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Running Through the Coffee Plantations at Chikmaglur: A Journey Through Hills, Trails, and Endurance

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  My Malnad Ultra Experience There is something magical about running in the heart of nature, surrounded by misty hills, coffee plantations, and the rhythmic sounds of birds. The Malnad Ultra is not just a race; it is an experience that stays with you long after the run is over. This is my journey through the challenging yet exhilarating course at Malnad. The Build-Up I had always wanted to push my limits and experience trail running. Training, however, was a different story. Preparing for an ultra-marathon in a hilly terrain meant weeks of endurance runs, strength training, and mental conditioning. Running long distances on uneven ground is nothing like road running, and I had to learn the nuances of pacing, hydration and fuelling. Race Day: The Adventure Begins As I stood at the starting line, surrounded by fellow runners who shared the same passion, there was an electric energy in the air. I was anxious before the race like anyone would be, and that too for my first 50K race. Th...
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Trail Running in the Dhauladhars

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  “The cave you fear the most holds the treasure you seek.” Joseph Campbell In the first week of October, I participated in the Summit Run Indrahar. A 20 km race through the rugged terrain of Mcleodgunj. It was a test of both physical and mental endurance, and an opportunity to experience the kind of beauty that only the mountains can offer. The Pre-Race Experience: Preparing for the Challenge With a course that’s classified as a hard technical trail, the preparation had to be just as demanding. In the weeks leading up to the race, I focused heavily on training that would mimic the race’s terrain as much as I could living in a city. This included steep hill climbs, trail running, and descents, which were all critical for preparing my body for the diverse and unpredictable trail conditions. Gear was equally important. I made sure my trail shoes were a perfect fit and enough grip to handle the tricky, rocky sections. I also opted for a hydration vest, as I knew the race ...
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Running in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

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Bhutan “Every hundred feet the world changes” -  Roberto Bolano, Chilean novelist and short story writer Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is a Himalayan Kingdom of natural beauty and landscapes located between India and China. A Buddhist country with a unique culture, Bhutan is a country of tranquillity in a competitive world.  It is known for its concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP, an idea that was first introduced in the 1970's by the fourth King of Bhutan, to measure of the country's progress and development. Bhutan's emphasis on happiness is real and it has led to policies and practices that prioritise the well-being of its people, such as free healthcare and education, sustainable tourism and the conservation of its environment and culture.  That focus on the environment is particularly important and has helped the country to be covered by trees. As it is a mountainous country it produces all its electricity through hydro-electric power ...
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