Category Archives: Uncategorized

09.04.11
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Fell Running…..different kind of hill-running

I came across this term on the web, while exploring few books on running.

‘Fell-Running’ the sport is quite popular in UK. So far I haven’t found any club or group which does Fell running in US.

Fell running is not trail running or hill running. Well, you can say it is closely related because the running happens on the hill trails, slushy paths, grass, and the gradient climb is a significantly difficult part of the component. The name arises from the origins of the English sport on the fells of northern Britain, especially those in the Lake District.

The main difference from trail running and hill running is that the runners use their navigational skills to reach the destination point, and have to carry adequate survival equipments.

Less is known of this sport in US, but there is a Fell Running Association in UK, which administers the sport. Every country has its own, I came across the following link for US – American Fell Running association.  but it hardly has anything in it :).

I would say if you love the idea, you should read – ‘Feet in the Clouds- A Tale of Fell Running and Obsession’.

Also visit the wikipdedia for this.

So far I have been sold by the whole concept and idea, seems so much fun to me 🙂 …

08.20.11
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Runner’s low and Runner’s high

Every runner, from a novice to an experienced, and to an elite one, all have their high and low moments during the run. Low point is when you feel yourself to be an insane being, who is running and running. You feel demotivated, fatigued (even though you would have hardly covered any distance), feel like stopping. A runner’s high is when even after covering the maximum distance, you feel an adrenaline rush inside, that urges you to keep running. You feel no pain, no lactic acid in your calves, and feets are responding at their all time best.

I have experienced both, and numerous times. When I run on the Los Gatos creek trail, I don’t know why, on certain parts of the trail, I always pick up speed. Its amazing, there are few uphills, and flat portions, where I feel my best while running. I love the Rancho San Antonio park trails, because of its tricky curvy trails, which give me immense low and high moments.

Well, the high moments are always good, and I feel that you should just explore your max potential when you feel that


adrenaline rush to just keep running, however for the low moments, everyone has their own way to counter.

I counter the low moments, by not thinking about running. I slow down my pace, just think something good. Think of
 some appreciation that you received at work, think of good family moments, think of how proud your close ones be, when you complete a marathon. May be if there is a nice hot chic running, use her as a motivation to run ;), what if she becomes your girl (no harm in thinking)….. But certainly dont stop running, because once you stop, it will be very very difficult to pull yourself out of the couch the next day.

08.08.11
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My weekend runs

Friday late night, and then early morning Saturday, geared up for the unknown trail and hill at Rancho San Antonio Park. John, my running partner had mapped out a trail path, for the run. A 6 mile run turned out to be a 7 mile one, when we got confused with the turns on the trail. After a 2 mile climb, and without water, we were anxious to get down, and

back to the parking lot. We selected the same route back, and after asking another runner, took a diversion. We again got lost with the trail :), but we got some of the best views of the city.

 

Getting lost on the hilly trails is as painful, as it is fun. For me whenever I reflect on my run, I feel excited on the achievement, and try to ponder over the run up the hill. How and when I could have pushed myself harder, and things like that.

Sunday morning had another 8 mile flat run on the Los Gatos trail. It’s a paved trail, and the run was with the American Cancer Society Determination team members and Road Runners group. Being with other runners who are faster than you, you tend to run fast, clocking few secs above 8 min/mile for first 4 miles was an achievement for me. Though I did not push very hard, but something that I never tried. For the remaining 4 miles, I was too happy to clock my timing.

Today is Monday, and am not running, will be biking in the evening.

08.05.11
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Sikh Stride ??

If you see a guy with a curly beard and a bandana or a turban running on trails/streets, its me. Being a SIKH ‘student’ of the guru, I have to keep myself healthy. Good health, is the secret to longevity and happiness in life. From the time I started making my strides on the trails, I never blogged, but why not now? So a SIKH guy will be blogging about his STRIDES on trails, tracks, and while training for all sorts of ‘ ‘-thons…..

Pretty sad, that Forest Gump was not made on me..and neither a girl like Robin Wright inspired me to run…. Will also blog about the inspiration factor during various runs.