-- Running through a new area in Chansandra --
A new exploration in Chansandra (8.6 Miles) -- 05/30/14
Imadihalli - Chansandra - Rail Tracks detour - Hope Farm - ECC - Lake trl.
Time: 1:17:49
Mileage: 8.6 Miles
Estimated Pace: 9'00" / mile, this feels a little faster than usual...
Wght: 73.1 kg / 161.2 lbs
Woke up at 4. Nashta, Stretching and Namaaz on the balcony under the stars,
clear skies and more clement temperatures. I leave around 5:30, right around
daybreak.
Having taken the Rail Road detour, I finally run the dirt road to the right,
which plunges back into Chansandra. This is a thrilling new route, taking
me deep into relatively large slum communities (tents, settlements), waking
under the morning sun. Dogs are pretty bad, one whose rear body is completely
lame still attempts to chase me, but nothing happens, arousing the curiosity
of the slumdwellers, waking up in front of their tents, "Naigullu"
I smile to them. I have to find my way through trails and alleys back to
the tracks, eventually describing an elegant loop.
I will definitely return here.
-- Train Station, Pattanur --
Surah Burooj (10.9 Miles) -- 06/01/14
Main Road - Kundahalli: 0:22:40
Back roads into Maratahalli - Outer Ring Road - road into
Pattanur: 0:22:43
To the Balagere Road train stop (Pattanur): 0:09:04
Balagere road back to Vartur - through small alleys - back: 0:46:26
Time: 1:40:53
Mileage: 10.9 Miles
Wght: 72.8 kg / 160.5 lbs
-- Cricket fields, near Outer Ring Road --
In some ways, this is new, although I've done this in reverse.
It's a clear morning, and the main road isn't too busy
on a Sunday morning, then I find my
way through the small roads of Marathahalli, rendered muddy by last
night's powerful storm. From Outer Ring Road, I explore an exciting
road through workers' camps, very muddy, that eventually reaches the
rail tracks. From there, it's familiar territory on Balagere Road
back to Vartur.
But I tire through this last part, finishing without stopping
but running on empty. Last night's storm hasn't cleared the temperatures
enough, I sweat profusely, my clothes seeming exageratedly heavy from
the passina. I take the small alleys of Vartur on the way back to
distract myself from this near exhaustion.
Pretty good overall though, considering that I just got back
from US a week ago. Carrying a single flask of water, which seemed
about enough, but this is another day where I'll be forced to drink
frantically throughout the day, to combat an excessive sense
of dehydration.
-- Along Balagere Road --
-- BasavanaNagar, early morning --
Vain attempts by the lake (7.8 Miles) -- 06/04/14
BasavanaNagar route:
PM Hamlet - Nellurahalli - Accenture - Kundalahalli lake and Slum -
Brookefield - RxDx jct: 0:43:49
BasavanaNagar - Failed attempts around Hoodi Lake - Main Road: 0:28:21
Time: 1:12:10
Mileage: 7.8 Miles
Wght: 72.8 kg / 160.5 lbs
Got up this time at 4:15. Long stretching/study on the
balcony before daybreak.
The temperatures have escalated again, even so early. This is another
"heavy drenched T-Shirt" day, where clothing seems to weigh a ton from
sweating, chafing my nipples.
I don't have that much extra time, but I still feel in an adventurous mood
this morning. I first take the Kundalahalli lake detour, which is striking
as usual, especially so early. It's actually quite active on the water
edge, a battery of women striking their laundry, and many men pooping
in plain view. Going through the slum proves a little difficult. A fearless
dog shows aggression, for once not backing down. I turn to the onlookers
for help, but they don't seem particularly interested in my predicament,
reprimanding the dog with little conviction. I make it through fine, smiling
at the slumdwellers for this distraction.
Later, in BasavanaNagar, even though I'm running out of time, I finally
decide to explore a way around the lake and through to the other side,
which potentially could avoid the main road. From a large field, I run
along a wire fence that bars access to the Lake until I hit an opening.
Here too, scattered people relieving themselves, and occasional groups
of men, sitting on their heels. I choose to circumvent the lake clockwise,
but the trail, passing a group of men laundrying clothes, is eventually
overcome by thick brush. I turn back, try a little further to pass through
an open field, only to find access blocked by a tall corrugated metal
barrier that has partially collapsed, but not enough to allow access.
I retrace my steps to the main road, where I finish the run the usual
way, arriving just in time for the morning meeting.
What would have happen if I circumvented the Lake the other way? It's
likely that there actually is no passage, but I'll be sure to try it
nonetheless.
I have resumed learning Sourah Yaseen (beyond Mouh'tadoun), making
rapid progress, quickly reaching the 3rd Moubine.
-- Silk near Harohalli --
The beautiful road to Harohalli (8.7 Miles) -- 06/08/14
The road to Harohalli, with Priyaa and Deepak
Hagadur - Ajgondanahalli - Timandhalli - Beautiful road -
Harohalli - back via second trail - Back to Imadihalli -
Back trail by the stream.
Time: 1:22:44
Mileage: 8.7 Miles (assuming a 9'30" / mile pace)
Wght: 72.4 kg / 159.6 lbs
With Priyaa and her husband Deepak -
We set off at 7.00. Beautiful weather now, with a pleasant
breeze throughout, a welcome break from last week after several
enormous storms. I hesitate to take the back trails, fearing
flooding, so we stick to the road into Imadihalli.
The scenery in the villages is at its best. We run a very
comfortable pace, enjoying the morning, stopping a few times.
The silk season is starting, and thanks to Priyaa's knowledge
of Kannada, we talk to the peasants, who explain the process
(one of them invites us to his house, but we don't take the time).
The day is so nice that I decide to go into Harohalli, for the
first time after so long. Nobody sees us in Roopa's and Anjun's
alley, but sure enough, I get recognized and still called by
name a few times. After two years, comments one of the boys...
The way back is also beautiful and pleasant. The everchanging
landscape has closed some trails, opened others. We run slowly,
but manage to stay together. They are amused at my way to bhagana
the dogs, calling out like a peasant. I even jokingly demonstrate
the handling of the rock, which only takes a single showing for
the dogs to back off. Near Ajgondanahalli, we are stopped again
at Rahman's house, and meet the owner of the house for the first
time, a older man who speaks perfect English. We both lament the
frantic rate at which things are being developped, eating away
the landscape, here too, the road is being broadened, and all kinds
of toxic detritus has been dumped into the river.
Enjoying the day, I decide to take them through the back
trail, as a last treat. I was right though, certain sections
are rendered nearly impassable by the mud, but still, everyone
is a good sport and we wade through.
A good run. We'll probably repeat.
As I come home, Ruksanna is still busy cooking the Biryani.
She reproaches me not having woken her up earlier. I recount
the day, "hamne reshmi dekhi". She bounces almost in a panic,
what??!, while I search for the right word, Rashmi, Reshm, Silk...
Ha, she says understanding now with relief, Reshm,
tum mujhe kitna dharate ho...
She had misunderstood that we had met Lakshmi from Kadugodi,
her former neighbour in the slum...
Morning and Evening (10.2 Miles) -- 06/12/14
Thursday 06/12/14 -- Morning and Evening
Morning ----------
Chansandra Night route, by day (via Prashanth Layout, Elim/ECC).
