-- Elaruvi --
-- Ruksanna and Sofia near Raja's house --
-- Morning at Govinda's house --
-- In the morning, on our morning "poo-poo" trip --
-- Building our hut --
-- The remains of Jyotish, by the river --
Jyotish (12.1 Miles) -- 03/29/15
West Passage to the River - Imadihalli back trail -
Ajgondanahalli - Timandahalli - Harohalli - Kotur -
Muthsandra: 0:57:40
Towards Nerige - Trail to the right, through field and Jungle -
"The desolation of Muthsandra" - Come out at the Muthsandra main
Road - Valepura - Ajgondanahalli - Imadihalli back trail -
Back in Ozone through the wall under construction: 1:03:01
Time: 2:00:40
Mileage: 12.1 Miles (10'00"/mile estimate)
Wght: 72 kg / 158.7 lbs
From the W. entrance of Ozone, I go through the workers camps on the left, leading to the open space North of the Lake, what I call the "West Passage". I haven't been here in a while. The crossing of the river has been restored towards the lake. But I've come here for a different reason. I am carrying the remains of yesterday's Jyotishi, which I am to dump in the flowing water. I do that, under the curious gaze of a man, standing alone by the river. We exchange smiles. I then run along the pretty trail where I surprise a flock of majestic white birds.
-- Flock of birds by the Imadihalli trail --
At last, a perfect run! I have been sick since March 4th, not able to
shake off a tenacious cough and a permanent heaviness in the chest, which
eventually caused to dramatically curtail running. I view these pauses ordered
by nature as actually healthy, but I hope this isn't due to pollution. Anyway,
I have started to feel better this week, and today is mostly clear. How good
it is to be outside on another beautiful morning!!
I keep the pace low and investigative. The dogs in Harohalli let me be,
but I get seriously barked on in Kotur the next village, which gives the
women laudering a good laugh. I decide to reproduce a run from some weeks
ago where I had found a small village in the jungle. But after Muthsandra,
the trail becomes elusive, and I must have taken a bad turn, as I end up
in the wide open "mini grand canyon" area that I call "the desolation of
Muthsandra". I cross this baren peculiar landscape, which is
only missing scale to become truly impressive.
-- Near the "desolation of Muthsandra" --
I find my way as I can,
staying on the trail as possible rather than returning to the road. A distant
drum beat guides towards a village. A large tyohaar is happening, crowds
have come out, and the traces of the Poojas decorate each house. When I
finally join a paved road, I am greeted by a pack crowd following a dancing
procession, brandishing drums and Talvars around the idol. I am able to pass
on the side, realizing a few meters later that I have reached Muthsandra,
completely unrecognizable under the pump of the festival. Not recognizing
the road, I have taken a wrong turn (which is taking me again towards
Muthsandra), but koi baat nahi, that will allow me to return again through
Ajgondanahalli and the same jungle trail.
On this whole run, I've hardly
seen a single vehicle, and that is a blessing.
-- Preparing goats for market, Kandilli --
After Illness (7.7 Miles) -- 04/01/15
Wednesday 04/01/15 --
W. Trail - Dunmore House - Epip - Windmills - Basavanagar - Hoodi -
Along the tracks - ITPL
Time: 1:05:22
Mileage: 6.9 Miles
Wght: 71.6 kg / 157.8 lbs
Got back from our trip to Balaji's house in Chennai, where I was sick
for the 2nd time in India with food poisoning. But I'm feeling much
better now, early wake-up at 4:30. It's become hot, and I've been sweating
like a ?!? in Chennai, fueled by the stomach cramps, but even here in Bangalore.
Good slow run nevertheless.
Have started learning Surah A'alah.
Thursday 04/02/15 --
Imadihalli - Chansandra - Detour to Rail Track - Hope Farm - Prashanth
Layout - Back to main Road at Loyal Supermarket - Main Road to IPTL
Time: 1:13:11
Mileage: 7.7 Miles
Full Surah Yaseen, but I hear Ruksanna getting up downstairs, which perturbs
my concentration through the last Ruku (still a good Namaaz though).
