Just weeks ago, Running the Solang Sky ULTRA 100kms was in all sense realised as a daunting task that could have left scars on your running career. The fear of the terrains and altitudes run during The Hell Race had been gulped and it was time for the body to recover from the 32 hours ordeal.
The thoughts of the run were still fresh and the training for the next ultra run had to begin. Post a 10 day rest, eating your favourite meals and meeting and greeting your near and dear ones, it was time get some mileage under your belt before the Bangalore 10k challenge at NICE road.
Pic post completion of Bangalore 10k Nice Road, Bangalore.
An easy 5kms, 10kms had been run to rejuvenate the muscles before hitting the 10k challenge event on 24th October 2021. NICE road is known for the moderate elevation gain and this was a key element that made me sign up for the run. Had hit the gym couple of times for strength training and a yoga session to stretch the rested leg muscles. I did a 10km run a day before the event and tried to push at a humble pace to understand if I could still generate the pace for shorter runs. The results were satisfactory considering the numbeness in my toes was yet to disappear from the last ultra run.
The best I had run on this route of 10k challenge was 46mins during the last event and idea was indeed to maintain that consistency and treat yourself with a medal under your tally. The fatigue in my legs was reducing but it was still felt during the practice runs Hence, the decision to wear compression socks was made and did not want myself prone to any injuries.
The BIB collection happened on 23rd October and the restless wait to the start line commenced. I rested the entire day ahead. A wake up alarm at 3:30am, with an hour in hand to freshen up, a warm glass of water and bowl of muesli got me ready. I do not run on empty stomach and a bowl of muesli with dry fruits gives me the right nourishment I need before any run. Drove to the venue by 5:30am and got a early glimpse of few known faces. I felt sleep deprived, so decided to stay in the car to gain some rest. Headed out to warm up with some aerobic streches and a brisk walk accompanied by a short run.
I was in the B slot/category of runners and had to wait out till the A slot runner go pass the start line. I could not figure out the criteria chosen that had me line up with B category. Nevertheless, it was approximately half a minute difference before I crossed the start line. The weather was cooler owing to the night rains and had complimented the morning for a perfect run.
The restlessness in my legs was increasing and with the very thought of finishing the run unharmed considering I would go full guns blazing :). I consumed a energy gel here and with the bong, I started to gear my with my spring as I eyed the elevation after the first 500 meters.
The B category had me make way and run pass the runners who began early to allow me gain some focus only on the track without having to worry about any collisions with fellow runners. The elevation for hunger continued and I was enjoying the pace at which I could pull the initial 5kms. These elevations were gradual and favoured a gradual downhill too and in my sight was the U turn at 5kms. The climb after this 5kms was a little hectic and felt like the longest on this route. I slowed down a bit to ensure I don’t burn out and waited for the next hydration point to sip some water. At this moment miling every kilometre became the immediate short goal and the feeling made me relax my body bit or may be you call this the art of giving your body those small perks/breaks not having to know that you still have another kilometre to go after that and so on till the course runs out. This worked!
The body responded well and I was able to generate the pace on the downhills that could help me cover for the time engaged during the uphill. I popped in a energy gel as I neared the 7km mark while the previous one was had at approximately 4 kms mark. I wanted to sip a drink at the next hydration point, but unfortunately the water glass fell off my hand. I did not want to stop and continued my strides towards the finish line. With only 3kms to go, I was positive to finish with a new personal best at NEB Sports Bangalore 10k Challenge. This very feeling had me push hard as much I could with controlled aggression to cross the line uninjured.
I was relieved of the challenge that made me take a sweet bitter outcome from the last ultra run where i was delayed by 3 mins. Coincidentally, I beat my last record at the 10k challenge by 3 mins.
My take from this run, PBs aren’t meant to be chased rather achieved and it can only be done if you have religiously training plan towards a definite goal. The plan is to not go overboard during trainings but use it to gain the insights of your well being when exposed to events where you want to be your best!
Thought for the day:-
To build muscle while running, be sure to fuel yourself with carbohydrates and proteins both before and after your workout.