Promises kept

THIS POST WAS TO BE PUBLISHED LONG TIME AGO. MY APOLOGIES FOR MISSING TO PUBLISH. THIS IS FROM LAST YEAR’S 24-HOUR EXPERIENCE. HOPE YOU ENJOY READING IT THIS LATE.

In my head, I crossed this line many times over. Powering through 20, 30 and 40 sleepless hours, running, working, and more running has been the norm for the last year and half, and when someone posed the question, ‘how long have you ever run/rode’, its been a tough question to answer.

My association with Santhosh goes back to the day I started to get back to running, after a long break, recovering from injuries. I was quite fit when I came to India, and unfortunate incidents threw me in to a spin, one which took me two years to recover. First thing I did when I met him at a fitness meeting was sign up to train with him. Everything else after that fell in to place like pieces of a puzzle. My love for running almost is as old as I am, my parents diligently waking us in the morning for a morning dash. Immediate next step was to purchase a cycle, another love of mine, and pedal on to the runs. I barely knew running/riding community in Bangalore at the time, but I kept with it on my own, finding a few friends here and there who would join me on short rides. Needless to say, I slowly started to figure out my way around Bangalore, and got to know more runners and riders.

While training with Santhosh for 6 weeks, of which I traveled a few, I put together a Himalayan Run with a couple of friends, and went on to run a 80k course in the Kanchanjunga Range. Needless to say, it was memorable, and impressionable. I knew things shifted within me from simple running to full on endurance. When any one asks me how long I can go, I tell them, for days if I must, but speed is not my thing! Inherently, if you put me on a race start line, I tend to run backwards 🙂

I kept in touch with Santhosh throughout, supporting and volunteering at his ASHA runs and efforts. He is a guy to depend on, and to go to when one wants blunt advice. I have seen him through some major changes in his life, and I am extremely impressed by his courage, foresight, commitment, and and maturity. Rather than using cliched statements as the ‘Monk who sold his Ferrari’, I would rather use the adage he prints on his every t-shirt. Run, Teach, Educate. Working just as any of us would for a living, he didn’t quite see the need to continue in that path, and he was all of 29 when he made the decision to quit a coveted job, and commit to educating and volunteering at a handful of schools such as Ananya, Sita School and Spastic Society. I can never summarize all he does without running through reams of paper. I will tell you a little about what we did over a weekend, a little over a week ago.

Santhosh attempted 24 hours 2 years ago, and logged 156kms. Last year, after soaking in rain, being chased by a bull, in addition to fever which developed overnight, he stopped after 20 hours of running.  He does this to raise money for ASHA, a organization he is an active part of. One may wonder why he suffers through any of it. That’s the thing. Why not? If he can put his talent and determination to good use for the good of others, why not? Over the last year, I saw him struggle with demons that settled in after not finishing one more run he planned, the 48-hour Strides of Hope. For any runner DNFs can outweigh any amount of motivation if one too many happen in a sequence. He trains one too many runners who fall in love with running all over again once he starts admonishing them for being irregular in his own not-too-serious but I-don’t-like-it sort of way ! The breakfasts, lunches, and the fun running groups give every runner a whole lot more reasons to stick with the plan. For him, personally, not finishing a run he trained for and aimed to do, is disheartening to say the least. What he needed was a good finish.

When we announced Bhati Lakes, I asked Santhosh if he wanted run it. He wanted to check with his coach before he committed. That, is the level of his professionalism, which is much appreciated. He might be able to run a 100miles on a whim, but he will not do it without preparing for it, mentally and physically. He came back to say that he will do the 100miles. I was thrilled as I had been trying to get some of my favorite runners together for a good race. Arun was going to be there, and this will be the first time they will meet. As time went on, Roger from Nepal confirmed he will come run Bhati Lakes too, in the 100-mile category. What more can a race director ask for? Needless to say, I was thrilled. As the time came closer to the race, Santhosh wanted to know if I would let him run the 50-miles and not 100-miles. Would I let him? Good question 🙂 Yes, ofcourse, I told him. I could sense his doubts. No more DNFs. I agree. And what a race he ran! A little hesitation after 60k but the finish made up for everything and all DNFs and things sundry, then again, I digress. Let me tell you about his 24-hour run two weekends ago 🙂

His usual emails went out to all those who support him on his runs, training, and events. A few answered in the positive, and a few weren’t available. The rest were running the race Sunday morning, and couldn’t afford to miss much needed sleep and rest. Rajeev, and Meenakshi showed up and, Manjula and I were there by 3pm to help set up. Manisha was a pleasant addition to the team though she has never been part of the runs or these events. Vinod who was to be there with his cycle couldn’t make it and we hadn’t taken Manjula’s cycle with us thinking two were good enough, mine and Vinod’s. With only one cycle which could be used on a trail, we were down to only one person who could pace him at night. Having ridden the trail and the fact that we didn’t have a powerful enough light on the cycle, I wasn’t inclined to letting anyone try it out. By the first loop was done, my cycle tires were balded by mud, brakes non-existent, and visibility near zero. It was time for a decision and it was to pace Santhosh all of 24-hours, whether I cycle or run. Day time will have about 600 runners on the same trail, and cycling on the narrow one-person sections was out of the question. Decided to ride through the night, and run the morning hours. Until the moment was I considering doing what I was going to do? Not a chance! Wasn’t prepared with anything, least of all nutrition! Thanks to Santhosh’s mom, who cooked up a storm, that I survived too.

We started at 5pm, Saturday evening, with many hugs, and wishes from friends and fellow runners, and headed out to get to know the route, greet people, and set a pace. I forgot my camera and rushed back to get it so I could capture a few sunset images of Santhosh on the trail. By the time we turned around, it started to slightly drizzle. Thankfully we made it back without it coming down on us, and I did the wise thing of tucking away the camera in the tent!

Now that we had the route figured out, and pleasantries done, it was time for some serious running. Darkness fell all around us. Trees rustled, light breeze brought in the chill, and tiny drops here and there set the tone for the night. Santhosh and I hoped that it won’t come down on us and impede our progress through the night. It was very important for us to log all the miles we could in the first 12 hours at an even pace. We set out on our second loop, and Santhosh set in to a pace he is comfortable with and I tried to adjust to the darkness, narrow path at places with ditches around, non-existent brakes, and mud that stuck to tires and chain with vengeance! An easy conversation ensued. All topics sundry. Our minds wandering, and tricking us in to a self-sympathetic state is a high possibility while running in darkness, mind and body protesting. Getting over these hurdles is practiced during night training runs when you shock your body a little resulting in it finding ways to cope and adjust to long hours of night running. Santhosh had been in training, and by now, he knows what the long haul results in. I, for one, have been through one too many long nights and days in a row that shocking my body any more, well, does shock it at all!

After each loop, we had our wonderful friends, who had come out to crew, take turns to take care of us. By the third loop, Rajeev figured out that I was in it for 24 hours, and prodded me to eat. Carbs it is, and we were surely eating our share. Nutrition, hydration, and timed rest are key. No two ways about it. If you ever plan to try out ultras, ensure you are talking to a coach, mentor, or a trainer. Listen to your body, and heed their advice.

By 5am, we recorded 7 loops, logging a little over 87.5km. No fatigue yet, just plain adrenalin kicking in. We had 6 loops to go in the next 12 hours if we wanted to meet our goal of 160kms+. Did I think we could do it? Absolutely. Another loop and we will have daylight to guide us better on the route. Through the night, I kept slipping, and falling, cycle chain would jump if I tried changing gears, and get stuck and had me running with the cycle, losing my phone, and searching for it in the fields alone, stumbling over rock and skipping became passe. Another loop and we had daylight. This brought on a different kind of trauma. The knowledge that any of those roots, rock, and narrow slippery paths could have had me taking a serious tumble was unsettling. But that is endurance sport to you. Deal with it, I thought to myself. I got through the night, and that’s that! As runners were set off in waves, path was crowded and half the trail wasn’t fit for cycling. So we ran those sections together, instep to maintain pace, and ease the strain of another step. What a sight it was to see runner after a runner pass us by both ways, greet if they knew us and cheer us loop after loop. It was great to experience their energy,  so bountiful, after a full 12 hour night. We felt refreshed, reenergised, and motivated to keep putting one foot in front of another with each passing runners’ encouraging words.

By the time we hit 20 hours mark, heat started to get to us. That day heat peaked at 39 degrees. For our tired bodies, it felt to be much higher. Hydration! We paid attention, and our crew Rajeev, Manisha and Ajay helped us cool off with ice rubs after each loop. What an essential factor it was during those hot noon hours. Manjula had come back that morning, and was keeping Nischal company on the route, ensuring she doubled-over and laughed at her jokes!!! Manjula is known for her pjs as we call ’em, but can’t help laughing every single time. They are intelligent, and highly apt 🙂 It actually helps to have such a pacer when one is struggling to stay focused, and log the miles.

As it got closer to 22 hours, we were neither in a position to go back for a longer loop psychologically not logistically. We wanted to hit the 24 hour mark and that was what the thought was. Santhosh and I decided to run shorter loops at that point of time, to manage our energy, be closer to the aid-station, and hit the time stop as planned. We calculated that, if we kept up the current pace, we could complete 160km n 24 hours. We trotted, walked, and ran at a good stride through the last 1 and half hours as our body’s limited resources influenced every step at that point of time. We came down one last short loop in the last 16 minutes, and it was a beautiful feeling, all tiredness pretty much starting to feel alien. We went out walking, and came back strong, sprinting the home stretch! WOW. We did it!!! What else? What more? Can we ask for anything more? I can’t think of anything at that moment, but I know we are moving on to bigger and tougher things! Now I can always say I have done 24 hours at a stretch when someone asks me although I know I have gone longer during my races! For me, it simply is a confirmation of my own strength, both physically and mentally, and a confirmation of my friends’ faith in me that I will stand by them when it matters.

Santhosh that day crossed a few milestones, set a record for himself with 160kms in 24 hours, and set the bar high for ultra runners. He is a runner, a coach, an educator and a great friend. Come join us for more runs, and the Strides of Hope in particular if you want to run a mile or a 100 with us in January 2011. Check out the event at http://www.stridesofhope.com.

Barriers?

