Run With Abhay

It all began with a dream. Last year, as I journeyed from Leh to Nubra Valley, I found myself at Khardung La, gazing in awe at its towering peaks and untamed beauty. In a moment of pure conviction, I turned to my friends and declared, "Next year, I’m running here." It was a bold statement for someone who had never attempted an ultra marathon. The thought of running 72 km across the mighty Khardung La was both thrilling and daunting. Yet, something deep within pushed me to embrace this challenge—The Khardungla Challenge. This race, an integral part of the Ladakh Marathon, is one of the highest and most grueling ultramarathons in the world, testing not just physical endurance but mental resilience. With such a challenge on the horizon, I knew this had to be a special debut into the world of ultrarunning.

And so, on the 6th of September, at precisely 2:45 AM, I found myself at the start line in the small village of Khardung. Underneath the starry expanse, surrounded by fellow dreamers, I stood, battling both excitement and anxiety. A sleepless night had left me weary, and a persistent cough gnawed at my confidence. I wondered, in that quiet pre-dawn moment, if I would even make it to the finish line.

At 3 AM sharp, the race began. Headlamps illuminated our way as we ventured into the thick darkness, the path ahead hidden, and the vast sky above lit with a celestial glow. It felt otherworldly, almost magical, as if the mountains themselves were watching. Slowly, the night receded, and with the approach of dawn, the silhouettes of the mountains began to sharpen, revealing their immense grandeur. The sight was breathtaking, but the looming peaks served as a reminder of the challenge that awaited. The higher I climbed towards Khardung La, the thinner the air became. Every breath felt labored, and my cough worsened, each bout a reminder of how fragile we are in the face of nature's immensity.

There were moments—more than I care to admit—when I felt lightheaded, disoriented, and questioned my ability to go on. The thought of stopping, of surrendering to the mountains, seemed like a very real possibility. But somewhere deep within, a voice whispered: Go slow, but don’t stop. Keep going. With no one around, I found myself speaking to the mountains, seeking their guidance, their strength. And in their silent majesty, I found solace. It felt as though they heard me, offering a calm assurance that I would endure.

Finally, I reached the legendary Khardung La top, well within the cutoff time. Standing at the highest point, I had anticipated a biting cold, perhaps even a flurry of snow, but the weather surprised me. It was hot—oppressively so. I peeled off my warm layers at the designated station, thinking the worst of the cold was behind me. Little did I know what awaited just a few kilometers ahead.

As I descended from the summit towards South Pullu, the road conditions deteriorated rapidly. The route, scarred by road construction, resembled a trail more than a road, making every step a precarious one. The fatigue from climbing 32 kilometers at an altitude where oxygen was scarce began to settle deep into my bones. Yet, I pressed on.

And then, just when I thought I had adapted to the changing conditions, the weather shifted dramatically. The temperature plummeted, and without warning, snow began to fall. It was brutal. My warm clothes were packed away, out of reach, and I had no choice but to push forward, battling both the biting cold and my own physical exhaustion.

At one point, I did the math: the distance left, the time ticking away, and my diminishing pace. The numbers didn’t add up. It seemed impossible to make the cutoff. Despair began to creep in. But then, I remembered why I had started this journey. I hadn’t trained for months, faced sleepless nights, and endured so much just to quit. This was my test, my chance to prove what I was truly capable of. So, I dug deep, finding strength I didn’t know I possessed, and focused solely on moving forward, one step at a time.

As my watch signaled that only a few kilometers remained, my body began to falter. Every step felt like an insurmountable effort. The energy reserves I had relied on were completely drained. Yet, I could see the end—I was so close. I whispered to myself, You’ve come this far. Just a little more. Just a few more steps.

When I finally entered Leh, the atmosphere changed. People lined the streets, cheering, clapping, shouting words of encouragement. Their energy lifted me, and I felt a surge of adrenaline. Suddenly, I was running faster, driven by their voices and the collective spirit of everyone there. With every high five, every call of my name, I felt like I was flying.

And then it happened—the moment I had dreamed of. I crossed the finish line.

The world seemed to slow down as my foot touched the ground on the other side. My body was aching, my lungs burning, but in that moment, none of it mattered. All the struggles, the doubts, the moments of weakness—they had led to this. The joy, the pride, the sheer sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Tears welled in my eyes as I stood there, trying to comprehend what I had just achieved. I had conquered not just Khardung La, but my own limits. This was more than a race. It was a journey of self-discovery, of resilience, of realizing that no mountain is too high if you have the will to climb it.

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CHALA GAD JINKUYA
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: 29th Sept, 2024
VENUE: Trinity College, Bopdev Ghat, Saswad, Pune RACE CATEGORIES: 3KM | 5KM | 10KM | 21KM

Marathon Prep Training

Today’s plan was to run from Leh to South Pullu, a solid 22 km challenge. But as I reached South Pullu, something within me whispered, 'Why not taste the air above?' So, I kept going. The air grew colder and drier, crisp with the altitude. After crossing an altitude of 15,600 feet at 23.5 km, I felt a wave of dizziness—a sign that I had climbed higher and faster than my body could adjust to.

Alone on that desolate stretch, I knew better than to push my limits further. I paused, found a stone to sit on, and let the stillness of the mountains cradle me as I sipped some water, waiting for my body to recalibrate. The sensation was strange, a mix of exhilaration and caution. The mountains have a way of reminding you that you are merely a guest in their domain.

