Time flies! It was not that long ago that I was writing about 300 days to go, and thinking of what training plans to choose for the biggest event yet of my short running career (or hobby, or passion). And now, Comrades Marathon, is right here, right now. I have qualified, I am training, and there is no looking back!
The Inspiration for an Ultra
So, how did I come to decide doing a marathon not really that well known to folks here in India? Well, over the last 5 years of running, doing 2-3 half marathons and marathons a year has been the norm for me, and I guess I needed some healthy doze of inspiration which would bring something new to my running. The challenge could have been speed, or distance. I have not really been a fast runner, in fact, I guess I am still a rather slow runner, and somehow, challenging longer distances caught my attention.
The Alternatives: 50K, 50miles, 100K, 100miles, why 89K?
Well, there are a lot of options in the world when looking at distances beyond the standard 42.195K for a Marathon. 50 mile and 100 mile runs are really popular in the US. There are a few 50KM and 100KM ones too, particularly in Europe and some in Japan. So, why choose Comrades, with a particularly inconvenient distance of 89K and some change, tucked up somewhere in South Africa, distance tough for anyone but you to remember.
Comrades: That 89K Journey
I guess I went for the entire Comrades package, the dream, the history behind the race and the legacy it has built up over the years. 2010 is going to be the 85th anniversary and coincides with the FIFA Football World Cup in South Africa. But I guess I wanted to choose an ultra which was really really popular, and which would provide an amazing experience at the same time. And Comrades does, in no small measure. It is the largest ultramarathon race in the world, with most years seeing a field of about 13,000-14,000 runners. 2010 will have 20,000 of them. No ultra in the world comes even close to Comrades when it comes to the mass appeal!
Comrades and India – Whats the deal?
As I mentioned previously as well, no runner from India has yet finished the Comrades Marathon, which has a cutoff time of 12 hours. This year sees 10 runners from India who want to set the record straight, in a big way. That in itself was a big inspiration for me. And having company of runners from here is a big motivator and inspiration by itself, its like all of us would be helping each other to the finish line, come what may.
So, coming to the title of this mail finally, just 99 days to go now. I am following Don Oliver’s training plans, and I will be a doing a 50K this weekend (not part of the Feb plan, but nevertheless). This will be my first distance beyond 42K and I hope to complete this in around 6 hours. The training is going to be tougher in the months coming ahead, but I am ready.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Vow! Best of luck for the Comrades marathon.
Nice post about the Comrades and your choice to run it. Your hart and mind is ready and that wins the first part of the battle.
The time has really gone by quickly. This race is not that far away. Enjoy your training!
Really enjoyed reading your post. Good luck for Comrades Marathon. Stay focused and give it your best!