RunAddicts- Local Heroes: Inspiration series [Profile 10: Gautham]

He spends more time in the mountains than the city. In case you want to plan a trek up north or on the western ghats, Gautham is my go-to man. His photos at these heights are breath taking! His ascend to ultra-running and cycling has been rapid. Let us hear from him about his beautiful journey.

Gautham, Welcome to RunAddicts- our Local Heroes: Inspiration series. Congrats on being selected as a Local hero for our RunAddicts Inspiration series.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Myself Gautham Baliga B, working in Mindtree Ltd, Bengaluru as Project Lead. Born & Brought up in Bantwal near Mangaluru. Currently staying in native since WFH due to Covid-19. Trekking, Ultra Running, Cycling, Photography & Travel Blogging are my interests since last 6 to 8 years. It is a long journey so far with lot of stories! Lot of stories to tell also. (Do visit my website: http://www.bgbaligatraveldiary.com/ for my Trekking stories)

Have you been into fitness since early age?

No. I am not into fitness since early ages, it all started during February 2017 when I registered for Mindtree RRRun (10K) then I got another 3 months of gap without run. Since I am doing trekking from 2012, just completed Himalayan Trek during last week of May 2017. Once I reached Bengaluru during last week of May, started searching for any event nearby BU under IndiaRunning.com. I came to know about RunAddicts 1st Annual Run at RR Nagar and met Mohan sir during Saturday afternoon at registration counter. Mohan added me to RunAddicts WhatsApp group. I never thought that one step I took in May 2017 will make me Ultra Runner now. Thankful & grateful to Mohan Sir, Sudhir Sir, Ravi Sir, Srini Sir, Bhaskar, Sai, Mahesh & many other RunAddicts who helped me to grow as runner. If I miss to mention anybody’s name apologies for that. RunAddicts rocks!!!

 How long have you been running, and which are the events you have participated?

I am running since February 2017 (4 years).

If I am a runner today, it is because of Mohan Sir only. Thanks to Mohan Sir for adding me to WhatsApp group which helped me to grow as a runner & RunAddicts for motivation, it is because of you guys only.

If I am improved as a runner today it is because of another running group from BU – BURNERS. Thanks to Gokul & Ravikumar for regular weekend strengthening sessions at BU campus which helped me to crack endurance with ease.

Participated in 8 ultra runs, 9 FM’s & many half marathons during 4 years journey including Ooty Ultra 2018, Hennur Bamboo Ultra 2018, Malnad Ultra 2018 & 2019, Vagamon Ultra 2019, Garhwal Runs 2019, Sinhagad Epic Trail 2019, 12 Hrs Stadium Run 2019, Ladakh Full Marathon 2018, SPBM 2018 & 2019, TMM 2019 & 2020, Many more.

2020 has been completely dry for me when it comes to running post TMM2020 due to pandemic and got addicted to cycling. Ran few 10K & 15K practice runs only in year 2020 with 2 HM’s. TMM2020 is the last event I participated. Currently focusing on doing more brevet rides & aiming for my 1st SR title.

That is interesting! How many brevets have you participated and what distances have you covered?

Till date 5 Brevets. 3 200BRM, 1 300BRM & 1 600BRM.

What are your 10K, HM and FM personal best timings?

I don’t believe in PB’s. Running for healthy lifestyle and goal is now to participate in more & more ultra runs only. FM personal best timing is 4 Hours 12 Minutes 52 Seconds. Sub 4 is still a dream for me. Do not remember about 10K & HM PB’s!

How do you train for an event; can you share a few insights?

HM, FM, or Ultra run – You have goal already set; rest you have to chase it. Since I have experience with me now, it is easy to train myself even with gap of 2 or 3 months in between. It is all about getting your body prepared for Long Run, rest will power will do. Moreover, I am into regular cycling & workouts at home, it helps me to keep same fitness level.

