tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9514437689318279402024-02-18T18:38:16.992-08:00It's all on topNaresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-64526565268597110602012-01-04T15:51:00.000-08:002012-01-09T17:35:54.467-08:00Skydive– And the Indian Flying Monkey Flew<p> </p> <p>This was probably the oldest item in my bucket list. Even before I got into running, I always dreamed about Skydiving. All summer, running and rock climbing kept me busy but when Groupon listed the skydive coupon last month I jumped in right away. What's fun in jumping all alone, more the merrier, right? I tried to recruit some friends to join me in my craziness and only one took the bait. Dani, who just got into running and she is already winning some local 5K's and also recently finished her first Half Marathon, didn't even give a second thought. She registered right away and we were all set to pick up a date for the jump. Since both our schedules were kind of busy for 2012, we decided to jump before the New Year. Having the coupon at hand and not jumping was like a placing a bowl of candies in front of a kid and asking it not to touch.</p> <p>Jan 26, the day after Christmas day, was the day we were scheduled for for our dive. My day started really worse for many reasons and I desperately wanted to jump only to get a call from the drop zone that they are cancelling the sessions due to bad weather. We were just about an hour from the drop zone and was pretty disappointed. Since we had the whole day for our self, we instead went to Fall Creek falls and I rescheduled our jump to 29th on our way. Nevertheless we had a blast at the falls.</p> <p>29th morning was just gorgeous, sunny, in the higher 50's with no overcast. We got there by noon to fill the paper work. We were made to watch a video that explained the legal implication and had to sign lots of paperwork. Basically it stated that we can't sue anybody for any reason in the unlikely event that we should die. We handed over the paper work and had to wait for our names to pop-up on the screen. Meanwhile we saw some folks who were getting ready to jump. Just watching the the flight take off and skydivers landing with their parachutes was pretty awesome. Excitement was building in and I just couldn't wait to jump.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y8xYYxXjXlo/Twt9kuB6O9I/AAAAAAAALMA/28g4OJTUMrM/IMGP3096%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMGP3096" border="0" alt="IMGP3096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTHzpbaSh5xas1TZizeMNf0ePVtTtFLgXzGs_y94iZdA1hiiHRUR76gIOyhB1mSCBh4hXzso7sheI2UTLnCUe_X3pG5qhW5TX-KDgjCJNv87qOyX4sDX6DsqoILdCoE9LLPE7fAnzBfI/?imgmax=800" width="254" height="186"></a></p> <p>Around 2PM, our names flashed on the screen along with the names of our trainers and videographer. We were assigned to Load#3. Mike, a no bullshit guy was my trainer and Frank was my videographer. I asked Frank about the freefell time. He said "1 minutes if the parachute opens and a minute and a half if it doesn't", pretty funny but that’s the truth. Mike got my harness ON and he didn't talk much unlike other trainers except for giving me three specific instructions, "1. When I tap your shoulder, extend your hands like a bird 2. Lift up your leg like a scorpion's tail and 3. Don't F@CK up". I had no idea about the #3 though but he seemed to be the guy who knew what he is doing.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWQ7DugYaiLRBuw8gzqil3AIrBXfanAnIsEATJzw5uQ_Ac-6efoY8fFiGberbnlKSFF9U0x-2IFCq8werdStmceN_17EcMAF3ugQ4E9rpY-ruB8D-SfCnvT_wV8xhgDOTRh4AfdYFaWQ/?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMGP3125" border="0" alt="IMGP3125" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1Uc4EtGrPO8/Twt-WNaqlDI/AAAAAAAALMY/9VdEo4n_5r4/IMGP3125_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="195"></a></p> <p>We headed towards our bird that would take us up in the air, 16000ft. We settled in and took off. No wearing seat belts, no instructions, nothing. One of he instructor was joking around saying "If anything happens, you are on your own, we will see you down there". The altimeter was spinning around as we slowly ascended to the 16000ft.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KQh_DDoSq6s/Twt-WsK0ZvI/AAAAAAAALMg/v8gR_AELXcQ/IMGP3105%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMGP3105" border="0" alt="IMGP3105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgDGa-aKw3RwzV-Sv9BUie_cudImUq8EEcL9U0vKVH69ZTC2ZHtwbqzA_R9DvICuttD6fMr_Ld8doQ-nNOXsYZe2GEZV0IgtkJaZ3kqyXLijZp2jxinZ9LpdPYblC8ZI1RvPDI3Chx_c/?imgmax=800" width="275" height="194"></a>When they opened the glass door of the flight, that's when I had the "THIS IS IT" and “OMG” moment. I was the first one to jump from my load. Mike tightened the harness to ensure everything is right and made one final check. We slowly walked towards the tip of the doorway. I could see the clouds below, hear the sound of the roaring engine and I could see the horizon at the distance. I was there standing at the tip of door, 2.7 miles straight up from the ground. No turning back. 3..2..1...and off we jumped.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BasNSUaH010/Twt-0b_KbTI/AAAAAAAALMw/0CfpN9GVisc/IMG_0136%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0136" border="0" alt="IMG_0136" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w7bPSqp0d7Y/Twt_TC3zvrI/AAAAAAAALM4/A9WpYPy_490/IMG_0136_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MBwjm_UlxoM/Twt_TceQ1vI/AAAAAAAALNA/AbdVD_FYIjs/IMG_0139%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0139" border="0" alt="IMG_0139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C7hBRCfjJP-PiswMDLEWawz35h9Cz-y1N1rzPjRIDUT8um_rC2jyjpVERuxuCA7PlyQ_OqRy911AM0cGpVbjdWgwod7pDb4erDOZuhV9OyqX7Hy_UVXwTGmMQ2foqOLY60WkIxRNpCM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-62F4pu38xnc/Twt_pmBW0DI/AAAAAAAALNQ/S_Pw3w0Q8mA/IMG_0151%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0151" border="0" alt="IMG_0151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJJEdCNIOgwLtzSSOensTpgufBmX48ClRqmeH3DpZ5ouC_6vgqCieydt0fAnwPXJjUWsiOSMeKIO9RQzSrcxvI5lJh5RKih_t-Mcv0e3Dc3LCd15vOvL_DjxscWwacDvhokTshDg36Zg/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SGtsyHYKA2w/TwuAAdWDefI/AAAAAAAALNg/M6mBQWE6apY/IMG_0154%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0154" border="0" alt="IMG_0154" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PBZ1pYBfqhY/TwuAXOhTafI/AAAAAAAALNo/Uutb6YsVXuY/IMG_0154_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QPeEokx0NkqLp0jApRBaSbYkRGGXRZOWpAZPECavOBsQMIDeEteBdUUkSjmo0w8_qaYkv-b1sfTiJsUwq7Cbbc1mRNDywdzIoiCooF1lBp5Y2UjqGdED9aYN28RiT7S3kz-3x_WyOW8/?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0167" border="0" alt="IMG_0167" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LaL9LfC-N6M/TwuAt3J6mOI/AAAAAAAALN4/dYdeB8ppql4/IMG_0167_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFAqv5Ydsuwy6t75jyDoM-AUmT_InMOlrKq3zYrAamaG969tT9moecSMtgWjmW25PMsPzWmY6_VkpI2tWy4cY1Fri3y6nN9s3hbQjtdKK-wf4JBcme5vcEJZuqofogcojsgWWKM6SFeo/?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0174" border="0" alt="IMG_0174" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b0TvbapBFyU/TwuBDgUubDI/AAAAAAAALOI/ADReSGAhUW0/IMG_0174_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f2aee8ef-d66d-4d16-81af-cdd77f1dd763" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="c3b99991-46a0-4c8b-8d5f-e3a11c9baa20" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNmWP7RptYE&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCRyeLTevA8NSUF2MiXK2Bh_erh_av7cd_kr19x8ZiFgQ7_ctxSKj3v0di73eHlS3mLE4Mj1J1701UQuEFdFmtTnFdtXW1cMync6YQN0tsFYjYKNuAnLXLquTHRFTvEK-B09iyZE94lI/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c3b99991-46a0-4c8b-8d5f-e3a11c9baa20'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ZNmWP7RptYE?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ZNmWP7RptYE?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>What happened for the next 1 minute was totally magical, awesome and an out of the world experience. Falling towards the ground at 120mph is something that no words can explain, you got to do it to feel it and experience it. After couple of flips, we got stabilized and when Mike tapped my shoulder I extended my hands. I am flying, wohoooo. We were accelerating at a good speed for the first few seconds but then I could feel that we were falling at a very constant speed. After a point, you don’t feel the gravity instead you feel as if you are floating and flying. Exhilarating feeling. We were making all kind of cool moves, spinning and flipping around. Frank was taking all kinds of cool video shots and photographs. Mike was keeping an eye on his altimeter to get ready to launch the chute. Air was gushing through my face and I could feel my skin moving around like a plastic bag. It was time. Mike signaled Frank that he was going to launch the chute and he pulled the chords. Imagine hitting the car brakes real hard while you are at a cruising at a speed of 120mph. That's how it felt when the chute opened. I was sad when the chute opened but I am glad that it did. LOL.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejPKH7JdPzFrxPQYHIVJEH4ljNAtFJz5U3taEntv-1tni2AVGkZwGyPgINH20HWmATBehaiqT5wLZvKtXIt2fw5jdRwCn0fuh74Vc49ZQ1_Ti1YNjngbROLf62VN7r1rp1Eg9G7_MFp0/?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0184" border="0" alt="IMG_0184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1Du1wtggAtxJvAocFEDyBtdHJ7iQJGxL5YPSj9KgqcDGXuBRLe0ZGbLnnZ2w0_9q2biGL3caJ3sCUC2Dy0YqDGIKNTsDiUcVW135_2tVfuPyJy-coZFJLOk33ai3-P-b_LuuCOxOtfU/?imgmax=800" width="282" height="199"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7lSGcI63ZKWnFan6gGHQjlwuF0Oue5kT8WsxMbT6RW1HHGaDRaNeeXlRtlCMVLV0YBYZCKccbnfHAw5BXe9ro1ioM-pp6XuTauQ4x2ga00SrzXyyhAr5pI6ZmJYgODAKwokCO_QzDQ8/?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMGP3115" border="0" alt="IMGP3115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLZD9tr12c1M3gFLVcqCVUKd50mZrSvzvbNazAbBxbt9XDjJXG5OT9rNkAHd8ORL-qQ3UdDR1NTeNZYKIzuyewixkUEcJ9GPtiS8ZfHBqILL3-d3aeXlyR2AxObGN_AafNzCL9qLA4KM/?imgmax=800" width="284" height="200"></a>The next 5mins was just a free ride. A hawk just flew by close to our chute which was pretty cool and we could see he Atlanta skyline. Mike spinner the chute around to add to the thrill which was real thrilling. Moments before hitting the ground the instructor asked me to lift my leg up and we landed just like a flight on our butt. I am glad it wasn't rocky, else it would have been a painful butt slide. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8z4LX6r-hF-Ajbjn6gZLLGHCkhwktKBP2SEHId9yjRbzJX13-YWaWOvGRKv1_ZwAlNo0TnlWLz4PmmLN5uv17E6n9YFpiCq2l2qXUfHt2o4bLDoWdwW__ykUbfqCgn3bfwaJWi22ZEA/?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0190" border="0" alt="IMG_0190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRNKqgVqYcR8pQq69iTGSQ0rQ-f1Y0biNviMIy0EfgafrX_aWAY0CndUe89JRKVIznyBIjyz-SQexZgit9Dins23htoU5IZxFFx1ZIfM05ybnbalCaA8g0g0TI5f-u8Zk3Qf7IL05wow/?imgmax=800" width="292" height="206"></a></p> <p>Soon Dani landed. It was one awesome experience. We could hardly hear one another. Must have been the pressure imbalance I guess. Dani was super excited and we spent the next couple of hours talking how cool it was. Though I did strike off one item from my bucket list, I added another one. To get my AFF certification so that I can jump all by myself whenever/wherever I want. Thanks to Skydive Georgia for making it an awesome experience. One helluva day to remember for my life time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TUzKjgGEcWY/TwuCmaZ-dMI/AAAAAAAALPA/FZDivo12iSk/IMGP3121%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMGP3121" border="0" alt="IMGP3121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SwE30VXqNc42wJ14tfSmXVG7Xkcan660-uslRxo3Hd0p1zjpY6M0S2gXDZuoJhedaUwVNHz4MZ0ppAyZQzWvC0QYocbJa7uSkG_AVC_cB7THN7twTRo5k0d5Ey0VFdcCqsLROVfGnD8/?imgmax=800" width="190" height="330"></a></p> Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-21761560897415269452011-11-02T14:55:00.000-07:002011-11-14T14:20:35.824-08:00Natchez Trace – Fall 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last weekend was a relaxing one. Rock Climbing at Kings Bluff on Saturday (A post to follow on this) and Fall photography on Sunday. I signed up for a the photography competition at work and with the deadline fast approaching, I headed out to Natchez Trace to click some shots. I must say I really got lucky. I went all the way to Jackson falls (Mile Marker 402) expecting to click nice shots with the waterfall background but was disappointed. There was hardly any water. The fall foliage on the stagnant water appeared really colorful though. It was nearly sunset by now and that’s when I noticed the vibrant colors of the tress at mile 434. It was gorgeous. Managed to click some good ones. Hoping to click more in the coming days before winter is in full fledge. <br />
<div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OlxG6KfyuJ8/TrHAekveO1I/AAAAAAAAK04/Nv5iKFynHgE/s1600-h/IMGP2359-1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2359-1" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6abiKagsCmgmegbuDnkyk7Cpsvc5jeIgEhWlFtWxZRnP2Fgp1Ruf1qWQaHBRh_N_ltvVxVfz2tJiLJAXlbxUKRvN46eBg_uOqIeTdPl3or0hiDMYMJuUbMuWSLhyphenhyphenBt_F7Wh7tU_Moro/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMGP2359-1" width="592" /></a></div><a name='more'></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-57cRhthN58o/TrG-YCId0dI/AAAAAAAAK1E/hciCEUWVXys/s1600-h/IMGP2381-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2381-1" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCBETiNVP9c9GtX0b-fgh-7QCRtjedGOMro37lm-FL1EqExuKmdvEmPkXbwzh4Fh4NdHaAKNjdG2KhDvgdxhvYCByAGQOdhe9P48AhKuOtlRTCwLqi_8wM060knfTSdIBOtmngSQBDvg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2381-1" width="606" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNixivYGYitpbgRxEfbIPOdCmudPs9o9KbTYuZCrZFNV-TVobaXo50XLolKHCBJ-sbW61uiH-z_soeJ7m6c7NdxGlml0vYlzsCpL1GL_GZ3EQms8h4YXQielqmmgVYxxLqv-c0HPazURA/s1600-h/IMGP2400-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2400-1" border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY3WifiaAqgCejbHh5stu86Moihyyr6LvKRas93phmOpSt9td8U7nIfX67VVxsEt24uUT3ITCz9fjVmA2LBMXkorpgtV3XZk6PMtxjdnxE4_YvA33DnTvi-IQYay3TldqoTRK5ntzGVQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2400-1" width="626" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BtTECa8m9OTCVu-JmwbcKK2JwnDk6OW4TTNeQ8lBo1quTdTyb5m-7gryZZv3SlcPUimrFobxNCMH_t1RmIfO0Yz4iVyPvabxIvqgDVzs51QW6hbPIapUNlZnmiAaKXzz9tGgStVqmig/s1600-h/IMGP2383-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2383-1" border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS5SWGgurgN-sfU3CRczX3fNgnbuI3RQbq5j496d_LwC2nIYSKOc5VFhRLGS6dgobayt2BP12UhxWuLVe4P4gMWNMw0KU3Ee3cH0HoJRp5d-jgXKPI-m3o-WPZLKWtzwk2DPkXk6tJwU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMGP2383-1" width="628" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3UAK5n7K6w1QiXloFDlSaJimWXQR2D2Pw21TCANY6trUf8nQtWDmrtzOJvkLOD-CcpmJjJAO1XaTGL_Kx9EZ2jJWpXUqpoLAo_cxzTzNIM0Sn2DiQeLWIDZYUZSCfgdLF9HygKLGJzI/s1600-h/IMGP2354-1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2354-1" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLgUf5752UJMGTRA5jA8cGUshMg8uJ01NP018vzJaC98EsGZALqdAYp5eqKQUxtGope0VqICCYVJtxgEJhtVkg1klfY414sqyGTpTtoxv0c_slMz1GgTPOgN1xiBG9FT7n8bpMI2gbWc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2354-1" width="405" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JGyxh9xRlGg/TrG-bY631tI/AAAAAAAAK1k/lUngYzpmycU/s1600-h/IMGP2410-1.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2410-1" border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYp6olacz4cIXWWRLdDCYzd7yqpwu-eRMymXFWQaY9CG-5gTN1qo3J6WqS1saRuj3LjLKTAf7TraOtww2j6NcdB56IrhhWi575A-WXd71gGrslwVifVcMkF-YbbtjQzZ6vBxo2qSrFTI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2410-1" width="644" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4gVne1__v34/TrG-b5N7_dI/AAAAAAAAK1s/h8qEl37ZlzA/s1600-h/IMGP2355-1.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2355-1" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mnKgsXJk3H8/TrG-ce4NJTI/AAAAAAAAK1w/7OdLxdvVtk0/IMGP2355-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2355-1" width="328" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg321yx2rMUl7-uNZ-GcT3OSfWVa4eyZuxvmiuVW9gqEyFVTAEYDeThEBs8_c_UVdICD-RSnelh5c5jQOUT8hi9o1gWIoRqJSZX9hnJl_LmDu0uJAA0HD_MqoF0VDUqv7m3S0nvWpJAQxg/s1600-h/IMGP2392-1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2392-1" border="0" height="374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ngr_RWlEFqA/TrG-dNbgGtI/AAAAAAAAK14/z6_6TlRu_1I/IMGP2392-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2392-1" width="644" /></a></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-4628910519072897882011-10-28T19:53:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:20:33.918-07:00Big Dog Backyard Ultra – Death March on the Big Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Big Dog Backyard Ultra:</strong> </span><br />
<div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never heard so many people swearing at some one all at the same time and in all profanity one can imagine (At this year's Barkley), yet they all return for his race. Only Laz can come up with such ideas, conceptualize, lure runners from across the state and execute it to perfection. And as always, people take the bait. I have newfound respect for this man after Backyard Ultra. I saw this race taking shape from the beginning till it's execution. He comes with such crazy ideas and he puts in so much passion and effort to execute it to perfection in spite of his work issues. He was up by 5:00AM on race day and was awake until 3:00AM the next day, 22 hours straight. Laz, THANK YOU!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmgW6UrO0qQ20raQ6I4hpKZYMyUiwrZ_Y0tjYvoyxBSLPYoydZqpW-lWm83OYRtDmCi6V3dlhNzNInNLFHKvt2z7-pILF5ZDhHMyeU6hyqdxBrodPidc9ogyg2OUljDeQbN-IzmXkfCg/s1600-h/IMGP2129%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2129" border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhwYjQ8_0GdtJ9FMMPvGDnnaKQvnEfAr-M2b4hv8QI8L2G_Y1tkLGkyiRWczovnyrJBnnW2iFkx3lhsXZJlK3GVVtq346vpfiyTTB26mj07LOpjzIovj53AOThAnntVF8WGAspJQa3kc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;" title="IMGP2129" width="244" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ez2XuvmMr0s/TqtrgdaR8eI/AAAAAAAAKs8/M_hBAxkj76g/s1600-h/IMGP2128%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2128" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sz05O2aOMME/TqtroK8UJ6I/AAAAAAAAKtE/upE_YldxXEA/IMGP2128_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" title="IMGP2128" width="244" /></a></span><br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks before the race:</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as I finished running the 3.1 mile trail, I knew runners were going to be in some real pain after a few loops during the real race. Laz asked me to test the trail and he wanted to time us and see what our finish time was going to be like. Even before I could get there, Case ran the trail and clocked under 35 minutes. Case and I ran one more time with my Garmin to measure the course and to see how well we fared. It was tough, for obvious reasons. Sharp turns, steep climbs, roots, rocks, briars and stubs. My T-Shirt was a rag at the end of the loop and my knee was bleeding. Something that happens on Laz's course, all the time. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My entry didn't make it in time and I was glad that I didn't get in. I thought I'll hang around, take pictures, help and mock runners. It all changed. Couple of days before the race, Laz said that there were lots of cancellations and that I am officially IN. I was glad and sad at the same time. Glad because I would get to run this epic race and sad that I am going to suffer. An Ultra with a unique format. Just like "The Long Walk". This unique race consisted of a 4.16 mile loop where the runners had to complete the loop in less than a hour. The race restarts every hour, on the hour, and it repeats until the last runner is standing. If a runner couldn’t, he/she is out. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Race Day:</strong> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a cold morning. Runners were crawling out of their tents one after the other. It was great to catch up with all my running buddies and get to meet some elite runners,especially Lisa, Dave and Tim. There were several Vol State runners. Juli, Shannon, Diane, John, Abi, Sal and I. Big Dog was in bigloo wondering what we are up to. Before we knew it, the whistle blew thrice at 6:57, twice at 6:58, once at 6:59 and then the cow bell rang at 7:00. The race was ON. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hBavMRLAgWk/Tqtr1PNjffI/AAAAAAAAKtM/HGNZV77FUbQ/s1600-h/IMGP2131%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2131" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-0zsfQRd9wFAyEol5-o80p1UkZ8vBYy2RRtNtA4bSjcbX9YU6GTsnfe7zTQQC9WBvk8haKCkdNT3Va9vsy6lRLqd0mXOQHvm-a2RYBFm138EyLj8jNTd94WGfcA0T79Us4SMk8pcae0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2131" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XGbnosh8rwKkkqT_IBXfpQcppKMQ01ggawQKYhqZ-B9-_8wrUFPVMIzI4FG-qpVFr0KYo-nqsVy3-lh500h6IO2fBjMTQld2sZYyxmlWeV7g0AYK1gsk_Ls_7EYXSdGtrLxzyOsRPVU/s1600-h/IMGP2134%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2134" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mim7NUk9B0TAzkRTDf-N2TR7SkGhYJeF3FFXPB4dfMSLyE-5PSV9JYy1rr_ByR2QPtJM8nqvW-DY5OHiT9H58fb5EGJS7Stl5dzG-T4Xsy_RJLwhlMwjzb8uR6uLG9Gn0-_8PfRHIwg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2134" width="244" /></a> A little out and back section on the road with the gas tank as the turn around point and then head inside single track hell, I mean trail. First lap went like a breeze and finished almost 10 minutes ahead of the time but almost 1/3rd of the crowd was missing. They never made it before the hour. Later we found that the runners were stuck in a perpetual loop until they realized and got back to the finish like past the hour but Laz let them run nevertheless as long as they could make up the time in their upcoming lap and sure they did all catch up. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn9gtQ030iZ8q0wNMB62QC2j8-yOHcoAxiblXrkxcnCSl9WefYJ58siOVGWuTkpi2xL9d2uYMt-RqOKDUtsBAQEK4v6hP9NxS7DbuDI-5X0HLIClzJIAwxpE6KwCJkzzrzHDgdlm5GUw/s1600-h/IMGP2139%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2139" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF3YaBytLQOgczLPgzkgLzAn_dCUqhAwDRqa6dLbxc6N8ZiRk0MHBe6TvQDM3hRlUBtC2r6KNihtEbh9WsMocT1XQMj05pxp563pjcn4kaxVBJEx19oCGZCWSJNwjsc2ty5Qs8rD5Kjg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMGP2139" width="244" /></a> While the laps were rolling one after the other, Joe, Tim and I followed Mike Melton's foot steps. He paced himself so good that we felt really comfortable at the end of the lap and still had time to eat and drink and take breaks. It was just perfect. He timed it so well. If we make it to a specific section of the trail at a specific time, we were good for finishing that loop. It took us 5 minutes from Laz's house to the finish line and as long as we get there 7 minutes before the hour, we were good with a 2 min break before the start. I wanted to bag at least 8 loops for a 50K finish and wanted to push myself for 10 loops.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SGTshTZ7AGA/TqtskWhXDSI/AAAAAAAAKt8/sP2TdvnhXps/s1600-h/2011-10-22%252520at%25252014-50-26.jpg"><img alt="2011-10-22 at 14-50-26" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lPAp5dV6F9qXs3KfrfPa8Q79c9rWmHdDgJw_qedabwGNLbpXgHrCCaj94EUKGhcV1nUO1xfAEneHVRQPtrSeJFK-fhYWbdS82gDRXkC6m9i5DxF6j-yc-RZNcgl6T5KkcbvJGOYD6dc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2011-10-22 at 14-50-26" width="164" /></a> <strong>Bladder went on strike:</strong> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Lap 7, my bladder went on strike. I was drinking good amount of water and electrolytes, eating good but I couldn't damn take a piss. It didn't bother me much until I completed lap 8. Steve was my pacer from then on. I thought I'll run 10 laps and stop. There was an audible frown from the crowd as soon as the whistle went. It was so annoying and frustrating that I really wanted to find the damn whistle and throw it far away into the woods. I hated that tiny little thing like hell. Unfortunately, it was hanging around Gary's neck. The sound of the cow bell was like listening to your death bell. I confessed to Laz later how much I wanted to throw that damn freaking thing off into the woods or duct tape his mouth. Lap 10 is when my lower stomach really started hurting. Running was getting impossible. After finishing lap 10, my race was over. I was done and I was hurting so bad. All I wanted at that point of time was to empty by bladder. When I told Laz that I'm done, he did what he is best at. Talk me into running another loop. I was sitting on top of a cooler realxing when the damn whistle went on again. Three...two....one...and when the cowbell rang, I couldn't hold myself back. Ok, one more loop, I told myself and started at the back of the pack. Diane, Shannon and every one were cheering for me while Laz just looked at me and smiled. (Thanks John for capturing the video) </span><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch right at 1:30</span></strong></div><div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:53357c8b-5919-4e32-8c25-305d27c17a37:4c5b0328-5e5a-45b4-9b55-91b39254fc26" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 425px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><embed height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U2TaG-MMT1I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" wmode="transparent"></embed></span><br />
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</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My Death Lap:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was at the back of the pack. I tried to keep Ray in my sight. He paced himself so good throughout the race. I passed Ray about 3 miles into the loop and made it to the finish just in time. 11 miles in the bag and I was DONE. For sure thing time. Everyone tried to talk me into Lap 12, but my race was over. In any other race, I would have rested a bit and kept going but now here. Not in this death march. You either keep going or you die. A part of me was so desperate to answer the bell for lap 12 but the other part of me simply refused to get up from the ground. It was over. (I was at peace finally at 2 in the morning. Thanks to the cold weather. The best feeling on earth when it was all out. Huh...such a relief). We sat around the fire and saw runners dropping one after the other. Joe barely missed in by 10 seconds. We all sat around the fire passing lies and moonshine. Brats tasted so good. Watching the robot man was entertaining. Lap 18, when Dave dropped, it was Tim Englund, the last standing runner, who ventured into the trail alone, for one last time and finished. The winner of the Big Dog Backyard Ultra. Congrats Tim. </span><br />
<div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8h9P5TVuBPpe-KVhXDX9r_CJrXvTfXZi_AWkFeY24o1fACtRqGvbuf8FUDe4d-Aa9ciApf7NYhWstWKBdl40jUyjKzBujyqSXko2WLx7UzXN_xGyIp-4muazfnizvjNs5ZRBlvfJ5Ek/s1600-h/IMGP2147%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2147" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht956se82GaLO-L3llcR-GU1jOSWA57EsjsxnCCPBz_wBKmoF6DMs7GmYFRSSKgwhI8lvzNDnm4EeqHLF1-4PkNTDwuxEYADW2tzZcU9Id7Vju1lHeA1Aq22YE5p0PMEiM-KRnJJfFrZY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMGP2147" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaBOXT0P8EtkZF-sFJbMF3AKeJBcFVJcVM-nS1bZ1dFP_dZJx1rZpEoYMF2swwqOCHKXesddaTcXKhhYPZG7uKigD2V84_dYs51Wmj74OcxZVI1DaVasQA2hRnS9Bh2nTScOVP3s9T5M/s1600-h/IMGP2155%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2155" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aKJAVvYN36A/TqttQm0Q7zI/AAAAAAAAKuk/SVOwmQFYLKM/IMGP2155_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMGP2155" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7VAgh5BoqNI/TqttW175hhI/AAAAAAAAKus/96XJKKt3KzY/s1600-h/019%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="019" border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4lKiOOd4CcCP7FYYHwtCUzGdwa3BC5NVtiLUaijmEZRuGEIrAqDUb8VvdU2P6YccLrLwGAk48mPjWEc_rB6EvbmHcbYzD_emoUUmla4P0DAwV4zrbj__mCLhTJlaIAgyrJWfr-1VaXA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="019" width="244" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1L9AFAVotQc/TqtthARXouI/AAAAAAAAKu8/jqPEcu4fKxc/s1600-h/IMGP2148%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2148" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vtc9bp53RQQ/TqttmLXQQFI/AAAAAAAAKvE/eDBjW2atJKE/IMGP2148_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMGP2148" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW8zK8EgUYXekU4ZTOzwKBjERycDOg91c1aEbG2C5ARpJdIrVdI17noV7ntr9b1o1X6HRXvipbeqC9Ic9YqdHlggb6lo0wp9MTEEuRutfyWZmoti82zgGK3FN7M79_t4ANL4SdfZM5Vs/s1600-h/IMGP2149%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMGP2149" border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPdoQp30WpJUxlZO8fSWKdogFYgmqXYHha2l_eEqqffy1cTyDUroHdJViHtQ_h8rMrFBpmNhlgWLbUnuqHb3FvntLIZXvpo0crVfAdQAP9_RYQOvphQGty8zUMkEW434aKvRwl4yhJ3g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMGP2149" width="244" /></a> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was glad that I ran this epic race. Wish I had kept going but I was glad with my 11 laps and I will definitely be back next year. For the Death march at the Big Trail.</span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-24847149510597677302011-09-22T13:38:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:24:55.853-07:00Warrior Dash 5K<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This event turned out to be more fun that expected. When Groupon had discounted entry for this race, it was too difficult to pass it up. The event was sold out but then Warrior Dash introduced two new slots which opened up more new spots. I posted it on FB to see if there would be any takers. What fun in running this alone. More the merrier. Couple of friends took the bait. Some already registered runners were jealous since we registered for a lower price and a better slot. It was the 7:00AM slot. The first slot of the day. Virgin course and fresh mud. This was my friend Jeff’s first 5K. He is a great ultra bicyclist who is venturing into the sport of running. He did great for his first 5K, for a course full of obstacle.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFi4C3SAJdUp-9ZHYPp88-gxl-ivGmDQJsjTPLJAZvFQJc8GrVgT2JM4cX__zdsZh9XCYRWjLenX1Nd5YfmxyzcJeFs4MaM0dteCuMmUus5jGpGD6xwydc5ZnfjZxS1z1Wq1iuLH2NQE/s1600-h/DSCF0651%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSCF0651" border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkqghfxDonjF_yuzXvJNdVrUwWztMP9HdEGd8zDK_j7SnpykeFgcJZw8XfHMaT03Ums6M2IPs1Y2GVdB9NOx5KAcV0v9RYgDQpbsXSEzWWZkr4c4V5CYqob7W7nEZL4LguScOBLHILA8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSCF0651" width="244" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The obstacles weren’t all that difficult in my opinion. Though the names sounded scary, it was a piece of cake. I was looking forward for the mud as soon as I started the race. After jumping on wrecked cars, crawling through a dark hole, climbing and other stuff, finally the smoke came at sight. The fire section where they burnt stacked up woods to add to the effects. It looked dangerous but upon approaching I felt even my grandma could jump through that fire. Next up was the mud pit. My favorite section. My friends know how much I love Mud. Something I enjoy while running the trails. I cannon ball dived into the mud pit and crawled my way under the barbed wire to the finish line. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friend Jeff finished right after I did. We got hosed by the fire truck that was parked at a distant from the finish line. Just to get some mud off so that my car wouldn’t get nasty. Next, we picked up our free beer and bought a turkey leg and headed to the finish line. It was so much fun watching people go through the mud section. Some of them dived into the mud so hard that the mud was splashing over the audience. No one complained though, they were having a blast.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here’s some of the pictures from the race.</span><br />
