, what did I learn by being there?

The Passion

We see passion every day in many ways, but the way each of the audience were passionate about their game was electrifying. For all the 60 minutes, each one was so engrossed in the game that they did not even bother the chilly weather around them.

Learning – No matter what the situation is, be passionate of what you do. Results will definitely follow.

Pre-Game

When my friend Jeff, who was kind enough to invite me told me that he would pick me at 8:30 AM in the morning, I thought the game begins earlier only to understand they they get together, set up tent’s, cook, have a beer and then head to the game which starts at noon. It has been snowing for the last 24 hours (mild showers though), but even then, I saw families (adults and kids) by the time we reached there around 9 AM who have set up tents, heaters and grills to cook and have fun. Trust me, I would have given it a pass, but thanks to the opportunity, I wanted to see it. I heard these stories earlier, but experiencing in person is so different.

Learning – When you have a passion, you beat the odds. Have passion in you always so that it takes you places and gives you the confidence that you can do what other’s can’t. When I reached there and saw the parking lot, all my laziness was gone and I was part of the crowd.

Beating the odds

I said it earlier, the whole aspect of living is to beat the odds. Defying the weather, taking time out on a Sunday to be at the Stadium to cheer their home team was so awesome. I knew America took pride in their game’s and teams, but this is completely different for me.

Persistence 

In the first Quarter, Chief’s made 7 and as usual, the energy was filled in the whole stadium. However, they could not get pass that mark in remaining quarters. No one in the crowd even thought of leaving till the last minute of the game just waiting to watch if things could turn around.

Learning – This is persistence for me. Wait till the end to ensure you support your passion and don’t bother of the result.

When the World is against you

I put myself in the opponent’s place for a moment. The stadium is packed with Red Colour, it is not their home ground, the first Quarter was bad with no point on the scoreboard. Technically, I could not hear any one voice supporting them, however, they played their best and went on to take over the game.

Learning – When you are following your passion to win, the whole world is not with you. Even then, standing there believing in yourself takes you places.

 

KC Chief’s play the Chargers on the 29 December in San Diego. I wish nothing but the best for them. KC Chief’s have not won a Super Bowl since 1969 and I really hope and wish this Christmas, they realise the dream and go on to with the World Championship title.

Go Chief’s….

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