Thursday, March 14, 2024

Titan traveller vs. Garmin Forerunner

During the run up to the Bangalore Midnight marathon (see my report here), I got my hands on the new Titan Traveller (TT). This is Titan's third attempt at a Sports Smartwatch. I have been devout of Garmin for the last 15 years. Did the TT manage to swing my loyalty? Find out below:

GPS

There are umpteen jokes written about the time the Garmin takes to get to "GPS On", which is essentially the time the watch takes to connect to the satellites to be able to track distances. Over the years, Garmin has improved on this ability by having 3 modes for GPS connections (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo).



The Titan Traveller (TT) has a similar GPS lock mode, when it is not in the lock mode, the watch gives long text on how the accuracy can be improved upon GPS lock, but only measures the time of the activity (such as running or outdoor bike). In a Garmin, however, you do get the distances in the GPS off mode, but somewhat inaccurate (maybe an estimate).

 The TT seems to take forever, to get to GPS lock mode (enough time for one to abandon the fitness plan altogether). I have tried patiently a few times, then had to get back home, use the app on the phone to finally get to GPS Lock mode! Titan takes forever to lock GPS (about 10mins) vs. Garmin (about 2mins). This is a crucial sore point.








Titan seemed to be about 2% overstating the distance (and therefore pace) in GPS lock mode, and about 10% understating in the GPS unlock mode.

Heart Rate

The resting heart rate was comparable in both watches. Heart rate during an easy run was accurate (I guess) on Garmin 945 and way over for Titan Traveller. While I was closer to 145 bpm as per Garmin, the TT was showing 170+ and was constantly reminding me to slow down. I am sure the "slow down" notification can be turned off (I only managed to reduce volume), but that is the last thing a runner wants to hear - Slow Down. Most of us runners tend to think we always need to go faster than we are - easy runs or otherwise.

Outdoor Bike Ride

Again, this needs the GPS Lock mode. During my trial, I got the Titan to sync on the third attempt. Given that each attempt is about 5mins and the successful attempt needed the phone app to be on - not ideal. Once synced, the GPS was quite accurate (I am not super worried about the accuracy of my commute bike rides).

I do like the option to be able to receive calls during my commute rides, since the phone is in the bag! On the same note, I have not explored the Music option either during my runs (or biking - not recommended).

All this said, Garmin Connect App is way better for specific sports than the Titan app. The dashboards, charts, stats, maps in Garmin Connect leave nothing more to ask for. Combine this with the Pod which goes into the waist, the amount of data on vertical oscillation, ground contact times, balance, etc. is mind boggling. 
Plenty of ground to cover for Titan on this aspect.

I am yet to explore the ability to upload courses, download GPS, etc. in the Titan app. On the Garmin forerunner, this is a great feature esp. when you visit a new place / country. Check out the heat map of what I managed to do, by downloading the Madrid marathon course GPS file from Strava, upload it on to my Garmin forerunner and run the city in this report here.

Aesthetics

The Titan Traveller with it's square dial looks neat, is non bulky. I also like the option of a synthetic strap which can be easily ported to a leather one. Garmin forerunner is still on the bulkier side. The charging ports, charging time, etc. is also more advanced in the Titan.

Last word

Titan traveller is a good all round watch, lifestyle smartwatch - much better than any of the earlier ones from Titan. It is a great lifestyle smartwatch and can be used to track day long activity.
If it comes to a specialist - either running or biking, I would still reach out to Garmin.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Madrid - running the course

 

Day 1:

Landed at Madrid at 2PM, was in my running shoes and singlet! by 5pm to run down to Plaza de Castilla to pick up ID tag and then to a Carrefour to pick up dinner, 10km - more like a tapas (appetizer in Spanish cuisine) for the upcoming runs!!
Cold, Clean and Concrete

Day 2: Head North

By the next day, I figured that I was staying close to the Zurich Rock n Roll Madrid marathon start line. I made good use of the noon start to Camp Kickoff (Camp kickoff CKO is the work reason I was in Madrid, 1 week, all employees under one roof!) revelries to run the half marathon course. I started this run in low single digit temps, wearing a long sleeve tee only. It was tough the first few kms, dark and cold. The half marathon course weaved through many landmarks in the districts of Chamartin and Tetuan, Plaza de Castellana, the Cuatro Torres (business park), - the highlight being the Plaza Mayor. I finished the course by 9:45, made my way to the hotel to make best use of the breakfast spread.

Day 3:

The bug had bit, CKO started early at 9, my run had to start earlier, 6am, 4C. This time, I ran part of the RnR 10k route. I chanced upon and made a surprise entry into Park Santander, which has a walking path lined with a synthetic track for track workouts!! Today, the skull cap and gloves were out for braving the cold with me.

Day 4: Head West

was about exploring West, towards Casa de Campo, which is a huge forested area not too far from the city center. The highlight was Plaza de Esplana (Spain Square), nested between skyscrapers and inhabited at this unearthly hour by only a handful of sweepers!
The Puerta de San Vicente is the monumental gate located where the 'original door' to Madrid lay. It has 3 arches and when I reached there it seemed to have 2 moons! I got someone to take this 'pic of the trip' for me.
I headed back to my only breakfast a day OBAD schedule - cereal, scrambled eggs, omlette, sauteyed vegetables and fruit.