Find me some! Nothing feels undoable, and no fences seem visible. I must have regained my sharp sense of self and determination over the last half decade as nothing feels impossible, no barrier feels logical and practically, everything seems simple. Now don’t say I am weird! Have put it to test, and I am totally sane 🙂

We have had a few busy weekends, and we were ready for another one. It had been pouring in Bangalore for the last few months, but that day was an exception and only the sky was overcast. Manjula and I decided to head out a little early so we won’t be late for the race briefing that Friday evening. As usual, we were the first ones there! A little later one by one, they made their entrance, and after a bit of socializing, briefing was under way by 4.30pm. Riders listened intently while I went over the race rules to prepare to crew the next day.

GR Photofile: Arriving at race brief venue. Pic courtesy organizers.

GR Photofile: The brief! All very attentive 🙂 Photo courtesy organizers.

GR Photofile: Riders, crew and race director. Picture courtesy organizers.

GR Photofile: Vivek and Manjula with Sriram. Picture courtesy organizers.

I was Manjula’s sole crew so we hired two drivers who would take turns to drive. Slow driving on busy highways can be tiresome and we didn’t want to take a chance. We were preparing for a 20 hour haul you see! Little did we know at the time that Manjula will storm through those miles under 13 hours!

We were getting a little anxious as we still had things to pick up for the race. We said our goodbyes and packed up by 6.30pm to go pick up ice, and first-aid. I still needed to cook Manjula’s meals and pack ’em for the next morning. To add to all the time constraints, it was Diwali that day, and I hadn’t yet lit lamps I wanted to in and around the house! Diwali is one festival I like being a part of just for the lights! Dropped Manjula at her house and came home to light the lamps and decorate the outside! It was beautiful night with no rain, and made it easy to see flickering lamps light up the area! What a beautiful sight! Wrapping up the celebration, I got to making Manjula’s meals and packing for the race day, sorting through and remembering where each thing went. By the time I hit the bed it was close to 2am! Alarm went off at 3.30am and it was time to load up and pick up Manjula!

As I loaded up the cycle and bags in to the car, and waited for the driver to arrive, I had a sudden realization that I don’t have the key with me, and that I locked it in the trunk! Panic aside, I decided to not spend time searching for it beyond the usual places such my pockets, inside the car, and around the car as I hadn’t gone anywhere besides load up luggage from the time I pulled the car out of the garage! A mad dash by my loyal team of helpers to Manjula’s house and back to pick up the spare key I have to say, saved the day! Another incident the previous night in combination with morning’s one had me wondering if we weren’t meant to be at the race line!!! My driver fell in to the sump in the garage after parking the car, and hurt himself a little and losing the use of his phone for it was water logged! Again, my loyal helpers at the apartment came to the rescue, giving him their phone so we could communicate, and picking him up in the early hours just so he wasn’t late to take me to the race! What more can I say about someone’s loyalty and generosity? That’s what makes all these adventures so unique. Every one of them is an experience, and very varied!

Picked up Manjula just a few minutes later than planned and made our way to the race venue. As we hit the last few kms to the place, Vivek’s KYNKYNY race jeep pulled right in front of us, and Manjula and I smiled seeing that! The race was on, already 🙂 Vivek and us were the first ones to arrive, and as one by one started to arrive, a charged atmosphere was evident! Crew and volunteers started to pour in as well. It was great to see so many I know and ride with. Though having met the man, Samim, only the previous day and interacted only a little, I knew what was in store for the riders! Have heard about him but had never seen him in action and, a treat was in store! Mechanical checks, breakfast, and chatter all done, it was time to flag off the event by 7am. Manjula had her nerves in check by the time race started, and lined up behind Samim to be flagged off. It was going to be a rolling start as the first 9kms ride was going to be on traffic-heavy roads. Sriram flagged them off, Samim lead them, and all the crew cars followed the official cars.

GR Photofile: Riders, crew, volunteers and organizers. Each on their own mission.

GR Photofile: Intimidation? 🙂 Friendly warfare!

GR Photofile: Manjula and her crew.

GR Photofile: Manjula just before the race.

GR Photofile: Getting a handle on nerves before the race.

GR Photofile: Vivek. More nerves!

GR Photofile: The race

GR Photofile: Samim signaling start of the race.

GR Photofile: A little nervous himself? Every race director should be 🙂

From the moment riders hit the road, they were in good safe hands of Samim the Race Director, who constantly ensured all riders stayed in line, traffic wasn’t upon them, and kept a safe look out for all riders! As a Race Director myself, I knew this was going to be a race to remember and long for more! Samim, Sriram, and the team did a fabulous job with race details, route instructions, and management, and as we saw on the route, time-station support was on the mark. I would have been disappointed if it was otherwise!

GR Photofile: Riding together till Kengeri. Samim keeping the pack together.

GR Photofile: That was just beautiful to see all riders, disciplined and focused.

GR Photofile: Shobhit and Manjula

GR Photofile: Sam riding with Manjula

Manjula suffered through the first 30kms with muscles which were too tight, and mildly cramping. Pain was visible in her expression as she pushed to keep up, and get in to a rhythm. Once we hit Kengeri, and riders were free to pursue the target, Manjula fell behind, and knowing her, I knew it was affecting her. As for in any competition, not being the last one is a major morale booster. We hit the first aid station with her still not feeling completely at ease with the pace, but when I saw her shoot through the aid station without as much as a call for additional water, I knew she was settling in physically and emotionally, and boy was I right! She picked up speed, and started to communicate more with the crew. It was then that Samim pulled up next to her and rode along as his agenda was. It was a beautiful sight! Two power riders cruising along the highway. Sight of riders does something to me! Its that raw power that is on display, which impresses upon me the beauty of the sport!

Samim left to find Shobhit, the young rider from Mumbai, who hadn’t ridden beyond 70kms till that day! He tried on cleats for the first time that previous day during the race briefing, and here he was pedaling away on Mysore highway with a goal of completing 300kms!!! If that is not sheer determination, I can’t imagine sharing another glowing example!

Just before the second time station is when she wanted to eat any solids, and that too, handed to her as she rode! She was on a mission, and she was on a roll! She cruised through the second time station as well, and this time she looked strong. Samim was at the aid station and he rode along to catch up with her again, and after a short while rode ahead to find others. By now she was clocking about 28kms/hour on an average, peaking at 31.57kms/hr on the return.

We found Aman struggling again with his cycle, which seems to need attention quite often. This time it seemed to be his tires! We passed him and Samim, and started the Chamundi climb! She didn’t break a sweat! I was waiting for her to signal us to stop, or catch a breath before she dived headlong in to the climb! After all, she just did 140kms+ non-stop!! Not a word. All she wanted was some food handed to her, and kept pedaling. It certainly was a beautiful day for some serious cycling. Cloudy and not too hot, humid but not too stuffy. This is my first time to Chamundi, and I loved it. This is Samim’s second climb of the day already, and he was making it look as though he was riding flats. I couldn’t help but watch the man ride!!! Some power there, and some grace! Ok, before I break in to a song and dance about it, let me tell you more about the day’s ride 🙂

GR Photofile: Aman, and Samim. Aman's cycle needing attention.

GR Photofile: Shobhit's support. Manjula on the way to Chamundi.

GR Photofile: Samim and Aman.

The third time station was on top of Chamundi, where Sriram waited for us. A quick dash for a sip of water, and off she went again. She is an extremely responsible rider, and yet, I was worrying about her nutrition. It looks as though she hadn’t eaten much, but in reality, she was maintaining an even consumption routine. A banana here, a biscuit there, some protein biscuits now and then, a good dose of water, coconut water, and electrolytes.

GR Photofile: Making her way up Chamundi

GR Photofile: Love that! Samim.

GR Photofile: Half way to the top. Samim

GR Photofile: Almost up to the top. Manjula

GR Photofile: At the third aid-station on top of Chamundi. Shobhit. Samim and Aman.

As we got ready to leave the Chamundi time station, Shobhit, Aman, and Samim reached the top, and I was thinking that there was no sign of Anita. We saw and passed her support car a few times when I would stop to pick up replenishment for Manjula, but haven’t seen it in a while in the recent hours. She is one power rider too, and she has got the whole Cleated Warrior team backing her up 🙂 or rather cheering for her, and Sandeep and Reena crewing for her. Cleated Warriors is one fun team with a whole lot of potential, great show, and passion to ride and accomplish. Wondered if she had a flat or something mechanical.

GR Photofile: On her way back to Bangalore

As we hit the downhill, I was psyched, but I don’t know about my rider. She looked as though she was just getting started. Physically, I know it wasn’t exactly that, but her spirit was just getting in to the groove of things. For any endurance athlete, that is a major factor in winning or losing, or just finishing. Half way down, I saw Anita climbing. It felt good to see her, looking strong on that climb. From pictures shared by her, I know Samim met her on the uphill, and rode with her again all the way to the top! That was the third climb for Samim that day! Unthinkable? Yep!!!!

I am kind of lost for words here. I want to write so much about all the power riders that day. Each of them in their own element, fighting cramps, braving mad traffic, pushing back self-doubt, and a journey surreal. This is the first of its kind endurance cycling event in India, the Bangalore-Chamundi-Bangalore, 300k. Conceptualized by Samim and worked on by Sriram and their team, it is meant to push the barriers of endurance, and prepare riders for more to come. Cycling as a sport has picked up multifold in the last few years, and riders are itching to experiment, reach for higher goals, and push those muscles to more pain. BCB got the perfect launch. It was actually perfect to have the number of riders it did, who were in every sense of it involved in their ride, and the event, and were there for pure passion of the ride, and represented the spirit of the sport. A smashing hit among riders? A resounding yes.

Vivek, Craig, Shreyas, and Dipankar zoomed by us on our way to Chamundi, in the opposite direction, and we were guessing that some of them had already pulled in to the finish zone by the time we hit the first time-station on the way back. Later I will find out that Vivek pushed through cramps for a whole of 160kms! Major madness there is to this man! As per his self confession, he isn’t an endurance rider. He rode that day for sheer pleasure of riding an event Samim was involved in. Dipankar and Craig pulled in second and third, and Shreyas rode to the finish line after them.

GR Photofile: Manjula approaching the last timestation before reaching Bangalore

GR Photofile: Night riding begins on the way back to Bangalore

Reaching the second time station on the return marked the beginning of an end. In her mind, I knew it was time to go all out, and see if she can make it under 12 hours. I fixed the light on her cycle, and signaled for her to go for it. I wasn’t only crewing, but was also her mechanic as well! I simply love to see a good rider have what they deserve, a good machine.

