Ooty Ultra is one event every ultra runner should experience. Besides the scenic settings, it is incredibly well-organized, has excellent on-road support, and well-stocked aid stations with cheerful volunteers to support the runners.  This race provides one of the most challenging routes in ultra running. It is an experience to cherish and feel proud upon crossing the finish line.

Background:

When I first heard about the 90 km Ooty Ultra, envisioned as a training run for the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, which I had run twice, I contacted Coach Kay, race director of Ooty Ultra and requested entry in the 90k event. I was disappointed when he wrote back that I did not meet the qualification criteria to run the 90K.  I wrote back to him, stating I would run the 60K in 2022 and make every effort to qualify for the 90K run in 2023.

I finished the 2022 Ooty Ultra 60K in 7 hours, 09 minutes, 49 seconds, finishing 5th overall and earned the golden ticket to run the Ooty Ultra 90k in 2023!

Training:

Every day I set out on my training run, my mind would be on the big race. I was well on track with my training, and my confidence level was high in 2022. In 2023, I slowed down between Feb and March due to business commitments and travel, which affected my training. My dietary habits went for a toss during this time, and I put on some weight! My sleep patterns were affected as well, and my confidence level dipped. I could not manage long runs during the week but forced myself to maintain at least 100 km mileage weekly.

I had a busy week leading to the race, which took away my focus on the big one totally, but by Thursday afternoon, I decided to switch off completely from everything and get back my focus on the race.

Travel to the start line:

My first task was to book my return ride from Ooty, as I knew my legs would require to be rested well post the event. I chose a semi-sleeper as the timing was later in the night, and I wanted to give myself sufficient time after the run to recover, freshen up and get to the bus stand. With this booked, my next task was to pack. I completed this on Thursday night. I used Friday to ensure that I had everything needed for the event.

My road trip to Ooty and accommodation was sorted out thanks to friends Naveen, Swami, James, Vinay and Rajen. The plan was to get started on Saturday morning at 5.30 am.

The Road Trip to Ooty & Expo:

Punctuality is critical to runners, and promptly at 5.30 am, we started. We reached Ooty in good time and had time to get to our room at the YWCA and relax. The weather took a turn for the worse just before we stepped out for lunch, it began to rain heavily, and it turned very cold. This was a concern, as running in the rain would be a challenge.

We had a sumptuous and big lunch, which was totally out of my normal eating habits but it could not make any difference as I had already gained those extra kilos anyway!

In the process of collecting my bib, I got a 6K run-in to reach the bib collection point and back to keep my 3-year 3 month run-streak alive. As I got to the bib collection centre, I was relieved the rain subsided.

The collection of the Bibs process was quick and well organised, despite the disruption by the poor weather. It was good to meet a few fellow runners, take a few pictures and enjoy the atmosphere of the race build up.

We listened keenly to the briefing for race day, and enjoyed the dance performances by the local school children.

Full credit to Coach Kay for his informative briefing sessions, which covered every single aspect of the run and the route.

We had a simple, light dinner, and got to bed by 10 pm.  I struggled to sleep and got out of bed by 3.30 am. Vinay and James pre-arranged transport for Sunday morning to get us to the start.

Race Day Strategy:

My “A” goal for the race was to complete the 90K within the cut off time of 12 hours. Everything else is a bonus. I wanted to stay strong for the last 30 km loop, so I decided to not push hard too early. I would make quick stops at the aid stations to ensure hydration is taken care of and take a few chikki’s for the road. I also decided to practice the “Feel” effect – when I feel like walking, I would walk; when I feel like eating, I would eat. All other times, my aim was to keep running.

I broke the race into 5K segments and my focus would be on the completion of each 5K and start over again. I also decided that if runners pass me, I would smile, greet, and let them go. For the last 30 km, I wanted to keep my smile, greet, encourage and hopefully pass them!

Also, I decided not to push hard on the downhills early in the race, and run as much as I can uphill, even if slow, to keep the momentum. I also wanted to better the Women’s 2022 90 km timing of 11 hour, 38 minutes and 27 seconds. Lastly, I would have fun and maintain a smile no matter how hard it gets.

