My Highest Altitude Full Marathon - La Ultra The High 2012

Running a full marathon at 4,0000MASL? This is going to be so much fun.

Was all I thought of when I find out that aside from the ultra distance of 222km which I am going to be part of as a support crew, a shorter distance races of full marathon, 21km, and 10km will also be organized. After having an approval from my sponsoring ultra runner and even receive an encouragement from him for me to join the shorter race, I thought to myself, I will definitely join, be part of this event. And to maximize the opportunity, why not the longest available for us,  the full marathon. It was such an ambitious thought, easier said than done.

 

I leave the country really  excited having in mind that I will be up for an adventure of a life time. Aside from the fact that I will see the Indian Himalayas for the very first time, having the chance to run this high really excites me too. But I really did not know exactly what I wish for. As we reach Leh and having tasted the effects of high altitude at 3,400MASL every thing is just a challenge. Each one of us has to adjust to the altitude, make sure our body will adopt to the elevation that most of us are not used to. On the training runs that the ultra runners organized which I joined, I put so much effort just to be able to cope with their pace.  

 

 

The day comes when we have to decide which of the distance we have to join. Most of the ultra runners will be running the half marathon, my friend whom I know will be running with me in the full marathon decided to do the half marathon, now there is only one of the crew whom I know will be running with me on the same distance. At first I was hesitant of really doing the full marathon, I got concerened, will I really recover fully five days after the race and be of full use for the ultra race, I come to this event for that very purpose and not for the full martathon. But my friend encouraged me to go for it. Despite that concern I decided to go for the full mary.  Majority of the runners on this race are the ultra runners, the crew and the organizing staffs, there are only very few who come all the way to Leh just for this event. And one of them is Malcom Green,  a runner from UK whom I run with on the King of the Mountain race in Mt. Ugo, Kapaya, Nueva Vizcaya last May 2012. It's a very unlikely circumtance but not impossible, indeed it's him.

 

Come race day, wearing my orange Philsky uniform, I stand proud at the starting line just like the Shanti Stupa that perched on one of the hill in Leh withstanding  the heat, the cold and snow at 4,200 meters. It's a great sunny day. With a starting line beside the Shanti Stupa, this is going to be an out and back 21km loop with two loops for the  full marathon. There are 4 of us whom I now will be running the full marathon and the other one is Molly Sheridan, I may not be as fast as she is but at least I know I have another female running with me on the same distance. There is alwasy this part of me that is so insecure with male physical strength. Despite doing the full marathon in mind, I know I can always stop at the first loop and still get a medal finishing such.

 

After the blessing from the Lama, at around 6:14 in the morning, all the runners are released. Coming from the hill, the view of the valley where the only green part of this brown barren mountainous region is the community and the town center of Leh. The view is stunningly beautiful. We followed the road going down, an easy part of the race, down.....down...down we all go until we reached the street that leads to the main street of the town. This starts the flat part of the course. It passes by the local comminuty and the commercial area with locals and tourists alike. Most of them cheered for us. Well, ofcourse aside from the people and vehicles are also the cows and yaks that roam the streets of this place. It was just and easy pace for me. As we approach back to the side of the Stupa then turn left leading to the military posts, it is still a descend part, though the sun is already up, the heat is still manageable. On my way to the turn around point, most of the runners especially the ultra runners are already on their way back. I am just taking my time with extra care making sure that I will not be side swiped by incoming passing vehicles.

 

Upon the turn around point is also the start of the slow ascend course of this race until the finish line. I always love an uphill part of the course, I have difficulty doing it but I approach such part with fun despite the struggle of moving forward, and I can say I am good at it.  But on this race, I can feel the thinning of the air as I move forward. My lungs is just screaming for air as I negotiated to go further, thank goodness to the magnificent view of the Indian Himalays mountains ranges, what a big bonus seeing such gigantic mountain ranges despite my struggle.

Some of the runners pass by me, until I can hear the Danish ultra runner Micheal coaching my friend Jules how to approach the uphill. It seems like effective, they are doing well. I wanted to join them but I just concentrate on my own struggling pace. Until they pass by me and many more runners there after. On my way back two of the runners that I know doing the fill marathon is already on their way down doing the second loop. Fortunately I arrive the finish line despite my pace at 2 hours 37 minutes, not that bad. The race officials got my time but did not hand me a medal.

After few congratulations I look for the other crew Allan whom I know will be doing a full marathon as well. Unfortunately he is not in shape to do the second loop anymore, because indeed the first round is already a challenge.  With me left alone to do the second loop among the many runners around, honestly I was really hesitant of doing it now. With what I've been through the first loop, it was just too easy to think of settling for what I have just did, the 21km, I can always ask for a finisher's medal anyway. I am confused and undecided what to do.  Doing the second loop will give me at most 4 more hours to be back  the  line. I don't want the organizer and my friend to be left at the finish line waiting that long for me. But I thought I come to this race not to do a 21km race but a full marathon. I don't want to regret after thinking I haven't even given myself a chance to do it when the opportunity is just right infront of me. Without much thinking I turn around and speed my way down without turning back. This is it, I will do the second loop. I still have Molly behind me who will do the same distance anyway.

Down the road, I met Molly with Bill pacing with her. You are doing the second loop, right? I asked. But she replied she is already done for the day. Oh no, that left me now alone doing the second loop of this race. Oh well, I can always proceed to the main street of Leh then go back to the side of Shanti Stupa then back to the finish line. I am still into the hype of running anyway. But the Race Director changed that thought when he asked me if I think I  still can do it, do I still have the energy and strenght to do it. I know I have, I am just too worried I might finish that long, they might be waiting for me that long at the finish line. Oh, don't think about that, a vehicle will be dedicated to support you all the way, was his reply. Oh no, now I do not have any excuse anymore not to finish this race. Which means there is no point of turning back anymore but instead get focused and move forward on a more focused and faster face.