<div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HnQpK0hfD8c/TqsVbqTLeWI/AAAAAAAAKqk/Du1yyKho4l4/s1600-h/Capture1%25255B6%25255D.png"><img alt="Capture1" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenPq5GK_Hcfdy2muGM2zAIfgg6UBxrb5GVUsmG_CpPPnXmDMeHnNALBxLuCQvoisLiYgmH2SEnXOaAigGRxQaw1VomPOfFrbX0y_pNUxqOEE9_ki5UTb30_JhZZl74n-BbBDUJqXoy7o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Capture1" width="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WPUIJlY4eCnCyV7uODzxgi-0-NegcdOUZHRnXZ1TDS-punIhjMO-ehOX_FLXdlhOO9sd5XXIu1F-hnS4vBeu0sirULFj2K1wFFkFwPmbsLmxnaSYQbIewZEaX_CQ8lDBiXIYp2v12jc/s1600-h/Capture%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="Capture" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iKtwoEeiiV4/TqsVc05_ECI/AAAAAAAAKq8/AFoFAK9IGQU/Capture_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Capture" width="164" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETn-ThhbP3CmU0ZVSnmr4xRP8DEXmIc1gpsenlybR5FgJu25mIVWxt9QtlXOnNxBXOq-a-9XAk7Kq4Xn_1eGMUh1vr3WLQGBNb81OnSzbgqy5qhy2trnmso_gGz02GqSNr6FdiVNmaMg/s1600-h/Capture2%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="Capture2" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FB4W6qhD4-Y/TqsVdt1_R7I/AAAAAAAAKrM/d8V9O7xhmng/Capture2_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Capture2" width="166" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguFcuNjaBgj6fu2nqpuht7Fb7Rb0LUhWUgb-fCSm5BbuOLORVkAtfdMDsyVnT1xkeLtLBjYVGg_njMhq2jlSpNDqja0fFeA1KehbS1p-e8mmrn5d6Sc79q0KyDgLBm-ZoUsjoNaHxDu0/s1600-h/Capture4%25255B2%25255D.png"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicilpq-gCCXSCbF3lwMlJzWcF8-JgkDg6f4FJ0diAlmGPcZ1ZBwZzm9vCTK1YM7XZD5iDTi_ymVXCL8juy-dN1zhTLSaRI-qgE9mwb7RuW5QaAzaULbnqBjbDiwYEYDt9JxaeCGPc-Rn8/s1600-h/DSCF0653%25255B2%25255D.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xbgkzt5nUlY/TqsVe1TIpFI/AAAAAAAAKrk/gI0b1eYypfk/s1600-h/Capture4%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="Capture4" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4NbvmaIHbQC4j2aIjlph3BaR9DzKEae5wwiftwtHDnuXlYaW2-5C8MduAmSKvPLK84rlqvkB0ML1LWEKGh33oLVVNIurVzAU10q657S03-2CXFRZlZjqUqKNOB21GHxh_3gzihP5jM4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Capture4" width="164" /></a></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GxNHTxWb60c/TqsVfhNSC0I/AAAAAAAAKr0/fBFW2b4Jj2I/s1600-h/DSCF0647%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0647" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxA65fJv4TTV8_9N31upehNfjJUPiCoK9EMZc4Urh68eoHs4XiJihcFfP8XUBOCrVac6gYBsxiXmwTOiHXJX_EUG715CzMH_jYGy7Z7xJRH9Jk5a6w-AB5HEnWGIvSbsm_HAQaoQbJKk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSCF0647" width="244" /></a> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My only complaint about the race was the $10 parking fee. That was ridiculous for an event that already has a huge registration fee to charge an extra $10 for parking out in the country side. Runners had no other choice but to pay. I hope Red Frog Events takes care of this issue for their future events. </span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-36474129801818911682011-08-11T11:23:00.001-07:002011-10-28T17:42:09.550-07:00Run.Walk.Eat.Sleep – The Last Annual Vol State Road Race 500K – Race Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Some adventures transform a man. The sleepless nights, the euphoric feelings, the few silent minutes spent in contemplation, the conscious decision made to suffer through the heat, day and night on the endless road, recover and regain the strength, push forward only to sink deeper at the end of the day, the struggle to stay awake and do it over and over, hoping to get to the rock. </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Run, walk, eat and sleep - This is the story of my journey called The Last Annual Vol State Road Race 500K.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">"The Last Annual" part is a joke. The race has been taking place since 1981. There's no formal organization, no website, no registration fee, nothing. It's a race for a bunch of people who likes to run real long distance. All the way from Dorena Landing, MO to Castle Rock, GA. 314 miles, 500K. Like Laz mentioned once <b>"You would not believe how alone you are on the side of the road. All of those people who pass by a few feet away are in another world. They're in their little air conditioned metal box, but when you get done, you can remember every step of the road."</b> </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Days before the Vol State:</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I kept quiet on the Vol State list. Though I got my name enlisted as solo, unsupported, I didn’t make it official. These days, nothing’s official unless it’s facebook official. I thought about it several times. I can still pull back my entry, it’s a tough race, I don’t need to go through this, I’ll just show up as a volunteer and crew some of my friends but finally I had to shake off such odd thoughts and made it official on FB. This was the biggest step for me pre Vol State.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next big question, what shoes am I going to wear? I have never run in shoes, besides my first two marathons. I have either run in VFF or would go barefoot. I picked up a few good pair from REI and felt miserable running in those and promptly returned them. I decided to take my VFF (Trek Sports) for a test ride on Vol State course on a hot day. Ran/Walked 22 miles and felt pretty comfortable and decided to stick with them. Also picked up a camel backpack and tightened all the cords and told myself that anything that would fit in it, I would take it. I wanted to keep it as minimal as possible, no space for anything that I MIGHT need during the race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Besides planning for logistics, vacation, travel and other stuff, it was fear and anxiety that took over me. A week before the race, Vol State is all I could think of all the time. It got so frustrating and made me restless to the point that I just wanted to get on that damn ferry. I wrote to a couple of runners who have finished Vol State in the past asking for suggestions and advice. Everyone responded but four of the replies were so good that I took a print out of it and carried it with me during the race. Here’s the excerpt of some of the conversation</span><br />
<ul><li><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>It is very hard Naresh; I would say the volstate is harder than a Barkley fun run....because it is SO far!!! The volstate requires toughness, but even more important is PATIENCE. </strong></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>There is no doubt in my mind that you can finish, but do not underestimate the need for patience. It is very far! - </strong></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Carl Laniak</strong></span></i> </li>
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<ul><li><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>I don't know if you'd consider running with your mouth closed, but I thought that helped regulate my effort and the core temperature – Matt Kirk</strong></span></i> </li>
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<ul><li><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Nothing will prepare u for Vol State. No packs advise no strategy from other runners, no amount of heat training. By the end of the second day, crewed or solo, we will all feel like cow dung. Experience will help. But nobody can give you that. Permission is huge! Are you permitting yourself everything it takes? I'm serious when I say this: a fast walker can do this in ten days. Burn the ships. Destroy any possibility of an easy out. Divorce yourself from the world. Resign yourself to the fact that the start is in MO and the finish is on Sand Mountain. This is your job for the next 4-10 days. Accept it. It's not easy, and it only gets harder. Exponentially harder in the last 30 miles. But, when the castle rock gate comes into view, and you realize you are only one mile from the rock, you will know that you have done an amazing thing. And it will have been worth it. – Mike O’Melia</strong></span></i> </li>
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<ul><li><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Don't worry about staying on the road for 10 days, you will be back to Nashville the following Monday after the race start – Laz</strong></span></i> </li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial;">I was so pissed off with Laz’s comment and I told myself that even if I had to drop out, I’ll ensure to not drop out on Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was thinking much about the movie “The Way Back”, story about four men escaping from Siberian Gulag and their 4000 mile long trek for freedom. They face freezing nights, lack of food and water, mosquitoes, an endless desert, the Himalayas. At one point after reaching the great Himalayas someone questions about how they are going to get past the mountains and the guy replies “We walk”. That got stuck in my head. We Walk. To keep pushing forward. After all I at least have access to stores and civilization unlike these men who didn’t have anything. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Laz send another update few days before picking up the crewless runners from the rock to the start line.</span><br />
<div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">humidity so high you can cut the air into blocks.</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">sun so cruel it sears exposed flesh.</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">they have heat advisories in effect.</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">people are supposed to minimize their time outside...</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">tomorrow we go pick up the crewless runners at the rock.</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">god help them.</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">if people hadn't done it before,</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">i would say it couldn't be done.</span></i></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Charity : Water</b> : Joshua mentioned in his blog, after he made it official about his Vol State, that if an individual attempts to do something that could result in death then one should raise money for a cause in that process to help the less fortunate. That stuck in my head. I asked him whether I can join hands with him in his campaign and he accepted gladly. Though I wanted to run this race for myself, I had another good reason to motivate myself and finish this race. Being born and brought up in India and having lived in a less fortunate place, I remember what a great deal it was to get clean drinking water. I decided to contribute a dollar for every mile as my contribution. Every mile counts and every mile would help realize building a well somewhere that would provide clean drinking water (Thanks Joshua for letting me part of your campaign).</span></div><img height="186" src="http://i.imgur.com/ene3K.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="589" /> <br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Limerick Taxi Service:</span></u></b><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Two fares named Naresh and Fred</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Got in and were so full of dread,</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>That all the way through</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>"What'd I get myself into?"</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Is what the both of them said. –Troubadour</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRVF9u71UsAL2ygzxJeBkMtvgZs7cI3qJk8Jw7Jiod7KmsitlSAj-56oWrLgZCq8TNbpurB8wmyDjCBjBSGp57v6Xy5GlkVH_PF-zbMncNpACnGfpwBMbfMVoqXfelkE8rR8lV5lv79g/s1600-h/Picture%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Picture 007" border="0" height="200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ocm4awSNn5g/TkQdVYBLWiI/AAAAAAAAKTs/6pvdx8-T9Po/Picture%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Picture 007" width="298" /></a> </div><span style="font-family: Arial;">That was Rich’s poem for us and he goes by the name ‘Troubadour’ in the Ultralist. He offered a ride for me and Fred Davis for The Last Supper. Meeting Fred prior to the race was such a blessing. He had finished Vol State several times and his maps and notes were of such great help during the race. Everything just fell in place. Out of office, back pack, pepper spray, maps, I checked the items one after the other before jumping into the car. When I couldn’t get my hands on an Indian flag, I drew one myself on my race shirt. Rich was at my door. My “This is it” moment. Divorce from the world. I had a little cultural exchange with Rich and Beth during our ride and I had the chance to see their jaws drop when I started talking about “Arranged marriages in India”. We talked about a lot more stuff but I was not present in the ‘present’. We were driving through a part of the race course and Rich told tell me that I would have made it till there by day two, hopefully!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The night before I left Nashville, I went on Facebook and un-friended my parents, sister and couple of friends who might possibly update my parents about my race. I still remember how mad, yet proud, they were when I told them about my first 100 mile finish. This time its three times longer and getting them worried about my adventure is the last thing I wanted. (Mom, Dad, Sis and friends – If you are reading this, I am sorry)</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Last Supper:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A ritual where all Vol State Runners, crew, volunteers, family and friends meet at Ryan’s steakhouse in Union City, TN the day before the Vol State. I heard so much about The Last Supper but I am here finally and things started getting real. I met all the runners and their family members. Ultra legends Dirt, Laz and Marv collectively had over 100 years of Ultra running experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><img height="225" src="http://i.imgur.com/tK319.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="302" /> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc5d_8w6qYE7WfHg3RCyWj4Ldg7pbeILl1JboyvpeUpsADq-6n3qKWdIh9rIIVZ68Jjna5N2vMpA-4wfGmKL4oiJUvsXCDvHuDX7GiWIwl2g2GNn3gRe3-0wX_zagGZFC1G7KZMNRrvY/s1600-h/Picture%252520003.jpg"><img alt="Picture 003" border="0" height="207" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gERtMBKVY40/TkQdWahS1kI/AAAAAAAAKT0/JPhDQe6iHq4/Picture%252520003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 003" width="308" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb731mxXneW8XWWp0d4SzibVEwXBDvynTJdlmnKXtNaK6HFCzLy9UFwcy80U6eTXTU4P7mmycf_uVDIJo3u6Miujl299jLpZXA_J6i1toOypTUIzgTYg_6l0BKsUON6YEil_rzlJViZhY/s1600-h/Picture%252520008.jpg"><img alt="Picture 008" border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgeHkyrGJPraNjzxy9i1PmvPNyY7PsS83TAGpzDwnVtDiO6HIpD1Hkuii60f2IuSoGxuOGr5REpNzfKMcOo3f_4c5SUg2X3TgRTHID_nkklVhf2VVpyKWwO9gi2Iu1JCq8LXO_tuNhDI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 008" width="302" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I thought I was the baby in the group but Erika beat me on that. I had couple of email conversation with Lynn, Ericka’s mom and an awesome runner, but meeting the mother daughter duo running the Vol State was such a pleasure. Finally, my friend Joshua showed up with his crew. Josh and I had several hours of conversation through email and chat prior to the race. Both of us were equally anxious and scared. Soon, we all retired for the night. I couldn’t go to sleep. I met Lyn, Erika and Sherry in their room and we had a blast talking about our races and other stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For some reason, too much of anxiety kept from going to sleep. It didn’t work out no matter how hard I tried. I might have slept for an hour or two. Morning arrived sooner than I expected, 5:30AM, packed my bags, filled it up with water and jumped into Shannon's yellow bus. I took a ride with Diane, my running friend who introduced me to the ultra world, and John Price who is a legend by himself. He recently ran across USA self supported and he also ran the Vol State double last year. We stopped at a couple of spot en route to click pictures and headed straight to the Dorena Landing, MO where our Ferry was waiting for us.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91bRSttYSMKQYp3cnDKJmYNodFNnjHpgVfxWc5W_3ODWkYVIQ-0mcTeDr4WRDhc93WYL0KznPQTTHnNoq07leVFv9w7CRQuJMXFQWErsB7GVFZsweQihta1ThEwwdDg7HQ1xjgpwdQuY/s1600-h/Picture0185.jpg"><img alt="Picture 018" border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe3fNoAjqDHctcBGNE7DAo6M0zPPNOsg14LDfhF4JCNUnwrjRgC1cC3Ib4B5W9fhn0M42UHVu_UA0r8BJe1OmPXTdQZOhM6HVgQWiUMMVZTt9gRHzCkhHKyR7FT7kRUx8P6fNxG_A6LY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Picture 018" width="288" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yjVzmpCPf_w/TkQdZyxLjOI/AAAAAAAAKUI/lwVKYsdjiJ4/s1600-h/Picture0263.jpg"><img alt="Picture 026" border="0" height="191" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yn4VBbmp__w/TkQdaNaSTvI/AAAAAAAAKUM/CQLlc7q6zsI/Picture026_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Picture 026" width="284" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I0-9RlTITdc/TkQdaR5FaVI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/6Yf2OnwQi8k/s1600-h/Picture0244.jpg"><img alt="Picture 024" border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6XwiXyW1NhUqd_OOR7NjBiYy5lpcyiNPMF4xyoBmCgI7Zt7LJff4uqmmNVEtiQwSzgksOuYOAu1P0k1wc0Etr5y3h5XFmRxMa3Kv86lpoB7tz3uoYDPYJkVSpCX71D0bKmEEmt6Ezg8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Picture 024" width="287" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ferry ride was just the beginning:</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Things started becoming more REAL for me. Things that I have read and heard about are happening to me. Last year I signed up for Vol State but had to pull back due to family emergency. Last Supper, Ferry Ride, Bench of Despair and the Rock were some of the notable things and two of it has already happened. The Ferry took us across Mississippi river to Dorena Landing, MO. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SCAEAEFy378/TkQdbC6KptI/AAAAAAAAKUY/8X7im_ARLtc/s1600-h/Picture0314.jpg"><img alt="Picture 031" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4jdy-aIdlrI/TkQdbfwLiLI/AAAAAAAAKUc/y9idF7b7dRw/Picture031_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 031" width="285" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We got out of the ferry, lined up at the start line and before we knew it, Laz lit his cigarette. Clock started ticking. Race is ON. We ran towards the ferry. Wish I could put it in much better words to explain the joy of the moment, but one has to be there to experience this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PBBd9.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Km9RPIsEOio/TkQdc8hA8lI/AAAAAAAAKUg/c8B87WMkK78/s1600-h/Picture0343.jpg"><img alt="Picture 034" border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHEI8C78yVkl-6OyIDRwV52FcWGR2bPo7rU_3FnptTUXnXV3vDYTsmu4p5kVH6TbIWOxcEaG7asJuYkkBA4fokNcxfeTA31WFp2B4Lvej1G6s-jhfST5wrSCPQRHnXeVacdV76xxBYx4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 034" width="295" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MdEQy1F0Y08/TkQdh_ZzWTI/AAAAAAAAKUo/4WI5Wc0-7vM/s1600-h/Picture0333.jpg"><img alt="Picture 033" border="0" height="202" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EPjRASKGyAs/TkQdiLQ68_I/AAAAAAAAKUs/szKQ8lN-xhE/Picture033_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 033" width="301" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AKk048Eo5_nc9vOPUatUEtiM651yqvrmVAjonMk4OK1AEb-S0d5Vc65xhIGvvLlOwpnmmZqmvHoFeYppxUbmnARyK1Ul_lHaeNjhLwrX083pZEgsWxwpzMHEE1VobAd2VNT3smj3TFQ/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc0313.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-031" border="0" height="251" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hO-SSndkmtk/TkQdisaWmXI/AAAAAAAAKU0/9HQbib856WE/VolState500Ketc031_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-031" width="188" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The ferry ride back to Kentucky was silent, at least for me. The longest 10 minutes of my life. Fear was creeping through my spine; I disassociated myself to a corner of the ferry and was gazing at the water contemplating for the next few minutes. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">This race is something I never thought I would do. I had a humble beginning to the Ultra world and after 16 months of Ultras, here I am running the Vol State 500K. I had all sorts of questions and doubts but before I knew it the ferry landed on shore, I shook it off and took off with the rest of the runners.</span><br />
<img height="222" src="http://i.imgur.com/inUm7.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="297" /> <br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">First step into a sea of Uncertainty:</span></u></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was party time after stepping off the ferry. I thought I had lost my phone but was glad to see it sitting on top of the yellow bus. My cell phone was the only way, I/others could keep in touch for the next 10 days. I took off with Josh and we kept an easy pace. We tried to get as many miles as possible while the day was still kind of cool. The roads look deserted as if the whole city had been abandoned due to zombiecalypse. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1TLbMmXcTF0/TkQdi9iqgeI/AAAAAAAAKU4/6uleLXE3KU0/s1600-h/Picture0363.jpg"><img alt="Picture 036" border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdFGn7VHOFGQDFmcedrOWqkYXYZKcFEEJVg8WLpBUD2Giiu3q8MKIcxe0XZovW9jDapqE5lUz2MZhjszpkhITrh8pnIwAckx99iKKWi9GgNyroqZGgGnFqmOtG0wJECyspvtXM2riXAk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 036" width="299" /></a> <span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wjiqAdDAMa8/TkQdjY4puTI/AAAAAAAAKVA/jhTOqqZhO_E/s1600-h/Picture0384.jpg"><img alt="Picture 038" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-WO7ngXczlnN1-KDPIHbzLK8pPYnnRMu8IZMVk2cyDfA7aDt3_4aNkLtF1R2Gr24NVa4UJ8c36hy64lz1qKrC0intZEcYC45AoTgSj47M5XKqWuP_9b0mPJIjdTH9IUBr6iYGxcfAE0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 038" width="296" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMvZ8qfuhhAEY8Efddt-9APl7ujwr4FRPS8UzTlVTAtJyxAZbKh-cvNGKxzdIs939MhcxMiYY7s2KyzDjPZIM-v-Jef4LG4a50_u7ec2TityeolpQ4t8gyQvjYNIyMk1vnHOxDGwmLlE/s1600-h/Picture0414.jpg"><img alt="Picture 041" border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgdivj3H7SZTjVQZNrNw0uMzBcNgWbE7Sa9Q102h0_wcU7i7PzR5VsFdwVdvRDYW5VB1HbVJmwWLhqQprQO824qMHfv0oyq-xBYsqvB08WN2JTee9n3NGgSBK7L8DZqFyxIg6QfWJ2m8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 041" width="299" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The road wading through Hickman, KY towards Union City, TN. We took the wrong road within the first 3 miles of running but thank God, John price hollered and put us back on track. The day was starting to get hot, field was getting scattered but Josh and I were still running together. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I stepped inside a bank on my way to refill my handheld bottle. Before we knew it, we made it to Union City, about 18 miles into the race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mGtgQ6VozZc/TkQdkgye_JI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/byWisCED2Tc/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc0474.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-047" border="0" height="217" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nP0agYtY4P8/TkQdkyInMaI/AAAAAAAAKVU/DIU-65yttzs/VolState500Ketc047_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-047" width="289" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Made a quick stop at a Subway and I ate a tuna sandwich and lots of Coke. Josh and I soon caught up with Don Winkley, another Ultra Legend, and his crew Donald. Laz and Carl were standing under the bridge at Mile 20. “This is your worst 20 mile time, isn’t it” and I nodded, “yes indeed”. It took over 5 hours to run 20 miles. I had no goal for day 1 except that I talked myself into running at least 40 miles every day. I ran a bit with Don Winkley, another Ultra legend, who eventually won the race this year. While I was out of water and ice again, I stepped into an outdoor store and the lady was kind enough to give me some ice and let me use the faucet to refill my backpack. That refill took me all the way to Martin, TN (Mile 29)</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPymHVngWKGbOP8nZ7hnyhLIyXry90TzpxHYddr3TjpjXN3Te2LMb9a8VeX8tLqwZgCDdm1Ao609rVAadBG8GzY3bD4gW2W6Xl2oSOfEirFQDwh_bYGnS2GPbvmSHAydpWSwFMfY6zOUY/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc0543.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-054" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bArk1GABIy0/TkQdlUEB-SI/AAAAAAAAKVc/dXJEk9rMzfk/VolState500Ketc054_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-054" width="294" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Made another quick stop at a McD and drank a large banana smoothie. I checked my feet and noticed that the duct tape has slipped over but it wasn’t all that bad. Refilled my pack again and headed out. Josh resupplied his stock and we took off. We noticed a church sign that said “The Most Effective Daily Exercise – Walking with God”, right message at the right time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwXvQlgDPXlH9VB0lKIwfkHSJLE6fg93LKIvS69Zj-792jRKBS875G6F_FkT3bHsL0SHA1eN0SLEGVoQ_HCf2Kxp3dBQ4cBtg83cBmHbAagJf6uB8FXHgwMNgg2n_gREjHfvORU-loUM/s1600-h/Picture0433.jpg"><img alt="Picture 043" border="0" height="187" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c1EPicWTeCU/TkQdl3HqOoI/AAAAAAAAKVk/LkUq0-E1r3Y/Picture043_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 043" width="279" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a long stretch to Dresden and the day was getting hotter. The road almost appeared like an interstate with wide shoulders. Josh’s crew would pass me every now and then. I finally noticed the sign board “Dresden – A great place to live”. I was sitting under a tree for a bit and Josh’s crew hollered at me and asked me not to move, there was a dog charging towards me. I was feeling cold all of a sudden, my first encounter with dog during Vol State. He barked a bit, circled around me and left. Thank God. It was mile 40 and my feet were killing me. I just wanted to rest somewhere. There was a motel about 3 ¼ of a mile off the course and at that point I was ready to go that extra mile for some good rest. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzF2OMpjYYGH6fzIJ2mLaKTI116l7JmQwzvNYUXis6-S092yFqKFoDajmzgYPGW36LFcl3vPfaYqs2nzrCklCqf91ke0b-gbfAc13KZhfn7Fu016CFPOleV75EwBXN84w33oeCPHym3o/s1600-h/Picture0443.jpg"><img alt="Picture 044" border="0" height="194" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iMnJ0ePGWks/TkQdqBs5_eI/AAAAAAAAKVs/s6TKeBxAai0/Picture044_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 044" width="289" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SrMa_fV9Hr4/TkQdsA7Zn1I/AAAAAAAAKVw/Vt6ujoMLG5Y/s1600-h/Picture0453.jpg"><img alt="Picture 045" border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcHTN8JzFHFupAfOLwpZVshcjVOL4lX-QT8ZGU1-caGFokLLEGNIDGj7yhTFQecHYaxtDMmE_wdmJxMh2WgjzO411llWaeBS36V2jmP7q2H17_NggYbuhVEI1Q0bTewfFEY8zBs2T4mU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 045" width="294" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I picked up gallon chocolate milk and a sub on my way and got in my room. The motel owner, an Indian family from Gujarat, offered me a great discount and one of the best rooms. Felt really proud for having that India flag on my shirt. It unites every one of us no matter where we are. Took a cold shower and tried to rest but couldn’t go to sleep and was just lying on my bed. Iced my feet and kept it elevated, meanwhile I munched on some chips and sandwich and flushed it down with chocolate milk. When I realized that sleep is not my best friend that night, I decided to head back out. It was 12:30am. Before heading out I spread all the items from my backpack on the bed and decided to dump everything that I never touched for the day except for pepper spray. I woke up Josh and he asked me to get going and that he would start an hr later. I backtracked from the motel and rejoined the course. It was crisscross from there and if not for the directions painted on the road, I would be surely lost. It was funny that 500K direction was marked right next to a 5K race route. I am sure the 5K runners must be wondering who would run 500K and might even think it’s a prank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a long night. The Old Route 22 which would take me to Gleason was so dark and lonely. I had a doubt at times whether I am on track. A cop passed me at around 2am and when they turned around, I was sure they were going to check on me. They were very friendly, I told them about the race and they asked me to be careful and went their way. Finally made it to Gleason (Mile 48) and after going through the town, it was Old 22 once again. Before heading out I checked my feet and it was a nasty sight. There were blisters everywhere. The skin started reacting to the adhesive tape. I should have left the duct tape intact before leaving Dresden, instead I thought I’ll tape my feet with the JnJ adhesive tape. A very costly mistake and I paid for it heavily. I removed the tape, cleared the blisters and applied some of the advanced blister band-aid and wore my Injinji socks. It was pitch dark and the road was wading through some corn fields. Soon, Josh’s crew passed me. It was the first sign of traffic after a long time. Blake told me that Josh is about 3 miles behind me. As I kept going I saw a flash light coming towards me. After about couple of minutes I noticed that it was Fred Davis. Apparently, he never rested and he turned around somewhere and was heading in the wrong direction. Not sure how far he went in the wrong direction but he turned around and we spoke a bit and I took off. It looks like he made the same mistake last year too but he is one strong runner who never rests. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Soon, the sun was out and a couple of very friendly dogs kept me company as I headed into McKenzie. I made a call at 6 in the morning to let Carl know my position. McKenzie, Mile 57. I stopped at a small local country café shop and had bacon and eggs and biscuits with lots of coffee. The waitress was very nice and I was soon joined by couple of local regulars and it was story time. I really enjoyed sharing my experiences and getting to meet new people on the road. Even as I was packing my bags to leave, I saw Fred stopping for breakfast at the same café. It felt good for having covered <b>57 miles on Day 1</b>. Except for the blisters, I was feeling really good and goal was to get to Huntingdon by noon.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9yxCtmeey-I/TkQds-vflJI/AAAAAAAAKV4/socxOLAzxD8/s1600-h/Picture0544.jpg"><img alt="Picture 054" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKR5SFxjcbvlTX2mf0o4KU_qsm7bkWC03lCeWNl_cMhdrxWsuHYd1GseUwm6YXPakapk8s87OIr16x8paXZ3h0ybw4m3OYhoJzdQDaUlcf_hue7s2rXSyRObhqEM8GeVfA2veJ_OChgk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 054" width="296" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bAUc66qTlTWEUSKDScRPSIok6P95C-d5UZJsntYi295W5_6fcrLXKuaZQF9ZGEILFJMQ7rzPjCUdb72PqcRe3YaM5FQ8fZ691SJU6emi4xUP1hHiz2T2maQ8_t4M4IHJF6ir9Dd14WY/s1600-h/Picture0583.jpg"><img alt="Picture 058" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ik3zOa8uCl6OOm7jtEKDlBrsNVNvnOEZNTx3Hetq9xefqq0lk11oxT4UyFLikS6ZT7Q8xQVC5NRBCrxvDGsHLooawe7upgOWPd4qemRmml3L-isfYyd3j78CgNpQlfs2-Gh7jKrndzU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 058" width="191" /></a> <br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">At this pace, you can win the race:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was on Old 22 once again. It was a long and quiet a hilly stretch. By now, I could smell a road kill from miles away and I was getting better at judging what it would be. This section had a huge rattle snake with its jaws wide open and it was smelling nasty. Later on I smelled a raccoon and my guess was right. Soon, I smelled evilness, and there was Laz. Carl and Laz were driving around and they stopped by. “Hey man, you are doing well, in fact you might even win this race”, Carl hollered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><img height="300" src="http://i.imgur.com/2GFTM.