Introduction by Indrani Ghosh -
When I see youngsters pounding the pavement, running with impeccable posture and strides, I can't help but envy them for having started their journey into fitness early in life. Their bodies are accustomed to the physical demands of the sport, built up since childhood. I often wish I had begun my fitness journey sooner.
However, thanks to the power of Instagram, I recently had the pleasure of meeting an extraordinary individual whose stories and experiences left me in stitches. Our hour-long conversation was filled with laughter and inspiration, and not once did he express regret about not starting his journey sooner. For him, the timing didn't matter. He seized the opportunity when it presented itself and is thoroughly enjoying every moment. He lives in the present, unconcerned about the past or future.
Listening to our conversation recording, I realized it should have been a podcast. I felt incredibly fortunate to hear his experiences firsthand, and I'm eager to share his journey with you through my storytelling.
By the way, did I mention that you're about to embark on the amazing journey of an Ultraman (not Ironman)? If you're unfamiliar with the difference, don't worry; you'll learn by the end of this blog. And if you're curious about anything else, well, there's always Google.
So, let's dive in.
In conversation with Rahul Kulkarni, from Pune.
How did it all begin?
Growing up, sports for me meant cricket, like millions of other boys in our country. Cricket was our primary source of fun, entertainment, and physical activity. During my tenure at HDFC Bank, I was part of the HDFC cricket team for nearly a decade. It was the only physical activity I associated with my life.
A few years ago, while cycling around the university campus, we stumbled upon a large group of runners. We were intrigued, wondering why so many people were out running. That's when we discovered the running community at the university and learned about half marathons and marathons. Intrigued, we decided to give it a shot and registered for a PRBM half marathon.
As fate would have it, during my first 21k race, I found myself just 1 or 2 km away from the finish line when a volunteer started running with me, urging me to achieve a "Sub-2." I had no clue what "Sub-2" meant then, but I later learned it was a significant milestone for many runners. Surprisingly, I completed my first half marathon in 1:59:59 hours, marking the beginning of a life-altering journey.
From that moment, I began creating a bucket list of endurance challenges, aiming to conquer each one. My list included:
A duathlon
Kolhapur Half Ironman
Mumbai Marathon
Leh Half Marathon
Colombo Full Ironman
Malaysia Full Ironman
Comrades
Kazakhstan Full Ironman
The Ultraman Florida
Duathlon and Triathlon – Kolhapur.
Our coach gave us an idea of what the training should be. He taught us technical knowledge on cycles, know how to fix punctures. Know your machine. While running, your body is your machine. You should know your body better, similarly during cycling, your cycle is your machine. You should know it inside out.
I completed that event pretty satisfactorily.
Now my mind was looking for something even more challenging and different.
So next gradual progression was to do a Triathlon.
We had a seasoned runner amongst us who had done Colombo Ironman before, so he persuaded us to register for that.
In between we registered for the Leh Marathon, as I wanted to do something different.
This way, we planned events in a gap of six months and each event was different from the other. After running at Leh confidence was at its peak.
Before Colombo, I did Kolhapur again. This time “pani wala” :D. (First Triathlon)
Swimming has always been a big challenge. I am still scared and not comfortable with open-water swimming. Even after doing a 10km swim at the Ultraman event, I am still petrified of the open water swim.
In Kolhapur Bergman Triathlon, they have a rope in the water, so with the support of the rope, I completed Kolhapur 70.3 in 2017
Columbo Ironman - 2018
Running and Cycling I knew I would nail it. My only goal is to come out of the water successfully and with whatever time is left manage the other two segments.
In the lead-up to the event, we embarked on practice sessions to prepare. However, during one session, a massive wave caught me off guard, filling my mouth with water and prompting me to exit the water after swimming for just five minutes.
That night, sleep eluded me as I grappled with doubts about how I would overcome this challenge.
But I did and completed the Colombo Ironman in 2018, successfully.
What’s next?