Time: 1:00:07
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Evening ----------
Itpl - Pattandur - ECC road - PM hamlet - T-Zed
Time: 0:31:26
Mileage: 3.7 Miles (estimating a 8'30" / mile pace)
Total ------------
Time: 1:31:33
Mileage: 10.2 Miles
Wght: 73.2 kg / 161.4 lbs
Friday 06/13/14 -- Morning and No Evening
Morning ----------
Chansandra Night route, by day (via Former Sahana Hotel, Lake Trail).
Time: 0:58:59
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Evening ----------
Total ------------
Wght: 72.7 kg / 160.3 lbs
Thursday:
Morning, classic Chansandra route, now in full daylight with a 5:40 start.
It could be risky here due to the evacution of the Kadugodi slum following
the gruesome attack on Suresh. We know the slumdwellers have dispersed
fearing random police reprisals, but don't know where.
Chansandra would be a likely
place, but luckily I don't catch sight of anyone.
We don't have a driver for a few days so I decide to run home in the evening
as well, in a way happy about the opportunity. But Ruksanna calls me as she's
in a hurry, since she needs to go prepare for tomorrow's cooking for the
Ozone staff. She herself is taking Sofia to and from school on the scooter.
I decide to run that way on ECC road, and indeed, I meet her in Burkha on the
scooter in front of the school. I've run fast to free her up asap for her
errands.
Friday:
A night of many wake-ups! The sting of a mosquito on my hand wakes me up,
I fall back asleep, it happens again, enraged, I apply cream on my hands,
now I get stung in the feet, fall asleep again, this time to be woken up
by a series of power cuts made noisy by the movement of the fan,
and finally wake up again at 4, thoroughly sick
of all this, I get up! Luckily, I feel good...
Ruksanna has asked me to wake her up so she can prepare for the Ozone staff
lunch that she has agreed to cook. As usual, she struggles to open her eyes
in the morning. But we spend a good moment together. Tonight is shabaan,
stirring memories.
The run is fine, slight stiffness from yesterday. Same route generally.
Affirming my knowledge of Yaseen (up to mounzileen), and like yesterday
rehearsing the "big surah's" on the run. I am actually quite confused
about where the Juz falls within Yaseen: Is it after "mouh'tadoun" (as
I previously thought) or after "Moukrameen"? I'm seeing different versions...
Either way, I've now for sure completed until the end of the Juz.
Still without a driver, I was planning to run in the evening like
yesterday, but a violent storm thwarts my plans. I come back with Nicolas
instead, looking at the streams flowing in the streets, wondering if I
should have risked it.
-- Feeding the Ozone staff --
Back to Harohalli (7.6 Miles) -- 06/15/14
Imadihalli - Ajgondanahalli - Timandhalli - Harohalli,
via beautiful route: 0:40:29
Back via smaller trail: 0:31:34
Time: 1:12:03
Mileage: 7.6 Miles (estimating 9'30" / mile)
Wght: 72.2 kg / 159.2 lbs
With Priyaa and Deepak, much like last week.
We follow a very similar route to last week, although
cautiously stay away from the muddy trails given the torrential
storms that have hit this week. But we stop
for a banana in Ajgondanahalli as Priyaa, who hasn't eaten in
the morning, is feeling a little faint. We also stop by a Khabrstan,
the tombs all in Kannada, as I fail to understand the Hindu
burial rituals (I
thought the dead were always burnt). They can't really explain it
either....
In Harohalli, we stop this time. It's probably been about two years,
all the children have grown, and most have left the village, or at least
are busy outside for the day. We stop by three houses, Roopa's, Anjan's
and Lavania's, each time stubbotnly resisting food but forced
to accept tea.
Funnily, the villagers have all upgraded to flat screen TVs. Rakesh,
the timid boy, shows up driving a heavy motorbike, and I could not
recognize his little brother Chittu.
In Roopa's house,
The old Auntie produces the picture album in which many of our DDU friends
are featured, from the days when I would come here every Banavara. She hands
me the phone over to speak to Roopa who now studies in Dodbalapuram,
at her father's house. It's great to talk to her, although she seems
saddened that I've re-married without inviting them, doing her best
to digest her sorrow. She now has permanent access to email and remembers
my address.
On the way back, the cotton factory near Imadihalli seems to have
been completely torn apart by the violent storms this week, the corrugated
metal sheets caught in the palm trees...
-- Cotton Factory in Imadihalli, wrecked by the storm --
Perpetuum Mobile (9.3 Miles) -- 06/20/14
Chansandra Night Route, with detour to the rail tracks,
all the way to the Chansandra railroad crossing.
Time: 1:25:50
Mileage: 9.3 Miles
Wght: 72.6 kg / 160.1 lbs
Up at 4:00, out at 5:10, in meeting at 7:00. I wake up
on the balcony, contemplating the clouds, but some flying insect
keeps pestering my ears.
Set out at the crack of dawn, good daylight by Naugondanahalli.
In Chansandra, after having run the side road to Whitefield station,
I decide to push along the rail track to the Chansandra railroad
crossing, an area that I haven't visited in a long time, where
Manni and Sathia, Ubagarimary and Dudai used to live. I stop in sight
of the rail barrier to turn back, having taken enough risk. On the way
back, I catch a man waving at me at the corner of my eye. It looks like
SaundraPandiyan's father (Dudai's father-in-law), the poor man
had come from Tamil Nadu for the birth of his grandson, and perhaps
has stayed here ever since. This serves as a good warning, it would
be foolish to run here again.
Later, in spite of such an early start, I find an easy pace,
of such nature that it seems I could run forever at this exact
effort, like the impossible mouvement perpetuel.
I am still rehearsing Surah Yaseen, the rhythm of which has dictated
this perfect pace. Uncharacteristically, I occasionally
peek at my phone to memorize another verse that hasn't
yet completely entered my mind.
Memories (10.6 Miles) -- 06/22/14
Vartur - Balagere - Trail to Gunjur Paliya - To College: 0:57:13
Back via Gunjur - Main Road - Vartur: 0:43:55
Time: 1:41:08
Mileage: 10.6 Miles
Wght: 72.3 kg / 159.3 lbs
Easy pace. An hour into it, reach again this steady permanent state,
where it feels like I could easily run forever, let myself be brought
home by the wind. Have been rehearsing Yaseen in a loop from "Vaaliyalah"
to "yastah'dhioun", careful after a fast start to not push forward to
quickly.
A fantasy on the slight uphill back to Vartur, imagining a climb
on the bike, as I get off the saddle to overtake these pedestrians,
other riders who had dropped me on the flat but whom I easily dust
on the climb! How easy is my breathing, how agile is my movement,
up on the pedals!
The memories of the Double Centuries, the endless wild miles...
Of Dogs and Men -- 06/26/14
Tuesday 06/24/14 -- Vydehi Hopsital
Siddapura - Nellurahalli - Vydehi - Sai Baba
Time: 0:41:30
Mileage: 4.5 Miles
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 lbs
-----------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/25/14 -- Chhota Rasta (Hagadur / Borewell)
Time: 0:34:32
Mileage: 3.7 Miles
-----------------------------------------
Thursday 06/26/14 -- Of Dogs and Men
Chhota Rasta (Hagadur / Inner Circle / ECC / Lake Trail)
Time: 0:32:24
Mileage: 3.5 Miles
-----------------------------------------
Friday 06/27/14 -- Chansandra Night Route, via Dog Alley
Time: 0:55:55
Mileage: 6 Miles
A complete meltdown yesterday, probably the combo of overtraining, excessive
pressure - and having drank at my birthday party on Sunday night. I come
home to sleep most of the afternoon.