I complete my stretching at her side, while she is reading "the Best Nest",
having rekindled her interest in reading, perhaps as Sofia has suddenly
gotten so far ahead of her.
It's hot outside, even at 6am. Full passinah, but not a bad run.
In the Heat (11.1 Miles) -- 04/03/15
Friday 04/03/15 -- To ITPL & Back
To IPTL: Kodi - Siddapura - Dunmore House - Sai Baba: 0:38:35
Back: Itpl - Rail track - Hoodi - Basavananagar - Windmills - EPIP -
Dunmore House - W Trail - Kodi: 1:04:32
Time: 1:43:06
Mileage: 11.1 Miles
Wght: 72.5 kg / 159.8 lbs
On this off day (Good Friday), I still have a 7am Halo meeting, which
I decide to use as an opportunity to run, to and back from ITPL.
I leave around 6am. The main road at Vartur Kodi is actually one of
the most treacherous places in darkness, the public lighting is broken
in many patches, and obstacles come from all directions in all forms,
low tree branches and wires, open gutters and holes, and of course,
traffic and dogs. But passed that, I pick up the pace, as I could be
late for the meeting, a good energetic pace in the rising light.
The return around 8:30am is in sharp contrast, sluggish and tired.
Luckily, I do not extend the run, contrary to previous plans, and
cut my straight Hoodi/Basavananagar route in reverse, which also
means uphill. It feels particularly hot, especially running East
with a tailwind, which seems to bring the air around me to complete
stillness. I struggle, I am loud, but I do not stop. Past Nellurahalli,
I imagine winning a mountain stage with an hour on my opponents (all
dead in this heat) to complete the run. The temperatures seem to have
ranged from 32C to 36C at this hour.
As often, I drink excessively through the rest of the day, although
trying to control myself (and again through the weekend in the
extraordinary Tamil Heat!)
Through GandhiPuram (7 Miles) -- 04/06/15
Imadihalli - Midway Temple - Naugondanahalli - River Temple - Back same way -
Vijay Nagar Hill - Through GandhiPuram, Masjid e Noor - Hagadur.
Time: 1:04:42
Mileage: 7 Miles
I have forgotten my keys with Ruksanna who's staid back in Kandilli (yesterday night, I had to get a spare key from the maid), hence I cannot run to work, so do this instead. It's hot even in the morning, and I couldn't find my water bottle (which actually was there obvious on the kitchen counter!!), but this is fine. On the way back, I decide for the detour throught the streets of Gandhipuram, which I had been pondering for some time, near Ayjas' house (and Xavier's), and passing by Farooq's Masjid where we met the maid yesterday night. This all works out fine, feeling pretty good.
Kotress (8.2 Miles) -- 04/07/15
Imadihalli back trail - North Route - Chansandra - Through Kotress -
Midway Temple - Vijay Nagar Hill - Munni Singh - Holy Cross - ELIM -
Workers' trail - Lake Trail - Pattandur Agrahara.
Time: 1:15:58
Mileage: 8.2 Miles
Wght: 73 kg / 161 lbs
Start a bit late at 7:15, after a valiant effort at Surah Yaseen. Truly,
reciting the whole Surah during Namaaz feels like a difficult accomplishment,
taking a particular concentration that never fully succeeds. But today was
rather good, in spite of the imprecisions that appear here and there.
The run starts slow, as if surprised by the morning heat, but settles
into a nice pace along the beautiful and peaceful trail. This route has
virtually no traffic, ideal at this time. I embolden myself enough to run
by the Kotress where the Kadugodi log may have settled, although we here
that due to the absence there of water and power, the place is almost empty.
As I run by, I see people taking water from a truck, and slum kids walking
to school, but do not recognize anyone.
A few days later, we hear from Vahida that the slumdwellers *have* actually
moved in, Sampa, Kupamma... Kupamma, the old warrior woman of the slum,
is now reported to have "hamari tarah" fridge, microwave...
Kodigehalli loop (9.4 Miles) -- 04/08/15
Through Hagadur, via Rama/Hanuman Statue - Whitefield - Borewell rd. -
Nellurahalli - EPIP - Windmills - Basavananagar - Hoodi - Kodigehalli loop.
