The Tuffman Beach Ultra got some celebrations going post the win and I had to get a recovery run under my belt before I could head to Jaisalmer for the blockbuster event of the year – THE BORDER ULTRA 100 MILES by Hell Race.
Goa River Marathon was just a week ahead after the beach ultra and with fellow runners colleagues making it to the event, I undoubtedly had to shown up. A half marathon was ideal for me and not the full marathon and wanted to treat it as a recovery run.
I had around 7 days to go for event and underwent a much needed rest period prior to a mini run a few days before 12th December. A 6kms run helped me freshen up my tired legs. Not to forget the post run hydrations and food intake to support my recovery.
The River Marathon was conducted in Chicalim, Vasco – The place of my birth. This made it even more special for me. Running has been a passion that has driven me to different places in the country and having an opportunity to take me back to my birth place added the much needed glitter to the run.
The 5:30am start on 12th December 2021 for the Half Marathon Event was apt. I wanted to finish the run before the sun gets nasty. Not to forget the humidity was yet another factor that can add to the misery of the run. I was categorised in the D category of the run and the only reason was to start the waves at different times due to prevailing covid conditions.
Nevertheless, the run began at 5:30am and all that I had on my mind is to finish it at the earliest possible but back in my mind I had to ensure I treat this as a recovery run and not run a mad pace that could injure myself since the next event was particularly important to finish the year on a runners high.
The first few kms was an unexpected incline towards the Dabolim airport and I was expecting a flatter course as people called it a PB route. Post the incline, the U turn took you back towards the start point and proceed towards yet another U turn at the 13km mark.
The route was dark and thats how I would like it to be and avoid the Sun. The route had gradual inclines and declines and flatter surfaces. I carried a 250ml electrolyte bottle and had planned to consume 4 fastandup gels (0, 7, 13, 18th kms) during the run.
There was a left turn in the route followed by a quick U turn that helped you grab some meters for the half marathon. Another left and you head towards the 13th km U turn. The idea as usual was to keep running at a comfortable pace, keep hydrating and not to forget pour a glass of water on me to keep off the heat. You literally sweat and sweat just keeps dripping off your clothes and after a while , you end up feeling a little cold when you hit the road right next to the River bed.
Running continued till the 13th km mark towards the Panjim Highway and the U turn gave a sense of relief as it was a dash to the finish point. The day started getting brighter and another 8 kms is all I had to finish on a high. The last time I ran a HM in goa, I had run it in 1:39. I had no plans to running that pace but could stop myself from getting off the feeling of getting over it once and for all.
Here is what I realise, running shorter runs have been equally stressful when you wish to finish the run in the shortest time possible because the distance is way shorter compared to your Ultras. May be this feeling is generated from the ultra runs, when those long hours make you weak physically and mentally and you would just want to manage the stress levels and finish it within the expected time. The shorter runs just want you to get over it. May be I need to self analyse and see what I get out of this.
Okay.. Now that I was ending up with every mile towards the finish line, I gulped in the last gel and sped through the route. I could hear the band that was playing the start line and that wonderful feeling of ending the event started sinking it. The finish was good and I ended up achieving a personal best 1:38. This was yet another high and a satisfactory performance that called in for a cheer!
Post run hydration, some snack and beer for sure, now that you are in Goa, you cannot deny a beer. I waited for my friend Tim Tim Sharma who finished 4th in her category and was elated for her come back to running event after a long break.
Soon, Aanjana and Rushit finish the half marathon too and to their surprise they had a PB too. Overall a fantastic event to be attended again for a full marathon.
A short run , A short blog because all that was running on my mind during the run is the denting terrain and climate conditions at Jaisalmer for The Border Ultra 100 Miles. Meeting a race personnel at River Marathon – Dinesh Heda, also had the clock ticking since He had signed up for the 100 Miler too.
On that Note, tick tick one , tick tick two…Border Ultra, I hope I get through!
Official Result:-
https://www.timingindia.com/my-result-details/MTc4Nzp0aW1pbmdfcjIxMTJfZ3JtX206U0tGIEdPQSBSSVZFUiBNQVJBVEhPTiAyMDIx#head
