Running a Ultra Marathon

After finishing my 7^th half marathon at Bangalore I was quite confident that I could do the hill run at Javadhu. Confident not in my abilities but over the event as it was organized by Chennai Trekking Club (CTC). The test run video and the jaw dropping scenic views made me register for the event. Even though I have never done a hill run before I relied more on strength training than running as you require more stamina to climb the steep hills.

Four of us I, Rajkumar, Balaji and Prabhu got our bags ready on Saturday (Nov 1st). Rajkumar is a doctor who has done a couple of half marathons and was the first one to call me as soon as the registration for javadhu opened up. Balaji is attempting his maiden full marathon after finishing the Bangalore half marathon with a fantastic timing of 1:55 hours. Prabhu is a body builder who is running his second marathon after finishing his maiden half at Chennai trail marathon.

After driving for around 3 hours in the National Highway the landscape suddenly changed from small town’s to thick forest cover. The ghat road section between Polur and Jamunamaruthur (about 40kms) was fantastic. Very rarely did we see any vehicles passing by. It was around 7:30 pm when we reached Jamunamaruthur and the weather was really good. It was very quiet all around and I felt very relaxed. After collecting our bibs at St. Joseph school we retired to our guest house (special thanks to Rajkumar) early to catch a nice sleep so as to make the most of it on the D-Day.

At Polur - Jamunamaruthur ghat roads

Wake up, it’s already 5:45. Exclaimed Balaji.

I sprang from the bed and scrambled to get my watch. The race was supposed to start at 6:00 am and I cursed at myself for getting up late. I felt relieved when my watch showed 4:45 am.

We were ready to leave but I was in for a shock after knowing that it has rained the previous night and a greater part of the route has been partially covered with mud. Disappointed we made our way to the start point and it was still raining. I was convinced that it is going to take at least 24 hours for me to finish the marathon as I hate to run in the rain.

My joy knew no bounds after the rains slowly dissipated into mild drizzles after which it completely stopped. It was still dark and the start point was completely engulfed in a thick blanket of mist. The start point was at the huge playground of St. Joseph school.

After the stretching session the race was flagged off at sharp 6:30 with the ultra-marathoners (50K) taking the lead followed by 42 and 25K runners respectively. 

 

The first 4 km was through tar roads and had its own ups & downs. There were curious on-lookers. The women folks were just out to fetch waters, there were men sitting outside their houses brushing their teeth with small sticks and children waving at us with innocent smiles across their faces.

After hitting the trail I realized that the actual marathon has just started. Felt like entering a forest after jumping across a small stream. The steep climb at 6K mark took its toll. It was literally vertical and almost all the runners walked the steep climb. I was slowly running to preserve energy during the last leg of the race.

Finishing the 10K mark at 1 hour and 15 minutes I understood how difficult a hill run can be.

There were hardly around 200 runners. I was in cloud nine as I was all alone for around 2 km stretch running in between the scenic mountains, lush green fields, and cool weather.

 

Beyond 13K some of the climbs were really steep and I felt the effect on my thighs. I regretted for not working out after the Bangalore marathon as my work pressure was really high. I did only 2 strength training sessions and ran a 10K which I know is not sufficient to train for a hill run. However the cool weather melted my regrets. I kept running at my own pace.

 

At the 18K point I couldn’t take it anymore. I munched on few bananas and oranges and walked briskly so that I don’t lose the momentum. Runners passed by at regular intervals and we kept encouraging at each other which was the biggest motivating factor. 

You don’t often smile at strangers in India!!!!!!

I ended the brisk walk at 22K point as it cured the pain in my thigh and I was back in my heels again. The weather was so damn good that I never felt like turning on my music player. The last 3 kms had very few ups & down and was almost flat.

I finished the race at 3.5 hours. It was the toughest run I have ever done in my life. It was not just a marathon but a ‘mind over body’ game. Exactly 2 weeks before I finished the Bangalore marathon (half) at 2:05 hours which clearly depicts the difference between road running and hill running. I was elated that I have officially completed a marathon beyond 21 KM in my life. Rajkumar and Prabhu completed the marathon with a fantastic timing of 3 hours and Balaji finished his maiden full marathon with a superb timing of just 5 hours.

After the Completion

In fact the following are some of my ‘Firsts’ in this marathon:

Ø  First hill run

Ø  First ultra-marathon

Ø  First time walking during the run

Ø  First time running without turning on the music player

Ø  First time talking with fellow runners while running 

A big thanks to the organizers for organizing a lovely marathon amidst the sprawling hills and also organizing a tree plantation event which will be etched in my memories forever. They spared no efforts to ensure that runners don’t feel uncomfortable at any point of time.  

To all my friends who ask ‘Why do you run’

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” – Frank Herbert.

Thanks for the patient read

Cheerssssssssssss