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="224" /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I spoke with Laz and Carl and told them about Fred. They laughed. Carl told me that Sherry and Sal is in Huntingdon and resting for the day. Josh rested a bit at McKenzie and when I called him he was about 4 miles behind. I was feeling tired but not sleepy though. I kept pushing my way and after passing the courthouse, I stopped briefly at a small breakfast inn and got myself a cheese burger. While it was getting made, I spoke to the locals and it was story time. There were people of all kinds, motor bikers, construction workers, truck drivers, students, etc. After sharing my quest, I was pleasantly surprised when the lady handed over my burger and told me that it’s on the house. First act of kindness, my first free meal during the race. They asked me to keep my eyes open for Holly Bobo, a girl who got abducted from her house and is still missing.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqu5twkFMkvMKXn54N3wY0pDqjC2vhYKWzRTku6mKgxGs922HnzodsFYism87LwmuBqjbmlUdafDEKp-Wi9rKyw4Q9svmaS4y1AbFRwtbjciu36IjRRV8vmYH991TF0fI6_ojzCAmAVUA/s1600-h/Picture0593.jpg"><img alt="Picture 059" border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevdWUFmYvK6xvzO0zPu-mDBmSBkuRBAL7nxpqhIAyQTtUcnAAxqe5jloWmhp_tXDo3_kFb-8d_BRSJ4gea-WLu2My7fHXe4h3peDPSPQo6AVFmB_MSten49LMhUhNDPYdnIQRSxKYjos/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 059" width="293" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made it to Huntingdon, had my cheese burger, took cold shower and tried to sleep but the attempt went in vain. Cleaned up my blisters which were getting worse. Treated it with lots of peroxide and let it dry before applying fresh band-aids. 3 hrs went by with little sleep. Soon, Joshua joined me. His crew was equally tired. I stepped out for a bit and met Sal and Sherry. Sal was just heading out while Sherry wanted to catch some more rest. When I couldn’t get any more sleep, I decided to hit the road leaving Josh and his crew back at the motel. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4ej5D7pXT0iQqISva2adDjH7gHCoNdTB2Uc3oYH26KaGCn5FLdD7bG7zXsTsOYhvsJtSZCp5ojlBqpS-QMipEq4Mpjl2MBIa3EUTGMRuaqeuyBC22vq9qXIEu3gyS3WVZE3VsYLWn90/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc090764x10243.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-090-764x1024" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeTireJ4qcZxf_Fci4EvKBE2tUwNls9DrpIeDIJqsy0VXZJcrm55Z0e7B6aCY3mlz7pA334EepGJiVRhfR2qcoIfXWo2rYhlvsaNAb0gGeHCa2cjqL8F5F5zsqYDbBQDrYH9nIVFNUig/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-090-764x1024" width="223" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXXnjpM-pDXTotln_a5fHrqgAnnLgplJPh3HHTxWUgcNLerZcbXSNhDGwLcc19uDlJHzUXgfqTYPckovjeXN9MIwsHEF0uABymW1yiZTQQHvxecC_9QcLGRKq03sLtGJWTCjRBunbuZM/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc093300x2244.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-093-300x224" border="0" height="223" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yBZZcbqYhQ0/TkQdvmAPtII/AAAAAAAAKWc/QkW4IrU--QA/VolState500Ketc093300x224_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-093-300x224" width="297" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was pouring cats and dogs and by the time I filled my backpack, the rain subsided. Though the sun wasn’t out, it was humid and the air was dry. Breathing was getting very difficult. A gentleman who was mowing his front yard asked me where I am going and when I told him that I am going to Lexington, his jaws dropped. He waved at me to get in his truck and when I told him that it’s a race, he just stared for a moment and continued with his mowing business. He must be thinking, “What an idiot”, but it was very nice of him for offering me a 25 mile ride. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I saw a familiar face on my way to Lexington, it was my dear friend John Spencer. He was biking on the course. Meeting a familiar face during Vol State is the best thing to happen. We chatted a bit and he told me that he met couple more runners ahead of me. Must be Sal and Sherry, I thought. While he took off to meet other runners, I caught up with Sherry on my way. I gulped another bottle of chocolate milk and Sherry and I headed out together. Our next stop was at Parker’s crossroads. We made a quick stop at McD. I had an apple pie and a large smoothie as it was getting difficult to keep anything solid down. As we were passing through the interstate intersection, the sign board was showing “Nashville”, I read it as “Heaven” until Sherry hollered me and I realized that I am en route to hell :).</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RcFJ5EpRgPodZ1QlD0xuDzKl08rsdpAEQ7Qqcz3-vKGi9eBhRMk1hnlkDpFHLfkbPcBILubzCKfKG6RHx7p_Dobdz88BU8WdKN0Pmmn6ZPXfnIjaBUX0NJyQSq-CVKo-_zM1pmp-ADA/s1600-h/DSCN31253.jpg"><img alt="DSCN3125" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9w_Yp_2J_X-u4QvAFljDJ5vfc9RW1n1DIobK7Pf2Ee-z-OFdu3w89H1V6ou3LwQhn9ydu5yMXJZiElt_TYeaY260YneDNoSyhIZGvROhOnTIwLWMBlXn8b9blvp8LtpdqRJ35upUDyY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCN3125" width="222" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sherry is such an awesome runner. Listening to her ultra running stories and experiences made me realize what a strong willed woman she must be. I first met her at Oak Mountain 50K in Alabama in 2010. She left me to dust at the last uphill climb. While I was struggling to even walk that hill, she ran the hills and put me to shame. I was so looking forward to meet her and time permitted me to run a bit with her. Made another quick stop at a convenient store and drank a bottle of Starbucks cold coffee. The store was owned by an Indian guy and he hollered “Jai Hind” when I was leaving the store and wished me luck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lexington came in sight pretty soon but fatigue was setting in. It’s been close to two days and I had very little sleep. We sat at a gas store. I gulped a bottle of coke and took care of my blisters. Fred Murolo caught us at the gas station and he retired for the night at a motel close by while Sherry and I decided to get to Parsons by morning. </span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">First Low Point:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a few hours of running/walking, fatigue got too bad that taking even one step was getting very difficult. I decided to crash on the side of the road for a while. Sherry wanted to rest too. We found a spot on the side of the road and rested for a bit. I napped a good half hour. I just wanted to lay down for a few more hours but we decided to keep moving. Time was ticking so slow. My feet were waging a war inside my shoes. I could feel the blisters getting worse but dreaded to look at it. It got worse when we hit the section of the road which had very little shoulder. There was some kind of construction work going on and the debris on the shoulder was so hard on my already blistered feet. Swore a little here and there when I would accidentally step on a sharp object. The section was getting hilly as we got closer to Parsons. just hated every bit of it. Soon, we spotted Sal in the distance. Carl and Gary passed us at that point. <b>Day 2, we called in, 107 miles</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We crashed at a motel which was owned by an Indian family. The Indian flag on my shirt lit up their face. Sal, Sherry and I were at a very low point. I looked at Sal and he told me how bad he is hurting and that he is going to switch himself to “Survival Mode”. I switched to Survival Mode too. The steep uphill climb and the nasty shoulder debris took a toll on my blistered feet. It was hurting so bad that I thought my race is over. I was at a very low point. How am I going to continue another 207 miles with these feet? The very thought was mentally challenging. I was regretting so bad for taping my feet with the adhesive tape. But the damage is done and I need to keep going. No point in complaining coz everyone’s hurting, one way or the other. I got myself into this and I need to get out of this by myself. I tried to sleep but I had a nightmare that I am calling Carl and letting him know that I am dropping from the race. I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep. With the help of the first aid kit provided by the hotel owner, I took care of my blisters, took a shower and got ready to hit the road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While getting ready to leave, we saw Fred coming in. He was barely moving at that point. I could see that he was hurting really bad. I personally went to thank the Indian family for their hospitality. The Indian masala chai that they offered lifted my spirit a bit. I devoured a huge cheese burger at a small joint across the motel while sharing our stories with the strangers. One of them said that they saw another runner a few miles ahead. We all thought it must be Abi. I filled my back pack with lots of ice and water and headed towards Linden.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The road from Linden to Perryville had very little shoulder and the drivers were so rude. Sherry almost got hit by a pick-up truck and the driver didn’t give a damn about us. Soon we reached Perryville and crossed the bridge across the Tennessee River.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2puYlF5IShmJd9yNDDqPxeFeiTr0QSO2_v8et-H3Woy8a9ZOxUr9EU_NmukIjtpucNR97xYIshiRk7dMMeSGVx4cLzfeFOKPXFB1Qbzg5BLKdiqNNXnGGoL3jthyphenhyphenucNuYKUrjWBMfKk/s1600-h/Picture0673.jpg"><img alt="Picture 067" border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjW0hKjC20DdndcmMTfnAMFGXprR3zLKBFyfDiqS6OcgnZUWdOQokB9s0quPF17PHOJSI7ZgiXx3_3lxgvIzl6PuNNOGmWVmeQJzXjJxS-mY3lTweTdywveIZLmsPcSOGZNwiZcyWPgw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 067" width="324" /></a> <br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Switch to normal mode and Begging for food:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Though I started from parsons in “Survival mode”, running the little bit of downhill towards Linden made me feel that I am still in game and moved to “Normal Mode”. But I was having a different issue now. Starvation. Though I gulped a large chocolate milkshake and a cheese burger, I was hungry. Earlier a stranger offered us some green apples. I ate them and took some more from Sherry and I was still hungry. It was like a car full of gas all of a sudden going empty. A few miles before Linden, I located a bar on top of a hill. I wanted food, period. While Sherry and Sal were waiting, I went up the hill to see if the bar had anything to offer. It was a local country bar. Three to four gentlemen having a very strong southern accent arguing with each other about something while the waitress looked completely wasted. I had to repeat myself thrice every time. When I asked whether she got any food, she said “No”. I persisted; I was ready to take anything even leftovers at that point. When she looked at my shrunken face, she took pity on me and offered to give her frozen pizza which she had saved for herself after the shift. I was smiling at this time. Like a wanderer in the desert who found an oasis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I quickly went down the road and informed Sal about the good news and saw his face lighting up. Sherry decided to lie down instead. The waitress offered some Mountain dew while the pizza was getting ready. The bunch of drunkards heard our story and thought we were on drugs. One even said “You are stupid or what; there are lots of things to do for fun” in a mocking tone and everyone laughed, I did too. Here I am in the middle of nowhere at the wee hours of the night begging for food at a bar. How often will you get to do this in real life. Meanwhile, the pizza was ready, and waitress saw the whole pizza disappearing right in front of her eyes. We ate it as if we didn’t eat food in days. Though it didn’t fill me up, my gas meter got up a bit. Any amount of fuel is good. This angel, though she was drunk, was the only reason I survived another night and kept moving.</span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The James Bond Dog:</span></u></b><br />
<img height="144" src="http://images.clipartof.com/small/1045697-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Sneaky-Dog-Tip-Toeing.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="192" /> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Feeling rejuvenated, we started our long walk to Hohenwald, which was about 19 miles from Linden. Having taken care of the body it was time to take care of the mind. At this point, I have hardly slept ever since the race started. Though we all kept a good pace, we needed some rest. We napped a bit on the side of the road and then after about 5 miles we stopped again. This is where something funny happened. While we all were lying down on the side of the road, we heard something as if a dog was tiptoeing and following us. Assuming that it must be a hallucination, I closed my eyes briefly when Sal hollered again saying he heard something. It was indeed a dog. It was tiptoeing on its feet so slow and silent following us as if someone has deployed it to spy on us. When we got up in a jiff, the dog hollered so loud signaling all its friends in the neighborhood, the next few minutes was crazy. Running and walking at a fast pace on my blistered feet was no fun. It was a long night. The sun was out before we knew it and when we saw a nice church parking lot, we decided to lie down there for a few minutes. We soon got company but the dogs were much friendly than the previous ones. That’s when we saw Abi passing us. She looked fresh and strong and was running. I had my doubts whether I will ever get back to running with a decent pace in my life after Vol State. At this point, 3mph was the new 7mph. As we entered the city limits we picked up some food from a gas station and crashed at a motel at Hohenwald. This brought us to the end of <b>Day 3, Mile 144</b>.</span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">I started to wish a truck would hit me:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a cold shower and taking care of the blisters, I slept a good 2 hours but nightmares woke me up. That’s when I saw Sherry taking off. She had some foot issues and had to go to Wal-Mart. I tried to get more sleep but it didn’t work so well. Sal and I got ready and went to Hardees. Had their biggest and heaviest cheese burgers and flushed it down with several refills of coke. Our goal for the day was to get to Columbia. We met Gary and Sandra on our just before we hit Natchez Trace. When Gary asked how I am feeling, I told him “Gary, I wish a truck would hit me, not hard but a little bit to injure me so that I can take that as an excuse and drop out from the race. I would gain sympathy from others and yet leave the race as a hero”. That’s exactly what I told him and I was being honest. That was the thought running in my head while running from Lexington to Parsons. I was hurting bad, very bad. Later that day Gary sent this in his updated but didn’t reveal my name.</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“i think this call for an updated list bio: fantasy ultra goal: to be hit by a truck, and only injured slightly.”</span></i></b><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLM6gIsgOI56on30_a2B-Nyje1PV3p8iRr2mwC5il-tGn07ZQcQQ6PNm3GITtXqtUiJCzA3DaRl8PrK4smaTuOlD1Wa6zfV4ahVGfP-PIGMr1jfBteSVNurHsBtwtdjVy68XC7OUGObg/s1600-h/Picture0704.jpg"><img alt="Picture 070" border="0" height="205" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-96eqO17tcwo/TkQdyK9UOgI/AAAAAAAAKW0/EZRVsIZ3erg/Picture070_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 070" width="306" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After chatting a bit with Sandra and Gary we headed towards Columbia. I was worried about Sherry at this point but Carl assured us that she is moving strong and is past Natchez trace. It was Sal and me at this point. Soon, we reached Hampshire. We found a store with a vending machine. I was hungry by now. It’s so frustrating when you have food right in front of you but you can’t have it. All that’s there between me and food is a thin glass. I was drooling looking at the bag of chips inside the convenient store like a dog in chains looking at food. Its right there, but I just can’t have it. I was really sad. I should have carried an extra cheese burger. Drank couple of coke instead and marched towards Columbia. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYT_YMw5yt2zw3gaIA9ewP8NtrVRFfU5vaUKwHhd-zwSst5ekXR3E9MC9uXVjXE_1vvv1_sxdqB4yCzMbs_-PkrF8m-FReAnBNTxaIiWwAnuDeQ4Iyy-aknH3Se1cHkn8WrXTN16vKfA/s1600-h/Picture0803.jpg"><img alt="Picture 080" border="0" height="200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2brIyOydlTk/TkQd1rqclGI/AAAAAAAAKW8/sa8X5_56NF4/Picture080_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 080" width="298" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Made it to Columbia early in the morning, <b>Day 4 and Mile 184</b>. Sherry had already made it to Columbia, TN that morning and crashed at a motel. We crashed along with her in the same motel later that morning. Sherry took off early though. Sal and I rested a bit. Inspected my feet and there were more blisters. As I was adjusting my feet to accommodate the existing blisters, new blisters would show up at another spot. Removing the socks was the most painful thing. At one point, it was so excruciating, it felt like walking on razor blades. I slept a bit only to be awaken by the same signature nightmare. All my nightmares would be the same. It’s about making a call to Carl and telling him that I am done with the race and asking him to pick me up. That nightmare was my wake up alarm throughout the race.</span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing – Mat 6:3</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Content with a few hours of rest that I managed to get, I stepped out and it felt like an oven and it was 100% humid. Sal and I hopped inside Shoney’s and decided to have a long lunch to beat the heat. The waitress was too kind. She was very excited to hear about our quest and went around the table and told every other guest she was waiting on about us and our adventure. I ate like a pig. It was a lunch buffet and ate at least four plates of food and downed several glass of coke and a huge dessert. When it was time to get the check, the waitress told me that it’s been taken care of. A random stranger she was waiting one had paid for our food and also asked her to not tell us until the stranger left the restaurant. I so wanted to thank the stranger but he was long gone. In a world where everyone deserves attention, this random stranger not only taught me a great lesson but how to live by it. His act of kindness really lifted my spirit and made my day. Like they say “Today you, tomorrow me”. I asked the waitress to pass on our sincere thanks to that man if he ever shows up again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was still hot outside but we decided to keep moving. Sal kept a good pace and I tried to keep up with him. Refueled at a couple of vending stations on my way and narrowly missed the “Bench of Despair”, a very important landmark of the Vol State Course. A stranger who was aware of the Vol State stopped by on the side of the road and handed over a water bottle. After a few miles, Gary and Sandra greeted us with their big smile. Gary said that we picked wrong time of the day to run. It was a hot day and he mentioned that he measured the surface temperature of the road and it was like 146F. Exchanged the story about the act of kindness from the stranger with Sandra and we made our move.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_O38nBKb3Fs/TkQd1zVP4vI/AAAAAAAAKXA/eal8fbbwvP0/s1600-h/Picture0854.jpg"><img alt="Picture 085" border="0" height="202" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GtUJgQRD7CY/TkQd2K7cxLI/AAAAAAAAKXE/8n3BEA99v1k/Picture085_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 085" width="302" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--uAZMCB3jfY/TkQd2mFiInI/AAAAAAAAKXI/kjBB9K7JqEU/s1600-h/Picture0873.jpg"><img alt="Picture 087" border="0" height="207" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--wRzAmphWlQ/TkQd2_NoVoI/AAAAAAAAKXM/glIMB2QvOj0/Picture087_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 087" width="308" /></a> <br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">I love Tennessee, period.</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had nothing but good experiences throughout the race, even back at the crazy bar, filled with drunks, people were kind. On my way to Lewisburg just before I got to the intersection, a cute old man in a pickup truck probably in his 80’s stopped by and offered to take me to his house for supper and drop me back at the exact location. I still remember his face. His act of kindness moved me. I hated to say “No” but I had to, and gave him the reason. He asked me to be safe and left. I remember telling Carl how I met a cute old man who is the best granddad one can ever ask for. Pain and suffering was inevitable during Vol State but I am so glad and thankful for the experiences and I enjoyed every bit of it as an unaided runner. I have read couple of story book on wayfarers but getting to live a life like that was something. No matter how good I get with words to explain, one has to be there, in that moment to understand such experiences. While my pain and suffering was making me strong, people and their act of kindles along my way were teaching me to live and appreciate life.</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Amid the "pain and suffering" is the "pure joy" of traveling the open road with nothing but your own power moving you forward.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></b><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">My encounter with a cop, getting investigated to becoming Facebook friends: </span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn’t see Sal in a long time. It was already dark and I was sitting by the courthouse in Lewisburg. I thought I would wait a bit for Sal to catch up and then head out to Shelbyville. Took my shoes off and was massaging my feet and there were two guys sitting next to me. One was a huge guy with piercings and tattoos and the other was a skinny guy. We had a little conversation and I told them about the race and they were pretty shocked. But what happened the next one hour was something that I never expected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I see a cop car going around the court house:</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Huge guy: Watch out. He is gonna go around the court house.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Me: <Blinking></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Huge Guy: He is gonna go around the court house one more time and pull over right in front of us</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Me: <Panicking and blinking></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Huge guy: He is pulling over, act kewl..don’t worry</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Me: <Thinking: why should I act kewl and normal></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The cop by now has pulled right in front of me and had the beaming huge light turned ON, pointing it on my face. I was panicking by now but acted as if it’s no big deal. The cop was asking for backup and two more cars joined him. He stepped out of the car and took my ID. Another longest 10 minutes of my life. I waited until he got back to me once again and asked me what I am doing at this time. I explained about the race. He frowned. I explained in detail, he frowned more. Finally he asked me to leave right away and asked me to meet him at the Shell station which was about 0.5 miles from the court house. I picked up my stuff and left while the cops were having a word with the other two guys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As soon as I made it to the Shell gas station, one cop followed me and asked me more about the race and other details. Once he got convinced that I am a nice guy (A little self compliment) he got interested about the race. I started telling him about Vol State, Barkley, Strolling Jim, UltraMarathons and about Laz. He was surprised that there were events of such crazy long distances and that there are people who run such races. We spoke like good old college buddies for about an hour about Ultramarathons and about India. The cop went ahead and launched Facebook from his laptop and “like” the Vol State FB page. He said he is going to track my progress on Google maps. Then he asked me whether I can be his friend on FB. When I told him how to find me, he sent me a FB friend request with a note “This is the nice cop you met at Lewisburg”. I told him that I’ll accept as soon as get back to civilization. He wanted to click a picture with me and we waited for Sal to show up, but when he did, Sal was in a pretty bad shape. While we refueled at the gas station, the cop went ahead and helped Sal with his motel booking and left. People have been nice throughout the race, including cops. Sal was thinking about dropping at that point. His hands and legs were swollen pretty bad. I walked him to the motel and asked him to reconsider his decision in the morning and took off to Shelbyville. </span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Those surviving on the road are doing just that surviving...barely</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a long night. I looked up and saw a plane in the sky. Up there, inside that big nice tube is a guy sitting in his chair in an air-conditioned space with a nice blanket and comfortable pillow with everything he wants to eat and drink and there must be a beautiful waitress attending to him if he needs anything. Back to reality, here I am on a stinky road in the middle of the night out of water and out of food limping on my blistered feet suffering. Such is life. God is good, beer is great, people are crazy, I was signing that song loud, really loud. If any of my friends would have seen me at that time, they would have thought I have gone nuts. I made it to Bedford Co by the middle of the night. Sleep deprivation was killing me. I might have slept for about 6 hours since the race start. I was starving. I was surprised since I ate a whole large pizza but I was still hungry. I got to a nice little breakfast café by 4:30AM. I knocked at the door and the lady told me that they open at 5:00AM. I asked her for some water and she let me in to refill my backpack. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUwjQDUmtJR-1Vba1iJy0dLf6TqVNohp6xDBTwmJEpyzrP3sT7u_aeOsIj9Hkdy1jpIF-96O6nTev0whu1xw6vQQ6jKxJUBq2mD3lZwcQCSX5EF58cdjPzxxyq6B6hx3Ev0NL4kK_gfs/s1600-h/Picture0954.jpg"><img alt="Picture 095" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gYxh9J3p1Y8s__UssrXEWD9KJbZCEEbOCJPZ8HY1JsTfHsuPUtY-5RvOW3K6NeVMHZzCmMdpZKDqos4nm9nStN-fYPLqp4BdVoBl_Pw6Hh_Q1d6DPLDjPQTUtdgZP-j4ECdTH8Vewsk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 095" width="336" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I couldn’t stay awake at this point. I looked around and there was a church and a cemetery behind it. Perfect. I headed into the cemetery and found a nice spot to lie down. I passed out for about an hour and I got up to my alarm, the same old nightmare. That one hour nap felt so good. I passed the idea on stopping for breakfast and sneaked out of the cemetery. I wanted to make it to Wartrace by noon and was planning to crash at my good friend Amanda’s house. Shelbyville courthouse came in sight and made my check in call to Carl. <b>Day 5, Mile 227</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a hot day. I could feel it. My foot was getting cooked inside my VFF. I should have stayed at Shelbyville but I braved the sun and decided to head to Wartrace. I regretted my decision. I felt horrible. The heat was sucking everything out of me. I drank the whole 100oz of water and was still thirsty. Heat was making my already blistered feet worse. There was not even a single shady spot to rest. I had no other choice but to push and when the Marathon gas station came in view, I ran into the station and grabbed a gallon water jug and drank 3 ¼ of it. The lady who was buying some stuff stood there astonished while I was drinking. I paid for it later and sat for a while before going another mile to my friend’s house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I crashed on the couch and tried to sleep a bit but mind wouldn’t just rest. It just wouldn’t hibernate or even go idle. The effort put in to go to sleep was worse than the blisters. My foot was evidently swollen especially near the toes. Two new additions to the blister family, a huge blister on the right foot toe and a big one on the left heel. Tried to stand up and felt miserable. I have 78 more miles to go. I switched myself to survival mode. I got 5 more days and even if I average 16 miles a day I should be able to finish the race. Refueled myself and hit the shower which ended up being the most painful one. I was moved to tears while replacing the band aid. I decided then to push to the finish line. No more sleep breaks, only rest stops to refuel. It wasn’t about getting to the rock but I just wanted to be done with it. I was losing myself. Patience, patience, I spoke to myself.</span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">That night I called my mom:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While I was getting used to the newly formed blisters and fighting the fatigue, an uninvited visitor showed up. Shin splint on my left leg. Yet another lonely night. I was really getting worried. What if it gets so bad that I couldn’t keep up with 16 mile/day average? To keep myself distracted, I called a couple of friends. Spoke to Joshua for a while and then with Diane. I was so craving for a soda when I was a few miles away from Manchester. I looked though my bag and four quarters and $5 bill but no more extra quarters and no $1 bill. The vending machine wouldn’t take the $5 bill and I don’t have enough quarters. Another dog drooling at the food scene. I stood in front of the vending machine in silence expecting a miracle to happen, that out of nowhere a soda bottle would pop up. I was wrong and I left, frustrated. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The shin splint was getting worse. The left foot was swollen by now. A little ice would help but where would I find one in the middle of nowhere. It felt as if a brick was attached to my left foot. I was literally dragging my left foot every single step. I felt the need to sit down but I was dreading about the pain that I have to endure once I start walking again. A church graveyard was in sight and sat down there for a while. I couldn’t go to sleep but just sitting down felt so comfortable. I wanted ice so bad, I decided to keep moving and was so glad to find a convenient store. I drank couple of coke, picked up a 10lbs ice bag and started walking. There was no motel in sight. I tried calling Sherry to check if she had crashed anywhere in Manchester but no reply. I finally found an abandoned gas station. Threw my backpack down in frustration and kept the ice bag on my left feet. It was still hot and humid and the ice was melting away. I told Carl later that morning while I was at Hillsboro and Gary included it in his update.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">naresh is in hot pursuit in hillsboro (app 260).</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">ok, he isnt in hot pursuit</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">he is sitting in an abandoned convenience store</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">with a bag of ice on his foot</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">weeping.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">says his foot feels like a brick attached to his ankle.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">says he only hopes to wake up someday and not feel like this.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That’s right. I was only hoping that I don’t want to wake up someday and not feel like this. I called my mom. She was surprised about the late night call but I covered it up with a couple of lies. We spoke about a lot of stuff going on in the family and in India. After disconnecting the call, I wept. No point sitting here and drowning myself in self pity. I am here because I chose to. Was thinking about Mike’s email; <em>This is your job for the next 4-10 days. Accept it. It's not easy, and it only gets harder. Exponentially harder in the last 30 miles.