Dalat Ultra Trail 21kms - Trail Ethics Intact

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With some serious break from back to back events and much needed attention at work was to blame for not showing up at running events or for that matter not signing up any further events was a subdue task, while the travel and explore journey still continued and the need for versatility introduced me to Muay Thai and seemed equally demanding. 

While pumping iron continued at the gym along with cross fitness sessions that gave me a beating and eye opener on how much more is always needed in terms of endurance training. Frankly, I have just been at it from time to time only to befriend pain. 

The idea is to be better than your past, it could just be an extra punch or a kick or a few meters more of run or walk, as long as the resolution of staying healthy prevails, you will be at its disposal and living healthy every other day will be a blessing in disguise. 

I couldn't make it to Vietnam last year and just when the visa expiration in Indonesia was asking me to exit the country, Vietnam was a obvious choice because never had I visited Vietnam earlier and wanted to make it for the events I signed up for but did not end up doing it due to other priorities in life. The ground rule of looking up for runs in newer places of travel is a natural act that made me sign up for Dalat Ultra. Though an ultra event, but I wasn't up for an ultra yet. I realised I am still stuck at the shorter feats making me feel the harmony of runs with nature and its virgin trails. The obvious choice was the 21km category and this due to the lack of mileage under the belt in near past and not being on the trails for bygone years. 

https://vietnammtbseries.com/en/event/dalat-ultra-trail-2026

The gist from the organisers

At this distance, you no longer enter the forest seeking comfort; you begin seeking challenges to expand your comfort zone and become a true Conqueror.

The 21KM course demands familiarity with mountainous terrain to navigate the slopes of Núi Ông (Ong Mountain) and a series of other high hills. This is the first time you must confront genuine fatigue and learn to fight it with sheer willpower and a basic nutritional strategy. But believe that you will be rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view, encompassing the breathtaking beauty of nature.

and there you go, the intimidating introduction at its best and having done trails event in past, such disclosures still leads to those nervous start line thoughts. 

And as always, the mandatory random gear check is a routine followed at the long haul race categories. The mornings were cold but it lasted for a short time once you start running. This being a little mix of road and trail, running in the dark at the start line was affordable before you hit the unevenness of the nature trails.

That little happy moment to host a desi name amongst others that I could hardly pronounce, nevertheless was looking forward to some great experience alongside the local legends. The usual chores of bib collection and setting up you gear for the next day took place and while I continue to wrap up my day from work.

The Dalat valley - one town known for it varied flowers and also tagged as valley of love could only be realised from the number of love birds flocking around to take a break from the hot and humid weather in Ho Chi Minh. Yes, I travelled by bus to this location and only to find out how cold it turned out to be and was very unexpected. Having reached the destination in the wee hours, I took the liberty of walking 5kms to my hotel just to feel the cold in the air after a veryyyyy long time and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the walk was just worth it.

Figuring out the bib collection process was a task too. With very minimal spoken English from the hosts, it took me a while to queue in the right direction to collect, verify the bin and then head towards some paparazzi shots. 

So how did we do at this virgin trail, well I guess I can call it that considering it being in a corner less known to explorers may be, anyways here we go, first up for the elevation buffs

This had a considerable share of ups and down but never felt like it bothered me as much. It could also be as a matter of fact the lesser number of miles that I signed up for and I knew this aint going to last longer. The peace in running short distance is next level. This obviously coming from all the ultra experiences I had so far. The day you make peace with yourself, that day you have nailed the game and you hit the balance button against every odd in life. 

Up next for the pace makers out there

Did I make it to your cheer books? Heehee. I shall enjoy till it lasts. As long as I can see myself at the finish line, the cat has been belled. There are no wonders chased here, period. 

And for the love of people aging alongside me, here's what my heart had to say

Believe me, the keyword is consistency and can only be built over the period of time. 

And while we have fallen slaves to innovative gadgets that tells you your inner stories and well-being, you owe yourself your absolute best at all times and your mantra for that is and will always be...Consistency! 

By now, you and I agree, my blogs are no longer technical, well they never have been as much, but more of a wholesomeness to a new start line and the harmony at the finish line. Having said that all that happens is just another process of you learning and out growing the older you. You will start ignoring or rather overcoming all the problems because your end goal here is going to be the solution for all that negativity prevailing around if any. 

And this is how it ended or just a start to yet another ending.