Imagine going from the high of completing the Ladakh Full Marathon to eyeing the colossal Khardung La Challenge, one of the planet's most grueling races. This wasn't just another tick on Madhav Shenoy's bucket list—it was a call to redefine his limits. Pushing through treacherous altitudes and icy terrains, Madhav's story is a riveting tale of sheer willpower, an unyielding community of backers, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Dive in and get ready to be inspired by a journey where every step echoes with grit and ambition!
It was September 11th, 2022, the day I finished the Ladakh Full Marathon. The waves of accomplishment had barely settled when I stumbled upon a fascinating post in a running group. Someone had taken on the mighty Khardung La Challenge (KC) and completed it merely by walking. Sitting back, nursing my post-marathon drink, the post's words danced before my eyes, planting a seed of inspiration.
"The greatest journeys begin with a single step. And sometimes, it's a step outside your comfort zone."
From Ideation to Action
That little nudge was all it took. The idea of attempting the KC in 2023 was born, not amidst a fanfare, but in a quiet corner with a drink in hand. This wasn't just about the run. It was a journey of belief. Could I truly summon the courage to transform this dream into reality?
Convincing myself was one thing, but rallying my family behind this dream, especially when none of them were runners, was a whole different ball game. But as they say, where there's a will, there's a way. Their eventual support became my rock-solid foundation.
I often found myself revisiting the spark - that post that set everything in motion. It served as a beacon when doubts clouded my mind. In moments of uncertainty, I'd tell myself:
"I CAN DO IT, AND I WILL NOT QUIT."
The Blueprint of Success
To realize this dream, I dove head-first into research. Days turned into nights as I scoured the Ladakh Marathon website, was glued to YouTube, and pored over extensive documents on high altitude acclimatization. Every nugget of information was a step closer to the dream, pulling me out of the shadow of doubt.
"Knowledge is power, and it's the bridge that turns dreams into reality."
It wasn't long before my conviction grew. What was once a mere idea, now had a form, a plan. The dream to run the KC in 2023 was no longer in the realm of fantasy – it was tangible, and achievable.
Building the Pillars of Support
Every dreamer needs a support system, and mine was no different. Sharing my aspirations with my trusted circle of running friends and mentors brought encouragement in droves. A special shoutout to Dr. Anand (Dr.Saab), Shankar Sir (Tech Guruji), and Ravi Sir, whose unwavering belief in me became my anchor.
As paths often twist and turn, my journey saw me parting ways with Ace Runners, my initial training team, due to timing constraints. It felt like a setback. But as they say, when one door closes, another opens. During this hiatus, I had the good fortune of training under Tushar Sir. Although he honed my running form, he also put a temporary embargo on actual running for over six weeks.
Setting Things in Motion
The turning point came when I registered for the race. This simple act turned my vision into a mission. However, with the clock ticking and just 13 weeks left for actual training, I was racing against time.
Challenges were plenty, and so was the pressure. But armed with newfound confidence, I embraced every hurdle with a positive spirit, constantly reminding myself:
"Even if I fall, I'll rise again, more determined than before."
Juggling Business with the Ultimate Challenge
Life is all about balance. But for Madhav, it wasn't the conventional "work-life" equilibrium. Instead, it morphed into a 'Work-Run Balance.' It's not just about setting a goal; it's about chasing it, irrespective of where you are. From business conferences to board meetings, Madhav ensured his running shoes were just an arm's length away. Distance was just a number as he clocked 769 kms in a span of 13 weeks, which included race day.
His commitment to the challenge was unwavering. Madhav's journey was punctuated with support from his running buddies, particularly Ravi Sir, Dr. Saab, Tech Guruji, and Milind Raaste. "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out," and every milestone achieved was a testament to Madhav's indomitable spirit.
Acclimatization: The Real Challenge Before the Challenge
Landing in Leh on 30th August, the actual battle had begun for Madhav. The first two days were dedicated to absolute rest. Food intake was minimized, while hydration was the priority. It's intriguing how rest for him meant delving deep into a book or surrendering to sleep, keeping his focus razor-sharp.
September kick-started with a rigorous test of his acclimatization. Trekking uphill and jogging downhill, Madhav carefully gauged his body's response to the altitude. The eight-minute saving in his evening session was not just a metric but a massive boost to his confidence.
The subsequent days had him acquainting himself with the race's challenging segments, ensuring no surprises on D-Day. His discipline during this phase was awe-inspiring, abstaining from the allure of sightseeing and shopping. After all, "In the midst of every difficulty lies opportunity."
Pre-Race Preparations and The Village Experience
On 7th September, a day before the ultimate challenge, all participants converged at the NDS hall. But this wasn't just a routine briefing. Dr. Shashidharan from AFMC shared invaluable tips and guidelines for the race. But what truly made the eve of the race memorable for Madhav was the village homestay. Experiencing the local culture and hospitality gave him a unique perspective and possibly, a bit more motivation for the challenge ahead.
"The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible."
Prelude: The Beginning of an Ultra Marathon Dream
The hour was eerie; the stillness before dawn. With my alarm puncturing the silence at 1 AM, the realization hit me hard. Today was the day I would face one of the most challenging feats of my life. Despite the whirlwind of emotions and a restless stomach, I rose to prepare for the Khardung La Challenge, set against the backdrop of the highest motorable road in the world at 17,600 feet above sea level.