</em> He was right, every bit of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When your whole world consists of discomfort, the only thing to do is laugh. I told myself to HTFU and move on. To really HTFU. By now the ice bag was nothing but a piece of plastic lying on my leg like a blanket. I took a few steps and it felt much better. Icing the feet didn’t get any better but at least it didn’t get worse. The early morning sun rays brought some hope. I took it real easy, maintained a comfortable pace and made it to Hillsboro. </span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">When I’m weak, then I’m strong:</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I know the tougher sections are ahead of me but I tried hard not to think about it but just take it one step at a time. I was really at a low point that morning but “This too shall pass” and it did pass. I enjoyed some good biscuits with sausage and bacon and lots of coffee. Rain or shine, I was ready to hit the road. The waitress helped me fill my backpack and I took off. I called Carl and updated him as well. <b>Day 6, ~260 miles</b>. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_K1rxMLvDMvnekV02L1vB4iOafNSbYUCRjED1wYKppdVbf2DGfyjgUvsAVNgtUG2lT_tRib_1XcR9FgZ7cGr2jMn3G2qS7AyHcd01lg5VbN6qFHRhs2zESANEoTTCZnlXZl7oCr2ao0w/s1600-h/Picture1043.jpg"><img alt="Picture 104" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAsgEpQimTq3w7dmI6-Hq_UsxZVHcOPyeyO3CQP5gqLrnm5hKj5qKcqQSmTzYJmpbm9MmhnDBP7I_SpLey1QIizHRml1g_2ayl7n55gw0j3paw4gXJpg7vnPn-rtN-pNAUOBkHoMaojo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 104" width="298" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a hot day. Hillsboro to Pelham took forever. I put my head down and just looked at the ground in front of me and took one step at a time. Couple of guys in a pickup truck offered a ride which I had to decline. They even handed over a $5 bill which I had to decline. I told them it’s a race. They replied “God save you” and took off. I called Diane and she told me there’s a café at Pelham which remains open till 2:00PM where I would get good food. I did make it by 2:00PM and had a huge salmon, rice, mashed potatoes and lots of Dr Pepper. Carl was driving through the course and he guessed that I would be at the café. Amy and Carl accompanied me for lunch and I told them the cop story. A friendly stranger joined me for lunch before Carl and Amy joined me. He gave me lots of pointers about the course but he said that the next 6 miles is going to be tough.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lOy0mdu-j2DjE6h7FoKVyFxuPb7LJ7DsfgKGytM41a_C9imn2HHEj9YYaUkPTWFA_tkCAodabN6u5NYMwff4nw0gDOZGPKyqFEbwbkLpX7r1TsyJW48dJ4iivZpzgIJBOXpgD-k1Fq0/s1600-h/IMG_04253.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0425" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxbXaZXPZTorzgkj8N3DmImiQXT3sOo546i3rTWD2n8jk25dfp5ZozrjFEGcdqGqUbi2xzQVRA6qdthyzdg6TICiKcpB24UGT25XWioiJWdbLYPbvDPzz7_6HgJr2QAHQRTBZ3AQ3Zgc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0425" width="297" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q0VZnoPctuwOI3_9sggrClZEmvZ0MrR6fo1BaRwX7VdGza67x2IH7UjV6pw4TDnTwnenUcPTISgVWx5z7mJ7LXKrALdaEyugxKYB1ANNqeE3HMMtGqx_G0bebW4YaSdtordj4-xqII0/s1600-h/Picture1077.jpg"><img alt="Picture 107" border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigotF72MhAe-r10giIAjGH_XyvdbL6HF-X5lJUDKPpJU2y5XPuGb0Lvgo_bXyQLM-mexpWVVOvgGHjfmiM-rLqpWauZXrlqwQeCyfGtYzvr7w8PlMgeaNBcdNglQ3X8tvn5snHK6LbW0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 107" width="301" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7T1AJ0txbAM/TkQd5h7LLyI/AAAAAAAAKXw/LpXNJ_HVmC4/s1600-h/Picture1093.jpg"><img alt="Picture 109" border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0kG_XokIttyO4EbSEmTiWsyFgcjZXy11GGHxeWj49fNWLSmpSJblFlE5o7G9ehoBd6L_2QVTX2wn_zyHxEXuqZ4i-PTv0qwEffYW7w2Q7AtdYxSPNQqKSBMDxkd7e7A-s4hus8vpFq8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 109" width="309" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeofoCq4NsNtNJxmvu1ts0v3MhJfVTxiH1MKiAjxcfrPdkkXdzMU_LwhEEeCQ3V4wW6qeG_kGh7GaY00rgIg1LQdT1cVO78ujT_XJWn1L7i1xoFak_kyzAQyPSj8TrprkVmDGUu18zxM/s1600-h/Picture1114.jpg"><img alt="Picture 111" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxLgHXU5-zbqr6DM2We3GnLewXjKZ5VVYkphOSUWDOP5GUylxZWTSu5Z79zwHLZgCeKPc0eGot7959yMcLOVi5CxBEbxX_zS9O5Loa3pu5PfDav9WPHX8Qc1MNa1cK9d5Va3H8wn_AKQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 111" width="307" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every time I was explain the VS course to someone, once I get to the Monteagle section, their jaws would drop. I understood that it’s going to be a tough climb but never realized it would be that hard. In the middle of the day when it was hot, the pain increases exponentially. It was so steep that a biker got down and started pushing his bike. I was out of water by that time once I got to the top, I was glad that it’s done. I headed into a bar again and everyone just froze for a second. One guy asked me whether it’s raining, “No, I am just sweating hard as I ran up the mountain” I replied. While the bartender was filling up my handheld, I was explaining about the race and tried to be in the A/C for a little longer. Climbing Monteagle really aggravated my shin splints and there was a huge swelling. Stopped at another gas station on my way to Traci city and iced my feet. Knowing that I won’t find anything once I start to Jasper, I bought lots of Danish buns and Beef jerky and made it to Traci City. </span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">I can write a book titled PATIENCE:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hated the Traci City-Jasper section as much as I hated Lexington-Parsons. Hardly any shoulder and the traffic would just zoom by. I had to literally stop every time a car approaches and wait until it would pass. I don’t want to get hit by a car now, not even slightly. Along with shin splint and blister, fatigue was setting in and it was getting real bad. I didn’t sleep after leaving Wartrace. Pain kept me wide awake. Body is willing but the mind won’t shut down. The more I think about the finish line, the more frustrating it would get and I was losing my patience. “Patience – the capacity to tolerate trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset”, It’s a word with no time factor associated to it. Tolerate, but without getting upset or angry. That’s precisely what Jasper section taught me. I was so pissed off at one time after leaving Wartrace that I picked up a stick and started hitting a tree to vent it out but not today. Carl in his email told me, “Don’t underestimate the need for patience” and emphasized it in caps. Took a couple of deep breaths and kept pushing forward, to be patient, to learn to appreciate the journey as well as its completion and that this too shall pass. I have started the race and passed the middle and the end is inevitable, and if I am patient enough and endure, I will get there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sandra drove all the way from the rock to check on me. They knew that I didn’t get any sleep in the past 30+ hours. Seeing a familiar face in the middle of the night was such a blessing. We spoke for a minute and she took off and returned after a while along with Amy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The downhill section to Jasper was a killer. I would have loved this section any other day but not today. The grade was so tough to walk and running was the only option I could find some relief for my tired feet. At one point, I felt I should curve my body like a ball and just roll down the hill. It was very humid and I was out of water by now. In my mind I imagined that I would be in Kimball, TN once I am done with downhill, but I was wrong. The downhill took me to Jasper and it’s another 5 miles to Kimball from there. I had little water left in my handheld and I tried to ration on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was sleep walking on the Kimball road by now. A cop stopped me and when I told him about the race. He looked for a spare reflective vest in his trunk for me but he didn’t have one. He asked me to be safe and warned me about the traffic. I asked him whether he had extra water by any chance but he didn’t have any. I was totally out of water by now and could feel the effects or dehydration. Started walking at snail pace. The sound of speeding vehicles gave me hope that the interstate junction is close and that I can fill my water there but the intersection was nowhere in sight. It was just like the mirage that would make a man wandering in the desert to think there’s water close by.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyQLJ3MST3PPzSILaESKukgddPTMPIODAkAGJN9gfMlFNn7YlhAit4JABO9Km_ah4p6JhpIH9JxMi5-E9i63lZA0azAmnwosF0xXOYcsgGN-7Q59WzVwZjm0QS6D3GMzX6anVToFGm8U/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc3163.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-316" border="0" height="218" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8J_5BipIaYg/TkQd7eQRG_I/AAAAAAAAKYE/nLdIZZdFUzs/VolState500Ketc316_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-316" width="291" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seeing a waffle house from the distant gave me hopes that I’ll survive. A part of me wanted to stay at a motel and rest but another part of me wanted to keep pushing and be done with it. I listened to the latter. I had a huge BLT sandwich, big bowl of chili, lots of hash browns and lots of water. The waitress was surprised that I drank so much water and she asked whether I am doing ok. I told her about the race and that I am at Mile 300. They thought I am on drugs and didn’t talk to me much after that. I don’t blame them. I was smelling nasty and looked dirty and my zombie look was enough to prove.</span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Longest 14 miles of my life:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I still had a good shot at Sub 7. I couldn’t believe that I was thinking this way. I was ready to push the lever from Survival mode to race mode again. It’s just amazing how time and energy can impact mind. Moments ago, I just wanted to finish the race and now I am aiming for a Sub 7. I was determined. I have come this close; why not give it a shot. At the same time, I didn’t want to get over confident. Race is not over until I set my foot on that Rock. It was a tug of war. Push hard for Sub 7 or take it easy and finish. I looked at my shin splint and it looked pretty swollen. I haven’t removed my shoes ever since I left Wartrace, so I know pretty sure there’s a nasty sight inside. I decided to push for a sub 7 and take chances. I read the direction and walked against the direction of the traffic hoping that it would take me to New Hope Bridge, but when I didn’t see it coming, I decided to back track and go the other way. I lost a good 45 minutes in this confusion. I walked across the New Hope Bridge crossing the Tennessee River one more time and stood there for a minute. I crossed Tennessee River three days before after leaving Parsons and here I am crossing it again. I took a moment to appreciate everything that I have been through and thanked God for enabling me with His strength, without Him I am nothing. He was my strength when I was weak. When I had every reason to drop out from the race, the Lord gave me his strength and brought me so far and I had no doubts that He will enable me to get to the finish line. I called Carl to let him know that I am just passing through the bridge and made my way towards Sand Mountain.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y4nZvjpcvEI/TkQd7kc2_aI/AAAAAAAAKYI/2cCdZ-wfcyE/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc3203.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-320" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sI-oiQ6cpNY/TkQd709cnzI/AAAAAAAAKYM/2ooeUFw7z2k/VolState500Ketc320_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-320" width="293" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZZ20f8xWLvStsckVYxgZQlVw9oNmM6e7j0I_xxPXhcVaQdVeRRjHZSFon0Kcce629Q_AFTMnfZke-rh9KUzsy4GsmDrK1zkK7JPrby9OeZyPbzv7nBQVJEn3eLGVtie8q_3AicpVqPI/s1600-h/IMG_04623.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0462" border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyElffdov2aBoC-qCX_ckR8JRy2C_9Rcyp2r5KZalkZNTWYNKIEeAZi3rDPTI8UEsaGs9fTtKSQVAIvFYY0KIK7QCD-GmrPC341Emma6sDYS6ndZiLUNtaSq3JgqZEJeGo2yKWj3ig7uM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0462" width="222" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I spoke to Josh briefly and told him about my position. He was excited for me and told me to get it done. The traffic was so bad, the roads so narrow with lots of twists and turns. The curve was too sharp. Sometime I had to stop well ahead based on the sound from the distant traffic and let the car pass. They were driving too fast. One car passed me so close that I lost my balance and fell down and luckily ended up in someone’s yard. I am glad it wasn’t anything serious. I was extra careful from then. Walking my way towards Sand Mountain I was going through the directions and it said “Easy 10K to the finish”. I underestimated the “easy 10K part” and dumped most of my water and ice before climbing the Sand Mountain. Another big mistake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I started climbing Sand Mountain, I saw Carl, Gary and Abi going up the hill and they said they will wait for me at the state line which would be 495Km mile stone. The uphill climb was very difficult especially my shin, it was crying in pain. I looked at my watch; Sub 7 was out of reach by now. The little detour at New Hope was a waste of 45 minutes. Precious 45 minutes. No regretting at this point. Gary was clapping and encouraging me along with Carl, Abi and Donald (Don’s Crew). When Abi approached and asked how I feel, my instant reply was “I want to kill this guy” pointing towards Gary. For making the last 10K very difficult and making it hell as if I didn’t have enough of it. Everyone had a good laugh as no one expected that response from me. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTbpp-2EkLICX33vpHlq_-YZa-2P_7ftvseItChIvo7-0G0AsyjaoCJV_zPqw7XqFacOydeqGJjEx1MPscR9RMae-OQBlQg52iDUhQOd8DfOHmEAeqha2eNi2NEoVDptjCtO6SwX9OCw/s1600-h/IMG_04345.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0434" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tRtccHrLfafRcYb8RkCjF489rjKFgdDgY3oMU8pkBxxUoP3RFCEme5V4asaFOGorIUQp0_jLTEmlBJC7vUy363H1Z39Lf3QR4j9f6u25bzZRPAMyl4Gqc4Sma1fElxKTz7s-DLp8cNk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0434" width="218" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn_Gtkoy07cxaLyFUMst_xWQ5n_We5y8cq8KuXBWYYPvR7letUPHda8MHJZs8tTJEQh5srHERaXgrAq3yubBplLdfG1DUhd3IF7HFgzU2qHkvCTDR5yNON9hpcrPpXSTsWHjmDprN1nk/s1600-h/IMG_04353.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0435" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVbAuTlgmqo_SlycXbWVCGvQkryeh1Z0huV8BggDuHOG4EBj9JEwa1Sqtu4E5jQu5rWkDhEGxgZDqto6zJSjsGpNfwsqLLT94rynZkGbQLn5Pqa-S0h7Gf2pNMP5zk05SQY9T2FepFnY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0435" width="218" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NZYR-R6N2OKQEcQC3LvLPThAGEAGCw8UhHjQ8ipvM2pYsdrjrVF5GKmRzva-fLYpB_8c6yGg0HtLpOs0Fvr8d1_b4Eo9vwwElT2WKQq5zWluifkaLTYYbmABfm41zJjfMK4GAh4m17o/s1600-h/IMG_04363.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0436" border="0" height="295" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EMgurJd7r68/TkQd-HN8ZLI/AAAAAAAAKYs/_2-5GsE0J88/IMG_0436_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0436" width="221" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5K to the finish line. That Einstein guy was right about his theory of relativity. When you sit next to a pretty girl for one hour, and it feels like a minute, as opposed to when you sit on a hot stove for one minute, and it feels like an hour. That 5K took me for ever. Time slowed down, really slowed down. I was forced to witness the passing of every second of every minute. The more anxious I got, the slower time passed. Finally, I made it to the corn fields. It’s not too far now. Carl asked me whether I am cognizant enough to follow the pink ribbons that would lead me to the rock. He knew that it’s over 36 hours since I shut down my eyes and he was really concerned. But I was wide awake. This is it. This is the moment. This is what I have been waiting for. I assured him that I’ll meet him at the rock and they took off.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4DXPE-grKPk/TkQd-pB0KtI/AAAAAAAAKYw/YNJgldyi0Ws/s1600-h/photo43.jpg"><img alt="photo-4" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYH_exLzTmmJFDTt6182qPmU_s0rH_38iiK8MoSmX8abioYahSd1o2zNmM3oJ3La7si-FoAVj3IddAOqxGn8kiq_JQ-RHAbNBYWGHq4v_Y2yZHm-qkgSWHLbZA18cAVprO3-gRlrSk2o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="photo-4" width="300" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Started passing the pink ribbons one at a time as the course went wading through the corn fields. I started running after a point. The excitement was too much to hold. Day 1 was flashing through my head. I was scared and full of doubts not knowing whether I would be able to accomplish something of this magnitude and here I am still in pain and suffering but running towards the finish. Mind took over body and all the pain seemed very trivial. The rock was in sight. Carl was at the rock to ensure that I don’t trip and fall off the ledge. I walked to the rock and Carl hollered to Gary, “NOW”. Timer stopped. It’s finished. It’s over. It’s freaking over. <b>7 day 00:55:04.</b> First Unaided Finisher and Fourth overall.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWVg6r9DB8r-2cNyTj21DfuuHZVzGGWjPcGnxdMEd0VBf0R8KnCaBxWcRPeWXHax0heOBVmSF_n5s5vX_fHlb8_kXg9FaUkluD_4KWIhnDZlizXz_WZ5-6fIO0CLqa3VbPeBAXTC5fMw/s1600-h/photo3.jpg"><img alt="photo" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y8eQ5GduKoU/TkQd_yNCCJI/AAAAAAAAKY8/dOnclw4XqEA/photo_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="photo" width="253" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I sat down on the rock, the place where I wanted to be for the past 7 days. I ran, I walked, I ate and I slept, going through heat, days and nights through pain and suffering to get here. I sat right there. I was trying to talk but it was getting difficult to say anything. The pain that went mute briefly returned with full force. When I couldn’t talk any more, tears took its place. No matter how hard I tried not to get emotional, I couldn’t help it. I sat there. In Silence. No one spoke a word. They allowed me to be in the moment, to cherish the experience, to enjoy my finish. Covered 56 miles on my last day. Vol state was an experience, an adventure of a life time, it taught me so much, a challenge greater than I ever imagined, it showed me what I am capable of, to endure and keep moving forward in spite of pain and suffering, to have fun, to live the moment and above all to take one day at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Carl helped get to a chair and everyone sincerely congratulated me for my finish. I finally drank good water. My mouth still tasted bad after drinking water from a dirty puddle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I asked Gary, “Who’s the guy going back to Nashville on Monday after the race start, who”, he laughed. He knew very well how to encourage me and he did exactly the same. Abi offered me her course map (Thanks a lot Abi) which Gary signed it for me: <strong>Naresh, “the Monday Man”, You are my HERO! – Laz</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OzJN_cfNfw8/TkQeADk3aMI/AAAAAAAAKZA/D59Whyl0iBw/s1600-h/Mondayman3.jpg"><img alt="Monday man" border="0" height="200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PEza8hzwDy0/TkQeAoxiL_I/AAAAAAAAKZE/aYe6RaE71kw/Mondayman_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Monday man" width="528" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zHT1wNqyhrg/TkQeAwoFfFI/AAAAAAAAKZI/59l62ddaDJc/s1600-h/Picture2104.jpg"><img alt="Picture 210" border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKzM7xikEZXqPhGQOuG1fRK-RfZiC9Y8R2JIfD3B-6K4RgZQZohvbgpBpBAqHHeu8dqryUNgoWVaewuynIRsh8VdGUwg_dZfPUgZlW5mjhOJ-5zfn0TlE9Zk7TpD6_KfwUhKdVZfcwio/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Picture 210" width="396" /></a> <br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CAa0EqdbKFQociDx4yyqP-yJzlY8KPBIOYQwcc73_H_TzJpLzhsEpJUVkeUKevT3vLtbfMdovHqpIpm8M-lUYcRz1yTOXVqHFDGs34ei-Rlq4MAkL_l9i6VRepJIkKlNo_Ymgc5tXns/s1600-h/VolState500Ketc3403.jpg"><img alt="Vol-State-500K-etc-340" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lM46euY_3t8/TkQeBm9oNOI/AAAAAAAAKZU/M-uBFi_3LJM/VolState500Ketc340_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vol-State-500K-etc-340" width="321" /></a> </span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had the opportunity to see every other runner finish. I was extremely glad to see Joshua finishing the race, strong. He ran a Sub 8min pace the last three miles of the race. Now, that is something. We finished what we started. The full 500Kms. It’s over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Charity:Water</span></u></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am glad that our adventure didn’t cost our (Joshua and Me) life. With support from amazing friends, we not only met the goal but exceeded it by over a $1000 dollars and still counting. Thanks so much for your contribution, support, wishes and prayers. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0YvgVJ6sDBU/TkQeB1GPzzI/AAAAAAAAKZY/PoYd-N44jio/s1600-h/CharityWater4.jpg"><img alt="Charity Water" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyJsXgZLbm__XcbKV8XzWe9I25wI-TVt4h_SPyTZMgOHLCPWqOo3F2E1JbFIjFtUeDf0nMz7L15K6nXHWSHwD-dsnJH6FYEkIHMapVrt3WRj8GuiPR-z97Mc7wE_XpVeVtxdbvWHKGhQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Charity Water" width="592" /></a> <br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">All’s well that ends well:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was fun times after finishing the race. “Gary, it feels like I am in a space ship”, that was my first reaction when I got in Gary’s car and the cold air was blowing on my face. First time setting my foot in a motorized vehicle after 7 days. When I insisted to stay awake in the car, Gary very well knew how to put me to sleep. “Just pull back the chair and lie down, you don’t have to sleep”, Gary told me, the next thing I remember, I am waking up in his driveway. Almost an hour flew by. When we decided to crash one night at a motel in Kimball, I managed to get a good discount as the owner was an Indian. But when he heard about the race and the cause, he refused to charge me for the room and he insisted. He invited all of us for lunch. This would be Gary’s first time tasting Indian food and I told him how lucky he is to get his first experience as Home Made Gujrathi Food. The food was delicious. Carl, Sandra, Gary and I enjoyed the food and above all the hospitality extended by the family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And just like that, it all came to an end. No more sleeping on the side of the road, parking lots and cemeteries. No more travel stories and meeting new people. Now that I am back to reality, all the experience remains as a good memory and that the journey to the rock has served me well.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Post race:</span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mom, Dad, Sis, I’m sorry!!</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">I accepted the cop’s friend request and we are buddies on FB now.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">I read ALL the responses from my friends from Chennai Runners group. Huge thanks to Navin for keeping everyone posted about my progress in detail. Navin, thanks a lot. For your support and encouragement and for being there when I need you the most. Thanks for all you time spent in writing daily updates for our group. I also want to thanks everyone from Chennai Runners, for your support and prayers. I sincerely appreciate each and every one of your thoughts for me.</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks to my friend Angel and my friend Jeff Bauer for keeping all my friends updated. Jeff your timely tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank You!!</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">My blisters have healed up pretty good and I treated me a nice bike. Thinking about riding the Vol State course sometimes, soon.</span></li>
</ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaytM0pYuoM3YZn6i-HriPESEb_0WkpxVg_gWA35CE9cUocsej0tFf_w8uYrlYgDhoZF8Ltk6Sxfkh3NjPzVqkGhNCJfNRGBMUt_WRRHn7IQSU99a8hn1N1t6NgiD6Bfkr-KHVZchJxPs/s1600-h/Bike0063.jpg"><img alt="Bike 006" border="0" height="247" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OZ0bwPbWfF4/TkQeCjvJiAI/AAAAAAAAKZk/_VYM0X6aqy0/Bike006_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bike 006" width="332" /></a> <br />
<div align="center"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Battle of the Vol State:</span></u></b></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">they got on the ferry & they rode it to kentucky,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">they were headed for a battle in the state of tennessee.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">there was heat and pain a waiting, but they didnt waver</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">they were bound to make their way; to the castle rock, you see.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">the sun went down and the runners kept a comin</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">there wasnt near as many as there was the morn before.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">they ran thru the bottoms and they ran over ridges</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">they ran thru dry stretches where a camel wouldnt go.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">the sun came up and the runners kept a comin'</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">there wasnt quite as many as there was the night before.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">they ran so far that stray dogs couldnt follow</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">down the endless blacktop to the slopes of never more.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">the sun went down and the runners kept a comin</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">there wasnt near as many as there was the morn before</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">they left their homes & they left their loved ones</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">to fight a hopeless battle in the state of tennessee.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">but those who reached the rock down in georgia</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">found the prettiest sight that they would ever see...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">the finish. – Laz</span></div></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-26963788421166462612011-06-30T16:27:00.002-07:002023-05-09T09:30:11.983-07:00The Last Vol State 500KM Road Race – I’m IN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since Diane told me about this race, I had it in my radar. Things have finally fallen in place and I will be running the <a href="http://www.runvb2vb.com/VolState/" target="_blank">Last Annual Vol State 500KM Road Race</a> this year. After finishing my 100 mile race 6 months back, I wanted to run a ‘more that 100 mile’ distance race and ended up with Vol State 500KM. It’s just 214 more miles, right?</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0-LYlnQ_WQQmrPGoT2dWBRmPVtH5_oyBfxrpXNzTnOkSWFJfvVm5HQ2QobMdWllfbq6mXUeJtHIoYLPLXa5E8cpzaxSYIoL19GTpiwGt8XGxkNpyTonDeS6b0tAgmx-lhwm0FSBd7es/s1600-h/vol-state-500k-map%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="vol-state-500k-map" border="0" height="193" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wopI37BY2gg/Tg0Gff99bRI/AAAAAAAAJ44/fqaGyk5h79I/vol-state-500k-map_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="vol-state-500k-map" width="361" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A race that’s run from northwest corner of TN to the south west corner of TN, Dorena Landing, MO to Castle Rock, GA and we got 10 days to complete the race. The race is run in two categories. You could do it in solo (carrying everything you need and refill along the way at the stores and restaurants along the course taking no help from friends, though begging from strangers is allowed) or have a crew to support you. I have chosen to do it Solo, right, I am screwed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The more I think about it, I get chills down my spine. I stay up late looking at the maps and making plans and I am surrounded by this cloud of confusion and fear that my palms begin to sweat. What have I got myself into. Enormity is a good word to describe this race. That reminds me of an email that Laz sent to the Vol State list.</span><br />
<div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>a run like this is not just a race <br />
it can be (is) a life changing experience. <br />
vol state is a journey thru personal hell <br />
you WILL be discouraged. <br />
you WILL feel self doubt. <br />
you WILL want to quit. <br />
but if you persevere. <br />