The street has become more busy now, more tourists and locals on the streets and vehicles too. They are just amazed seeing me running along the side of the busy street alone. Most of them wished me luck which is just too nice to hear. Upon reaching the foothill of the Shanti Stupa, I met other runners who did the 21km on their way back to the hotel and here I am still finishing a second loop of it. The two full marathon runners are already on their way back, Malcom and Sato. I still struggle all my way down up to the turn around point. Indeed I have one dedicated support vehicle who take care of my immediate needs on this race like water and food and a military vehicle as my escort that waited for me at each turn and intersection.

Upon reaching the turn around point the two cars  are already waiting for me. They are ready with what ever I need, fluid or solid food.But really my bladder is just too full now that I need to pee. On a highway with fast moving vehicles with military camps on both side there is no way I can find a proper toilet where I can attend to my immediate need at that very moment. What came to my mind was pee beside the car facing the side away from the busy road that is parked right next to the military patrol with military peronnels inside. I asked permission for this might be a tabboo on their culture and they said yes. Ok, with out hesitation I did it. What a relief after which I apologize to the military personnel. As I move forward so is the heat of the sun adding difficulty to my struggle but thank god to my ever support vehicle, they never leave me all the way. Every now and then they stop and check on what I need. Really all I want is to just finish this craziness and this ambitious feat.

It's just tormenting seeing the Shanti Stupa on my way back, I know too well where the finish line is but I just have to push a little harder under the scorching heat of the sun to reach there. Upon reaching the foothill of this magnificent landmark, I give myself a little breather, the slope is getting steeper but this will just be a little few more kiloeter and I will be already there. Udaya, a fellow crew who just arrived a day before this race walked with me and attended to my need. So sweet of him. That gives me a little boost of energy to push more and face the steep ascend with light heart as my mind got divided by his presence. As I see the arch as entrance to the stupa even still a little below the hill, I was already victorious. I know I will finish this. I just have to push a little harder now.

As I cross the main entrance, I was just smiling, happy and glad. I was met by the organizers, the Race Director Rajat and my friend who patiently waited for me. I cross the finish line at 5 hours 46 minutes. What a glorious day. I am really glad I decided to push for a full marathon. It may sound crazy, ambitious, stubborn, yet my endurance brought me this far. It's amazing how my body just follow my adveturous spirit. I was the very last runner, the 4th of the full marathoneer, the only female.

Truly, my spirit soar high at La Ultra The High. I thank the mountain gods for looking after me.

 

 

 

 

Salomon Running TV S2 E07 How to Enjoy The TMB

Beautiful mountain, surrounded with people of the same passion and love of adventure. Such a great feeling.

I always feel at home with nature, makes me intouch with my inner self.

In the Bitterroots with Mike Foote

It's all about running, ultra running.

I just want to have a copy of this video as a compilation of my file for personal inspiration.

I Shall Return: An Intense 51K Ultramarathon Challenge 2012

"It's more fun in Tacloban." A phrase I heard from my friend Merlita A. Dunkin when we finally get a room where we can stay the night before the race. It was a last minute decision that I will stay with her for the night, and I am glad I did, it was just fun having her, though we have to sleep early, still we were able to update things about each other.

As our alarm finally ring, we need to prepare and leave the hotel, we just did a warm up jog to the starting line really excited. There were already runners around, some familiar faces. My friends from Manila were not around yet. We just did our usual routin: after check in, did minor stretching and taking pictures here and there. I stand at the starting line hoping that everything will turn out fine with me this day. I miss  last night's briefing and I only had one look at the race map, I did not even study it well, so I decided to  carry a copy  incase I will need it but really I hope I will not open it along the race.

Come 4:00am, all the runners are finally released. It's still dark, but despite the early start with the road open to motorists, there are several things I have in mind to be careful of on this race: not to miss any turn which might result  to being lost, not to be hit by any running vehicle, no injured legs, knees or ankle due to any uneven part of the road or ground or the  gutter of the road and most of all not be bitten by any stray dogs. I put on my headlamp with the hope that the incoming traffic will notice me at the same time I will make sure I will land on even surface of the road. There are parts of the road  that are dark even still inside the streets of the city proper. I started my run just  concentrating on my pace, more often than not there are more runners that catch after me, I pass by other runners but just really very few of them. My motivation at this time is minor goal of catching up a runner infront of me, most of the time I did, sometimes I did not.

As the day breaks, it is evident that this day is going to be a very hot day for all of us. We have been reminded by the Race Director before we were released to constantly hydrate, which I did. After almost two hours on the road, I finally decided to bring out some  jelly beans, I know very well I already need food. Some runners especially from the same region had support vehicles but there are also runners like us  who do not have any support vehicle at all and just rely on aid stations and on grocery stores that we will pass along the route and ofcourse our own provision of food and water that we can carry on the entire course. On this race, there are only two aid stations that are far apart. Without me noticing of the distance after more than 2 hours of running I finally come across the first aid station. Been thinking if I will drop by and get something as I am approaching the area, but I finally I decided to slow down, and grab some food. I still have water,  though after this stretch I keep on thinking about not getting some cold drinks or at least wetting my head and buff as it gets hotter after this mark. I grab as much food as I can, fresh banana, hard boiled egg, and puto. These foods sustain me until the next aid station.

