Testing Ascent, Lush Green Forests, Elevation Gain of 7300 Feet And Lifetime Of Memories
“If you want to push your limits, Challenge yourself every day”
I participated in the Garhwal run (74kms) on March 04, 2021, to be eligible for my ultimate goal LA ULTRA 111Kms and it turned out to be an amazing experience.
A qualifier to one of the toughest foot races known to man, Garhwal runs is a test to decide whether a runner will be able to endure the LAULTRA race. Garhwal Run has two categories – 33 & 74 km that are the qualifying distances for the 55 km & 111 km LA ULTRA – THE HIGH. The race is done in a time-bound manner and only if you are able to complete it in time, will you be able to appear for the LA ULTRA race.
Running through lush green forests, Garhwal run will put you through testing ascent and will take you through the villages of Kokriyal, Dubhra, Sakalana, and Dhaulagiri. The total elevation gained by the time you reach the finishing point Dhanaulti TOP would be 7300 feet.
Tale of my Run
The Garhwal run had a lot of highs and lows and it did give me a lucid idea as to what I should expect in my dream run – LA ULTRA.
When the Honeymoon period got over
The first 6 kms was like it was just another day, another jog and nothing can go wrong, and then came the 7th km, and BAM! The altitude increases with every km. A few easy but short descents would come to your rescue but don’t get too happy until you hit the first peak at 33 km.
Finally! Some Respite
From 34th km onwards, you enjoy an easy descent till 47th km. Ahh! Life is good again. This is when you hit the bridge and take a left turn towards Dhanaulti. You won’t feel lost at any point as there will be volunteers to guide you at every step of your journey.
Ah! The DREAM
This is also that phase of the run when you start to dream about the 69th km because it’s yet another peak till you hit the climax of the run. I went slow, preserving my strength and trying not to overstrain myself. I switched between walk jog and run whenever possible.
Say Hello To Our Friend – ‘The Sun’
When in the mountains, expect the unexpected from our old friend “The Sun. ” Throughout the run, it would continue to salute you in your eyes but there is a twist. There would be major temperature variations from hot to cold to hot to cold till you hit the 67th km mark.
The Climax
After 67th kms, there is a neutral road of 1km and then the rundown begins till the 74km finish line. As you reach Dhanaulti, take it slow as there is snow and ice on the road and you don’t want to skid your way to the finish line.
The All-Time Friends In The Mountains
Gloves are the man’s best friend in the Himalayas. The temperature dipped quite frequently and gloves helped keep your hands warm. Keeping your ears, nose, fingertips covered works like a charm when you are running in cold weather.
My Ultimate Support System
I also organized a self-support system consisting of a crew member, a car, and a driver for the run. My initial checkpoints happened at every 5 km which was then reduced to every 3rd km midway and further reduced to 1km in order to make sure that my fatigue levels are under control and the much-needed hydration and electrolyte consumption is consistently happening. Banana, Orange, Snickers, Peanut chikki, salted chips, carbonated drinks helped me stay afloat and not feel too hungry. Do not eat too much in one go else you will feel stuffed and heavy. My ultimate favorite was Orange + salt.
Crewing – Another Sport I Absolutely Love
Crewing takes a toll on the team as well as the driver as they are bound to the runner and have to match your pace and be available with refreshments at your checkpoints. Exhausted from running and varying temperatures, a gesture as simple and basic as keeping a bottle of water and electrolyte open makes a huge difference and keeps you worry-free.
It is extremely important to talk and bond with your crew well in advance. Introduce yourself and let them see the passionate runner inside you. A recce of the route helps give valuable insights on how much support you would be needing from your crew at the D-day. That being said, every day is different and every run brings with it a new set of challenges no matter how much planning you have done in advance. Here a good repo with your crew will align them to those challenges much more comfortably.
On the D-day, you will be in the prayers of your near and dear ones, but your crew is the only angel that you will be able to look up to and they are the only ones who will be able to bring the best out of you. Immense respect to the crew and the driver. I really owe them one.
Overall, Garhwal’s run gave me a much lucid picture of my ultimate run – LA ULTRA. Expect the unexpected and push your limits, only then you will be able to know what you are capable of becoming.
As a part of the RunMonks community, we wholeheartedly salute Yuvraj Patil for keeping the focus with all the grit and determination and completing the Garhwal run. And being the catalyst in driving the idea of – “Pushing the Limits”
RunMonks a platform powered by 505 Circle created by Kushagra Sharma is proud to be associated with Yuvraj Patil for being the flag bearer of our philosophy which is “to breathe, be yourself, be carefree, feel liberated” and GETTING INTO THE #ZENMODE & TO BE THE #RUNMONKER
