Ashok Singh, a name that many might not recognize at first, has carved a unique niche for himself in the world of ultra-running. In a candid conversation with Tech, Ashok opens up about his life, career, and his extraordinary achievements in ultra marathons. His journey is not just about running; it's a story of dedication, and the will to push beyond the limits.
The Spark: From Army Routines to Ultra Marathons
Born and raised in Neem Ka Thana Ganeshwar, Rajasthan, Ashok has been serving in the Indian Army since 2013. Ashok’s relationship with running began in his army days. While serving in a civil department in Jalandhar, where regular physical training (PT) and running routines were not mandatory for the civil department, Ashok found himself deeply connected to running, more than just the usual engagement most have with the sport. This connection was not just a part of his duty but a personal calling.
Ashok participated in various position races within the army, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication. He excelled in these competitions, securing top positions and proving himself as a runner. His achievements in these 13-14 position races were not just victories but milestones that marked his growing affinity for long-distance running. After his success in position races, Ashok ventured into cross-country running, representing the army for three years.
Post his tenure in cross country, Ashok decided to challenge himself further by entering the world of marathons in 2020. He started with half marathons, gradually moving up to full marathons. However, despite achieving a commendable half marathon best time of 1 hour 13 minutes and full marathon time of 2 hours and 36 minutes, Ashok felt the urge to push beyond these boundaries.
The Drive to Represent India and the Shift to Ultra Marathons
Achieving a full marathon time of 2.36 was a significant accomplishment, yet for Ashok, it wasn’t enough. He harbored a dream to represent India, and to achieve that, he felt the need to transcend the traditional marathons. This realization led Ashok to the world of ultra marathons. Ultra running, with its extreme distances and grueling challenges, beckoned him as the next step in his running career.
The Dharamsala 12 hours Stadium run - The First ULTRA
Ashok's ultra-running journey took a significant turn with his participation in the Dharamsala Ultra Marathon. Covering a distance of 137.2 km in 12 hours at an altitude of 15,000 feet, he faced challenging conditions like lack of oxygen and extreme weather. Despite these hurdles, Ashok set a national record, marking his entry into the elite club of ultra-runners.
Mumbai 24 Hours Stadium Run - The Second ULTRA
Ashok had set a formidable target for himself – to cover an extraordinary distance of 260 kilometers. As he ran, the temperature soared, adding to the already intense demands of the race. As the hours ticked by, Ashok found himself surpassing 146 kilometers in just 13.5 hours. The extreme weather took a toll on his body in a way he had never experienced before. In his incredible run, Ashok faced a harrowing predicament – the loss of seven nails and the emergence of painful blood blisters. Each step became a sharp reminder of the brutal challenge he was enduring. The pain was excruciating, almost unbearable. After 13.5 hours of battling the elements and his own body, Ashok was forced to make a heart-wrenching decision – to quit the race, still he secured the third position.
The Underdog Of "The Border Ultra"
Ashok's participation in "The Border Ultra" a 100-mile ultra marathon from point A to point B, was a remarkable achievement. He completed this grueling race in 17 hours and 15 minutes, surpassing the previous national record and proving his mettle as an ultra athlete.
The Crucial Mistakes: Ashok's experience during "The Border Ultra" highlighted the crucial role of navigation in ultra-running. Despite his rigorous physical training, it was the navigational aspect that presented an unforeseen challenge. In the race, Ashok encountered a critical moment where he deviated from the intended route just before the 100 km hydration point. Because there was a hydration point at 90 km and then a hydration point at 100 km. He completed 103 km. He realized that he had gone 3 km ahead and did not reach the hydration point of 100 km. This error led him to cover an additional 3 kilometers beyond the necessary point, a significant setback in terms of time and energy in a race where every second counts.
Realization and Reaction: The realization of having taken a wrong turn hit Ashok hard. This mistake cost him precious minutes, and more importantly, it dealt a blow to his mental fortitude. Ultra-running is as much a mental challenge as it is physical, and such setbacks can have a profound psychological impact. Despite the confusion and the time lost, Ashok displayed remarkable resilience. Upon realizing the mistake, Ashok made a crucial decision to contact the race director. The race director, after understanding Ashok’s location from the live GPS data, confirmed the navigational mistake. He provided Ashok with directions to return to the correct route. Post the navigational error, Ashok had to adapt his running strategy. He recalibrated his pace and energy management plans, accounting for the extra distance and time.
Learning and Looking Forward: Ashok’s experience with navigational errors and the challenges he faced provided valuable lessons for future races. He learned the importance of being prepared for all aspects of an ultra marathon, not just the physical training. This experience has undoubtedly equipped him with the knowledge and skills to approach future races with even greater preparation and strategic planning.