Day 5: Head South

The penultimate day, I decided to go south towards El Retiro Park - Parque de El Retiro. Just running down the central boulevard of the La Castellana (which is one of the key roads running South to North of Madrid) was amazing. Beautiful sights of the Puerta de Alcala (the massive gate by the park), Estanque Grande de El Retiro (the Great Pond) were the wow factor for the day. At midnight I got to experience some tapas snacks, the sound and lights of Bavarian DJ Loisash Marcithe with his epic alpine techno and alphorn at the Barcelo Theatre dancefloor.

Day Last:

It *had* to end in the Madrid Marathon FM course. I made good use of the early finish to CKO and was in my running gear at 3PM in daylight and warmer conditions. Despite having done parts of the course in the previous runs, there was so much more that this run offered. Being a Friday evening, the tourist spots were filled with people replete with their Iberian fervour. At Plaza Mayor, I exclaimed (to myself), "I have never seen so many foreigners in one place in my life"!!

The route caressed many city landmarks - Nuevos Ministerios (the govt complex - also my metro station), Plaza de Castilla, Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Cuatro Torres (the business area), Plaza Mayor (town square, phew!), the Royal Palace (complete with its parks and pebble roads), Casa de Campo and the Buen Retiro Park. The Casa de Campo is located just west of the Royal Palace and was once the hunting estate. It is now a beautiful park with traffic free roads, trails, lake. I even spotted (and got on camera!) a rabbit scurrying in the fallen foliage.

I had to take a couple of baño (toilet) stops - one in a café where I used the google translator to find my way through and another at the entrance to the Metro station, one McFit Gym (Gyms at Metro station is a novelty to me).
But apart from that, I ran the distance in 5hours, with no food or water (except a public faucet in Casa de Campo).

I got tons of pics, lots of good memories, over 108km of running in 6days in Madrid. Adiós amigo, hasta la vista

Friday, December 22, 2023

Himalayan Harmony - a family trip to Sikkim and Darjeeling

Sikkim: Where Nature Smiles


If you are here for a simple Sikkim travel itinerary

  • Day 1 (15 Oct) - Landed in Bagdogra, then by road to Darjeeling via Mirik garden and Sumendu lake, Nepal border - checked into Hotel Mt. Lungta

  • Day 2 (16 Oct) - Darjeeling sightseeing- 4am to Tiger hills. War memorial garden, Ghoom monastery, Darjeeling tea garden - Leebong Cart road, New Mahakal / mall market.

  • Day 3 (17 Oct) - Drive to Pelling along Rangit river. Check into Divsai Retreat

  • Day 4 (18 Oct) - Kanchenjunga falls, Khecheopalri lake, Rimbi orange garden, Sanghak Choeling Monastery, Sky walk Pelling, Pemayangste monastery

  • Day 5 (19 Oct) - Rabdentse ruins and Tulku bird sanctuary, Buddha park Ra’b’angla, Gangtok Golden Crest Hotel

  • Day 6 (20 Oct) - Sightseeing to Chorten monastery, Tibetology museum, Gantonk ropeway ride, Ridge road flower garden, Ban jangri falls, MG marg and Lal market.

  • Day 7 (21 Oct) - Drive to Tsomgo lake, Nathula pass, Baba mandir, Thambi view point. Check into the snow lion homestay at Zuluk. Visit Cloud warrior café.

  • Day 8 (22 Oct) - Eco nature walk trail, drive to Siliguri, check into Delight Ashiana, shopping at Siliguri Hong Kong market

  • Day 9 (23 Oct) - Science city visit at Siliguri, flight back to Bangalore


Planning > Packing > Re-planning > Re-packing

3 families (mostly the better halves) started planning the trip to Sikkim (whose tag line is “where nature smiles”)  & Darjeeling in July. Yes, Nature Smiles, and she did smile gently when discussions turned to sub-zero thermals, gloves, socks, trekking gear, Diamox, etc. etc.

The men got into the act and Darjeeling lost its place in favour of Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim - Nature was now grinning widely. We zeroed in on the itinerary, shortlisted taxi agents, finalised both and then looked up hotels and resorts. Juggled reviews, stars, (constellations, galaxies), location, price (of course) - all  while exchanging countless whatsapp messages, links, phone calls, beers and side dishes.

And when we thought it was all done, Sikkim dedicated to give a sardonic loud laugh, enough to cause a cloud burst, resulting in flash floods in Teesta river in Lachen valley - just 2 weeks before our departure date.

Back came Darjeeling, out went Gurudongmar Lake (just love the way this sounds - Guru, dong maar?), no offense to Guru Padmasambhava, who is credited with finding Tibetan Buddism after whom this lake is named.

And so it goes - we boarded the flight, packing the eagerness and excitement of the kids, and anticipation of a great 9 days in the north east.


Day 1: Bagdogra - Mirik - Darjeeling (16th Oct)

Agile Itinerary - Our latest sprint was while we were on the flight. An army officer on our flight, recommended that we drive to Darjeeling via Mirik. We negotiated that with our taxi drivers and we were off.

