A Comrades Medal.. after all

I came back to Chennai last night with heads down.. only to be garlanded with a Comrades Medal.

Last Sunday, the only thing in my mind was of reaching the finish line and the medal that comes shortly after that.  All through the long trek, spectators, amply sprinkled with Indian origin folks shouted loudly for you and they said a "medal is waiting for me with my name on it".  But I ended taking the rescue bus and there was no medal waiting for bus finishers.

But I come back home yesterday and there is a Comrades medal waiting for me.. Wonder how? Read on....

My Comrades odyssey started in 2012 with Balaji.  He managed to squeak past the Visa hurdle in India and stiff looking security officer in Dubai to get to Durban in time for the run.  We camped together and went through some 'interesting' homeless times.  Take a look photo taken by Sita before we headed out for the run.  Particularly the seeding; I was 'F' and Balaji was 'H'.

Though placed two 'seeds' behind me, Balaji was the one who finished with the medal and I stood there with camera.  Balaji offered the medal then but I refused saying I got to earn it.  He says 'The only reason I accepted your refusal was that I was sure you would win it very in the future.."

Two years later, Sadly things have not gone the way Balaji predicted or I wanted.  So, Balaji thoughtfully shipped his medal to me.  He says in his mail "I am sure you may not need the medal but certainly, the medal needs you; For it will be an inspiration for others to earn it."  

Balaji is right about the earning part; I certainly did not earn it but will keep it because what he goes on to say "I request you to accept this medal for you did finish in some manner, through me"

Balaji, I am touched beyond words by your gesture and the timing couldn't have been better.  It landed just a few hours before I did.

You have made lot of folks run in Chennai and now in Pondicherry.  You have made Auroville Marathon an integral part of Marathon India calendar.  I will not get my Green BIB at Comrades but sure is on course to get it from Auroville.

Thank you Balaji from the bottom of my heart....

Comrades - How to get there (and tips for that all important visa..)

For starters, there are no nonstop flights from Chennai to Durban.  Durban itself is not well connected internationally outside Africa.  So, you are left with layover options and it is a question of one or two stops and perhaps the related sticker shocker.

As you would expect, the cheapest would be to take 2 stops.  One can fly South Afrian or Ethihad Airways and it would take you via MAA - BOM / AUH - JNB - DUR.   If you book early, this ticket would cost around INR 60K in economy.

I prefer one stop, so chose Emirates.  Also, what tipped hand in favor of Emirates was my status with them.  It flies MAA - DXB - DUR with minimal layover onward but compensated with a long layover on return.  I booked this non-refundable, non-anything ticket few months back and it costed little less than INR 70K in economy.

Wanting to escape of Durban at the earliest possible, I called Emirates to prepone my travel exactly by a day.  Emirates politely told me that I hold a 'cheap' ticket and and the only option was to book a new one way ticket back home in business class for around INR 150k.  Needless to say, I stuck around  Durban for one more day not enjoying the sun.

Besides the cost aspect, another consideration is emigration.  I prefer getting it out of the way Chennai and just do the transfer at Dubai.  I find it lot easier than having to do both the transfer and emigration at Mumbai or in Delhi.

But before all that, Indian runners will have to sort through the visa issue.  This human created barrier is quite onerous and couple of runners from Chennai had to cut to the wire before boarding the plane.  Here are a few tips them, that might ease the pain a tiny bit..

1. SA visa paperwork is laborious, so give yourself sufficient time and start 3 months ahead.
2. SA requires you to show 'enough' bank balance and I was told that magic 'enough' would be INR 5L.
3. Get a letter from Comrades organizers.  They provide this is on request to all international runners.  I am told, this helps in strengthening your case for visa. 

Comrades - Where to eat in Durban?

Finding vegetarian food to your liking can be problem and can depend on where you stay as well.  In the last two occasions, I had stayed in a 'furnished' apartment that came with a kitchen.  All we had to do was to make a quick trip to the grocery store for bare essentials and weven brought some stuff from India.  This a better option and is gentle both on your wallet and stomach.

