Running Kaveri Trail Marathon 2012

Running Kaveri Trail Marathon 2012

"Run, don't stop, just 50mtrs, you can do it" - scores of people were cheering and I could finally see the finish line, after running nearly for one hour and twenty six minutes. Momentum took me forward, I crossed the finish line, got garlanded with the finisher's medal, sipped liberal doses of electral and finally the fact that I've completed Kaveri Trail Marathon 10K, sunk in.


I've run 10K several times in the last 9-10 months and with better timings. This one was special as for the first time I participated in a race of any kind. I missed running Auroville 10K as my son fell sick few hours before we were to leave, then I missed Contour's Women's day 10K as I chose to go to a farm house with a friend. Never thought running in the noisy TCS 10K as I didn't find much fun running around Bangalore CBD.

I thought I missed KTM too. I was getting severe pain in my limbs and the doc said "you have what we call shin splint syndrome with chronic compartments" and warned that I'll have to stop running if I've to eliminate the pain completely. And when I protested, said that I need to "manage" my runs, do a lot of cross training, do strengthening exercises and what not. I said yes to everything and he did approve my participation.

And I was on my way to Mysore on my Bullet (Classic Chrome 500). Though I need to be careful with food on the previous night of the run, I happily had two Masala Dosas in GTR Vidyranyapuram Mysore - which I reckon makes the world's best Masala Dosa. Got up at 5:30AM on the race day and went to Young Island resort in Srirangapatna from where the race was being organized.

Soon, we were taken to the starting point at Ranganathittu. There were about 900+ runners, music, DJs and all made for a great festive environment.

KTM has a great trail. Canal on one side and lush green paddy and sugarcane fields on the other. Running here gives an experience that is very different from running inside the cities.

The race was kicked-off. The width of the trail is just a couple of meters and we all rushed in with excitement. I had a simple strategy. Or I thought so. I was to run the first 5kms at 7min/km and the next 5kms at 8min/km. Was hoping a 1:15 in the best case (my personal best being 1:18).

Only after about 3 kms, runners spread out depending on their pace. I thought I was doing fine after covering 3kms in about 22mins, though a minute later compared to my routine runs around JP Nagar mini forest.

However, my breathing starts becoming heavier and I'd now start walking to catch breath. Lack of training starts showing up now. Big time. My goal at the beginning of the year was to run about 100kms a month. For the first few months I managed it, but too many travels and some non-running injuries means that I've run only about 50kms in the months of Jul and Aug put together. After walking for one or two minutes, I start running again but now unable to run even for 4-5 minutes at a stretch though I reduce the pace.

I now started stopping at every aid station that came my way. Drinking too much liquid is also a problem as I had figured out. Restricted myself to electral with some additional sugar and water.




One hour passed and I had not completed even 7kms (will normally do 7.5kms in one hour). It became hot and I became more determined and picked up some pace. I crossed 7km mark at 1:03 and 8th at 1:11. I have been training with Runner's High and the chief coach Santhosh was right there cheering every runner. He told me that the tough part is over and asked me to simply run. There were more folks cheering along the way and I ran the last 2kms non-stop to make the finish line at 1:27:10 (in my watch, still awaiting the official timing and certificate).


Later in the evening, I did some analysis:
- I've run 1st 3kms in 22mins
- Last 3kms in 24mins and
- the mid 4kms in whopping 41mins and this was the killer.

Many people ask me why I run? (as opposed to say yoga, cycling or swimming). I'm not sure about the specific reasons. But running gives me a great solitude and it allows me to be close to the nature. Its always a battle in the mind and I've learn some significant life lessons by running. But like several other decisions I've made in my life, I do not have a specific answer. I just enjoy it.

Frankly I've started getting bored with 10K. I had set a target of being in a position to run 21K by Dec'2012. It looks tough as of now. The immediate target is to run faster and come closer to 1hour mark for 10K before starting to focus on 21K. But I do plan to run 21K in KTM 2013.

I sincerely thank my coaches in Runner's High for their help, support and above all a passion to run that easily rubs on. I've been bugging a few close friends about my running and they are offering invaluable help, support and encouragement - a big thanks to them too.

All photos courtesy Runners For Life - organizers of KTM. More KTM pics here.