Arshad Madhani
Arshad Madhani is a digital marketing and consulting expert who specializes in helping clients, from expert marketers to novice entrepreneurs, create innovative and engaging marketing campaigns that redefine their brands. Madhani earned his MBA from the Texas A&M International University and is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia.
What is your hobby?
I’m a busy guy but I try to be consistent with my running. It’s the one thing that I try not to miss out on, aside from my morning cup of coffee.
How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?
I started running back in college. I was already juggling a lot of activities at that time, and I realized that I was burning out too quickly. I chose running to counter all the sitting down I was doing, and it has been a part of my daily routine ever since.
Tell us what you love about it.
I love how running gives me that time and space where my mind can just be blank. Most of time, my mind is on overdrive, thinking about strategies and new ideas for campaigns, and being on this mode for most of the day can be exhausting. Running is simple, it lets me breathe mentally and physically, and it allows me to clear my head for an hour or two. Also, running is great cardio.
If you read my article in Noobpreneur.com about how to unwind, I emphasized the need for physical activity. Running does it for me because it gets my blood flowing as I allow my mind to just wander. At the end of every run, I always feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next task on my plate.
Are there any groups you’re part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?
Not really. I view running as something that is personal to me, that’s part of the time that I give to myself and no one else, so I prefer to do it alone, as opposed to doing it as part of a group. I have nothing against group runs, but with my schedule and the fact that I run anytime I’m free, the only option that I have is to run by myself.
Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.
I try to invest in basic equipment, like a good pair of running shoes and a runner’s watch just to see how many miles I’ve covered. Currently, I’m using a Forerunner sports watch by Garmin. I usually buy running shoes from Nike, but I also use running shoes from other brands like Adidas and New Balance. As long as it offers good support and protects your knees, it’s a good running shoe for me.
Where do you buy most of your supplies?
I get my running supplies from your typical sports stores but I also buy online.
Are there any good books for beginners?
The Beginning Runner’s Handbook is the first book that comes to mind. This covers everything that you need to know if you are totally new to running, from safety tips to how to get the most out of every run.
How has this changed your life?
The book makes running easy to understand and actually encourages you to make the decision to run every day. Although I started running fairly early in my life, I admit that I really didn’t know how to run properly. If I had not read this book before I began my daily running routine, I’d be dealing with a lot of running-related injuries by now. If you don’t know the first thing about running, this should be the first book on your list.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Learn the basics before you run, especially if you want to make this a daily habit. Know the proper running techniques and take it slow to avoid injury. You will feel sore in the first day or two, but keep pushing. You will get better in time and the rewards will be worth it.
Are there any other hobbies you have?
I like to listen to music. During short breaks at the office you will find me with headphones on, listening to a track on my playlist. Music is a great stress reliever and I can pop it in when I just have a couple of minutes free in between client meetings or calls.
Learn more about Arshad Madhani at www.arshadmadhani.com.