Luck (Success) is what happens when opportunity meets
preparedness.
In the meantime, AFI invited applications from eligible
runners for the A&O. I waited till Ganesh Chaturthi to submit mine – I had
met the eligibility criteria (185km+) but had very few other Ultras to show
fitness, although my event was less than 2 months back. The next couple of
weeks till the team was announced, I ran with my toes crossed.
I ran a couple of good training runs in preparation. I ran
the Hyderabad Ultra 50k, after having run a 25k before the start of the race. I
finished the undulating course within the top 10. This was also followed by a
press meet and a chance to meet the Badminton legend – Gopichand. I also ran an
overnight run at Bangalore Kanteerava stadium, thanks to Godfather, Nagaraj
Adiga for organizing this.
In 4 weeks, my Garmin showed an impressive 500km in training
– the volume is highest I have ever trained. It did have its share of niggles –
first the psoriasis then the lateral peronial muscle. Notice the needles in the pic, some dry needling took care of some. But I am as ready as ever
now and look forward for the event.
The Preparedness
My Preparedness graph has started about 13 years back. All
the mindless running seemed to be preparing me for this, the Universe seemed to
have a plan, in hind sight. Mindless running, why? – My brother-in-law reminded
me recently of my “training run” for my first marathon – run from home (in Hebbal)
to electronics city, some 30+ kms away. Those were days of no GPS watches, no
Google maps, no dri-fit tees, no compression socks. I had carried some glucose
powder, cash in a waist pouch and a 1 liter bottle, not even knowing how far
this was. I remember reaching Forum mall and wondering how much further E-city
was!
The Bangalore Hash prepared me for even worse – many times,
we wouldn’t even know how long the run was, not that we cared. Distance? Pace?
Heart rate? VO2 Max? – didn’t know any of these.
But I guess I am boring enough to have kept this going for a
good 13 years and thanks to my running buddies (some reminded me of a possible qualification
to the Asian) I pushed myself to finish well at the Bengaluru
Stadium run.
The opportunity
The opportunity graph only started from 2 years back.
The International Association of Ultra runners (IAU), the
international governing body of ultra distance running and the International
Trail Running Association (ITRA) conduct World Championships in various format
of Ultras - ranging from 30k trail runs, 50k, 100k, 12hr, 100milers & 24hr
Ultras. Thanks to the effort of a few concerted individuals, the Athletics
Federation of India (AFI) became a member of the IAAF, IAU and ITRA, last year.
Through the AFI, Indian ultrarunners now have the opportunity to participate at
the World and Regional Championships.
The Athletic
Federation of India (AFI) has sent 3 teams to date – to the 24hr
Ultra at Belfast, a 100k Trail run in Spain & the recent 100k World
Championship to Croatia.
The training
Sooner after completing my Stadium run, I was scouting the
IAU website for upcoming races. I got excited with the announcement of the
Asian & Oceanic Championship (A&O) and shot an email checking India’s
participation. I dropped my plans to race at SPBM marathon and decided to focus
on LSD (long slow distance) runs for a change to take part in A&O. I
chatted with the IAU Chairman, Jacek & our own experienced Ultra, Kieren –
both gave me the same advice – the weekly mileage had to go up to 150-160km.
An email confirmed my participation, I was the 5th
member of the team of 6. A very proud moment.
In 4 weeks, my Garmin showed an impressive 500km in training
– the volume is highest I have ever trained. It did have its share of niggles –
first the psoriasis then the lateral peronial muscle. Notice the needles in the pic, some dry needling took care of some. But I am as ready as ever
now and look forward for the event.
Stay tuned in.