I have resolved to take it easier, and just about stop for Ramadan, possibly
resuming piano on that occasion. Today, I take Chhota Rasta, but decide
for an impromptu detour through Videhy hospital, as I've seen people taking
a little trail that way to the side of the "stinky" road. Surely, through
a hole in the metal fence, it indeed leads to the Videhy Hospital (where
Sofia had first been treated from TB, and where Suresh is rumored to be staying
after his brutal attack. Towards the entrance, a boy calls me "bhaia", I'm
unsure whether he has recognized me or just reacting to the odd sight of
the White Man running.
With Ramdhan approaching, I have lost interest in running, sort of a
"all or nothing" mindset...
Still ramping down before the start of Ramadhan next week, measuring
the impact of the morning run on the fast, or how to structure meals
evening and morning.
Near the Lake, a group of dogs. With what assurance do I discipline them.
Would I be able to display the same poise with men? Something in my
assurance must repel the beasts, but would I be able to carry that same
courage confronted by men? Or would the inevitable debilitating fear
grip my stomach, collapsing under the challenge?
We may never know the answer.
A day where nothing quite works.
I wake up at 4:30, settle on the balcony, but not finding the mosquito
cream, am quickly assaulted in my ears and feet. I pray Namaaz outside
but so unable to concentrate that I have to repeat sections of Burooj.
I then operate a strategic retreat inside under the constant assault
of the !$^3 mosquitoes.
On the run, I feel heavy, lethargic, unmotivated. I do a full rehearsal
of Yaseen along the way, revealing some sections that are starting to
fade. I can't quite fit two full rehearsals during the time of the run...
Nearing ECC, the run still not feeling very good, I decide to cut short
through "Dog Alley", where luckily only a single dog barks at me.
I was cautiously carrying a rock....
-- Surah Yaseen --
Roza -- 06/29/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 06/29/14 -- 1st day Roza
Wght: 72.7 kg / 160.3 lbs
In Namaaz, full Yaseen to end of Juz (minal moukrameen)
Piano practice: Schumann Sonata #1
FOr this first day of Roza, I stupidly cheated,
thinking I could not go without
coffee, drank some around 6. I won't do that again.
My routine through this Ramadhan will include less running (I plan
to only run the 1/2 hr Chhota Rasta to work), and so I am using the
extra time for a longer Namaaz, and resuming Piano! (after a several
year interruption). The music I knew comes back incredibly fast, and
very quickly I feel already back to where I was. Playing is very moving
at first, and then I'll probably stumble against the same obstacles.
I don't have time to learn anything new, but I still have enough
to revive in my old repertoire to keep me entertained for some time.
My Electric Piano has a few sticky notes (1 Mi and 2 Re's) which are
very annoying, so to some extent I'm forced to play around those.
I should really attempt to get it repaired, but as often let
non-essential things drift, week after week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/30/14 -- 2nd day Roza
Wght: 72.7 kg / 160.3 lbs
In Namaaz, full Yaseen to end of Juz (minal moukrameen)
Piano practice: Beethoven Waldstein Sonata
After the Schumman Sonata, which I hadn't touched in years, it's the
Waldstein that comes quickly back under my fingers. Ruksanna is waken
up by the "plop plop plop" of the keys as I play with headphones. She
thought Sofia was playing Tabla!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/01/14 -- 3rd day Roza
Chhota Rasta (PM Hamlet / Nellurahalli)
Time: 0:35:00 (clocked at 9'30" / mile)
Mileage: 3.7 Miles
Wght: 72.2 kg / 159.2 lbs
3rd day of Roza, but first day with running. I am very worried about thirst,
but it doesn't pose as big a problem as I feared. I of course run the shortest
route possible at the least amount of effort (very slow pace), but still, I
can't avoid abundant sweat, even so early in the morning (5:40 start).
I woke up at 4:15 for the meal, completed by 4:40. I've decided to include
Yaseen (to the end of Juz) and Sourah Burooj in morning Namaaz. The run is
generally ok, although it isn't comfortable to run on a full stomach.
I eat abundantly through the night, waking up a few times for Dahi or Cereal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/02/14 -- 4th day Roza - The Great Migraine
This ends up being a very difficult day.
Because there was no morning meeting, I decided to go back to sleep after
Namaaz, before driving to work. Therefore, I did not drink coffee. I
think I can handle the deprivation of Caffeine based on experiments in
Nagore or Chennai. Colossal error!
On top of that, Ruksanna invites me to stay in bed as she has decided
to read "My Nest is Best". I can't refuse, nor explain to her that I
really need to get moving to properly wake up, so I stay in bed at her
side, while my mind is being invaded by the dreaded fog.
At work, the terrible sensation increases, developping into a strong headache
(for which I can of course not take anything), to the point of dizziness.
I somehow manage to survive until 5, then desperately go home. Interestingly,
the moment I don't have to hold it together any longer is when it turns
into a full blown violent migraine, the most painful I've had in years.
I end up on the bed agonizingly waiting for the end of the Roza, trying
in vain to find something that might mitigate the pain. Screaming wouldn't
even help, and sleep is unthinkable under such pain!
When finally we open Roza, I feel so sick that I can barely eat, on the
edge of vomiting. I manage to ingest Advil, and finally slide into slumber
which will provide me redemption. I expect (or hope) to feel light
after such a strong access.
Ruksanna though forbids me to keep Roza the next day. She deliberately
does *not* keep food anywhere in the kitchen for the next morning,
"main nahi rakhoungi".
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 07/03/14 -- 5th day Roza
Chhota Rasta (PM Hamlet / Nellurahalli)
Time: 0:34:18
Mileage: 3.6 Miles
Wght: 71.3 kg / 157.2 lbs
The next morning, I feel great!
Like a storm dissipated, the migraine has left me with a clear mind.
I'm quick to decide to keep Roza again.
The usual meal around 4:20, Namaaz (long form, with Yaseen and Burooj),
followed by stretching, during which I proceed a little further into
Yaseen, and Piano. About to leave, I convince Ruksanna to let me
fast again, promising that if another migraine were to occur, I would
treat it this time. My father has always had them too if he didn't
drink coffee on the morning of Yom Kipour, making his own special
exemption to the fast. She relents, half asleep.
On the run, I rehearse the big Sourahs, Yaseen, Burooj, Alaq and Balad.
Through the tent communities in Nellurahalli, I am called by Akhbar,
washing outside at the bucket, whom I had barely recognized, a grown
young man by now.
