Owing to the cancellation of the run events in Ladakh, decisions had to be made to channelize the energy in ways that not only would help me train at higher altitudes but also help build the courage of attempting such goals in a manner that is self supported.
A fellow runner and I decided to land in Leh and run the altitudes on our own means. A schedule was chalked out to sink in the acclimatization factor prior to attempting the runs. Strength training and Yoga continued to be a part of the day as it would always be.
In leh, weather conditions can get harsh at any moment of time while running the mountains. With layers of attire on you to keep you safe from the heat and cold and a handful of snickers in your backpack and 1litre of elotrolytes in you bladder, we were able to finish the first 30kms run from Leh towards South Pullus Glacier view point and back.
The breathlessness had hit early in the initial 2kms and it took a while to align our bodies with the inclines and let ourselves head at low pace. This was necessary to allow cope ourselves with the nature of terrait we were attempting on the peaks. The depleting Oxygen levels could be clearly felt as we approached 7-8kms in our route. The goal was to run up to cover atleast half the distance and head back. The slow paced runs got converted in to slow walks. This was to give is the much needed recovery and then continue miling ahead. It got on well as we continued running and could finish the downhill comfortably.
This run gave me some confidence and a idea of how you need to prep yourself mentally prior to attempting the 55kms from Leh to Khardungla top and back.
As usual, geared up with water, electrolytes and chocolates, the journey towards Khardungla kickstarted. Little did we know that the weather is going to play games with us despite the forecast giving us a clean chit of nothing much to expect apart from the sun and clear clouds. We had just finished a km and the raindrops could be felt on our cheeks. We were not carrying the rain jacket and had ourselves to pray to nature and make it go away. Rains stopped after a while and we continued running towards 17,850 feet. Kept our pace low and ran and walked whenever appropriate. South Pullu was the first stop to feed ourselves with some hot tea and snacks. The road was filled with bikers and cars and to our amusement, we were questioned if we were carrying oxygen packs on our back that helped us run at this altitudes. We humbly answered that these were water bags and lifeline that we rely on for endurance runs. We started towards Khardungla with the same determination and down few kilometres, we were welcomed by light blizzard and had struck us atleast thrice while on the way up.
The bone chills were growing and returning back was a decision that our minds were contemplating to make but the magic of one step at a time is what kept us going in the harsh weather and we finally made it to the Highest Motorable pass in the world on foot.
We took the much needed rest, drank some kawa and souped in the maggi for our tummies and headed back down towards 55kms mark. The downhills were killing ourself from the inside too as we were looking out for some sun that could help warm our bodies and have a comfortable run. It took a while for the weather to change and the sun was out. With this feel good factor, every kilometre was looked at as a goal till we finished 55kms.
Indeed a first ever run experience to look forward to in future events like laultra and Khardungla challenge. Doing the route a couple of times made it monotonous to me and hence decided to visit it next year if it had to be on foot.
A week past and a thought crossed my mind of giving route a visit again and ran the 33kms the next weekend.
This was a solo attempt but I would say, i had company. This angel ran with me for over 10kms and kept me motivated on the route. I owe her for this feat.
The only companion to speak to and yell to when you literally feel like regretting the decision. It wasn’t the altitude but the very thought of running the same altitudes , same route, same terrain again had me enough to say No to it again. but yet again, i was back to say my last goodbyes to the peaks i plan to gruel again next year.
Until then Julley!!!!
“Calculated risk-taking is operationally defined as the ability to deal with incomplete information and act on a risky option, that requires skill, to actualize challenging but realistic goals.”