Marathoner Raj Vadgama is focusing on his mental aspects while preparing for the La Ultra Run, considered as one of the toughest high-altitude races in the world.
"As the run closes in, my training is taking the uphill route, tougher, stronger and merciless. Actually the humid weather is exactly opposite of Leh weather but atleast it improved my mental strength," Vadgama, also trained in martial arts, told PTI.
La Ultra is a 222-km run which will be held from August 17 to 20 in the Leh-Ladakh region. It equals around five and a half marathons.
"At La Ultra, I will be running in diverse weather conditions, where there will be 50 per cent less oxygen at 17,500 feet high terrain. There, we would be facing fluctuating temperatures between -6 to 40 degrees Celsius," said Raj about the challenge.
The race starts at Diskit (Nubra) valley, which is 10,500 feet above the sea level and goes up to 18,000 feet, passing through two mountain passes - Khardung La and Wari La - before finishing at Sakti which is at 12,500 feet.
All this has to be done within 48 hours where the runners are fighting fatigue, sleep and blistered feet.
According to Vadgama, the race is like a roller coaster ride, but he is all set for it.
"I am working on lungs and heart conditioning with my medical experts now to improve my anaerobic threshold. But most importantly I am working on my mental stability and strength," he added.
Vadgama, who is supported by the Edelweiss Financial Services for the Run, says hard tasks excite him.
He admits that he is facing pressure before the Run and feels an ultra runner needs an over arching support.
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