Do Something Wild and Transform Your Life Completely

We had an inspiring conversation with para-athlete and television presenter Dmitry Ignatov to uncover the reasons behind joining running competitions and the best ways to get ready for them.

Dmitry Ignatov is a TV host on Match TV and a multiple award-winning swimmer. After a tragic accident during his military service, Dmitry lost a leg. Yet, despite the amputation, he never lost his optimism or zest for life. He avoided social isolation and self-pity, continuously pushing himself toward bigger goals, enjoying sports and social connections, and inspiring countless others.

Dmitry earned the Candidate for Master of Sports title in swimming, competed in bodybuilding, and actively engages in rowing, boxing, and functional training. On May 27, he will participate in the Green Marathon “Running Hearts” running 2.6 miles (4.2 km), with plans to swim across the Bosphorus Strait and compete in the Paralympics in the future.

Dmitry firmly believes that everyone needs a goal to strive for.

Dmitry Ignatov

Para-athlete, TV Host

Having a goal — whether it’s swimming across the Bosphorus, winning the Russian Championship, or completing a race — is fantastic. But goals don’t have to be monumental. They can be as simple as losing weight, building muscle, or boosting your energy. You need your own small milestones and victories to keep moving forward.

If you don’t have a goal, join a run. It doesn’t matter how old you are, your weight, or your sports background. Right now, find a race happening in your city within the next month or two. This simple, clear goal can be your first step toward major life changes.

Do something wild, and your life will change completely.

Dmitry Ignatov

Why Joining a Run Is Beneficial

Running Teaches You to Achieve Goals

Many people suffer from learned helplessness — a mindset where they fear new challenges, convinced they will fail. Usually, they don’t put in enough effort and give up quickly, which only reinforces their belief that success is impossible.

The best remedy for learned helplessness is achieving your goals. A series of wins retrains your brain, shifting your mindset from "I can’t" to "It’s up to me."

Unlike careers or relationships, amateur sports are straightforward. You don’t have to consider others’ opinions or feelings. Everything depends on you. Train, get stronger, faster, and more resilient. Complete the distance and enjoy your burst of confidence: "I did it, I ran, I’m proud."

Participating in a run helps you regain control over your life.

Don’t chase results; aim to beat your own record. Whether you run for five minutes, ten minutes, or an hour doesn’t matter. The key is to enjoy the process and know you’re doing something positive for society.

Dmitry Ignatov

Running Encourages You to Embrace Fitness

People who engage in regular physical activity are less prone to depression, better at managing stress, and feel more satisfied with life. This is no surprise since intense exercise releases a cocktail of hormones that boost energy and mood.

Sports are life, emotion, friendship, socializing, recognition, and pure joy.

Dmitry Ignatov

If you’re new to exercise, enjoyment won’t come immediately. Setting a goal to complete a race helps you push through until your body adapts and you start loving the process.

Builds a Sense of Community and New Connections

Many people suffer from social isolation they’ve created themselves. Without diverse social interactions, personal growth stalls. If you’re surrounded by people stuck in routine and meaningless lives, breaking free becomes even harder.

Sports events attract positive, goal-driven people who celebrate life. You’ll be swept up by the atmosphere, experience a sense of belonging, meet new friends, and enjoy unexpected encounters. No matter your age, you can find your tribe and make lasting friendships.

Imagine how amazing it is when a celebrity runs beside you — both sweaty and tired, united by a shared goal to do something good.

Dmitry Ignatov

Helps You Do Something Meaningful

Those involved in charity tend to be happier and more fulfilled than those who never help others. Charity runs are increasingly popular and offer you a chance to contribute.

The upcoming charity event is the Green Marathon “Running Hearts” on May 27, 2018, held in 56 cities across Russia. This race supports children with disabilities, with all entry fees donated to the "Naked Hearts" charity foundation.

I deeply connect with the race’s philosophy. I attend to support my community — the children. It’s about standing with fellow survivors and raising public awareness.