This time, I stayed in Hilton for convenience, which is close to the Expo as well as finish.  While it was good from that perspective, I got stuck on the food front.  There are simply no options if you discount the Hotel food.  On top of it, you are strongly discouraged from venturing outside after dark due to safety concerns.  So, you are basically confined to the Hotel.  The food at the Hotel is 'just passe' and to be expected wildly expensive. (breakfast alone would set you back by USD 20 per person).

Interestingly, the pasta party at Hilton happened on Friday night and not on Saturday as we had anticipated.  Shahid, Aravind and I trooped in on Saturday evening, looking for loads of pasta and ended up having to 'search' for carbs in the sumptuous non vegetarian buffet spread.

Sita did pack some MTR 'ready to eat' dubbas for me, and they helped somewhat.  But without a proper utensils and facility to heat, these ready to eat are to be used only as a last option.  In fact, I am 'enjoying' the Khara Bhath as I do this post.

Gotten tired of this food, I dragged Aravind out last evening for some Indian food.  Aravind was a reluctant starter, but he also needed some Indian fix, so he came along as well.  We did some googling and found that there is an Indian district less than 2 km from the hotel.  We went looking for the Indian district, named 'Victoria' market, drooling for some vegetarian food, preferably Indian.
It as quite an adventure... Read on

Two blocks west of the Hotel was a different world.  We were in the midst of a bustling local market.  From haircuts to vegetables to கையேந்தி பவன்s.. lot of stuff being sold to lots of people.  We tried to ask for directions, people either ignored us and couldn't point us to the place we wanted to go.

As we soaked in Ranganathan Street like atmosphere, we stumbled on what else, a Patel Store and the little girl there directed us to the Victoria market and later to a restaurant as well.

Victoria market was hawking lot of stuff from spices to ethnic wear but not Indian food.  Moreover, shops were shutting down.  Durban pretty much shuts down by 5:00 PM and no commercial activity after that.  So our search for Indian restaurant continued...

We came back to the Patel store and was more specific this time about food part.  We got the stock answer that shops close by 5:00 PM and there isn't any Indian restaurant close by.  But the girl who helped us first time came from nowhere and said there is one place we could go and directed us to Little Gujarat.

It was just one block from the Victoria market and closer to the Hotel as well.  It's a minimalistic setup, but good vegetarian food.

As Aravind and I indulged with a bhel puri, masala dosa, roti roll and coffee for just USD 7.  As we were hogging, the owner came by and started talking to us.  He is from Surat and has been here for 15 years.  He said the money is good here but the problem is one of security.  In fact, he cautioned us against walking back to the Hotel, though we could see it and is hardly a kilometer away.  He was worried so much that he took time from his business and dropped us in his car at Hotel.

One example of life after dark in the otherwise beautiful city.  Durban is blessed with pleasant weather, stunning hills and great people.  But it is also caught in the fear psychosis from which it needs to unshackle itself to grow for all people.

Comrades - What went wrong?

As I got into the Runners' Rescue bus for the third time, couldn't resist the sinking feeling of "Taking these bus trips often".  I certainly didn't come all way to Durban to get into a bus full DNFs, some puking and some barely holding up.  But, for three years in a row, I seem to be joining the same crowd.

So what went wrong?

In one word, it is training.  I needed to have trained harder, further and longer.  Here are some revelations, while things are fresh in my mind..

Hottu and Flatu is OK but not sufficient
I take pride in saying.. "I am from Chennai, where it is always 'hottu' and 'flatu'".  The heat part is good for training but not the flat part.  The flatness of Chennai doesn't train the muscles that needs to be in great shape for the undulating of Durban hills.  I should have strengthened my quad and core lot more.  The unending Durban hills demand every bit of juice you have and more.

Though St. Thomas Mount and Peru Hills help, should have done more of that more often.