As I go further, it's just really getting hotter and the main highway is now getting  busier with the passing of big trucks, big buses, tricycles, motorcycles and even bicycles. I just have to be very extra careful running, making sure that I am on the safe side of the road. The course of the race is just totally flat, no variation at all. With the green scenery and a smell of the grass that is wet from the evening dew, I just really enjoy my run. Most of  the time I still imagine the beautiful scenery of the mountain ranges from the most recent trip that I had with the good memories in mind. That has been my very inspiration on this run, happy thoughts, happy memories on this long hot run.

Signages of San Juanico Bridge has been visible after several hours on the road, until I reach an intersection that has the second aid station. Here I meet my friend Merlita. She just finish the bridge part and on her way to the gulf course section. She reminds me to hydrate, replenish cold water on my bottle and eat more food for it is just really very very hot on the bridge. It's not even past 8:00am yet. After having enough water and pouring some ice chilled water on my head,  my face,  arms and body, I proceed to the bridge. The sun is just shining to its brightest even if it's still an early part of the day. On my way up to the bridge I already meet runners going down. I can feel the heat but the view of the bridge that connects two provinces with the background of the blue sea below and blue skies above is just spectacular sight to enjoy its beauty. Truly, the heat of the place  is being compensated by its beauty. Thank goodness, the turn around point is not that far than I thought it will be though I already condition myself that this is going to be a two kilometer distance. On my way back, there are more runners coming, I just continue, enjoying the splendid beauty of the place but missing the view of the big jelly fish below.

On my way back to the aid station before going to the uphill 3 kilometer golf course, I decided to hydrate again, at this time I decided to use my buff as holder of ice cubes provided on the station. After getting food enough that my one hand can carry, I pour water again on my body from head to toe, now my both feet, socks and shoes wet, bringing the ice cubes inside my buff I decided to tackle this another hot uphill course of the race. With the ice cubes on my head, it really helps cool me down. I just concentrate on my pace  but on some parts I just cannot make any slow stride run anymore so I applied the alternate 50 steps of walking and 50 steps of running. It is an effective strategy  for me, and as we ascend to the slope of the golf course, I can't help but really walk already but I still manage to catch up with other runners. On my way down, I did some slow pace of running again until I come back to the aid station. My strategy on the ice cubes is just really really  very helpful so I replenish my buff with ice cubes again, eat food while hydrating, pouring ice chilled water on my body and replenishing my bottles, and carry as much food as my hand can.

I have 12 more kilometers to tackle, that's what the others said. I really did not keep track of the distance that I covered but rather I want this race to be done for its really getting hot. After replenishing all that I need, I left for the final stretch. I noticed the road there after is a bit cooler compared to the two stretched of uphills on the bridge and the golf course, probably due to the shade from the houses, trees and buildings help. I stay on one side against the traffic, but despite my being at the edge of the road already, there are times I just had to go down on the rough road side, being side swiped by big trucks and buses would be very possible. At times I noticed my steps are not so stable anymore and I wable a bit my ankle and knees as I negotiate to step forward. I know I am already tired but I also cannot afford to be injured at this time. Concentrating on my steps, I just continue running on small slow strides. I am already tired and I really cannot run any faster anymore. Even before reaching the very last aid station, my ice cubes inside my buff that I put above my head all are melted and gone. So I just hope the station will not be that far for I am already struggling under the scorching heat of the sun. There are times I meet vendors of ice cream and buko but because I do not want to stop and dig on my belt pocket for a money, I let go of the thought of buying ice cream or buko juice but the thought of having one keeps on bothering me until I cross the finish line.

Finally, I arrive the last station and my hope of supply of ice cubes, ice chilled water and food are still available. I replenish all my supply again, at this time making sure that I have enough ice cubes on my buff, get more food and pour water again. We are now going to tackle the very last 4 kilometer stretch of this race. But this is going to be at the city proper, I have to make sure of the right route at the same time be extra careful with the very busy traffic. True enough, the turn is just confusing, thanks to the help of the other runners in front and behind me and  of others'  support vehicle who keep on guiding me. That was a very big help as I manage to get out of this last stretch of maze under the scorching heat of the sun. As I pass by the Provincial Capitol, I thought where is the statue of Mac Arthur? I guess I miss that part. The last few kilometers is just like forever, until I pass by a runner who has long been done just waiting for a fellow runner. He has ice candy with him, without hesitation I asked for it. He said it's just 500 meters more and it's going to be done.

Yahoo, my desire to reach  the finish line grows stronger as  I can now feel the heat on my entire body and I know I got tan lines already. As I turn, I can now hear the sound system with the Race Director announcing the names that cross the finish line, at 10 am 35 minutes I officially cross the finish line. I managed to improve my pace much faster than my previous race of the same distance on the road. The real challenge for me on this race is the blistering heat of the sun and safety from the vehicles. For others they call this race a fun run, for my friend Mayette who cross the finish line with one minute to spare before the cut off time she calls it a dying run for she almost fainted after finishing the race. As for me,  I am glad I finish the race safe and healthy. It's great seeing running friends around and I am glad I meet new friends along the way. Salute to all runners who take the  courage to run this race and congratulations to all who finish the run. Congratulations to my friend and inspiration on the road and trail Merlita,  for despite her no training prior to this run, she managed to place third on the Women's category. Truly she is an inspiration.  Congratulations to my lady friends as well, to  Rica, Kat and Mayette, another ultra conquered, such a job well done. Such a women power for us. Congratulations also to the organizer for a job well done. The support on the aid stations are just superb, it helps a lot get us through the blistering heat of the sun.