Setting the Scene: An Electric Start
The starting line buzzed with palpable excitement. Athletes from across India and even from other parts of the world had converged, all united by a single goal - to test their limits. With temperatures plunging to a chilly 2 degrees Celsius, and darkness enveloping us, our headlights illuminated our path, setting the tone for the challenging journey ahead.
"It's not about the destination, but the journey that brings us there."
The Strategy: Divide and Conquer
Drawing from my training experiences, I approached the daunting 32-kilometer stretch with a clear plan. Segmenting it into two parts, the initial 21 kilometers were targeted within 3.30 hours, though I managed in just 10 minutes more. The subsequent phase, aptly termed “The Challenge Zone”, saw every kilometer becoming a battleground. Frequent short breaks helped combat the menace of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) that looms large in such altitudes.
"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." - Henry David Thoreau
Reaching the halfway mark in 6 hours and 40 minutes, a surge of confidence coursed through me. Shedding extra layers at the Khardungla top and rejuvenating with garlic soup provided by the Army, I felt armed for the next 40 kilometers.
Companionship and Perseverance: The Road Ahead
The descent required a different strategy altogether. 500-meter run-walk intervals became my mantra. During this phase, I joined forces with a fellow runner, battling disorientation from sleep deprivation. Our bond grew with each kilometer, pushing and motivating each other.
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Approaching the finish line, the excitement was tangible. The air filled with the roars and applause of spectators and runners alike. Crossing that line was surreal – a cocktail of exhaustion and elation.
Reflection: Strategy and Tenacity
Post-race, introspection made me realize the power of strategy. Splitting the daunting task made it manageable, resonating with the age-old wisdom – "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." The journey underscored the importance of unwavering focus, resilience, and the sheer will to keep moving forward.
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." - Confucius
Every aid station, every smiling volunteer offering warm soup or a drink, became my beacon of hope. This ultra-marathon was more than just a race; it was a testament to human spirit and endurance, proving that challenges can be conquered, one step at a time.
The Unyielding Ascent: A Journey Beyond Running
September 8th, 2023, marked not just another day but an unforgettable chapter in Madhav Shenoy's life. The Khardung La Challenge is a race that in its essence is far more than just a marathon. It's a test of will, endurance, and human spirit. As the famous saying goes, "It's not about the destination, but the journey", Madhav's venture resonates with this deeply.
"Looking back on the Khardung La Challenge experience, I realized that it was not just a race; It was a transformative journey. It taught me that the human spirit is capable of incredible feats when pushed to its limits."
The high-altitude race, as challenging as it is, offers breathtaking views that act as a reminder: The most challenging paths often lead to the most beautiful destinations. Every uphill battle, every strained breath, every step taken, was a lesson learned and a battle won.
Boundless Support: The Pillars of Strength
No accomplishment is achieved in isolation. Madhav's success in the Khardung La Challenge is a testament to the boundless support he received.
"It left me with a sense of gratitude to my close friends and fellow runners who worked together for my goal with boundless support."
Family First: At the forefront, the unfailing love and encouragement of his family: Maithili, his better half, and an array of loved ones. Their unwavering faith fuelled Madhav's spirit.
Cycling and Running Comrades: The Panvel Cycling Club, Kharghar Ace Runners team, Running Above All, Kharghar Road Runners, and Panvel Runners group stood beside him, cheering, motivating, and pushing him to reach greater heights. Their camaraderie, shared enthusiasm, and collective spirit were the wind beneath his wings.
Guiding Lights: Mentors and friends like Sudhirji, Ashishji, Keshav Guruji, Aditbhai, and many others were his guiding lights. Their wisdom, experience, and belief in Madhav played an integral role in his journey.
Unyielding Office Pillars: Behind every success story is an often unseen, tireless crew. Madhav's office staff, always supportive, ensured smooth sailing during his training days.
"Behind every success is a tribe of loyal supporters and believers. Always remember to look back and thank them."
Cultivating Self-Belief: The Ultimate Mantra
Madhav's journey, with its highs and lows, is aptly encapsulated in a single, powerful punchline: CULTIVATING SELF-BELIEF.
It's a mantra, a lifestyle, a belief system that pushes us to transcend our limits. When we cultivate an unwavering belief in ourselves, we unlock a world filled with endless possibilities. As Madhav puts it,
"I knew that I had not only finished a race but also unlocked a new chapter in my life - one filled with endless possibilities and the unwavering belief that I could conquer any challenge that lay ahead."
Giving Back: Paving The Way For Future Champions
True success lies in uplifting others. Madhav's spirit of generosity shines brightly as he offers to guide and support anyone willing to attempt the Khardung La Challenge. His experiences, training schedules, and insights are an open book, waiting to script more success stories.
"To give back is to elevate the community. To guide another to success is a success in itself."
For those inspired, intrigued, or in need of guidance, Madhav Shenoy (MADRUN) awaits to share his wisdom. A beacon of determination, a reservoir of experiences, and an epitome of self-belief.
📞 Contact: 9920305766
📧 Email: madhav@bkprism.com
Superb accomplishment and achievement Madhav. 👏👏🏅🏅
ReplyDeleteThanks.. keep supporting..
DeleteThanks Vikram
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