This year, for the first time, I ran my very tough 100k ultra challenge. There were only 11 competitors. 7 completed, 2 DNF and 2 ran out of time. In 16 hours and 40 minutes time I was the 4th finisher.
I was really looking forward to running this race and I was very happy that I was able to spend my Sunday taking part in this adventure. Only concern was I didn't really do tapering and my mileage was the highest ever in the week before the race. That's a very bad idea and I suffered for it. Lesson learned.
The route followed the National Trail known as the Chiltern Way. The scenery was stunning, rolling fields, farms, woodland and villages. The 100km race started in Little Hamden winding clockwise back to Hemel Hempstead finishing at HQ (Feldon Lodge in Hemel Hempstead) where we stayed overnight. Sunday early morning, we were driven to the start location for a quick briefing and race started exactly at 7am.
It was a pure test of the determination and focus of all the runners, in such an unforgiving weather conditions. It was windy and rained all day. (Not complaining about the weather but just mentioning how it was). The route was very challenging and full of rural technical. At many places, there were no obvious paths to follow and I ran on a lot of nettle strewn paths 
😂. There were plenty of freshly ploughed fields where it was even impossible to walk.
😂. There were plenty of freshly ploughed fields where it was even impossible to walk.
Although the trail is signed, some way-marks aren't obvious or are overgrown. Running here also required constant navigation, which is ok if you're walking. There wasn't anybody who didn't get lost (frequently). Even following gpx route on my watch wasn't easy. But using my watch did save me from making any major navigational errors. Overall, I ran 106.2 km.
Considering battery life, I started charging my watch halfway through the race to make sure I've the route to follow in the night. We were also given 'trackers' to attach to our race packs so we could be followed online.
There were 3 checkpoints approximately every 25km. Amazing volunteers helped us with water, tea, coke, fruits and plenty of food from the back of the car. At the finish, organisers were ready with more hot food, fruits and drinks. I didn't have any refulling issues.
First 10 miles I ran with a couple of runners but than slowed down due to sharp pain in my left knee. I ran the rest of the route on my own. Running in night time with the head torch was a bit stressful at first but then I quickly got used to it. I can confirm I didn't see any ghosts 
👻 (भुत) and lucky not to meet any scary cattle
🐮.
👻 (भुत) and lucky not to meet any scary cattle🐮.
This race was by far the hardest thing I’ve done. Regardless of all the challenges, yesterday I felt mentally very strong all the way through. It has not always been the same experience before. Nowadays I find the quality in my runs not due to how far or how fast I could run but how much I could learn. Learning is, in fact, life long ambition.
So running isn't just about races and PBs. It is a journey full of ups and downs, just like in our real life and being strong and having faith and not giving up is the only option.
In every race we run, we learn so much not just about running or running silly distances, but about ourselves as a person. We learn to be mindful, appreciate what we have and make the most of it. With the love and support from our family and amazing friends, we can achieve beyond our imagination. It's true.
This race was an epic challenge and it has to be by far, the biggest medal that I've ever received so far.
Continue training and I'll hopefully be able to run the biggest ultra challenge centurion 100 miles race next year. Through NNAUK, supporting their project to build a birthing centre in a remote village, it has also helped me find a worthy reason to get through all the long miles and hard training. Thanks to all who supported me and already donated for this cause I'm running for. If you'd like to support: please use this Link:https://goo.gl/CT7ScL
Once again, if you're interested I'm always happy to share my challenges, training, the routines, struggles, attempts, endurance, the life changing experiences and reflections with you. We can always learn so much from each other. Once again, thank you very much for your support. नमस्ते।