Time: 1:27:06
Mileage: 9.4 Miles
Wght: 72.7 kg / 160.3 lbs
Another valiant rendition of Yaseen, seeking almost in anger an appropriate
concentration. I am never able to reach full satisfaction.
Ruksanna wakes up just as I was about to leave. I take the time to make her
Chai, spend a few lovely minutes with her, in love.
The run is great, like yesterday, letting a slow pace control the
extraordinary summer heat. I manage fine on one bottle, and plenty of
passinah. There is a slight wind as always.
Nellurahalli has been so throroughly excavated that it's completely impassable
for vehicles. I pass escalating mounds of dirt. The roads later continue
to be paved, or dug up for amenities, particularly in the Kodigehalli area,
which in this case is rather good, as that area was particularly dusty.
I am staying on target for 6 hours of running in five days.
Continue to learn Surah A'Ala.
Ayyapa Nagar loop (9.6 Miles) -- 04/09/15
W. trail - Dunmore House (with slight detour) - Accenture - Windmills -
Basavanagar - Hoodi: 0:48:18
to Kodigehalli Rd. - Left - Ayyapa Nagar - Back under the overpass
bridge and along the rail track - Shantiniketan - ITPL: 0:42:53
Time: 1:31:11
Mileage: 9.6 Miles (estimating 9'30"/mile pace)
Wght: 71.8 kg / 158.3 lbs
Similar to yesterday. A good effort again at Surah Yaseen, with a peak
of concentration/emotion somewhere in the 4th Ruku.
Ruksanna wakes up early though, and we're once again so happy together.
She's reading the Cat in the Hat, so early in the morning, probably
determined to get back at her brother who has called her "anpadhi".
This all delays me a little, and I end up leaving no earlier than
yesterday, around 6:45.
Good run, deliberately a little slower than yesterday, adpating to the
summer heat, and the renewed effort on my body since I've resumed running.
I finally take that little detour through the Dunmore House settlements
to see if I could find a shortcut, but this dead ends in a field of
beer bottles and jungle.
In Kodigehalli, I venture into a new route to the left, which soon takes
me to Ayappa Nagar (where I had been a couple times). The road is very
dusty so I wear the scarf through this section. I had been here some time
ago, but it has changed quite a bit since the construction of the overpass
over the rail tracks. I find a way under the bridge on dirt trails, and
am soon back to the familiar Hoodi area.
Good run, keeping to my high mileage goal this week. I'm almost certain
to overshoot 6 hours in 5 days, as I wanted, and even my weight seems
to have come back immediately under control.
Surah Yaseen -- 04/10/15
Imdihalli - Chansandra - Hope Farm - Main rd to ITPL
Time: 0:49:15
Mileage: 5.3 Miles
Wght: 71.8 kg / 158.3 lbs
An exceptional Namaaz this morning, Allah ka Fazal. Because I was in a hurry,
I was going to shorter Surah, but Yaseen. Fueled by news from KRPuram? Emotion
state fueled, but level of abstraction.
Toll of the mileage. But good. No one. Relatively peaceful at this early
hour (leave at the break of dawn, reach by 6:35), still wear the scarf
after Hope Farm.
I have reached my goal of over 6 hours in 5 days: 6:08:12
Summer Rains (10 Miles) -- 04/15/15
Tuesday 04/14/15 -- Summer Rains
W. trail - Nellurahalli - EPIP - Windmills - Basavananagar - Hoodi: 0:45:00
Kodigehalli loop: 0:34:50
Time: 1:19:50
Mileage: 8.9 Miles
Wght: 73.5 kg / 162 lbs (my weight is all over the place these days!)
Ruksanna is staying a few more days in Elaruvi, while I have
returned alone. She continues work on our house.
Vahida is staying at home, as the Slumdweller's Kotress still has no
water or electricity (she lives on the 4th floor and is tired of the work).
