This is my second
ultra 50k run after my kodaikanal ultra
2017. Though I've never run a full marathon(42k), ultra is more challenging in
the form of uneven terrain, steep elevation change, change of weather, leeches(
if you are in such place on a rainy day).
Understanding your
body is the key to success. I have been running 10k every day and each day gave
me a new perspective about my state of mind, endurance, speed and nutrition.
The cut-off time for
Malnad Ultra was 9 hours. That meant finishing the run before 4 P.M once the
race starts at 7 a.m.
Before the race a
good sleep plays an important role to having a fresh body and mind, and I was
able to achieve it unlike my previous Ultra run.
After waking up, we
reached the running venue at 4.30 a.m.
Organizers ensured
that breakfast was enough and nutritious for each and every runner, thus
providing the required fuel to run the first 20 km without much pain and
struggle.
Cut-off time to
reach the 17th km summit point was 11 a.m., yet I had reached by 9.30 am. It
was a steep downhill run for the next 5k and running downhill at a fast pace is
a risky move since it will affect the thighs and knees very badly during the
later stage of the run. However, I decided to run fast, trusting my muscles to
remain strong.
Beyond 30k running
became tough. Walking and intermittent running kept me moving ahead. Started
feeling hungry for the first time between 30k and 40k. Knowing that my body
can't easily digest food while I am running, eating very little and slowly
became the key. Munched few biscuits and sipped water to swallow.
My sole and thighs
were begging for rest, yet my mind said "pain is temporary accomplishment
is permanent". Unlike all previous editions of malnad ultra the sun was
strong and hot causing more thirst. There was no water for any runner at one particular
Aid Station. Took a piece of lemon that I saw and started squeezing it to
quench my thirst while I pushed ahead.
At 41st km food was
being served on a beautiful lakeside. I still had 2.15 hours to finish my run.
Not knowing the challenge ahead I decided to eat some lemon rice, which also
provided some time for me to relax. With the newly gained vigor and energy I continue
along the lake side to reach a very steep uphill run. The initial few steps
sapped all my energy. Now my body is working on digesting my food as well as
providing energy to each and every part of my body. With heart pumping very
fast, I started moving at snail pace. It felt like ages before I reached the
top.
But there is no
relief, since the downhill run has also become painful (probably due to the
mistake of running downhill too fast earlier ). Having 1.5 hrs to complete 7 k
was the saving grace. The walk also started becoming painful. However to reach
before cut-off time, intermittent running was ensured.
At the last 5 km it
again became an uphill run/walk and I saw many using sticks from the road side
to support their walk. I too tried for some distance and decided to avoid it,
as I was already holding a bottle. This time frequency of drinking water/juice/energy
drink increased and the there was only 1 hour left to complete the run.
Doubt crept into my
mind. Will I make it on time? After this much struggle it will be a shame not
to reach the finishing point with only few kilometers remaining.
With just 2k to
cover and 30 mins remaining the terrain became flat. This is a runners
paradise. Patting my own shoulder, I started running/walking fast to reach the
finishing line 15 minutes before the cut off time.
Thanks to all volunteers, organizers, supporters,
fellow runners. It is a life changing experience and I am craving for more
already.
