One should run a marathon at least once: Nikita Dutta

I think you should run a marathon at least once in your life. There is an immense amount of will power needed, as there are many points where you feel like giving up. NIKITA DUTTA, ACTOR

Nikita Dutta ha been participating in the Mumbai Marathon for the pass two years. “I run the marathon for lots of reasons. It kickstarts the year with discipline, after all the parties. Unlike other people, who train for months before the big day, I don’t prepare for a marathon. I start training two to three weeks before the main event. I have been into fitness all my life, and running is the best way to test your fitness. Many people think going to the gym makes one fitter and it does, but there is no better way than running to test it. You achieve a certain level of fitness.” The actor says running marathons is also about adopting a healthier lifestyle. She adds, “You have to give up a lot and get healthier. I stop going out at night and eating junk food a month before the marathon. You have to maintain a proper diet and get good sleep. You have to be regular with your daily workout to push your body. I could follow these rules easily for the past two years as I wasn’t working in January. But this year, I have been shooting for my TV show, and so invariably, I couldn’t follow them as regularly as I wanted. Earlier this week, I had to work late nights and then there were two hectic days of shooting. In the episode, I had to climb stairs in a building that was under construction multiple times, which was exhausting. Then, a brick fell on my ankle, and everyone, including me, thought that I wouldn’t be able to participate in the marathon. But I pushed myself and I’m glad I went ahead with it. The feeling you get after completing the marathon is amazing.”

Nikita admits that she will advocate running to everyone who meets her during December and January. “I think you should run a marathon at least once in your life. When you are running, there is an immense amount of will power needed, as there are many points where you feel like giving up. It is also the ultimate fitness test, I think.” The actor has been running for an NGO, the Oscar Foundation, which she holds dear. She says she enjoys watching the spirit of Mumbai when people come out to support everyone not just by cheering but also by offering water and biscuits.