Navi Mumbai 15k Run - Scaling down the miles, not the mindset

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Yes yes, I do short runs too and unlike the ultra runs that help me test endurance, the short sprints test the intensity. Talk about bringing in versatility in your running career, switching distance at will can be one of it. 

This wasn't me a while ago when every ultra run in and around was for grabs but this is also me when I want to have more fun while I age and challenge myself with tasks that have been done before and see If I can still test the waters. 

A gist of the event - The Navi Mumbai 15k run was organised by the Rotary club and I participated in the 5k timed run and bagged a 1st runner run in my age category. The event was well curated with the road all for yourself to test your calibre. It was a straight up run and a U turn from halfway of the distance category. I consumed a gel before the race and two during the race. The 5km started at 6:30am and I happen to stay consistent with my past performances stats dated 2024 in TCS world 10k and hence felt like yet another achievement keeping aside the competition at event. It was and always has to be you versus you to find the new you in you. 😉

The ultras are still a favourite, be it road or trails, they give you your sense of belonging and refines your learning curve in every aspect of life. The endurance is just not built physically but also builds an edge mentally. 

Graduating in to age category hits different too. While you may be calm considering the number of people who may or may not pull as much as you wondered, but you still tend to compete against the young guns that fly in their respective age groups. The performance pressure is still intact but at the same time you just want to pat your back once to have survived the contest with the speedsters. 

Attended an on ground event after ages and the first ever in Navi Mumbai. For the first timers, it isn't about the distance when you start your running career but its more of showing up at the start line. It takes more than just running. Irrespective of the distance you run, you still have to care about your training days and nutrition and most importantly the sleep cycle knowing the events begin in wee hours. Your body clock needs to align to a lot of factors for a better outcome. Worry not, because all this is tuned during your training days. Also worry not if you taste failures as it's just another lesson learnt on how not to fail. 

Also taking this opportunity to answer the question of why the switch to shorter runs from Ultras - Mental burnout was for real. Those hours or sometime days of focus, logistics for fueling and recovery and the long stretches of discomfort and at times, loneliness got me thinking. I really wanted to restore the joy of running. The attempt now is to feel lighter and more playful and reduce the decision fatigue. As a matter of fact, my body may be asking for it as I grow older. Someone wisely said, speed work is anti aging for runners. 🤗, so the idea of switching distance is not quitting, its periodisation across a lifetime. 

Shorter runs sharpen me. Ultras mature me. Both have their seasons.The distance can change, the discipline shouldn't. 

Another added advantage, shorter runs lead to shorter blogs 😛 but attaining the longevity is a lifetime commitment. See you at yet another start line, until then rise and run!