Everest Marathon - The saga continues - May 27th/28th

Throat much better, fever seems to have subsided but now the headache and tummy flu have kicked in. This marathon is a pharma company’s delight. Hope I get these two out of the way by tomorrow, and focus on the run down. This I was told by our doc that this could be cold induced so I had to wait till tomorrow to see how things go. Meanwhile the snow continued unabated and the dry land we had walked into, with Kala Patthar black as stone, now white as snow. Incredible change over the last 24 hrs.  Took some paracetamol and went to sleep waiting for the big day to get to base camp.

Tue May 27^th

The snow was coming down thick and fast as we made our way through breakfast looking out of the window, downing the porridge and egg and waiting to get out.

The loos in each of the lodges as we went higher got more and more basic with running water and flushes in Namche with a separate bin for TP, to no running water and water to be chucked into the flush, to flushes not working!!! With the temperature dropping as we gained altitude from 13000 ft in Namche to 16500 ft in Gorak Shep.

Each bit we ascended was a learning in how important the basics of life were, and how much we had to be grateful for.

So off we went while the snow continued to fall incessantly and we trudged up and forward gradually. My child hood dream of getting to Everest Base Camp was on its way to being fulfilled. I was not focused at all on the run now, it was all about the trek to EBC from Gorak Shep. Another ridge and then we had great views of glacial pools and seracs on Khumbu Glacier. Then a descent to cross a gushing river and up again to get closer and closer to EBC.

A great cheer came up from the leaders of the group as the view of the tents came into sight. The amazing porters had already carried out big bags and made it to Base Camp to set up the tents, the toilet tents and mess tents – while the snow kept on its onslaught.

Hot tea and soup later we had another round of diamox to act as a preventive for altitude sickness. The only downside was that you had to drink tons of water and pee every few hours including at night. Kurt and I got into our tent and set up our thermarests on top of the mattresses that had been laid out, and set up our tent. Got out for dinner after an attempted snooze with heavy breathing wondering how I would last that night and another night. I thought about all the nights in our college expeditions or school treks, staying at similar altitudes and I realised I was now tending towards being claustrophobic and would need to give up my sleeping bags and tent living after all these years now when I had great equipment.

The dinner was great. It was luxury to get served hot food on our plates at Everest Base Camp. Everest did not want to be seen and the tragedy of the Sherpa lives lost on the mountain was fresh in everyone’s minds and all we could see were clouds and tents and a few bits of the Khumbu icefall whenever visibility improved. We then trudged back to our tents and got ready for our 1^st night at base camp while the snow kept coming down- every 5 minutes the tracks to the 70 tents were obliterated as we slipped and went waist deep in parts, as we went off the ‘track’, It took 15 minutes to get inside our tent as Kurt and I dusted the snow off our jackets, snow off our shoes, and pause to catch our breath. Were we actually going to be able to run(?) over here J I t was going to be one exciting and challenging night. I hoped I was not going to have to pee often given that we were still on diamox for preventing acute mountain sickness. No stars, no view, just snow coming down like crazy – we were lucky there was no wind else that would have been crazy. Our tent was on a bit of a slope and that was going to be a challenging sleep particularly as I was still coughing like crazy and was worried that Kurt would be the next group casualty.

Wed 28^th May

The decision had been taken to move back to Gorak Shep – there was too much snow for us to have the run start at Base Camp – it had NEVER been so bad in the 13 years of this event. So we were to pack up and move back to Gorak Shep.

I was happy since the night had been rough on me and I would rather start from a sleep in a lodge at Gorak Shep as opposed to starting from EBC in the tent – wet, cold, a bit claustrophobic and then having to pack everything back before the run. The 15 times we had to kick and hit the top and sides of the tent to get the snow off and reduce condensation, and the 2 times the staff cleared the tents again, and the incessant snowfall all added to the excitement but also took it’s toll as I coughed and spluttered through the night.

The tea was great in the morning but for the life of me I could not find my sunglasses either in the mess tent or our tent and my running pack. I have to thank Pasang our leader and 7 time Everester - for gallantly lending me his sunglasses for me to use on the way down, to prevent snow blindness – even though it was overcast and snowing. We took quick pics as we then packed and began our slow and somewhat dicey descent down on a freshly made slippery track. The glacial lakes were beautiful, made somewhat more ethereal by the low visibility and the clouds and the falling snow. That 5k trip took a loooooong time to happen. It was almost as if Everest did not want to reveal her face and yet wanted us to be close by for as long as possible. We had stayed a night on base camp – a privilege kept only for mountaineering expeditions and now the marathoners. That was a treat in itself.