Mirik is a city nested in the hills, we were spoilt for choice - beautiful lake with boating, horse riding, flower garden, walk along the lakefront and across an arch bridge. We chose to head to the nearest ‘veg’ restaurant. Most of these food joints are run by husband-wife who double up to roll rotis dough, stir Maagi, boil water for chai, serve and do the vessels.

Except when you have 6 hungry kids waiting for the food and only 2 cooks, it would take forever.

Mirik was the first holiday lesson - Slow down (Maagi takes more than 2 minutes to cook!!)


We had high expectations from the Pasupatinagar market bordering Nepal. One has to cross the border checkpost on foot, after an ID check. Once in Nepal, a taxi takes you uphill to the market. There were good deals on cosmetics, which made the trans-national trip worth it ;)

Lesson 2 - It gets dark at 5PM in the hills

It was dark, cold and we were famished by the time we got to our Mt. Lungta Hotel, at the outskirts of Darjeeling  at Ghoom. I went for a bit of a “ghoom” (meaning roam in Hindi), ran down 5k towards Darj and back. The run featured European styled cafes, tram tracks alongside the road, crisp and nippy night air. Got back to the warmth of the basement dining area of the hotel - to kichiri, to rotis and curry!


Day 2: Tiger hills, Darjeeling - Doorada betta nunnage

Kanchenjunga is the highest mountain peak in India, third highest in the world at 29,165 ft tall and is the pride of Sikkim. While it is one of the most difficult peaks to climb, it is visible from many parts of Sikkim (which we only found later).


The instruction for the next morning “at 4am, we leave for Tiger hill top, to view the sunrise”. There was no tiger on Tiger hill, nor did we go there to specifically see the sunrise, but we did go there at 4am, wearing all the warm clothes we had carried. We rented chairs for 50 a chair to sit and wait an hour for the Sun to rise, as the crowds swelled up on the observatory. Eventually when the Sun did come, it was to reveal a tiny Kanchenjunga peak, rest covered by clouds. I sneaked in a run in the Jalapahar cantt area before breakfast, taking the kids in tow.

We then went about checking off spots in Darjeeling - Batasia loop, Ghoom monastery, Mall road and Mahakal market. Enroute we stopped at the Darjeeling tea garden on Leebong Cart road) - we made a short trek of it - loved exploring the trails in the tea estate. Back in city centre, the Mall road has a Scotland-ish feel to it - local shops, cafes lining cobble street leading up to a courtyard. We ransacked half of Glennary bakery for lunch - pastries, pies, and the likes.

Lesson three - When on a vacay, all roads lead to shopping, even it is Maha Kal market

We finished the day with white mischief



Day 3 - Drive to Pelling

I ran up Tiger hills (300m climb) before we checked out of Darjeeling - it was a stark contrast to the previous “touristy” visit. The observatory returns to its calm post 6am, the taxis have taken the sleepy tourists back, leaving behind a paltry set of vendors. Many locals have either worked in cities like Bangalore or have some family / friend there. I met one who spoke good broken kannada as well.

The drive to Pelling was unremarkable - except for a long wait for the highway to be cleared of a landslide. The difference in scenery as we moved across the state border was evident - Sikkim is much more clener than WB. The drive offered stunning views of Rangit river, we reached our next hotel - Divsai Retreat, Upper Pelling.


Day 4 - Seeing Pelling

We woke up to great views of Kanchenjunga range from our balconies. I ran another 10k, but with a somewhat forgiving elevation, towards Dentam valley.

We had changed taxis since leaving Darjeeling, and our drivers had sized us up. For our first stop, we went straight out of Peeling along the Yuksom highway. It starts out looking like a normal waterfall along the highway, but an unseen set of stairs took us to the “pride before the fall” - to a cold pristine gushing cascade, falling from over 100ft. We slowly made our way across the tiny bridge and to the base of the falls and spent good quality time at this site.

Next stop was Khecheopalri lake (pause here and read the name aloud) - we trekked up to the watch tower over the Khecheopalri hill - kids, adults all needing a lot of goading. If we weren’t already high enough, there was a small store on top selling peach wine and beet wine. Rimbi orange garden was up next. More 2 minutes for the kids, more wine for the adults - cherry wine, litchi wine, rhododendron wine, amla wine, green apple wine, kiwi wine - on the rocks (quite literally).

Most Peeling tourist lists talk about a “Skywalk” at the Choeling Monastery - our next destination - it was more of a “glass-floor-bridge-walk”. The monastery was perched on top of the highest point in the vicinity with great views of the surrounding vistas.

We visited one more monastery - the Pemayantse. It was hosting an annual conference of monks, the chants and sounds of Dungchen (the long horn), drums, trumpets and couch shells. We also visited the museum nested in the top floor of the monastery.

After a fairly long day, we hit the city center (a mix of cafes, restaurants and tea shops). The women felt adventurous to try the Tukpa, momos, wai wai. I would be careful of a hotel that sold idli “vara”, but not them.


When we got to Divsai, our retreat manager was stroking a small fire (the Sikkim rum in our hands may have kindled something). As the cold set in, our discussions led to “Tong-Ba” - the millet wine of the locals. Before we knew, we were sipping on Tong-Ba and dancing around a campfire to “
Sali Mann Paryo” and other chart topping Nepali songs, in the foothills of Kanchenjunga. The manager, Parikshit, was the star of the evening - and let us carry some great memories from Pelling! 


