It all started in April when I saw an notification in FB for Ladakh Marathon. I had just joined gym then and started taking strength training seriously. I had been training seriously for next year’s Mumbai marathon. I ping Rahul if he would be interested in running at Leh, Ladakh half marathon. At that time, I thought running full will be too much for my body to take at such an attitude. Rahul replied me back that he will not travel all away to Leh just for half marathon. It had to be either full or 72 km Khardung-la Challenge. The very next day I registered for Ladakh Full Marathon. Rahul was still deciding weather to go or not (Rahul would later finished Hyderabad FM at mind blowing timing of 3hrs 37 mins). A week later I booked my flights for Leh so as to ensure that I had no choice but to go to Leh. I had never been to Leh or any other part of J & K earlier. And I must say this was the best decision I had done.
My preparation for the marathon started very good. However sustaining it was a challenge. My running numbers reduced with the monsoons and increasing office work load. Though I ensured that my strength training was never sacrificed. I ensured that I visit the gym at least 5 days a week. My running numbers reduced from +200 K/month distance in Apr, May to close to 100 K/month in June, July. Aug was worst with just around 50kms, blame it on monsoons or my laziness. To be honest, this was not the ideal preparation for Leh Marathon. I was not sure till the race day if I could complete entire 42km. I thought my heart would just stop at 32K.
I reached Leh a week ahead of the race day. For any runner planning to run at Leh, you need to be here at least a week earlier to get acclimatised. It stands at 11,500 ft above sea level, oxygen levels are low here. On the 1st day, one can easily get headache or breathing problem. So it's important to take proper rest on the 1st day of arrival. Reaching a week early, one gets lot of time to visit the local monasteries and nearby valleys like Nubra, Pangong lake or Khardungla and ample time to practise in the mornings. Believe me these places are mind blowing.
The first time I ran here on one of the mornings, I was breathless in less than a kilometre. I learned after running here that you need to start slow especially if you are not a localite or some professional runner. Up incline walk, don’t run. Down decline or plan road, run. You need to ensure that you never run out of breathe in the entire race. So my strategy for the marathon was simple, stop at most of the water station for enerzel, water or some banana. I ended up stopping at all the water stations(there were 14 of those for 42k) and finishing it at 5 hrs 42 mins.
Leh trip was an amazing journey for me. It made me appreciate nature even more. Since my return from Leh, I have been telling my friends, it is a beautiful place and one must visit this place once in his/her lifetime. If you haven’t visited this place yet, don’t forget to add this on your list.