Since many of the porters had already been sent back down, we were carrying heavier loads down than when we were coming up, and the conditions made it quite and exercise, not the best for a total rest day before a grueling marathon.

Two of the Brazilians who were just behind us seemed dehydrated and we gave them water and some munchies and later the next morning we were horrified to learn that both were down with snow blindness since they had now worn sunglasses that day, and were helicoptered down to Kathmandu, as was another couple also down with snow blindness, and another participant who had to opt out after an hour of the race for the same reason.

Reaching the start line with no injury and in a fit condition was a feat in itself as many of us were depleted with one or more of headache, tummy flu, fever, poor acclimatization, and more. Over the last few days I had been hit by laryngitis, tummy flu (which luckily only lasted a day), fever which was more off than on particularly in the last 3 days, and a headache – something that under normal circumstances would have gotten me to pull out of the run. But running was also the quickest way down the mountain – and so I quickly scratched out any plan B from my imagination. Paracetamol for getting the mild temperature down, lozenges for the throat and cough were popped and sucked while I got into my race gear, added a few layers, and the post a great dinner, went off to sleep.

Everest Base Camp Marathon Contd 15th May to 3es June

Sunday 18^th May

The sun came up pretty early and our alarms set to a precision wake up time of 630am for a 7am breakfast were not of much use as we woke at 5am with the light.

Oats porridge, 2 boiled eggs and toast and tea and we were off to Namche Bazar.

The trek was steady with some ups and downs and a few suspension bridges en route to the gateway of Sagarmatha National Park. I think the Indian National Park managers should learn a thing or two about park management and implement it – from general cleanliness, to some base information to friendly staff and onwards. No hard selling of photographs and gear and snacks! No wonder so many foreigners feel so much more welcome in Nepal.

The fun part about an easy paced acclimatization with many stops is that you get time to chat with everyone individually and collectively and laugh and joke and bond. Around 7km and a net 200m higher we were having lunch at Jhorsalle post which the trek started getting a little more rugged. The Dudh Kosi Gorge narrowed as we crossed a few more suspension bridges and we started climbing a bit more. Today we were bumping in to the group A trekkers more frequently including at some of the stops. The focus was on easy and gradual acclimatization. Then started the steep climb up as we left the river roaring down below and started climbing up the rocky switchbacks and doing what we had never yet done before on the 2 day trek. It was tiring, energising and rewarding as we looked down every now and then to see how much further we had ascended. We then came to a set of 2 suspension bridges high above the Dudh Kosi and we had to cross the river on the upper one which was a good 300m above the river and over 100m long. Going over that was a much talked about experience in itself. And then the ascent continued. Switchbacks and less chatter and then a wee bit of singing to cheer things up. And more. 200m altitude to go. And then we came around to Namche Bazar. A sigh of relief as we started seeing more homes and hotels. We had been really lucky with the weather so far and had no rain. The forecast for the week ahead unfortunately seems much more rainy – but lets see how it goes. Sona Lodge was nice and comfortable and will be home for 2 nights. Everyone tired but feeling great. Susan came in an hour after us but she was looking good

Monday 19^th

Susan and Harry not feeling good this morning – both look like they are going down. Went out for a leisurely walk with the group this morning – being our rest day. Great first view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest! Too bright to take snaps of the snow peaks but we tried our luck in any case.

Got to head to the bank to get some local currency for charging stuff and perhaps for a couple of locations of wifi if possible post which we will have a group yoga session back at the lodge.

Tue 20^th

1^st Blow – Susan on oxygen and evacuated by helicopter to Kathmandu and Harry feeling like he had to go down too. We left post breakfast of porridge to which I added my protein powder, still debating about whether or not to have diamox as a preventive for high altitude sickness. I hadn’t slept too well the night before with a bit of heavy breathing and I tossed and turned weighing the side effects vs being evacuated by a helicopter later on. All but three of us were on diamox in any case by now. So I started on the preventive dose.