Day 5 - More driving, Gangtok

By now, I had established a morning run before the day start. Today, it was to the Choeling monastery (and beyond - along a road right up to the top of the Buddha) - 380m of ascent. The plan for the day was to get to the capital city, Gangtok. En route, we stopped by at Tulku bird sanctuary and Rabdentse ruins. The Aviary had a good collection of parakeets, macaws, doves and even emus!



The Buddha Park at Ra’b’angla is a recent monastery and is truly spectacular. Our taxi driver spoke to us about the Buddhist way of life & preachings - which was also depicted in the mural painting adorning the walls of the monastery. The Buddha park created by destroying natural forests left a bit of an incongruous after taste. Talking of taste - we were able to add to our culinary lexicon, yet again. This time we tried Sal roti (traditional bread cum aloo dum), Bamboo pickle and Khu-ri (traditional roll filled with leafy veggies and herbs) at a family run restaurant. En-route, driving along the river Teesta, we witnessed the carcass of shops, cars, and the destruction that the recent flash floods had left behind. We got to Golden Crest Hotel by evening to more Kichiri for dinner.

Day 6 - Gang up in Gangtok

The map showed a route to Enchey monastery, via Tsuglagkhang monastery & Ridge road - about 5k away and I set out uphill. In what turned out to be 460m climb (over 6km), I was able to appreciate the footpaths, footover bridges, short cutting steps to traverse the steep climbs.

Later during the day, we visited these sites in the taxi - Chorten monastery (the kids were amused at the offerings to The Buddha - biscuits, Kurkure and colas) and the Tibetology museum and library nearby. The Ropeway ride uphill to the Sectretariat, is a part of the public transport, run by the government and is very inexpensive. It offered panoramic views of the hillside and planted rooftops of locals.

The flower garden on Ridge road, excited none, except my better half to no end. Chrysanthemums displayed there were actually “imported” from namma Bengaluru. We “exported” some tulip bulbs!

Ban Jankri falls (sounds like Banshankri), our next stop, would not hold a candle to Kanchenjunga falls - regardless, we made our way to the steps and soaked our feet in the cold waters. It was perfect ruse for some chilled Enjoy Beer (any ruse works).


Our last stop for the day was MG Marg & Lal market. MG marg is all pedestrian shopping street, with a median filled with flowering plants. The cobblestreet brimming with Nepali, Bonglas, tourists gave it a very European vibe. I took up baby sitting (literally, sitting on a park bench) duties, but I believe Lal market was worth the bargains, esp. on fleece!! Fleece shopping, anyone?

Day 7 - Nathula

Hangover from the previous evening walk, the run had to cover MG marg. It was a different street devoid of all the revellers.

We checked out of a forgettable Golden Crest and headed towards Nathula pass. Would this be the day the kids would finally see snow and us unpack all our jackets?

Customary stop and Yak Yak haggling for a ride at Tsomgo Lake. At the Chai shack, more skull caps were bought; 5 layers, but somehow the chill seemed to find its way to the bones. Borders between discordial neighbours is always tense and so was the case with Nathula. The BRO has done a great job in matching road infra on our side of the border to that of the Chinese. Nathula pass is at an altitude of 14,000 ft - we wasted little time in getting back to our taxi and head towards Zuluk on the old silk route.

Quick stop to pay respects to a local war hero after whom the army has erected a Baba temple. Then the meandering roads, hairpins welcomed us to Silk route. At Thambi (meaning brother in Tamil) viewpoint we could grasp the beauty in its entirety - down the valley the roads curved!

Till we reached Zuluk, a quiet hamlet, Cloud Warrior army camp, a wine shop and army canteen. All this accompanying a homestay, Snow Lion, overlooking the hills far beyond. We got our chai, rotis and aloo sabzi at the mess and puris for breakfast!!

Enough time to sample the “magic moments” vodka, Samosa and Jilebi from the Cloud Warrior army cafe!


Day 8 - Look around Zuluk

I ran up towards Kupup on the old silk route to be greeted by surprised looks by soldiers doing their morning walks. The sharpest reaction came from an officer “I cannot understand you”. It is difficult to come to terms with a singlet wearing civilian running nowhere in near zero deg temperatures.


We checked out from Snow Lion at 10, not before more Jilebis and chai from CW cafe. We soon stopped at the Eco nature walk trail (which could have been any of the hundreds of trails in the mountains) spending most time deciding if we should head to Siliguri or Gangtok. Someone mentioned Siliguri shopping and the scales tilted. Our impulse hotel booking was at Delight Ashiana. The only delight was that the inside of the hotel was many times better than the filthy city, one could say you were in West Bengal. The shopping party returned with an empty cart (on a tuk-tuk) and my search for some famed Bengali sweet turned sour.

Day 9 - Bagdogra (Bang-bandra?)

We just had time to squeeze in a visit to the Science City in Siliguri, which made it worth the detour to Siliguri. The place was packed with DIY science experiments, a mirror maze, tropical park and other galleries. It was a fun few hours for the kids. The tuk-tuk ride also felt like a ride into history!


