If you don’t feel challenged enough to run 26 miles at sea
level, try running on a glacier and a
rocky alpine terrain with menacing yaks in your path at 17,000ft. Not that I
particularly wanted to be challenged, loved running or ever attempted to run a
marathon or even a half. But I was at the right place at the right time, so why
not?
 |
| At the start. |
Two weeks into my Everest ER post and after finally getting
over my extreme fatigue and breathlessness
at even minimal exertion, I decided I needed more exercise. After all, I
was eating three-course meals three
times a day (what a life!) and led mostly a sedentary life taking care of
patients at the clinic. When I learned that the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon was
to take place at the end of May, a few days after clinic’s closure, I thought this
was my chance to shine! Well actually, an opportunity to get marathon off my
bucket list.
 |
| Running on ice and scree. |
Training was an obstacle that I was almost willing to ummm…
skip. Each time I attempted to run, I
lasted for 2 minutes and then needed to take a breather. No pun intended. I had
no schedule and no plan. Luckily, I made friends with our camp neighbors, who
were experienced marathoners running for Indian Army. Although I was way slower
than they were, they welcomed me to their training sessions and encouraged me
along the way. We would jog the straight aways, speed down the hills and hike
up as fast as we could the numerous up hills. I learned to relax my joints to
be able to jump from rock to rock and also dodge the yaks, donkeys and
astonished trekkers that were in my way.
 |
| Marathon training on EBC trek. |
Fast-forward 1.5 months, it was May 29th, the
marathon day. Everest climbing season was over. Everest Base Camp was still littered
with tents, but this time they sheltered about 200 masochistic runners. Most
were unassuming Mikarus (“Westerners”
in Sherpa) who had no idea what they got themselves into. The rest were speedy
Nepalis racing for the top three places and substantial prizes they came with.
People were cheerfully taking photos and high-fiving each other at the start
line. It was indeed a special moment with the Khumbu icefall on our left,
glacier rivers at our feet and the
energy of adventure in the air.
Fast-forward 7 hours, still on my feet and unscathed, I made it to the finish line at the beautiful Namche Bazaar!
 |
| Standoff with a yak. |
Not bad for a Mikaru, but I was actually cheating as I
was an acclimatized Mikaru. Shhhhh… There
were festivities, photos and stylish Dynasty helicopter trek suits. I guess it
was worth it, as marathon is now off my bucket list! I AM NOT RUNNING ONE EVER
AGAIN! What’s next?
 |
| Bed Bahadur Sunwar from Nepal finishes in 1st place. |
Disclosure: If you are actually planning to run this
marathon, do NOT follow my training plan. DO stay clear of the yaks though!
Here are some other marathon ideas for you: http://www.redbull.com/en/adventure/stories/1331702894089/world-strangest-and-toughest-marathon-races
 |
| Myself and top 2 finishers in women's category. |
