The running life: How to take up marathon without breaking into a sweat

The gear, the training and the lifestyle you need to take this toughest of physical challenges

Rakesh Kumar Kashyap, 46, just had to soothe his sweet craving, so he started running. After seven years, Kashyap can do an ultra-marathon, which is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon of 42 km.

“It’s all about practise but 80 percent of the battle is won by a strong mind rather than a strong body. Sometimes there is pain in some part of your body, and you are feeling tired, but it’s the mind which eggs you on,” said Kashyap, who lives in Panchkula city of Haryana and runs a construction business. He is preparing for Sparthalon, a 246-kilometre