Each on to themselves.
Running is certainly better with company for training but when it comes to Ultras like Comrades, each is unto own.  I switched my running seed to be with a friend, hoping we will run together.  But, that hardly lasted a few kms and we lost each other.  Partly due to crowd and mainly due to the fact our minds were in different game plans.

After a while, I got up with Neepa Sheth before the halfway mark and the same thing happened.  While I stopped, she started running and when she stopped I started running.  We were in different rhythms, even then I played the cat and mouse game trying to latch on to her. But that didn't last long and I lost just past midway. (Congratulations Neepa on your yet another finish.)

Similar thing happened two years back as well.  Balaji and I tried to stay together but after a few miles, we found ourselves out of synch and had to go on our own ways.

In a long run like this, each of us end up fighting different demons and its best fought alone.

Train both mind and body
This is common sense but not common practice.  All long distance runners know that, it is as much mental as physical to see you through the finish and you got to train both.  But do we really train both?

Going through the Durban hills, I found my body and mind out of synch.  Beyond a point, my legs refuse to move at the speed the mind wanted it to.   It was kind of unreal, to feel the 'slowness' of the legs though my mind was telling otherwise.  It was like watching a 'slow motion' movie capture of my legs

When I was stopped, I was simply blank and didn't know what to feel.  One side of me felt shitty, otherside gloated for putting an end to the misery.

ps: Though not a finisher, I am planning on a few posts about Comrades - travel, stay, food, dress etc.,:-)

Comrades Marathon 2014 - Take me to the finish line..

Comrades 2014 - Take me to the finish line..

As I wind down and get ready for a long day tomorrow, I couldn't help feeling the butterflies in my stomach.  I am nervous and could feel it..

Finish line to cross tomorrow 

In a few hours, I will be heading out to Pietermartizburg starting point with lots of hope and wishes from lot of fellow runners & family.  Is that sufficient to see me through the finish line?  I don't know..

I have prepared lot more for this year than the previous two occasions.  Did a 4 consecutive days 200k Navagraha Ottam last October and two hills runs (Servarayan Hills Ultra & Val Vil Ori Ultra) in Mar & Apr of this years. Are they sufficient? Will know in a few hours.

Inshallah.. I will sail through the finish line tomorrow.  One thing I have determined though.. Will finish or stay the course for the entire 12 hours...

In the meanwhile, do enjoy this mesmerizing South African song, Shosholoza, considered the second national anthem of the country.

Comrades Marathon and Servarayan Hills Ultra - Are they comparable?

Road to Comrades via Servarayan Hills

This is my third and final attempt in conquering Comrades and I want to give it my best shot. Thanks to Balaji, I got a training run on the Servaryan hills (aka Yercaud hills).  Though the distance was shorter by about 1/3, Servarayan Hills Ultra was equally challenging, if not more.  Here is why..

It will be a downhill run at Comrades this year.  We start at around an elevation of 700 meters in Pietermartizburg and end in Durban which is at about 150 meters.  We reach the highest point at Umlass Road at 810 meters and then it is mostly rolling descent from there.  Overall, the total elevation gain 1333 meters and an elevation loss of about 2000 meters.  In my 2012 attempt, I copped out after Botha hills as my legs wouldn't cooperate.  In 2014, I am hoping to see past Botha hills and manage the steep descent past that and see the finish line at Durban.

This the elevation chart from my Garmin of Servarayan hills ultra.  The total distance of the Servarayan Hills Ultra was about 62 km, but my Garmin capture was only for about 57k due to user error mid course.  Regardless, we started at an elevation of around 1400 meters and ended at 400 meters, touching a max elevation of 1437 meters.  Overall the total elevation gain was about 1020 meters and the elevation loss was over 2000 meters.

As you can see, the Servaryan hills Ultra had consistently high altitude, though the total distance was considerably shorter.  Another variable is the temperature, though it was chilly when we started at 4:00 AM in the morning, it got hot by 8:00 AM at Servarayan and we were virtually being fried from 10:00 AM.  But Comrades is consistently cooler for the entire duration, that has been my experience in the last two unsuccessful attempts.