"Ramadhan Moubarak", I salute him turning back.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/04/14 -- 6th day Roza
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158.1 lbs
After a near perfect day yesterday, it seems like my body has suddenly
fully ajusted to the Roza. I feel no particular hunger or weakness, just
a discreet permanent lingering headache, like an echo of the great
migraine. I am no longer hungry at night, so stick to the two meals,
at 4:15am and at 7:00pm. Thirst doesn't seem to be as much an issue
as I had feared. Remarkably, the fast now clears my mind, especially
in the afternoon after a short nap that I take in my office. If anything,
I feel strangely energized, sharp.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/05/14 -- 7th day Roza
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158.1 lbs
On this day, Ruksanna has decided to perform Zubah, offering a goat
in her name.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 07/06/14 -- 8th day Roza
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158.1 lbs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Surah Yaseen --
Roza -- 07/07/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 07/07/14 -- 9th day Roza
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158.1 lbs
Ruksanna was going to keep Roza too, but when I wake her up at 4, she
barely shakes her head, not even able to open her eyes, "no"...
The good fortune of Roza continues. I now look forward to that distinctive
state of clarity, that peaks in the afternoon after the brief lunch time
nap. I did not anticipate this state of heightened alert, complemented
by a pleasant slight drowsiness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/08/14 -- 10th day Roza
Chhota Rasta
Time: 0:34:55
Mileage: 3.7 Miles
Wght: 71.2 kg / 157 lbs
Woke up at 3:20. I have handled last night's meal better, and at least
wake up ready to eat. We are still eating remains of the goat head and
feet from the weekend. For some reason, the Roza leaves me craving for
Dahi, which we haven't had at home for a few days.
I am progressing in Yaseen again, but with a 6:30am meeting, don't have
time for Piano this morning. The run is ok, although running on a full
stomach feels somewhat uncomfortable, and of course slow. At least the
morning temperatures are now pleasantly cool, although I can't avoid
sweating, and will be left with a persistent thirst throughout the day.
The same state of mental clarity permeates me once again in the afternoon.
Instead of the mental fog that sometimes painfully bogs me down, I feel a strange
ebulition in my mind, a sort of alert rush in the brain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/09/14 -- 11th day Roza
Chhota Rasta (Hagadur - Borewell rd)
Time: 0:37:11
Mileage: 3.9 Miles
Wght: 70.9 kg / 156.3 lbs
The same regimen. Up at 4, eat by 4:40, Namaaz (Yaseen, Burooj) then
stretching (while studying), out at 6:10, run sluggishly on a stomach
too full.
Am progressing again rapidly in yaseen, adding a full verse every day,
which will probably lead to a confused pause very soon.
I am sick of eating this goat head! I jokingly ask Ruksanna while waking
her up before leaving to feed me something else! She laughs...
Like yesterday, thirst is somewhat of a problem, as it never seems to
abate throughout the day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 07/10/14 -- 12th day Roza
Chhota Rasta
Time: 0:35:10
Mileage: 3.7 Miles
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs
Today light rain, muddy or wet grounds, actually not unpleasant.
Have to be in meeting at 6:30.
Up at 3:30 again, caught the over-time and penalty shootout between
Netherlands and Argentina. I haven't slept much since I also watched
a re-run of the 7-1 Germany Brasil disaster match till 10:30.
Progressed still in Yaseen, reaching now the "Soub'ha nalladhi" verse,
although I plan to pause again to fully digest what I've learned so
far.
As usual, uncomfortable heavy stomach on the run, and permanent thirst.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/11/14 -- 13th day Roza
Chhota Rasta (Hagadur - ECC - Lake trail)
Time: 0:33:30
Mileage: 3.5 Miles
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs
Piano: Aufschwung, Robert Schumman (briefly)
The Roza continues to provide me surprising energy. In fact, after very short
naps at lunch or evening, I seem to sleep much less yet feel very invigorated.
And again this superior clarity of mind...
The Lake Trail is being widened too! Unbelievable! Soon, there won't be
a single dirt trail left in the area!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 07/13/14 -- 15th day Roza
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs
Good piano practice this morning, after Namaaz and stretching.
No running of course over the weekend.
After the week's jubilant enthusiasm, I'm starting to tire from the Roza.
Yesterday, without the structure imposed by work, I felt sluggish and
slept a few times, before collapsing at around 8:30 in the evening.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Surah Burooj --
Roza -- 07/14/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 07/14/14 -- 16th day Roza
PM Hamlet - ECC road - Pattandur Agrahara
Time: 0:39:20
Mileage: 4.1 Miles
We hadn't kept any food from last night, so this morning, I had to cook
pasta and eggs. It turns out, having gotten up at 4, I have just the time
to do that and be finished eating by 4:40.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/15/14 -- 17th day Roza
Hagadur - Borewell rd - Nellurahalli
Time: 0:35:54
Mileage: 3.8 Miles
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs
Woke up spontaneously at 3:45, feeling really good. Today's food, a much
lighter veg rice with carrots, and dahi, works much better, less digestive
pain running. (This also teaches to relax the stomach while running which
mitigates the pain).
I feel great actually today. The traditional lunchtime short nap is not
even required. Also, we went to the dentist for Ruksanna (as her mouth
pains had restarted), but to my extreme relief, this seems unrelated to
her previous condition. I'll admit I was freaking out, dramatizing that
this could be the onset of cancer.
I repeat the "soub'ha nalladhi" verse along the way, having now mastered it.
I plan to continue until the next Ruku (now that I know what those are).
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Wednesday 07/16/14 -- 18th day Roza
Through Hagadur, via Ram Statue - Whitefield Outer Circle - ECC road.
Time: 0:36:57
Mileage: 3.9 Miles
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
In spite of taking deep relaxed breaths, running on a full stomach
turns out to be a problem again. But otherwise, I feel fantastic.
Yesterday was one of my best day, that remarkable clarity of mind
and overall energy, even in the evening.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 07/17/14 -- 19th day Roza
Hagadur - Whitefield Outer Circle - Borewell rd. - Sai Baba.
Time: 0:46:18
Mileage: 4.9 Miles
This was destined to be a bad run, but the exact opposite happened!
I ate so much at Jagdishwar's daughter's birthday yesterday that
I have to force myself to eat anything this morning. And have slept
even less. So the run starts slow, in the usual digestive discomfort.
But I find such a appropriate slow pace that just allows to take those
deep relaxed breaths, which today successfully cure the stomach. And
then, through the open space in Nellurahalli, I am greeted by a wonderful
morning wind, I hold my body and head high letting the air permeate me,
this is what I like, the wind. Unexpectedly, through the Sai Baba area,
I achieve this perfect running state, where it feels I could go on
perpetually. As I am building confidence in my mastery of the Roza,
it really feels that I could run more, which of course doesn't mean
that I should. As often happens when I do something for the first time,
I seem to have gotten it just right, partially through over-preparation
in face of the unknown (whereas subsequent attempts, without the thrill
of novelty, can get complacent). I continue to marvel at my miraculous
energy through this period. Exactly the opposite of what I feared.
In morning Namaaz, I've extended the portion of Yaseen to the next
Ruku (the end of the "va in koulloullamaa" verse). I also read the
full Surah for the first time before the start of the Roza.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/18/14 -- 20th day of Roza
Imadihalli - Whitefield - Outer Circle - Borewell rd. - Sai Baba.
Time: 0:56:36
Mileage: 6 Miles
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
Up at 3:30am, before the alarm. But feeling great!
As I get increasingly confident with the Roza, I start lengthening
my runs. This works out just fine, luckily, the weather has been
pleasantly cool and windy in the mornings, and the sweating hasn't
particularly increased my thirst. If anything, I feel a little
hungrier than normal today, but it's manageable.
