Trail Running in the Dhauladhars
“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 ...