First Bangalore Ultra Marathon

Today, I caught the 4.45 am transportation to get to
ONV for the first ever Bangalore
Ultra Marathon where people can get to
run or walk 26 or 52 or 78 or 104 km. A true endurance event.

I participated in the 26K run. I can’t even imagine how so many of
those guys and gals ran 52+ km.

The first 19 km of my run was good. My knees felt good during the
pounding of the feet although my shoe soles suffered and literally
came apart. After that, it was a nightmare.

I got severe backache. Probably because my rotund belly has added
layers over the past couple of months because of lack of exercise.
I really struggled for the remaining 7 km. The killer was the last
3 km.

I somehow managed to complete in 3 hr 52 min. A timing that I’m not
proud of, but under the circumstances, I don’t think I could’ve done
better.

In the end, I must say kudos to the Ultra
Team for one of the
best organized events I’ve ever participated in! They have looked into
every little detail always putting the runner first in all their
decisions and especially for choosing such a picturesque location for
the run. The grassland field that we entered in the start of the run
was a true sight to behold just as the sun was coming out.

My aim next time is to do a half marathon without me throwing up in
the end, which has become a custom these days.

As I twittered
a while ago: “Sometimes I wonder why I even run. Then again, I wonder
why I’m even alive.”

Update: Sabine has lots of photos in these two albums.

Update 2: Congratulations to Niara for winning 2nd position in the Women’s 26K Open category with a timing of 2:38 hours!

“I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself,
and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow
as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new
sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your
lungs.” – Jesse Owens