The start was stiff – a straight climb from out of the lodge to the top of Namche Bazar where we went to the finish line and checked out where a few of us would finish!!

And then started a really steep ascent from 3400-3800m which was breathtakingly beautiful up past the tree line and on to the dirt airstrip of Shangboche and then to Everest View Hotel. The gradual pace helped since this was no race yet – all of us had to make sure we acclimatized and did not screw up in the process with any heroics. Had to carry tons of water apart from a warm jacket, windcheater, snacks etc in my backpack along with my heavy camera bag – anyways – all this was good for acclimatization too, so I chugged along. Being pretty cloudy we only got snatches of quick peeps if some peaks but the route was gorgeous as we descended to the twin villages of Khumjum and Kande past Rhododendron and other flora. Dianne from S Australia and Ulefat from Israel and Samir from Nepal and I did the walk down – the clouds started clearing a bit and we started getting some stunning views of Ama Dablam but it was too harsh light for any half way decent snaps of the mountain.

Khumjum is yet another neat and clean Sherpa village with all the fields neatly lined with stone boundaries and all the stone homes with green corrugated tin roofs.

Reached our lovely Inn with an Italian owner and his Sherpa wife, and then did a walk around to a monastery with ostensibly a Yeti scalp and then to the Kande Village Hospital. I was impressed with the simplicity of the people, the non commercialization and lack of peddling wares and begging for stuff and touts.

Slept really well after a lovely pasta and cheese dinner and set my alarm for 430am to catch some snaps of Ama Dablam by sunrise.

Wed 21^st

Foggy and misty at 430 but I saw the shadowy outline of Ama Dablam through my window and dashed off to the dining area with a blanket and camera and lay there facing the window opening my eyes every 2 minutes to see if things had cleared. Saw some interesting lights displays around this peak with a rainbow halo and lights changing a bit, and then I walked out at around 5am to the school and around the Paradise Inn Lodge to get some different angles of Thamserku and Ama Dablam peaks.

8am saw us depart to Thyangboche and join the marathon route- this stretch was going to be a tough section of the marathon with a 100m ascent to Thyangboche Monastery, a 600m switchback drop down to the Dudh Kosi river past a suspension bridge and a 500m climb up towards Khumjum and finally a 5k or so back to Namche. We were doing this route in reverse and it was a killer – the switchbacks, the terrain, the weight on the back, and the continuous, unending climb gave us a taste of what was in store on race day as most of us added on a few hours to our earlier estimated finish times. But this also rewarded us with spectacular views around Ama Dablam, Rhododendron forest, phenomenal views of the Dudh Kosi Valley and more. Well worth it. We all added an extra hour to our estimated marathon finish time.

When we reached Thyangboche monastery, on of the holier Buddhist sites in this area we were delighted to be able to go in for a while and sit in silence as the 15 monks there chanted, amidst clanging bells, a huge drum and some horns. Time really stood still and I wondered what if anything must have changed in their lives over the last 200 years.

A delightful and huge Bakery just below the monastery was where our group decided to go for coffee and some sweet stuff – I downed a cappuccino and shared some apple pie – both of which were delightful. Our two trekking groups who were staying in lodges, were there so it was nice to mingle with others whom we used to only meet once in a while as we were too big a group to stay in one lodge. Great views of Everest and Lhotse and Nuptse and many snaps were clicked with many poses.

A scenic descent through rhododendron forest then took us to Debuche village to our really posh Rivendell Lodge – PHENOMENAL views of Everest and its neighbours from the dining room , garden and even from our room and over the last 5 hours I have just been clicking snaps from different angles with different settings hoping at least a couple will come out right, and now awaiting the perfect sunset snap in case the clouds behave and a lovely sunrise snap of Everest tomorrow.

Ciao

Thu 22^nd May

1 week to go and we have a lovely trek up to Dingboche which was going to be all along the river till our lunch stop and then across it and up another valley. 5hrs and 11km approximately and 600 m of net ascent perhaps 1000m gross. The trail started through a rhododendron forest with white and pink flowers in bloom with a descent of around 100m or more – but this is what we would have to climb up during the marathon. Many descents to rivers to cross a bridge and then climb up close to the ridge back again on the trail. Beautiful views of Everest, Lhotse Nuptse and Ama Dablam till a few clouds covered them.

