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Aditi Rao Hydari supports the DNA ICan Marathon for women, encourages every girl to be a part of it
As told to Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; February 20, 2015)

I remember when I was in high school, we used to have long-distance running once a week. It would be at 6 am and a part of the race would include an uphill track. I used to enjoy it, but since then, I haven’t participated in a marathon. I think I should take part in one now!

As part of my fitness regime, I do yoga and intersperse it with ‘interval training’, a form of exercise where you have short bursts of walking and sprinting. For a lot of people, especially those who run long-distance, running is like meditating. It helps them disconnect with all the stress. It’s also good for building stamina, endurance, mental strength and focus. Only people who are focussed can finish a long-distance run. Running also kicks in endorphine, making you happy and bringing a glow to your face.

Two people who can inspire you to run are Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh. The way Farhan trained for his role and what he did in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is inspirational. He would just have to say ‘bhaag’ and people will start running. Ranveer, I think, is the ultimate battery recharger. He is full of energy.

When I run, I prefer to do it on a beach or in a park at 6 am. In fact, anyone participating in a marathon should do a little bit of yoga and breathing exercises before D-Day. It helps control breathing because it is important to breathe steadily while running. Of course, run everyday as practice. Eating on time — that too, nutritious food — and sleeping on time are extremely important but underrated.

DNA ICan Marathon is a great idea as it is something specially for women who usually work for others selflessly. Running the marathon and completing it is a victory in itself because you are doing it for yourself. I would like tell every girl out there ‘You can and you will.’