I continue to progress in Yaseen, finishing page 7 in the little book
(up to Houm Mouzh'limoun), which is still a little less than half
the whole Surah.
Last night, I dreamt that I drank a Coke, after having momentarily
forgotten about the Roza!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/19/14 -- 21st day of Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
Ruksanna and I committed a chhoti si infraction to the Roza this morning.
But hey, we love each other so much, Insh'allah, Allah hamara gounah
maaf karenge...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 07/20/14 -- 22nd day of Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
Worrying stories about Zameer, cut my otherwise excellent mood.
Aufschwung and the Waldstein in the morning, the entire development
section of the 1st movement.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roza -- 07/21/14
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Monday 07/21/14 -- 23rd day of Roza
Hagadur - Outer Circle - ECC road - Pattandur Agrahara.
Time: 0:37:12
Mileage: 3.9 Miles
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
I definitely read till the end of the Ruku, now that I know its significance,
and see that it's more relevant than the Juz. This morning, good work
on the development section of the Waldstein, interrupted by Ruksanna
calling me from the bed (loud, to overcome the headphones!)
She enjoins me to apply caution on the run, pretexting that I am Roza.
But why is she so worried, I ask her, has she heard or seen some threat?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/22/14 -- 24th day of Roza
Imadihalli - Whitefield - Inner Circle - ECC road - Pattandur Agrahara
Time: 0:46:56
Mileage: 4.9 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
I read all of Yaseen, then parha in Namaaz up to the 2nd Ruku, followed
by Surah Burooj. On the run though, I take a break from Yaseen, instead
revising all other Surah's, fearing that I may began to forget them. But
no, for the most part, they're relatively intact in my memory, with the
exception of Surah Humazah.
The fast has become quite natural now. Yesterday I hardly felt any
discomfort from it. We broke fast in Chansandra, in a new little outdoor
shopping complex where Ruksanna is looking for a new Doukhan (which
Munna will eventually reject, thinking the place is too "fancy"...)
Shortly after I write this, I realize that I am actually quite hungry.
But that's good, I like being reminded at all times of the act of Roza.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/23/14 -- 25th day Roza
Chansandra Night Route
Time: 1:06:16
Mileage: 6.6 Miles (My pace is more like 10'00" / mile!)
Wght: 70.9 kg / 156.3 lbs
Insomnia last night, after a brief episode of sleep, I feel so restless
that I have to eat again cereal, shortly after Iftar. I also feel strangely
hot (even though it's not), adding to the discomfort. I finally do fall
asleep, to be awaken around 3:30 by a powerful "HEY!" by Ruksanna, who
just dreamt of a stranger coming in through our kitchen door. At least
she didn't hit me this time!
Still heavy from the night's food, I have to force myself to eat, unfortunately,
a pretty fat chicken in saalan. Not feeling great this morning, but the run
still manages to wake me up. The digestive pain is constant, but in control.
For the first time, I am back in full fledged running, taking the habitual
Chansandra Route. I pass that array of new doukhane that we visited the
other day, like a mini-outdoor shopping mall. What's becoming of this place,
changing so rapidly. Like Ruksanna puts it, "garbage people" (the
slumdwellers) would not come here any more. Is the Kadugodi / Chansandra area,
that I used to think as a live Cour de Miracles, be ridden of its poor?
Along the main road, a man sleeping in the ditch, his head covered with a
jacket, like a corpse disposed of there in the muddy grass. I respectfully
do not take a picture. Through the hamlet by the lake, a dog is particularly
bothersome, disciplined by his owner. I finally bend down mimicking the
action of picking up a rock, which immediately sends the dog in retreat.
On the run, past the usual Yaseen, I have like yesterday rehearsed other
Surahs. I stumble a little at first on Qariyah and Humaza, but am overall
satisfied that it's still all more or less in my memory.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 07/24/14 -- 26th day Roza
Imadihalli - Whitefield - Borewell Road - Nellurahalli - Sai Baba
Time: 0:57:13
Mileage: 5.7 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
Feeling great! A mix of rice, spinach-like things and potatoes is an ideal
morning meal, does not produce stomach pains. 6:30 meeting. No stretch.
Near Sai Baba Hospital, a voice from a group of men yells "Hey!" as I pass by,
I exchange a quick smiling glimpse with one of them. Could some of them have
been KadugodiValle who have recognized me? A little later near ITPL, a driver
also makes a strange noise out of a car. I'm wondering why I'm garnering
all this attention today, the big day, where we go to the Police for the
Passport Interview.
Full rehearsal of ALL surahs during the run.
-- Ruksanna in the early morning, listening to Urdu TV --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/25/14 -- 27th day Roza
Chansandra Night Route
Time: 1:05:20
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
What a wonderful day!
Yesterday, we went to the passport office where, in spite of
a long wait, things went well. I was prepared to be separated from
her and wait outside, feared the place would be a mess like the RTO
office and that we would get inquisited, but none of that. I staid
with her and Sofia the whole time (luckily, as some queues required
advanced reading, which I'm sure she could still have figured out),
the place was friendly and well organized, and no questions asked.
As expected, the office daily processes a large number of applications
so not much time for excessive scrutiny. I found it better nicer
than even the FRRO. We did wait for a long time though (from 12:00 to
18:00), which got a little difficult on the Roza. But things could
hardly have gone better!
Ruksanna wakes up with me for once, in fact, we get up at 3:20.
Because in the queue yesterday, I teased her to keep at least one day Roza
before the end of Ramadhan, she today decided to fast with me. Like
yesterday, having not made prior arrangements, we cook Pasta and eggs,
which actually provide perfect nutrition for this, nutritious and
lasting, but not heavy. We Parh Namaaz together, which I let her
lead, with Surah Ikh'laas and Surah Naas, following which I recite
Yaseen up to the second Ruku, as has been my practice during Ramadhan.
Like yesterday, there isn't much time for stretching, but I set out
on the run, leaving Ruksanna at home. She won't let me kiss her
goodbye during Roza!
The run is fantastic. I feel such ease today, probably buoyed
by the Passport Seva yesterday. The pasta digests so easily that
I don't even feel particularly slow or heavy today, and besides,
after trying to add another verse to Yaseen, my mind embarks on
a fantasy where I am called to defend myself at a trial, where
I give a rousing speech that brings tears to my eyes, and the audience
slowly rising in ovation. The emotions of this silly fantasy put the
last touch on a perfect awakening this morning, to the point where
I wonder if there could be a technique there.
Feeling good about the Roza, I have boldly increased my running
this week, totalling a weekly 4h35, a good average number, especially
without any weekend runs! I joke with Viren about my clarity of mind
in dailies, which actually is a little challenged today. It's Friday,
he observes with a smile.
-- Surah Yaseen --
Minna Auntie -- 07/31/14
Chansandra Night Route
Time: 1:05:02
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs
Today is Bandh, suite au viol scandaleux d'une enfant de six ans a
Vibgyor school. Work has arranged for everyone to be in by 6am.
I do not disrupt my normal routine, leaving around 5:30, after Namaaz
where I continue to recite the first two Rukus of Yaseen, like I did
over Ramzan.