Dmitry Ignatov

Enhances Mindfulness

Mindfulness — focusing on the present moment — is essential for happiness and fulfillment. While dreams and memories bring some joy, most happiness comes from what’s happening now.

Athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts are true mindfulness experts. You can’t lift heavy weights or run well while distracted by future thoughts. Sports force you to stay present, focus on your body’s movements and sensations.

During training, I focus on running technique and foot placement. Sometimes I run or swim with music, but it’s just background because my full attention is on the workout.

Dmitry Ignatov

Mastering present-moment concentration benefits not only sports but also your career and relationships.

Allows You to Express Yourself

Some people shy away from showing off and find it puzzling when others share many photos or stories on social media. For others, self-expression is essential. Suppressing this need can lead to depression.

Sports provide a wonderful outlet to showcase your abilities and share your journey. Take photos, create stories about your achievements, and enjoy the positive feedback.

Public recognition can keep you motivated until you start enjoying sports for its own sake, fueling your commitment to running and new challenges.

If you’ve decided to change your life by joining a run, start preparing now.

How to Prepare for a Run

Anyone can run a short distance, but to enjoy it fully, some preparation is necessary.

Anyone can easily run 2.5 miles (4 km). It’s not difficult and can be prepared for in about a week. Running is natural for humans; the key is learning to do it correctly.

Dmitry Ignatov

Choose the Right Running Shoes

Running barefoot is possible but requires perfect technique, soft surfaces, no extra weight, and no flat feet to avoid injuries. If you don’t meet all these conditions, opt for lightweight running shoes with good cushioning to reduce impact on knees and prevent injuries.

Brands now focus on making ultra-light shoes, calling it 'zero gravity' — so you barely feel them while running. It’s important to pick models that prevent slipping and provide good grip.

Dmitry Ignatov

Work on Your Running Technique

If you don’t have a coach or running friends, try learning on your own with available guides.

The biggest mistake is landing on your heel. Running already stresses joints, and heel striking increases impact and injury risk.

Dmitry Ignatov

Read about common beginner mistakes and correct them early before pain or injury occurs.

Monitor Your Heart Rate

Beginners often struggle to find the right training intensity to gain benefits without feeling nauseous or overexerted. Without a coach, use your heart rate to guide you.

Tracking my heart rate is crucial for effective training without overdoing it. I always wear an Apple Watch during runs and swims. Heart rate is the main metric to adjust load and progress.

Dmitry Ignatov

Warm-ups should keep your heart rate at 50–60% of your max, while the main workout targets 70–80% in the aerobic zone.

Incorporate Other Training Types

Don’t skip strength training — it builds a solid muscular foundation and strengthens ligaments and tendons.

Use apps and services to design strength workouts. Try various sports like rowing or CrossFit to build endurance.

I love trying different sports to keep things exciting. I row, play soccer, box, swim, do functional training outdoors, and hit CrossFit gyms. My favorite is rowing — I adore it.

Dmitry Ignatov

Pay Attention to Nutrition

During training, monitor calorie intake and balance of proteins, fats, and carbs. Learn what to eat before, during, and after workouts to recover faster.

If cooking isn’t your thing, try meal delivery services.

When I’m too busy or training for competitions, I order prepared meals. Many services offer balanced containers with calculated macros, allowing you to customize your diet.

Dmitry Ignatov

For long sessions, try isotonic drinks to maintain electrolyte balance and energy bars for fuel.

I always carry an isotonic drink during runs to restore my electrolyte balance and recharge.

Dmitry Ignatov

You can run 2.5 to 6 miles (4–10 km) without preparation, but it won’t be enjoyable. You may experience severe shortness of breath, nausea, muscle pain, or cramps, forcing you to stop or quit. The better you prepare, the easier and more pleasant the event will be.

A summer full of new experiences and personal victories awaits you. You’ve got this!

Related Articles

• Why You Should Compete in Sports Events →
• How Sex Before Competition Affects Athletic Performance →
• How to Run Your First Marathon Without Failing: Personal Experience →

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