As the day light faded, managing traffic that kept cutting her off got a little rough. We also realized that the light she was using wasn’t doing her any good. We tagged along doing out best to protect her from crazy riders, and drivers, hoping no one will crash her. A few almost did, and my heart would jump in to my throat as I saw the near misses. Mad rush to give her water at red lights, trying to stay with her in the traffic, and losing her on the way due to stalled traffic marked the night ride. We had once lost her that morning losing the sight of her for a minute while a car crossed her, and the knowledge that she left the water with us, with no money and phone, was traumatic enough till we found her again! I wouldn’t want to lose her at night on the rode from Kengeri to finish. Known for people being mugged, and crazy onwards traffic, it was essential to stay with her, and let her now tired senses be subjected to no additional strain. We kept watching the clock, and had been strategising for a under-12 finish. But when we had about 40kms left she already hit the 12 hour mark, and the chase was now to finish under 13 🙂 and boy did she do it. If any of you rode the Kengeri route, you will know that it is the last mile uphill that can get anyone, and this was a good 7 km uphill all the way to the finish line. You can see her power pedaling through that uphill after putting herself through 290kms already in mad traffic. I had been taking pictures of her while sitting on the car door window, and two cops on a motorcycle wanted to know what in the world I was doing! I pointed to Manjula and told them that we were in the middle of a race, and supporting her was what I was doing. They rode right next to her, looked at her, and fell back to tell me ‘cool, maadi, maadi 🙂 ‘. That was cool 🙂

GR Photofile: After the turn at Kengeri, and on the home stretch.

Samim had been following everyone’s progress, and when I updated him on Manjula’s progress he said that Anita and Shobhit were on their way, and that Shobhit was riding like a man possessed. How apt! That was exactly what I was thinking about Manjula. She was riding like a woman possessed. As the uphills seemed never ending, she started to ask the dreaded question, how many more miles to go. Right around the bend, we kept telling her. Can’t break that pace right now, and can’t have her wobbling on that cycle on the uphills. Sure as the sunrise, she pulled in to the finish line smiling, and mighty proud 🙂 Look at that smile, and what a hug I got from her! We could not believe what she just pulled off! A downtime of barely 25 minutes or so through the entire ride! Unbelievable!!! But then again, that is what endurance sport is all about. Digging deep for strength, which seems non-existent, pushing for power that only comes from sheer grit, and fighting a mind, which is fighting back.

GR Photofile: All done!

GR Photofile: The team!!!

She rolled through the finish line in 12 hours 48 minutes, and powered through the last 40kms in under 85 minutes. She just proved that endurance sports aren’t dangerous, nor are they foolish. One chooses to do it if they are ready for it. There is always the stray someone who will push that limit despite not being ready, but that doesn’t represent the general endurance athlete who prepares for it physically and emotionally. One doesn’t wake up and walk to a 100-mile start line. Lets cheer all the endurance athletes who are breaking through all barriers, and limitations to make India a proud venue for endurance sports in the months and years to come. There are so many events lined up in the next couple of months that for cycling and running in the ultra endurance category, it makes me proud to be part of it all in any which way, whether I am organizing, participating, volunteering and/or crewing. Its the complete experience that makes the sport so endearing.

Three cheers to all the organizers of BCB, Samim and Sriram for conceptualizing, visualizing and implementing, and for Samim for having ridden 350kms plus that day ensuring safety and comfort of riders. My friend Manjula who gave me the opportunity to crew for her. Every endurance athlete goes through a lot of contemplation before asking someone to crew for them. Trust, dependency, and patience is what they look for, and one too many athletes have had their races come to end just because of bad crew. Lets acknowledge all the crew members and volunteers at BCB, who worked hard to ensure this was a safe, fun, and competitive race. If you missed it, you will find the next announcement here when the organizers are ready with the next event. You can also check with Samim about their next plans. You will find him on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=259887&id=543684680&comments&ref=notif&notif_t=photo_album_comment#!/profile.php?id=744658110.

We just might go back to our old tag line of Run, Ride, Endure 🙂 We just love it all. Congratulations Manjula on a challenge well met and a win well deserved.

Spinning the Wheels: Chennai Ride, launching BSA Tour of Tamil Nadu

I quite feel like I have wheels on my feet these days! Seriously. How else can one explain a life that is in motion constantly? We just finished ASHA 8K run, organized by my fellow runner and friend Santhosh, and we set off to Chennai to participate in a BSA Tour of TamilNadu launch ride organized by another friend, Suresh. Manjula and I reached Chennai at about 8pm, and decided to explore a bit of the place where we were staying and set out on foot. We had seen an authentic Saravana restaurant on the way in, and with hungry stomachs, and temptation of good food at hand, we weaved our way to the place through traffic filled roads. It rained heavily on the drive-in but nothing can change Chennai’s humid weather! It was pleasant though that evening to walk the rain soaked roads. Saravana restaurants aren’t famous for no good reason. Its authentic vegetarian food appeal goes a long way, and a wait of atleast 15 minutes to be seated is the norm. Once we got seated though we were ready to devour whatever was placed in front of us. Alas my appetite had taken a beating over the last few days, and all I could eat were mini idlis and a cup of milk! Manjula though enjoyed her meal, and we hung out chatting for a little bit until we realized our table was needed! Such is the demand for that place 🙂

Suresh having been tied up with the ride logistics was unable to meet us

early that evening, and we decided to call it a night so we could be out and on our way early in the morning. We had unloaded our cycles and stored them in the guesthouse office just so no one dreamed of walking away with them! Temptation, you know!

GR Photofile: Breakfast before the ride

Having been talking to Suresh about the event, I knew it would be spectacular and. it was! The group of cyclists included those we knew earlier, either via facebook (I have come to like fb quite a bit these days for having reconnected with a lot of my friends, and having met some very nice runners, and cyclists!) or personally. Others we got to know very quickly, introduced by Suresh, and cycle speak doing the rest!! BSA official, General Manager N.Shankar and AC Mohandas, IAS of TN tourism. S. Ramaswamy, CFO, Star Health and Insurance, Stewardson Raghavan, COO of EMRI, 108 Ambulance support were there to flag us off, and say a few words about the event and their association with it. Its great to see such support to events in India as they are just beginning to take off, and interest has increased multifold in the recent few years.

GR Photofile: Sponsors meeting the riders, and representing their organizations.

GR Photofile: BIkes at the ride.

GR Photofile: Before the ride at the Island Park.

GR Photofile: Chennai riders.

GR Photofile: On the highway

GR Phtofile: On Chennai roads.

We set off at 8.10am to cover a distance of 85kms from Island Grounds to Vedanthangal bird sanctuary. Riding through the city is a very different experience in general, and getting to see Chennai on wheels was a totally memorable experience. We weaved through traffic or should I say heaved through? 🙂 It was fun but at times a little scary with buses and trucks whizzing by at high speeds, and not bothered to look left or right! Once we got out of the city and to wider roads, it was all the most enjoyable, and Manjula and I found ourselves quite ahead of the pack, and were joined by a few riders, Bharani, and Gokul. Anuradha took off after about half an hour as she had a concert that night. She is a wonderful playback singer, having sung one of my favorites from Taal – ‘Ishq bina kya’! What an eclectic bunch of riders the group had! Totally welcoming of us, and loving every minute of the ride. There was an experience to be had there, and Manjula and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Weather too held up without run until 10am when it got hot and showed us Chennai might 🙂

GR Photofile: Pit stop

GR Photofile: Pit stop

It was interesting that I couldn’t find bottled water at any of the road-side stores! With sun beating down on us and aid stop a little ways, I tried getting some water and was out of luck. Suresh, the efficient guy that he is, showed up just in time in his support vehicle, and replenished our water resources. We rode along Ryan for a while and powered on to find ourselves in the lead pack again. This time Bharani kept us company all the way till we reached the sanctuary turn off. There we found one of the riders struggling through cramps, and stopped to look in to it, and then took him along to complete the last 6 kms at a slow pace. It took us 3 hours 35 minutes to complete the ride.What awaited us was a feast, sponsored by Ananda Bhavan. A vegetarian fair of rice, roti, curries, and yogurt was yummilicious to stay the least!

GR Photofile: Suresh saved us with water, and Ryan road with us later!

GR Photofile: Vibhav, the youngest rider with Suresh.

GR Photofile: Everyone devouring food 🙂

We were seriously tempted to stay and ride the ECR the next morning. Suresh lured us with promises of splendid dinners and personal tour of Chennai or wherever we wanted to go. But, our commitments back in Bangalore had us loading up our cycles, and heading back post lunch. We couldn’t say enough goodbyes as we were so taken by the crowd, and were smitten by their affection and care! We are certain we will go back to ride with them at the earliest chance we get, and look forward to them coming to ride with us in Bangalore. Srinath Rajam, and Neville were to come for Bulldog Sportz’s Bangalore – Chamundi – Bangalore ride, scheduled for November 5th, but said they might not be able to make it. It would be great to see them compete.

GR Photofile: The group after the ride, and lunch. Needed the food to revive on that hot day!

Sundar Rajan, 62, rode a full 170km and was the senior most rider, while Vaibhav, 12, was the youngest rider to complete 85kms. Venkataraman Venkatadri, Vaibhav’s father rode with him, making it a father-son duo, and an awesome image to take away from the ride. Vasanth Ramaswamy who is also the leader of TOT is a co-founder of TamilNadu Cycling club along with Sundar and Suresh Kumar.

There was Kenny from the Times, who suffered a minor fall but was a sport and tagged along in the support vehicle to see everyone finish. Besides that the event was off to a great start and completed successfully.

Gayatre Rajam, an athlete herself, completed 85 kms, and Vidya Singh, not having ever ridden a gear cycle earlier, completed 59 kms. Indira, an active rider, who also is a classical dancer, completed the full 85kms and rode strong.

GR Photofile: Anu, Kavitha, Manjula and Indira at the begining of the ride.

GR Photofile: Vidya Singh at the registration

GR Photofile: Suresh with riders.

GR Photofile: Chennai cheerful riders 🙂

GR Photofile: What an awesome bunch of riders!!

Since we had to head back to Bangalore we could not make it to the tour of bird sanctuary but the rest of the group enjoyed a guided tour that afternoon.

