Malnad Ultra 2021: Pause and continue

Best things in life come unplanned!!

After a devastating year, having lost known ones, It’s tough on the mind than the body. Running is a good companion to hurt physically and relieve mentally 🤪. We try many things for peace of mind yet forget simplicity is the best medicine for calmness. This was a run that calmed my mind. Yes, it came unplanned.

 Prelude:

A plan does work!

Long story short; The year started great, observed a phenomenal improvement in aerobic running.

Lost 3 months of training due to 2^nd wave, Vaccination, fatigue, weekly B12 shots, loss of confidence made me wonder if it was really required to participate in this run.

Thanks to the Doctors in our group- Dr Madhu, Dr Girish and Dr Anuradha helped me assess the situation and decide. I registered for a 200k cycling event to check if I could combat 10hrs on the road, this was a success, thanks to Mahesh for enduring me  🤪 It is not what you do 1 month or 3 months before the run. Our muscle memory is more than what the mind remembers.

I had participated in the 2018 edition of Malnad ultra. The pre-race briefing made me deduce following points.

                            

                            

1.       The elevations were lesser than the previous editions.

2.       Heat will compensate for the elevation loss.

There was hardly any sun during our training runs, one of the weak links in the chain.

Race Day:

            

                                

There was a stark difference in the weather as compared to my previous ultra. The cold chilly weather had given to cool breeze. I had breakfast 1.5hrs before the run and enjoyed the company of fellow runners.

0-10km: A strong start is a recipe for Disaster!

Most of my runs in first year of running involved a strong start which ended up with me limping to the finish line. The best habit I have developed in running is consciously slowdown in the initial few kms. The positive splits to negative splits to even splits is a journey I’m glad about. Of course, trail running requires a different strategy altogether, Respect the hills, Always!

                                

                                

It was a smooth start in the company of my friends, probably one of the best views I had in the morning weather.

10-20km: Do you have patience?

We were drained with two 250mts climbs over a short distance of 2-3 kms.

                            

                            

 Legs were fresh, they were ready for the shocks. Well, this was not a half marathon! The Race begins at 40K, I kept reminding myself. Most of us were together, with a gap of around 200-300mts. It already felt quite long on the legs but the view from the top is always the best!

20-35km: Sun and Me!

A big fall into the wilderness of ombattugudda and a never-ending climb summarizes this journey. Ravi makes any run easy for you, I was in the safe hands. The sun was out, ready to play his role. A stream of water was a blessing to cool the legs and head. We spent some time playing in water and continued our arduous journey. The group had spilt by now. I was in the company of Dr Anuradha and Ravi Yajaman, strategizing, fighting with Ravi Y :P We met Dr Girish and stuck together for a while.

                                        

                            

 

35-50Km: Expect the unexpected, that’s life!

                 

Empty streets and 37 deg. Couldn’t even find a dog on the street, let alone people :P. Is this all worth it? I am not sure if there is one correct answer but, in the end, it makes me happy and accomplished.

We found it unwarranted to push in the heat and relaxed to our walk-run strategy. Yet another run completed, a brief stop in the journey of life.

Epilogue:

Last couple of years have changed my perception about many things. Adaption is key to live life. Excited about the surprise’s life has in store for me! I thank everyone who have crossed paths with me. Always indebted to RunAddicts and Burners- Running groups. 

(PIC courtesy: RunAddicts)