The slumdwellers though have all moved she says, with the exception
of Lakshmi and an old man whom I don't remember. Kupamma has illegally
grabbed electricity for the whole dwelling. The community is
rumoured to be torn down to further construct the bus stand, but
rumours like this have run forever. I spend a great time playing with
her children, Arshiya and Arshat, the little boy finally has conquered
his fear of me and laughs wholeheartedly. (Before, he would cry at my
white skin).
It has rained heavily for the past four days. The roads are extremely
muddy, but the temperatures have considerably cooled down, excellent
for running. I start cautiously picking up the pace a little, aiming
to get back to the level before my illness.
Continued learning Surah Aala.
Wednesday 04/15/15 -- Ayappa Nagar / Kodigehalli
W. trail - Dunmnore House - Epip - Windmills - Basavananagar - Hoodi: 0:46:57
Cross the rail track - Ayappa Nagar - Kodigehalli road - Kodigehalli -
Cross the rail track again - Along Shantiniketan - ITPL: 0:47:58
Time: 1:34:54
Mileage: 10 Miles (clocked it slower at 9'30"/mile)
Wght: 72.7 kg
Another rainy evening yesterday. The routes are very muddy in places,
but the temperatures have been left nice for running.
The center of Nellurahalli is almost impassable, deeply excavated, and
extremely muddy.
Through Basavananagar, I am surprised by a dog who jumps on me
last minute, stopping just at my feet. Good thing the dog barked, as
I froze instantly in an animal reflex, brandishing my hand as if
to control him, with the loud traditional "HEY!". Slumdwellers are
amused, and I am too. Later, through Kodigehalli, I notice several
dogs chasing cars (but not me), which is not something I typically
observe on my runs.
I stringed together the two loops in this area. The rain has
rendered the Ayappa Nagar area far less dusty. Back to the rail tracks,
the dirt road is so flooded that the crossing under the tracks is impassable.
I go over the tracks, like so many people do, but I have to circumvent
a rather long mechandise train that's parked there. On the way down from
the tracks, I follow a group of women in Saree going to work, carefully
negotiating the slippery rocky steps.
A particularly long Yaseen in Namaaz this morning.
-- Dubai, in the Gold Sukh --
The Gold Sukh of Dubai (7.7 Miles) -- 04/19/15
Sunday 04/19/15 -- Dubai Deira
From Coral Deira Hotel, Muqqarabat - Union Staion - Along river to Corniche,
Old Sukh, Gold Sukh, fish market, Hyatt Regency - Back similar way.
Time: 1:09:24
Mileage: 7.7 Miles
-- Along the river, Dubai Deira --
Feeling fresher this morning, I finally go for a run in Dubai. This takes me to the river where I contemplate the boat activity. There is but one bridge upstream, so the boats are used to cross, as well as the quays are scattered with merchandise. I unexpectedly reach the Gold Sukh, starting to understand the geography of Deira. It's hot as the sun is rising but of course very dry, a completely different feeling from India. I sweat abundantly mostly *after* running.
-- Hatta, Oman --
-- Surah A'ala --
Surah A'ala (7.5 Miles) -- 04/24/15
Kodi - PM Hamlet - Borewell rd - Nellurahalli - EPIP (long) - Petrol Pump -
Basavananagar - Hoodi - Along the tracks - Shantinikethan - ITPL
Time: 1:09:38
Mileage: 7.5 Miles (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'17" / mile
I finished learning Surah A'ala yesterday, and recited it for the first time in Namaaz this morning. On the run, I revise it again, as well as start yet another overhaul of Surah Yaseen, which I've left aside lately. The run is peaceful and uneventful. It's later than usual (7:25 start), so I hit trafic in a few places (luckily not many). I have made the bad decision to go the long way in Epip, which throws me for too long on the main road where the trafic is bad (and I have to pause sometime to cross, not reflected in my time). It has rained again last night, leaving relatively fresh temperatures and muddy roads. I cross the rail track the "new way", over and on the tracks to join a nicer trail down to the base of Shantiniketan. Lots of people on the rail tracks at this hour.