The climb, altitude, backpack and camera bag were tiring, especially with the continuous switchbacks after every river crossing. We were all adding hours onto our estimated marathon finish time. And then we finally arrived at Dingboche at our lodge, above the tree line, only juniper and other scrub around.

Charged my laptop for Rs500 but was unable to get a signal to connect with my family or to the internet to upload this and a few photographs.

The high point of the evening was hot towels at dinner, so all of us felt fresh as lilies as we had a good dinner followed by our nightly briefing of the next day’s plan.

Fri 23^rd May

Today is a rest day for acclimatization at Dingboche and as part of that we went up for a trek of 6km up and down the Vivre loop that we were all going to be running. While it was only a 100m higher than where we were it definitely was around 250m + of gross height gain. I had lost track of what the gross ascent was overall and I don’t think my cell phone with runkeeper will hold out for the whole time of my marathon.

Lovely views of Ama Dablam’s West Face, Khangtega, Peak 38 and Island peak, as well as Lhotse and Nuptse – Everest was no longer visible. The 3km trek up from where we were also expected to get cell phone coverage was humbling but gorgeous. I had changed back into my heavy duty Puma trail shoes from the lighter ones I had tried on the last few days. Lots of group photographs and fun as we went up and then a few of us ran down bits and pieces to acclimatize.

Sat 24^th May

We were off on our way to Lobuche- with the usual 645am packing, 7 am breakfast and 8 am departure. Ulefat was down with a stomach bug and she puked 10 minutes out. Bad time to get this but still a few days to recover, Shogo was steadily recovering from his tummy bug, I was getting a sore throat so my running towel doubled up at as muffler at night. The tree line was crossed as we trekked over juniper lined rocky trails and saw Pheriche village down below us with Pheriche Kola river below us in a wide valley – kept looking back to see what the trail would look like as we would be running down. This would be one heck of an adventurous marathon – one of the most exciting in the world. Had to make sure we did not descend on the way back to Pheriche but kept onwards to the Stupas above Lobuche and then the vivre loop. Ots of things to keep in mind while running down on the 29^th.

We reached the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to the main memorial of many of those who died on Everest and neighbouring peaks in the region. Solemn and humbling, but this would have been the way these people would have wanted to go.

This section was more runnable but at 4500m + I am sure we would be gasping for breath while running even here. A few more uphills later we reached the ‘village’ of Lobuche just as the weather packed up and the clouds came in. Many helicopter landings on the helipad just outside our lodge – wonder how the Italian pilot of the chopper does these landings with pretty poor visibility to land on a teeny 10ft by 10ft ‘helipad’ and lift off within 30 seconds of dropping his cargo and picking up his passenger. We were hoping he would be dropping vargo of meat for our dinner J but no such luck. The guitar that was to have made it from Namche a few days ago to Dingboche was back at Namche so I told Pasang Sherpa, our leader, to keep it that way.

Sun 25^th May

We started our trek up to Gorak Shep at 5150m and this was spectacular. The valley opened up more for some panoramic views, The Khumbu Glacier was below us and we could see several glacial pools and seracs and the icefall coming down from Nuptse just as the swirling clouds moved up the valley. Going up and down on the moraine was tough and each of us wondered how we had to be extra careful especially on the downhill sections here on the rocky terrain and stay on the right ‘track’.

Pumori – the perfect peak was now visible and this panorama really had us mesmerized so as we huffed and puffed up, we felt it was more than worth it.

A few more uphill sections later we were delighted to reach Gorak Shep.

Really looking forward to tomorrow’s trip up to Kala Patthar at 5550m both for better acclimatization and a gorgeous panoramic view of the Everest range. The plan was for a 4 am start for most folks and I decided to keep Harry and a few others company and start at 3am. I now had a headache and had lost my voice so I was being over protective of my throat and I stopped talking, I am sure much to the relief of my mates.

A few medicines later I went off to sleep at 8 after dinner. It had been snowing mildly from 4pm but nothing much to worry about.