Indeed, it was a run with so much fun under the intense heat of the sun. Another ultra conquered, another mileage added. Til the next ultra adventure on the road or on the trail. Keep smiling, no whining.

Will Forever Be Remembered - La Ultra The High 2012

This are all I got in this years's 3rd Edition of La Ultra-The High, two finisher's medal: one from the short marathon event I joined by running the full marathon five days before the ultra race, another one is my crew medal after our runner Mr. Seow Kong NG crossed the finish line in 42hrs 4mins and 30secs (all the crew got a medal as well aside from the runner),  a medallion that all of us crew and runners get  and a yellow La Ultra shirt for this year's edition. 

Those are the tangible items that I got but truly of my 18 days of stay in India and 16 days of which I stayed in Leh, I get more than just those items. Aside from those which I will forever be happy to keep are tons of great memories that I will forever cherish for the rest of my life. The friendship gained and the memories formed were just so overwhelming that cannot be bought by money or any material thing. Every single day of my stay in the Indian Himalayas is just full of excitement. The place is just surreal, my haven. I feel so at home running at the mountain slopes of this place and being able to visit the mountain top especially those with snow capped peaks, or even just waking up in the morning with the veiw of the mountain ranges with snow peaks from afar. The vast horizon that is barren and grey as far as my eyes can see is just a spectacular creation so relaxing to my eyes and comforting to my spirit. 

All the people on this event are just simply amazing. From the runners, to the crew, to the organizer and the support crew. Each one of them are just so friendly and had their own story to tell. They are so supportive and kind in every little way. And each of them are just really very inspiring.

This I can say, I am forever grateful for a wonderful experience. India will always be a place I look forward of visiting especially the Indian Himalayas again someday. At this time, even if I am more than 10 days back on the streets of Manila, while walking on the streets of Ayala, my mind still lingers on the magnificent view of the Himalayas, the gigantic mountain range that my imagination wanted to behold even up to now. All that has happened on that beautiful place is just too much to comprehend  until now. Indeed, it will forever live a mark in my heart. Will always be thankful and GRATEFUL.

Oh, I almost forgot, I also brought home with me the flaglets that has been exposed in the sun, the dust and the rain  for more than five days as it hanged on our service car from Leh  to the campsite and going back to Leh after the big race. I bring it with me with a thought that I will be able to hang it somewhere in my home where I can always see it. It will always bring me a smile remembering a great adventure experienced.

La Ultra - The High 2012

This is my story of how Team Hibram go through the race supporting  our runner from Malaysia, Seow Kong Ng. Warning:  this is going to be a long read. I feel I want to narrate it in such a way that I will vividly remember how my adventure on this race went when I will read it after a month, a year or even several years there after.

11 Runners at the starting line. Pic from the album of Seow Kong.

Eleven days after acclimatization on the altitude already high for most of us, the day has finally come, at 6:00am on August 2, 2012 starts the 3-day main event of La Ultra-The High,  the world's highest altitude ultra marathon. With a cut-off time of 60 hours, the single foot race covers 222 kilometers that will pass through the Indian Himalayas through the highest motorable mountain passes in the world.

On this year's 3rd edition, 11 ultra runners from different parts of the world with excellent resume of ultra races in the past finally make it to the starting line. But despite their individual ultra running achievements each one is not spared with the effects of the altitude, they have to  deal with physical concerns even before the race started. Adjusting to the altitude and getting used to the local food, nobody knows what one will suffer on the many days prior to the race. Some had diarrhea and upset stomach, others had loose of appetite and vomiting, some had headache and difficulty getting a good sleep.

At the campsite on race day. Pic from Seow Kong's album.

No one really knows what lies ahead for all of us as the race started. With how the horizon looks as we all left the campsite, this is going to be a usual hot sunny day ahead. Runners and support crew alike had to face the extreme weather condition all through out the race and  the altitude. True enough as the race progress, all the runners had to face with more difficult challenges, altitude sickness hit some of them as they go through the highest part of the course, others had to deal with more serious stomach concerns while some had to deal with more and bigger blisters. Majority were exposed to the worst of  the weather condition. After the blistering heat of the sun at day time, it's  the rain,  hailstorm, gusty winds and snow that they have to deal at night time. The race organizer and it's support team  had their own share of challenges too. As the race progress, it turn out there was a cloud burst  near the mountain slopes of Tanglang La, making the Indus River swell which makes the small bridge at Rumptse unpassable especially to runners. The organizer had to make some last minute changes of the route unknown to all of us.

I came to join this race to crew for Seow Kong Ng from Malaysia, the only Asian on this race. Together with Rishab from Mumbai and our local crew Tashi with our ever vibrant driver Labzang, we represent the Team Hibram. Our runner Seow Kong thought of a name for our team, "Team Hibram - The High on Vibram".  Among the three crew, it's only Tashi who has an experience of crewing, he joined last year as part of the crew for a media team that covers the race. Even if he did not crew directly to a specific runner, we are thankful he is part of our team, at least he is knowledgeable on every part of the route most especially those parts that our runner needs much assistance. Labzang on the other hand knows very well how the road condition is in all parts of the course.  In my case, this is my very first time to crew for a race, as big as this. Even if Seow Kong forwarded to me some guidelines and tips on what is expected of a crew and I did some research too, I fly for this race with no clear picture of how I will really do my role  in such a way that I will be able to serve my runner in a way that he wants it to be.