GR Photofile: Riders in the bird sanctuary. Picture courtesy Suresh.

GR Photofile: Riders at the bird sanctuary after the ride. Photo courtesy Suresh.

It was a ride we decided to go to on Suresh’s insistence and for the love of riding, and that weekend is etched somewhere deep down in the recesses of my memory for its fun factor, energy, and the adrenalin rush. Two days of power packed activity made the weekend a perfect one. Here are the details of the tour we launched that day: http://www.facebook.com/simmsimm#!/event.php?eid=127706670583267. Tamil Nadu is known for its temples, rich history and beautiful coastline. Check it out and be part of the tour that drives home the message of a cleaner, greener environment.

ASHA 8K – Yearly run and more.

Event: October 30, 2010.

Last year’s ASHA was so much fun. We rode to the school on Sarjapur road, spent the morning with kids and adults running the 8k, manning the route on our cycle, and at times on foot when we lost our cycle to one of the kids who wanted to test out ‘aunty’s gear cycle’ :).  I was part of another ASHA run earlier held at Valley school, the one which I ran instead of volunteering. After this one though, I swore to myself that I will not miss volunteering at any of the runs.

Year later, and my crazy schedules permitting, I got to experience a weekend of runs, and rides that will be etched in my memory. ASHA run was held at Ananya, a school were Santhosh volunteers. Once  you step in to the school, no one can miss serenity and beauty of the place, set in a small compound. Maintained and kept clean by resident student themselves, it serves to teach them basic cleanliness, and routine of a daily life. What one couldn’t miss on this day though are the log huts that were all decked up to attract ‘customers’. Yes, customers 🙂 Santhosh and other resident staff got together and created projects which were owned by different sets of students to create, package and sell items such as diyas, friendship band, and terracota jewerly. I, personally, couldn’t contain my joy at seeing all those well made, tastefully packed, and professionally sold products. I bought all my Diwali gifts, and some for my home. I intend to recycle those empty diyas next year. They are that good!

GR Photofile: Ananya students' co-ops

GR Photofile: Stores set up by Ananya kids

GR Photofile: Stores set up by Ananya kids

This project was meant to teach kids simple crafts, business skills, maths and management. They are natural, one could see, and felt as though they have been doing this forever! Three cheers to all those who thought of the projects, encouraged and got kids involved, and spent all that time and energy to help kids expand their horizon.

GR Photofile: Stores set up by Ananya kids

Runners gearing up for the run.

GR Photofile: Flying high

Kids were allowed to pick their duties and contribute as best as they can to create team work and teach a sense of responsibility.

GR Photfile: Kids from other schools and organizations registering to run, and Ananya kids doing their duties.

GR Photofile: Ananya kids are taught discipline and to care for themselves, which you can see here.

GR Photofile: Place to find hot idlis and sambar, with chai.

GR Photofile: Keeping the environment clean!

There were runners from all walks of life, spastic society kids donning smart yellow tees, barefoot runners both kids and adults, ladies clad in sarees, which neither dampened their spirit nor their love of running, kids hopping playfully and spreading laughter and joy, Ananya kids manning the route to ensure no one got lost, Ananya kids again manning the water station and doing a beautiful job of it making sure no one went thirsty, hot hot idlis and sambar waiting for runners as they made it back to Ananya,

GR Photofile: Saree not a deterrent!

GR Photofile: Barefoot running. Its all in the stride 🙂

GR Photofile: Shoes or not!

GR Photofile: Aidstation manned by Ananya kids.

GR Photofile: A little tired 🙂

If this doesn’t make your weekend a happy one, can’t say what else can 🙂 I was so full of energy post all of it, I was restless while driving to Chennai that afternoon 🙂 Glad there was a ride to be part of the next morning, and spend that energy, or did I? There was more energy there than I could absorb !!!

GR Photofile: High energy kids

GR Photofile: Its all about running!

If you ever want to experience something as beautiful as this, below is information which will help you find next ASHA runs.

If you want to know the program Santhosh is involved in please go to: http://www.ashanet.org/bangalore/teamasha8k/index.html, and if there is any area, which interests you and you would like to be involved in, please write to Santhosh at santhosh.padmanabhan@gmail.com. He will put your volunteering hours and resources to good use. There is much more to ASHA activities than the 8k run I am writing about here.

First steps – 100milers

We did it! India’s 100mile races got off to a great start with many runners setting personal and course records! What a weekend it was. 16 male and 3 female runners blazed the trail as though yet to cool off winter’s heat wasn’t hot enough 🙂 After contemplating for months, we at Globeracers launched the first in a series of 100mile races to be held across the country. It was the perfect setting for those who wanted to test their limits. A trail that needed focus, heat that seared, and humidity that drained – a perfect setting for a tough race. 100-mile runners set off at 5am and soon the 50-mile and 30-mile runners followed. By 6.30am temperatures started to rise touching 37C with peak temps setting in by 1pm. 5 lakes, though beautiful, only added to the humidity topping 65%.

GR Photofile: 100-mile racers Arun and Roger waiting for the clock 🙂

GR Photofile: 30 and 50-mile runners waiting for their start.

GR Photofile: Roger accompanying Arun on his last lap

Roger, who puts on Annapurna race in Nepal, set out to run 100-miles, while Arun set a pace for himself for the coming 200km run in Calcutta. Every passing hour brought on more heat, and more suffering to the runners. To add to the misery, there were shallow gorges to cross, rocky paths to watch out for, and thorny bushes leaving their mark! We didn’t intend to make this run an easy one, setting the stage for a tough 100-mile series in 2011 starting with Golconda 100 in March 2011 in the city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh with road/trail in mildly hot weather, Western Ghats 100 in June 2011 near the city of Bangalore, Karnataka with mountain trails in rainy weather, and Bhati 100 – II in Delhi in October 2011 in the end summer season weather rounding off with a 24-hour road race in Mumbai in December 2011. That is one packed 2011, in addition to our Multi-day races in Thar desert and the Himalayas 🙂

Pre-race get together had some runners showing up directly from airport, those who thought couldn’t make it show up, and some just before everyone left, but we were glad they could make it and get to know each other a little. Volunteers were there too taking in the energy and gearing up for the big morning. Sadly though some of the volunteers weren’t there with us at the race when Parvinder Singh, Andrew, and one of the runners, Manjula Sridhar stepped in and made the day!

Through the day we had Manjula like a true champion that she is, drop out to volunteer, Ravi almost give up and go back to finish 30-miles, Santhosh wavering after 60kms and deciding to push for a strong finish after a string of DNFs, Roger deciding to finish 50miles rather than a 100, Corinna, Dickie, Prem, Anand, Darvesh, Snorre, Ken, Asha, Tejpal, and Chinar finishing their first Ultra, Asha going beyond a 50km distance, Rahul being the first victim of the heat and needing to drop out due to cramps, and Arun settling in to a steady pace for a strong 100-mile finish. Amit and Dinesh dropped out after the first 20kms and called it a day, the only runners who didn’t finish, officially.

As the runners were weighed after every 20kms, a first for many of them, each of them experienced a different process of sorts, and were seen discussing their weight loss/gain and analyzing their runs, food habits, and their nutrition and water intake during the run. It looked as though they all learned something about their own run habits! Although many seemed to think their timing wasn’t good enough, it was a matter of mind over body that day when every runner who finished, finished strong, and left the field elated, and vindicated. All that training, and confidence were perfectly put to use.

Suraj Kund cops did their mandatory rounds to ensure all the runners were safe, and there weren’t any mishaps on the route, while runners struggled through heat and waning determination. They were supportive throughout and ensured we felt welcome and protected when a couple of mining inspectors showed up to check whether or not we were camping there to steal precious resources with coolers of water, and tents!

Suraj Kund management was extremely accommodating in allowing us to run through their development and camp on their premises. AllSports, Fitz Coke, Fortis, Suunto, RedBull, all were generous in their support and sponsorship. Archit of Real Adventures, our logistics partner survived 40 sleepless hours without a gripe!

Our volunteer interns came in the form of Delhi College students, who wanted to understand what the races are all about and how they worked. We enjoyed having them with us and seeing their perspective and take on things. Quite refreshing. Seen here is Prashant.

GR Photofile: Prashanth, one of our student volunteers.

GR Photofile: Santhosh receiving his certificate and medal. A much needed finish.

GR Photofile: Darvesh on the trail. Picture courtesy Manjula

GR Photofile: Vikram on the trail. Picture courtesy Manjula.

Beer at the finish line made it all worth it, especially for Prem, who told us that he would be expecting a pint to make all the punishment worthwhile. We are glad to have a set of runners who understand the sport, live for a challenge, and excel. Roger completed 50-miles with ease, and we felt that he gave up after enduring the toughest part of the race, running 50 miles at the hottest hour of the day, and giving up as it cooled down. He says he will come back to finish. We look forward to it. Asha walked her last few miles and finished as the night fell while Arun kept up his steady pace. As we settled in to the night, Arun was the sole runner on the route, logging miles after miles. As dawn broke, Roger came back to see Arun finish, and ran the last lap with him, which Arun sprinted! Some power he had left in those legs!

GR Photofile: Runners chilling post race.

Arun was the only one to finish 100miles, Santhosh finished first in Men’s category, 50miles, Asha was the only woman in the 50-mile category and finished strong, while Snorre finished first in Men’s category, 30-miles, and Corinna stood first in Women’s category, 30-miles.

GR Photofile: Runners still looking good after the race.

What more can a race director ask for? Runners who are happy, a race that concludes without any major incident, and smiles at the finish line. We, at Globeracers, are very much looking forward to a strong 2011 racing season. Ultras in India are here to stay! Come race with us and, yes, consider it a run on your vacation in India 🙂 That’s the way of a Globeracer!

Riding in India – Tour of Nilgiris

A tour I will be part of this year in December, one of the best tours around. A little in the news, talking to Asha Chowdary of DNA. You can read about it here: http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_riding-a-pedal-powered-wave-women-cyclists-hit-the-road-to-fitness_1458003.

