Gardish Mein Ho Taarein…

It had been 650 days since I last did a proper hill training long run. That’s right—nearly two years since I willingly chose to run up instead of just forward. The last time was at Comrades 2023, and while I’ve run plenty of marathons since, I had quietly (and very happily) avoided elevation.

Until today.

This wasn’t a race. No bib. No crowd. Just me, a hilly route, and a questionable life choice made early in the morning. What could possibly go wrong?

The Calm Before the Climb

The run started off nicely. It was still early, the world was quiet, and my legs hadn’t yet remembered what was coming.

I told myself, “Today’s just about showing up.”

My heart rate was relaxed. I was even feeling slightly smug. A few kilometers in, and I thought, “Maybe I’ve still got it.”

Famous last words.

The Point Where Waat Lag Gayi

Enter the climbs.

The first one was okay. The second was annoying. By the third, my lungs were on a Zoom call with my legs trying to file a complaint.

My pace dropped. My heart rate rose. The climbs got steeper.
There was no music, but in my head, a familiar line floated in:
“Gardish mein ho taarein…”
Yes. Yes they were. Along with my posture, mood, and dignity.

One particular stretch just kept going. No end in sight, no shade, no mercy. I had flashbacks to hills from years ago. Except now, they seemed taller. Or maybe I just got softer.

The Honest Metrics

Here’s what Garmin had to say about this great “return to hills”:

  • Distance: 23.31 km
  • Time: 3 hours 13 minutes
  • Elevation Gain: 726 meters
  • Average Pace: 8:27 min/km
  • Average Heart Rate: 129 bpm

Slow? Absolutely.
Tough? Definitely.
Regret? Only mid-run.
Now? Just mild soreness and a weird sense of satisfaction.

Not a Comeback. Just a Check-In.

This wasn’t about proving anything. There was no training block leading up to this, no coach in my ear, no plan. Just me checking in with the hills—and being reminded they don’t care how many marathons you’ve run on flat roads.

They demand respect. They give nothing for free.

And that’s okay.

Because some runs are about effort, not outcome. About reconnecting with the discomfort you’ve skillfully avoided. And occasionally, about doing something hard just to see if you still can.

I’m not back. I’m not better. I’m just trying.
And maybe for now, that’s enough.

Published
Categorized as running

By Bhaskar Thakur

Bhaskar Thakur | Marathoner | Ultra Runner | Storyteller of the Road From mountain trails to city marathons, Bhaskar Thakur has run across terrains, temperatures, and time zones — with a grin, grit, and a Garmin. An avid runner since 2015, Bhaskar has completed over 50 races, spanning ultramarathons, full marathons, and half marathons, including legendary events like the Comrades Marathon (South Africa), TCS London Marathon, Valencia Marathon, and India’s grueling Khardung La Challenge. 🔹 Personal Bests (PBs): Full Marathon PB: 3:30:08 – Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, Nov 2022 Half Marathon PB: 1:40:10 – Pune Maha Half Marathon, April 2022 50K Ultra PB: 5:27:59 – Tata Ultra Marathon, May 2022 100K Ultra Finish: 15:08:00 – Pune Ultra 100K, Nov 2020 Comrades Marathon Back to Back Finish: 10:38:00 (2022 Down Run), 11:00:47 (2023) 🔹 Marquee Races & Experiences: Comrades Marathon (South Africa) — Twice a Comrades finisher (2022, 2023) TCS London Marathon (2024) — Sub-4-hour finish Valencia Marathon (2023) — One of the world’s fastest courses conquered Khardung La Challenge — 72K at 17,500 feet altitude Bhaskar’s journey is a story of evolution — from road marathons to trail ultras, from chasing PBs to cherishing the sheer poetry of running. His style combines methodical training, mental toughness, and a generous dash of desi humor, often drawing parallels between life’s ups and downs and marathon mileage.

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