Many complain that it is difficult to do strength training at home, predominantly it is the motivation we lack. How do you overcome this and do the workouts regularly?

Fitness has been most important part of my life for last 4 to 5 Years. Motivation is one thing everyone looks for and it is difficult to get motivated to do strength training alone at Home. There are days I feel lazy too but to keep myself fit I prefer strength training at least 2 or 3 times every week along with cycling or running. Will, Focus & Goal these things help me to overcome difficulties.

Which is your most memorable running event and what makes it so special about it?

There are many but I feel Ladakh Marathon is most memorable one because you are running at high altitude with Trans Himalayan views of Ladakh on either side of Leh-Manali Highway makes this event truly unforgettable experience!!! Malnad Ultra, Garhwal Runs – Dehradun to Dhanaulti Route is not to miss with crazy elevation, Vagamon Ultra few I can add to this list.

What are your favourite treks and your trekking goals?

Till date I have done around 15 to 17 Himalayan treks including Gupt Khal, Parang La, Auden’s Col, Chadar, Goecha La, Dafey Bhir, Pin Bhaba Pass & many even I did plenty of treks around Western Ghats but my favourites are Parang La & Auden’s Col. 

1. Parang La is so magical which cannot be expressed in Words. It is nothing but 140 Kms. Long Himalayan Journey from Kibber in Spiti to Karzok in Ladakh. It offers breath-taking landscapes of Spiti & Ladakh throughout the journey with Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass) gazing around the Valley & walking on the banks of Tso Moriri Lake makes this journey even more memorable. Most recommended for trekking enthusiasts.
2. Auden’s Col is one of the tough high altitude pass crossing at Gangotri National Park which is full of difficult terrains throughout the journey including Moraine fields of Rudugaira valley, Deadly descent from Auden’s Col, Scary walk at Khatling Glacier cos of Hidden Crevasses, Many more makes this journey toughest pass crossing at Devbhoomi Uttarakhand between Gangotri & Kedarnath. This one for only experienced trekkers.

When it comes to Trekking goals, Minimum 2 Himalayan Treks every year that is my current goal, but life is unpredictable & sometimes nothing go as planned so going with flow at the moment because of current pandemic situation around the world.

How do you balance fitness, work, and personal life?

Currently I am working in 24/7 project at Mindtree and it is difficult to go on practice runs every morning, so I plan my daily workouts according to the shift hours. Mostly avoid morning runs post night duty and try to compensate in the evening similarly if early morning duty I go for run or ride in the evening.

How has RunAddicts helped you?

Joining RunAddicts group is one of the best things happened to me in life! I found purpose of my life because if you are fit, you will become mentally strong and become confident to face life during difficult times also. I felt RunAddicts is a wonderful group of fitness enthusiasts led by humble souls like Mohan Sir, Sudhir Sir, Ravi Sir & Srini Sir who helped many amateurs to become ultra-runner now. Kudos to you guys & keep going! Hoping to continue running journey with you guys forever. Thanks a lot, to RunAddicts for making me Ultra Runner 🙂

What are your running goals?

As of now running more & more Ultra Runs on Trails such as Buddha Trail, Border Ultra, Khardungla Challenge, La Ultra, many more. Hopefully, I will achieve these goals in coming years.

What is your favourite running quote?

There are many of them but these 2 are my favourite running quotes – “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” & “I don’t run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days.”

What is your advice for beginners?

Take it easy! It takes time to achieve anything in life. Enjoy the journey & be healthy. Start with run & walk of 2 to 5 kms, slowly increase it to 10, After few 10K’s try to push it for 15K then 20k then 25K then 30K. After few 30 to 32K runs, try to run FM. During 1st FM, anyway you will complete run with lot of struggle, but you will come to know about your weakness. Work on it and try to correct during your Next FM, you will get results for sure. All the best!!!

Thank you, Gautham, your trekking journeys are so enviable. I wish you a lot of success in all your endeavours.