Final words: Pay heed to Mr. PM's 5th sutra - First see your own country - travel in India!!

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

A tale of 2 medals - Bengaluru Midnight Marathon 2024 and Vidyashilp Academy Sports

Build up: In hindsight, the injury from the fateful accident that I expected to recover in 2 weeks, took all of 22 months to finally give me a full marathon fitness. Over the months, the 'hustle' has been constant - first to get back mobility, then strength, then aerobic capacity, proprioception - it's been two steps forward, one step back over month after each month. But the hustle has been constant.

The Geelong half marathon in March this year, during a trip down under was well under target, the recovery was painstaking.
In May, I took part in a month long step challenge, making 26000+ steps per day in a slow shuffle. Then in Sep and then Oct, I ran an average 9 and 10kms per day. This gave me the confidence to include the weekly long run and some speed workouts.

About then, Rotary Club reached out to my employer, to consider sending a team of runners to participate in a "all proceeds go for charity" Bengaluru Midnight Marathon. About 25 of my colleagues expressed interest in the 5k, I felt I was ready for a full marathon.

I started incorporating the Yasso's 800s into my runs. One day an email from my kids school announced their Sports day and a 1500m "long" distance run for parents. I was unsure of how this 1500m morning run on the same day as the midnight marathon will play out overall, but this was a perfect chance to show the kids the 'art of possible'. I checked with them, and they emphatically said they wanted me to register.
And so it happened, that I would run a 1500m race in the morning and within 15hours get to the start line of a midnight marathon!

Strategy, Execution and Outcome
1500m race
With my kids looking on from the stands, this was a high pressure race for me. As I was warming up, I sized up the competition. I met RC, an alum of the school and a track athlete in his school days. We made some broad pacing plan - deciding to be on pace from the go and build a strong lead getting into the 4th lap. I knew from my training in Kanteerava stadium, that I was able to hold a 4min/km pace and suggested RC keep a 3:40 pace. I warmed up a bit, to ensure that I don't start with a 'cold' knee.

Two categories (above 40 and below - male) were combined together in an open start. As we took the first corner, RC & I were in 2nd and 3rd position and my Garmin was showing a blistering 2:50/km pace. Too fast. As I came into the next bend, I shouted "3:30 pace" to RC and that we needed to slow down. He was focussed on the parent in the lead, we decided to take him in the 3rd lap and to keep steady the next 2 laps.
In the second lap, I moved ahead of RC into the 2nd position and continued to reduce the gap to the 1st. In the third lap, now with a steady breathing rhythm, I was in earshot of the lead runner. I could hear his heavy breathing and passed him in good form. By this time, the cheers from the stands had reached high decibels.

I felt the rush, as the bell sounded the last lap. At the final corner, the kids were screaming out loud. As I ran down the final stretch I pointed to my kids in the stands and upped the pace. One mis-step, oops, but recovered quickly to pass the finish line with "rizz".
I stopped the clock at 5:22 - a proud moment for me and my kids!!

I joked that this 42.2k would be easier than the 1500m - this was a no time pressure run. I toyed around with a sub-4hr possibility, had decided to keep to a sub-4 pace for the first half and then take it as it comes.
A few of colleagues were running the 5k starting at 6:30PM. I made my way to the start line with them for the photo-op. I then headed to a cousin's flat nearby for some BBB dinner and feet-up time.

The midnight marathon is conducted in Whitefield and since its inception in 2007 (read my race report from the archives), it is run in a 5k loop x 8 times! The traffic is blocked, there are some festivities and music, the loops come and go quickly - I like the model.

I sat quietly through the warm up - half anxious, half nervous. There were just a couple of familiar faces at the start line. Gul, the race director, gave instructions, "Each lap is 5.274km, you have to run 8 laps, if you forget how many laps you have done, take a look at the race time clock and calculate". This drew some laughs at the start line.
The full and half marathons started within 10mins of each other and must have had 500 participants in all.
Within the first km, Satish (who runs a self supported 100miler every year with a friend, Jay) joined me. We quickly realized we had similar finish goals and decided to stay together. For the next 4 laps, we did just that - sometimes a little ahead of pace, sometimes behind but keeping a healthy average - 28:38, 29:03, 26:06, 27:49 for the 4 laps.

I had to take a long 'one' break and a short 'two' break which turned out to be a 'fart' alarm, but didn't lose time (remember how some fans timed Paula Radcliffe's portaloo break during a race).

I expected the HMers and faster FMers would be done with their race by 3hours and then the last hour would have very few runners on course. By the 4th lap, Satish had also fallen behind and I was preparing myself for a lonely night ahead.
But then, Manju popped up - he had finished his HM with a personal best time of 1:27 and decided to join me for a lap or two. This was his way of returning a favour - he was a part of my 3:45 pacing bus a good 6-7years back!
We chatted a bit and held pace and before I knew that lap was over - 27:41
I knew if I was able to keep pace for the next lap, I would have enough in the bank for the last 2 to come in under 4hours.

