Running?“The Hell Race” - The Border Ultramarathon 50Km, Thar Desert

Like in technology industry, there’s always excitement in successful completion of programs; especially when it is complex, the journey is arduous and replete with challenges, I had a similar experience a few days back, on completion of one of the most challenging endurance races - The Border Ultramarathon 50K in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. This is also called the “The Hell” race, for obvious reasons.

?The Context: Border Race was originally conceived in 2018 to celebrate the valor of Indian soldiers in the Battle of Longewala (depicted in the movie “Border”) where jawans of the Indian Army bravely held post for an entire night, against enemy attack, until reinforcement arrived next day. This race gives you the first-hand experience of climate, the terrain and the difficulties which our army folks endure to protect our border.

?This experience has many parallels to technology industry endeavours. Hence, thought of penning a few reflections, especially for running enthusiasts who may be wanting to try a new adventure.

?The Challenge:

• Running in the hot desert afternoon:?Unlike usual marathons which start early morning, this one starts at noon, in the harsh bright sun of Jaisalmer. Running in the afternoon needs a different kind of mental strength, and without?proper sunscreen, you can turn into a human solar panel in the Thar desert.?
• Running in the cold desert night: Except for elite / seasoned runners, most of the runners take 7-8 hrs (The cut-off limit for 50KMs is 8 hrs). Considering sunset at 6:00PM, this meant running in the cold desert for 1-2 hours at night time.
• Standing on your feet for ~7 hrs:?Being on your feet for so long across difficult terrain, is a significant physical and mental barrier.?
• Carrying your consumables on-person during run: Water/ refreshments were only provided every 10KMs (unlike city marathons where there are 5 times more water points) - this meant each runner had to carry 1-2 litres of water/electrolyte and other consumables.
• Physical isolation during running, especially at night time: Several stretches with no humans in sight - hence mental endurance was also key.
• Elevation & Sand Dunes:?Loose sand added to the difficulty, demanding extra leg strength and stamina.

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The Preparation/Experience: Drawing parallels

• Advance Planning: Like in any tech program, while the vision may be grand, the key success factor is the advance planning. Most weekends for the past several months, involved at least a 2-3 hour practice run, with peak run-time reaching 4 hours, and strengthening core.?
• Devil is in the details: For every endeavor that pushes your boundaries, the devil is always in the details, and meticulous preparation is the mantra for success. E.g., Carbohydrates/ Protein intake in days preceding race. How much water/electrolyte, salt tablets, energy gels, needed during run (like resource estimation in an IT program). In case of exhaustion, no external help was allowed - This would have resulted in disqualification from race.?
• Incremental Progress - Agile mindset - One KM at a time:?For any large & complex tech program, one would break the development into smaller manageable pieces called the “Minimum Viable Product (MVP)”. For me, the MVP here was each KM run - especially after the first 20-25 KM’s, when the going was getting tougher, I would only think of one KM at a time.?
• Business Continuity Planning - Resilience: The 10KM Hydration points were meant for replenishment of your stock, to be leveraged for the next 10KM’s. At one point near 40KM mark, the hydration points were out of certain stocks - but I have enough backup with me, to take me through? the 50KM mark. I had prepared for the worst but was hoping for the best.?

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The Reward:?Out of the world surreal experience | Rejuvenated mind, body and soul

?To all the runners out there looking for a new adventure:?Add “The Hell” Jaisalmer race to your bucket list. You’re not just a runner. You’re a warrior, dreamer and a go-getter. The desert awaits you, and your moment to shine, reconnect with yourself – your purpose, passion and what drives you.

#BuildingOnBelief #Fit4Life #Ultramarathon #TheHellRace #TheBorder #JaiHind #JaiBharat