We were looking for something cheaper option this time, “kuch sasta sa , nazdik wala” (Something cheaper and closer)
A friend suggested Malaysia Triathlon and we just blindly registered for it, and later we came to know, that Malaysia is the toughest triathlon as it has the highest elevation :D
Malaysia Ironman – 2019
Once again, I found myself pleading with a higher power to help me through the swim portion of the Ironman, confident I could handle the rest.
However, the challenge proved to be the toughest yet, with an arduous 180 km cycling route that took me 8 hours due to elevation. Barely making the 6:30 pm cutoff, I collapsed in exhaustion, barely recovering in the 20-minute transition period before the marathon.
Contemplating giving up, a friend convinced me to push on, reassuring me we had ample time to complete the 42.2 km run. Despite blisters and exhaustion, I completed the Ironman, vowing never to do it again. Yet, within a week, the urge to challenge myself returned 😊
The Keeda was awake.
Before I could plan anything much, Covid hit us.
I did the TATA Ultra Marathon in Feb, and then everything stopped due to COVID-19. But I continued with my practice and kept on doing strength training.
I understood the importance of ST in triathlon. After two years of strength training, when I felt, I had gathered enough strength now, I registered for Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, 2022
Leaving aside the scare of water, rest I did confidently 😊
For the three days of the practice session, I could just go in for 200-300 meters and could not swim beyond. Others got scared of me. But as I said, I somehow do it on event day.
Indrani – “Oh, at least you moved beyond 25 meters? :D How do you do it? How is it possible to complete a swim distance with so many fears and anxiety in mind”?
Rahul - “I don’t know. Mentally I know I will do it, so I do it.”
During the Malaysia Tri, the friend who was with me was a very good swimmer. We had to swim 400 meters to and fro. I was at the shore, he said, “Let’s go”, I said, “Ya, let’s go”. He comes back and asks, “You are done so soon?”
I said, “Bhai main gaya hi nahin andar. Idhar hi khada hun :D” (Brother I didn’t go inside the water, I stood here on the shore) 😊
Then he again went with me, and we did backstroke for new meters.
Kazakhstan is done, now, next is what?
It has to be something niche, something different. I wanted to avoid the trap of constantly chasing better timings, as that path often leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. Once you get into the timing thing, you will never be happy. Then you forget to enjoy the moment. You forget to enjoy the event.
In my head, I thought let’s do Ultra man, it’s the toughest Tri of all. Very few people have done this from India.
All about the Ultraman, Florida - 2024
The preparation part -
Embarking on the journey towards Ultraman Florida 2024 was no small feat. Seeking guidance from Kaustubh Radkar, who had conquered the challenge previously, I delved into the intricate details of preparation. With over a year to train, I knew the road ahead would be demanding.
Registering for Comrades, a renowned ultra-marathon, aligned perfectly with my Ultraman training regimen. However, navigating the financial demands of such an endeavor proved daunting, especially without sponsors. Balancing a demanding job in banking with rigorous daily training sessions, each lasting a minimum of two hours, presented its own set of challenges.
Moreover, the spotlight that accompanies participation in such high-profile events brought its own challenges. While some offered genuine support, others introduced an element of competition and scrutiny. Determined to maintain a low profile amidst the noise, I remained focused on my journey, undeterred by external distractions.
Day 1 - Swimming segment –
In this Ultraman Florida, you have to swim for 10 km (I never thought in my wildest dream I would be swimming this long)
My coach used to get worried thinking about how I would do this. Just 1.5 months before the event, we had a practice session of 8 km. I came out after 3 km. He asked me “What are you doing? Kar thoda to swim kar”. I assured him "come what may, I would not let you down on the event day."
Against all odds, the swimming segment proved to be surprisingly smooth. Despite battling fear and anxiety, including numerous trips to the washroom, I refused to entertain thoughts of giving up. Once in the water, a relentless determination took over, propelling me forward even as the cold water and swelling waves tested my resolve. Thankfully, the accompanying kayak provided crucial support throughout the challenging swim.
Day 1 saw me conquer 150 km of cycling, setting a strong foundation for the following two days. Remarkably, mechanical failures were non-existent, allowing me to maintain control and consistency throughout. Each day's cutoff time of 12 hours was comfortably surpassed, with all three days completed in sub-11 hours.