On the 6th lap, I had a gel which I had hidden on the course. Manju was on and off, but helped me with some plain water to pour upon my head and mixed some salt in water at one of the aid stations, he then decided to call it a day. 6th lap in 28:02

I began to break the remaining 2 laps now into sections and despite a higher perceived effort still managed to keep pace. 7th lap in 28:29

By now, I had 12mins in the bank - meaning, I could finish the 5k in 40mins and still be under 4hours for the marathon! I found no reason to slow down and kept steady. 8th lap in 28:56
And that is how I finished my first marathon in 673 days in 3h:45m - finishing strong and managing a steady pace right throughout.
Yes, my last full marathon distance was on 11 Jan 2022, a self supported run to Nandi hills. Who would have thought it would take me 21months after that fateful accident to run my first marathon.
I am filled with gratitude for this opportunity to relive the feeling all over again. Thank you for your support!

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Revision ACL Surgery and Rehab

For most city commute I prefer to ride my bicycle. This early March I was in a dilemma to ride my bike to a work meeting at EGL. It was a 4PM meeting, clear day, I rolled in a formal shirt into my laptop bag. At Trinity circle, as if like a premonition, the bungee cord from my pannier snapped and got stuck in my rear wheel. Fortunately, there was no damage done, I thanked my stars and carried on. But just after command hospital, as the road narrows down a bit, I could hear a car blare its horn to an empty stretch of road. In the next minute, the car behind this one brushed past my cycle. For a brief second I crashed into the rear door of the blue car, half cursing, half balancing, half bracing for the impending fall. The next thing - a big thud as the back of head met the tarmac. The familiar ligament pain the left knee was back.

Lying face up on the road, my cycle, bag, phone scattered around, all at the mercy of oncoming traffic, I let out a loud scream (Kantara style ;), - this would change many things in my diurnal life.

A lot changed - Ooty Ultra and Hennur Ultras were the first to go. I was adamant with recovery, hoping (almost sure) that the knee will be good in a few days. The few days turned to a few weeks. I began to use an elbow crutch to walk, but the exertion caused calf strain right up to the back of the knee. It took me 3 days to release a brick-like calf muscle and then a spasmed popliteus muscle.

After about a week, when the mobility did not improve, I started physio sessions with a focus to improve knee extension. These sessions caused excruciating pain, but it had to be done. Eventually after a month of grief, I went in for an MRI, only to confirm the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) had torn, with some damages to the cartilage.

My first issue with ACL was way back in 2001, a freak football injury. Then my first Arthroscopic surgery in 2006 (read here) and then another bicycle accident in 2015 (photoblog here).

I have mixed opinion of Ortho / radiology experts. The MRI reports are seldom clear and one has to interpret them with a lot of contextual background. One physio suspected bone chipping, MRI second opinion indicated that my previous screws were not in place. Amidst this confusion, I suspended my physio sessions. The knee mobility got back and I started strengthening my knee at the gym.

I eventually visited my Ortho of last resort - Dr. Hemanth Kalyan. He had had conducted my surgery way back in 2006. We discussed the option of a second surgery, but decided to give it 3 months of strengthening to see if we could avoid surgery.

The surgery option that was prescribed was using a Hamstring tendon graft and an arthroscopic procedure using an Endobutton & a bio screw. Dr. H was confident of finding another tunnel without disturbing the previous tunnel or screws.

In the coming weeks, I was able to shuffle jog about 1-2kms with lot of discomfort. I was able to lift weights, deadlift (up to 80kgs), lunges, leg extensions & curls. I used the time off running, to do what I could in the gym. Not too bad, eh.



I also added a few sessions of swim. Running was out of question, even a busy day with lots of walking would give me pain by evening.

I decided to get it sorted out - once and for all! My ACL "reconstruction" had to wait till our dream home "construction" could be complete. Within 3 days of Grihapravesh of Tadvanam our new home, on Vijayadashami, I did my hospital-pravesh - same knee, same injury, same hospital, same doctor, separated by thousands of miles of running and 16years!

Revision ACL Surgery



Technically speaking, the surgical / therapeutic procedures performed was:

Revision arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction left knee using 6 stranded ipsilateral semitenidinous and gracilis with microfracture chondral lesion and medial meniscus balancing left knee done by Dr. Hemant Kalyan (HK)

I was wheeled into OT room2, after an overnight fast in hospital overalls (incl. a disposable underwear) at 7:30am. Mine was the first surgery for HK, I spent sometime in the waiting room. By 8, I was wheeled into a super large OT with some massive overhead lights and lots of sophisticated equipment. The anaesthetist and 2 orderlies got working on me. I was seated on the OT bed and felt a few pricks in my lower back - spinal anaesthesia done. Soon the legs felt heavy and then felt nothing. HK came in and started going over my case with another doctor, spoke to my awake "upper half" briefly.

I had seen this video explaining the Endobutton ACL reconstruction technique earlier. I had a sense of what is coming. (It's quite a procedure, check out the video)

Right through the 1.5 - 2hr surgery I didn't sleep. I had a cloth wall at my waistline to prevent me seeing the procedure. I could "feel" the drilling and the hammering of my joint, but no pain, like it was being done to the bed or something.

While I was being sewed up after the surgery, HK walked across to my conscious half and gave a summary. "We got a nice 10mm graft from the hamstring tendon (usually 8mm is sufficient). The earlier screws did not come in the way, so we left it as is. There was some cartilage damage, which we fixed via a procedure called the microfracture which allows for tissue from the bone marrow to form the cartilage naturally. All's well!"

