1. Long runs – Did one 25 kms, 2 – 30 kms and one back to back 22 kms and 25 kms on Saturday and Sunday respectively. I did this at a slow pace.
2. Hill Training – I build it from 8 kms –> 10–> 12 and ultimately, I did the longest hill run of 25 kms. I did on a highway where it was 500 mts ascent. I would climb up 500 mts and move down 500 mts and repeat.
   This helped build the calf muscles and avoided pain in the shins during Ladakh run.
3. Interval training
4. Tempo runs
   Both interval and tempo helped build muscles in thighs.
5. Fast runs of 5 kms or 10 kms.
6. Apart from that I started lifting weights 3 times a week.
   This helped make my shoulder and back strong.
7. Some yoga (only for stretching)
   It helped in avoiding injury

What should I have done and did not?

1. More aerobic training
2. More pranayama as it helps control your breathing
3. I should have ran with closed mouth for controlled breathing during practice runs.

Challenges during Ladakh run

1. Breathing issues. I was constantly getting out of breath even while running downhill. It felt like my lungs would explode, so I had to slow down just because of my lungs.
2. I was running the whole time with my mouth open which resulted in getting out of breath soon. I had never prepared for deep breathing.
3. I could not sleep well. In the 8 nights I spent there, I could sleep well for only 1 night( 6 hours straight). So my Heart Rate was constantly high which further resulted in me getting out of breath soon.

But one thing to remember is this run is unique in so many ways, you cannot expect a PB in this run . Go slow , conserve your energy and the mountains will let you pass through. Have gratitude.

Feel free to ask your questions in comments below.