Completed my 1st Ultra Marathon... 68.8kms in 12 hours at Bedok Reservoir Ultramarathon. It was 7a.m. to 7p.m. event and the challenge was to complete 52 kms to qualify as a finisher. The task that I set for my self was to do at least 63.5 kms (1 ½ Marathon) and run all the 12 hours. When I crossed 50 kms I had 5 more hours to run and was confident of doing another 25 kms, but that is when weather and slats played a role. The area where the run was conducted does not have enough green cover like for e.g. IIT-M, hence you get exposed to sun for more than 60% of the time as most of the trees planted are on the slope side of the reservoir. The sun was so rude from noon until 6.30 p.m that from now-on, if anyone from Singapore complaints about Chennai weather, I will react like RJ Balaji ‘Apadiya bokunu vaailiye kuthu’ (give a punch on his face ). I started getting cramps which I couldn’t get rid of even after a 1 hour break, stretching, some massage and of course consuming water & adequate isotonic drink. To be honest I was not prepared for what was about to come. The energy level was fine but could not run and at one point I was almost in tears not that I suffering from pain but couldn’t run despite pain. Regardless of the temporary handicap I was so adamant and said to myself, come what may, I must keep moving until it is 7 p.m. (when the event closes), hence continued by limping and walking. I managed to cover 14 kms in the last 4.5 hours including breaks (worst than my mothers Girivalam). I guess running all alone might have also played a role as there was no one to talk to or keep pace which you need especially when you are feeling down. One thing that I was impressed with this event was “BYOB – Bring Your Own Bottle” where-in the all the participants used their bottles and the usage of paper cup was totally curtailed. This is something that our organizers can take note on (I am sure some might already know this). The event experience was very similar to any over-night cycling brevets (400kms & above), with after finish pain, soreness and excitement. Ultra running is a great experience guys, it is one long conversation with yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally. I will attempt my next one after proper reading and preparation with better understanding about the sport and myself.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 07:49:26 +0000