Kaveri Trail Half Marathon

This was my first trail run and the second half marathon. I was not my 100% when I woke up at 4am. Following the instructions of the RFL team I drove my car to Cubbon Park (Queen's statue) and parked it by Koshy's restaurant. It was too early for any traffic to trouble me so it was those rare moments when I made it through MG road at more than 20 kmph. There is something about early mornings that turns me on. I am totally a morning person and despite knowing that circadian rythms differ by individual, I just dont get why some people don't get up before sun rises. Anyway, I got the RFL bus taking us to Srirangapatnam. Between a few dozes and a few pages of a book I carried we reached the rendezvous. The whole thing started a bit late. I was worried about the sun and the rising temperature. But the verdant surroundings promised some shade and cool breeze. There is a small canal flowing next to the route, lots of trees, muddy path. The whole setting promised a great run. I wanted to try this with my VFFs (vibram five fingers) and so that were what i was wearing. I was a bit skeptical if they would hold up to the trail. We started about 30 mins late around 8 am. Had some friends with me back from work so it was a chatty few miles. I didnt know what was in store for me so my main aim was to finish it. Soon I found that my greatest nemesis on this run would be the rocky patches on the trail. Later someone told me the rocks were recently strewn around the trail to provide some solid ground to the bullock carts.

First 10k was an enjoyable run though I dreaded every rocky patch we came across. The rocks were on average the size of a cricket ball and had some painfully sharp edges. So along with the grass, mud and water I could feel the rocks too through my VFFs. And soon it began to hurt. By the 16km point (it was an out-and-back route so the actual mark was 4k I guess) I could take it no longer and decided to walk the route. I did come across some fellow runners who were curious about my funny looking shoes so the walk wasnt as bad. I tried running once I felt better but my feet just didnt let me. It felt like I was stepping on spears. I finally finished the run in 2:39 hrs.

The best part of the run was yet to come. After collecting the certificate and the lunch coupon I joined the group already frolicking the cold cauvery waters. There was a small catchment supply water to the fields and stepping into it was a treat to the bruised legs and feet. I checked my feet and as suspected they had 3-4 blisters on each feet. Am sure am going to flaunt them as some medals hehehe.

After half hr of fun in the water I came on ground and applied a medicated oil all over my legs and feet. The whole routine of cold water and oil massage seemed to have done wonders. The pain started to recede and I was back on my feet. The next stop before lunch was a coconutwallah. The huge tender coconuts by the banks of cauvery after a hard run was god-sent and I quickly downed the water and was smacking my lips.

Lunch was a decent fare at the nearby resort. The resort was also by the Cauvery river and everyone enjoyed the whole deal to their hearts content.

The bus journey back to bangalore was un-eventful except for a huge downpour. Overall it was a well spent Sunday though I was wishing RFL organize its runs on Saturdays so the we can nurse our bruised legs on a holiday :).

Well I ran my first trail run and live to tell a beautiful tale.

From Kaveri Trail Half marathon