My first run in the hills – Tata Ultra Marathon, Lonavala

Author – Vikas Dhankhar

I was depleted and sweating profusely. My legs were unwilling to move forward, my body was yearning for rest, and yet I had one and a half kilometers to go.

Yes, this was my first run in the hills. My passion for long runs started after my brother, who had participated in several marathons across the country. I had seen him preparing for the Mumbai Marathon, it involved tremendous effort, discipline, and self-control. I was intrigued by his passion for long runs, his mental and physical strength, and fascinating tales of his Cherrapunji and Durshet Forest runs. And this is how running a marathon became my dream.

Preparation for the challenge run

I collected all the relevant information – running app to plan and track progress, the right shoes, diet supplements, exercise to avoid injury, and build endurance. Equipped with the right gear, I started training with small runs, 3K, 5 K, 10 K, and so on. Consequently, I participated in several events, including a half marathon, before I registered for Tata Ultra Marathon – The challenge run.

The training for the challenge run was rigorous, it involved multiple practice sessions, and what kept me going, was the continuous motivation and support from my friends and families. It included – my ex-boss and a passionate runner;  my fitness freak friends – a cricket enthusiast, a yoga trainer, and a cycling enthusiast;  my family, who was always there to support me, even during the practice runs. 

23rd Feb 2020 – the race day

At 3:30 AM as the alarm went off, I jumped out of bed with excitement as if I haven’t slept at all. Within a few minutes, I was on my favorite ride heading towards the venue through the deserted streets of Lonavala. In about 10 mins, I reached the starting point for the Tata Ultra Marathon. People have come from all over the country, some with friends, some with families, while others were lone wolves, just like me. The environment was electrifying, filled with loud music, enthusiasm, and positive energy. I picked up a cup of coffee and walked towards the starting line. I was a bit nervous, for it was my first run in the hills. The countdown began at 4:29:50 AM – 10, 9,.., 3, 2, 1, Gunshot. I quickly moved through the crowd, creating space for myself. I overtook some and some overtook me. Within a few minutes, we were out of the city, crossing the Lonavala lake bridge.

The challenge of running in the hills

Outside the city, it was pitch dark, and what one could only see were scattered blue & white dots of runners’ bright t-shirts & headlamps. The dreadful challenge started after 5 kilometers when I reached the first long steep uphill. It had put everything to test – the physical strength, the grit, and the endurance. I tried to maintain the cadence, however, the pace dropped almost immediately. It kept getting more and more difficult until I hit the downhill. Going down the hill was easy and fun, it helped me recover my breath and pace. However, the steep ones were risky as well, it was like rolling down with no brakes. The saga of uphill and downhill continued thereafter. At the break of dawn, birds started chirping, the black sky gradually turned blue. The glimpse of Lonavala hills with the first rays of sunrise was mesmerizing. Nature was at its best and so refreshing that I felt as if I had just started. I continued the run relishing the scenic beauty and undulating slopes of Lonavala. 

The finish line

… almost exhausted and yet 5 more kilometers to go, the sun was right in front of us, draining whatsoever energy was left. The only relief was the water station & volunteers to help runners with water and energy drinks. Some runners stopped for a short break while others continued. With the exchange of a smile, I got engaged in small talks with fellow runners, checked about their well-being, and encouraged each other to keep moving. It was about 2 Kilometres when the music started hitting my ears. It revitalized the josh and helped me push that 80+ kgs further close to the target. At last, I was at the finish line, caught up in the euphoria of my accomplishment, completing the run in 4 hrs and 11 mins, without a single stop. It was a dream come true.

Another Dream

On my ride back home, while I was still cherishing the run that I completed a couple of hours back, a thought crossed my mind about running the 50 K next time, and I was like l, why not? After all, running in the hills was a 3x experience – the challenge, the fun, and the scenic route.

..another dream for the coming year.

On a closure note, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to every single person in my life for their continuous support and encouragement.

Find your daily dose of continuous inspiration and motivation to fulfill your dreams.

Dream, Believe, Achieve!