NRC – Nike Run Club: Pre TCS Fever has begun

All Bangaloreans are aware of just what the TCS 10K means to this city. It is the one premier race that has been held in our Garden city. It holds a lot of fond memories for the running community in Bangalore. For many, it was the first step into the wonderful world of running and for a lot more it is an annual event that they ensure they are a part of. This event has only grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years, especially with the recent running boom. Being a certified world event, it gives us a chance to feast our eyes on the elites from across the world run on full throttle. 2013 saw the city come together in massive numbers ( 24,000 plus if memory serves me right) and this year we are only expecting this number to grow.

Nike Run club (NRC) has been the foundation for a large number of runners in Bangalore. It has been in existence for the past 8 years and has made a significant contribution to the running community in our city, albeit quietly – doing its work in the background and providing runners with the guidance and support that they require, especially in the initial stages. On a regular basis, NRC meets once a week when the entire group runs together. Until recently, the Bangalore NRC was held every Saturday at the Archery ground in Sree Kanteerva stadium. However, in order to adhere to the format followed by NRC’s globally,  there was a change in this format.

Effective Nov. 2013, the training programme was made endurance distance specific under the guidance of a new coach with the runs starting at the Nike Brigade road store. With Reeth Abraham and Coach Kothandapani leading the sessions, NRC, Bangalore has great appeal. Add to that, two pacers, who are themselves established runners in the community for each distance – beginner, intermediate and advanced – ensures that there is a fair amount of attention being showered upon each runner. The briefing session starts at 6am each Sunday at the Nike Brigade Road Store. From here, the group breaks into a warm up jog to Cubbon Park/ Sree Kanteerva stadium (depending on the workout for the day) where warm-up exercises are done as a group. Thereafter, the pacers are in-charge of their groups and oversee their workouts. This is followed by an extensive warm-down and stretching session presided over by the coaches.

As is the case on an annual basis, in the build up to the TCS 10K, the NRC coaches create a structured training programme with an aim to peak in performance on race-day. There are specific training programmes for all categories – whether you are a beginner looking to reach the finish line for your first ever 10k distance/majja run or in case you are looking at fine tuning your technique to cut that 1/8th of a second on race.day. Every runner has been thought of. In the build up to race day, NRC runs are increased to twice a week and the sense of camaraderie and competition is visible in each runner.

Similarly, this year, the TCS 10K preparation begins effective Saturday, 5th April 2014. This is a service provided by Nike to runners at no cost at all. All you need to do is show up and even better, bring a friend. So, if you are looking at getting initiated into running – show up this Sunday, 30th March 2014 and every weekend after that to add a zing to the rest of your day. I hope to see you there – Nike Brigade Road Store, 6am

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