-- In Kandilli, among the Mango Trees --
The Moussibat Verses (9.1 Miles) -- 05/08/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/05/15 -- BEML Layout / Kodigehalli
Home Gym: 0:22:00 -- Abs, Push-ups, Shadow Boxing
Run:
Main Road - BEML Layout - Brookefield - Hoodi: 0:51:59
Kodigehalli Loop: 0:35:47
Time: 1:27:46
Mileage: 9.1 Miles (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'38" / mile
Wght: 72.5 kg / 159.8 lbs
Finally, I wake up at 4:30, but feeling really fresh, intellectually and physically. After good Qur'an reading and full Yaseen Namaaz, upper body exercises and stretching, I set out for this semi-long run, the first good run in a long time. Today, things feel good at last, partially because I deliberately keep the pace slow and comfortable, and the weather is much milder this morning. I choose this somewhat non-scenic route mostly for variety, luckily, leaving at 6:30, the traffic isn't too bad, although I do wear the tissue from Brookefield to Hoodi.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/06/15 --
Home Gym: 0:15:00 --
Run: Chhota Rasta
T-Zed - PM Hamlet - Borewell rd. - Nellurahalli - Pattandur Agrahara
Time: 0:28:31
Mileage: 3.2 Miles (Google Maps)
Pace: 8'54" / mile
Wght: 72.5 kg / 159.8 lbs
Another good day. A long intense recitation of Surah Yaseen. Keep progressing on the "moussibat" verses.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 05/07/15 --
Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra - Hope Farm - Sheraton -
Loyal Market - Dog Alley - Main Rd to ITPL
Time: 0:49:38
Mileage: 5.6 Miles (Google Maps)
Pace: 8'51" / mile
5:45 start. Haven't run Chansandra in a long time. The KadugodiValle are said to live here now, but I don't meet anyone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/08/15 --
Hagadur - Whitefield - Outer Circle - Borewell Rd. - Nellurahalli -
Accenture - EPIP - Windmills - BasavanaNagar - Hoodi - Kodigehalli
Time: 1:21:34
Mileage: 8.9 Miles (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'09" / mile
Wght: 72.5 kg / 159.8 lbs
Less time this morning, I reduced Fajr ki Namaaz to Surah Burooj, A'ala,
Aadiyah and Qariah. I continue to progress learning the "moussibat" verses,
repeating them throughout the run.
Feeling better and better running again. Today, even the pace was better.
Unfortunate evolution again of sleep patterns: I wake-up more and more
frequently throughout the night, as if I could not sleep more than
an hour or two in a row. Yesterday, in spite of a 4am wake-up, I was
unable to fall asleep after lunch, like I normally can. Hope this isn't
a new trend, as the nap has proven an remarkably effective defense.
-- The "Moussibat" verses, Surah Baqarah, 153 to 157 --
The Moussibat Verses (10 Miles) -- 05/14/15
Wednesday 05/13/15 --
Oval Fountain - Hagadur - Whitefield - Outer Circle - ECC rd. - Pattandur
Time: 0:29:51
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.7 km (Google Maps)
Pace: 8'31" / mile
Wght: 73.1 kg / 161.1 lbs
Feeling somewhat better after a near collapse of exhaustion yesterday.
Namaaz comprised of Surah Burooj, A'ala, Balad and Bayyinah. I finished
learning the Moussibat verses from Surah Baqarah, which I also intend
to recite in Namaaz.
A relatively fast pace through the early morning run. Pleasant weather,
tempered by the daily rain.
Thursday 05/14/15 --
PM Hamlet - Borewell rd - Nellurahalli - Accenture - Windmills -
Basavananagar - Hoodi: 0:45:20
Kodigehalli rd. - Straight to Lake Monfort School / Sonnenahalli: 0:21:31
Straight back through Kodigehalli - Cross the rail tracks -
Shantinikethan: 0:29:05
Time: 1:35:56
Mileage: 10 Miles - 16 km (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'35" / mile
Wght: 73.6 kg / 162.3 lbs
Another early wake-up at 4:30, spent reading Surah Imran then confirming
my learning of the "moussibat" verses, which should now be ready for
Namaaz. I continue to rehearse them throughout the duration of this run.