if you dog it out, step by step</b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>you will find in yourself a strength you never knew existed</b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the vol-state is not a time to be concerned about teaching the young </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or helping out friends. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you will need every ounce of your mental toughness </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just to reach the rock</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That went on my FB wall the very same day followed by several likes and comments. That’s all it takes, every ounce of mental toughness to reach the rock. That’s all I need. Reminds me of a line that I read long back in a book titled “Bleachers” where coach Rake says <i>''If you're winnin', never quit. If you're losin', never quit. If you're hurt, never quit.''</i> Quitting is not an option and I am going to give everything I can to get to the rock.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT7Jk2XdLG2_azqNH_ZD67D5aJ7MYcG1Lrb2zSewLh-rhuUDCo67Mc_sEHAwYnWhh0yGvZCf6CN6K3n__N4SEek9C1spQwABZbcY_RqaUaNclTo8oHRZMVUiHCvONRCJGVJm-sBA2hMU/s1600-h/ruts%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="ruts" border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C57Lma9wuzmVGyk3n8RXLWcO0E111sw8lwFjHZBREM6B_DgWBpoDJEVLEGyRP-adukiKevwx5_TT0PSAr_g0R2QvMpDHlJsT8kcgUAbSWeu9Yr20vh7tcpfGsaEnV9aQRg3JAXSPTI8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ruts" width="244" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://runitfast.com/2011/06/17/whats-314-miles-im-in-for-the-last-annual-vol-state-500k-road-race/" target="_blank">Joshua Holmes</a> and I have been talking and encouraging each other ever since we got into this race. It also gave me an opportunity to join hands with him in raising money for <a href="http://www.charitywater.org/" target="_blank">Charity:Water</a> and here’s our <a href="http://mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=16673" target="_blank">campaign page</a>. 314 miles of hell, hill and humidity will help 250 people in a developing country to get clean water, through your contributions and support. 100% of all donations go directly to water projects, and each donation is "proved" when projects are complete. We aim to raise $5,000 by the time we get to the Rock. Help us achieve the goal by <i><a href="http://mycharitywater.org/joshua"><b>DONATING HERE</b>: 314 Miles – Water for 250 men, women, and children!</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our race updates while running the race will be on <a href="http://runitfast.com/">Run It Fast</a> and also on Joshua Holmes <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joshua-Holmes/120694268016499"><b>Facebook Running Fan Page</b> (Like it <b>HERE</b>)</a> and on <b>Twitter</b> <b><a href="http://twitter.com/bayou">@bayou</a>. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for all your support, prayers, contributions. We’ll need every bit of it while we are out there and good luck to all my Vol State friends.</span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-65733656615717173312011-04-12T19:13:00.000-07:002011-10-28T17:11:31.727-07:00Fall Creek Falls - Spring Tour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring tour for this weekend was <a href="http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/">Fall Creek Falls</a>. I have been to this place twice but never really had the time to stay there and enjoy besides that the weather sucked in both occasion. The weather turned out great this weekend though. It was a bit hot but I can live with it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Headed straight to Cane Creek Falls. Went down the cable which takes you down to the foothills of the falls. It was gorgeous. The water was flowing down in full force. Must be the recent rains. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cane Creek Falls</b>:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, to the Cascades:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Water was freezing cold but it was too hard to resist the temptation to dive in:</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Had a good time, rather chill time swimming in the pool. Next in list was the Fall Creek Falls</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was so cold late time when I visited last time. Today it was so pretty. Hiked down to the bottom of the falls and had a great time. So peaceful. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sure the rains this week would make the falls overflow for the next few weeks and it's going to be more pretty. Great place to spend the weekend. Don't miss it if you are around Tennessee. It's just about 2 hour drive from Nashville.</span></div></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-75974002943497962402011-03-18T12:54:00.000-07:002011-10-28T17:25:58.101-07:00Maniac# 3502<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes!! I have been accepted to the Insane Asylum, at the <strong>Iridium</strong> level for my <strong>21 races in 365 days</strong> streak. Thanks to Bjorg, Kino and Steve. Since I already was a part of the ICY 8HR Maniac picture, there was no other way but to sign up to the Maniac Asylum. The registration process went pretty smooth and an email showed up in my inbox later.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naresh, at last you have found refuge, a place where you can call home, where the Insane can feel Sane again, and once again be treated like a normal human being.</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That sentence sure brought a smile to my face. I’ll be treated like a human being once again. As soon as I got the credentials, I logged in as a maniac and entered my past race details. The GUI and the overall feel of the website was ok but definitely has room for improvement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While entering my race details, I felt truly blessed for having the opportunity to run so many marathons/ultras and more lucky for not having any DNF’s so far. Somewhere along the way, my Ultra count exceeded the Marathon numbers. Such is my love to trail running and ultra marathons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hoping to run many more Ultras/Marathons in the coming years and I would like to thank all my running buddies, friends, RD’s and my family for their constant support and encouragement. You are the best!!</span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-54712101352084405242011-03-15T15:59:00.001-07:002011-10-28T17:14:00.055-07:00Land Between The Lakes Ultra – 50 Mile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It just feels like <a href="http://runnareshrun.blogspot.com/search/label/LBL%2050%20mile">yesterday</a>. I ran this race in 2010 and it was my second Ultra marathon then. I have come a long way. Last year, I only knew very few runners but this year was very different. I had so many friends including the RD Steve Durbin with whom I ran couple of Ultra Marathons.</span><br />
<h5><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just got in time:</span></h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I had registered for LBL 50mile along with my other races for this year but then I had my doubts. After Mt Cheaha 50K, I was skimming through my inbox for the Active Registration confirmation for this race. When i didn’t find one, I went through my transactions and it had no traces to LBL 50 Miles. Oops. I logged in Active and registered for the race immediately. The registration closed right after my registration and turns out that I was the last one to register. Else, I would have thrown myself at Steve’s mercy for my race entry :).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>BIB : 497</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vQJgjQ9I/AAAAAAAAJYs/qCvqtr_pbcQ/s1600-h/LBL%20Reg%5B3%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="LBL Reg" border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4G5AeE76nlW1zsMRbrZsXr-qph_Vm4bAlwd7yMoReYMdb91qJ_7nHJWL6nkjhvvBAM5PRfSq7V6G26ix859d8E1vHJsed72ZM-e2arZhylqae8pNuE5m1OdQztvGl7I388mVRya8Wr8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="LBL Reg" width="371" /></span></a><br />
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<h5><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hate race day mornings:</span></h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Light House Landing, that’s where we stayed last year and this year too. My friend Bjorg and I reached the cabin late in the night. All my friends were already in lala land. We tried not to disturb and made least possible noise and devoured some lasagna and pasta which Kim got for us. I was in deep sleep as soon as I hit the sack. Before I knew it, it was 5am and everyone was getting ready. “Diane, should we really go and run this race, I mean, why can’t I just stay here and sleep and enjoy the rest of the day”, she said something (I won’t say it) that got me up on my feet. I hate race day mornings!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vRDsVh3I/AAAAAAAAJY0/tFpKAEp1wD0/s1600-h/DSCF0161%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0161" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAv0FC9MV9Gjl7F3SK8Tfu3NXexqntmBKCXDr4G7ZHddt_pBaw47oIVbawSL_nORtvp4rl2lGhOsuHO_DGYw0rscPHieZYvCtWQ7-bjH_Df2K2L_MFsqkUJlrDUweohd2Xyjgc63egkI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF0161" width="298" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a big advantage for having the start line few yards from the cabin. The weather was perfect. Diane, Kim, Amanda, Bjorg, Caroline, Taylor, Boo and I lined up at the start line. I just got in time to say Hi to a few known faces and off we headed down the road welcomed by a gorgeous Sunrise. I hate for missing to say Hi to my friend Juli and Shanon though. On my way, I met Henry Cubero, a runner whom I met at LLTH 50K who kept me company for a while. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vStVdkGI/AAAAAAAAJZE/Io_sfkJpkxA/s1600-h/196427_160360494019499_125318854190330_312573_7601798_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="196427_160360494019499_125318854190330_312573_7601798_n" border="0" height="371" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vS8flArI/AAAAAAAAJZI/BhJm6-75wCE/196427_160360494019499_125318854190330_312573_7601798_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="196427_160360494019499_125318854190330_312573_7601798_n" width="250" /></a> </span><br />
<h5><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nature’s call:</span></h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the first time. Around mile 6 I believe, nature called out to me really loud that I couldn’t say NO and couldn’t wait either. Made myself useful to the trail for the first time :). My friend Henry had passed me just when I joined back the trail. It was starting to get warm. My only goal for the day was to make it to the cut-off, just like last year, and second goal was to save myself from a DFL. The trail was really good except for a few muddy section. Having run the race last year, I could recall some of the sections especially the cell phone tower. It’s about 2 miles to the loop from there and just like that two laps passed by. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4r1-cagZy2peMJnG_KjVPPyYezYEiD_m67CwfzEWAREyGqt1xqcAImppNAU7smFLdu9VLHfuPKu1pQsTZXNJIXqSLbvmyk1HEHlUePlz8WWqPsdPmTX2DSA2HWAlUDlM6mqMf4os-jk/s1600-h/198048_160318604023688_125318854190330_311237_4925610_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="198048_160318604023688_125318854190330_311237_4925610_n" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vTXbZqmI/AAAAAAAAJZQ/Tp3qkJUZdkY/198048_160318604023688_125318854190330_311237_4925610_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="198048_160318604023688_125318854190330_311237_4925610_n" width="246" /></a> </span><br />
<h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Running into a tree:</span></h5><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first time. I ran out of water and was sweating like hell and I was starting to feel giddy. Somewhere along the way on a downhill I lost control and ran into a tree. Yeah, ran into a tree like a drunk, as if it wasn’t there. My left shoulder got hurt so bad but my ego was more hurt, why? because a runner caught me running into a tree. I got up as soon as possible and looked around to ensure no one saw me when a runner behind me hollered “Gotcha”. We just laughed about it and I continued with my run and a bleeding ego :). I suppose it would be too funny watch someone run into a tree though it hurts a lot. Guess what, I am not the only one. Later I found that there is a facebook page created for people who have ran into a tree at least once in their life time. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=16439423463">Check this out</a>. I filled up my bottle and ate lots of chips and couple of S-Caps at the next aid station and was feeling much better.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sue (A friend of Henry), an awesome runner, kept me company during the second and third loop. I tried to keep her in sight most of the times. I also met Jonathan, a runner from Memphis and a friend of my friend Joshua Holmes, who kept me company until the end of third lap before he took off for his 60K finish. It was amazing listening to his running adventures and how soon he qualified and finished Boston Marathon. Good luck for your upcoming race Jonathan. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vT5-n1dI/AAAAAAAAJZU/Wk_aADXVY8I/s1600-h/189086_160349294020619_125318854190330_312150_1957145_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="189086_160349294020619_125318854190330_312150_1957145_n" border="0" height="358" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vUAbjq4I/AAAAAAAAJZY/RUGsf1NjNBc/189086_160349294020619_125318854190330_312150_1957145_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="189086_160349294020619_125318854190330_312150_1957145_n" width="239" /></a> </span><br />
<h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The not so good last loop:</span></h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1:12PM. I looked at the clock after finishing my third loop. Almost half hour ahead of the cut-off time. Last year, I barely made it with 3 minutes to spare. While I was refilling my bottle and crunching on some cookies and chips, I saw Emily just finishing her third loop. We spoke a few times on Facebook and an she is an awesome runner from Memphis. I tried to keep up with her but my stomach and shoulder started bothering me. My stomach was growling by now and it didn’t sound good. Threw up a couple of times and was feeling very sick. Decided to stick with coke for the rest of the race. It kinda helped. Fell down a couple more times during this lap though. Feet got buckled under the roots and barely escaped from busting my head. It was walk time. It was very warm by now. Poured a jug of water and drank another coke at the aid station. Cell phone tower came insight which means it’s just shy of two mile to the road and about 3 miles to the finish after.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vUVALk4I/AAAAAAAAJZc/sX1uObUU5ck/s1600-h/DSCF0163%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0163" border="0" height="231" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vUghyo_I/AAAAAAAAJZg/y-__4FAhqsk/DSCF0163_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF0163" width="307" /></a> </span><br />
<h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Road to finish:</span></h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiar faces at the intersection. It was Mike (Bartlett Parks RD). Drank a cup of water and headed to run the out and back loop. Though this course is very scenic, I just wanted to get to the finish line and be done. One my way back, I met Miles McLeod. He was badly hurt and was limping because of a blister but yet he looked strong. Passed the aid station one more time, gulped some water and ran the long stretch. This road which seemed so short in the morning but looked like a never ending one now. My right knee took all the brunt from the fall and it started bothering me really bad but then finish line was almost in sight and I certainly didn’t wanted anyone to pass me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year, I was fighting a battle on this course, given the rough weather conditions, my zero training, I was giving my every bit of energy to push myself to the finish line. The course brought back the good old memories from last year. The finish line was visible by now. Though my goal was not to DFL, I was so glad to see the clock ticking in 10:42:XX. I wanted to keep it in under 10:43 and sprinted to the finish line. <strong>Finished in 10:42:26.</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vVKfIm5I/AAAAAAAAJZk/pR5yKYbv1qA/s1600-h/DSCF0166%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0166" border="0" height="236" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vVRB5acI/AAAAAAAAJZo/IShd1TK87AE/DSCF0166_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF0166" width="314" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year, as soon as I finished, the emotion was so overwhelming that I was crying like a baby at the finish line hugging my friend Diane. But not this year. Kim and Diane were at the finish line and Diane gave me a warm hug and told me “You aren’t going to cry this year, are you”, “Oh no way” was my reply. I was smiling pretty wide (Proof above). </span><br />
<h5><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Post Race Meet up:</span></h5><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw Miles LcLeod finish strong. He is a hero in my books. This guy has never run more than 10 miles and with all his injuries, he still kept on and finished it in great time. I also saw Jameelah, whom I ran with at Bartram Forest 100 miler, finish. Soon, my friend Bjorg ran across the finish line. Had a chat with <a href="http://www.run131.com/">Brad Alsop</a>, another awesome runner from KY whom I met at LLTH 50K. We chatted a bit about the Vibrams and how they should make Vibrams to accommodate people with Morton’s toe. I’ll try to be there for Potowatomi trail run Brad.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMImYwMdMBinSXpswNjS66vSmGFb3-7w8TvBUweGCMeijZwd7WaMZjgylUpQWoefBjBZ281slPOrNJ5P9zu99KPDWpQknCcyVCCtkRtGkzjAt2ePNCJ96qauW0jZYefytnpmy2TyUqmpE/s1600-h/DSCF0167%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0167" border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjF3APwMlxo3FvuOXrhkcMw_-G_A_QYDokLPTa2TsyYQiBQSWgPCa3ndVP-xhhhbd3irTZtaz3886M4bm_XP-4U0Xpp3T-1kpznzEUJ6FqjTXI11d-SKvu376Icm4-xWrWqXU3lqLBYc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF0167" width="304" /></a> </span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vWYmshOI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/T3G_eoDntV4/s1600-h/DSCF0169%5B3%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="DSCF0169" border="0" height="232" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vWrHfjQI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/xTIaAfoT82k/DSCF0169_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF0169" width="308" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vW_UBxLI/AAAAAAAAJZ8/0foNw3jofjk/s1600-h/DSCF0175%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0175" border="0" height="234" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vXCASjGI/AAAAAAAAJaA/9gvvrjC3L5o/DSCF0175_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF0175" width="310" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caroline, Diane, Bjorg and I headed to the <a href="http://www.pattis-settlement.com/" target="_blank">Pattis settlement</a> for dinner. I was still feeling very sick in my stomach though I ordered a cup of soup and their specialty 2” Pork chops. I was talking to Caroline while waiting for our food and she told me that she stumbled upon my last year’s <a href="http://runnareshrun.blogspot.com/search/label/LBL%2050%20mile" target="_blank">LBL</a> blog post which made her sig-up for the race this year. Those words truly made my day. The food arrived by chops went straight to the fridge. I could barely finish the soup but the fries were yummy. The next day morning, Bjorg surprised us with her specialty Norwegian style waffle which was so good. After clicking couple of pictures, it was time to head back home.</span><br />
<div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vXQ1FdnI/AAAAAAAAJaE/pMYiQPheio8/s1600-h/DSCF0178%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0178" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vXuz_uaI/AAAAAAAAJaI/hsIQa5RajBE/DSCF0178_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSCF0178" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_vXzODHZI/AAAAAAAAJaM/YWKMzNJiL8A/s1600-h/DSCF0155%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0155" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQv6bu79W6pCg1rvInz1UPK6eYl_IFIhaQOQJO6jGMPSlPCfCpUwjjMX3OC__c4Gex83-A1mUPrg_WOuD9Xu6q8xWZxHSqG5MdbJwTN5MCsFDVMP4oQ4OSu8fVb9YX2u1-BBc82EpbZ00/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSCF0155" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmrwjqCPnA5HAxaRVSIqkJxJ7ZVAXWKkvXcl-M5Uo2h1cuzAGqlxZcfhHMqW_F_dOQ3gupMnq_3sy3H6PBb5l2NGBkIt0UNiZYyge4E_LjUSORcaNMPysuN5e2Ooag4IpjcL9JG9-NwY/s1600-h/DSCF0179%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF0179" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY2mEhPOpRUchvjzjeNLQWxWoEy3To3ZFRUUQkHp9-BvR3MEniUWnDf8SgPHU2F2BsWoZjUhjOxQJp1naCcI8J0Hx2h9fWSW5ZWwLtaRP8IO7dGc68xksxxTK0uTJb5EnjwlhMmPT1Lo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSCF0179" width="244" /></a> </span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92liS7GMFLqwmgFAbF4MeY8bG2IU8Sd7rnQDuHT-rVX9ATfdk6rJI2QVHYEaLzGIuAirZkUdEcDMtmJjTxtErSVty-ZmmgSidM5jXzXh8bAgdNR9E_3NrGezYxZI53ierMPzMWODiHTQ/s1600-h/189041_571449868125_40404156_33076958_7670607_n%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="189041_571449868125_40404156_33076958_7670607_n" border="0" height="326" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TX_v4KNhMpI/AAAAAAAAJag/EGm0AbeChkA/189041_571449868125_40404156_33076958_7670607_n_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="189041_571449868125_40404156_33076958_7670607_n" width="246" /></a> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a great weekend with some awesome group of runners. Met lots of friend and made many more and truly feel blessed for having finished this race. Steve, Volunteers, Photographers and everyone, thank you so much for putting together a great race yet again. We really appreciate that. Pictures look fantastic and so does the buckle :). See you next year, God willing!</span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-82915068698332150052011-01-03T16:29:00.000-08:002011-10-28T17:27:34.943-07:00Dirk’s Fat Ass 50K – 1/1/11<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I came to know about this race during a runners meet organized by Jeff at Pizza Perfect. Met the RD for Fat Ass 50K - Dirk Hayes and thought it would be a kewl race to run since I didn’t run any race after my Bartram Forest 100 Miler. New year’s eve was so much fun with my friends from Church. Welcoming the New year with praise and thanksgiving at Church followed by some yummy Kerala style dinner. The food too tempting to avoid. Hit the bed at 3am only to get 4 hours of sleep.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was pouring rain by the time I hit the road. I had some difficulty in getting to the race start. It was already 8am. The race must have started by now. Let’s just drive back home, you couldn’t run because you couldn’t find the start line, let’s jus catch some more sleep and enjoy the New Year, why struggle in this horrific rain – my mind was talking me through making excuses not to run. That’s when I saw a group of runners standing under a shelter crossing the rail road. Before I was about yield to the temptation, I pulled over, wore my Vibrams and headed towards the shelter. Just got in time but still missed the start line photo.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="group1" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TSJqhW4A3jI/AAAAAAAAJR4/-LQs9vkTbEY/group1%5B21%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="group1" width="345" /></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Familiar voices were hollering my name. It was Chris, Dirk, Theresa, Lisa and Jennifer. Was running at the back of the pack. It was a beautiful course wading through the Stone river battlefield (4 miles) and a 6 mile out and back to Cannonsburgh accounting for a little over 10 miles. 3 loops gets us 50K. Little did I know what was in store for the next 6 hours. Though the weather was supposed to be rainy, never realized that we would be required to swim during the 50K.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TSJqhj_XHHI/AAAAAAAAJR8/VYe3irQ4VrQ/s1600-h/pack2%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="pack2" border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3gwkWCn_Q29pPL7RMDjSpAu4RpMh3IQBtSHR-X63jG-6CyxtM8_5rmbmSojig3aCkuShiZdeT8WLKrcu5wZrldajEBLuyJkvtkSDWzhSpFe6Jp91StZEF_W6cnqX6JC4lc8Y9OjEIVQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pack2" width="343" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7ihVCLm2Qd3xZgLPWd-CzQEI3xVQ2dP8UUywh-TLdwRlaEmgE4gfGo9lJtaDNDrBh1GFq8qC7rn4nRRka_Q27J3x2u-WlhFOd06jjRQXPnfDptiLszew4yhQ1JrU5_6cpxkKNHrIgWI/s1600-h/jennifer%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="jennifer" border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw_99dHKp4F2RVqbAMubt9eSbCYo8iNy-UO7v_7VD0-YEA3UqFVE6Gl4V6NVo9fBdN3IvlaXTSZYKs8ZGP_FHPDppOPWuNGfpcP35BStmvz1Kihyphenhyphen9NuqEqbRwD7xtAHAVnqxIjYEIMOg/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="jennifer" width="349" /></a></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TSJqij3dKgI/AAAAAAAAJSM/vCSWwnlkM7g/s1600-h/naresh%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="naresh" border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNC6hrGA5ORuUon1oCCJqrY65_iBzXEmoD2zmW3__g98SbWwLCSge8bqgRnsWWXPAfrpwrfIbcXy933pJPiwg6JpmzHv4ursjHSWjEGjKlFp-2WXVKVBz9c-TSdx-lfznMZK4TcFc_30/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="naresh" width="347" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> Photos: Dirk</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It started pouring down and the water was already several inches deep during the first loop. By the time we started our second loop it was thigh deep. I cautioned couple of runners about the rising water level, but by the time I returned it was waist deep. One runner suggested me to take the highway by climbing out of the trail. I tried figuring out a way to reach the HQ but couldn’t, so I returned to the trail and braved the ice cold water. It was like rapids and the water was colder than I anticipated. I couldn’t feel my legs anymore and somehow dragged myself to the HQ finishing my second loop.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TSJqjbJGjJI/AAAAAAAAJSU/aIeW96JWjdI/s1600-h/Clipboard01%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Clipboard01" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TSJqkMD2UhI/AAAAAAAAJSY/-YnbaAjb3wM/Clipboard01_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Clipboard01" width="240" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">Photo: Jennifer</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For the third loop, I decided to stick with the battle field course and Old Nashville Hwy pretty much like other runners. Only one runner finished by running through the entire course and he was running shirtless. It stopped raining and the weather was getting better. With about 4 more miles left for my 50K, I was joined by a big herd of runners (Karl Kersey, Dirk and others). We walked a bit and talked a lot about our upcoming races and schedules. While the whole group took off to the HQ, I still had about two more miles which I covered by running one more loop of the battle filed course and joined them just in time for finisher photograph.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TSJqkpKaN9I/AAAAAAAAJSc/IkhgpHR7hsM/s1600-h/finish%5B9%5D.jpg"><img alt="finish" border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONS-2NPOJJqUH_bN-47Yqjc9D9yRvfZFuq4yAqWgDf1Szrk1_VrGwBP1wsKDd0jmF-4uBOuyg9ynBKe9yhJdwygS3tw8ouTJ-63bwPo4vP4Mxrqpzq7u8ELQ4RhRsd9_KHA31ViEaMj8/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="finish" width="339" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lXVI7RGKVyk/TSJqlQ4xBWI/AAAAAAAAJSk/diq-ojDldxw/s1600-h/finish2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="finish2" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzHT2wLW6TfmtpuAhF2RN2Eyg-vx7PAjAHE4ejsTQbbolVQ6LGv0IYFYV80_FQsIktFG5MQsPqxpeWsY2_LAYX-feioOXG0Fn6g2INxWtDM9dusqgYyxGLda-iGmahDaLopC7rbo9Tio/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="finish2" width="341" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dirk handed me a Sierra Nevada Porter at the finish line and I can’t be more happy. Who needs a finisher buckle anyway :). Lisa, Jennifer and Joseph were heading to get their 33 miles. Joseph was recovering from bronchial virus infection and he wanted to run 33 miles having celebrated his 33rd birthday. Way to go Joseph and all the very best for your Ultras in 2011.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So glad for having finished an Ultra on New Years day. 10th Ultra, DONE. Now heading to another dinner part. Mutton Biriyani, here I come.</span></div></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-81041128215108091592010-10-20T17:49:00.000-07:002010-10-26T18:20:26.135-07:00Nashville Ultra<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am exhausted and in pain now. I know running <span class="il">Ultra</span> is painful, but I just tend to forget how painful last <span class="il">Ultra</span> was and still end up signing for a couple more. I can feel the twinge of soreness in my achilles tendon and I dare to break those nasty blisters. I'd decided that I would rather leave the room lights ON and go to sleep instead of making an attempt to get up and turn it off. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj1PGiikPPnr6cQkL9vA34IU48yTBkXC96UPapgzt3L1YWl1HXwFio3GfeYNcuqzX17JFJ2D1vwH4MSnNqUn0Z6N0Hp1ivVBMNMMWZPtT9e44LIa26y8uC7G9ieLTdksB1Xw_7DYR4fQ/s1600/Nashville+Ultra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj1PGiikPPnr6cQkL9vA34IU48yTBkXC96UPapgzt3L1YWl1HXwFio3GfeYNcuqzX17JFJ2D1vwH4MSnNqUn0Z6N0Hp1ivVBMNMMWZPtT9e44LIa26y8uC7G9ieLTdksB1Xw_7DYR4fQ/s200/Nashville+Ultra.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3:18AM, Oct 16th</b>, I forced myself out from the bed at this God forsaken hour to hit the shower. Race starts at 5:00AM. I decided to start along with my friend Diane, two hours prior to official start time. My ambitious goal was to get the 50 miler under 10 hours and run until 7:00PM to get a 100K. Little did I knew what was in store for me for the rest of the day.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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It was very cold that morning that one could see their breath. I wasn't expecting it to get this cold. No long sleeved shirt and no gloves. About 20 runners took off, into the fog, into the darkness. Not knowing where you are running at times is a bliss. I could hardly see anything ahead of me and that included the elevation as well. The first few miles were quiet hilly until we reached Kohls from where we ran towards Percy priest dam and back to the start line. Running that long wooden bridge along Stones river has always been my favorite course. While running back towards the start I saw the runners who started at 7:00AM. There were many faces that I could recognize. Dallas Smith, Josh Hite, Mike Melton, Mike from Bartlett, John Titjen and more. By the time I got to the start line which was mile 16 now, my hands were completely frozen and I had to take Angela's help, another awesome runner and a good friend, to even open a can of coke and the cap of the water bottle.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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The sun was up by now and I headed my way towards Shelby Bottoms. The course was great and the course directions were marked pretty clear. There was <b>NU</b> written all along the intersections. It was a pleasant surprise when the arrow turned right detouring from the pavement to a dirt/grass trail. The grass drenched in early morning dew, with trees covering both sides of the trail, it felt like running in the wild. That's when the unexpected happened. I landed myself in a small ditch which was camouflaged by the covering of grass and I really twisted my ankle and felt a sharp pain shoot out from my Achilles. I walked a bit and when I felt good I started running again. The grass trail was winding through all along the course until a few miles short to the Shelby Bottoms Aid station. </span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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It wasn't until after crossing the Pedestrian Bridge, mile 26, that my feet started hurting from the earlier ankle twist. It was getting hotter but nothing unbearable. Running along the Cheatham lake reminded me that it's the Purity 10K course which I ran earlier this year and I ran the purity 10K just for the unlimited ice cream after you finish. I saw the turn around point for 60K and 70K and was eagerly waiting to approach the 50 Mile turn around point. Mile 31, finally I made it to the turn around. Now all the way back to the start in addition to a small loop to the finish line. </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mile 33, piercing pain hit my achilles and even running a 13 min pace was becoming impossible. I was well in time until now for a sub 10:00 and decided to take it easy and walk till the pedestrian bridge but when I reached mile 37 I lost all hopes and the goal was just to finish. A doc at the aid station looked at my leg and after examining my feet he said that my feet is swollen and it's going to be difficult but when I insisted to continue, he decided to splint my achilles which offered very little support. It was still painful but at least helped me keep moving. Prolonged walks on the hot pavement, my Vibrams couldn't hold it, and ended up developing blisters. At mile 40, when I reached the aid station I had nothing in my mind but to quit. Should I drop down to 40 mile and finish the race, running another 10 miles in this situation was something too daunting. While my body was waging a battle against my mind, I decided to keep moving on the course so that I will not have a choice but to continue to the finish line.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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Soon I hit the grass/dirt trail. The same course which I loved running earlier that morning was looking like a crazy demon waiting to devour my leg as soon as I set my feet on it. My feet and blisters didn't like the uneven surface and it started hurting like hell. What would have taken an hour on a good day took me about 2 hours to cross that section. When I found a shady spot, I just crashed and the crazy pain caused my eyes to tear up. I just wanted to lie down there all day. Somehow I gathered myself and decided never to stop until I hit the next aid station. </span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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The aid station at mile 45 came to my view and it felt so good sitting on a chair for a while sipping chilled coke. Angela, my friend, decided to pace me for the next 5 miles. She was such a God-send help. I was glad that I had someone to talk to as I was getting bored talking to myself for the past 10 miles. The volunteers cheered me up even as I got up on my feet to run the last 5 miles. On the last section of the course, I met Julie, the Vol State Queen who won the race this year. Man, what a women. A great inspiration. While looking for the turn around point, to my horror there was another dirt/grass trail section that I had to cross. By now, it was excruciating pain and I so wanted to give up but I didn't come all the way to give up at the last moment. Not today. Reached mile 49 and was back to the same aid station and from there it was a hill, a bridge to cross, and another hill. That's right, a hill right before the finish line.