Mon 26^th May

Got up at 340am as the 3am start had been canned. Got ready with all the layers – 3 on the legs and 4 on the upper body with socks on top of my ski socks and came down with my trekking pack, water, concentrated sports drink )magic potion) to a white out – the 4am trip was called off and we were told to come back for brekker at 830. Conditions not better with around 3-4 inches of snow but visibility very poor at camp itself – around 100m at the moment which could drop to 5m any time. Anyways – was decided to have a trek to base camp and back and another to Kala Patthar and back starting at 10am – I bravely opted for the latter, as many checked out of both those options.

We set out at 10am and slowly started the snowy and rocky climb up – it was amazing how quickly a lot of us were getting out of breath. Michael came down from 50 ft and then Di and Rex decided to turn back another 100m up and Craig and me also decided to come down – there was no view and it was going to be a few hours coming down with clear visibility. This was another beast altogether.

We were three days before a really tough marathon and under normal conditions we would be resting, carbo loading and staying off our feet. I was not going to risk going up and then slipping on the way down, with no view as an upside.

Throat much better, fever seems to have subsided but now the headache and tummy flu have kicked in. This marathon is a pharma company’s delight. Hope I get these two out of the way by tomorrow, and focus on the run down. This

Everest Marathon Continued

17^th May

4am wake up and Kurt my roomie who had come in from HK at 1130pm was up and bright too. 457am with all the bags at reception with the other folks – those who were camping were leaving the next day, us guys in the lodges were in 2 groups of around 22 each. The Twin Otter 14 seater taking us was an experience – the smallest I had been on before this was a Dornier. A half hour later I realized that this was the only size that could make it to Lukla which has a sharply inclined airstrip, which looks all of 300m long. That was quite an amazing landing, even according to Kurt who flies for Cathay.

Briefing, teaming up, baggage check and a few hours later we were off – Past the Lukla airport to the road to Everest. I wondered how many thousands of people made it on this route every year to climb Everest or a peak around, and several more, to trek to Everest Base Camp – EBC. Irish Pub, German Bakery and more – Lukla was buzzing from what used to be grazing pasture land before Tenzing and Hillary’s climb in 1953.

The mule track was wide but rough enough to fuel the excitement of what was to come ahead, as we walk along the Dudh Kosi Valley. Kosi meaning river and Dudh for milk – because of all the rapids.

We kept a slow easy pace, and chatted as we went along – Ulefa, a climber from Israel is the first Palestinian woman to come on this marathon. Susan Weeks a 200 time ultra marathon from LA – a gritty and tough 72 year old was all set, Steve from Cape Town had been through many triathlons and a few marathons before. Diane and Rex from Adelaide were here because Diane had gotten into ultra running post starting off with a 10k just 5 years ago. Shawn from Canada and Shogo from Tokyo were rooming up and had run several marathons themselves.

We passed several villages along the way and the loveliest one was just called Ghat 6 in the Solo Khumbu District. The houses looked really inviting, much like Switzerland perhaps 100 years ago. I could settle down here for a few months a year for sure. Bland dinner of great soup, rice, dal, boiled veggies and papad. Off to sleep like a baby – 20 rooms with one loo and one wash basin!!

Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon - 2014 - Here I come for my 50th

EVEREST BASE CAMP MARATHON AHOY: At Kathmandu now - tuning off emails and work and getting down to the fun part of getting ready for the trek up to Everest base camp - am all kitted up with harmonica, guitar and cameras for the way up, and Puma gear and cameras for the way down. I will surely remember this 50th Marathon.

There comes a time when you are close to achieving some goal - but then you realise you are also pushing yourself to the limit. And you wonder what the heck you are doing. Well - this is one such time for me as I have just started reviewing the list of things we need for the Everest Marathon - my way to celebrate my 50th Marathon a goal I set for myself in 2002 in Chicago at my 2nd Marathon. Headlight with spare batteries in case you get lost or take longer than 10 hours and it starts getting dark, whistle, wound cleaning kit, compression bandage among a whole host of other things. I am meanwhile packing a harmonica, asked the organisers if they could arrange a guitar for the 12 day trek, and stuff like that so that one can chill out while acclimatising. I am also eagerly awaiting the Nikon that I have ordered and hope that comes in before I leave on the 15th of May and get ready for this one on the 29th of May. As a mountaineering enthusiast in school and college i was always fascinated by Everest and keen to make it to the base camp. Now I will be going there in a different avatar - as a runner. I think that will get me to appreciate the approach to the base of Everest as much as the mountain itself.