Runners should select the right gear and not push themselves too hard during Sunday's Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, said physiotherapist Andy Kwok Chee-kin.
'Young people tend to try very hard to win. They should not think they can run very fast just because they are young. Do not overstress yourself,' added the ex-Olympic physio.
'People shouldn't dash off at the beginning of the race. They should pace themselves - it's about participation, not winning.'
Currently with the Hong Kong football team, Kwok was the official Olympic physio from 1994 to 2001.
'When you're running, your arms and legs should swing back to the front on each side of your body. The left arm should be lifted with the right leg, and vice-versa. When the arms move forward, it helps to open up the lungs,' Kwok said.
Uneven distribution of body weight can lead to knee injuries, he said.
People should alternately run for 10 minutes and walk for one minute. 'Do this repeatedly if you are tired. You can even walk sideways. It will make you look funny, but it will give your leg muscles some time to relax, because you will be using a different set of muscles,' Kwok explained.