 

Post about the our recent 100-mile race is overdue. Coming up 🙂

As the speeding clock feels no gravity

Ticking hands slow down, and time seems to be on a slow motion, reminding of the numerous times I wished I could freeze the moment or slow it down to a stop! Today though as I sit here clocking (pun intended 🙂 ) hours in the run up (again pun intended 🙂 ) to the race, I wish I can move those ticking hands faster so I can see the race unfold on a warm winter morning. Yes, winter in northern parts of India is pretty extreme to say the least, and takes a little longer for the chill to creep in! I so long to see runners eat up the trail, blaze through miles, and bound home, victorious. It is the first 100-mile race in India after all, and the fact that we have a solid group of runners who will go neck to neck on D-day, which is October 16, 2010, makes me all the more eager. If we have Arun Bharadwaj, and Roger Henke vying to make history by being the first winner of the series, we have 3 women who will be looking to set their own personal and course records.

GR Photfile: Arun and Vikram, two awesome runners.

Santhosh Padmanabhan, an experienced ultra runner, will be looking to break his personal records, and train for another upcoming 24 hour run, which will be his yearly fund-raising run!(check out his cause http://www.ashanet.org/). There will be Dickie Saluja, Prem, Darvesh Taneja, Manjula, Asha, Vikram Snorres, Corinna, Ken, Ravi, Dinesh, Rahu, and the list goes on, giving it their best, to set or break PRs.

GR Photofile: One of the shallow gorges on the route.

It will be mildly hot, humid and highly challenging to stay on the course for over 20 hours. I close my eyes, and I can see them all whiz by me. I can’t wait for  for one flag to be raised, as a mark of respect for the country that gives, and one flag to come down, to set off the runners.

GR Photofile: These lakes can mesmerize anyone 🙂 There are five in all.

Beautiful lakes await them, giving tired senses a lift every single time. I wish them the best, and proudly welcome them to Globeracers’ family.

A Globeracer’s Mountain life

I can’t say I am much of racer. I like it easy, slow and steady! I can burn as much as needed, days on end. Give me 5, give me 10 or give me 25 of arduous miles after miles, and I’ll make it to the last mile! This is what I have realized finally after my last trip to the mountains this past week. My legs weren’t tired, my body didn’t complain, this despite a bad knee and back, my soul kept wanting more, except for hunger pangs from lack of good nutritious food over a few days.

GR Photofile: Second day of trek, resting while porters entertain with flute!!

I have been to the Himalayas before and seen them up close and ran them too. This journey though is a journey with a capital J! It changed me in ways I can’t begin to explain, let alone share. I am known to be temperamental at times, unable to share what exactly goes through my mind, and making a mess of things in the process! People only see me in a good mood most of the times as that is the only emotion I seem to be able to share, tucking away my sadness in the recesses of mind. Hard to believe that I am affected by things when such is the case! I am, though, deeply affected by behavior of those who in all likeliness care little about effects of their actions. Repetitive actions tend to brutalize one’s relationship with someone whose impunity only adds to one’s misery!

Life gives you an opportunity to reflect on every single parameter and priority, and places emphasis on your intentions for life when you go deeper in to the mountains! When you step out of the sleeping bag in the middle of the night, a delicate night with an almost full moon shining on two little tents, silently witnessing your journey, you feel a shift taking place, body and soul. I don’t mean to say the change is profound in an instant. By any fair measure, you are there because you have experienced a shift over a period of time in your thinking, longing and desire. You dream of mountains one day or not, it starts creeping in to your system at a very subconscious level. Being there physically throws in a different kind of shift, which is a bit more real, and tangible.

GR Photofile: A beautiful view of the mountains at the begining of the trek. What a view to start off the trek with!

This trip to the mountains though changed something very tangible in me. I am alone in my mind, and that I cannot change. How I associate with my friends, family, and significant other can, though, be a very fulfilling relation. They are like the silent spectators to my journey in life, as are the mountains to my journey in the wilderness, enticing with their beauty, strength, depth, and clarity. A few rough cliffs threaten my balance,  forcing me to watch my every step, teaching me patience. How can I ignore that? Why do I suffer alone? I have the mountains to goad me on to overcome my weaknesses, and if only I can see my friends, family and significant other standing by me like the mountains that they are – strong, silent, beautiful and with unimaginable depth, I can oh so very easily overcome my sadness! They are my strength, virtually and in reality. Rough ridges are there to teach me patience, and tread carefully!

This trip has had a profound effect on me. Someone close to my heart told me that I have a smile on my face even when I am jacked. I thank him for that. I haven’t realized the extent of my patience till then. It can be almost to the point of self-destruction. It should never be to the point of slipping on that jagged edge is my only thought now. I love the jagged edges, over hanging cliffs, and narrow paths, which ultimately all lead to higher ground. Time to make a difference, in lives of those who have looked up to me, and are there waiting and wanting. A new day, a new path and a new desire, all rolled in to one! How exciting!!!

GR Photofile: One of the wide valleys we came across.

When you turn back because you can’t cross a river, emotions can turn on you, having you long for family, familiarity and comfort. It is that very moment though, which can teach you to look within, strengthening the bond with yourself, in a very familiar sort of way. Symbolically speaking, life is very much the same, when perseverance and resolve are needed in mighty amounts to see us through days of utter defeat! I dream of being in the mountains and that comforts me, till I am in their depths again.

Its been a long journey to the road I am on right now. I love the place I am in and glad to share the journey with a few. If you wish to come along remember to shed the baggage 🙂 Mountains are unforgiving.

To conclude this here, I must admit that racing is in my blood except that I have made peace with it and moved on to adventures. Globeracers is my way of putting on quality races while I learn from my adventures and give back to those who give me so much love, support and endorse my every move! Got to give it to them for having so much faith in me 🙂

Till the next adventure/race, come be part of our Globeracer community by signing up for a race(www.globeracers.com), by volunteering or simply sending us a message of love 🙂

Death Race 2010 – Run or be bust is what one of the racer says!!

Bragging rights is what it is all about! With 17000ft of cumulative elevation change, 4 summits, and dangerous rock edges, it is one heck of a race where only 149 of 418 solo runners get to brag about finishing under 24 hours this year.

Just being there allows one to appreciate the pain a runner suffers through, and the grit they show when a 16000ft elevation change is ready to defeat them. It certainly is an honor when one of those runners asks you to crew for them. It means they put their trust in you, believe that you will support and worry for them, prod them along when the next mile seems like a hundred, and comfort them if they face the demoralizing DNF.  My runner, yes, you do feel a kinship pre and post the race, Mike Ryan, has been looking forward to take on the trails since December 2009, when I first met him at one of my races. He didn’t finish the DeathRace last year, and was using every race he entered after the 2009 DNF (Did Not Finish) as training ground. He started 2010 with some races back to back, and some very dizzying races, running in circles of 1560 meters for an entire 12 hours Ok, so he might have picked some crazy races, but his goal has been to finish and hang in there till the buzzer went off! Having entered the 2010 Death Race, he now had only one choice. Do or Die! Since death was not an option, or was it, he encouraged his fellow Thar Race participant Torsten Meir to enter the Death Race as well, challenging him to a duel!

Fast forward and many months later, with my trip home coming up, during a chat, Mike asked me to crew for him, and I jumped headlong in to it. What better than to crew to support one of your favorite runners? Mike has impressed me during his Thar race with his character, compassion, and self-assured nature. I couldn’t think of a anyone else who will appreciate my contribution to the miles he will cover. I have crewed in a 24-hour run and a 48-hour run before, and was sure I could do it. Was I in for a surprise? Out in the remote town of Grand Cache in Alberta, people lived and breathed the race for 5 full days. Every store, every hotel and every convenience store participated in full force in race activities offering extended store timings, race specific goodies, and displaying their support through banners, posters, and yes, a painting such as the one below!

GR Photofile: A beat DeathRacer: I took a picture of this painting hung in the town's grocery store!!!

GR Photofile: A DeathRacer in the making 🙂 I loved this, and got permission to take this picture!

GR Photofile: Cheers all over the place

GR Photofile: Cowbells, bear bells and all you can think of made it to the cheering lines 🙂

GR Photofile: A few signs that told the story!

We lived camp style, and despite preparing for cold weather and piling on many layers of clothing, I felt ridiculously cold as Sun played hide-and-seek behind clouds. Temps fell to a low of 4 degrees during some nights, and the chill messed with my bones uncomfortably, depriving me of sleep. As I lay there pulling my legs to my chin, trying to stay warm, I wondered how the runners slept. They woke up a few times in the middle of the night, and later I would learn that they couldn’t get warm fast enough to get a good night’s sleep.

GR Photofile: Camping in Grande Cache

We took in the sights the day before the race, and hung out at the beach. I hoped that the day’s relaxed mood prepped them enough for the brutal 24 hours ahead.

GR Photofile: Words of wisdom for the DeathRacers 🙂

GR Photofile: Hanging out (literally 🙂 ) on the beach

It was time anyways, and by 7.30am, we set out to the start line where about 418 solo runners lined up aside relay teams to challenge their fitness, both physical and psychological. I caught Mike in a contemplative mood throughout the day as can be seen below, and Torsten was in his usual casual mood. We cheered, clicked a few customary pre race pictures, slapped backs, and stepped aside so runners can get in to their zone. Surely there seems to be a zone they get in to as legs start to stretch out and eat up miles.

GR Photofile: Mike in a contemplative mood, and Torsten all smiles at the start line.

GR Photofile: DeathRacers and the crew team.

Race director done with his mandatory last minute speech and Canadian National Anthem, flagged off runners as clock went past scheduled 8am start time. We watched our runners Mike, Torsten and Denis shoot through the start line, stepped out of the crowd to grab a cup of coffee to wake us up, and to prepare to meet our runners at the first aid-station. There was food to be sorted and kept ready, energy drinks to mix, and pep talk to be handed out! If you have experienced the high voltage levels at an aid station, you probably feel the energy coming through right now! Mix of high energy and a sense of calm among the crew members is a devilish mix, and makes one want to lace up and head out on the trail and be one among the runners!

GR Photofile: Start line crowd. Seen here is Torsten

While we waited for our runners at the first aid-station, we cheered every time a runner went by! I could hardly believe that the first runner who came around the bend hardly took an hour plus to cover the first 19kms. Race Director likened them to stupid runners in his race briefing. Sure he wasn’t one as he looked strong, and steady. Denis reached us first, and then came Torsten, followed by Mike. With this being their first aid-station stop, they neither hurried not relaxed, taking only as much as they needed in energy replenishment, and water. Mike only needed a ¾ bottle refill, and that I made a mental note of. He wasn’t drinking enough. Three quarters of 200ml water consumption for a 19kilometer distance when Sun started to beat down and a full 24 hours of running ahead, is a sure shot way to dehydrate. Told him so gently. He nodded and set off. We packed up and moved out of the first aid-station. Estimating each of our runners’ arrival time at the next aid-station, we gave ourselves time to refresh and stock up on a few essentials needed by our runners.