I now have a bioscrew, an endobutton and 2 titanium screws in my left knee!!

I was transferred to the recovery room, where I waited for over 2hours to get some sensation back to my legs. My knee was all strapped up in crepe bandage and the immobilizer brace. Weird sensations, stiffness, dull pain came by during the post op evening, with it discomfort while lying down in the bed all day and disturbed sleep during the night.

On his evening visit, HK mentioned that I it was ok to put all my weight on my operated leg already and should begin my physiotherapy session on Day1 itself.

The IV line was a pain, with constant pain killers, antibiotics, etc. and other injections. The food was good, I was able to get to regular food from the next day. The support of my wife during the hospital stay alleviated the discomfort to a great extent.

I was discharged after 2 days at the hospital. I am now in my 4th week post surgery, the vastus medialis oblique (vmo) muscle needs more tlc but in general I'm recovering well. If I feel inspired enough, I will create another post on the rehab.

Thank you for reading and your good wishes for my recovery! 

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow what a ride!” ― Hunter S. Thompson

Cheers and have a good day!

Ps: fellow biker and dear friend, Shilpi added a pretty accurate illustration



Saturday, February 19, 2022

Malnad Ultra 2021 – the reluctant 80k

 


Malnad Ultra has always been one my favorite races – the organizers love for the trails resonates perfectly with me. I have had decent previous finishes – in 2016 (read report here) and in 2019 (read report here)

There was whole lot of “reluctance” right from the beginning – the dates were announced in a hurry, right in the middle of my marathon training, and then the date was just before the gala opening of my company’s Bangalore Office.

Which means, I was running less mileage, more speed work. I was to be in Mysore the day after the run, meaning changes to travel plans. And then there were rains – of all kinds, cyclonic depression, drizzles, to thunderstorms. But wait till you hear of the “elephant in the room” – literally!

Training: The training was also, therefore, somewhat reluctant! I combined a speed run with 50k long run the week before the event and struggled with cramps. The recent BMF 60k Ultra, where I finished joint winner in 5:47 was a confidence boost. The rains played havoc with the training as well – I was juggling between risking a cold rain run and staying warm indoors.

Come race week, my travel plans changed, but my car-pool mates – Ashwati, Ahamed and Rama from Chennai Trekking Club (CTC) were accommodating. The Mysore plan was completely dropped. We decided to start from Bangalore at 6am to give ample time to reach the homestay in Mudigere (Hoysala Stayinn), get to the bib collection point at Robusta valley Inn and get some rest ahead of the D-day.

The course: Ok, which course do I talk about?

  1. There was one course given in the information booklet that was emailed a week before the race.
  2. Then there was one course that was described in great detail during the bib collection on the previous day – with changes to the start point and some sections of the second half.
  3. And then this was revised further at 5:55AM on race day – we were told that we will not be able to run up Yettinabuja (which was one of the key attractions) and will be guided on the right trail
  4. Then, 6km into the run at Yettinabuja base, there were further changes

The starting point was Urubage gram panchayat. The route was supposed to take us to the popular local trekking routes & temples – Yettinabuja, Bettada Bhairaveshwara temple, Nanya Bhairaveshwara Gudi.

The instructions regarding the marking was – “If it is a single long trail, there will be no marking. If you come to a fork, the correct trail will be marked with red ribbons on the “left” side. If there are ribbons on both sides, that section is used both ways (back to this later).

The race:

We started the day at 5:30am with first signs of “wrong route” trouble. Eventually we landed at the Gram Panchayat field of Urubage. Our host at Hoysala Parkinn was kind enough to show me an Indian style loo for my morning ablutions. I met Deepak and Opendro at the parking and we got ready under mobile torchlights. The race started on time at 6:45am.

I found myself leading the pack with Sampath and Mani in hot pursuit, we were clipping the first 2kms in 4:30 pace. Open joined us and we were then this “formidable four” (ff) till we hit 55kms or so. It was a crazy adventure right from the start. Our first turn, off the road was in 2kms, the ribbons were barely visible. And then in another 3km, we had to head towards Yettinabuja on the tarred road, again, the marking were all over “the fork”. Somehow, we decided to head uphill. Then, at the temple on the foothill to Yettinabuja (Nanya Bhairaveshwara Gudi), we were turned back by the support team, “not allowed” to go further. Issue with local forest officials – Elephants were spotted and it wasn’t safe!! 3km of what was to be the best part of the trail was gone.

At this point, the ffs were still tearing down the slopes. Back to “the fork” with ribbons all over, now we didn’t know where to go. We had company, even the volunteers didn’t! Then while we ambled there for everyone to catch up, the race director, Anand came to our rescue and directed us.

From there on, I began to enjoy the trails. At the lead Open and I, passed a support tractor carrying supplies for our support station ahead. Running along the ridges of this Ombattu Gudda was perhaps the most memorable section (and the picturesque section) of the run. We had to take a U-turn at a lone tree on the trail. Many runners apparently missed taking a U-turn at this point. Again, the markings were inadequate here too!

