RUNNING ON ROOF OF THE WORLD

Running is one of the basic forms of exercise and by virtue of its simplicity, one can run almost anywhere. Running in mountains and high altitudes is thus no exception. In fact, it has its own distinct charm and element of adventure. One can run at high altitudes, however a few things need to be kept in mind before doing so in order to make such runs pleasant, healthy and safe.

Owing to my professional commitments, for two years I was based at an area very close to the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of over 14000 ft. This presented me the unique opportunity to pursue my passion for running at such a place where at times even mere survival becomes a challenge.

In this blog I will share my experience of running a Half Marathon on Tibetan Plateau during peak winters. I shall conclude the blog by giving some tips for running at high altitudes.

Dec 2014…

As expected in the month of December, the weather was severe and fast approaching the coldest time of the year at Yongdi (a tiny hamlet in North Sikkim about 20 kms from the LAC), with mercury dipping to 15 degrees below the freezing point. I had logged in a few miles in November and December just to have a feel of the environs in winters of North Sikkim. All my runs were done solo in the wilderness of the region offering unique calmness and peace thus giving me an opportunity to de-stress and connect deeply with my inner self. This was the time I used to plan my day, searching for unconventional yet effective solutions to the professional challenges that I faced.. be it technical or administrative in nature, I also made use of this time to plan my future runs in terms of distance, route, altitude etc. During one such runs I thought of running a Half Marathon distance in a cold wintry morning and experience closely what the weather had to offer. This thought of running gave me an instant kick and my mind got fixated to it.  It was just the next Sunday that I planned my run. I slept early on the night preceding with the resolve of doing something special the next morning.

Got up at 4:30 am and set out for the run at 5 am. It was dark and cloudy and I could sense snow fall would soon be approaching. Not to forget the wind chill factor which makes one feel much colder and uncomfortable than what the actual temperature is. It was anyways close to minus 10 degrees when I had set out. I started with baby steps as I wanted to get warmed up and more importantly get used to of the low oxygen levels first and then perhaps increase my stride length. It was primarily a trail route along the main axis towards further north leading upto the last point on Indian side on the Indo-China LAC. In first part of my run I settled well in my rhythm, I kept hydrating myself with electrolytes at regular intervals. Dressed in four layered clothing and covered from head to toe, I had sweat a lot and did require to hydrate to prevent myself from dehydration and exhaustion. With time passing by it was getting chillier and heavy cross winds were not helping either, to make matters worse it began to snow. However, I continued my run uninterruptedly. Running on freshly fallen snow with snow falling from top felt absolutely astounding, something that I had never experienced before. The brilliance of this moment encouraged and propelled me to run the remaining distance thus enabling me to achieve my target of running a Half Marathon (21Km) on the plateau under the harshest of the weather conditions. I felt incredible and privileged to be getting such an opportunity which anyone would barely get as this being a restricted area for most people.

Running alone at an altitude of 17000 ft under snow fall on a long lonely track leading to Tibet surrounded by the majestic snow clad Himalayas with Teesta river meandering along and glimpses of those fascinating Yaks enroute innocently looking at me...this sensational experience cannot be described in words...it can only be felt…all I can say is that day I felt On Top of the World.

I must credit my buddy for the hydration and the moral support that he offered me during the entire route in a backup vehicle. I know it would have been a torture for him to support me all along but I had not much choice as venturing alone in the wilderness of mountains in darkness under extreme weather conditions could be very dangerous. I shall always remain grateful to my buddy S.K (Reddy).

Glimpses of my Run route...

Yaks: The Docile Beasts

Gurudongmar Lake: The Sacred lake

Majestic Himalayas

                                                River Teesta,near its origin 

The Tibetan Plateau as seen from Indian side

 

 Few Takeaways…

With my two year humbling experience of running in High Altitudes, I feel qualified to offer some very basic yet essential tips to fellow runners on High Altitude running. These are mentioned in succeeding paras.

Acclimatize well before starting any form of rigorous exercise, workout or running regimen in high altitude region (above 8000 ft). The acclimatization is essential for the body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels. The acclimatization duration and schedule would depend on the altitude level at which the activity is to be performed.

Hydration during the runs at high altitudes assumes the same importance perhaps even more, as in plains. Water/fluid intake at higher altitudes on an average is much lesser as one simply does not feel thirsty as much one does in plains, therefore one remains slightly less hydrated in colder regions…all the more reason to hydrate well during long runs in high altitudes.

Easy Paced Runs. Running in mountains especially at higher altitudes, one must restrict to an easy pace and avoid striding, sprinting beyond one’s comfort level. Running in mountains is all about a unique experience and capturing those beautiful memories of the rich and distinct environs. Attempting a PB (Personal Best) must strictly remain out of syllabus.

Buddy Pair Running. It is always a good and safe idea to run either in buddy pair or with some support or back up as mountains are still a mystery to many and weather variations are unpredictable and sudden. If buddy pair running is not feasible then run at such places that are frequented by locals/tourists. Let your local contact know about your run route, duration etc. and always carry your mobile phone (in case there is mobile connectivity !!!).

Running Kit. Trail shoes should be preferred over road shoes in mountains. Due to the nature of terrain go for shoes that offer good foot stability (to prevent ankle twists), cushioning, better grip and traction. Warm clothing suitable to prevailing cold conditions should be worn. Light clothes should be worn in multiple layers as against wearing heavy pullovers,jackets,coats etc.  Running googles with UV protection are a must especially in snowy regions.

Closing Statement...

 Just enjoy your outings in mountains, keep no inhibitions, no worries and preserve your experience, as for many it be could be an experience of a lifetime…

 

                                                                                    Run Strong…

                                                                                   Stay Strong…

 

                                                Short Clip of the Run