GR Photofile: Can anyone guess his age? He was our neighbor at the camp site, and he went through every aid-station looking strong. I had a chat with him after the race. I am quite impressed.

GR Photofile: Denis at the second aid-station

Again, Denis flew by looking cheerful, Torsten made his way like clock-work falling behind Denis a little more than the first aid-station, and Mike gave me a full field to cheer for. As I was checking in with the medical team (this being the second toughest legs of the race) for any medical pick-ups, I saw him on the horizon, making his way slow and steady. Announcer got his name wrong, calling him Mitchel Ryan, hilariously said that Mike has two last names Hmm…he must be delirious under the conditions not to realize he just made a mistake! Mike despite the loud cheers and his own nerves heard it and pointed it out! While chugging down fruit, energy bars, and a partial sandwich, he said he felt good, and was ahead of his schedule by 30 minutes. Sounded good to me.  Tanking up on a full reservoir of Gatorade, he set out to conquer the third, and an easier leg.  We set up camp at the third aid-station, and I headed out to meet runners on the course, taking pictures and cheering them, while I waited for our runners to show up. While one of the runners cramped up right in front of me and I helped him stretch, I almost missed Denis’ arrival. He said hello and whizzed past me, and there was nothing I could do but shout after him giving him the location of our crew ‘the last tent on the track’. Hope he heard me I thought to myself.

Torstein seems to have slowed down considerably by then, falling behind Denis by a good 30 minutes. As I approached him on the track, his first question was: “Are you carrying water? I have been out for the last 6km.” That is the last thing you want to hear from your runner. Running out of water at any given point in an endurance run isn’t a pleasant thought while you have already been slugging it out for over 60kilometers with heat showing no mercy. Clouds disappeared after the first hour into the race and it was now starting to punish runners. All I could tell Torstein was that I was going to run ahead and have his drink ready. Updated Dana of the situation, waited for him to show up for his time-check and lead him up to our crew. Knowing Mike wouldn’t be too far behind, I grabbed a bottle of water and made my way up the course just in case he had run out of water as well.

GR Photofile: Torsten coming in to the third aid-station. At this point he was out of water for 6km!! You may hear about his dissatisfaction about it later, but he always gives you that smile 🙂

As I waited for him on the trail, an older gentleman who was crewing for his son joined me! If that is not impressive, he is a dog sled racer with a few wins of his own. He brooded that running wasn’t quite like the dog-sled race where strategy was employed for every win! He told me stories about his and his son’s experience at the races, and kept me quite cheerful as I started to worry about this leg’s cut-off time and Mike’s impending show at the aid-station. With only 30 minutes to spare to the cut-off time, Mike sauntered up the trail in a steady gait. He ran out of water too, and the Gatorade he stocked up on at the earlier aid-station was messing with his stomach, and he needed something to ease it off. Pept-aid to the rescue. He chugged it down, while we emptied his reservoir, and filled it with plain water. He ate a partial sandwich, a few chips for salt replenishment, and nuts. He was starting to feel it, and rested for a minute longer than he did at previous aid-station. I wasn’t sure if he needed anything more than the usual ‘you better get on with it, and finish this race’ J But he seemed contained and was chatting up other crew-members. Hang back I thought, till he shows signs of fatigue but still said that I wasn’t going to show up to crew for him if he didn’t finish! Hope he got that, I thought to myself as he set out on his 4^th leg, with brutal 3400mt elevation gain in 37 km.

GR Photofile: Mike coming in to the third aid-station. His stomach was in turmoil due to all the Gatorade he chugged down in this leg!

The next aid-station though wasn’t for us to worry about. We couldn’t get to the station, and drop bag was supposed to do the trick. I was hoping he will find it, with over 500-600 bags piled up in few tiny square feet As it goes, I was to later find out that it was tough finding the drop bag, causing a bit of frustration and time loss. Sun was setting fast and the runners needed their night gear with them by then. Mike’s pack got too heavy and I had to take out an additional water bottle, fearing that he was going to strain under all that weight of water, night gear, cold gear, and nutrition!  With all of our three runners on their 4^th leg now, we waited for Ryan, our neighbor at the campsite to show up before the cut-off time. Sadly, he didn’t.  As he made his entry at the time-check he was in great spirits, wiping out his wife’s worry that he might be disappointed that he wasn’t going to be allowed to carry on to the next leg. He didn’t want to quit before completing the leg despite wanting to, somewhere on the trail. Since he figured out that he wasn’t going to make it to the next leg, he said he took his time to finish this. To me, that reflected true character of a runner. He is a winner in my view. Angella breathed a sigh of relief seeing her husband in high spirits, and thanked us for waiting with her. Feeling the chill seep in to our bones, we made our way to town to grab a hot beverage before heading to the next aid-station, where each of them will come in looking more ragged than before. It was also the last aid-station before finish and, making this cut-of time was critical.

Denis again came in much ahead of Torsten, increasing his lead by a good one hour. It already was over 15 hours in to the race. He still looked good, and I was starting to wonder how he and Mike approached this run so very differently.  Denis and Mike are brothers. Mike was struggling to make it, and Denis was flying by each aid-station. Torsten came in; with stories to tell about this leg and emergency the drop bag station and, preparing to go for the final push. He was well within the cut-off time by a good 4 hours. He noted that Mike might not make it considering he was slowing down through each leg. My first reaction was to tell him to go to hell. As crew, we hope and want our runners, all of them, to slug it out to the last minuscule ounce of energy. But then again, he could be right, and my work now is cut out for me, if Mike makes it through this leg, and makes the cut-off time.

GR Photofile: Other runners' crew members waiting on for them patiently on a cold night. Many will fail to make the cut-off time here.

GR Photofile: Dogs too are part of a DeathRacer family! Sweet.

Dana and Luke set out to wait for Torsten at the finish line, and I huddled around a generator to help warm my freezing toes and back. My back started to punish me by then as I huddled against myself to retain body warmth. As time went by, I forgot about my pains and worried for Mike. 2.30am went by and as 3am rolled in, Mike came up from behind, looking for me. I was quite surprised! Here I was in the middle of a dark night looking for bobbing headlamps, and as each one came closer and passed by me, I looked hard to see if it was Mike. How could he have made it past me, I was thinking. I asked him the same, and he said he came in a vehicle. Oh o, I thought, but let it stay in the depths of my mind. “What happened?”, I asked him. After the Amber loop, one of the toughest legs of the race, he said, he couldn’t move fast enough, and felt sick. Sweep vehicle had kept its headlights on him, and he knew it was time to let the mountains win again. We walked to where our bags lay for his warm clothes, and found someone’s night lamp and huddled around it to stay warm. Our pick-up hadn’t shown by then, and we had no way of contacting them other than cell phones, which we doubted would be answered at that time! I didn’t have the heart to take pictures of him looking beat, and tired.

The next one-hour would have to be misery for Mike, I assume. His reactions were nothing short of self-pity. He said after the third leg, when he gulped down the Pept-aid to assist his irritated stomach, he barely made it a few steps up the 4^th leg before his stomach bailed out on him and threw out the contents! He threw up a few more times along the way, feeling utterly dehydrated, and nauseous. As much as he kept up his spirits and body in check, he slowed down considerably during the Amber loop section only to find himself totally alone in the woods, and with no hope of making the leg’s cut-off time. He boarded the sweep vehicle and made it back and snuck up on me as I waited to see him among the bobbing lights coming off the trail.  It was a cold night, and the lady at the aid-station understood instantly when I asked her for some hot water for Mike! She must have been doing this for a while, as seems the whole town.

Ambulance waiting for runners at the aid-station came to our rescue with our pick-up still nowhere in sight. As last of runners were cleared off the trail, ambulance was free to head back to town, and we got them to drop us back at the Rec center for Mike to wash up and wait for our other runners to finish. Denis had come through by then, and we waited for Torsten. He sprinted through finish line and he would tell me later that he never pushed anywhere on the course, so he wouldn’t put himself in a position where he didn’t have enough left in him to finish fairly strong. 125 kms, 17000ft elevation change, and 4 summits and 149 runners would make it under the 24-hour cut off time! What a race. Here are the top finishers among men and women with some crazy times!!!!

Hal Koerner : 12:45:38
Ellie Greenwood : 13:28:39

GR Photofile: DeathRacer, Legend.

The gentleman seen above is a legend. He finished the race 7 times in a row, and this year is the first time he didn’t make the cut-off time at the fourth-leg! Stories like these make for a wonderful experience.

Races like these, you see, are to be completed. If one wants to set course records, and better their time, there is always another one the next year! There is love, anxiety, flying tempers, and most of all a wonderful community. Scenes like the ones below are aplenty.

GR Photofile: One of the racers and Luke! We weren't even crewing for her!!!

GR Photofile: A racer's exuberance having completed one of the legs successfully ! Phewww. If you saw the elevation, you would be hi-fiving (can I say it that way? 🙂 ) too!!

We wrapped up and headed to our tents in anticipation of some down time. Sky started to lighten up by then, yet we hit the sacks for some shut-eye. Each of us got anywhere between an hour and two of sleep, as the still wired bodies refused to unwind.

What a time it was. Running, crewing and organizing seems to be my way of living, every day is different, every race a new experience, and learning, never ending.

DeathRace was wrapped up with us making back to Edmonton that day and boarding our flights to our individual destination the next morning. Now, we have stories to share, experiences to write about, and, look forward to another race where we get to be a team.

PS: We have taken care to use pictures taken by us, some with permission, and some taken during the race. The above is written to share our experience at the race with pictures and incidents. All the pictures are taken by the owner of this blog. If you object to any of the pictures above and are of you, please write to us, and we will be glad to remove them from this blog.