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ37A0lMxIN4sIfpnowHhX8eNLRllJzkLO8f_ejTHOH4SRYDrL_8nX3Jcc2hbZJYNFlDrK-Gpjcmg3BPL_DocSOAJDnvm83uj6LcUfYv7AfuvVWOlPrE7crmKa4snPoK9qIC_XN_FmDM/s1600/Clipboard01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ37A0lMxIN4sIfpnowHhX8eNLRllJzkLO8f_ejTHOH4SRYDrL_8nX3Jcc2hbZJYNFlDrK-Gpjcmg3BPL_DocSOAJDnvm83uj6LcUfYv7AfuvVWOlPrE7crmKa4snPoK9qIC_XN_FmDM/s400/Clipboard01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Yards before the finish line. You can see my splinted right feet)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sight of the finish line was gorgeous. At that point of time, to me, the finish line was the most expensive strip of land that I wanted to set my feet on, an object of great desire, a beautiful girl friend to embrace (I'm single though..haha). </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpayRL0Ch3S5IdQsledaBQa1oVWn9FwEkmsYm_egfGyEt-PB9Q9b_Ym-yRwzB6lyRDd2h5x6wG5BJ2sRiiBX3nHvOJkmL65Fs3VcvARb2F8zHKepYbUJ_qX87HvtaHCfJ9jIiSFqcxYug/s1600/Clipboard02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpayRL0Ch3S5IdQsledaBQa1oVWn9FwEkmsYm_egfGyEt-PB9Q9b_Ym-yRwzB6lyRDd2h5x6wG5BJ2sRiiBX3nHvOJkmL65Fs3VcvARb2F8zHKepYbUJ_qX87HvtaHCfJ9jIiSFqcxYug/s400/Clipboard02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I guess I was in a state of hallucination by that time. The crowds cheering helped me to sprint to the finish line. I endured unbearable pain for the last 4 hours just for this moment. Now, I am not usually dramatic but not sure why I did this, but after reaching the Finish, I got down on my knees, fell to the ground and kissed the finish line. I finished. <b>12:08:55</b>. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9g-Y9WY8G26ckNyp9Og8krxD9E4TsemPzXFtqkK_Jcb5BXQmmydC3o9Kf99rYf1pFsjA8exR1XyztfdGQJ_7pwhpljZR7eKFOQCB97Qytd4nmwpIebxlIR6f4wbHNSep-2VZU-jrliU/s1600/Clipboard03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9g-Y9WY8G26ckNyp9Og8krxD9E4TsemPzXFtqkK_Jcb5BXQmmydC3o9Kf99rYf1pFsjA8exR1XyztfdGQJ_7pwhpljZR7eKFOQCB97Qytd4nmwpIebxlIR6f4wbHNSep-2VZU-jrliU/s400/Clipboard03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I have no regrets for not finishing it under 10:00 hours as planned earlier. It just felt so awesome to finish this race. It was a nasty sight when I removed my Vibrams. Removed the splints and applied some blister band aids offered by a runner. I couldn't even move to collect my finisher mug. All I wanted was rest and sleep. I dozed off for a good 15 minutes until a volunteer woke me up to hand me my finisher mug. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUw0LkQiidvHzo7Zh-1ZLTMqe2vak_ogVu_ISMXWEhyjIkmVhyphenhyphenfsQSMHHXu9oQJcbHBQ1QLRuVObYLQQssrBBvtB2yj9a3hS6BTm4p01wNX_LQ8vGPFkvb6e4pvJcp5CprIqNx4Jdpmo/s1600/Clipboard06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUw0LkQiidvHzo7Zh-1ZLTMqe2vak_ogVu_ISMXWEhyjIkmVhyphenhyphenfsQSMHHXu9oQJcbHBQ1QLRuVObYLQQssrBBvtB2yj9a3hS6BTm4p01wNX_LQ8vGPFkvb6e4pvJcp5CprIqNx4Jdpmo/s320/Clipboard06.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peperoni pizza and chili felt heaven after that long grueling day. Had a little cultural exchange conversation with the race photographer Stacey Irvin, who I realized later, is an award winning photographer and her work was splendid. Diane had to drop down at Mile 40 after developing really bad blisters but she was there at the finish line with a wide smile and some cow bells cheering up every runner crossing the finish line.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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Back in my room, I realized that I am not going to get any sleep tonight. I didn't dare to break those blisters. I drank some chocolate milk, took some Tylenol and didn't even had the strength to turn the room lights off. Though I had all the reasons to drop out of the race, all said and done, I was glad that I could finish this race, may be not strong, but I finished. This race definitely tops in my list as the most painful race that I have ever run. Reminded me of the Team 413 quote.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN6rJselLufnqGBI6bggfzt0WpNxxUzPDV5mCksBmKXxLR3QvaANpKeR21gAiPWoPC_NOdOnMvSmVZOgoYbKPJNgVz4HwS6E2udnH4Q8MAlEnUwJpGJk91ogi6f_PZnzHKYTX3FcSs3w/s1600/Clipboard07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN6rJselLufnqGBI6bggfzt0WpNxxUzPDV5mCksBmKXxLR3QvaANpKeR21gAiPWoPC_NOdOnMvSmVZOgoYbKPJNgVz4HwS6E2udnH4Q8MAlEnUwJpGJk91ogi6f_PZnzHKYTX3FcSs3w/s400/Clipboard07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13)</span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-15988895826404624532010-10-04T17:21:00.000-07:002010-10-11T18:31:04.578-07:00Winchester's Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1u6IjxWxIHxAXKCnmJvJb3p63i8p3cTBUpE22Wc_GXqBiy_v65g-fJiAEXO5gtIX-9NTbRW3F6lwv_LxuSvBDDsecephavt1iozSBO4DzOFDSdahTHzJY6oMGRuCIOSAQqjXB7_zT8E/s1600/Plunge+Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1u6IjxWxIHxAXKCnmJvJb3p63i8p3cTBUpE22Wc_GXqBiy_v65g-fJiAEXO5gtIX-9NTbRW3F6lwv_LxuSvBDDsecephavt1iozSBO4DzOFDSdahTHzJY6oMGRuCIOSAQqjXB7_zT8E/s1600/Plunge+Marathon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Oct 2, 2010</b>. I was thinking about running the Stump jump 50K but decided to do the Plunge Marathon along with Diane and Kim. This was an inaugural marathon in a little town at Winchester, TN. It was a cold morning. Real cold. At least I felt it that way after enjoying a great summer for the past few months. The drive wasn't too far and we started at 5 in the morning and made it comfortably before the start. The registration was setup at the Old ham cinema. "Legend of the Guardian" is something that I wanted to catch up but not today.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwIuKfdDUK-opNf_MynZiafEBY7oCQ4uoXiILD0lJVj4acADMFNhTcdIttiE5y8cGUjui-6ROVZWIprx38iHdGHv8jD26Zozgiwc_RCIYHDeQj7QlMSkmITIx2QcNXZ_WSuF2sqj4pws/s1600/Old+Ham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwIuKfdDUK-opNf_MynZiafEBY7oCQ4uoXiILD0lJVj4acADMFNhTcdIttiE5y8cGUjui-6ROVZWIprx38iHdGHv8jD26Zozgiwc_RCIYHDeQj7QlMSkmITIx2QcNXZ_WSuF2sqj4pws/s320/Old+Ham.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The packet pick went smooth and the T Shirt was gorgeous. There was no orange tag or champion chip this time though. The sensor was embedded in the BIB itself. Race timings are getting very technical. Wonder how it will be down the lane. Caught up with Josh (The evil RD who put up the Blister in the Sun marathon), Chris Estes, Joshua Holmes and Kim. There were many half marathoners than marathoners. My goal was to do better than Tupelo though.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOq-QjBvcx5E3t_33TZSIyhEm3rYh6PLibjRqw_wKx3Xpp9oIhvBKC5FXqszAfG4ZX6BmtP3Gk4CbpV1MhignuWWgymQHUz1tXxflChHKpGuG3Vsb4vqsA8GRhAeZTIpcKj99hA0e2rs/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOq-QjBvcx5E3t_33TZSIyhEm3rYh6PLibjRqw_wKx3Xpp9oIhvBKC5FXqszAfG4ZX6BmtP3Gk4CbpV1MhignuWWgymQHUz1tXxflChHKpGuG3Vsb4vqsA8GRhAeZTIpcKj99hA0e2rs/s320/Me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowidBXLcIkViGrlBf0hH3oLeL33KXGE-GlIihD3XerBIVycuF7v_uCHWf_SyiSB67XT0DXFAbuhksmiiHICybbaJGp1Y8zysO8IkNgToCDndmGLA96V4Xm4AS-zs7L97BhqhiyOYMxkk/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowidBXLcIkViGrlBf0hH3oLeL33KXGE-GlIihD3XerBIVycuF7v_uCHWf_SyiSB67XT0DXFAbuhksmiiHICybbaJGp1Y8zysO8IkNgToCDndmGLA96V4Xm4AS-zs7L97BhqhiyOYMxkk/s320/0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Race started on time. The beginning of the course was winding through city roads and traffic. First 5 miles smelt gas and smoke all the way but there were cops EVERYWHERE. They regulated the traffic so good especially at the intersections. I was sick in my stomach. I was running at a good pace though but was feeling soreness in my shoulder and as usual I forgot to tape my nipple and ended up chaffing. Yeah!! I never learn from my mistakes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXQj5V52iGA0yW9l9j7GVoV7YlPs0jdpqY65q4lt-TNglTegGut6WJEcrXgCUfxvBpjG29YsWVR2gh7-mAz43KScnLtxwVs3AeOCea13ZnyzNkWXorMGWXa17qs6-TCNYM9VEGzg9CRw/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXQj5V52iGA0yW9l9j7GVoV7YlPs0jdpqY65q4lt-TNglTegGut6WJEcrXgCUfxvBpjG29YsWVR2gh7-mAz43KScnLtxwVs3AeOCea13ZnyzNkWXorMGWXa17qs6-TCNYM9VEGzg9CRw/s320/a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Though it was cold at the start of the race it was getting hotter by the day and humid. I reached the half marathon distance by 2:05. There were hardly any runners who took the deviation to the Marathon course. Kim who finished her half marathon in about 1:50 came down to the intersection with some ice cold water and banana. Thanks Kim, you are the best! She ran with me a while and I took off after devouring the banana.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg91cLWDYy3IHxJy0VEYUcFSb8owE06Hvi3TWgq_deF2OBOF-TU6Ue_CETbmkE-NwWsmj6j36kxP0gK7XQqK77A9Y8XDE5EFUYMe0gL84Rh5EaTkqQQmbD5KeP1R5o15YFgrrmVynR3k/s1600/e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg91cLWDYy3IHxJy0VEYUcFSb8owE06Hvi3TWgq_deF2OBOF-TU6Ue_CETbmkE-NwWsmj6j36kxP0gK7XQqK77A9Y8XDE5EFUYMe0gL84Rh5EaTkqQQmbD5KeP1R5o15YFgrrmVynR3k/s320/e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
A long stretch of road and I could see miles ahead of me but no runner. I was there all by myself. I was skeptical whether I am on the course and was so glad when I hit the aid station. I am indeed on the course. Wish the aid stations had some electrolytes. About 18 miles into the race, my running friend Phil Min caught me. That's the difference between experienced and amateur runners. He had an amazing pace and he passed me in no time. Slow and steady. The course ahead had some serious elevation. The elevation didn't seem to be very tough but it was. Steep and long. My goal to finish the race under 4:30 started to fade. New goal was to get it under 5:00.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL_ACEjEqTqYsuRGIMCP_zBlwrGZPbKGh5YYgaUElgQbnwSsj0k8rEpKuHesSc29WFG4kKBo_-WZVPxD7Fvur_9gmlZOy8HA3DJ6rhmzMCdtJlJQXBS9Hcoe8oIQT_oId6GKYJFT3urM/s1600/Race+Course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL_ACEjEqTqYsuRGIMCP_zBlwrGZPbKGh5YYgaUElgQbnwSsj0k8rEpKuHesSc29WFG4kKBo_-WZVPxD7Fvur_9gmlZOy8HA3DJ6rhmzMCdtJlJQXBS9Hcoe8oIQT_oId6GKYJFT3urM/s320/Race+Course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X8OLX9Gd_fjPooa6pagzH8HvhISTLlOk7p1NZGMQm-Gp08vzPEpQP6IOk66bCApcj38GeUKk0uPw9e8XOvjOyNQ_q0fn7xe423kwHzhLxxshszRbwpUIHD_BLCKnMQwB7ivwBTTXFDs/s1600/Elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X8OLX9Gd_fjPooa6pagzH8HvhISTLlOk7p1NZGMQm-Gp08vzPEpQP6IOk66bCApcj38GeUKk0uPw9e8XOvjOyNQ_q0fn7xe423kwHzhLxxshszRbwpUIHD_BLCKnMQwB7ivwBTTXFDs/s320/Elevation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It got really hot towards the end of the race. My vibrams couldn't keep up with the hot surface and when I inspected my feet at an aid station I noticed few blood blisters on my toes. Nice!! Soon, Phyllis caught me. Another experienced runner and this was her 185th Marathon. That's no typo, it was indeed her 185th marathon. The steep hills were killing me and I was craving for some food though I knew that I won't have anything solid for the next one hour at least.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The course during the last few miles was really rough. We were running on thin shoulder with the traffic just a feet away. It was a bit confusing too as the course went through some Junk yard and deserted streets but big thanks to all the volunteers for staying there out in the sun. The finish line came to sight and it was time to sprint. <b>4:59:16</b> was my finish time. Best surprise!! I placed second in my age group :). Sweet!!! While waiting for Diane, I met with Kim (Winchester is her hometown btw) and her Mom at the finish line. Soon, runners started showing up one after another.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavbcxVK1VC8XaIEWfVLBbrmMqAac0to1nAce1LMEZraiCH9aCXn9-e_XS82wjX7gd_OWCiFjqJrlpshJVhXJl_eYOF8lJp6MXmINvv8qn_5x1LZKh1ZHE6wDUrUjSYSWKJfPUv91RQ5Y/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavbcxVK1VC8XaIEWfVLBbrmMqAac0to1nAce1LMEZraiCH9aCXn9-e_XS82wjX7gd_OWCiFjqJrlpshJVhXJl_eYOF8lJp6MXmINvv8qn_5x1LZKh1ZHE6wDUrUjSYSWKJfPUv91RQ5Y/s320/i.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS-SRGSZ5-lp_YUl5HuPcHBqibcL2mMaEhUvb7eenR1elSJbLr7QWiOi9sGuseMsehR1oomEkf1fAnNLaTlst5-tT81-F8Ua1nK-BHRRFNSmy390pYwijq5xasR7VyiPNDrHOMpovtcY/s1600/k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS-SRGSZ5-lp_YUl5HuPcHBqibcL2mMaEhUvb7eenR1elSJbLr7QWiOi9sGuseMsehR1oomEkf1fAnNLaTlst5-tT81-F8Ua1nK-BHRRFNSmy390pYwijq5xasR7VyiPNDrHOMpovtcY/s320/k.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Josh Hite won the marathon with a great time 3:00:00. Overall a great race for an inaugural marathon. Volunteers need a special mention here and they did a great job. I can't wait for my award which will arrive by mail soon. Above all I thank God for enabling me to finish my 8th marathon, Strong!!! <br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me - Phil 4:13</span></b></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-50534326142650000892010-09-28T17:10:00.000-07:002010-10-11T17:20:42.657-07:00My first Volunteering experience!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was time to be on the other side of the shore. Volunteers can make or break any event and so it is in running. No runner can cross the finish line without the help of the volunteers. It was my time to return the favor even and I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Nashville Women's Half Marathon.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday, Sep 25, I volunteered to be the Course Monitor for the Women's Half Marathon. It was my first volunteering experience and it really felt great to be out there supporting 6000 odd women runners, and some men, doing little something to help them achieve their goal. Women from all background and age group were out there trying to accomplish their goal and for some of them, their Dream. I was lucky that I got posted yards away from the finish line. It was amazing to see some of the runner push through their maximum limits with everything they got. Some sprinted through and some just one feet in front of another to the finish line. I was enjoying the scene and ringing the tiny little cow bell to motivate them to cross the finish line. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's when a lady, </span><span class="storyphotocaption" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Lynn Manzelmann,</b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> in her 50's collapsed right before me, just a few yards before the finish line. A knowledgeable person was doing CPR while a few other volunteers and I assisted the person. There was no sign of breathing. She just let out a little gasp occasionally which gave me the hope that she will be just fine. I was expecting to see her get on her feet, she never did but just let out a faint breath every now and then. The ambulance arrived in no time and they were doing something with the defibrillator. A runner who was related to the lady was weeping bitterly and we tried to console her. While the cops regulated the traffic and the runners safe to the finish line, the ambulance took off to the hospital. No one knew anything about the runner. I inquired about this to the race director and he mentioned that she has been admitted at the Vanderbilt.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sunday morning I tried googling for some news about the incident but there was nothing. I tried on Monday morning and that's when I read on Tennessean.com that she passed way on Sun morning due to Cardiac arrest. It was shocking and saddening. My prayers and deepest condolence to her family and friends for their loss.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100928/SPORTS11/9280335/Half-marathon-runner-from-Brentwood-dies"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100928/SPORTS11/9280335/Half-marathon-runner-from-Brentwood-dies</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lynn has run several marathons, was in great condition and had no known health problems. Reminded me of several other incidents in the past where runners collapsed at the finish line and didn't make it back. I just wonder why. This cannot happen to runners. They are fit and in great shape. Runners shouldn't suffer heart attack or can they!! It certainly shows how frail a human life life is no matter hot fit and fine you are. This incident really moved me but would it stop me from running, NO! Would it stop other runners who witnessed this event from running, NO again. It's crucial though that one must listen to their body. Lesson learnt, there's a fine line between pushing your limits and knowing when to stop. This applies not only to running but every aspect of life. Be it stressful work situation, family problems and stuff. What matters is whether it's truly worth pushing your limits. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All said and done, doing what you love the most matters, no matter what.</span></span>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-68017972663487952312010-09-15T18:32:00.000-07:002010-10-11T19:58:03.672-07:00Bartlett Park Ultras - 50 mile<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I still remember the day when I signed up for my first 50 miler and finished it. Here I am, signed up and all set for my second 50 miler. Thanks to my friend Bruce for suggesting me this race while I was looking for an Ultra. Bartlett, a small town outside of Memphis where the race was to be conducted at Nesbit Park. Bruce, Diane and I started Friday evening and reached Bartlett. Also I got to try some Frog Legs for the first time and some coleslaw, hush puppies and beans. Juicy and Yummy!! :)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_LwGR6z2M0xYsYNAKXF1hSoxkeRstJw_aX-Cg746huyf2pIjpfUzuuVrNnodHQS12mN1fy62-22NSOP9b5Idwf_gkbdQkBmHPwq3TTHzy-658fKue9eKLqgcyd1ng-tQaSa6uPup5RQ/s1600/FrogLegs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_LwGR6z2M0xYsYNAKXF1hSoxkeRstJw_aX-Cg746huyf2pIjpfUzuuVrNnodHQS12mN1fy62-22NSOP9b5Idwf_gkbdQkBmHPwq3TTHzy-658fKue9eKLqgcyd1ng-tQaSa6uPup5RQ/s320/FrogLegs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Morning was just perfect but I had race sickness I guess. I was hoping it's not the frog legs. I have been having sick in my stomach the whole week even before Tupelo and today morning it was bad. I just had some donuts and coffee. Aid stations in Ultra marathons will be loaded with all kinds of food anyways. <br />
<br />
Met Joshua Holmes, Angela and couple of other friends after picking up my race packet. The T-shirt was really cool and the Polar water bottle was awesome. The race had an event where you can guess the time the 50 mile winner would make it and whoever makes the closest guess gets a free entry to the race next year. I don't even remember what was my guess timing though but I ain't good with luck I knew for sure.<br />
<br />
The race contained several distances, 50K, 60K and 50 mile. 50 mile course consisted of a short 1.8 mile loop to start with then a 4 x 7.4 miles loop and ten 4 x 4.3 miles loop and close with a 1.8 mile trail. Imagine running through the same course over and over again and the worst part, you go through the start line every time. It's too tempting to drop down to 50K and 60K during the race. Not today and I was very determined to finish my second 50 miler.<br />
<br />
It drizzled during the beginning of the race and with that I started chaffing. Real bad. After finishing my first loop I removed my T-shirt right away and decided to go shirtless for the rest of the race. The course got a bit wet and slippery. Kissed the ground near the creek where it was really slippery and was covered with thick slushy mud. The course didn't look all that steep during the first two loop but the third and fourth loop was killing. There were only two aid stations in the whole course. While I was planning to eat something solid during the race, my stomach had some other plans. To push out anything that I put in. Chips, PBJ sandwich, etc. Finally, I made peace with it and it was taking in coke without any issues. Got to run the whole race with little bit of GU and coke. The course started diluting with runners showing up occasionally at the intersections. <br />
<br />
I finished my 4th loop by post noon and with that my 50K. One of the volunteer hollered, "Yay! you are almost there, just 20 more miles to go, way to go". The 50 mile course was actually 51.2 miles. 20 more miles and that number sounded so big. Time to start the 4.3 mile loop. I was excited to see how the new loop is gonna be and was hoping it to be easy. It was worse especially with some crazy steep hills where you have to go on all fours. The course was a bit confusing and I missed the trail. Had to run an extra 2 miles to get back on track, as if I didn't have enough miles to cover. It was dawn and started getting dark by the time I finished my fourth loop. It was time to run that last 1.8 mile and call it a day. <br />
<br />
1.8 mile seemed so long than it looked like. I was hungry and starving but then couldn't eat anything. Tried, beaten up and my feet was refusing to move. What have I got myself into. I would have loved running downhills towards the finish line any other day but not TODAY. Finally the parking lot came to sight and finished the race. While Diane and Bruce were cheering me, RD hollered my time, 12:05:53, gave my finisher medal. With that I finished my second 50 miler. My friend Angela Ivory guessed 13:20 and won the free entry to the 2011 race.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGQjtRPPoZoAmPRuR1j5VY00FEDrcTR7XGOfXk8Y9cL7_NJ5JOnV694aLRh6z67jcsXAgQj70cvqeBwRob2_cym0vSMLoPns71jG60YswL5lbJ_ouI5fSYDtyYZ4pjpOvlHhw9D9Ms8M/s1600/Bartlett+50+miler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGQjtRPPoZoAmPRuR1j5VY00FEDrcTR7XGOfXk8Y9cL7_NJ5JOnV694aLRh6z67jcsXAgQj70cvqeBwRob2_cym0vSMLoPns71jG60YswL5lbJ_ouI5fSYDtyYZ4pjpOvlHhw9D9Ms8M/s320/Bartlett+50+miler.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Surprisingly it wasn't all that bad compared to my first 50 miler. I could walk normal. I tried gulping some ginger ale but it just worsened. Coke and Ginger Ale waged a war in my stomach and it was hell suffering. After resting about an hour I decided to go easy for the night and limited myself with soup at a very nice Mexican restaurant and called it a day. Felt great the next day morning and had a ball at Kim's pool side party and it was great to catch up with John, Judy, Kim and couple of other friends. Couple of dives in the cold pool really helped my cramped up muscles. Had a great race and one helluva weekend.<br />
<br />
While things could have wrong and there were possibilities that I could have DNF'd this race, it was purely by His grace that I was able to survive this race and could finish the 50 miler, strong :)</span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-43412225303726723752010-08-20T09:55:00.000-07:002010-09-30T12:58:12.194-07:00Chennai Runners ECR Half Marathon 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFxTT9OnnqRmOy48Nk9c6W66pDvdGKGIvezbhmHqyhcFpZJhi2TlPII0ZAfy7G8k6JAa5OiQXgjzjSVmquXaGhWb7L8zoulu5CGOXXR09c284S4LDpgr82BPyNRyB4T53lgg79AqWqXM/s1600/2010_ECR+Poster_20+x+16_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFxTT9OnnqRmOy48Nk9c6W66pDvdGKGIvezbhmHqyhcFpZJhi2TlPII0ZAfy7G8k6JAa5OiQXgjzjSVmquXaGhWb7L8zoulu5CGOXXR09c284S4LDpgr82BPyNRyB4T53lgg79AqWqXM/s320/2010_ECR+Poster_20+x+16_04.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-7472965810656221492010-08-10T18:27:00.000-07:002011-01-02T19:06:25.117-08:00Blister in the Sun Marathon<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks to Josh for putting together this awkwardly painful yet fun race. Dallas Smith has said it all about this race here:</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dallasfallsforward.blogspot.com/2010/08/blister-in-sun-cookevilles-first.html"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://dallasfallsforward.blogspot.com/2010/08/blister-in-sun-cookevilles-first.html</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKMY6lV88xZuiDh7Kbrg-4oI9h2dK1LLG6_6AvH-HB6Fszab0mLiTStFecvY5uJrTZHxyNTY_KMJs9vGelSXhI_1gZ2EIwaUVLUFVxMyNOo1FFEL6_pFusgsZ87zZGfKzg5ah0-Pdjfk/s1600/Blister+BIB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKMY6lV88xZuiDh7Kbrg-4oI9h2dK1LLG6_6AvH-HB6Fszab0mLiTStFecvY5uJrTZHxyNTY_KMJs9vGelSXhI_1gZ2EIwaUVLUFVxMyNOo1FFEL6_pFusgsZ87zZGfKzg5ah0-Pdjfk/s320/Blister+BIB.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanks for the customized bib Martha</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The clock showed 104 in the shade of course and I did end up with couple of blisters. We had a great time at Josh's house for post race lunch though. Had a quality time listening to THE Dallas Smith sipping Red Stripe, priceless. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Picture Courtesy: Trent</span></span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-22206701724530468172010-04-25T15:07:00.000-07:002010-04-27T15:51:13.619-07:00Country Music Marathon – A race against the tornado and more!<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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</style><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It was race between several marathoners and the tornado that was to hit Nashville on the day of Country music marathon (24th Apr 2010). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESsYz0YFAL1-V9wZIDOKHTOOcJ0rLH-rMK-4swYdlyuGPh7cBAG5dyzU4d5_ZBGs21tIkjSx3CpVzUV3EAk7-fqPHcgaDqbPQM9BkfZ3kty9pY9jEyWOGNDEfo-U0FGY69L6fX7TYjTk/s1600/Marathon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESsYz0YFAL1-V9wZIDOKHTOOcJ0rLH-rMK-4swYdlyuGPh7cBAG5dyzU4d5_ZBGs21tIkjSx3CpVzUV3EAk7-fqPHcgaDqbPQM9BkfZ3kty9pY9jEyWOGNDEfo-U0FGY69L6fX7TYjTk/s320/Marathon.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Weather prediction's wasn't looking any good on Friday evening. That's when the race officials decided to put in a clause stating only those runners who runs a pace of 10:20min/mile at mile 11.2 will be allowed to run the full marathon and anyone falling short of it would be diverted to complete the half marathon. This announcement came on Fri evening and 10:20 didn't sound too bad as I have run a 9:00min/mile marathon in the past. We were assuming that they would have some kind of a electronic mat to find out the runners pace and would allow them to continue running the full marathon based on their pace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
Having run the Andrew Jackson Marathon last week I was glad that my blisters healed completely (I got the blisters because of my own stupidity though) and thought I was ready for the race. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3e13KQ4ZZ9K7yL134M5MeVAfmyxuam03nFbhO90hI00QoDwgfjdfBObljTvt2jk33XhCLGNwN6Z9Yw1LaQNOc_jktmLuhzqr3atcxDY7w6cKrHFRaNMcQ87YCdbM9t1qt6O_U1rj8Fw/s1600/0419_125751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3e13KQ4ZZ9K7yL134M5MeVAfmyxuam03nFbhO90hI00QoDwgfjdfBObljTvt2jk33XhCLGNwN6Z9Yw1LaQNOc_jktmLuhzqr3atcxDY7w6cKrHFRaNMcQ87YCdbM9t1qt6O_U1rj8Fw/s200/0419_125751.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Got up early in the morning and headed to downtown to find a parking spot closer to the start line. It was 5 in the morning but it looked as if it was 8 in the evening. The city was buzzing with runners at every corners and as far as you eyes could reach. 32,000 runners from across the US and from the world. The second largest event in the country. The biggest I have run. RD decided to advance the race start time to 6:45AM against the usual start time of 7:00AM. It was corral start. The race day morning buzz was crazy. I was at the corral 20 along with my friends. My goal for the day was to meet the cut off. As simple as that. Was enjoying the moment. Never ever I have such a huge gathering of runners. Old, young, people from several age groups all gathered for one purpose. To cross the finish line. While waiting, there were curious runners who had loads of questions about my Vibram Five Fingers and I was proud to answer all their questions. Some even took a picture of my feet, only my feet, I am glad though, at least my feet will be famous. :)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUyGidAC0QHzSCPZXKEHZ3_w18hh5FcNLA8mrp9vYmsgTOmv9HYeHmKQfJgiDm60McNP6VDJ1S0ydDLR5b_AFKEjHiRp5ucXQUSSlxYnl6LJGvhxojMv8N_JwhnKBxOl9uvF5Q4Fr-6Y/s1600/CM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qk_xGlc1KiLBsIap0XGBGYX94WrSG04os6Ov-jsV-uddUfxy75YSYRyaqeef2A6vuZHbCBkKgPIUjyk_tNGcXsYknL3ie7w7q1TeanaRK_hot3WU5YqtOwQOsUsIvOulLACQPeWR_sY/s1600/CM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qk_xGlc1KiLBsIap0XGBGYX94WrSG04os6Ov-jsV-uddUfxy75YSYRyaqeef2A6vuZHbCBkKgPIUjyk_tNGcXsYknL3ie7w7q1TeanaRK_hot3WU5YqtOwQOsUsIvOulLACQPeWR_sY/s320/CM2.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally crossed the start line at 7:30am. That's right, 45 minutes after the start of the race. Nashville being known for its country music, there were bands all over the course. The race was very unique. Very special one. There were people everywhere. You could hardly run at full pace in that huge crowd. Maintained a consistent pace of 10:00min/mile. Tornado was to hit at around 10:00am. It was already getting dark and cloudy. Still on pace. Was enjoying the moment and the crows was just amazing. Stopped at a water station and danced to a few beats of Alan Jackson songs and started running again :). I was so much fun. Remember the Rule 1, "Running should be fun". </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXoTAaNRJJGRy8pneWyqy0YUHTutPsutMTuo4BxwNRSPol60Qp7B5WoAGSegK5IyabnZs0yz8a5Q9IS0Pbi-nNxUe33BJeRanbT05jSBFxxk-EpQ1z3ayXGEAQa3rzVgCfHMHd0auaIw/s1600/CM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXoTAaNRJJGRy8pneWyqy0YUHTutPsutMTuo4BxwNRSPol60Qp7B5WoAGSegK5IyabnZs0yz8a5Q9IS0Pbi-nNxUe33BJeRanbT05jSBFxxk-EpQ1z3ayXGEAQa3rzVgCfHMHd0auaIw/s320/CM1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A girl ran towards me like a fresh breeze and asked me what time it is. I told her the time and I started running. After exchanging a few glances she asked whether she could run with me as she found my pace very comfortable. Only a fool would say No and I ain't a fool. Not this time. :). The next 4 miles went by like it was a 1K jog in the beach. Slight drizzle, cool breeze and a pretty gril running with me, what can I ask for. She was a doctor from middle east working in Philadelphia. Tall, slim and very pretty. It was her first marathon. When she asked my running experiences I listed out my races and instantly became her hero :) <smiling wide="">. It was so much fun but still I was constantly keeping a watch on my pace. I was still at a good 9:55 min/pace. I was so hoping to make the cut off so that I could run the next 15miles with her, rather she can run with me. Picked up the pace and reached the mile 11.2 where we had a surprise waiting. A volunteer said that we can continue with the full marathon. Booom. I was telling him that I am on pace but he said that pace doesn't matter but they decided to close the full marathon course at a certain time. So whoever started in the early corrals made it but not us and the rest of the poor runners behind us who started late. Tornado defeated us. The girl was shattered as it was her first marathon and she traveled all the way for this race. We couldn't nothing as safety was the issue. I consoled her to my best and we continued with our race. I was depressed that I couldn't run the full marathon but more sad that I have very little time, you know why :( !!</smiling></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5YATfcRsp_961gG-E235iVieGz_KdmvdgeVerrb_aNRQvoAj7LAaaFawvv6Bjt2cJizvoDsvfLlZvRs1mxDljtsIMmKLguyuvetxS-9em_dsZ71gLJXzOm_Im3F0UuqmPu2d-Nc3nus/s1600/CM3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5YATfcRsp_961gG-E235iVieGz_KdmvdgeVerrb_aNRQvoAj7LAaaFawvv6Bjt2cJizvoDsvfLlZvRs1mxDljtsIMmKLguyuvetxS-9em_dsZ71gLJXzOm_Im3F0UuqmPu2d-Nc3nus/s320/CM3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The next two miles was more fun. Anyway I couldn't run the full marathon, so let me take it easy and have fun running the half marathon, I decided. I slowed down a bit, she would run a bit fast and the moment she knows that I am not around, she would look around and would slow down a bit for me. I was looking at the heaven and thanking my dear God. It was one 'Alaipayuthey' moment. She was doctor, I am software engineer, awesome. My God didn't like me having fun for long. With just about a mile left to finish the race, she said that she injured her ankle a couple of months before while skiing at West Virginia with her husband. It felt like a thunder strike on me. Wait a second, did I hear it right, may be not, may be yes. 'Is your husband into running' I asked curiously keeping my fingers crossed, hoping she would say that she isn't married but I was wrong. She said that her husband doesn't run much, but likes biking and skiing. Nayagan background score was running in the back ground by now. 200 yards to the finish line. I was a gentlemen and let her cross the finish line seconds ahead of me. She was very excited about crossing the finish line and thanked me for making her run easy. "Likewise", I replied and exchanged warm hugs wishing good luck for the forth coming races. Didn't feel like hanging around after that and I told her that I need to go and wait for my friends at the finish line. She wasn't expecting that but she couldn't say much but to say "Bye". There ended my race. First not being able to run the full marathon and above that, another blow.<br />