Once I felt steady again, I decided it was wise to return and was fortunate to get a lift from a passing car headed back to Leh. Today wasn’t just about running; it was about listening to the mountain, understanding its whispers, and respecting its altitude. I truly tasted the air, and with it, the humbling experience of high-altitude running.

Running 72 km on the Lavasa hills in full rain was an unforgettable experience, one that tested my limits and rewarded me with breathtaking scenery. The rain didn’t let up for even a minute, soaking me continuously for 10 and a half hours. This relentless downpour led to significant chafing, a minor price to pay for the beauty and challenge that lay ahead.

The uphills were grueling, each step a test of endurance, while the downhills were slippery and treacherous, demanding utmost caution. Despite the 45 mm stack height of my shoes, I could still feel the rough surface of the roads, a constant reminder of the rugged terrain beneath. The roads were flooded, and the hidden potholes made every step a gamble, increasing the risk of ankle twists.

Adding to the challenge was the weekend traffic. Visitors on bikes and in cars created a chaotic atmosphere, their presence a stark contrast to the serene surroundings. The roads were often shrouded in clouds, and raindrops accumulated on my spectacles, severely limiting my visibility. Yet, amidst this chaos, the beautiful winding roads and lush greenery provided a picturesque backdrop, making every struggle worthwhile.

Running through clouds was nothing short of heavenly. The clouds lingered on the mountain tops, occasionally sinking into deep valleys, creating a surreal landscape. The birds sang in the background, their melodies blending harmoniously with the sounds of rain and wind. Countless waterfalls adorned the route, each one a testament to nature's splendor.

Passersby often turned their heads, curiosity evident in their expressions, wondering who I was and what drove me to undertake such a feat. Despite the many challenges, completing this run filled me with immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. It was, without a doubt, the best run I have ever experienced, a true testament to the beauty and resilience found in both nature and the human spirit.

As the end of June marks the midpoint of our year, it's a perfect time for reflection and renewed commitment. Often, we make ambitious New Year resolutions, only to see our dedication wane as the months pass by. We then find ourselves waiting for another year to roll around, promising ourselves we'll do better next time.

But why wait? Today, let's take a moment to look back on our journey. Consider what we've achieved and where we've fallen short. Instead of postponing our goals, let's reignite our passion for running and fitness now. Let's set clear, actionable goals and pledge to stay committed to them for the rest of the year.

Remember, the path to improvement is paved with daily effort and determination. Let's seize this moment, recommit to our aspirations, and make the second half of the year even more remarkable. Together, we can achieve greatness.

Keep pushing, keep striving, and let’s finish this year strong!

Ye mausam ka jaadu hain mitwaa 😀

Breaking in my new Asics Superblast on the first run! 🏃‍♂️✨

My first trial run with my new running buddy... Salomon Adv Skin 12

Last Sunday, I went for a long run through the stunning Lavasa hills. I was hoping for some refreshing rain but met with a scorching sun and clear skies instead. With an elevation gain of over 1000 meters, the run was incredibly challenging. Despite the heat, I pushed through and completed a full marathon distance on those demanding slopes. Tough runs like these truly make you stronger. Proud and grateful for this experience! 💪🏃‍♂️

It wasn't easy, but it was worth every step. I kept reminding myself, quitting is easy. The real challenge lies in pushing through the tough moments, persevering when it feels impossible, and finding the strength to keep going. It’s in those moments of difficulty that true growth happens.

Keep pushing your limits, because the rewards of perseverance are always worth it. Stay strong, stay committed, and keep running towards your goals.

A cool run 😎 in hot weather 🔥

Today's run was a true test of resilience and determination. Despite the scorching heat, I embarked on what would become one of the most challenging runs of my life. The first 5 kilometers seemed to drain every ounce of energy from my body, setting the tone for what lay ahead.

Between the 5th and 20th kilometer marks, doubt crept in relentlessly, tempting me to throw in the towel. Yet, amidst the battle between mind and body, I found myself repeating a simple mantra: "If not today, then when?" It was a reminder that the present moment held the greatest opportunity to push beyond limits and reach the elusive 50-kilometer milestone.

As the kilometers ticked by, so did the physical strain. At 26 kilometers, a sharp pain in my lower back and glutes threatened to halt my progress. With each step, the discomfort intensified, threatening to extinguish the flame of determination within me. But then, a thought emerged: in a real race, giving up was never an option.

I quickly came home, got my ice pack. I ran for a few minutes while holding the ice pack against my aching muscles. It might have looked funny, but in that moment, it became a symbol of resilience and adaptability. At 33 kilometers, Sapna came to check how my run is going. Her muscle relaxant spray provided much-needed relief, fueling my resolve to press on.

Every mile became a battle, each step a testament to unwavering perseverance. Yet, through the struggle, one belief remained steadfast: "Tough times don't last, tough people do." And as the final kilometer approached, a surge of elation swept over me as I beheld the 50-kilometer mark on my watch, a testament to the power of determination and the resilience of a runner's spirit.

May this journey serve as a beacon of inspiration to all who face their own trials and tribulations, reminding us that within every challenge lies the opportunity to discover our true strength and emerge victorious.

Keep pushing, keep believing, for it is in the darkest moments that our brightest victories are born!