All is actually remarkably quiet outside, and buses and cars seem
to be working. Ruksanna's Doukhan in Hagadur has already been replaced
by a new sign, and the little outside shopping mall in Chansandra is getting
ready.
As I pass by the Bus stop near the College, I briefly cross eyes with a
woman with a round face. Could it have been Minna Auntie, the woman who kept
the Chai carriage at the entrance of the Kadugodi slum?
I should consider changing this route, perhaps come more frequently
from the Hoodi side.
Naïgullu -- 08/06/14
Imadihalli - Whitefield Outer Circle - ECC road - Lake Trail -
Time: 0:42:30
Mileage: 4.6 Miles
Wght: 71.4 kg / 157.4 lbs
For whatever reason, dogs are particularly aggressive today.
Through Imadihalli, one dog with a collar starts following me, but is
himself being chased by an aggressive pack. But he stays with me,
perhaps using me as a shield. Lot of barking and snarling, that continues
all the way to Imadihalli. There, I finally "gesture for the rock", which
is enough to send him away. But it's not over, other dogs seem unusually
aggressive, and at the end of the Lake Trail in Pattandur, one comes
after me again, to where I have to threaten him with a rock.
Not sure what's gotten to them this morning...
Namaaz: 2 Rukus Yaseen, Surah Alaq.
Post Ramadhan (7.1 Miles) -- 08/14/14
W. Trail - Dunmore House - Accenture - Epip - Basavanagar - Main road.
Time: 1:05:36
Mileage: 7.1 Miles
Wght: 71.8 kg / 158.3 lbs
Exhaustion. Unfortunately, the post-ramadan continues to be difficult,
and I miss the clarity and energy I had then. I'm still kind of holding
it together though, but the nap at lunchtime is a must, and I can't wait
for Penguins to be over!
-- Between Muthsandra and Kotur --
Vash'Shamsou, the Sun (11.4 Miles) -- 08/17/14
Vartur - Madhuranagar - Muthsandra: 0:51:43
Kotur - Harohalli: 0:17:13
Ajgondanahalli - Imadihalli - Hagadur: 0:36:42
Time: 1:45:38
Mileage: 11.4 Miles
The first semi-long run, much needed, after the end of Ramzan.
I start slow, focusing on getting into the rhythm, waiting for
the effect of the run to penetrate my body, like waves in the wind.
The weather is perfect, a mild sunshine and the delicious wind, how
good it feels to be outside!
I stop briefly at Shilpa's house in Madhuranagar, seeing her
sitting on her heels in front of her house. But without much Kannada,
we don't manage very far, and politely decline the food she's offering
me. Her house is now two stories, but it feels that she's met some
difficulty. Her sculptural face looks tired, marked.
The road to Muthsandar is also widened, but has been left in dirt.
What will come here? Is this where the new ring road will pass?
On the stretch to Kotur, I stop by a flower field. A man whom I
hadn't noticed invites me in to take better pictures, opening the wooden
door. In spite of my very limited Kannada, we actually manage to exchange
a few words. I compliment him on the beauty of his flowers, which he sells
in Vartur and City Market. His house is in Muthsandra. I remember on this
somewhat remote stretch receiving once a call from Ruksanna, in our early
days, and running back fast to meet her!
A little further down the road, approaching Harohalli, I run into
Anjun's father, but resist his offer to accompany him to his field. Later
still, I run into a runner, a sight that would never have occurred six
years ago. The road has actually been widened here too, this small village
road which used to always be in some form of disrepair.
I finish the run easily, having found that great comfortable rhythm
that carries me gently.
I am rehearsing the "Shamsou" aayat's of Yaseen. Over and over,
making slow but steady progress through the 3rd ruku.
-- The man and his flower field, Muthsandra --
Early Morning Night Route -- 08/19/14
Chansandra Night Route
Time: 1:01:27
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Manage to run a full hour, in spite of a 6:30am meeting.
Full darkness at the start, and this traditional "night route" is
also starting to have bugs: Sections of the road in Hagadur are without
public lighting. Day light starts to peek around Naugondanahalli...
In Chansandra, I think I see again Munna Auntie waiting at the bus stop,
completely alone at this early hour, which makes her even more conspicuous.
I pass by looking at my feet as if I was absorbed in my running, picking
up the pace.
Because of the power cut (7.5 Miles) -- 08/20/14
Main Road to Kundalahalli Gate: 0:26:08
Through Brookefields - Intersection at RxDx: 0:16:53
BasavanaNagar - Main road to ITPL: 0:25:06
Time: 1:09:07
Mileage: 7.5 Miles
Wght: 73.1 kg / 161.1 lbs
I meant to go the Gym this morning, but the Club House has been out of
power all night. No problem, in fact, I enjoy these small opportunities to
improvise, so here's another semi-long run. Not quite sure what to do
with about 1h15, I decide to attempt a variant on the Hoodi route, by
following the main road all the way to Kundalahalli Gate, then into
Brookefields. It's not particularly exciting, but it is new, and perhaps
opens up possibilities for exploration beyond Brookefield. At least at
such an early hour traffic is not too bad, but navigation in semi-darkness
always a challenge, holes in the ground, branches and wires in the air,
obstacles in all directions.
Basavanagar is nice at this early hour.
The slums here are particularly moving,
a place where I would surely have stopped in the past, and the early morning
activity, in the rising light, beautiful, to the point where I contemplate
taking photos at the water sources, painted with colorful women and Binghis,
as I must have come at the exact right time. Once again, I promise myself
to not miss the photo next time, although this exact opportunity mey never
represent itself.
Good run overall, and taking a little less long than I had feared.
Basavanagar Route (7.5 Miles) -- 08/22/14
W. Trail - Nellurahalli - Accenture - EPIP - Basavanagar - to ITPL
Time: 1:04:02
Mileage: 7 Miles
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 lbs
The trees branches have been trimmed in Vartur Kodi, making it more
easily navigatable in the dark (at least, all you have to worry about
are the open holes to the gutter, not branches in your face!)
Great run. Early morning in BasavanaNagar. Was ready to attempt a photo
by the water point that I missed the other day, but it wasn't as beautiful
at this slightly later hour. I attempt the shortcut near the lake again,
even though a metal gate is closed.
-- Basavanagar, sunrise by the lake --
Even earlier mornings -- 08/26/14
Chansandra Night Route
Time: 1:03:21
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
A week of very early mornings, even more so than usual!
I start still at night. Road illumination is roughly ok, although short
patches through Hagadur / Imadihalli are in pitch darkness. First light
comes timidly around Hope Farm, about 35 minutes into the run. The Suraj
ki Adhan greets me from my phone around the ECC center, another ten
minutes later.
Through Chansandra, I avoid Munna Auntie by running the other side of
the road, although the line of parked trucks forces me to run on the
road itself, making me perhaps even more conspicuous. Unnecessary
caution, she is not at the dark bus stop.
I discipline a pack of dogs as often, threatening to throw my water
bottle. I've read somewhere a discussion about the purpose of anger,
questionning whether it served any survival purpose. I see how it does,
giving courage and superior energy, even if disorganized, for a short
time. I play with my own aggressivity towards the dogs (without hurting
them of course), which intimidates them, and overrides my earlier fear.