<br />
My friends soon crossed the finish line and the heaven gates opened at the very same time. They race officials appreciated our commitment to run the full marathon and awarded us the Full marathon finisher medal but we weren't satisfied. We decided to walk from the finish line to the start line in that pouring rain, about 3-4 miles towards our hotel. The storm was in full swing but we reached hotel by then. Hot shower, hot cappuccino and a great time laughing over my funny short lived love story. A guy liked a girl but girl was married and the guy lived happily every after :)!!<br />
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Now I am all set for my 'Strolling Jim - 40 mile' ultra next weekend. Wonder what I have in surprise over there!! Will keep ya all posted!!</span>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-63121602871712130242010-03-15T17:07:00.000-07:002010-07-20T13:55:02.531-07:00Land between the lakes - 50 mile Ultra<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator" /></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator" /></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData" /></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping" /></link><style><br /><br /><!--<br /> /* Font Definitions */<br /> @font-face<br /> {font-family:"Cambria Math";<br /> panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;<br /> mso-font-charset:0;<br /> mso-generic-font-family:roman;<br /> mso-font-pitch:variable;<br /> mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;}<br />@font-face<br /> {font-family:calibri;<br /> panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;<br /> mso-font-charset:0;<br /> mso-generic-font-family:swiss;<br /> mso-font-pitch:variable;<br /> mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}<br /> /* Style Definitions */<br /> p.msonormal, li.msonormal, div.msonormal<br /> {mso-style-unhide:no;<br /> mso-style-qformat:yes;<br /> mso-style-parent:"";<br /> margin-top:0in;<br /> margin-right:0in;<br /> margin-bottom:10.0pt;<br /> margin-left:0in;<br /> line-height:115%;<br /> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;<br /> font-size:11.0pt;<br /> font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";<br /> mso-fareast-font-family:calibri;<br /> mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}<br />.msochpdefault<br /> {mso-style-type:export-only;<br /> mso-default-props:yes;<br /> font-size:10.0pt;<br /> mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;<br /> mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;<br /> mso-ascii-font-family:calibri;<br /> mso-fareast-font-family:calibri;<br /> mso-hansi-font-family:calibri;}<br />@page wordsection1<br /> {size:8.5in 11.0in;<br /> margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;<br /> mso-header-margin:.5in;<br /> mso-footer-margin:.5in;<br /> mso-paper-source:0;}<br />div.wordsection1<br /> {page:wordsection1;}<br />--></style> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">This was the fourth race in the list of races that I signed up for, at one shot, couple of weeks back. After successfully completing the Frost bite half marathon, Mercedes Benz Marathon and Black Warrior 50K, it was time to conqueror the last one which was a mighty giant by itself and it appeared as if it’s just waiting to devour me. It's a good thing sometimes to commit yourself to something without much planning. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><b>On our way to LBL</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Amanda, Taylor, Diane, Kim, Jeff, Harrah and I headed towards Kentucky after work on Friday evening. The drive was really pleasant with occasional showers. I was so tired that I slept through the whole drive. The cabin that Diane got for us was really gorgeous.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg8VLREIMBRuyMug4mZxJxXycdCIPEchONUqZyLdJ6U5Y7sNwi8ikmECFb2hH5RrbB5iMN8U_QSuIcXkEayHR0cy_aAG8HwctlPiF76YAIA8xNvbxWj10ZKpDaYr7AeDaHM-wC-sIKDc/s1600/0312_172910.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg8VLREIMBRuyMug4mZxJxXycdCIPEchONUqZyLdJ6U5Y7sNwi8ikmECFb2hH5RrbB5iMN8U_QSuIcXkEayHR0cy_aAG8HwctlPiF76YAIA8xNvbxWj10ZKpDaYr7AeDaHM-wC-sIKDc/s320/0312_172910.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">(View from our cabin)</span></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""> <br /></span></div> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">We dropped our stuff and headed to collect our race packets and then to <a href="http://www.pattis-settlement.com/index.htm"><b>Pattis 1880s Settlement</b></a>, a local restaurant. The food was really delicious but I really liked their “Flower Pot Bread”.</span> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_2QeXzJsTiui-i_1ST2k_aTDqjzOulzKV-YOYmQSVrwCG3gOyfpOZVXwnA0u8zk8xEcZxAaTEON7XGQMQGrIucQl1g1oOrDrKj1nxaQhOMOnPQGjEVJKmBJ7WQOznAULjFpECn5z8Wc/s1600/0312_181050.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_2QeXzJsTiui-i_1ST2k_aTDqjzOulzKV-YOYmQSVrwCG3gOyfpOZVXwnA0u8zk8xEcZxAaTEON7XGQMQGrIucQl1g1oOrDrKj1nxaQhOMOnPQGjEVJKmBJ7WQOznAULjFpECn5z8Wc/s200/0312_181050.jpg" width="150" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Diane and I had signed up for 50 miles while the rest decided to run 60k, Marathon and Half Marathon. I still wasn’t sure about the massive task that was waiting for me the next day. We headed to our cabin and called it a night.</span> <br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><o:p></o:p></span> <br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><b>Race day morning:</b></span> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">I hate race day mornings. That’s when you get, “what the hell am I doing here, wish I could just get more sleep”, such thoughts. Hastily I pulled myself from bed and grabbed a bagel and coffee. It was still cold outside but being just a few yards from the start line, we took our own to time to get there. Little did I knew about the the pain that I was about to go through and that I won’t be returning to the cabin until evening for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><b>Off we started:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Jeff’s advice was constantly ringing on my head, “Keep up the pace, have a constant steady pace”. 50 miles, 80.5 kms, a 4 loop course, elevation change of about 4000’ and the course filled with sections containing exposed roots and rocks. It was single track trail and the first loop was pretty much crowded with half marathon runners. The first loop of the race went great and also the density of runners started reducing. This particular race being a 4 loop course, the mile markers had three different distances, one for each loop. It’s bliss to not have the mile markers sometimes.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKIUvg4dL9alRG9SVoVAtIi4k3cY_kpet56B2cYKJj4mENpklVeAvBc6Lwt8J2yZFAnksifsYbAkNZn9c-nsLW1I9jWcExCCAThrANl8eLgBWBS04rsn9P4-DIZDCfW7020DD_FeU12U/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_5714.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKIUvg4dL9alRG9SVoVAtIi4k3cY_kpet56B2cYKJj4mENpklVeAvBc6Lwt8J2yZFAnksifsYbAkNZn9c-nsLW1I9jWcExCCAThrANl8eLgBWBS04rsn9P4-DIZDCfW7020DD_FeU12U/s320/Copy+of+IMG_5714.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><b> Cut-off:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">This race also had a cut off where I had to start the fourth loop by 1:45PM. It was 1:15PM already and I still had about 4 miles to the start of the 4<sup>th</sup> loop. I better meet the cut off else I am out of the race. Either I can push myself and make the cut off or choose to go home by running the 60K. I wasn’t ready to settle down for the 60K for sure. I ran an 8 min/mile pace. 60K runners on my were really co-operative and let way for me on the trail. Pushed myself really hard for the last few yards and made the cut-off with still about 3 mins left. By this time I was lying down flat on the paved road looking at the sky. The volunteers were really helpful and got me some supplies. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><b>The last loop: </b></span> <br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Now that I have met the cut-off the volunteers mentioned that I am good to start the final loop and finish the race. Pain unbearable and was so very sore. Lying down for long wasn’t a good option. After devouring two bananas, picked up a can of Coke and started the fourth loop. 7 hours into the race and still to go. The trail and mile markers started looking familiar, of course I ran though them three times by now. My Achilles and Ham strings were having some trouble. I could see an evident swelling near the arch of my left feet. A pain as if someone is piercing with a needle. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl61P71ToJ2U0j5Rhwct47c38yc9Nj-OU4iYjQfI6xWzBULsSjnco8SM2GEWg9q5-6gp2z0CjT5r4k0hdaAI4bKLuZEm1f054Y6GLIMD0qnLwAabufqX4YLaXwHHo8KQhLaU7JNaXHUPM/s1600/0313_141850.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl61P71ToJ2U0j5Rhwct47c38yc9Nj-OU4iYjQfI6xWzBULsSjnco8SM2GEWg9q5-6gp2z0CjT5r4k0hdaAI4bKLuZEm1f054Y6GLIMD0qnLwAabufqX4YLaXwHHo8KQhLaU7JNaXHUPM/s320/0313_141850.jpg" width="240" border="0" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">I haven't seen a single runner in a long time. It was just silence. It started getting cloudy and the wind was really chill. The worst I expected, rain! It poured out. I would have enjoyed running in the rain any other day but definitely not today. The trails started getting slippery and I fell probably a dozen times. Every step that I took either got me to slide or to fall down face off. I was completely covered in mud from head to toe. Every step felt like I was stepping on pieces of broken glass. I kept pushing myself until the road came to my view which means I am just 4-5 miles away from the finish line.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><b>The final stretch:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">The pain was uncontrollable and my body was screaming to stop but my mind was constantly pushing. I can’t give up now. The goal is within reach and in fact it’s almost there. The last few miles during a marathon or ultra definitely break any runner and it my case and it shattered me to million pieces. Almost 10 hours in to the race and still going. I could hardly feel my lower body. Couple of tears rolled down my cheeks when I hit the road but the heavy downpour didn’t make it evident for those who were supporting me. Kim, Amanda and Diane drove by to cheer me up.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7fE3d0VfXkVvmHT3x5IC5o8NRY6MrwVL_6Z0t4MCCeUgjF1Zfc-dkReXWyKQdY66u0vHEt6K0Ip1eN71SSQD4hdWgU_sBESU6Y-OGIqjXMBeRM88hAzMEP5bvPrGAHCfVaAEXTZDfwI/s1600/0313_141902.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7fE3d0VfXkVvmHT3x5IC5o8NRY6MrwVL_6Z0t4MCCeUgjF1Zfc-dkReXWyKQdY66u0vHEt6K0Ip1eN71SSQD4hdWgU_sBESU6Y-OGIqjXMBeRM88hAzMEP5bvPrGAHCfVaAEXTZDfwI/s320/0313_141902.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">A long stretch of road to run and 2 miles seemed like an eternity. I tried to forcing myself to think of the moment of crossing the finish line, for having a 50 mile ultra, buckle being handed over to me, bragging about my finish with my friends, etc. As much as I was trying to motivate myself, on the other side, my body was waging a war, to put me to a full stop. I was crawling by now but when I ran through the bridge, I knew that the finish line isn’t too far. Finally the intersection came in sight and I could vaguely see the finish time clock. Diane accompanied me the last few yards. My friends, runners and volunteers were cheering me up. Pain? what pain, I felt nothing, absolutely nothing. A few long leaps and I crossed the finish line. The RD awarded me the Belt Buckle. My first ultra buckle, my first 50 Mile run.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxFvqIz4C-2Pi8q03I_Y2dCB12kYgygKUJvqwJ9iNP056iFsevq7OrmTG65w-ekNlB7rPUUhFIImgSvzmcFjyGCqia4ASnIiUV72jxUV34H14sPTaph0FvtYlySpcx4JxBxvYremsMr8/s1600/0315_182824.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxFvqIz4C-2Pi8q03I_Y2dCB12kYgygKUJvqwJ9iNP056iFsevq7OrmTG65w-ekNlB7rPUUhFIImgSvzmcFjyGCqia4ASnIiUV72jxUV34H14sPTaph0FvtYlySpcx4JxBxvYremsMr8/s320/0315_182824.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlwGAy4t_3ESe8GsrxX6wRbMcVdKxEPhfqufYq36VZh-KLYhJn-FvOfe0xHghFO6dYZXpGqMGcp4PPAhLN0TMs3r0A1V1gn1GKlMGMf6O6-Ei2XNkdS2j-PHzMf0Dp6goKvmV1uxNqyk/s1600/LBL.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlwGAy4t_3ESe8GsrxX6wRbMcVdKxEPhfqufYq36VZh-KLYhJn-FvOfe0xHghFO6dYZXpGqMGcp4PPAhLN0TMs3r0A1V1gn1GKlMGMf6O6-Ei2XNkdS2j-PHzMf0Dp6goKvmV1uxNqyk/s320/LBL.jpg" border="0" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/27911712">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/27911712</a></div> <br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">I was totally out of control the new few minutes and I never thought this would happen to me. While Diane hugged me to wish for my success, tears started flooding my eyes to the point that I started crying almost like a baby. Why, I don’t know. Something that just happened involuntarily and I just couldn’t control it, not a bit. This has never happened before. I was really proud of my success. You’ll know whether you can accomplish a feat or not only if you attempt to try in the first place and I was glad to know that it was something I could do and something I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><b>Time to recover:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Uncle Jeff congratulated me with his warm hugs as soon as I entered the cabin and handed me a glass Chardonnay to celebrate. Hot shower felt heaven. My wounds started surfacing which was hiding under the dirt all day. After shower it was more food, more wine and of course, more Tylenol. Next day, taking every step was pain unbearable but it comes with the territory and I have no eternity left to recover, why because I’ll have to get ready for my ‘Oak Mountain 50K’ Ultra marathon.</span> Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-59405143715786339002010-02-22T00:59:00.000-08:002010-03-30T11:35:45.901-07:00Black Warrior 50K<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxiD9_vltbbDrnlMfDVfgvIuRKg0hwoNouY1bYeEmZ6yh6UPJqI-phCD_itipT7OJkaI6mSbEMKII-1kiUNXWalXoYEJ-6HB5xEzM5Qq_SYr9sNRrEYFLBMHTVqAIQ_9zayntFaTO62E/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxiD9_vltbbDrnlMfDVfgvIuRKg0hwoNouY1bYeEmZ6yh6UPJqI-phCD_itipT7OJkaI6mSbEMKII-1kiUNXWalXoYEJ-6HB5xEzM5Qq_SYr9sNRrEYFLBMHTVqAIQ_9zayntFaTO62E/s320/untitled.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Recovery is all in the head at times. I have no choice. I need to recover because I have committed to run an Ultra the weekend after my Mercedes marathon. This one's very special as it's going to be my first Ultra, the "Black Warrior 50K". Name sounds too cool isn't it? Black Warrior, like a Ninja or Samurai or Gladiator. It sure is going to be a battle more on top rather than physical.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Monday morning, this is how I am at work now. Off my work shoes and an ice pack stuffed into my sock to ease of the soreness.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD75lKyAs3A0uUeo6uTpxnUL5tkqgkqq8pDqOvyn05ERJ30k_SYUdjbejdqpvewDFhVvZFBjTw9teg-kSOFtEpZKpQ5BhS2NqNkiL9ReIVpN5caBFQdlHh_ugJnj0U31FQD5a7jR0jXkM/s1600/0218_104359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD75lKyAs3A0uUeo6uTpxnUL5tkqgkqq8pDqOvyn05ERJ30k_SYUdjbejdqpvewDFhVvZFBjTw9teg-kSOFtEpZKpQ5BhS2NqNkiL9ReIVpN5caBFQdlHh_ugJnj0U31FQD5a7jR0jXkM/s320/0218_104359.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p>Funny as it may look, but like I said I have no choice but to recover as early as possible. Do anything to remove the lactic acid from my muscles. Felt much better by Tue though. Hit the gym and biked for a good one hour. Felt much better. I ran on the tread mill and biked 5 miles for the next couple of days until Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">TGIF, managed to get off from work a bit early. Diane, Kim and I rode together. Little did I know about a great runner whom I was about to meet that night. Ultra Jeff. We decided to crash at Decatur, AL. While we were on our way, Jeff and Amanda picked our race packets. After settling down in our rooms we decided to hit the Red Lobster for dinner. We exchanged our running resume while carbo loading. We all shared one thing in common, Passion for running. That's all. Jeff whose goal is to run 50 Ultras in all the 50 states and he has already completed 30 of them by now, if I am not wrong. It was exciting to be amidst my running friends who started running marathons even before I was born and still continuing their journey. I was getting my motivation from the enthusiasm they had for running. I am truly blessed. When Diane told Jeff about my blog, Jeff asked "Why do you blog" for which I had no answer. I'll address that in a separate post later but honestly I don't have an answer and that left me pondering!! We called it a night and decided to meet at 6:30 the next day for breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">6:00 am...it was cold. Pinned up my BIB and got ready for my first ultra. While everyone was eating bagels and stuff I deiced to just have coffee. Kim and Diane insisted that I better eat something for the long race, but I didn't listen to them. A costly mistake. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We reached the race spot on time. The weather was still freaking cold. 50K on muddy horse trails. Sweet. Met Phil at the start line. Only a handful of runners unlike Mercedes Marathon. Everyone knows everyone like its one big family event. That's the best part about running Ultras. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The race started on time and we ran on dirt road for about 3 miles until we took a turn to hit the trails. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKj1iRYxca-tE243mccCJihNaBqWGY8qMoVWIfqDtzezUN7gVXB3ISFA21Nf0KaCnfubOEulTxpM212N1PMhR3hKMqxfCntJoTV8tU_WuIKw5R24XeqaVS1R0KCXXwgwXsZImRjrHVDo/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKj1iRYxca-tE243mccCJihNaBqWGY8qMoVWIfqDtzezUN7gVXB3ISFA21Nf0KaCnfubOEulTxpM212N1PMhR3hKMqxfCntJoTV8tU_WuIKw5R24XeqaVS1R0KCXXwgwXsZImRjrHVDo/s400/IMG_0860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Right in the middle. Bib 53)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Slushy mud as soon as we hit the trails. While some runners were trying to avoid getting their shoes wet by going around the trail, I had no problems running through them in my Five Fingers. It looked medieval. A primal feel. I loved it. Reached a small waterfall and I could see icicles. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FMKIh1khOZ2jMUBIFovhvHLRIA1MHtPVOijHjvg2Qvoxm5TwkRkrfVvY8InId3clqRI5VYy6GUGOD2kCqGOr8cqTTSj6sKMrQKu_KBVK3DyuRL2XkAURmq1hbT8Gu8awqiN8rII-E0o/s1600/0220_092951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FMKIh1khOZ2jMUBIFovhvHLRIA1MHtPVOijHjvg2Qvoxm5TwkRkrfVvY8InId3clqRI5VYy6GUGOD2kCqGOr8cqTTSj6sKMrQKu_KBVK3DyuRL2XkAURmq1hbT8Gu8awqiN8rII-E0o/s320/0220_092951.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Came to the point where 23K runners take the diversion. No turning back after this point. My "This is the moment". Took a right turn and headed into the trail. Steep, muddy, roots, slippery trails. Found a runner whose pace was just perfect for me. Ran along with the pack until I hit an aid station. Guess what, I was hungry and starving. Met Kim and Jeff. Took their advice and had PBJ sandwich. Felt good. From here on I ran pretty much alone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Horse trails are very difficult to run. At times you have to share the trail with the horses; after all it’s their trail. Some of the horses were so majestic. The trails are not so wide but filled with slushy mud. On my way I met a runner trying to pull something out of the mud. Guess what, it was his shoe. The mud just sucks your shoes when you run through them, so you can imagine. I had no such problems though when you run through them, your shoes lose the traction and you will end up kissing the ground like it's your beloved.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwng90OpEP38HonVPx4EzxfTW-7koBUpeu_3fSlY165Z_1BaO8S_4fYs-lUVeDWev_E7Z9-eHKheQ8-cKgDzdcMVFpymPcIKTJ8h9ZNQYpjso0BDNX1lTxtEWm_9AVHcdnEy-QbNUqLM/s1600/0220_092942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwng90OpEP38HonVPx4EzxfTW-7koBUpeu_3fSlY165Z_1BaO8S_4fYs-lUVeDWev_E7Z9-eHKheQ8-cKgDzdcMVFpymPcIKTJ8h9ZNQYpjso0BDNX1lTxtEWm_9AVHcdnEy-QbNUqLM/s320/0220_092942.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I kissed the ground to glory for may be a half a dozen times. If you resist then the roots will ensure that you do. Escaped narrowly from bruising my face though my knees and arms graciously took some. After all what's there to trail running if there are no bruises and dirt on your face. Exhaustion was creeping in. Steep hills were punishing. Legs were sore. Stood in the ice cold creek on the way for a couple of minutes and it felt good, more like a natural ice pack. Pace was falling down. Reached the 21 mile mark and 10 more miles to go but the next few miles were all uphill. Sweet! Walked the hills and ran the downhill at a good pace. Guess what my next big problem was, tadaa, I couldn't pee. Drinking Gatorade and electrolytes all the way was a big mistake. At one aid station thought I asked the volunteer to fill my bottle with water he refilled it with Gatorade and I didn't realize until I got a mile away from the aid station. My kidneys were struggling and I was getting cramped up near my waist. Found a stream and drank out of it. That felt better but still couldn't pee. I was praying hard, He didn't help either. It was getting warm. I was hungry again. The last aid station, supposedly 4 miles before the finish line, was nowhere to be seen. When I found it, it was like finding an oasis in the desert. Did no mistake this time. Drank water and ate PBJ sandwich and some oranges. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L-1asqdoEBCrvJ2-t18l0KOX7FkkDRFdLCGooa5MBMggqOygNPbVDclNGIIraiOwqjyJtM4r4NRZb9WGKlaRIKhx9KnywfYa6DoypGKrhRkNRfsu43j_68NvzZJBLe9ymnVTm5SM5qI/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L-1asqdoEBCrvJ2-t18l0KOX7FkkDRFdLCGooa5MBMggqOygNPbVDclNGIIraiOwqjyJtM4r4NRZb9WGKlaRIKhx9KnywfYa6DoypGKrhRkNRfsu43j_68NvzZJBLe9ymnVTm5SM5qI/s320/IMG_1295.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">No more trails, 4 miles on the road to the finish line. Wanted to get it under 7:00 but crossed the finish line at 7:10. w00t. My first Ultra marathon accomplished. It felt great. All that pain and soreness vanishes the moment you cross that finish line. Just the sense of accomplishment. My first ever Ultra and I wanted to finish it at any cost and I did it. <u>Finish time: 7:10:05</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Garmin Data : <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25398545">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25398545</a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Rice, beans, hot burgers and mountain dew was waiting for me but above all my happiness knew no bounds when I got the urge to pee. Huh, what a relief after 7 hours of struggle. It was starting to get cold again and hot rice and beans and burgers tasted heaven. We picked our bags and headed to the hotel. What a wonderful day and what a great race!! Had dinner at Logans. Jeff would be leaving early in the morning. We called it a night and would soon be meeting in our next big race. "Land Between the Lakes 50 Miles". Huh, call me nuts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-16200643827899687102010-02-16T22:40:00.000-08:002010-03-30T10:26:42.721-07:00Mercedes Marathon<div style="text-align: justify;"><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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</style> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a long drive but Diane's Lexus made our travel really comfortable. Took turns driving and made a couple of stops on our way yet we made it on time to catch up with Phil, Hara and her family. Met at Rocky Pizza as planned for some carbo loading. The Power punch pizza looked very tempting and ended up getting a big one.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiRH1o3UTbtjxSCdyqfjBdk25vnYXUaCBCo9vBgxkv-vN_ChdIoEemu_B4fXgjoHDZnbMOolsZa0SVWt0OsTZSDDqk08iIDSinUi1NjYd3Omh231SMNID4wckZFIeyYDVIi03_goiPtg/s1600/Birmingham3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiRH1o3UTbtjxSCdyqfjBdk25vnYXUaCBCo9vBgxkv-vN_ChdIoEemu_B4fXgjoHDZnbMOolsZa0SVWt0OsTZSDDqk08iIDSinUi1NjYd3Omh231SMNID4wckZFIeyYDVIi03_goiPtg/s320/Birmingham3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hara was running this for her BQ (Boston Qualifier). We were discussing about all the races that we have run so far and our forthcoming schedule while Sophie, Hara's daughter, was enjoying her pasta and buffalo chicken wings. Very nice of Phil for collecting our race packet. After dinner we headed to our hotel room to catch some sleep. Diane and I headed to the gym and did a mile walk on the tread mill.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Placed some ice packs near the ankle joints and was lying on my bed pondering that the Valentine’s Day weekend is going to be something very interesting and exciting. Mixed feelings, did I commit myself too much, maybe I should’ve listened to my friends, would it hurt, what it would be like were the questions popping on top of my head. I still remember the day when I signed up for four races and this one was unique as it would be back to back. One down and three more to go. My third Full Marathon if I get to finish it and my first one in my Vibram Five fingers. They held up pretty good for my half marathon.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Didn't know when I dozed off. Alarm went on at 5:00AM. Ankle pain was much better but still was a bit sore. That morning was very different. You will never do it; it’s going to be hell, Forget the finish line and thoughts as such. I have never had this feeling before. Tried hard to avoid the voices (sorry if it sounds dramatic) and resisted it harder. Pinned up my BIB and timing chip on my VFF. Found a spot close to the start line and parked the car. The ‘This is it’ moment. No turning back now.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWTie6TokVVkvDpQAGgsAiDe1LgdEY4MJJah6QUED81zynpL9xIxXe56E0fLiTGWRwEVGol3j1efGwQi_8KNBYL0jD2NUuSJTm8RmmbPRfxqh8Rcf1br57OiH5fiuQj0oJKyymjrppNU/s1600/FullMarathon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWTie6TokVVkvDpQAGgsAiDe1LgdEY4MJJah6QUED81zynpL9xIxXe56E0fLiTGWRwEVGol3j1efGwQi_8KNBYL0jD2NUuSJTm8RmmbPRfxqh8Rcf1br57OiH5fiuQj0oJKyymjrppNU/s320/FullMarathon.JPG" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">My first ever marathon where there were about 2000 runners, could be more. The moment the race started, it took 7 minutes to reach the start line. It was mix of both marathoners and half marathoners. A two loop course through downtown Birmingham. The weather was freezing cold, 28 def F (Yes that’s -2deg Celsius). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FFPfNNLukOEmlXrXhjdI9gYbR2q2W5Z_4d5FlnnVzzLoGAYtXcnqvjv_ZK2CDpEUDraQqpbpl5-snTqora_PmOhq0AF31UPNmS1FU9eV-c4DmNVJb50v8jcpMOcDYbCwtrupBPXXUfY/s1600/Birmingham1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FFPfNNLukOEmlXrXhjdI9gYbR2q2W5Z_4d5FlnnVzzLoGAYtXcnqvjv_ZK2CDpEUDraQqpbpl5-snTqora_PmOhq0AF31UPNmS1FU9eV-c4DmNVJb50v8jcpMOcDYbCwtrupBPXXUfY/s320/Birmingham1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6kOIsFhRVtBzZBA2_kUelvntXcfIvEv-OjjqmVKeeFtPZwgLkdyIM2FbIvzoG8suOKQOerPYmJaH0E4Rlp3DyXniIlGIykTMYp5JrVxPt9dIKZDnZ8_Mo5fWdDtB1N6vqB2Hdj4v3jo/s1600/Birmingham.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6kOIsFhRVtBzZBA2_kUelvntXcfIvEv-OjjqmVKeeFtPZwgLkdyIM2FbIvzoG8suOKQOerPYmJaH0E4Rlp3DyXniIlGIykTMYp5JrVxPt9dIKZDnZ8_Mo5fWdDtB1N6vqB2Hdj4v3jo/s320/Birmingham.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">My training runs on the snow helped. Breathing was so hard and lungs were choking. It took almost 3 miles to gain the pace by squeezing through the crowd. A long way to go, with just me and the road ahead and nothing in between. Mile 8, pain started creeping in near the ankle. Oh oh, not again. Can’t afford for an ice pack on the run. Poured some ice cold water over it, gulped a glass of Gatorade and headed towards mile 9. Reached mile 13 at about 2:10 minutes. There were hundreds of half-marathoners pushing themselves to the finish line. Man, their race is over yet I have to do the whole loop once again. It’s very tempting. Shall I just cancel my entry to Full Marathon and do the Half marathon instead, just a voice inside my head, “Be a man”, that’s the voice from my heart. The heart won! It’s Valentine’s Day people! :)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgXfa6yENW8Ond2TzQJZVsUseCxSkyZTLndx78bcIEt-duRlO8BwXvlZBDYo9yU2-Bd5Rdunl4n0JdUYVbf0ut8GEYs0D8zE1EVdgoQSy1Jp2yYlgfFiHnr3sY2ul2zSYEuh4H2l3nqw/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgXfa6yENW8Ond2TzQJZVsUseCxSkyZTLndx78bcIEt-duRlO8BwXvlZBDYo9yU2-Bd5Rdunl4n0JdUYVbf0ut8GEYs0D8zE1EVdgoQSy1Jp2yYlgfFiHnr3sY2ul2zSYEuh4H2l3nqw/s320/3.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hastily, I took the turn towards my second loop. Pain, legs were aching, fat cells were crying. It was around 32 deg F by now but I was sweating like hell. Stride length was getting shorter. Mile stone was showing 15miles. 11.2 more miles to go. While I was trying to gain momentum, the course headed towards a hilly road. I should have anticipated as I just did the course in my first loop. Pulled myself up till the aid station. Grabbed some bananas, oranges and some water. Was feeling better. Never felt the need for a potty break though. Reached the Mile 20. Mile 20-26 always gives me goose bumps. The part of the race that puts me to test. Earlier I could stretch myself and touch my toes without bending my knee. Now, that seemed to be an impossible and grueling task. My nerves have given up I believe. Still managed to do it in spite of the pain. Now the interesting thing in this race is there is a balloon lady, she walks/runs at a 6:00hr pace. If you fall behind her then you are out of the race. While stretching, I look behind and I see the balloon lady. Oh man, I can’t fall out of the race. I must do it. I must finish it, whatever it takes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2Olf8HE2b8hB2eDw2LwBPwc8h0xx_IKij0uVXSMUqrL9vMUEs3WZDjGTMdifCkGLaebG_Ogz0JCysbCJxJqE-ll-YvxbUTpRETwBSt0eYFFIJnnC3uKWzOlv8po9SSSwYFrGlCIRQao/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2Olf8HE2b8hB2eDw2LwBPwc8h0xx_IKij0uVXSMUqrL9vMUEs3WZDjGTMdifCkGLaebG_Ogz0JCysbCJxJqE-ll-YvxbUTpRETwBSt0eYFFIJnnC3uKWzOlv8po9SSSwYFrGlCIRQao/s320/5.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> Got some courage to pull myself and started running at a very good pace until I couldn’t see her. I was running like I stole something. Later I found that it was another runner with some heart shaped balloons celebrating the Valentine’s Day. Freak!! Thought would wait for her and beat her up but good I saw her else I wouldn’t have gained the pace. That running pace hurt though. Mile 24, 2.2 miles to go. This is where the theory of relativity comes into the picture. That Einstein guy was right, “When you sit with a good looking girl for two hours, it seems like two minutes but when you sit on a hot stove for two minutes, it seems like two hours, that’s relativity”. The next 2.2 miles was hot stove for me and it seemed like eternity. There were couple of runners ahead of me and decided to out run as many as possible. I would take advantage when they would walk just to see them passing me in a while. 25 miles into the race and the last 1.2 miles to go. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0WjcATsP5t2n1Big4NpymnuBZtZOsVpx3tzJH3XjGn-YBY2PRa34ubManlG06xAIlo8W7qgrtUFzVqlWpnmpYFGgi72aybrqEK_CcnepUBXXIsy6y0guu_AuotzBw8e0jVNVXfHBz2E/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0WjcATsP5t2n1Big4NpymnuBZtZOsVpx3tzJH3XjGn-YBY2PRa34ubManlG06xAIlo8W7qgrtUFzVqlWpnmpYFGgi72aybrqEK_CcnepUBXXIsy6y0guu_AuotzBw8e0jVNVXfHBz2E/s320/6.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I could feel the vibe already, am in the downtown area, people standing by the side cheering you. I was literally dragging myself with this new found energy. 26 miles, the final 200 yards, I could hear the music and the finish line comes into view. All pain and suffering vanished, I sprinted the last 200 yards and crossed the finish line. w00t. Nothing like the few seconds while crossing the finish line. I was soon wrapped in mylar blanket by a volunteer and was awarded my finisher medal and my finisher T-shirt. Finished it in <u>5:18:52</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><br />
