La Ultra: The High 2015, Leh Ladakh
It was a sleepless night before we took our 6 am flight to the picturesque foothills of Leh, Ladakh. The adrenaline of being up in the mountains along with the excitement of meeting the team of runners kept our energy on a high, literally! However it wasn’t long after we had landed and taken our taxi ride to the guest house that we noticed we were breathing with more effort. The first signs of acclimatization. The 200 meter walk had gotten our hearts pumping more blood through our body and the result was exertion-al breathing- you’ll know it when you huff and puff your way up a slope.
While we are doctors, we are also human and like any other traveler, the body takes time to acclimatize. While that continued, we had work to do.
The marathon course was not for the faint of heart. The route was from Hundra, (Numbra valley) through Khardungla ( highest motor enabled road in the world at 18,380 feet) to Leh and then to WorryLa to TanglangLa ( second highest motor enabled road in the world ) to the Mooren Plane.
We had no idea what this terrain was going to do to the runners- their knees, muscles, breathing, over all health and well being.
We started by doing a medical examination of the runners. As the sunset on August 16, the race was flagged off. It continued for three days and nights in which the runners would complete a total of 333 km or 206.97 miles.
So, what did we learn from this race?
I’m-Possible – Despite the odds, these runners are dedicated. The altitude, lower oxygen levels and challenging terrains, the runners put their grit into the race. The stamina, determination and challenge which they took upon themselves is an achievement of its own.
Mind Over Matter: Low oxygen levels – The concentration of oxygen in the blood should be between 95-100 percent. The marathoners had a saturation ranging from 65 – 87 percent, ( I had 55 & 64 oxygen saturation in two occasions). Low levels of OS can compromise organ functions and breathing leading to cardiac arrest. However, the question became more about how do you use mind over matter?
Enduring Harsh Weather – From rain, dust storms and snow, nothing stopped the champions to reach their goal. They endured harsh weather conditions with a smile and a thumbs up.
Heights Of Health - The grueling course, the frequent weather changes affected the marathoners. They shivered, almost kneeling to the blistering cold mountains but they didn’t give up. Fatigued physically, but determined mentally.
Strategize Your Risks – The extremity of the terrain and weather did claim runners who had to drop out. A few suffered from severe dehydration, cramps, chronic cough and bradycardia (abnormally slow heart action).
TAKEAWAY - Endurance is key but hard work and facing challenges is utmost. The marathoners at La Ultra the High 2015 showed us that even if nature is unkind, you hold the map to your destination.
Author:
Dr. Capt. Sarthak Patnaik
Founder, SSI