Approaching the worker camps in Pattandur Agrahara, I run into Sonu Khan,
bare chested and in Lounghi, and stop for a brief chat. He explains that
he has quit his construction job as the boss wasn't paying properly,
and creating problems after drinking, so why toil from 6 to 10 every
day for only bits and drabs? He's now trying to sell small
food or chai in one of those carriages. His face looks a little different,
either because of the early hour or because of these problems. I have
to leave him though as I can't be late.
All in all a good run, despite the early hour and the fact that Ruksanna's
new doukhan in Chansandra has added more pressure on all of us (although
yesterday she came home with me, leaving Ayjas and Heera to run it into
the night). I have been rehearsing on the run whatever I know of the 3rd
Ruku of Yaseen, inching towards its end.
This must have been a good
pace, especially since I didn't stop the chrono for the few minutes
I spent with Sonu Khan.
-- Further progress on Surah Yaseen --
In the Dark -- 08/27/14
Main Road - Siddapura - Nellurahalli - Accenture - Sai Baba - ITPL
Time: 0:43:14
Mileage: 4.7 Miles
Wght: 73.5 kg / 162 lbs (3 kgs weight gain since the end of Ramzan!!!!)
Tonight, I wake up every hour, then every 1/2 hour even, to finally
get up at 3h30 completely fed-up. This will be another very early
morning anyway, as I have a meeting at 6am. I take the time to
read full Yaseen before stretching and Namaaz, leave around 5:10.
I can't take the Chansandra Night Route as it's too long, but I'm
not sure what kind of lighting to expect on this route. I run the
other side of the main road for a change, essentially trading fewer
trees and wires for more bumpy pavement. In this darkness, it's
essentially a choice of risk: Gutter, branches, electric wires,
and of course aggressive dogs or trafic.
It's all more or less ok to Siddapura, often illuminated more by
sporadic lit buildings than public lighting. But then the village
of Nellurahalli is entirely in the dark, no electricity. The tent
slums leading to the village are asleep at this hour, the night
glow in the sky barely enough to underline the road, and the
occasional headlights of rare trafic. I fear that dogs might
be fiercer at this hour, but I pass through unbothered. In Nellurahalli,
a few men sitting on the ground in a small open shop are reciting
mantras in the night.
I rehearse Surah Burooj on the run today, which because of all the
focus on Yaseen was starting to slip off my mind. It's actually
appropriate, the Surah of the Stars....
I reach IPTL as first light is barely breaking.
Later in the day, we receive Sofia's passport.
The Sleeping Slums of Nellurahalli -- 08/28/14
Same exact route as yesterday.
Time: 0:43:36
Mileage: 4.7 Miles
Wght: 73.5 kg / 162 lbs (Outraged by this weight gain, yet not able
to curb it yet, as I often feel dizzy throughout the day).
It's been a long time that I haven't felt fear - the one that
takes hold of you stomach, like a deep pain.
Like yesterday, a particularly early start at 5am, in darkness.
But right at the entrance of Ozone, I get confronted by a pack of
aggressive dogs, which in the dark solitude, don't seem like they're
going to back down.
For the first time in a long while, fear grips my stomach, as I wonder
where this one is going to go. At night dogs feel more aggressive, and
it's so early in the run that I haven't gotten into the rhythm,
acclimated so to speak, and found some courage.
But luckily using my big voice I do keep them at
bay. The alert passed, I soon grab a couple rocks and
finish the run clasping them in
each hand, like in the early days, discard them to the side
as I reach ITPL. Luckily no other
dog will bother me, and I relax as the run progresses.
It's similar to yesterday. I run with "high feet" through the dark
patches forgotten by public lighting, meaning exaggeratedly raising
my feet in readiness for any invisible obstacle. I have to bow
from the occasional blinding headlights - people almost consistently
drive in high beams - which do provide like a sneak peek at the
obstacles of the road.
Today, Nellurahalli has electricity. The men are still reciting
mantras, but behind the closed shop curtain, only the humming repetition
of their voice is heard.
The good wind on the desolate dark plain leading to
the Tech Parks energizes me into a really good run actually, my
mind awakening to clarity.
The other Surah's (11.5 Miles) -- 08/29/14
To ITPL, via Imadihalli, Vijay Nagar Hill, Holy Cross, Elim: 0:55:44
From ITPL, same route: 0:54:05
Time: 1:49:48
Mileage: 11.5 miles (assuming 9'30"/mile, but could be slower)
Wght: 72.9 kg
Today is Ganesha Chaturti, but we are still working. Bhabi and family
are staying at home, but having not called the car, I decide to run to work
(happy to take on this somewhat unusual challenge) in the afternoon. Luckily,
the weather isn't too hot.
I set out around 1:30 after lunch (having eaten lightly first before anyone
else). The small streets are busy with beautifully clad families, poojas to
the god, and the displays are ready to keep the statues. What used to be
a trail to the midway temple has grown yet again, in particular, there are
now two unusually wide side roads that have been blasted through the jungle,
undoubtedly leading to upcoming apartment buildings. The narrow rock trail
down to Naugondanahalli, squeezed between its plate walls, has thus been
erased into such a broad alley.
After work, I come back around 5:00, a little tight as I haven't stretched
at all today (and even skipped Namaaz). This is a very slow pace, probably
even slower than indicated, trying to master my digestion. Through Pattandur,
the small "slum cinemas", corrugated metal shacks where are played pirated
local DVDs, are beaming with activity, since most construction labourers
must have the day off.
On the run, I take a break from Surah Yaseen to rehearse all the other
Surah's, trying to not let them slip off my mind, that is, Burooj, Balad,
Alaq, Zalzalah, 'Adiyat, Qari'ah, Takathur, 'Asr, Humazah, Fil, Quraysh,
Ma'un, Kawthar, Kafirun, Nasr, Lahab, 'Ikhlas, Falaq and Naas, nineteen
in all.
-- Akhbar --
Akhbar, of Nellurahalli (10 Miles) -- 09/02/14
W. Trail - Nellurahalli - Accenture - Basavanagar - Hoodi: 0:55:36
Loop beyond the rail tracks - ITPL: 0:40:26
Time: 1:36:02
Mileage: 10 Miles (clocked at 9'30"/ mile, but most likely slower)
Wght: 73.2 kg / 161.4 lbs (grumble grumble)
"Ittaquu maa bayna aydiikum wamaa khalfakum la'allakum tur'hamun"
In Nellurahalli, I get called from the tent slums. It's Akhbar, who
has grown into a young man. His tent settlement has moved across the
road. He wants me to take his photo like in the old days. I've seen
him occasionally on his bike on Borewell road, he tells me his school
is all the way in Imadihalli. I explain to him that I have come into
Islam, although that leaves him unphased. As I leave him to resume
the run, he asks me like in the old days, "when will you bring the
photos?"
The water point in the Basavanagar slum is alive with a small animated
crowd, gathered around the spigot with their colorful binghis. I'm
guessing the noise is about the meagre trickle of water that the pump
produces today. I see other people with a recipient turning back, not
even bothering to fight for the water.
The ground is littered with exploded patakes from the Ganesha festivities.
The slums past the rail-tracks are particularly intense, and I wonder
if I should stop here some day. This area still has many options to explore,
with a little more time, but as everywhere, is being aggressively built
up. In fact, here too, the road that circles back to the tracks has
been broadened till the midway village, where construction is still
proceeding.
