Conquering the Heights: My Marathon Experience in Leh

Running a marathon is a test of human endurance, determination and mental fortitude. It is not just a physical challenge but also a mental one. But running the highest marathon in the world? That's a whole different ball game. I recently took on this challenge in Leh, Ladakh, India, covering a distance of 42.2 km amidst the breath taking landscapes of the Himalayas. Honestly, during the entire run, I was thinking why did I register for this?

The Highs and Lows (Literally!)

Leh, situated at a staggering 11,700 ft above sea level, is not just a visual treat but also a test for the lungs. Imagine running in a place where every breath feels like you're trying to sip a thick milkshake through a tiny straw! That's Leh for you.

The high altitude and laughably low oxygen levels turned every inhalation into a mini adventure. To gear up for this comedic challenge, I spent 8 days "getting to know" the air better and acclimatizing. It was like a first date with the atmosphere, ensuring we were on the same page before the big run. And trust me, it was crucial to ensure my body didn't throw a tantrum mid-marathon!

Marathon Day: When My Lungs Asked for a Vacation

 Statistically, a marathon is 42.195 kms or 26.2 miles and there are only 1.3 million marathon finishers worldwide. With the world population of approximately 7.928 billion, only about 0.17% of the global population has run a marathon. I was surely thinking of some bragging rights.

Well, anyway, the day had finally arrived. As the sun peeked over the majestic Himalayas, casting a golden hue on Leh, I laced up my running shoes, took a deep breath (or at least tried to), and prepared for the marathon of a lifetime. I kept on thinking if I was conned by my running group to run here, but was somehow goaded on to run from some internal voice.

Now, running in Leh isn't your typical jog in the park. It's more like a comedy show where your lungs are the main act, and they're constantly cracking jokes. Every step in Leh feels like you're on the moon, minus the cool astronaut suit. And the oxygen? It's like Leh's way of playing hide and seek with marathoners. "Come find me if you can!" it teases.

I had heard tales of the infamous Leh "altitude attitude," but experiencing it first hand was like being in a slapstick comedy. There were moments I was half-expecting to see cartoon birds circling my head, especially when the thin air played its tricks.

 But amidst the huffing, puffing, and occasional chuckles at my own oxygen-deprived antics, the beauty of Ladakh was undeniable. The landscapes were so breath taking (pun intended) that I often wondered if Mother Nature herself was trying to distract me from the comedic ordeal. Honestly, I could realise this only when I received the pictures from the official photographer.

The first half of the marathon, covering roughly 20 kilometers, was smooth sailing. The adrenaline, the excitement, and the sheer beauty of Ladakh kept me going. But as the kilometers added up, the altitude began to take its toll. Despite being in good physical shape, I found it increasingly hard to breathe comfortably. A heaviness settled in my chest, slowing my pace considerably. This marathon was a crash course in humility. Every time I thought I had found my rhythm, the altitude would chime in with a playful reminder, like a mischievous child tugging at my shoelaces.

 In the vastness of the Himalayas, I found myself pondering life's big questions: "Why did I think running at this altitude was a good idea?" and "Do my lungs get frequent flyer miles for this trip?"

In the end, as I crossed the finish line, with my lungs probably drafting a resignation letter, I couldn't help but laugh. Leh had given me a marathon experience filled with giggles, gasps, and unforgettable memories. And if there's one thing I learned, it's that running in Leh is less about the race and more about the hilarious journey!

Reflections: What the hell I was trying to do?

As I trudged along the rugged terrains of Leh, every step became more than just a stride; it was a journey through introspection. The marathon, spanning over 6 life-altering hours, wasn't just a physical challenge but a deep dive into the recesses of my mind. Those 6 hours weren't just a marathon; they felt like a sitcom episode where I was both the lead actor and the punchline, and somehow the director was not ready to say CUT.

In those moments of solitude, amidst the vastness of the Himalayas, I found myself contemplating the essence of life and the challenges we face. Just like the marathon, life too is filled with ups and downs, moments of exhilaration followed by bouts of exhaustion. But it's in those testing times that we truly discover our mettle.

The marathon became a metaphor for life. There were moments I wanted to give up, where the weight of the altitude mirrored the burdens we carry. But just as we do in life, it's our choice to persevere, to keep pushing against all odds, that defines us.

During those 6 hours, memories flashed, dreams emerged, and aspirations were reborn. The marathon was a reminder that challenges, no matter how insurmountable they seem, are what shape our character and spirit. It's not the destination but the journey, filled with introspection and self-discovery, that truly transforms us.

 In the grand tapestry of life, this marathon will always be a significant thread, a testament to the power of human endurance and the profound revelations that come with it. It was more than a race; it was a pilgrimage of the soul.

To all aspiring marathoners and adventure seekers, Leh awaits you. But remember, it's not just about the finish line; it's about the journey, the challenges, and the stories you'll have to tell.

 It was probably the lack of oxygen that a thought kept on coming back to my head: “I think I’m going to die here in Leh, alone. But if I don’t, I totally want to do this next year as well”.   

See you next year Leh !!