Conquering Low2High: Ashish's Epic 76-Day Journey Across India's Extremes

Ultrarunning, for many, may seem like the domain of the elite, the seasoned, or perhaps the slightly mad. It transcends beyond the conventional marathon, delving into territories of endurance that few dare to tread. When I first laced up my running shoes and felt the pulse of the trail beneath my feet, little did I know that the world of ultrarunning would beckon, leading me into a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and uncharted horizons.

The Dawn of Adventure in Pune

In the bustling city of Pune, a chance encounter occurred between Ashish and a tall, slim figure who spoke of an audacious plan. Ashish met this figure during the early months of April or May. The idea was to run from the country's lowest point to its highest. For many, the concept seemed outlandish, almost dreamlike. But for Ashish, it represented a challenge, an opportunity, and the start of a 76-day journey across India.

Connect with me on Instagram 

Embracing the Unknown Together

Ashish's adventure wasn't a solo endeavor. Alongside him was his trusted companion, MH 04 GU 0245. MH 04 GU 0245, initially unsure about the journey, soon found itself adorned and prepared for the long haul ahead. The excitement was palpable. The duo, along with an enthusiastic companion named Hrushikesh, were all set to traverse a whopping 4000 kilometers, culminating their trip at Umling La.

The Commencement at Kuttanad, Kerala

On the 1st of June, at Kuttanad, Kerala, their journey kickstarted. Ashish's excitement was infectious. Each day posed a new set of challenges, and while MH 04 GU 0245 waited at strategic points, concerns for Ashish's well-being grew. From weather woes to physical hurdles, the trip was as much about overcoming obstacles as it was about discovering oneself.

Moments, Milestones, and Memories

Their path saw them through diverse terrains, from the hot and humid plains to the cool and challenging mountains. Each day bore its own tale. The repetitive pattern became a dance of endurance: Ashish flagging off, the crew, including MH 04 GU 0245, catering to Ashish's needs, procuring supplies, and sharing stories.

The duo's arrival in Pune was met with an outpouring of support and admiration. Friends, family, and well-wishers greeted Ashish, reinforcing the drive to continue and complete the mission. With every state they passed, the bond between Ashish and MH 04 GU 0245 grew stronger. The two had become inseparable.

Conquering the Mountains

Upon reaching the mountains, a new set of challenges emerged. Thin air, low oxygen levels, and continuous climbs tested their resolve. But the same mountains that posed challenges also offered solace from the plains' relentless heat. Ashish's performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Even in the face of such challenges, his humility stood out, becoming an emblem of his character.

Reaching Pinnacle Heights: Norbu la to Umling la

As the clock marked the 75th day of this unforgettable venture, enthusiastic supporters and followers were informed of the triumphant participants touching Norbu la. Imagine the challenge – the Oxygen level plummeting to a mere 55%, with temperatures barely struggling to hit double digits. The very next day, their unwavering commitment would see them setting foot from the zenith of Norbu la to the iconic Chisumle Bridge. And come dawn, from the heights of Chisumle, their next stop was Umling la. 

Timing: Not Just a Number

On day 74, the team was nearing Hanle village in Ladakh. The exact coordinates? Not clear. But what was evident was the profound understanding of timing. Breaking the shackles of societal norms that see timing as merely a 'Good' or 'Bad' metric, this journey has been about redefining success. It’s not just the race against the clock; it’s the race against self-doubt, fatigue, and challenges. For Ashish, it's not the stopwatch that matters, but the destination – reaching Umlingla on the appointed day.

Walking Vs Running: The Age-old Debate

On day 73, Ashish was 23 km from Hanley village. With his robust crew, including Hari Dammalapati, Amit Kasodekar, and Hrushikesh, he powered through. Connectivity issues at such high altitudes left followers in suspense. However, what's clear is that with just three days to UmlingLa pass, the climax is near.

A hot topic of discussion is the benefits of walking versus running. While running offers a rapid calorie burn, walking provides a multitude of health benefits. Speed walking, trekking with weights, and long-distance walks are just some ways to amplify walking's advantages. But when it boils down to immediate weight loss, running takes the lead. 

Running: The New Networking Tool

Day 72, Ashish covered terrain from Nyoma to Hanley village, situated at a soaring 4,300 meters above sea level. This village is a jewel, housing India's first Night Sky Sanctuary and its Astronomical Observatory. 

Golf, traditionally, has been the networking game for professionals. But the winds of change have brought running to the fore. Thanks to corporate endorsements and a surge in participation from top brass in marathons, running has emerged as an inclusive networking activity. Add to this the plethora of running apps, and the world suddenly becomes a global village for runners.

Also Read: 76 Lakh Kilometers in 76 Days: The Inspiring Story of Ashish Kasodekar's Low2High Run

The Inevitable Goodbye

As the 76-day journey neared its end, a heavy sense of realization dawned on MH 04 GU 0245. The inevitable farewell was approaching. The journey, filled with memories, challenges, and shared moments, was coming to an end. The final days were filled with reflections, pride, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. And then came the time to part ways, with MH 04 GU 0245 poignantly asking, "Ashish, are you leaving me?"

Reflections on the Low2High Odyssey: My Personal Takeaways and Lessons Learned

There's a surreal beauty in the realm of ultrarunning, a domain where every extra mile feels like a personal conquest. As an amateur, the world of ultrarunning unfurls before me like an enigmatic tapestry – at once daunting and inviting. Every stride I take is not just a physical exertion, but a dialogue between my mind, body, and the unending trail ahead.

At the outset, it's hard not to be overawed by the tales of seasoned ultrarunners. Hearing about Ashish's Low2High adventure, for instance, makes my modest runs pale in comparison. Yet, there's an undercurrent of inspiration in such stories that fuel my fledgling passion. If they could push their boundaries, why can't I?

The initial forays into this demanding discipline were riddled with self-doubt. The lingering thoughts of "Have I trained enough?", "Can my body endure this?" or "Am I out of my depth?" often echoed in my mind. But with each mile, there emerged a clearer understanding. Ultrarunning, I realized, is less about the distance and more about the journey; less about competing and more about completing; less about pace and more about patience.

Training sessions are intense, yes, but they are also interspersed with moments of sheer joy when the wind rustles through the trees, the trail stretches invitingly ahead, and the rhythmic pounding of my heart syncs perfectly with my footfalls. It's in these moments that I truly understand the allure of ultrarunning.

Every blister, every muscle cramp, every bead of sweat becomes a badge of honor. The journey from an amateur to a more seasoned ultrarunner is not just marked by the miles covered but by the mental barriers shattered. And as I stand at the cusp of this transformative journey, looking ahead at the vast expanse of possibilities, I can't help but feel a mix of trepidation and excitement. The road is long, the challenges many, but the spirit of an ultrarunner, even an amateur one, remains undaunted.

Connect with Me: 

• About Me
• Instagram
• YouTube Channel
• Facebook Page
• My Videos
• Do Not Cry Challenge

For more articles similar to this post Click Here