Net net, I do feel Servarayan hills ultra was a good training ground for Comrades and would recommend for anyone attempting to do Comrades.

On a different note, A small tribute to all my running buddies, who helped see through the course..

I firmly believe, though running is an individual sport at core, running with buddy helps.  I had several running buddies who help me push thru the miles at Servarayan.  Here are a few of them in this picture at the finish point.  I finished the run with Mani, who ran at my pace for the last 12k.  Somewhere in the first loop, after I 'lost' my first running buddy Bala, Shahid & Balaji appeared from nowhere and gave me company.  Thanks guys.. your constant company and encouragement helped..

Here are my two running buddies with a boy who lost his buddy.  This boy has sitting in the middle of the forest happily talking to his buddy and we entered the scene.  Trying to have a conversation with him, we chatted with boys for a few and when I whipped out my camera for a photo, that's when the other boy bolted.. hence you see the gap between the lone boy and Ramani.  Ramani gave me company thru the gruelling 5k ascent in the second leg of the ultra.  Balaji says that was the 'defining' hill and I am glad to have conquered it with Ramani's help.

And lastly.. Bala was my first running buddy.  He promised to stay with me through the course but we got separated after about 25k.  Barring that, when we ran together, it was fun.  He helped me brush up my rusted Kandha Shashti Kavacham (கந்த சஷ்டி கவசம்) and taught me many other bhajans.  Thanks Bala for the company when it was dark and helping me have a good start.

More Photos here and here
A short video of the run here

Servarayan Hills Ulta - A short video

Road to Comrades - Via Servarayan Hills Ultra - A Short Video

Balaji organized the maiden Servarayan Hills Ultra as a practice run for the folks running Comrades Marathon this June.  The route and terrain was more challenging than Comrades and was indeed a good practice run for Shahid, Kannan, Aravind & I.  We, four are going to Comrades and we were supported by six other runners (Balaji, Bala, Ramani, Mani, Praveen & Paul).

Here is a short video I took during the run.  In this, you will see ghosts, Shahid's road kiss aftermath, how to get 10 rupee coffee, get confused about halfs and a temple to visit for 'Chithirai Thiruvizha'..

Comrades - How should one train?

Comrades Guide # 2 - How should one train?

In my last post, I mentioned my current training plan is insufficient for a run like Comrades.  If that is not enough, what is the right training plan?

With two consecutive Comrades DNF, I am no expert but I do feel the training should be different.  The net has lots of detailed training plans including in the Comrades site.  Here are few things I should have done in addition to my existing training regiemen. (which is no two days missed, 10k per run, 50 per week and few of marathons sprinkled in between)  Here are three things I would add to the training mix.  When I put them down, they make perfect sense but I didn't do them and paid the price for it.

1. Hill runs - Both Up & Down - Chennai is as flat as it gets and the only hill runs I did was the flyover runs.  Lately, I did start going to St. Thomas Mount hill, but those were not sufficient.  Need to put hill in the training mix and got to do it weekly.  Downhill is as important as the Uphills.  I was quite comfortable walking the Uphills but got severe cramps during downhills.
2. Long Runs - I did 8 marathons between the two Comrades but never ventured beyond 50k. That is simply not enough.  I should have trained my body for longer runs and trained the legs for standing up longer hours (13 - 14 hours in all).  This, I feel is one of the reasons I cramped past halfway mark and 6 hours. 
3. Cross / Core Training - I started doing some cross training in the form of core workouts and swimming late in the game but more is required.  In particular, got to work on core a lot more than what I did.  Two days a weeks should be devoted to core.

Net, I couldn't wing Comrades with my running routine as I do the marathons.  I registered for the Geneve Marathon in the last week and ran it comfortably under 4:25.  But Comrades is a different ballgame, it requires commitment and discipline right from the get go.  Got to train more and train differently.  After all, it is the ultimate human race.. Run it yourself to experience

Next Comrades Guide # 3 - Hhasha Masamben

Comrades - What went wrong?

