I decided to sign up for the Malnad Ultra inspired by Praful of Free runners. In preparation, I ran the Nandi hills bull run 25kms in Aug. It took out 10 days from my marathon training due to body ache. The steep 700 ft stairs climb and the crazy run down hill hurt me.
My Bengaluru marathon was disappointing. I realized I had not put in enough long runs, thanks to Bull run, Wipro run and a bout of cold and fever. So I decided to do a long run and only available opportunity was on 19th Oct, 6 days after Bengaluru marathon, I decided to run for 5 hours on Airport road. I did an easy self supported run, was feeling good during the run and wrapped it up after 43 kms in 4 hrs 35 min. My longest run ever. I really felt good and confident. 2 marathons in a span of 1 week was good prep I thought. Next weekend was an easy half marathon and then taper down.
I had not booked anything to stay at Chickamaglur, Sathish a common friend had assured me it is booked for me too. Pradhyumna of free runners had connected me with him. I went ahead and booked my the train as theirs.
Got into to the Bengaluru Birur train. The 2-3 boogies was full of runners going to Malnad Ultra. It was a festive atmosphere, people enjoying the travel.
Sathish's friend Manoj Pandey had booked a room in lodge Z point at Ballavara junction. 5 of us were sharing 4 beds.
. Sathish, Pandey brothers Manoj and Sooraj from same mom (as described by them) and Rajan. Lodge was just a room with 4 cots and bathrooom but it has some great views.
Ballavara junction is a small place with few hotels, resorts and lodges, but everyone of them were teeming with runners from various states and countries. One thing I noticed was quite a few of them had tummies, was surprised that people running 50, 80 and 110km could have.
We had tea and food from the tiny mess. There was no surge pricing for food or an items though the demand was very high for 2 days and people very courteous and friendly. We city people should be learning from them.
Visited Kalhatti falls with Pandey brothers in the evening. Had an early dinner at 7 pm, people were eating very well but I could hardly eat. Then we retired for the night. I checked for distance covered for the day. It was 11 Kms. So much for resting before my longest run. I decided I will enjoy my run and finish. Had thoughts that I will try complete around 6 hrs 15 mins.
It was announced that the last bus from Ballavara junction to start point was at 3:45 am it left me wondering why on the earth it should when first start was 6:30 am. It was also announced that breakfast would be ready before the run. Breakfast before run, had not seen anything like this before.
As usual I could not sleep thanks to the noise from outside and snorers in the room. Managed to sleep round 11 pm.
My Bengaluru marathon was disappointing. I realized I had not put in enough long runs, thanks to Bull run, Wipro run and a bout of cold and fever. So I decided to do a long run and only available opportunity was on 19th Oct, 6 days after Bengaluru marathon, I decided to run for 5 hours on Airport road. I did an easy self supported run, was feeling good during the run and wrapped it up after 43 kms in 4 hrs 35 min. My longest run ever. I really felt good and confident. 2 marathons in a span of 1 week was good prep I thought. Next weekend was an easy half marathon and then taper down.
I had not booked anything to stay at Chickamaglur, Sathish a common friend had assured me it is booked for me too. Pradhyumna of free runners had connected me with him. I went ahead and booked my the train as theirs.
Got into to the Bengaluru Birur train. The 2-3 boogies was full of runners going to Malnad Ultra. It was a festive atmosphere, people enjoying the travel.
Sathish's friend Manoj Pandey had booked a room in lodge Z point at Ballavara junction. 5 of us were sharing 4 beds.
. Sathish, Pandey brothers Manoj and Sooraj from same mom (as described by them) and Rajan. Lodge was just a room with 4 cots and bathrooom but it has some great views.
Ballavara junction is a small place with few hotels, resorts and lodges, but everyone of them were teeming with runners from various states and countries. One thing I noticed was quite a few of them had tummies, was surprised that people running 50, 80 and 110km could have.
We had tea and food from the tiny mess. There was no surge pricing for food or an items though the demand was very high for 2 days and people very courteous and friendly. We city people should be learning from them.
Visited Kalhatti falls with Pandey brothers in the evening. Had an early dinner at 7 pm, people were eating very well but I could hardly eat. Then we retired for the night. I checked for distance covered for the day. It was 11 Kms. So much for resting before my longest run. I decided I will enjoy my run and finish. Had thoughts that I will try complete around 6 hrs 15 mins.
It was announced that the last bus from Ballavara junction to start point was at 3:45 am it left me wondering why on the earth it should when first start was 6:30 am. It was also announced that breakfast would be ready before the run. Breakfast before run, had not seen anything like this before.
As usual I could not sleep thanks to the noise from outside and snorers in the room. Managed to sleep round 11 pm.
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