</u></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Garmin Data: <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25398605">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25398605</a><u><br />
</u></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG1DYPLp9krETEdx9DhZqZMUwD56SNINQ7dFH0UQS2qA6GlD6CAUQuJjOg9XifMPNwoJ266VAyuuBJyMGu5-QwWDZV5d5uHik7H0Bz2tNU1fHXO4yRSmuFKIIsHjBwqxLwJ-0lZAAP_8/s1600/FINISHER.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG1DYPLp9krETEdx9DhZqZMUwD56SNINQ7dFH0UQS2qA6GlD6CAUQuJjOg9XifMPNwoJ266VAyuuBJyMGu5-QwWDZV5d5uHik7H0Bz2tNU1fHXO4yRSmuFKIIsHjBwqxLwJ-0lZAAP_8/s320/FINISHER.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEsCh6zJ9fCYVyIvmpxwK8C5UtMBZ9CCWaHNzbvVgtLMevLZt4xdgevuRb2Dbhd7e8SkeeW6QXjfh_nw5gv0ve5ivjs_fyplE-wYrALIM9QK8SCrWBc7e-06puk5Gwx9jWTmJz_QpPtY/s1600/Copy+of+0214_135753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEsCh6zJ9fCYVyIvmpxwK8C5UtMBZ9CCWaHNzbvVgtLMevLZt4xdgevuRb2Dbhd7e8SkeeW6QXjfh_nw5gv0ve5ivjs_fyplE-wYrALIM9QK8SCrWBc7e-06puk5Gwx9jWTmJz_QpPtY/s320/Copy+of+0214_135753.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> A very special race for me indeed. I ran this for the pure joy of running, to test myself and for other reasons only known for a few. There were hundreds of them crossing the finish line each for a cause and some for themselves. One lost her brother in Haiti, the other in memory of her child who died of cancer, some for their dear ones and many more reasons. Let me tell you something, you got to be at the finish line to experience what I am saying, wish I could put my feelings in words though. My friends crossed the finish line, 10 minutes after I finished. We hugged each other and said, “We survived, we did it”. Mercedes Medal and the Finisher T-Shirt were awesome. A sweet gift for my Valentine’s Day!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mLqcUuloM-3NrIMoDyOy5PDi7F8XVpNGIm7V0h5U178zKkp7Z4uqbnuww3xo1fCmT5Fqjrim9vKSXhk4Mzq-qP4yt82aFQ8FE44sN2R2DedEzJScLbZaxLBGIA2h1fJxuleq3bSlvps/s1600/0214_193128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mLqcUuloM-3NrIMoDyOy5PDi7F8XVpNGIm7V0h5U178zKkp7Z4uqbnuww3xo1fCmT5Fqjrim9vKSXhk4Mzq-qP4yt82aFQ8FE44sN2R2DedEzJScLbZaxLBGIA2h1fJxuleq3bSlvps/s320/0214_193128.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">We were hunting for the Y! for shower but no luck. We were craving for Chick-fil-a sandwich though but found it closed and later realized it was Sunday. We had to settle for the second best and headed to Arby's. Had my favorite Roast beef sandwich and headed to Nashville. Done with a Half and Full, next would be the 50K and then the 50Mile. Jeez!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-83885973092931587072010-02-13T20:00:00.000-08:002010-02-24T22:27:26.829-08:00Frost Bite – Half Marathon<div style="text-align: justify;"><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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</style> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This is going to be one hell of a weekend I told myself on Friday night. Just like my header image I created couple of weeks before after signing up for four races. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-2l3w_kWp2z5fQXZR0iccSFsYxIKIBjsGnO1cjQW0wUWU0gAYQgtiuFJXz-mCG03Npd_jK9Mo9PsSyMyOkM2EamU6cXsQswlBxOZluIEv9kVHl5I2mEEdEEp1r8jllBK0o6J8iz_A-o/s1600-h/HIMG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-2l3w_kWp2z5fQXZR0iccSFsYxIKIBjsGnO1cjQW0wUWU0gAYQgtiuFJXz-mCG03Npd_jK9Mo9PsSyMyOkM2EamU6cXsQswlBxOZluIEv9kVHl5I2mEEdEEp1r8jllBK0o6J8iz_A-o/s320/HIMG.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I have never attempted anything like this before so I was a little skeptical how everything was going to turn out and was keeping my fingers crossed that it should be favorable to me. This weekend would be special as I would be running a half marathon (Frost Bite) tomorrow and a full marathon (Mercedes Marathon) the next day. I packed my bags on Fri night after dinner. Charged up my Garmin, double checked my to-carry list and hit the bed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Got picked up by Diane at 9:45am and we headed to <a href="http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/Cedars/">Cedars of Lebanon.</a> A beautiful state park located at Lebanon, TN. It was cold, very cold. We saw Keith warming up on our way to the parking lot.. Met Kim and Amanda, friends of Diane, and two awesome runners. After a brief conversation, we collected our BIB. My first Half-Marathon. Couple of folks wished me for my first half marathon and was asking me to run a full marathon soon. They gave me weird look when I told them that I have completed two full marathons already. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It was time. I was excited about running this one in my <a href="http://runnareshrun.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-five-fingers-keep-stuff-out.html">VFF</a>. This would be the longest run on my VFF ever since I got them. The course was ‘relatively’ hilly and pretty much asphalt/gravel all the way. The race started on time and off we took off from the start line. Met a couple of folks from the ‘Flying Monkey’ marathon at the start line. They are everywhere. Again my VFF attracted lot of runner and were shooting questions at me. My answer was simple, ‘It’s great, my foot feels good, and you should give it a try’. I was feeling good running in them. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">20 minutes into the run and I was really warmed up. Ran at an easy conversation pace for the first few miles. The final stretch, the long road was cruel. It seemed endless until we took a turn to enter the park area. The course was pretty much hilly. I wanted to do a sub 2:00 but that seemed to be an impossible task. Missed by goal by 3 minutes, nevertheless it was my PR for my first Half Marathon. I crossed the finish line by 2:03:40 comfortably, posing for John who was clicking pictures at the finish line. (Thanks a lot John)</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDU7gJe3gApohDybN5cvDu5mCKOebuzjpaKhIXwgAI4hWoBPaE84cmLTCBzpLXwZM1z-n0FjtVRifI7VBs79jXU8xeSOgD7eRf41pLWJNvfcDhwyjPvifHx_TxPMlJd8tVtPIMwlzJbbo/s1600-h/4366048718_d7fbe1854b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDU7gJe3gApohDybN5cvDu5mCKOebuzjpaKhIXwgAI4hWoBPaE84cmLTCBzpLXwZM1z-n0FjtVRifI7VBs79jXU8xeSOgD7eRf41pLWJNvfcDhwyjPvifHx_TxPMlJd8tVtPIMwlzJbbo/s320/4366048718_d7fbe1854b_b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXw4SODCwoGgrHe_eXFQhhE5cEoov5A_qsZ3aWpX1MGn0zWuOkK0uBu369F-759FStb9KoE_fZDblJfunmFX7IdeuC-mVRPabfSgiJ6dy7NCV3330ytE6AE1jj7FypWh-xUzmPgq7Tp8/s1600-h/FB_Pace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXw4SODCwoGgrHe_eXFQhhE5cEoov5A_qsZ3aWpX1MGn0zWuOkK0uBu369F-759FStb9KoE_fZDblJfunmFX7IdeuC-mVRPabfSgiJ6dy7NCV3330ytE6AE1jj7FypWh-xUzmPgq7Tp8/s320/FB_Pace.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25398642">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25398642</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I was starving by now. Headed to the rest area and grabbed three slices of pepperoni pizza, pretzels and mountain dew. Met couple more runners who have come all the way from Kentucky. There were lots of runners curious about my VFF. Had a nice conversation with all of them while hogging my pizza. Diane soon joined us. After walking around a bit, I headed to hit the shower. It was still freaking cold and hot shower felt great. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">My feet felt good. No soreness except for a little pain on my right ankle, can’t afford to get hurt especially with a marathon to run the tomorrow. It was 2:30 PM and we were all set to hit the road to Birmingham, AL for our Mercedes Marathon.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Alabama, here we come! :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-84867074946046085762010-02-07T22:37:00.000-08:002010-02-08T23:01:34.802-08:00Hill training - Percy Warner Park<span style="font-size: small;"></span><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Diane and I decided to do some hill training on Sunday while returning from “<a href="http://runnareshrun.blogspot.com/2010/02/trail-of-tears.html">Trail of Tears</a>”. We started a bit late though but we were glad we could make it. Reached <a href="http://www.nashville.gov/parks/wpnc/">Percy Warner Park</a> at around 3:35. Kim joined us too. We started from the stone gate entrance at around 4:00PM. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXsa8-QpUCJGvZAZix2gKCgU6FuVN1EPPkl7Es2mmLIejlPfQI6Hz6g6WVy-E5d9z2bTSz7eaZyZpF4LzaYCRrBPWcWlSHed5fVvMtFwmyv0spVLdByHasQEvJChq36BLnMrkE9_KDxM/s1600-h/PercyWarner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXsa8-QpUCJGvZAZix2gKCgU6FuVN1EPPkl7Es2mmLIejlPfQI6Hz6g6WVy-E5d9z2bTSz7eaZyZpF4LzaYCRrBPWcWlSHed5fVvMtFwmyv0spVLdByHasQEvJChq36BLnMrkE9_KDxM/s320/PercyWarner.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> I was excited about putting my <a href="http://runnareshrun.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-five-fingers-keep-stuff-out.html">VFF</a> to test in the mud and stream. Took our water bottles and we headed towards the hills. I have very good memories here. My first US marathon, F<a href="http://runnareshrun.blogspot.com/2009/11/flying-monkey-marathon-11222009.html">lying Monkey Marathon</a>, was in this park. You’ll call yourself a monkey and people will call you ‘Monkey’, if you complete this marathon and yet you will not get offended but feel proud. “He is a monkey too”, Diane told Kim, and she was telling about the mail I sent to the message board saying “Can anyone give a ride to an Indian monkey”. Good times. Here we are once again running in Percy Warner Park, but just that we’ll be running on dirt and hills. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">After about a mile in the run, we encountered some serious dirt and mud. My VFF offered some good grip though. KSO – Keeping Stuff Out, stood up to the test though. It didn’t offer any waterproof but it did keep stuff out. Size 48 on mud was making foot prints like that of a ‘Big foot’. Several steep climbs, tiny waterfalls, serious dirt, roots, it was one good hill training.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is how it looked like) </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hGJfRKKLLzfZ4KrbefukTTDpW-11vuw9_v8YaZEUB2ZKNiXKTV_LkYkdH6_ZOj_qNsjRLPnnHcbd-QXxb8CXPocxYBM2wcrNt924PzjQJtvX_UFZbcXbL8avSq85DTAAvI214TXhNOY/s1600-h/0207_185223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hGJfRKKLLzfZ4KrbefukTTDpW-11vuw9_v8YaZEUB2ZKNiXKTV_LkYkdH6_ZOj_qNsjRLPnnHcbd-QXxb8CXPocxYBM2wcrNt924PzjQJtvX_UFZbcXbL8avSq85DTAAvI214TXhNOY/s320/0207_185223.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">We rested at couple of places and I loved the “Quiet Point” ridge. It offered a nice view of the park. It’s one of those moments which you would want to freeze and live in it for a long time. Trail running is just amazing and very different. It makes you feel primal and being one with nature. At one point there were pack of deer heading towards my trail and they got scared and got scattered. They just climbed the opposite steep hill like it’s a flat course. I have never seen so many deer out in the wild. Lucky me! (Wish I had a camera with me)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">We were running at conversation pace discussing about our upcoming races and then Diane and Kim had their Gossip time. Then the conversation switched back to running and food. It was fun! We completed the white trail and then the Red trail loop. My leg was looking so dirty, but again my VFF offered very good grip especially while running down hill. My legs and thighs were completely covered with mud. One helluva trail running. We completed the whole course in about an hour and fifty minutes covering a distance about 7 miles.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24297749"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24297749</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">We then went for short walk to warm up a bit before heading home. My Vibram’s were so dirty that I wore a plastic bag on top of them. I didn’t want Diane’s car to get dirty. It looked pretty funny though.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdEx0ILMXVVyzfXfzEIyhQt2VPlIErPf4VoNjLWyICQl6uqRhw9ljmkITFP9wf8Tavu4HppB5zzLqwMOBWTd3TmZs1XoRS_QI4NkQq_7tm5148c9z6x4s9Q5Ty9XB6xxT86N5pD35vJE/s1600-h/0207_185039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdEx0ILMXVVyzfXfzEIyhQt2VPlIErPf4VoNjLWyICQl6uqRhw9ljmkITFP9wf8Tavu4HppB5zzLqwMOBWTd3TmZs1XoRS_QI4NkQq_7tm5148c9z6x4s9Q5Ty9XB6xxT86N5pD35vJE/s320/0207_185039.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p>I was walking with my Vibram’s wearing those plastic bags and my neighbors gave me weird looks. Glad I wore them, my carpet is safe too. Cleaning them was no big deal. Just stand under the shower with those shoes and the dirt just got washed away. Sweet. Thanks Diane, John, Kim and Keith. You made my weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Now heading to watch Super bowl with friends. Pizza time! Go Saints gooooo…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-38121370524854786652010-02-06T21:34:00.000-08:002010-02-08T21:53:17.803-08:00Trail of Tears!<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cnakumar%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">7 mile race on ‘Trail of Tears’ trail.</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8njPvSkeFVkpOgucdrccWTFqBaqExMO7FuQBY0UiTagclgD2ydwTYYRAzwTq4KINEFmK51GYwTNjynH7XCHHoH5pzKAyQZ6Wl9Mj3WTKIihjX730XDGoREuZBqaqJHk66sQjBjGXUYDc/s1600-h/Highlight-TRTE-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8njPvSkeFVkpOgucdrccWTFqBaqExMO7FuQBY0UiTagclgD2ydwTYYRAzwTq4KINEFmK51GYwTNjynH7XCHHoH5pzKAyQZ6Wl9Mj3WTKIihjX730XDGoREuZBqaqJHk66sQjBjGXUYDc/s320/Highlight-TRTE-logo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">It was supposed to rain a bit today morning but the weather appeared just fine. Diane was right on time, 6:00 am at my apartment. We met John and Keith on the way by Target. Subha was on her way but later decided to meet us at I-24. John and Keith hopped into Diane’s car and we headed straight to “Tears of Trail”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The weather was around 36, but it wasn’t snowing or raining though. We could see lot of waterfalls on the way which looked like it was raining somewhere. We started talking about the number of marathons and ultras each of us have run. What to say about John and Keith, two awesome people. Great runners. Keith has been running and winning a lot of races and scoring lots of points. John has run 20 some marathon and ultras. I could just sit and listen to their stories all day. We had some insightful conversation about lot of things. I was amazed at how knowledgeable and yet humble John and Keith were. I’ve got a lot to learn from all of them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Took a couple of stops at rest area and also caught Subha on our way. After about three hours of drive we reached the race spot. There was lot of runners already running around, stretching and warming up. While the others went to pick up their T-Shirt, I was roaming around looking at the ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears">Trail of Tears</a>’ visitor center (The history behind the name was very painful). After getting out of the visitor center I stepped out to warm-up and there were lots of folks giving weird looks at my VFF. I don’t blame them though. I was acting like I was the ambassador for VFF explaining about the shoe</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">. Just hoping that it doesn’t hurt during the race. While everyone took off at the start line I decided to run slow along with Subha and Harish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Mile 1 was rough. A steep climb with an elevation change of 800m-1100mts. We pretty much walked until 1.5 miles. After a while, I went ahead with the race. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqXRPMYBRv4N_h354aGrZdzOdIaUjfkLGndBR1-Z_GB5bnBuVZ1vSpw-UMYsiEgWh_UfHkC4mg-edDcdmwbG_ssXRRMLommMu4RsIDH75Kddq2XZvw4COVqy9zpRRmMaW4iE3XgDQW7E/s1600-h/TOTD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqXRPMYBRv4N_h354aGrZdzOdIaUjfkLGndBR1-Z_GB5bnBuVZ1vSpw-UMYsiEgWh_UfHkC4mg-edDcdmwbG_ssXRRMLommMu4RsIDH75Kddq2XZvw4COVqy9zpRRmMaW4iE3XgDQW7E/s320/TOTD.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The weather was kinda cold with occasional snowflakes but otherwise it was fine. Picked up a bit of pace at mile 3. I was literally sweating by this time and the occasional chill wind was feeling Heaven! My VFF was feeling great too. I could see an evident change in my posture. Since it had no thick soles, it was making loud noise while running on asphalt which got the attention of other runners but it felt great though. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Crossed the finish line at 1:05:48 and as usual I didn’t reset my Garmin! Didn’t feel any pain or shin splint which is a good thing. We were so glad when Subha and Harish crossed the finish line. They both finished their first race. Yay! Hogged some hot dogs, Oreos, oranges, apple and finally some soda. It’s bad stuff, I know.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr8ASEHANS7C7yHFcGBuaWX6M1xT7asZKtuypNOdnP6wOBX7gty4QRmJZzh81a4xR-jJKpH_-XQDPSbP6CWL9aOsuFEOUlGiUsTTCSTk4zkn2ZsyCy35M35LDsjad7m9-l_NdPAp6zTg/s1600-h/4335747729_5eaa8a65fa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr8ASEHANS7C7yHFcGBuaWX6M1xT7asZKtuypNOdnP6wOBX7gty4QRmJZzh81a4xR-jJKpH_-XQDPSbP6CWL9aOsuFEOUlGiUsTTCSTk4zkn2ZsyCy35M35LDsjad7m9-l_NdPAp6zTg/s320/4335747729_5eaa8a65fa_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">When you are in the company of great folks, time just flies by and in no time we reached Nashville. My first Tennessee State Park running tour was really good. Time for a hot shower and a pool game tonight! w00t!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-59426886688431747502010-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:002010-02-04T21:42:47.878-08:00My Five Fingers - Keep Stuff Out<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I got my hands on my first Vibram Five Fingers – KSO. w00t!<br />
I have been eying on <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/">Vibram Five Fingers</a> for quiet sometime and wanted one for my crazy trekking. Carrying those heavy trek boots was a pain and it gets nasty when it gets wet. Vibram Five Fingers lured me when I first stumbled upon it, especially the pictures on their website. Ever since I got into running and read about the benefits of barefoot running, I wanted to give it a shot, if not for running faster at least to run with fewer injuries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
I read an<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1170253/The-painful-truth-trainers-Are-expensive-running-shoes-waste-money.html"> article</a> (quiet lengthy but very interesting read) last year on how running shoes inhibit the natural motion of our foot and how they contribute to innumerable number of running related injuries. It also explains about heel strike and forefoot strike(<a href="http://www.wired.com/video/hot-summer-gear-vibram-fivefingers/29013939001">Video</a>). The article was backed up by evidences from the Sports medicine team, athletes, coach as well as real life case studies of the Tarahumara Indians who run several 100 miles every day effortless and above all BAREFOOT. There were some serious allegations against companies of the sports shoe industry. Is that why we have Adi-Zero and Nike Free now? I also had a chance to read the book “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265328830&sr=1-1">Born to Run</a>” by Christopher McDougall. Very inspiring!</span><br />
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It was very confusing to choose my first pair of VFF. I really like the <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_Flow_m.cfm">FLOW</a> which can be used for running during very cold weather and also offered water proof but had to settle with <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_KSO_m.cfm">KSO</a>, which I just love btw, reason being my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morton%27s_toe">Morton’s toe</a> :(. Though Size 47 would have just fitted me if not for my Morton’s toe I had to go one size bigger. US 13/Size 48 was only available in KSO Black. For me, comfort comes first than looks. I wanted to try one before buying it. I walked into the nearest store and got lucky to try the only pair of KSO’s they had and it was Size 48. Sweet! It fitted perfectly and all my fingers got tucked into the pockets except for my little finger, it is way too short and it barely got inside the pocket. The store guy allowed me to walk/run around the store. It felt great. I never knew that Black KSO is the ONLY VFF that comes in size 48 and FLOW was still bothering me. I wanted to see if I could find FLOW online but there weren’t any. I walked into the store the next day hoping they haven’t sold the only pair. I was lucky. It was still there. Like Gollum of The Lord of the Rings, I felt like saying “My Precioussss”. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCEWa2SqXOfjpOONbXAhOb4gxCb7m6vRcd8Gphfk9iak9w4secRdTLoGF6FhRNOFZzVjwsLGx3Mmirllow2BhA_djiDbW0KasNRZtV750Ra91bPZYwY4KxmFfDN5cF52v9BJnS84SvD4/s1600-h/0202_222115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCEWa2SqXOfjpOONbXAhOb4gxCb7m6vRcd8Gphfk9iak9w4secRdTLoGF6FhRNOFZzVjwsLGx3Mmirllow2BhA_djiDbW0KasNRZtV750Ra91bPZYwY4KxmFfDN5cF52v9BJnS84SvD4/s320/0202_222115.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was very excited to try them but I was also aware that I have to take it slow (Read couple of warnings given by VFF users) during my first few runs as my leg would be going through a transition. Tried my VFF on a treadmill for the first time to see how they would feel and decided to run 5K. They felt really good. I could see very evidently that I started landing on my Forefoot instead of striking the heel. It felt perfect.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeqJMKk0LsorN1e1epRDnXI0LFs4MJPhY0eoDLNCZWN3Rzsa1d18DFgung5SLt4HXLm-zSm_Hxhar3nHbSPUzZkJH5pWRuDbT7q2C0GmBZZvhOOKZimFlB3KuvCa-wMArbYUafkDwisg/s1600-h/0202_222813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeqJMKk0LsorN1e1epRDnXI0LFs4MJPhY0eoDLNCZWN3Rzsa1d18DFgung5SLt4HXLm-zSm_Hxhar3nHbSPUzZkJH5pWRuDbT7q2C0GmBZZvhOOKZimFlB3KuvCa-wMArbYUafkDwisg/s320/0202_222813.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-zpihvmFPQEDChLoiwRqMpZxHk9R-HlCf7oXYQhk_eLuU3Nonqxuw-rEaUbtm9T11YqCijUAL8mD61OJStiVcHcLAwh4jgVGzAP0Nn0dDr6NU7vVv8HQcsVjix_u6A89_hU2BbX1tKM/s1600-h/0202_222523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-zpihvmFPQEDChLoiwRqMpZxHk9R-HlCf7oXYQhk_eLuU3Nonqxuw-rEaUbtm9T11YqCijUAL8mD61OJStiVcHcLAwh4jgVGzAP0Nn0dDr6NU7vVv8HQcsVjix_u6A89_hU2BbX1tKM/s320/0202_222523.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sorry about the picture quality, will get a better one in my next post)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I took them again for a 6 mile run on pavement, trail, grass and mud. I would say that it felt much better than running with my sneakers though my shin hurt a bit. I guess it comes with the territory during the first few days of using VFF but I am sure my feet will feel better in the long run. I am planning to wear it for an 8 mile race this weekend and train with them all week for my regular runs. I am hoping to run my Half Marathon and Marathon with my VFF in a couple of weeks, and if all goes will try for my 50mile too. Time to burn some serious miles! </span></div>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951443768931827940.post-49084901846390334042010-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:002010-02-04T21:36:21.753-08:00Running in the snow!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was snowing all Friday and until Saturday early morning. Gossssh!! It was so gorgeous outside. Looks like we are going to get lot of snow this weekend. Sweet! I love when it snows. w00t!! A good five inch snow I believe. I dragged myself out of the bed to go for my run in the gym. A crazy idea struck me. Why not run in the snow today. I have never done that before though I know a lot of runners do. Okie dokie. Let's do it. Got dressed up in layers and wore my Hi-Tec trek shoes. Good time to put the 'Weather proof' feature of the shoe to test. This is how it looks like:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H09nklqO07iX46pjxcrK6GO69PE5AMQptgCWmf_V5Mh4nAUw4kNYW6XywRf9O-Th7tSl6yjhBWID8fcif9u-Nou08uXOy3vxx_aFhCSu6-6Yaj9LkNwNkrA8XaXSvG5lgJkLL3q0m-o/s1600-h/0130_121725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H09nklqO07iX46pjxcrK6GO69PE5AMQptgCWmf_V5Mh4nAUw4kNYW6XywRf9O-Th7tSl6yjhBWID8fcif9u-Nou08uXOy3vxx_aFhCSu6-6Yaj9LkNwNkrA8XaXSvG5lgJkLL3q0m-o/s320/0130_121725.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd5uD4Rh7qwUks1i4FCfM4fjw3KxpPvblDcdQEp2pYtVYCLnpmWnZrVSuz9U5O7TnBVbOnKGEviL9TTBwySU8d9VhF2c9-mmxxgv8CEkiIhLljxZMoKayPn9gbEhy3ydy90oYPNMitC4/s1600-h/0130_121740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd5uD4Rh7qwUks1i4FCfM4fjw3KxpPvblDcdQEp2pYtVYCLnpmWnZrVSuz9U5O7TnBVbOnKGEviL9TTBwySU8d9VhF2c9-mmxxgv8CEkiIhLljxZMoKayPn9gbEhy3ydy90oYPNMitC4/s320/0130_121740.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was freezing cold. The snow hasn't got hard yet so it wasn't slippery as I expected. Is it really a good idea to run in this snow? I walked till the entrance of the apartment pondering and then just decided to run. I always remember the rule for running on the road, "Run against the traffic". I decided to run till Percy Priest Dam and back. That's a good 4 mile run. I didn't want to push hard during my first snow run. Roads were in very bad condition and black ice was just starting to show up. People were very cautious while driving, so I am safe. Couple of them gave me pitiful looks like I am one homeless kid running in the snow. Some gave the "Such a weirdo" glance. Running in the snow was worse than running in the sand, I guess. Breathing cold air was hurting my lungs initially but after the second mile I was just fine and was enjoying my run by now. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I reached the dam and stopped for a while to catch some breath. Man, it was really cold though It felt very good to be out in the snow. There were lots of people outside that I expected. Many stopped by to click pictures by the dam. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcxm4hqzs01bCzN3a6O_e4Z3I5rHDl1lq5NpQ__jcYPU1rdRTQt8IiXAmRAVbaO_I8Vu8G9rarHZB9uxexe9Iobw3pSmj6ilqFLZ3ssxC7lJETQ4Plsjt4h79DJn9LlkwVMSWEwxbICc/s1600-h/0130_123757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcxm4hqzs01bCzN3a6O_e4Z3I5rHDl1lq5NpQ__jcYPU1rdRTQt8IiXAmRAVbaO_I8Vu8G9rarHZB9uxexe9Iobw3pSmj6ilqFLZ3ssxC7lJETQ4Plsjt4h79DJn9LlkwVMSWEwxbICc/s320/0130_123757.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAcecTL_Pevd-kQanojndqXjziBbOrIe7Nec8t__SRz-q_O3_xq2fFD2SpMqD_yJ54_hHzYCzVT9NcHbnLCZAJ-CuS7ONeqasz9KhZslM3IE65ed-gYorP1_qFdKYwx0KOrPHqULFaJY/s1600-h/0130_123823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAcecTL_Pevd-kQanojndqXjziBbOrIe7Nec8t__SRz-q_O3_xq2fFD2SpMqD_yJ54_hHzYCzVT9NcHbnLCZAJ-CuS7ONeqasz9KhZslM3IE65ed-gYorP1_qFdKYwx0KOrPHqULFaJY/s320/0130_123823.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ran further down the road for half hour and got back to where the dam's gate opens up. There were lot more people down there having fun snow tubing down the frozen road. They were using inflated tubes, planks, packaging box and anything they could get their hands on to snow tube down the road. It was fun watching them. Wish I had one with me, anyhow I decided to turn back.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c6y62bIYSLcnbYhXJ5X2668KEXq7ERnZeFM74SNuhhyrA7JOeNBtm51Y4piHaCvizqZDbRB3lzObgkfGUdEbWe7gm6pLg_ww1D6316K4AGpM8eLIh1-XVqZh5gJnG1NpfrKKYHORQIg/s1600-h/0130_124928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c6y62bIYSLcnbYhXJ5X2668KEXq7ERnZeFM74SNuhhyrA7JOeNBtm51Y4piHaCvizqZDbRB3lzObgkfGUdEbWe7gm6pLg_ww1D6316K4AGpM8eLIh1-XVqZh5gJnG1NpfrKKYHORQIg/s320/0130_124928.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S5T8pPV_dE0vtMHWUobbC310n-0kdJCbw2PaBHva2KorBOBYNfJvuVR-yczpvU7Iog-JKCKKnUCCD-m3lpRdtJ18fjS7se15MANyTBEOEpHVgGtGf-gEt8HaeyuN5YVKIRppTYTHM0Q/s1600-h/0130_125831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4S5T8pPV_dE0vtMHWUobbC310n-0kdJCbw2PaBHva2KorBOBYNfJvuVR-yczpvU7Iog-JKCKKnUCCD-m3lpRdtJ18fjS7se15MANyTBEOEpHVgGtGf-gEt8HaeyuN5YVKIRppTYTHM0Q/s320/0130_125831.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“How long have you been running”, a stranger popped that question. Three miles so far and two more miles to go, I replied. It was Kelly and Susan. She said that’s crazy and I just nodded my head. We struck a conversation. Who I am, where I am from and where do I work etc, etc. When I told them about my work place they mentioned a couple of people and I was surprised when they mentioned “Diane Taylor”. Yes, its my colleague, Diane who has run overt 75 marathons. “What a small world”! We were talking for a couple more minutes about our upcoming races, exchanged our FB Id's and then I started my run towards home. [Susan, don't forget my ID :)]. Clicked couple of pictures on my way back. Isn't it pretty?</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwAy2AyX0-1GjXexGcFDq51h1Ktzdbwy1r-8p0FXyu92A3QoqwOTNSiBNyvX7jZKac_nFV2BVhLhgF_uDv6hhAbPOBdKu_rG9m2f94yKdZ1-9VETFiH0-ZFpSlt17URCCOaFKeo-pJD0/s1600-h/0130_125917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwAy2AyX0-1GjXexGcFDq51h1Ktzdbwy1r-8p0FXyu92A3QoqwOTNSiBNyvX7jZKac_nFV2BVhLhgF_uDv6hhAbPOBdKu_rG9m2f94yKdZ1-9VETFiH0-ZFpSlt17URCCOaFKeo-pJD0/s320/0130_125917.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxpOwTRTpFcNv9j9Qxpk0j0SGSXq3rN9gXzZtptsvy1gaII8jzFCq9JMxkpEQFqK0tolgVmzv2U201koPgWBpIoEv77xwWPCu8T7ZFJ9-o8UGCFjskNUmNwupDYqQ6XHiSgqm4fbuarQ/s1600-h/0130_131240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxpOwTRTpFcNv9j9Qxpk0j0SGSXq3rN9gXzZtptsvy1gaII8jzFCq9JMxkpEQFqK0tolgVmzv2U201koPgWBpIoEv77xwWPCu8T7ZFJ9-o8UGCFjskNUmNwupDYqQ6XHiSgqm4fbuarQ/s320/0130_131240.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavbShPBZ8LKBakeJiCpc8LhBCK7-zm2M5L_3pxzq3luTgMQQSeTZFBaP_zMl2cPLbaE2C3pA98RAh9wwAjvffk0D2k2s1OS0GaplzVigsL9te8thyphenhyphenTbCrAeF1W-jCVq1yYWYDWcULs_0/s1600-h/0130_131420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavbShPBZ8LKBakeJiCpc8LhBCK7-zm2M5L_3pxzq3luTgMQQSeTZFBaP_zMl2cPLbaE2C3pA98RAh9wwAjvffk0D2k2s1OS0GaplzVigsL9te8thyphenhyphenTbCrAeF1W-jCVq1yYWYDWcULs_0/s320/0130_131420.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A good half hour run and I was home in one piece. My Hi-Tec running shoes really stood up to the test in keeping my feet warm. It does hurt a lot to run in the snow especially while breathing. Nevertheless I had a very good time and enjoyed my first experience running in the snow. Time for a hot shower and yummy soup.</span></span>Naresh Kumarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424096347529847022noreply@blogger.com3