Seow Kong on his VFF. Pic from his album.

Seow Kong knows very well how he wants things to happen on the duration of the race. He showed us the kind of food he wants to eat (some food he brought from China) and specifically enumerated fruits and foods that can be bought at the local market and store that he wants us to buy for the race.  He explained to us when he is going to eat what kind of solid food, when he is going to drink his salt tablet, electrolyte drink, calorie mate, etc. He also discussed to us at what distance he wants the car to be waiting for him (in every after two kilometer), how he wants the food, water and tablet be given to him as he will be approaching the car. A specific work assignment is also set for each one of us, who will take charge of the preparation of the food, the drinks, the medicine and change of clothes and other gears.  Though we also become flexible as the race progress. He also discuss to us which part of the route he needs a pacer and somebody to accompany him. Yes, he needs a pacer, which I am very much lucky and happy for I know other runners do not want any pacer on the race. Something I really want to do, aside from serving him his needs on the race,  is also running with him on some parts of the course. He discussed  all of  these to  us on the several meetings that we had prior to the event. And even on the marketing of additional supplies, he is hands on with it. On the many days that we stayed in Leh, we heard some crew already had their bets who among the 11 runners will finish strong, who will be the top three finishers and how the rest of the runners will perform. For Seow Kong,  he just do his running according to his pace and experience.  On one rest day, he plotted his target time on every  10 kilometer distance based on his previous running experience and estimated a finishing time of 46 hours. It doesn't matter what rank of the race he will be, what will matter most is that he will be able to cross the finish line strong and smiling as much as possible within his projected time.

Team Hibram. Pic from the album of Seow Kong.

On the race day, the team came at the starting line excited and in high spirits.  Seow Kong is on perfect shape, no stomach problem, no headache, no concern on his legs, and not even jitters, he maintained his cool composure.  As soon as the 11 runners are released, so is our exciting life in the road. The real work for us started as we wait for Seow Kong on the first stop 2 kilometers after. He already informed us before hand what he wants to eat on the first few stops which we prepared. Seeing how our runner progress, he is doing well, not the first one on the race but also not the last. He ran 5th among the 11 and he progress well especially that this is an uphill course climbing to the highest point of this route with an elevation of 5380MASL.

At Khradung La. Pic from the album of Seow Kong.

The four of us in the car is trying to get the rhythm of how we are going  to prepare the food, drinks and how we are going to give it to our in coming runner on the first few stops, until we were able to get the proper timing of doing the routine the right way. More than halfway to the 42kilometer mark, to the top of Khardung La, Tashi and Rishabh begin to race concern that Seow Kong has been eating so much in such a short distance covered, I explained probably because he did not have a good breakfast which he deserve to have some solid food along the way. But at some point I agreed with them that we should lessen the food especially on our way up to Khardung La.

Rishabh's turn to pace Seow. Pic from the album of Seow Kong

It's Rishabh who tracks the pace of Seow Kong, calculating how fast he has been doing versus his target time based on the excel sheet that we printed prior to the race to keep as our guide. Trudging the unending gradual ascend  road that switchback through the mountain slopes of Khardung La, Seow Kong  is now on a slow small running strides, but he really never stops. We take turns in giving the food and fluids, and salt tablets. At less than 10 kilometers to the top of the pass, as we saw other runners already in pair, we decided that Tashi and Rishabh will take turns in walking with Seow Kong while I will prepare the food. Our runner reached Khradung La still smiling and in good shape without any sign of altitude sickness, no difficulty in breathing or walking.  We thought he will stop to rest on the chair and take some noodles, but he did not, he just had small amount of food and proceed down, this is an elevation he doesn't want to stay longer.

Done with one of the most difficult part of the course and now time to tackle the next part, an almost 40kilometer  descend to Leh. After more than 7 hours on the road the  temperature going down is now warmer. After several kilometers down, Seow Kong take  some solid food that he deserves after that successful ascend. It is now also my turn to pace him on this stretch of descend. I was at first worried for my pace might slow him down, I know very well how  fast he is running on descend but it turned out fine. After sometime, we started the run walk run technique, with alternate counting of 100 and/or 50 steps of running and walking  with me doing the counting until we reach South Pullu. A compulsory stop for all the runners for medical check. Seow Kong has no choice now but to stop and sit down, his third rest from the start of the race. He does not want to stop even when eating and just continue with his run walk run strategy. His vital signs turn out fine, oxygen saturation, heart beat, blood pressure all great.

The  weather already warm as we descend further, Seow Kong has one  request which Tashi and Labzang just smile, an ice cream. They know very well that this is not available on this place. We move further down, Seow Kong  maintaining his pace, doing well as always. At some bend I decided to ride the car again, as we are approaching the town of  Leh, we need to decide how to get our orders of  solid food that will sustain us up to the following day. We figure out we cannot use our support car to divert a route leaving a crew and our runner on the race route. A brilliant idea of calling another taxi that will meet Rishabh at the junction that leads to the short cut going to the town proper. We will just meet him at the Indian Petrol Station. We left Seow Kong running alone few kilometers down, until we asked Labzang to park the car at another junction in Ganglas even if 2 kilometer mark is not due yet. We just want to make sure Seow Kong will not make a wrong turn on an intersection. After which I pace with him again, and upon entering the city proper, it is now Tashi who paced with him. I just want both runner and pacer to be safe on this busy street of Leh as it will cross major streets.