Comrades Guide # 1 - What Went Wrong?

I started this uphill Comrades well and was with the 11 hour bus for the first two hours.  After a while 11 hour bus marched ahead leaving me behind and minutes started ticking away.  Even then, I drew comfort from knowing I was much ahead of the 12 hour bus and was feeling quite confident of finishing the unfinished business from last year.

But few kms past the halfway mark, I lay sprawled on the ground twitching in pain.  What happened and why was I on the ground?  Here is that story..

My running friends know my simple running regiemen.  No two days missed, 10K per run and 50 per week.  This has come good for many marathons I have run thus far and took me across the finish line every time.  This was the case even after the appearance of heel pain from last Comrades.  I have run 8 marathons since the last Comrades and though the heel pain slowed me, I  always completed the marathon.  So, my simple principles are indeed good for marathons.

But since last Comrades DNF, I tried to train little differently.  I started doing Friday hill runs and core training on Saturdays whenever I was in town.  Also, I did several hill runs near Lausanne and did some Swimming cross training as well.

Though my heel was still a bother at the start line, I was confident of weathering it through and seeing the finish line at Petermartizburg.  As we started heading out of Durban, my heels bothered initially, but they got adjusted and settled comfortably as I moved along.  I should mention about the heel cups here.  I tried several of them to varying degrees of success and finally settled on Dr. Scholls massaging heel cups.  These were not available in Chennai and I got them from US just the week before Comrades and they did the trick.  These heel cups helped keep the pain at bay.

But a different problem started rearing its ugly head past the half way mark.  As the undulating hills continued, I started cramping.  I sensed it early and started 'adjusting' my running gait so as to not to disturb feet too much.  Even a slight movement of fingers inside the shoe caused great deal of pain, so I gingerly moved along at much slower but comfortable pace.

At this point, the 12 hour bus caught up with me and I decided to stick with it.  That was pershaps my golden chance for finishing the grueling race.  Since the bus was crowed, I went a little ahead but still be within the shouting distance of the drivers.  Few minutes after I boarded the bus, I heard the leader blowing his whistle for a walk.  I tried to obey the whistle and start walking.  But instead, I fell flat on the ground writhing in pain due to cramps blocking the bus.

The 12 hour bus passengers politely parted to give me space but moved along.  I lay on the ground for a few minutes afraid of moving any muscle lest should hurt more.  Then a good samaritan came along in the form a fellow runner who massaged my cramping right calf and eased the pain a little bit.  But I still lay on the ground unable or unwilling to getup overcome by the fear of pain.  I started crawling forward looking for a comfortable posture to getup.  I found that 'right' position after a few minutes, got up and started moving forward but at a greatly reduced pace.

By then the 12 hour bus was way ahead of me and if I had any chance of finishing then I must at least board that bus again.  I tried several times but each time I found myself cramping, putting me further and further behind.

This cat and mouse game continued till 4th cut off at 67k mark.  I managed to squeak past the 4th cut off  just under 10 hours.  At this point I had 20k to cover in 2 hours which looked near impossibility given my condition and at that point I threw in the towel.  Thinking back, I wish I had spent the next two hours walking whatever distance I could instead of shutting myself down.

So heels, hills and most importantly cramps were three things that went wrong with my Comrades Odyssey this year.

But then over 10,000 runners finished that day and they also had the same hills & winds.  How come they able to do it as compared to 5000 (including yours truly) others who were not?  I don't know about the rest, but for me it is simply the case insufficient training.

The three simple running principles are NOT ENOUGH to get me through Comrades.  I need to train differently.  More about that and many more things in the coming posts.  I plan to do one post every other day.

Comrades - Getting to the Starting point and a Prayer

Balaji and I had all figured out....