Approaching ITPL, I give up the rehearsal of Yaseen for a reflection
on the stupid Ice Bucket Challenge, which in a way infuriates me.
Just because of some stupid (but admittedly genious) internet fad,
so much money is raised for some illness that no-one gives a shit
about! And everyone to gloat, "at least it's for a good cause".
What good cause? If I had the power to fix things, ALS wouldn't even
make my list. And waste water for this? This reminds me with all the
water shortages, the endless disciplining of the personel to conserve
water (making their work harder), someone in Ozone organizes a "water
day", so the stupid rich kids can splash around! Here, with droughts
both in Bangalore in California, here we are throwing away gallons
of water on our heads, supposedly for a good cause. Have any of
these do-gooder's experienced water deprivation, in the true
summer heat, the sticky stench of the air that cannot
wash away, the distance to the source, and the daily fight?
The West continues
to strike me as seeing the world through its narrowest vision, from
the unnatural comfort and confinement of the riches, judging
the world from their aloof vantage point of luxury. The oppressor
cannot oppress forever, and right or wrong, with all its excesses,
we cannot fault the oppressed for fighting back. In fact, the sacro-saint
western values were founded by the oppressed and the conquerors,
through hardship and excess, but now, as if playing "king of the hill",
the West has no other vision than the preservation of the comfort
that has been aquired by their forefathers.
Past the rail tracks, I climb back to IPTL starting to tire, but satisfied
by the benefits of the slow long run. In fact, the 1h30 to 2h00
uninterrupted run seems to carry virtues like no other.
I have been rehearsing those Ayaat from Yaseen, from "Wa-In nashaa..."
to "...mu'ridhin"
-- Akhbar's community, Nellurahalli --
The Fourth Moubine -- 09/04/14
Slight Variant: Right side of the main road past Hope Farm to Dinur
road, then the old "Kadugodi Rasta" shortcut.
Time: 0:59:42
Mileage: 6.4 Miles
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 kg
I leave at 5:40 just at day break. I feel particularly good
running today, having woken as often at 4, but fresh and alert,
an unpredictable state. I read A'ala and Tariq today, then prayed
Namaaz with Burooj and Balad. But more importantly, I have reached
the fourth Moubine of Surah Yaseen, learning relatively easily
a particularly long verse, and inching towards the end of the third
Ruku. But as I rehearse it on the run, I realize the rest might be
slipping away, so that I'll need to observe another pause, as if
to reinforce the foundation before building any further. In some
ways, it feels like building a crumbling sand castle... I feel very
solid about the two first Rukus though, which I routinely use in
Namaaz, and provide me a particular satisfaction.
A slight modification to the route today:
I continue past Hope Farm on the right of the main road, reaching
the intersection to Dinur, and turning left into the alley that
used to lead me to Kadugodi. Big memories...
-- Naugondanahalli early morning, during Ganesha Chaturti --
The Empty Shrines (11.1 Miles) -- 09/07/14
Vartur - Gunjur - Pattanur through the upper road (Gunjur Club) -
- Back via Balagere Road.
Time: 1:43:04
Mileage: 11.1 Miles
Wght: 73.5 kg / 162 lbs (argh, here we go again!)
With not too much time, I run the main road to Gunjur from
where I venture into the Pattanur/Balagere area, passing the
"Gunjur Club", a posh building that I had not noticed before.
I have been suffering from various aches, pains and stifness
these days, but the run is neverthless marvelously easy, the pace
completely effortless. Here too, along Balagere road, the vast
expanse of land leading to the distant lake has been flattened and
filled with dirt, ready for construction, furthering the slaughter
of the agrarian landscape! These repetitive remarks only depict the
accelerated amplitude of change.
Many shrines for Ganesha on the side of the road, some quite
large near Vartur, little branch and leaves cabins where the idol
has been kept for the festival. But they're all empty now, bearing
only fading traces of the festivities, as the Idols have already
been immersed in nearby waters.
I rehearse throughout the run the 3rd Ruku of Yaseen up to the
fourth Moubine, quite happy with the way it's consolidating, gradually
eliminating hesitations and mistakes. The end of the 3rd Ruku will soon
be in sight.
-- To the Fourth Moubine of Surah Yaseen --
Clear Skies -- 09/11/14
Wednesday 09/10/14 --
Siddapura - Accenture - Through Epip Zone - Sai Baba - ITPL
Time: 0:52:46
Mileage: 5.7 Miles
Feel wonderful this morning, in spite of the 4:30am wake-up.
Read 1st Ruku of Alif-Laam-Meeem, then Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
I am a verse away from completing the 3rd Ruku.
But time has flown too fast, and I go out on incomplete stretching,
and unable to run a full hour (hence this route). Great morning
nonetheless, it's been clean and cool the last few days, and
early today Purnima gives the sky extra crispness. I am not quite
Indian yet, the sight of a clear sunny sky still fills me with joy!
Thursday 09/11/14 --
Similar to yesterday, but shorter route through EPIP
Time: 0:51:52
Mileage: 5.6 Miles (but could have been slower)
Wght: 73.5 kg / 162 lbs
Almost the opposite of yesterday, I feel tired, sluggish, dizzy almost,
and decide to cut the run a little short, focusing rather on finishing
those two verses of Yaseen properly, before learning the last one of the
Ruku. I was ready to go to the gym this morning, but because Ruksanna
woke up, I staid with her a little.
Like yesterday, first Ruku of Alif-Laam-Meem in reading, then two of
Yaseen in Namaaz.
-- End of the Third Ruku --
The end of the third Ruku -- 09/12/14
Gym: 1:10:00 -- Leg Ext/Abs/Prone Row (Pyramid up to 6 * 35s)
Run:
Imadihalli - Mid-way Temple - Vijay Nagar Hill - Holy Cross -
Elim - ECC - Pattandur.
Time: 0:50:40
Mileage: 5.5 Miles
Wght: 73.5 kg / 162 lbs
Well, here it is: While working in the gym, I have learned the
last verse of the third ruku of Surah Yaseen. This will need further
consolidation of course, but here it is. I plan to then take a break
from Yaseen (two rukus are left to the end), first revise and strengthen
all other Surahs, then learn Surah Bayyina, which I fully understand.
It's another beautiful sunny morning, made even better by the fact
that the early morning meeting has been cancelled! I take that
opportunity to run this route even after a good gym session,
feeling wonderful, partially to celebrate this new step in Yaseen,
and many other things. We are working on the Visa, if all goes well,
we could set foot on US soil in November. I feel courageous. It's
silly, but a small comment from Minna Auntie has wiped away my
fears, although the situation remains the same.
Through Vijay Nagar Hill, dogs are particularly insistent, alerting
each other at a distance, confronting me in small packs. I use all
my science of persuasion to keep them at bay, under the friendly
eyes of the locals. As usual, I laugh with them at these incidents.
It's a superb morning.
There is a superb scene of a woman filling her binghis by a pond in
the golden morning light, and yet I don't stop.
There is a friendly group of men, gathered around their empty Ganesha
altar, calling me from one of the tent communities, and yet I don't
stop.
There is a dense crowd pressed against the back of a water truck, some
washing, some filling their recipients, and yet I don't stop.
Is it really that I have no time, or have I become insensitive?
I plan to come back here tomorrow.