On our way down to South Pullu. Pic from the album of Seow Kong

It's already late in the afternoon but still bright enough for us not to bring out our torch, we covered more than 80 kilometers now. We know very well that Mark Woolley, Kim and Micheal had  already passed, making Seow Kong rank 4th at this point. With Tashi pacing Seow Kong, I asked Labzang to go straight to the Indian Petrol Station to catch up with Rishabh. We parked right next to a core crew's car, Vijay talked to me that Rishab decided to go ahead to the first campsite at Choglamsar so that he can rest while waiting for us for he will be the one to pace with Seow Kong on the next stretch. Vijay also told us that it's now Micheal leading the race followed by Kim then Mark.

Finally at Leh. Pic from the album of Seow Kong.

As Tashi and Seow Kong arrived, we continue the downhill street to Choglamsar but this time of the day (late afternoon) the street is just too busy with passing cars and vehicles. I thank God it's Tashi who is pacing with Seow Kong, at some point the passing cars are just too scary. Further down, I can see Tashi just running way ahead of Seow Kong, then requested me to pace again. Seow Kong is still doing good and ever looking great, his fingers and arms not bloated, no sign of fluid retention. Though he feels his stomach is full of water and wanted to pee which we cannot do on this busy part of the street. As we went further down, I make sure we are at the edge side of the road to make sure of our safety sometimes even walking and running at the rough side of the road, most of the time I am few feet ahead of him. It's beginning to get dark, the street is more congested with vehicles of different sizes, we can now feel the pollution due the emission of fumes from the cars,  can hear the blowing of the horns here and there and most of all it's really traffic. At some point, Tashi had to join us to make sure of our safety. Until we finally saw Rishab on the other side of the road meeting us and leading us to the campsite. It's few meters away from the highway.

At Choglamsar Campsite. Pic from Seow Kong's album.

We are way ahead of our schedule, and even if Seow Kong will take a short nap, which all of us were hoping, he is still within his target time. We reach the campsite already dark, there are local food prepared for every body, there are rooms that the crew and runners can rest if they want to. The first thing the Seow Kong did was go to the rest room, he has been wanting to do this for several hours now. After which he sit down on the chair placed at the ground, the medical staff needs to be check his vital signs again, while we prepare his much awaited fried rice. He has been looking forward to have the fried rice.  It is now evident in his face that he is beginning to get tired. With his feet up on the chair, he slowly take some solid food, fried rice and sweet tea. He eat with much gusto despite the slight fatigue evident on his face. I am amazed for I probably cannot eat that much given that challenge he has been through the whole day. The other runner Kim after taking a nap went out of his room and take his dinner, talking to Seow Kong that he has stomach problem. Michael on the other hand did not rest at all is now ahead of all the runners while Mark just left 30 minutes ago after taking a nap too.

I am not tired yet but I am also hoping that our runner will take some rest. While I am attending to Seow Kong, the 3 guys are eating fried rice on the other side. Seow Kong is already looking for his head lamp. And few minutes after he wants to resume with his adventure on the dark part of this road. Haven't eaten well, we packed up, Rishabh pacing Soew Kong while I need to make sure that we get enough boxes of water to replenish our supply, the fried rice and bread are all secured in the car and has to look for Labzang and proceed back to the road. We left with no other runners arrive at the campsite yet.

While waiting for our water to boil.

It's already dark, the wind started to slightly blow but not so cold. I have to bring out my headlamp and get ready with my inner jacket. Yet it is still a busy road for us.  It is now Tashi who is driving the car, Labzang needs to sleep at this stretch of the road to have energy on the next more difficult part. After several meters, the car is able to catch up with Rishabh and Seow Kong on the road. But after few meters, they asked us to stop. Only to realize Kim was hit by a motorcycle. Seow Kong wanted to make sure that he is attended by the medics before we move further. After few kilometers, Seow Kong and Rishabh need something in the car. He needs to change his shoes from VFF to Ecco Beom. He felt already few blisters on his feet. It's Tashi who assists Seow Kong changing his shoes. Upon taking off his VFF, some blisters needs to be pricked, Tashi deed it, put on his socks and the shoes. He requested for some paracetamol too which I gave him. I asked him if he wants to take a nap we can always clear the mid seat of the car where he can rest,  he wants to do it  on the next campsite, at Karu or Uptsi. Also at that time he is already informed by Rajat  that due to unpassable Rumptse bridge the route of the race will be changed, after Upste we will turn back to Karu.

At Uptsi turn around.

This part of the route is mostly flat and long and monotonous, the street is dark and as it goes farther away from the town  there are less houses beside the road now. Though it's windy once one will start walking and running the evening also becomes warm. With the bright moonlight that illuminated the surrounding gigantic mountain ranges, the evening is just really beautiful. We are just like strolling in the night. Tashi and Rishabh thought of leaving Seow Kong alone for this part of the route is mainly flat and not so critical. But I insisted of joining him. Being an ultra runner myself, I know very well how it feels to be running alone especially at night, it's lonely. As we continue with our adventure we pass by Mark Woolley resting at the other side of the road on an empty shed. It turn out his crew is trying to fix his blister concern as well. While pacing with Seow Kong on majority of  this route, at some point he is complaining again that he can feel more blisters, but he does not have socks anymore. I offered my spare socks and he did change. True enough additional blisters formed that Tashi pricked again. He requested for some Ibuprofen which it turn out he did not bring any, I offered my Alaxan FR. Since then this tablet has become part of his intake in every after 4 hours. As we approach Karu, we can now hear and see the swelling Indus River, and we are also welcome by the pack of dogs. Thank goodness to the made in China dog zapper, it is effective and very useful. This stretch of the route is really long but we just take it one step at a time.  At some point I was able to convince him to take a 10 minute nap before we will proceed, which he did. Us outside the car just watching him sleeping at the driver's seat, he snore a bit which means he was able to get at least a short deep sleep, and wake up at exactly 10 minutes, even before any of us wakes him up. We continue on, at Karu starts the uphuill stretch, few kilometers  after Karu we meet the first runner, Michael on his way back.  As we are approaching Uptsi, I have to ride in the car and leave Seow Kong running alone on the road again for he wants noodles on the turn around. Seow Kong deserves his much awaited noodles and another short rest on his chair. This is just his second rest on the chair aside from the three rest inside the car while changing shoes and taking a nap. Another medical check and he is still doing fine. We are now about 132km on the race. After finishing his noodles, off we go again. On our way back, I pace with him until Karu. This was another long stretch back, with less stops for food.