Once out of the ridges, the trail took us into some deep undergrowth of forest and Byrapura estate. Since we were first ones here, it was quite a pleasure to explore these virgin trails. Then came the river crossing at about 20km. All the ffs simply ran into the stream with gay abandon.

Again, at the fork, we had to guess the trail, it was also an opportunity to cut short 3-4kms of the trail.

All along, I was trying to keep to a schedule of water, gels, salt tablets. Getting out of the forest to the road section after Jenukallu Gudda near Bettada Bhaireshwara Gudi at 28km, it was already apparent that I was losing salts (see pic). The “Nataraja pose” was to show how I was bleeding from leech bites.


We had done about 35km in 4 hours and the 11am sun was shining bright. Once we got off the estate, it was back on the road for the next 10 odd kms back to the start area. Somewhere near the marathon mark, Open and I came across an overflowing overhead water tank. We detoured to take a nice shower and pressed on. We saw these milestones to Urubage and knew we were getting closer, till we saw a nice big bold arrow turning us left at “the T junction”. So we took it! A km into that we realized that the mile markers were now showing 70km and 72km. We then saw Amit and Suman, who were leading the 50k running in the opposite direction and quite peeved that they were made to take the wrong route with less than 2kms to their finish line!

We U-turned and ran back to “the T junction” and then made our way to the start area. I had 46kms on my Garmin and 5hr:25min on the clock. The missed turn had cost us our lead position and Sampath and Mani had arrived a few mins back. We took a quick 10min break, had some Bisi Bele Bath and curd rice and quickly got back on the track. I also picked up the 2 gels in had hid in the bushes in the morning.

The next 5kms was some craziness. 200m to the main road and we were already confused which way to go – no markings, no volunteers to direct us, we just sat on the road waiting for Sampath to join us and hoping he would be wiser. Then we decided to go left and check out, there were markings. Next 500m, there was a right turn (“the junction”), we considered taking it, did a quick search around, found no shredded paper marking and continued on. By now the sun was in its blazing glory, we ran down 2kms before turning back since we had found no mile markers either. When we got close to “the junction”, we saw 2 volunteers in a jeep, I flagged them to stop and help us with the route. They had no idea, and started doling out random gyan. I insisted they call and find out, they had no signal. Then they decided to jeep back to the start point to find out, while we walked in scorching sun – frustration and dehydration is not a great combo. By then time the jeep came back, we were back at “the junction” and they directed us back towards the start point. And when we slow jogged back, the race directors – AA and Brijesh in a jeep in the opposite direction stopped us and said, guess what, “wrong way!”. They went on ahead, placed a volunteer at “the junction” where we were now told to take the right turn towards Yettinabuja!

This additional 5k cost us nearly 45mins. But more critically, the next water stop was only 5km away, which meant I had to go without water in the hot sun for nearly 10km. This was no force majeure incident. There is no excuse for not marking the course correctly within a kms radius from your start point. I promised myself, at this point, that I will not run this race for the next 5 years!

From there on, after about 60km we entered the Haleakimane forest area for another 5km or so. This stretch of 10kms also had the most climbs, about 330m over 10k. Also, the inclines were very technical and were un-runnable. Open and I were now in the lead. At one point Open looked at my watch and noticed that my heart rate was 150+ and remarked that it was high. After nearly 8hrs of running, the Sun beating down on us as we walked up brutal inclines, his heart rate was a shocking 115 or so!!

He was, of course, holding on to me till the forest section was over. After the water stop at 68km (again, with unripe bananas, bread without jam spread over it, jam in bottles minus spoons, ditto for butter), Open decided to run on ahead.

By this time, I was cramping quite badly and was walking almost all of the now completely road sections. In another 3-4kms, as I was leaving a water stop, I glanced back to see Sampath and Mani jogging in. In the next km, they passed me.

I continued to trudge along and reached “the T junction”, which had led us astray in the first loop – 70kms in 9h:20m and the uphills were unabated. Finally, I got off the road, into a trail section, another 2kms or so to the finish. I wanted to keep under 11hours to save some pride and seemed to be on track to do so. With some 500m to go, I heard a cheerful shout from behind – turned to see Navin. Navin warned me of 2 other runners who were on his tail and told me to keep it steady till the finish. It never occurred to me that he was also doing the 80k, until he gracefully allowed me to finish ahead of him at the finish line. The clock read – 10:49:37, my Garmin read 80.24kms.



The photographer at the finish did not capture my shot and asked me to run around again. This led to some drama, with me cramping on both legs, the other top-5 finishers rushing to me – offering a chair, water, massage, etc. I managed to relax and get this shot after 10mins or so.



Open had finished in 10:11 and Sampath & Mani had just finished about 5mins back. Navin was placed 4th (rightfully so) because of the net time considered. I had managed a 5th place finish.

This Malnad Ultra was a mixed bag – the route changes, getting lost, my own poor performance (I really struggled in the last 20k).

The Last word: In a very candid feedback sharing with AA at the end of the race, he said “In spite of all this, I don’t know why I still do this (event)”. To which I replied, “In spite of all this, I don’t know why I still run this race”. I guess till we figure out, he will organize it and I will run it. Just like the other pass time that we have signed up for called “life”.

As always, would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below. Also, follow me on Instagram @ultrabhat