Early in the lockdown, I was thinking of how Covid-19 pandemic will change marathons and ultrarunning events. It will be at least three months before I can attempt a slow jog after recovering from the injury. By November, if Malnad Ultra is going ahead, I might try a short trail distance. If TMM goes ahead … Continue reading Day 71: How will running change post-Covid?
Category: Running
Day 51: Why I prefer outdoor workouts
Deccan Ultra Trail. Feb 2020 14/05/2020 Day 51 We have spent almost 15% of the year locked inside our homes. For those who preferred outdoors for their daily workouts this has been a huge blow. Moreover, March to May also are peak months for marathons, cycle rides and other outdoor events in most parts of … Continue reading Day 51: Why I prefer outdoor workouts
Day 27: Between person and event
20/04/2020 Day 27 I spent the day reading a collection of writing by Dom Moraes. This was followed by reading journal entries of Max Frisch from 1972-72 period. Moraes prefaced the collection (edited by Sarayu Srivatsa) with an interesting perspective on history - All history is a corridor of mirrors, in which adventitious images are … Continue reading Day 27: Between person and event
Baikal Ice Marathon
'Do not attempt a record. Just finish the race.' I heard one of the organizers say at the pre-run briefing of the Baikal Ice Marathon. It was Nikolai, translating in English all the instructions and details that Alexie, the race director spoke in Russian. Since, the English translations were brief and intermittent, I held this … Continue reading Baikal Ice Marathon
Chasing the Fast Pack: Tata Mumbai Marathon 2020
Mumbai, 2020 "How is Mumbai's course?" he asked. "I don't know, but not the fastest for sure'' I said. This isn't a kind of question that concerns me. But being asked I began thinking of it from a recreational runner's perspective. I haven't quite thought of marathon courses that way. The seconds haven't mattered. Maybe, … Continue reading Chasing the Fast Pack: Tata Mumbai Marathon 2020
Malnad Ultra 110
Malnad Ultra, 2019Underneath a high silver oak canopy, about an hour and a half into the run, I knew that there was much to be thankful about on that morning. To be able to stand there, on a quiet mountainside trail and watch the daylight break made me feel thankful to be able to get … Continue reading Malnad Ultra 110
Tata Mumbai Marathon 2019
TMM 2019 Mumbai Marathon this year felt faster while the finish time was more than last year’s run. This is how runs go. One hopes, prepares and then variables beyond one’s control take over. All that variation and uncertainty is fine as long as one doesn’t expect. However, as much as running is about experience, … Continue reading Tata Mumbai Marathon 2019
Malnad Ultra: It gets easier after 100K
On Saturday I ran the Malnad Ultra. Runs near Bengaluru have the same format - ride to starting point, run, sleep over, ride back. This was my first 100 KM+ trail run. After Ooty Ultra, I was doubling the distance. In the interim, since April, I have had six months of time to prepare for … Continue reading Malnad Ultra: It gets easier after 100K
Ooty Ultra 60K
Two Sundays back I ran a 60 KM ultra run in Ooty. This was the year's first ultra. Though labeled 60K actual course distance of 62K. Every time I mention 62, instead of 60, I am reminded of a fellow runner who insisted that every additional 100 meters matter when running long distance. However, I … Continue reading Ooty Ultra 60K
Second year at Mumbai marathon
On Sunday, January 21st I ran the Mumbai marathon. It was my second year at this marathon. I will continue to run this every year. I realized that this once a year run is a good opportunity to mark one's physical and mental states through time. As I began this time, I clearly remembered how … Continue reading Second year at Mumbai marathon
Contested Realities 