I'll be running a 50 km (31.5 miles) race on Saturday. My friends informed me that the trail ultras are quite different from marathons, especially if you do not "race". My friends are I plan to walk all the hills and run the flat/rolling portions. This is quite a tough course, with plenty of elevation. It will be an experience to eat potatoes during a run. I have eaten dried mangoes, pineapples, ginger and peaches during long runs before. This is quite a tough course, with plenty of elevation.

Usually, older folks run ultras; often people in 30-70 age group.

I am quite excited! I am running with a couple of friends who are planning to run the 50 mile race that day. One of these friends ran a 100K race last Saturday and the Big Sur marathon the week before. He is training for the Western States 100 mile race later this year, if he gets selected in the lottery.

Update: It was tough. The course was hilly throughout. It took me 8 hours and 30 minutes. I twisted my ankle at mile 12, kept running, but twisted it again at mile 14. I walked (and ran a bit) from mile 14 to 26 and then ran to mile 29. I hit the wall at mile 29, it was 85F by then. But I kept going. I knew that if I stopped for rest, I would not be able to move again. I slipped twice on steep descents, cramped both legs and walked the last mile in sheer agony. Glad to see my wife and child at the finish line! I've never quit a race or a long run ever and didn't want to start now. I'm not bragging, but I felt really proud of myself for finishing.

Thanks to iPod for sustaining me throughout the eight and a half hours. I began by listening to the Beethoven symphonies that were made available by the BBC, moved to rock, some hindi film stuff and so on. When I was feeling really down, the playlist had by a strange quirk, moved to Joni Mitchell's California, an apposite ending to the long journey.

California I'm coming home
I'm going to see the folks I dig
I'll even kiss a Sunset pig
California I'm coming home