Day 2-Cycling segment – 430 km of cycling (out of which 150 was done on day 1)
On Day 2, the cycling segment presented a formidable challenge: 280 km of grueling terrain with steep elevations. Navigating the route proved tricky, relying heavily on Garmin Navigation due to the lack of route markings, which posed a risk of cyclists veering off course.
Logistical preparation for a triathlon of this magnitude is extensive. Unlike a marathon where you can simply pack your running gear, planning for an event like Ultraman Florida demands meticulous attention to detail. From choosing between a tri bike or road bike to ensuring backup wetsuits and spare cycling parts, every aspect must be accounted for. Hydration and nutrition planning for three days adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful consideration and packing.
Transporting your bike via flight adds another layer of logistical drama. During our Kazakhstan Triathlon, “Bas gidgidana baaki tha”( Navigating bureaucratic hurdles).
Despite the logistical complexities, these experiences contribute to the richness of the journey, providing anecdotes to reminisce about and lessons to learn from.
Day 3- Running segment – 84.4 km of running
Running was ok, but I started feeling low on energy after the 44th km. But thankfully I had no cramping issue. Coach changed the hydration plan by looking into the scenario and that helped me to stay on course. I told my coach, “I need to sleep, let me sleep for a while”
So, I slept for a while, before I resumed my running.
I completed my triathlon with 1:05 hours to spare.
The support of the crew members
People often enter a trance-like state during endurance events, unaware of their deteriorating condition until it's nearly too late. Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial, and this is where your support crew becomes invaluable. They ensure you stick to your plan, keeping hydration bottles ready and providing the necessary solid food to sustain you without upsetting your stomach.
In such self-supported events, every aspect must be meticulously planned and executed. You need a dedicated crew to fulfill your needs and adhere to the rules, as any noncompliance results in a penalty of 6 minutes. It's essential to complete each segment with a buffer of time, requiring careful planning and execution throughout the grueling journey.
Recovery plan
In those three days, the focus isn't solely on the 11 hours of activity but on the crucial 12-13 hours of recovery that follow. Proper recovery sets the foundation for success in the subsequent days of the event.
Throughout the Ultraman, I maintained a mindset free from tension or stress. Conserving energy was paramount, especially with two more days ahead. There was no benefit in pushing to finish 10 minutes faster when ample time remained. Instead, I prioritized conserving energy for the following days, ensuring I had the reserves needed to tackle the challenges ahead.
Transitioning to a vegan diet in the last four months proved to be a game-changer for my recovery. Not only did it aid in digestion, but it also prevented excessive fatigue, allowing me to approach each day feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge.
The Euphoria moment –
As I approached the final 4 kilometers of the Ultraman Florida, an unexpected wave of sadness swept over me. The realization that the event was coming to an end hit hard. Yet, at that moment, I made a conscious decision to savor every step. I wanted to imprint this experience in my memory forever.
Those last 4 kilometers were the most poignant of the entire journey. Overwhelmed with emotion, I crossed the finish line with 1.05 hours to spare. Surprisingly, there was no pain, irritation, or negativity accompanying this achievement. Both mentally and physically, it was an immensely gratifying experience.
Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the power of mental fortitude. With the right mindset, anything is possible. If you start thinking oh, I have to cycle 280 km, it's like cycling from Pune to Belgaum then it won’t happen. It's a lesson I'll carry with me long after the race.
Family Reaction and post-event felicitation
The reaction from my family post-achievement was overwhelming. Both of my sons expressed immense pride and happiness in my accomplishment. I attribute much of this success to my mother, who, despite not fully grasping the magnitude of the event, ensured that my dietary needs were met by preparing food according to my requirements. Her unwavering support played a crucial role in my journey.
Additionally, my super boss took the initiative to send an incredibly encouraging email to all my team members at work, further adding to the celebration of my achievement.
At this moment, I am fully immersed in enjoying the well-deserved recognition and basking in the joy of the accomplishment. While the Khardung La Challenge
maybe on my bucket list for the future, but for now, I am content simply relishing the present moment and all its glory.
Runner - Rahul Kulkarni, Pune
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