Race Day morning:

It was a cold morning but seeing all the runners getting lost in the race atmosphere, the chill disappeared. The tension was building up as all 90 km runners were called to the front of the start line. I made my way to the front, really emotional as this was a big moment for me.

I dedicated this run to two special people in my life, my brothers Sagren and Poeny, who passed on recently. They both were keen supporters of all my events.

The race started at 6am with the 60k and 90k runners taking off together.  It was a great feeling for me, as I was in the first line of the start for the first time in my running career.

As the race started, I witnessed many of the runners bolting off but I kept reminding myself, “Stick to your plan”. The first major climb is 3-4 km away and the last loop of 30 km is where I want to be running strongly. I proceeded at a comfortable and relaxed pace with the intention of running most of the Doddabetta climb, which was my motivating factor to tackle the remaining 80K.  I managed to climb to the top of Doddabetta peak (2nd highest peak in South India with an elevation of 2637m) at a constant run pace and only took a short walk break at around 8 km.

I was happy to have completed the first 10K in +-1h09m (Garmin Timing)

The descent was welcoming but I proceeded with caution as I reflected on my last year’s run where I pushed myself downhill but felt the quads go weak towards the end. I pushed myself wherever I felt it was not too steep and slowed down when I felt uneasiness.

I completed the next 10 km (11-21) in approx. 1h05(Garmin Timing). It felt good to proceed at a comfortable pace as I was really relaxed and enjoying each step. As much as I was looking forward to reaching the Tea Garden (30K point), I was dreading the long uphill marking the completion of the first loop.

I was well behind most of the 90K runners but continued to maintain my easy pace, smiling and encouraging runners as we passed each other. This helped me stay motivated and clear my mind for the upcoming challenges.

The uphill was gruelling from the 21/23 km mark right up to 28 km. I adopted the run-walk strategy to keep the momentum going and ensured I ran more than I would walk, despite it being slow, enjoying the challenge and the scenic surroundings. The short stretch to the Tea Garden was awesome and one of the few flat sections of the course so I gave it a little push.  Total time taken to complete the first 30 km loop was 3h25m51(official mat timing) Garmin Timing (22-30k time +-1h15)

I was behind many 90K runners and most were a few kilometres ahead of me on their next loop.  This did not deter me as that final 30K loop (60-90 km) was my key focus and I knew that it would make-or-break many runners. I was slow but I was on track and was feeling comfortable with minimal signs of tiredness or any muscle strain. I was here to “get it done”!

The cheering and well wishes from the runners heading to the 30K timing mat helped build my confidence. The determination of the runners on those nasty climbs was very evident, and they were pushing through the pain.

The next 30 km took us to one of the most beautiful parts of Ooty, passing through lush tea gardens, beautiful village homes, narrow roads, and extremely steep downhills and challenging uphills. I rarely passed a village elder or even the children without greeting, smiling or waving to them.  Many replied with smiles, clapping and words of encouragement (though I could not understand all!) and it helped me keep going. I motivated the children by encouraging them to run with me, which excited them all. Their screaming, “Go uncle, go uncle … Go” greatly boosted me.

A long run becomes very lonely, especially at this time of the race as most runners find themselves alone, running at times for long stretches without spotting any other runners. The sight of hydration tables and cheerful volunteers was a welcome sight.

My timing from 31-40 km was +- 1h05m, primarily downhills, but the challenge thereafter began as the run slowed down due to the uphill, i.e., 41-50K on 1h13m.

From 38-44K, there were many challenging uphill and steep downhills, and the real challenge started from around the 49th km right up to 60 km. I would not run up the path leading to the mat at the Tea Garden, as that last 10 km was the toughest of them all so far.  With the sun out in full, the quads and calves felt the effect of the steep ascents & descents.

The timing for the last segment from 51-60 km proved the toughness of the course, completing this in approx—1h30 m.