We knew exactly how we were going to reach Pietermaritzburg, the starting point for Comrades Marathon.  A friend of ours was going to deposit us with his friend near the starting point well ahead of time on Saturday.  His friend in turn would ensure that we got to the starting point at the right time.  This plan was going to give us ample rest and and few additional hours of sleep before the start of the run at 5:30 AM on Sunday, so we signed up for it.

But the entire plan fell on its face at about 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 2, 2012.  Balaji & I were sitting in a new 'self-catering' apartment in Umhlanga with no phone, car or connectivity and of course no drop.  The friend who was going to drop us at Pietermartizburg, dropped us.

We started thinking of plan B, C & D, all of which required some kind of a transport for which we needed a phone.  Then it stuck me why not try the neighbor who we were told is also a runner.  So went around and knocked at the door of this gentleman, who helped us.

Gideon, in the center runs a running store in Pretoria and finished Comrades @ 7:20+ which was slow for him... :-)  Look, both Balaji & I are wearing Auroville TShirts.. not planned.  

Here, I should talk about our accommodation.  Since Sita and kids were going to join us, I was looking for a place with a kitchen, somewhat akin to service apartments of India.  In Durban, they have a concept called 'Self-Catering Accommodations' which is basically a furnished apartment rented out by individuals.    Thanks to Arul Ganapathi (brother of our own Chennai Runner, Venkatesh Ganapthi), he helped us find this great apartment for RND 680 per day in one of the most desirable neighborhoods of Durban.  Our place rented out by an old lady who had also rented out another portion to a runner.  Now back to the main story..

Unsure of what to expect, I went on knocked the door of neighbor and put our dilemma to him and sought his help. Upon introduction, we learnt that he runs a running store in Pretoria called running in and is a passionate runner himself.  While he runs 'only' marathons, his partner runs 'only' triathlons.  We had interesting conversation with him after the run and it was very revealing.  He candidly talked about race relations in the post apartheid South Africa, which according to him has miles to go.. lot of miles to go.  scars are healing but still evident in many facets of the society.  sorry.. back to the main story again..

He was more than helpful.  He understood our daisy situation and first assured us that everything is going to be ok and then ensured that it was indeed OK.  He made a few calls, exchanged a few chips in favor of couple of seats for Balaji & I in a bust that was leaving to the starting point from close by.

And then, the next day morning he took us to Gateway mall from where the bus was leaving and ensured that we got in to the bus before hurrying to catch his lift from elsewhere.  When Balaji asked about the fare, Gideon simply said 'We are all runners.. one family... I help you today.. you help somebody else at some other time..'.  Thank you Gideon for your help and kindness.  You showed us kindness flows from the heart and not from the color of the skin.

Once inside the bus, we were warmly greeted by a bunch of runners from the South Africa Post Office.  We joined them in a short prayer before the bus started for Pietermartizburg.  Here is a short snippet from the zulu prayer.



I didn't quite understand the prayer, but it was very pleasing and soothing to hear... Thus began our journey to Pietermartizburg.

If I were to run Comrades again..

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have decided to not to run Comrades again..

But then, If I do run Comrades again, I will not run on Vibrams..

At the start, in Vibrams

I have never run past a marathon on Vibrams and doing Comrades on them was a big risk.  Interestingly, I did not see anyone else run on Vibrams besides Balaji & I.  However, I did see one other runner, doing her bit on Huaraches.

I have run the last 5 marathons, including Boston on my Vibrams and having been doing my regular runs solely on Vibrams this year.  So, I decided to take it to the next level and decided to run Comrades on Vibrams.  But, I now think that was a mistake.

Beyond a point, my heels and mid-foot felt very very sore.  My legs refused to cooperate or obey my mind.  Each step beyond 50k was painful.  I am not sure if these are directly attributable to Vibrams or the real problem is with my gait.  I went back and read Christopher Mcdugal's The once and future way to run again.

