Beyond the Finish Line: A Chronicle of Binay Sah's Adventure at the Asia Oceania 100k Championship

India's long-distance runner, Binay Sah, emerged triumphant as he represented his country at the Asia Oceania 100k championship, and the team came home adorned with a silver medal. This event marked a significant milestone in Binay's journey, particularly as it unfolded amid personal challenges and barriers.

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The Second Chapter: Overcoming Personal Challenges

The champion runner refers to this journey as the second chapter of his life—an emotional roller coaster ride, to say the least. Having undergone surgery after being diagnosed with ASD, it was his first ultra race post-recovery. Uncertain about his capability to complete the event, Binay refused to let self-doubt win the race. Surrendering was never on the cards for him. Defying odds, not only did he complete the race, but he also clocked a personal best of 7.55 hours and secured a personal record of 3.31 hours in the 50k, proving to be a true testament to his indomitable spirit.

The Driving Force: Team and Family

Enormous gratitude was expressed towards the team—Santhosh Padmanabhan, Rama Krishnan, Ayushman, Navin, and the others—for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the event. The opportunity created by IAU Ultrarunning, AFI India Official, and the Athletics Federation of India for the team to showcase their potential was immensely appreciated.

Binay also extended heartfelt thanks to his family, recognizing that without them, he wouldn't have achieved this feat. His love extended to his 'extended family', Team Sunchasers, and all his running friends across India. Their messages, calls, stories, and comments were the fuel that kept him running & spurring him to push his limits.

The Challenges: Weather, Cramps, and the Battle Within

Have you ever tried running a race with every possible challenge thrown at you? Well, let me tell you about Binay Sah's unforgettable experience at the Asia Oceania 100k championship.

Imagine this: You've trained in blistering heat, with the sun bearing down on you, and then you arrive at the race only to face an entirely new set of challenges. Rain preceding the event? Check. Intense, face-scorching sunlight on race day? Check. Oh, and don't forget the hilly terrain that had the runners going uphill from 1.5 km to a knee-buckling 3.5 km. Sounds fun, right?

Now, let's talk about what Binay had to deal with personally. We're not just talking about a simple jog here; Binay had to battle cramps in his shoulder that radiated up into his head. Can you imagine the pain? There were times he felt faint. But you know what? He didn't let that deter him. Shoulder cramps and fainting spells further intensified his struggle. Yet, Binay stood undeterred.

Picture him on the course, managing his pace, deciding when to walk, when to run, even taking short breaks for some solid food and physiotherapy. How about a physiotherapy session in the middle of a race? Binay did it! And he did it with severe cramps, the scorching sun, and those relentless hills.

You might be thinking, "That's enough to deal with." But wait, there's more. The course itself was a menace, with sharp U-turns where one wrong step could spell disaster, and a narrow path shared with returning runners, challenging every ounce of his endurance.

But guess what? Binay's training and resilience paid off. He used his uphill walks wisely, running fast downhill to make up for lost time. Remember those previous half marathons he ran around 1:33 to 1:35? That experience came in handy, helping him strategize his pace.

Oh, and about that hat he lost due to the wind. No big deal for Binay. A minor inconvenience like that didn't take his eyes off the prize.

And there you have it, a day in the life of a true champion. Now, tell me, what's your excuse for not taking that morning run?

The Strategy: Maintain, Adapt, and Overcome

In the last few kilometers, Binay pushed himself to the limit to complete the race in under 8 hours. He planned his rest well, making the most of his physiotherapy time by combining it with meals. His unwavering determination and the will to maintain his speed was pivotal in his successful completion of the event.

Despite his body giving in around the 45 km mark, Binay managed to maintain his pace, walking uphill and running downhill. His pre-race strategy wasn't fixed; it was to give his best. His quick adaptations on the track, recognizing when to follow and when to lead, when to run and when to walk, proved to be the winning strategy.

Fuelling the Warrior Within: Binay Sah's Nutritional Strategy

• Leap Gel: Binay relied on four leap gels. These energy-packed gels were vital in maintaining his glucose levels and providing a steady flow of energy.
• Coke (200ml, 2 servings): Perhaps unconventional, but vital, the Coke helped to quench his thirst and provided a quick sugar rush when energy reserves were depleting.
• Red Bull (1 serving): A well-timed Red Bull gave Binay wings, quite literally, as he conquered the most challenging parts of the course.
• Maza (6-7 servings): This tropical drink played an essential role and added a refreshing twist to his hydration routine.
• Boiled Potatoes (3/4 pcs): These weren't just a source of complex carbohydrates; they were comfort food, grounding Binay and offering a sense of familiarity amidst the grueling race.
• Rice and Curd: A combination that provided essential proteins and carbohydrates, ensuring sustained energy release.
• Ice Cubes (8-10 times in mouth): The cooling effect of ice cubes was both a physical and mental relief, helping Binay endure the intense heat and stay focused.
• Water: Last but not least, consistent hydration with water was the cornerstone of Binay's nutrition plan, keeping his body functioning smoothly and his mind sharp.

Mind Over Matter: Keeping Cool and Focused

Despite the grueling race and physical discomfort, Binay never lost his cool. He knew he had to maintain his focus and run his own race. An anecdote he shared about a fellow runner, Anmol. Anmol's noisy shoes were distracting Binay, so he asked Anmol to either move ahead or stay behind so he could concentrate on his run. Binay knew that if he tried to match Anmol's pace, he could jeopardize his own race. Understanding Binay's concerns, Anmol let Binay take the lead, and thus he managed to keep his focus.

His race strategy, which he terms his "nest", revolves around the idea of setting his own pace and sticking to it, whether it is fast or slow. Binay also highlighted how important it is to run your own race rather than trying to follow someone else's pace.

The Outcome: Personal Victory and Team Glory

Conquering the race was more than a victory—it was proof that life had given Binay a second chance, and he had seized it. It was an affirmation that no setback is too big when the spirit is undefeated. It was validation of his love for ultra-running and the community he was part of.

Final Thoughts: Life Lessons from the Track

Binay Sah's story is not just about an athlete who won a silver medal. It's about a man who turned adversity into an opportunity, proving to himself and the world that no setback is too big when the spirit is undefeated. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination and serves as an inspiration for all. His story teaches us that life is like a race, full of challenges and hurdles, but with the right attitude, unwavering determination, and never-give-up spirit, we can always cross the finish line. It's not about finishing first—it's about finishing what you've started, overcoming your personal battles, and always striving for improvement.

In the end, he won the respect of his country and his teammates, and most importantly, he won against his fears and doubts. His journey beautifully exemplifies that our real competitor is not the person running next to us, but the person within us—our fears, our doubts, our limits. When we conquer these, we emerge victorious.

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