11:55 a.m., December 14, 2024: I hung up the phone after a quick chat with my best friend. Nervous? Check. Doubting myself? Oh, absolutely. Five minutes later, I was standing at the start line of my first 100K ultra marathon, knees wobbling but resolve solidifying with each breath.
It had been a long journey to get here — not just in training miles but in reclaiming my mental strength. A few months earlier, I had experienced my first dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish) at The Silk Route Ultra in Ladakh. At kilometer 78 — just 4K shy of Khardung La Top — altitude sickness got me. The paramedics called it AMS, but my brain labeled it failure. The haunting sense of “not good enough” clung to me for weeks.
Friends were supportive, consoled me with, "It happens to the best." My brain countered, "Yeah, but I’m not the best. I’m the almost-best." , but inside, I was a swirling cocktail of guilt, frustration, and self-doubt. I felt grief, a kind of mourning for the race I didn’t finish. Comparison to other runners didn’t help — their victories seemed to mock my defeat. Still, I allowed myself to feel all the emotions without judgment, analyzed my training mistakes, and vowed to come back stronger.
And so, when The Border 100K opened its doors, I jumped in. Two days before registration closed.
The Border 100K Ultra Marathon : A Tribute, A Test
This race is a tribute to the brave soldiers of the Battle of Longewala. Starting at noon, it tests runners against the scorching desert heat of Rajasthan and plunges them into the biting cold of night. It’s not just a race — it’s a journey through extremes.
With temperatures soaring to 35°C by 3 p.m., my first goal was survival. Hydration was my mantra: every 10K aid station was an oasis, and I refilled my hydration pack every 20K. The desert was both beautiful and brutal, but I felt prepared. My first 50K flew by in 5 hours and 40 minutes — a solid start.
Lessons, Love, and the Long Run Back
Training for this race meant starting over with fresh eyes. I signed up with Coach Shinde, who had a no-nonsense, professional approach that blended strength training with smart running. No more junk miles. Aayana Yoga Studio became my sanctuary, where Mrinali and Swetha’s guidance worked through my niggles. Yin yoga sessions helped restore my mind and body.
I adopted the 80/20 training principle — 80% easy runs, 20% high-effort intervals. Two key confidence-boosters: a 60K trail run at Jawadhu Hill Ultra and a 55K solo effort two weeks before race day.
The Kit That Carried Me
The desert demanded versatility. I started in shorts and switched to track pants as night descended. My Brooks Glycerin 20s carried me comfortably, while zinc oxide tape on my toes and baby powder in my socks kept blisters at bay.
Nutrition? I had that nailed down. Real food was my fuel: dates, peanut butter, salted chips, and sweet potatoes. The 60K aid station served a welcome warm dinner — but my uneasy stomach meant curd became my unlikely hero.
Running the Race — And My Demons
My strategy was simple: stop at each aid station, drink at least 500mL between them, and eat every hour. Salt tablets every two hours kept my body balanced.
By 40K, the desert heat had drained me, but I powered on. At 70K, doubts crept in. Would I break again? Memories of the Silk Route’s unfinished business loomed large. But I remembered to treat the race like a series of 10K runs — just one more stretch to the next checkpoint.
The night brought calm. A full moon watched over me, and I let my mind wander to happier thoughts. 2024 had been transformative. My younger son was thriving in his internship at Taj Dubai, my elder one had graduated, and — surprise! — I had found love.
The Last Stretch
At 91K, a fellow runner asked why I was running this race. “Meet me at the finish,” I grinned before pushing ahead. I didn’t let anyone pass me after that.
Crossing the finish line at 1 a.m., I was the 11th woman and 67th overall in 13 hours and 20 minutes. Victory tasted sweeter than any medal.
Recovery and Reflection
Three days later, I was scaling Brahmatal Top at 12,500 feet. My legs groaned, but my heart soared. The soreness faded, but the pride remained. Truly amazed at my recovery as I climbed into the serene mountains with Mt Trisul in view.
Takeaways for Every Runner
DNF isn’t failure — it’s a chance to grow. Reflect, learn, and come back stronger.
Hydration and nutrition are as critical as mental grit.
Celebrate every milestone — each 10K was a small victory that led to a bigger triumph.
Run with purpose — whether for yourself or something greater.\
This journey wasn’t about speed. It was about finishing what I started. The race tested my spirit, but it also healed my soul. And as I laced up my shoes again, I knew: there’s always another race, another lesson, another chance to rise.
Because life, like running, is about persistence. And sometimes, persistence beats perfection. Would I change anything? Maybe. I could shave off 40 minutes with better pacing. But would I trade this experience? Never. I’ve already signed up for my next ultra... "pinch me"
Congratulations Deepa. U r an inspiration beyond imagination to me. While reading , felt like I was traveling along with u. Loved your spirit and determination. Am into 10 k only till now, but would surely go for next level.
Congratulations Deepa. Wonderful description of your Border Run 😍🌹🙏