DeathRacers’ crew

As a Globeracer, every opportunity can be a missed opportunity once trepidation sets in. Can I or can I not? Dilemma over fitness levels is a constant. We cram our little brains with self doubt, enormous inertia and pitiful excuses. Or atleast I do at times! When a Globeracer veteran, Mike, asked me to crew for him at DeathRace, I said “YES”!!!! I just love a good race, whether I am running or crewing! Well, as it always happens, I wondered if I could keep up with Mike, and Torsten, another Globeracer veteran, the two of whom made each stage of Thar Race look like a walk in the park!!! Crewing is an art I have come to realize, one which comes with major responsibility. Pacing on the other hand can be a mind game if you aren’t careful. Endurance runners are at their lowest energy levels when they need you, and managing to get them to the finish line is a psychological play as much as it is a physical demand! If you are doing both at the same time, it is a test of your endurance level as much as the runner’s.

Well, I am now set to leave for Alberta, Canada this Thursday, July 29, 2010, to crew for Mike and Torsten, my two favorite runners. I will crew for them, and pace, if need be. Here is a short synopsis of the race from the race website: The 125 km course begins and ends on a 4200 foot plateau, passes over three mountain summits and includes 17,000 feet of elevation change and a major river crossing at the spectacular Hell’s Gate canyon at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. Every endurance runner who knows their mettle, yearns to face Death at one time or another 🙂 I heard beautiful things about this beautiful location and how tough the mountains are. Should I say more? 🙂  Total respect to all runners who will be trying not to disqualify nor earn a DNF. Will write about my race experience, and what it meant to be on someone’s crew at the ‘Race of the Decade’ 🙂 Watch this space for more.You can see more info on the race at the race website.

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Arun Bharadwaj at GR Bhati Lake 100 in October

Arun Bharadwaj, Globeracer veteran and winner of South Africa 6 day race with 567km, will be at the GR Bhati Lake 100 this year, India’s first 100 mile race. A multiple record holder, and India’s only accomplished ultra runner, he is an inspiration to many who can instantly change anyone’s approach to ultra running. You can read more on him at http://arunbhardwaj.wordpress.com/. Come run with the professionals, and come cheer them and/or pace the runners. To volunteer, please write to us at info@globeracers.com and visit http://www.globeracers.com more information on the races.

A dream wheel

During a conversation with my friend Navita, she mentioned her desire to procure a cycle for Rekha, a girl whose education she sponsors. My spare cycle is one with gears, and she wanted one without. Here is what I received from her:

“Rekha is from Nalahalli village in the district of Mandya. She has 2 sisters and a brother and belongs to a farming family. She is a bright kid who is interested in pursuing her studies. We know her through her aunt who is one of our staff and has been in our company for long now.  We decided to provide & fund for her education and hence have enrolled her into pre-university in a science course (pcmb). She resides in our home and her college is not very far from our home – it’s at an odd distance actually. To board a bus, she has to walk for 15 mins to the bus stop, board a bus for just 2 stops (for~15mins), and walk 10 mins to the college again. Distance wise, its 4 km from our house. Her college has begun, and it’s been a series of drops, pick-ups and walks so far!  She knows how to ride a bicycle and hence I am reaching out to you.

If someone in the cycling community has an old cycle (ladies cycle preferably) that they are not using and can donate, that will be deeply appreciated. Else we can buy an old/unused cycle off from someone who’s looking at giving it away as well”.

Appreciate your interest and effort to help me in this endeavor. I hope something works out soon.”

From my interaction with Rekha, I found her to be an independent girl who knows her mind. She communicated her desire to be further educated, clearly. Her parents aren’t able to support her education. Navita and Vinay are two wonderful people who often find a way to share their good fortune. Rekha found her guardian angels in them. When I shared the same with my RACF friends, I was told it wouldn’t be until December that they donate cycles again. Considering that Rekha needed the cycle right away, a short discussion, and with a little bit of help, we found a solution to meet purchase cost. Globeracers as part of its giving, donated the cycle to RACF, which in turn made the donation to Rekha.

As part of their commitment, Sridhar represented RACF, handed over the cycle to her, encouraged Rekha to focus on her studies and reach her goals. Rekha says she is determined to become an Engineer. It’s these aspirations, which inspire us further to support those like Navita and Vinay by supplementing their efforts.

GR Photofile: Sridhar and I with Rekha.

If any of you wish to support our efforts or have a cause you want us to support, write to us at giving@globeracers.com.

New look, new race and the same us!

We redesigned our site for better performance and easy access to information. Logo had its own makeover as well with a color change, and clean up 🙂 Hope you like. Let us know what you think of these changes. We think its pretty 🙂

GR 100 mile series has kicked off with Bhati Lake 100 in October 2010, 30km outside of Delhi. 50mile and 30 mile categories also find their place in this race. It is for everyone, a professional runner or an Ultra aspirant. Come be an Ultra runner. Site URL: http://www.globeracers.com/index.html.

Northburn Station 100

A race in the making, which promises to be tough, and an experience worth your running time 🙂 Supported by one of the best Ultra runners out there, Lisa Timati, it has got adventure written all over it. Check it out at http://northburn100.co.nz/

Jigini Ride 13-06-2010

6 of us set out on a lovely cloudy day from the Merida Junction meeting point. Suma had coordinated the meet, and I didn’t know who was going to be on the ride. As helmets came off, I saw Sandeep and Mayank. This was the first time I was seeing Tripti and K.P (I might be wrong in my recollection of his name )

Unlike previous week’s ride, we kept up the pace, and some of us got ahead of the 6-rider pack only to realize it was only a second time on the cycle for one of the riders. Having set out to do atleast a 80km ride that morning, we were naturally concerned, and waited up for her to catch up along with Mayank, who was keeping her company.

GR Photofile: Regrouped and fixing up before setting out again.

She was undeterred by the distance we set out to do and decided to continue on with us, and we were only glad to have her along. She sure did blow us all away with her ability to ride the distance when she caught up with us again when we stopped for breakfast. Here is a quaint little restaurant where we stopped for breakfast that morning. I loved every bit of it. The small little converted village home, hot idlis fresh off the oven, and the elderly who sat around the place giving it such an awesome village atmosphere! Do stop here if you are riding on this route.

GR Photofile: Breakfast place just after the turn to Jigini on Kanakapura Road

GR Photofile: There is something about a lineup of cycles, and a village setting that is appealing.

Four of us rode along while Mayank kept Thripti company. They would later turn around after breakfast. The four of us, Suma, Sandeep, K.P, and I continued on to Jigini with the idea that we will ride for another 10km and turn around to add another 80+ km ride to our week. If you have ever been on this route, you will identify with me when I call it one of the best hill countryside to ride in. It’s beautiful with hills, some steep climbs, villagers tending to and harvesting their crop, and almost no traffic. Try the route if you are looking for a long weekend ride. You can continue on to Jigini for a longer ride, and also test some of your climbing muscles. Here is a short climb we capped the one way with, seen in the elevation here.

GR Photofile: Jigini ride elevation

Some of these rides are fantastic for training rides since one can start from within the city limits, starting early, and log decent mileage. They are reasonably safe (I haven’t yet faced any troubles on these routes), relatively low traffic, mostly metal road (there are off-road opportunities on all of these routes), ample food and fresh coconut stops, and ofcourse, beautiful landscapes. We had to go a little ways to find oil for the cycle chain so self support to fix flats, and carrying spare brake wires is very much recommended. Ride safe, and have fun!

Doing what he is told is impossible: One trail at a time!

Depi Chaudhry is a man of few words and long strides. His hopes and dreams are mountain high, literally. I seem to have the good fortune of being in the company of some very good friends. They introduce me to some highly accomplished souls with whom I have been able to see some of the most spectacular places, meet other great souls, and experiencing some amazingly touching and heart warming moments. As a Globeracer, I will share my knowledge of him.

Depi is one person who reiterated and solidified my belief that wilderness and nature change you in ways one can’t summarize in words, infusing positive energy in to everything. He is a true outdoors man. It is with this dream that Depi Chaudhry quit his successful corporate career and started Real Adventures in 2002. He has been exploring different parts of the Himalayas, traversing unchartered territories, product of which is one of his books ‘Collins Trekking Guide to Western Himalayas’.

Depi on Chaddar Trek: Seen here maneuvering his way around on a ledge of thin ice.

Depi on a trek

Treks can get very technical in some of these remote areas, which is why it is very critical to have all the data one can before setting on.

On a trek

His affinity for the mountains started early in his life. Depi has personally documented most of the treks and sketched the maps. His current expedition ‘The Great Himalayan Trail’ from Sonmarg to Nepal border will see him trekking for 110 days through some regions unexplored before this time, and will be the basis for his next book on. He felt the pressure of taking trek books to the next level of providing gps data and gently being nudged by traditional trek guide book publishers to withdraw his efforts. But Depi believes it is for everyone to have all available data for dynamic and accurate routing. He is out there conquering one trail at a time!

His love for cycling is seen through his expeditions, and tours, and the book ‘Thikanas on Cycles’ is in the works as he takes adventurers in to remote Rajasthan regions through scenic, rustic, and historic regions, palaces, and gorgeous landscapes.

GR Photofile: Riding through the desert road ways and interiors, mapping, and exploring

GR Photofile: Some of the much off-the-beaten-path havelis of Rajasthan

GR Photofile: Some cycling routes to pass through forgotten, and remote villages with wonderous history and ruins

GR Photofile: What's a ride or run without a beautiful sunrise: A lake sunrise in the middle of a Rajasthan village

We will be following his efforts, progress through the 110 day trek, and sharing it through facebook page here. Please sign-up to follow progress as he sets out on the trek on July 14, 2010.

Arun Bharadwaj – One in a billion, literally!

He inspires me. There are many more who will say the same, but I’ll let them tell you their story. As a Globeracer, it gives me immense pleasure to share the story of our association with him. It goes back to the days when Globeracers was dreaming about ultra races in India, and researching Indian ultra runners. From here on, I’ll give you a personal narration as, well, I am a Globeracer as well!

Google (it is undoubtedly one of the most extensively cataloged sources of information) threw up his name when I looked up Indian Ultra runners. His blog, extensively written, had me wondering how any one missed his record setting runs all these years! India has only two fan followings, one for cricket and the other for bollywood stars, or so it seemed until recently atleast!

I wrote to him that day inquiring after his interest in the Ultra race Globeracers was putting on in the Thar Desert in December 2009. His reply came promptly, with an inquiry: “Isn’t the distance of 42km per day too short?”. I couldn’t help but smile 🙂 This is the man I wanted to speak with, and should. He later wrote back saying that his schedules were packed and he also preferred to run a continuous race rather than a staged 5-day race.