An ultra-marathon isn't just a race; it’s a narrative of one's endurance, willpower, and the relentless pursuit of pushing beyond limits.
The Pivotal Encounter at 100 km: Ashok and Binay's Moment
As Ashok reached the 100 km hydration point, he was not just replenishing his physical energy but also preparing for the next phase of the grueling race. It was here that he crossed paths with Binay, a well-known figure in the ultra-running community. This meeting was more than a mere coincidence; it was a convergence of two dedicated athletes, each on their quest for endurance. Sharing the track with Binay, Ashok found a companion in the struggle against fatigue and physical exhaustion.
For a brief period, they ran together, pushing each other to maintain pace and morale. The camaraderie, however, was short-lived as Ashok and Binay’s strategies diverged. Binay, having replenished his energy, started to gain pace, while Ashok, battling fatigue and the aftermath of earlier navigational errors, found his energy waning. As Binay moved ahead, Ashok continued his journey alone.
Segmenting the 160 km: A Strategic Breakdown
Ashok's primary goal was to complete the 100-miler within 15 hours, a challenging but achievable target considering his training and past performances. He conducted a thorough analysis of the course, factoring in elevation changes, potential weather conditions, and his own strengths and weaknesses.
Start to 30 km: The Warm-Up Phase
- Ashok began with a conservative pace, allowing his body to warm up and adapt to the race conditions.
- The focus was on maintaining a steady heart rate and avoiding any early burnout.
- He planned minimal stops, only for quick hydration.
30 km to 60 km: Establishing Rhythm
- In this segment, Ashok aimed to establish his race rhythm. The pace was slightly increased, but still within a comfortable range.
- He started integrating energy gels and small snacks to maintain energy levels.
- Hydration remained a priority, with more frequent sips of water and electrolytes.
60 km to 100 km: The Mid-Race Strategy
- Ashok planned for a moderate pace in this critical segment, balancing speed with energy conservation.
- Nutrition intake was crucial here, with a focus on more substantial snacks to fuel the second half of the race.
100 km to 130 km: Endurance Testing
- Ashok’s strategy here was to maintain a consistent pace, despite the accumulating fatigue.
- He paid close attention to his body’s signals, adjusting his pace and nutrition as needed.
- Rest stops for stretching and brief relaxation were planned to prevent muscle cramps.
130 km to 160 km: The Final Push
- In the final segment, Ashok’s strategy focused on utilizing his reserved energy to maintain pace.
- The goal was to push through the fatigue, using mental strategies to stay focused and motivated.
- Hydration and nutrition were adjusted for the final energy push, with an emphasis on quick-absorbing energy sources.
Checkpoint Strategy: At each major checkpoint, Ashok planned brief rests for physical and mental recovery. These stops were not just for refueling but also for assessing his physical state and making necessary adjustments.
Stretching and Muscle Care: Regular stretching and muscle care routines were integrated into the strategy to prevent injuries and aid recovery during the run.
The Starting Line: A Mixture of Mockery and Motivation
At the starting point, Ashok Singh experienced a defining moment that showcased the human aspects of competition – the interplay of mockery and motivation from fellow runners. As the runners gathered at the starting line, the air was thick with anticipation and full of emotions. For Ashok, who had dedicated months to training and preparation, this was the moment where his physical and mental fortitude would be put to the ultimate test. Among the crowd, there were familiar faces, some filled with camaraderie and others, unfortunately, with skepticism. In the moments leading up to the race, Ashok faced remarks and jibes from some of his fellow competitors. These comments ranged from casual jesting about his capabilities to outright skepticism about his potential performance. For any athlete, such moments can be trying, as they not only have to battle their inner doubts but also confront external negativity.
Amidst the unwarranted skepticism, there were also voices of encouragement and motivation. Other runners and supporters offered words of positivity, acknowledging Ashok's hard work and potential. This blend of mockery and motivation at the starting line is not uncommon in competitive sports. Ashok's experience at the starting line brings to mind the words of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entry: "If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon." This quote resonates deeply with Ashok's situation, highlighting the spectrum of human behaviors and the inspirational power of endurance sports.
Future Aspirations: Aiming Higher
Looking ahead, Ashok is determined to continue breaking records and representing India in international ultra marathons. His next goal is to participate in Spartathlon Ultra in Greece and the 24-hour stadium run in Chandigarh, with hopes of being selected for the Indian Team. Ashok's story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a strong will, anything is possible.
Also Read:
Connect with Me:
No comments:
Post a Comment
We Want to Hear from You!
Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments section.