Malnad Ultra 2021

Being first timer for ultra, things that ran through my mind were – Am I going to finish it or not? What if I deviate the route? Should I follow the troop or enjoy the solo run? How to sustain or learn to aid and fuel for trail ultras? Can I even dare this? 

A small write up of my experience and would like to split in topics.

Train

Simply put: “You just cannot train for all trails possibilities and surprises (Ex: leech, place where you cannot even see the path”). Being said that, train for slow pace, train for elevation. If you are ready to spot learn, the trail will help your way - quick short strides, touch and go strides – was my on-the-spot learning. It resembled dribbling the football during my college days. Strength training, cross training does help to make sure every muscle is fit for the purpose and for pain free strong finish. And Burners training, especially Step workout, band workout, a week before glutes workout etc. – all served its purpose.

Terrain

Let the secret revel itself. Somethings are worth explored than to know before. Be it elevation, the challenges, beauty etc. Do not decode the terrain well before. Fall in love with it and trust me it will support you. You will hear people talking negatively about the terrain, aid stations, signs etc. Stay away from negative talks. Jump, hop, sing, dance with it. There are lot of positive talks, positive things to take away, be with it. Even the dripping sweat under the sun feels achievement after some point.

Attitude

Smile at everything, smile at everyone. Do not look up to anyone or look down on anyone. Enjoyed talking with everyone en-route. In-fact my strava shows that I ran with someone I don’t even know. Being congratulated from someone you don’t even know; after the race is worth an experience. It’s a mutual feeling as well. 

Learn to fail. The more the corrections you are advised during the training, the better it is for the day. 

Help those who are in need. Observed a guy at the aid station who was struggling to refill his new hydration bag. Many passed by with a blank stare. Poor guy couldn’t even ask for help. What point it is to finish the race when you see and pass by those who need help. The other learning here is, get used to the gadgets well before the day.

Run with locals, ask them to run with you for 10, 20 mtrs, if they are willing. Haappy I could run for few meters with few. Converse with them. Aid stations usually have locals to support the fuel, pick a conversation with them, even it is for 10 sec. with some, I even asked if they could drop me to the next aid station – who cares what conversation it is. They smile and you smile eventually. With some I asked if I could get neera – again who cares. They smile.

Enjoy the run. If you ever feel the run is getting bored or monotonous there are ways to overcome it. And this was the only reason, @⁨Karthik Burners⁩ and @⁨Vineeth Burner⁩, I went a little ahead. And is not for anything else 👍. Didn't miss a chance to experience most of the things - be it crossing the stream, standing under overflowing tank, singing and waiting to see someone in no man's land etc.

Non run Preparation

Have a checklist for the day, well before. A thing in its place and a place for everything. I could see people searching for their Garmins, next day though. If a thing is in its place you know where to look for and less hassles.

Read about ultras, trails, get suggestion from co-runners. However, experience it before accepting, find what suits you. This means you got to try the possibilities to understand what fits you.

Learnings

Train for brisk walk. 

Don’t wipe the sweat; wash your face with water instead. I am not for the sunscreen, scarf or hat - yet to figure out to tackle scorching sun. 

Downhill training is equally important

Frequent stretches helped to finish strong

Trust your instinct and bond with nature – This will answer all your questions about ultras.

Final verdict: If one follows Burners training plan and strength sessions, Ultra is another feather in our cap.