Sachin's Mount Umunhum Trail Race to the Self

A longtime wish to run to the top was fulfilled today, July 19, 2020.

Having these two, the best of Omrunners meant this was a special journey in more ways than just getting to the summit. We have had many running years together which I cherish immensely.

Ranga has the whole Quicksilver  park mapped in his brain, this means he adapts the runs for distance, injury, temperature; his empathy for all is a gift we continually draw on, thank you Ranga.

Sachin, the smart, pragmatic runner and friend. The wealth of his experience– his  readiness to share, his speed and strength  (which is the best of all 3 of us). He puts it to good use by running loops to keep us together. And today was no different. He had a Paleo bar just when I was famished and a remedy stretch for my jelly quads, thank you Sachin.

The run had been on my wishlist for a little long time. I remember the times looking from Bulls run at QS longingly at the cube, Ranga calling out the date of the opening 3 years ago. Finally 2 weeks ago he declared we were ready to make the attempt.

But for my overambitious plan to start at a farther place we might have been there then. Better late than never.

Today we got birthday runner, Arvind leading us off under fog cover for the first 6 miles.  He is the superstar tri-athlete as I got to learn of his rigorous 3 days each of swim and run; he's lamenting he doesn't have enough biking time.

Note to Ranga: please add 3 more days to the week for Arvind, problem solved.💁🏽

This was a spiritual journey to the mountain of the hummingbird, final ascent was to chants of Govinda-Govinda, received by these Omrun sages

Scaled, at peace and a marathon in these times, feeling lucky😇

Gone are the days of lonesome running; it felt good to be back with the team. Thanks to Chakri's unpaved_routes group.

2/23/08 - Stanford Dish

First week out was to meet at the Stanford Dish - beautiful rainbow out to page mill. As warned parking was a scarce found the first spot. The plan was to loop around Campus drive - I ran with Madhavi and Arun, both 2007 runners; quite a strong group. At the start there were Chakri, Padma, Satya and then we got separated as Chakri was bringing up the rear for Mouli and Veena. After the 5 mile loop the plan was to go upto the Dish. There joined up with Arun and Satya and went around anti-clockwise. It was quite windy up at the top - the windcheater was helpful. It was great to have company and this week's 13+ mile was easier than last week. Thanks to Satya and Arun for keeping the spirit up.

1. Total distance: 16.5miles
2. Average pace : 13:46 min
3. Elevation : 2921 ft ascent
4. Team: Chakri, Padma, Madhavi, Satya, Gargi, Arun, Mouli, Veena
   

3/1/08 - Rancho run

This week the group was much larger; started out a little late; met up with Coach Martina, Bharat, Satya and Veena at the Barn [1 mile from the parking lot]. The plan was to loop back from fallen tree and then go to Black Mountain. Bharat and Coach Martina have done this section earlier and are strong runners. I tried keeping up with Bharat until the first of the climb it was possible and then was left in the dust :)
Saw the ultra group at the Barn before starting up on the Black Mountain charge; they have a down week so only 10 miles or something ! just sounds crazy. Vivek [of the hat throw fame @ SV @2007] decided he hadn't had enough of a run and started running with us going to Black Mountain. Rajesh and Bharat lead most of the way up to the top. The up slope was quite arduous - I slowed down substantially and focused on swinging my arms and keeping up the run [pace in parts down to 3 mph!]. There were a few adventures going down 1-way on some steep descents; there were a total of 3 such and each time it was a steep climb back. the saving grace was the narrow pathways - that seems to help the climb at least for me.

1. Total distance: 18.49miles
2. Average pace : 13:50 min
3. Elevation : 4527 ft ascent
4. Team: Chakri, Satya, Martina, Bharat, Arun, Rajesh
5. Lesson learnt: 1 gu pack not a good idea
   

3/8/08 - Bulls Run

Lone run; a repeat attempt to get to Bulls run. This time stayed focused on the original path. it helped that the weather was consistent throughout the run; was bright and sunny when I started; so just one layer was good. The climbs were as I remembered them, hard. Saw some galloping high schoolers on the trail - what a way to realize that I started running 25 years too late.
Started around 7:45am and was done before 11am. The initial distance from home was just under 2 miles, stretched at the entrance and then started the anti-clockwise loop to the reservoir.
Notes: Saw this couple who started about the same time and were done with Bulls run and I was about 3.5miles behind; wow!

1. Total distance: 13.86miles
2. Average pace : 13:01 min
3. Elevation : 3154 ft ascent
4. Team: No-shows