With runner Mark Woolley.

At around 4am I last get some cubes of watermelon as Seow Kong's food on our car parked with the three guys trying to get a rest. We continued on, until the day breaks, we are almost at the community at Eco Village before reaching Karu that we meet the next runner Mark followed by Kim. Really we are happy to see other runners coming. More than an hour on the road,  the very last food that I had given to Seow Kong was the cubes of watermelon yet our car is nowhere to be found. They did not pass by us until at this time. I am anxious especially that Seow Kong has been looking forward of eating the fried rice left over from dinner. I was hoping another crew car would pass by so that I can ask them to inform our car but there was none. More than the concern about food intake of Seow Kong I am also concerned about our passports in the event that we will pass by the Karu check point and a military personnel might be at post as early as this time. I prayed that our vehicle will pass soon, hoping that each sound of vehicle that is approaching will be our car, but that did not happen soon.  After more than an hour and 30 minutes finally they arrive. I am just thankful that they did. Opening the chair, we prepared the fried rice and some hot choco drink (milo). But more than the food, he asked for some tissue paper and he wants to poo. Without proper toilet at this area, I asked him to hide on the slopes above the road.  He has been on the road for 24 hours now. We now welcome the second day of our adventure.

After Seow Kong's breakfast of rice and milo,  Tashi and Rishabh insisted that I should rest. I did not feel tired yet but I gently followed their request. I leave it up to them to pace and prepare the food, tablet and medicine. But I also cannot sleep. On our way down to Karu turn around, we meet Jup and Mark Hines, our car proceed to the turn around point where Rajat and the others are waiting for Seow Kong. While waiting for them, Rajat was giving instructions to Labzang and Tashi on the detour of this race,  at Warila Peak, 5,100MASL.  It's a less used route to public vehicle.  I  cannot sleep anymore, I tried cleaning myself, brushing my teeth, been wanting to go the rest room but to no avail. At this point it's confirmed  that I have my unscheduled monthly period, AGAIN. I know my friends who followed my adventure will say to me this, again? But it's true and I wanted to change undies look for sanitary napkin (for I do not have any, supposedly not my schedule yet) but I was not able to change nor get a sanitary napkin at all. Until I already hear from the core crew that Seow Kong is coming. Ok then no need to attend to my personal needs at this time. We proceed up to the route to Warila.

It's 7:00am, on our way to the next stop, I still want to get a sleep but to no avail,  I decided to be active and useful again. Looking at the route to Warila, it's a slow climb to the mountain top that looks so far from where are. Tashi and Labzang is trying to show to us the peak. The view at this side of the mountain slope is more spectacular, it's more green, with boulders scattered on the mountain slopes and has a wider horizon. The road is more safe with no cliffs and ravines and no workers on road repairs  too. The first few kilometers we pass by monasteries and communities. On this day of the race, it looks another hot sunny day ahead of us. Seow Kong is still going strong, focused on moving forward.  At some point I decided to pace with him again. The three guys went ahead, find a shade on a nearby community that has lush green tall trees and vegetation. Seow Kong decided to change to his VFF again for he can feel more blisters on his feet which making him in pain.

As we approach the community, we find our three guys taking a bath on the cold stream beside the street but their luxury of enjoying the coolness of the water was cut short when I told them Seow Kong needs to change shoes again. Bringing out the chair, Tashi take off  Seow Kong's Ecco Beom shoes and socks while I prepare the safety pins for pricking the blisters. There are more big blisters at this time. Which I myself cannot imagine how painful this cause to Seow Kong now. It is evident in his face when Tashi started pricking it and even when we help putting on the VFF to his feet. God, this does not look good but he is determined to go on no matter what happened. After he finally had the VFF on, I gave him again the pain killer (Alaxan FR). He said his feet will just have to be used to the shoes again and with the pain killer that will take effect soon, everything will just be fine. I continue pacing with him. As the sun is getting hotter he requested for the wet towel every after 2 kilometers to cool him from the blistering heat of the sun. After few more kilometers, the camp is already visible, I decided to ride the car  to prepare the noodles ahead of time. The core crew was there, they offered other food that is available at the camp and his request of a sweet tea. But even after I am done preparing the food, Seow Kong is still far, I decided to bring out my umbrella and meet him few meters below the camp.