His arguments are very convincing and makes me believe that it is most likely 'user error'.  But it still does explain why I was ok till 50k and the pain started after that.  Did I change my gait after 50k or I did not train enough?  The answer may be a combination of both.  But, for now I have decided not to run beyond 50k on Vibrams.

I will, However though would continue to run marathons and regular runs on Vibrams.

I asked Balaji about his views on Virbams.  He, afterall ran the entire 90k on Vibrams.  His reply was a typical ‘Balaji’.  He said, he didn’t feel anything beyond a point and didn’t know if even his legs existed. ‘I simply chugged along’ was his response. 

Next: One thing Comrades must NOT do..

Will I run Comrades again?

The clock was about to strike 5:30PM on Jun 3, 2012 and the anxiety and drama was building inside Kingsmead Stadium.  Sita, Raghav, Meera & I were wondering the fate of Balaji, who was still out there somewhere..  

As the clock stuck 17:30 and the gun went off, Raghav came running towards me excitedly crying ‘Balaji finished.. I saw him finish’.  He proudly showed some of the photos he was able to snap of Balaji’s finishing moments. The clock read 11:57:57 and I could make out the lanky outline of Balaji from the grainy photo.  Felt happy and relieved at that moment for Balaji.

Within a few minutes, Balaji entered the International enclosure with the medal in his hand and not around his neck.  I gave a big congratulatory hug to Balaji and next I saw him putting the medal on my neck asking me to keep the medal till I earn one of my own next year. 

That thought of running Comrades again came the instant I decided to quite but nixed it at the very same moment.  The physical and mental state I was in, I couldn’t even imagine running through those nasty Durban hills again.  They took out every ounce or worse ml of energy I had and pained in the areas I never knew existed in my body.  I must be totally ‘insane’ to Comrades again.  That’s how I feel even almost after a week.   But then, this could be my ‘pregnants' vow’ and might change my mind.  But for now, I am sticking to my vow.

Balaji was generous and gracious to give the medal to me, but I politely refused saying I have no intention of running Comrades again.

Next: If I were to run Comrades again...

Comrades Marathon 2012 - DNF

 I ran Comrades Marathon 2012 and did not complete. This is my story.

As the bus entered the Sahara Kings Mead and deposited bus full of quitters, I looked up the big electronic clock and it read 14:50:05.  It had been two hours since I quit.

Around 45^th KM, I met up with couple of Indian runners who were also struggling like me but nevertheless pushing each other along gave me the reassuring words of assurance I was looking for.  “Take it easy till 52k, after that it’s all downhill” That pulled along for 9k more, but the promised ‘downhill’ was tougher than the ‘uphill’.  For that matter, it didn’t matter if it was up or down any forward movement was a challenge and I simply couldn’t get my legs to move forward.  That’s when the demons got better of me and declared victory.

I meekly gave into the demons and flagged down a ‘Runners Rescue’ van that cruising along sweeping runners who had decided to quit.  The van I stopped did not have a place; it was full of DNF runners.   I took it as ‘high powers’ not wanting me to quit and continued running.  Well I wasn’t running but walked along with demons sitting squarely on my shoulders waiting for the next opportunity to claim victory.  That came within the next 5 minutes, by then the message of a runner wanting to quit got passed along and the next van stopped by to sweep me in.  I lamely hopped into the van with a sense of defeat but also with a sense of relief knowing that I didn’t have to run anymore.

Once I got in, the lady politely received me and did something on my BIB to mark that I am a DNF.   She did that first and then asked me if I am ok and needed something to eat of drink.  But then, I was in no mood to eat or even talk to anyone.  I said no to her and simply hid my face not wanting anyone else ‘see’ me, as if that is going to somehow ‘hide’ from the DNF status.

The van continued its journey and picked up few more quitters like me.   After about 3k or so, I saw Balaji ambling along and let out a loud shout.  “Go Balaji Go..”.  He looked around to see who is calling him and saw me.  He saw me where he didn’t want to see me and his face showed it.  I could read a sense of despair writ large in his face.  But that quickly turned in to a firm resolve and he yelled back ‘Ram, I am going to finish the run for you’ and started moving along.