With my own packed schedules, I postponed further communication with him until October 2009 when I proposed he run the entire distance of 210km at a go, inserting him in to the race on the 4th day, joining other runners. He came back with a positive reply, and that is the fantabulous beginning to an association, and friendship I know I will cherish personally, and Globeracers will be proud to have him at any and all of its races. He ran Thar Run 2009, 210 kms, in 31 hours 20 min, a record for any Indian runner.

GR Photofile: Arun on the first day of his 210km run at Thar Run 2009.

Since then he won the South Africa race in April 2010, a record again for any Indian runner. Stats and articles on his South Africa race are here.

Arun during South Africa's 6-day race, clocking 567kms in total

Arun Bharadwaj at South Africa's 6-day race

Arun braving rain, slush, and cold during South Africa's 6-day race in April 2010 and clocking 567kms

I personally look forward to see him run through (pun intended 🙂 ) as many barriers as any one will seek to throw in his direction. Will post a brief on his inspiring story on the difficulties he overcame since the day he dared to dream. I humbly salute this wonderful man who possesses a strong and indomitable spirit.

Manchinbele Century Ride 06/06/10

I have been wanting to do a long ride over the weekends, and give my training a push (which I keep repeating since the momentum never sustains! J ). Suma and I set out on a century ride. It had been raining the previous day, and it was on its way out that morning.

GR Photofile: Suma on the section through villages.

Few kilometers in to the ride, I felt my muscles loosen up, felt the cool breeze and freshness of rain soaked earth. If you ride in India, you are a no stranger to unpredictable traffic, brash pedestrians, and friendly cattle 🙂  About 20kms in to the ride, I got off the road to let a bus pass, and as it pulled in to a local bus stop, I stayed to its left to cross the now stationary bus.  As I left the margin to get back on the road, misjudging level of rain soaked mud, I skidded. Bus had just started to leave the busstop and, my first thought was for my safety. I rolled over and looked up to find myself right in front of the bus tires, and by the time I could react, bus came to a stand still, having barely started to move. Conductor was standing on the steps and was aghast. I barely had time to thank him for alerting the driver, before Suma caught up and pointed to the damage to my knee and helped me clean up. Never leave home with a first-aid kit, which I did! It sure was quite a nasty road burn, and took a good 3 weeks to heal.

After first aid, declining Suma’s offer to turn back, I continued on with her, and what a ride it was. A few kilometers ahead, we turned off the road at Lakshmi Narayanaswamy temple to go through villages, ride along lakes, and some very beautiful hill country.

GR Photofile: Whether it was the cloudy weather or beauty of these lakes I can't say but, the route is one I would love to repeat.

Here is our breakfast stop for the day: Kamat on Mysore road. Though I enjoyed seeing all the turkeys, and birds, didn’t quite like the idli or vada. You might want to try another place.

GR Photofile: Turkeys, ducks, and more birds make a pretty picture at this Kamat on the highway.

We reached Manchinbele lake, and Sawandurga, every rock climber’s mecca. We decided to skip the ride around the lake, and headed back. Pics here:

GR Photofile: Suma with Sawandurga and Manchinbele lake in the background.

We stopped for chain oiling as Suma’s chain started to get rattier than we would have liked. We loaded up on bananas, water, and carried on to see the big banayan tree: Pics here, and decided to ride back with no more breaks. Some pics from along the route, along with partial elevation.

GR Photofile: The big Banyan tree

GR Photofile: Cruising downhill

GR Photofile: Partial route elevation of the ride.

Missing a few kilometers from the end of the ride. A total 101 Kms door to door, and a few short climbs. A good route for a training ride with long stretches of traffic free road for speed training. Also offers a lot of food and water stops along the way. One can find bananas, and coconut water too. Our return route included a ride through Horahalli to South Bangalore.. You can stock up on some candy, and electrolytes in the form of gels, or powder to meet your hydration/sugar needs if you are going to be riding for more than 50kms. Always ensure you carry your cell-phone, spare tubes, and a air pump with you. There are stretches where you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere and might need to depend on your own supplies to see yourself through a flat or dehydration.

Revisiting Thar 2010

Driving by the much familiar sand dunes I felt right at home. We went back to Rajasthan in April to review, and finalize route for Thar Run 2010 to be held in December 2010.  Familiar Cenotaphs, old Pokaran ruins, Salt flats, and old lake-beds kept us out in the early summer heat despite temperatures soaring over 40 C. Here are some pictures of the recce, and run route location. We share our experience in the desert talking to villagers, who walk over 5km to fetch water every day, women who carry major burden of household work fetching firewood, water, tending to cattle, and children, as seen in these pictures. Pokaran has a rich history of 14 generations of Thakurs, and a living fort. Pokaran Thakurs will host us first days of the race, and extend their unforgettable hospitality while race moves on to dunes, and camps the last two days.

GR Photofile: Fort Pokaran, with a 700 year history.

From the day I finalized my schedule for this recce, there was one member of my old team who for sure was going to accompany me on this trip, our very dependable jeep driver, Bhupal Singh. As runners fell behind on the last two days of the 5-day Thar Run 2009, he tailed them to ensure their safety, handed them water, and kept a safe distance so as to allow them their space. He was a perfect crew member, and having him on my team again was a no-brainer! He drove us around in the 42 degree heat while hot air blew sand in our faces! I was joined by Rebecca Byerly, and Khuram Mir on this trip, to learn the route, in addition to my favorite co-director or the race, Param Vijay Singh Pokaran.

GR Photofile: Bhupal, our trusted jeep driver, and a valuable member of the team. Seen here driking water from an air outlet system in the middle of the desert.

We observed, and learned from our interaction with villagers, the Thakur family, weavers, and potters. Rain water harvesting, as learnt from Thakur Nagendra Singh ‘was’ a prevalent practice. He showed us the water collection points around the fort, which channeled water to a moat, and a lake outside of the fort, which not only served as a private water source, but also provided water, and sustenance for the villagers living in and around the fort. That lake now stands dry, and the practice long forgotten. He says though, that, with guidance and education, this practice can be revived, and will highly benefit the areas where water is scarce. Globeracers intends to work with him in the area to educate and facilitate rain water harvesting in these remote desert areas.

GR Photofile: Men in That village giving us their take on water situation, and how they had to walk 5 miles each morning to fetch a bucket of water, and how wells changed over the years.

As we traveled from village to village marking our route, we were treated to some beautiful and colorful visions, both in the form of village belles, and wild animals, all living side-by-side in perfect harmony. Though we didn’t not get to visit any Bishnoi villages, we had the good fortune of witnessing fruits of their labor: richness of wildlife, and their close quarter existence with villagers. We were warned more than once not to trespass on their habitual routes lest they miss their morning feed schedule. We were glad for the warning for we were visited by beautiful wild peacocks just as we vacated the place as the sun barely broke through the horizon.

GR Photofile: Beautiful Rajasthan girls, all smiles, and happy - Thaat village.

GR Photofile: Blue Bulls caught under tree shade in the middle of Desert

GR Photofile: Air outlets like these can be put to better use by redirecting water that is released by these outlets. Water pipes carrying water to villages.

GR Photofile: Water supply air release system.

GR Photofile: Water supply pipes air release system.

GR Photofile: I didn't drink this water, but I sure did from the wells of Rajasthan!

We treated to stories of salt flat formation, old Pokaran history, and tour of the ruins while we were spoiled for choice of food, and recuperated in the cool confines of the fort after an exhausting in the desert.

GR Photofile: 400 year old temple, part of Thar 2010 race route

GR Photofile: Sunset on the salt fields.

GR Photofile: The recce team - Param, Kavitha, Rebecca, and Khuram.

Crewing for 24-hour run

Have you ever been chased by a bull during a run?  It can be quite hilarious if you weren’t in the woods in the middle of the night with two runners running single file and a cyclist for company, only to find a bull steadily charging at you from behind! This was the scene during the third of many laps of a 24-hour run. The first two laps went on smoothly while Manjula and I paced Santosh, our 24-hour runner. We did see a few cows, and bulls along the route but didn’t seem as though they minded us being there.  Darkness, and three headlamps bobbing, however, seemed to have changed their view.

Santosh had earlier set a record of 156km in 24 hours, and was aiming to break his PR. My endurance running journey had me crossing paths with Santosh 6 months before this event. I trained under him to better my pace, and though my own races kept me from regular training, our association continued in our pursuit to change the running culture in India, and delivering on our social responsibilities. Besides Arun Bharadwaj, whom I immensely respect, Santosh Padmanabhan is an ultra runner who inspires many to run ‘for’ their lives, figuratively speaking.

24Hour Run: Setting up aid-station

24Hour Run: Waiting for the clock. Manjula, Stevel, Santosh, and Kavitha.

24Hour Run: Crew had their own demons to conquer in the morning, each running a distance of atleast 25k during Bangalore Ultra. Seen here are Murthy, and Preeti, part of the crew, and showing of their Ultra bibs.

24Hour Run: Bala, water police 🙂

As the bull chased Santosh, Steve and Ajay scattered, and fled for their lives. They found their way back to the aid-station through different routes. We devised a rescue plan to distract the bull from charging runners on the next lap. A motorcycle headlight luring it away from the runners, worked like a charm. It was all excitement and fun but as the rain poured down on us for the next two hours a soaked was finding it difficult to sustain his pace.

24Hour Run: Bull chase victims 🙂

24Hour Run: Crewing is just as daunting!

As the day broke, it became apparent that his initial pace, bull chase, and rain wore him out considerably.  Starting at 5am, he had more runners on the route for company as this was the day of Bangalore Ultra Run, and runners were being let out in waves based on their distance. I had my own 25km to finish, and by the time we returned to the aid-station, Santosh looked beat and showing signs of fever. Our physio, and his med support Preeti, took a call to suspend his run. After 20 hours, and, Santosh, being the humble man that he is, felt the need to apologize to his support crew for a failed attempt at breaking his PR. We, on the other hand, felt the need to apologize in return for not monitoring his initial pace. As pacers, we felt we hadn’t done our job right. Being the strong runner he is, we knew he would bounce right back to conquer his demons another day and sure did with a 48-hour attempt!