After eating we proceed with our adventure up still using the wet towel to cool him and using the umbrella while it's not too windy. We count the distance written on the road and at the same time markers on the side. At this time we just take things slowly as the switchbacks are so long and one can see the distance we already covered yet the road ahead seems like we are no closer to the top. At some point we meet the number one runner Micheal not also on his best shape but still really running strong. At some point we also meet the car of  Dr. Rajat, that of Molly and Barry but no visible runner behind us at all. We are no longer at a running pace at this point. Even our strategy of run walk run is now mostly walk and it seems like its taking forever.  Despite his deep breathing while negotiating to the altitude as we move further, Seow Kong still has the brain to do the math on the distance that we have covered, how many more kilometers he will be able to cover at his current pace. And all the more I am amazed when he even calculated how many more kilometers probably the next runner behind him. I don't think I can do such calculation on such condition already. Few more kilometers  before the peak, the two guys decided to take care of Soew Kong again while they requested me to rest. On the last stretch, Rishabh was the one who pace while Tashi and myself proceed to the top of Warila to prepare some noodles in case he will ask for some. We hang our prayers flags ahead even before they arrive, thanking the gods for a safe passage. I decided to look for a place to pee and at least do some improvised remedy with my getting wetter situation. Thanks to the big boulder, I managed to do it there and had additional layer of pants.

The team at Warila.

It's cold up here, the wind is blowing and it takes few more minutes before Soew Kong and Rishab arrived. The noodles already cooked but when they finally arrived, it's still day time Seow Kong only wants some pictures taken then proceed back down the road. Which we all did. His fingers and hands are starting to swell which I know is now an effect of the altitude and his fluid intake, my worry is that he may not be sweating or peeing that much as compared to the amount of fluid in take. Anyway, we just asked him to squeeze his hands more often for continues circulation.

On our way down it's Tashi who is already pacing Seow Kong. Along the way we meet Mark Woolley on his best shape despite exhaustion, after few kilometers Kim and his crew. Kim is just so focused and despite what happened to him he is just determined to finish the race. And few kilometers after surprisingly we meet Bill. The last time we saw him was after the gun start, among the last few runners. He is strong and we are amazed with his speed. Rishab and Tashi wanted to push Seow Kong's pace on our way down to advance further distance from Mark and hopefully bit the time of Ray Sanchez from last year's race. Upon the calculation of  Rishab, if Seow Kong will pick up his speed we will be able to finish the race at a far more shorter time.

We stop again at the camp to have dinner and for Seow Kong to use the latrine,  together with Rishabh, they eat dinner first from the food at the camp after which they left ahead of us.  Only then Tashi, Labsang and myself  take a proper meal in a hurry. We have to catch up with them in the dark. Few more kilometers left, we are almost to the finish line. Rishabh is determined to push Seow Kong further but of course Seow Kong can just do so much, he is just doing his running on his own best pace to finish the race. The usual routine of stopping every after few kilometers, refill some water and electrolyte drink then proceed, not much food anymore at this time. Until we know we are almost there but we really do not know where exactly is the finish line and at what distance now. So Rishabh asked me to pace Seow Kong again, he go back to the car for they are going to check where exactly the finish line is. I was left pacing with Seow Kong again bringing with me the dog zapper at one hand, my torch and the Malaysian flag at the other hand. Until they come back. We have 2.5 miles left to finish with around 20 minutes before midnight. But the drizzle that we feel now started to drop faster until it becomes a rain. I was running ahead, followed by Rishabh and Seow Kong few meters away from me. I can hear  Rishabh becomes so excited that he keeps cheering for Seow Kong to keep on running. The finish line seemed forever, with the pouring of the rain, I cannot take off my gortex jacket even the hood for the wind is blowing  but promise I was just sweating inside. After the bend, with everything around dark, we can now see the light visible few meters from us.

Finally it's the finish line. Opening the Malaysian flag I hand the other end to Rishabh having Seow Kong running at the middle until we finally cross the finish line.  Rajat and some of the core crew are waiting for us under the down pour of the rain. What a great feeling crossing the finish line, with all smiles on our faces. I myself feel like a winner. It is dark, it's midnight, the rain is now pouring but despite that we are all happy, we hug each other and congratulate each other for a job well done. Rajat hand over to Seow Kong the trophy, the medal and crews' medal after which we had a group picture under the rain with a smile on our faces. WE DID IT. We finish the race earlier than we expected.

Seow Kong Ng  placed second on this year's 3rd edition of La Ultra-The High with the time of 42 hours 4 minutes and 30 seconds making him the very first Asian to ever finish this race since it started.

What a feat. Seow Kong's mental toughness, strong  will and determination of pushing himself until the finish line with a smile on his face despite the pain, fatigue and exhaustion is just amazing. All through out the race he maintain his composure and coolness despite the difficult challenges encountered. He is very focused and is in full control of himself despite long exposure to the altitude, heat and cold. Despite the longer distance already covered he still had the straight mind to think of what food he wants to eat and what fluid he wants to drink on the next car stop. He maintains his coolness on times that his request for food is not handed to him or handed to him not on the way he wants it to be. Despite fatigue and pain he still has the brain to calculate how many more distance he will be able to cover given his current pace. And most of all, he always wear his signature smile all through out the race despite exhaustion. I am lucky, honored and privileged  to witness all of this on the entire race.  Truly winner and a legend  in his own way.

That was a great race, a grand experience. Thank you Seow Kong for the opportunity of being part of this race, thank you for making me part of  your team. Thank you Rishabh, Tashi and Labsang, the memories inside the chaotic car with all the supplies mixed up and our adventure as we prepare and hand the food to Seow Kong will always be remembered. In times of serious matters we become serious and in times of laughter, we all laugh and smile together. Thank you Dr. Rajat and the core team for such a heart pounding experience. Thank you to the other runners, you form part of my fount of inspiration. Thank you to other crew for a friendship formed. An experience of great memories that will last me a lifetime.