After few more runners, the van was declared ‘full’ and pulled out of the running route to deposit us in to a larger bus, which took us to the finish point, Sahara Kings Mead cricket stadium.  It was packed with finishers, families and a few quitters like me.  

The clock read 14:50:05 and it had been two hours since I quit.  Yes, I became a Comrades 2012 DNF after 54k and 7:19:57 hours.

Next - If I were to run Comrades again

May - A month to forget

Glad to see May coming to an end for several reasons and 'low running mileage' is one of them.  May is undoubtedly the leanest running month this year for me.  In fact, I broke all my running principles this month.  Most of you know that, I have three running principles that I tried to follow:

1. No two (consecutive) days missed
2. 10k per run
3. 50k per week

Of the three, I mostly adhere to the last two with some misses on the first one mainly due to travel.  But this month, I lost the plot on all three.  Of course, there could be several reasons, but the main one is that, I seemed to have lost focus.. need to get that back.  Without focus, I got lazy and stayed in bed longer, keeping the running shoes at bay.  

Since I am going to be traveling tomorrow (May 31) to Durban for Comrades Marathon, Today's run was the last run for the month ending it with a measly mileage of 125k.

Running is better with Company - Thanks Ashwin for the company.

I would have probably slept today as well if not for a little nudge from Ashwin in the form of a SMS last night.  I forced myself to commit to the run and that made me get out of the slumber.

I am glad I got out and ran with Ashwin.  We had interesting conversation about everything under the Sun and finished the run before the Sun rose in all its glory.

Thanks Ashwin for the company and chat.. made my running a little easier.

Thanks folks, now I am off to Durban for Comrades.. Wish me good luck..

Run Comrades on Vibrams..

Run Comrades on Vibrams..?

That's the dilemma I am in now..

I have fun several marathons, including my last one at Boston in April on Vibram Five Fingers (Bikila to be specific) and is fairly comfortable.  In fact, I have fully switched to Vibrams even for my regular runs.  The last run in shoes was the pilgrim run in February.  With all this history.. It should be a easy decision right?

Not so easy.. for me.. I still have not decided on 'what to run on' for comrades.. The main reason being the distance.. I have never run 90k at a stretch on Vibrams and sure how my 'legs' & Vibrams would handle non-stop 12 hour abuse..

Your thoughts / suggestions?

Road to Comrades - Dream run or Gone Crazy?

Imaging your truly with the BIB # 449078

Yes, call me crazy, have signed up for Comrades marathon to do my dream run.  After a few clicks and USD 200 poorer, I wondered whether I made the right call in doing what I did.  But, washed away that 'toxic thought' immediately only to dream about running past the finish line within the stipulated time.  Tired, beaten but happy.  As they say, most of the things are created at least twice, once in mind / imagination and then in reality.  I got the first part covered, now I just need to work on the second part.. small details..:-)

Now talking about executing the dream, I have one more hurdle to cross and that is to qualify.  In order to run comrades, I should have run a 'qualifying' marathon in the past year under 5 hours.  My last qualifying run was Big Sur on May 1, 2011.. but I need something later and by May 2012 to run this in June 2012.

Though I did not plan for it, I am hoping to use Colombo Marathon as a qualifier and jump past the 'qualifier' hurdle.

Now, another crucial question I need to deal with is.. 'How do I train for a 90K run?'.  a distance that I have never done before.  The farthest I have gone is just 48k (Chennai - Mahapallipuram) and comrades would be more than double of that.  All along, I have simply be sticking to 3 core principles and they have been serving me well...

1. No two days missed
2. Min 10k per run
3. 50k per week 

I am not sure if this would suffice for Comrades.  What do you think?

My goal is to simply come under the stipulated time and nothing more.  Can you suggest few practical training regimen?  Looking for your input to shape my Comrades run... Come help me realize my dream.