I was excited as I showed up at the 60km point. Timing at the turn of 60km was 7h30m48. My OOTYULTRA 2022 60km timing was 7h02. I was on the perfect path for the final loop.

Coach Kay and his Cheerful daughter encouraged me and shared their cold, refreshing Coke. I was feeling good and raring to get this done. I was slow, and I knew I was well behind the field of runners as the advantage of the loop is that we get to see the runners pass with only 90 km runners on the course.

I knew from here on that it was just mental strength that would take me through to the finish. This was what I lost sleep over on many nights; this is what had me sprinting on Domlur flyovers and up Old Airport Road. I remembered the countless weekend back-to-back runs and numerous other small sacrifices I had made in preparation for this race.

I decided to give it my all, and soon I found myself gliding gracefully downhill right down to around km 70.  I completed this in +-1h03 minutes(61–70k). It hurt a bit, but I was concerned about the last 15k, and there was nothing to hold me back as I knew that if I did not take advantage of this downhill, I would never complete this race within the cut-off time.

As I proceeded with some speed downhill, I passed one or two runners, which boosted my confidence. I knew I was on the right track, and the decision to go easy from the start to 60K was paying off. A group of children became my cheerleaders and once again cheered me on by shouting, “Go uncle, go”!  I emptied the pockets of my chikkis (individually wrapped ones) I carried throughout the race. This excited the children, and a few joined me on a walk up the steep incline. I hope this race will motivate them to take up running and be a part of this event in years to come.

I started to slow down from 74 km and walked a lot more. The uphill was challenging, and using my “run more and walk a little strategy,” I passed one or two more runners, which helped my confidence level and gave me the strength to push on. I was still far away from the finish and knew a lot more work had to be done to get there.

There was no way I would allow any runner I had passed to get ahead of me again, so I had to keep it going, at times skipping the hydration table so I could maintain a good distance from the next runner.  My 500 ml water bottle was a great help for me as there was no need to stop often

Timing for distance 71-80K:  +-1h17

That last 10K never seemed to end! However, I relaxed a bit, knowing I had sufficient time for the cut-off, but still was also aware of the fact I could put myself in a difficult position by cutting it too fine to finish. I could not take any chances as this was too much hardship to throw away now. Shortly, I was passed by a cheerful group of volunteers in their vehicle, who gave me a boost with their encouragement and indicated the finish was close. I pushed once again, and the finish line was soon in sight!

I was again emotional at the finish, as I was met by cheering crowds and Coach Kay announced my name.  I was super excited. I finished the race well within the cut-off time. Coach Kay was excited to see me as he understood my determination for this effort, hugged me and told me, “I am proud of you, Jay! You worked hard, were determined and you did it. Well done!”

Timing for 81 to 90km +-1h38

My official finish time was 11 h 37 m 32, which earned me 6th position in the race.

I later got to know that I was just a minute or so from the 5th-placed runner.

A great lesson learned:  the race is over only after you finish.

The event was exceptionally well organized, from the point of registration to the hot soup served after the race and the organized bus ride to our hotel.  A job well done to the entire Ultra Malaivasi team.

Some of the highlights that would get me back to Ooty:

• The excellent coordination and management of the event.
• A well-planned, absolutely scenic run route and extremely challenging being the main attraction for all runners.
• The support by Coach Kay’s weekly Q&A Online Sessions.
• The awesome Race Shirts (was happy they fitted me comfortably despite the slight weight gain)
• The personalized Medal with our names engraved.
• The support all along the route, with fully stocked Hydration tables, a very organized and supportive Crew at each table and the Cold Coke and chikkies.
• The Cheerful Marshals, Volunteers and police were all along the route.
• Useful directional markers.
• The smiling photographers (Flashbulbzz)
• The Physio Team
• Coach Kay and his Amazing Ultramalaivasi Team
• The friendly people of OOTY.

A Big Thank you to Ooty Ultra 2023 Team.

I am already looking forward to the 2024 event and would be even better prepared this time.