The 7am got cancelled, so having a little more time, I decide for a new
exploration that had been on my while for some time, which is to turn
right at Montfort School and follow the road back to Kodigehalli.
I thought this was going to take around two hours, but it's actually
much shorter than I thought, not that much longer actually than the
classic Kodigehalli loop. Dogs are somewhat of a problem here, and I
shy away from a pack of dogs nearing the Sonnenahalli road. The new
section is pretty peaceful, especially the back road that returns
to Kodigehalli through the back. The distances here are much shorter
than I would have thought on Google maps, and at this conservative
pace, I manage it very well. The semi-illness of the beginning
of the week has thankfully not materialized.
Friday 05/15/15 -- Chansandra Night Route
Hagadur - Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra -
Hope Farm - ELIM - ECC - Pattandur Agrahara (Classic Route)
Time: 1:00:27
Mileage: 6.3 Miles (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'35" / mile
Wght: 73.6 kg / 162.3 lbs
Early morning meeting: Up at 4, out at 5:15, in meeting at 6:30. Daybreak
around Naugondanahalli.
In spite of all that, I feel great!
Is it because of a particularly good Namaaz? It consisted today
of Surah A'Ala, Balad, Bayyinah, and the Moussibat verses from
Surah Baqarah for the 1st time.
So much for the inability to nap theory, during lunchtime today,
I fell asleep like a log!
-- Pollution from Vartur Lake invades the road --
Vartur (9.3 Miles) -- 05/19/15
Home Gym: 0:20:00 -- Pull ups - Push ups - Shadow Boxing
Run:
Vartur Kodi - Vartur - Right - Harohalli Road - Valepura - Ajgondanahalli -
Imadihalli (road) - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra - Hope Farm - Sheraton -
ELIM - ECC - Pattandur Agrahara.
Time: 1:29:36
Mileage: 9.3 Miles - 15 km
Pace: 9'38" / mile
Wght: 72.5 kg / 159.8 lbs
Haven't been here in a long time!
Another early wake-up at 4:30, in spite of not sleeping before 11.
Full Yaseen Namaaz, which I also revise during stretching and run,
careful to properly remember the Maad signs.
Vartur lake is again frothing with a thick layer of foam, which is
spilling over onto the road and occasionally kicked in large light
balls of foam. The phenomenom has become famous, featured in the media,
and purported to be caused by the accumulation of refuse water (not
detergents), and spreading toxic waste in the area.
The run starts well, the roads very muddy in places from the incessant
rains. But after Chansandra, I noticeably weaken, to the point of
finishing the run with difficulty (although I bravely hang on). This
totals to a very slow pace.
Exhaustion (7.5 Miles) -- 05/21/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/20/15 --
Home Gym: 0:13:00 -- Shadow Boxing - Abs.
Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Mid-way temple - Right at the Kharbarstan -
To the rail tracks and back - Hope Farm - Prashanth Layout - Dog Alley.
Time: 1:09:03
Mileage: 7.5 miles - 12.2 km (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'12" / mile
Wght: 72.8 kg / 160.5 lbs
Feeling unexecptedly so much better than yesterday!
So what I meant as a short easy recovery run lengthens to this, improvising
the route along the way. True to reputation, Dog Alley sees that dog come
running after me, but I stop him at a distance with an authoritative stance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 05/21/15 --
Main Road - BEML Layout - Brookefield - RxDx - ITPL Road - Windmills
Sai Baba.
Mileage: 6.4 Miles - 10.3 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 0:57:37
Pace: 9'00" / mile
Wght: 73.6 kg / 162.3 lbs
Not a good run. Haven't slept well, and feel thoroughly exhausted. Strangely,
I was trying to fall asleep, I was uncharacteristically haunted by vision
of the Vartur Lake toxic foam, as if it was something out of some horror
movie sent poison us.
In the morning, I know
this is not a good route, too much trafic, yet for whatever reason I choose
it over the nicer Chansandra way, probably for variety, or for fear of
trying my luck too much with a chance encounter with the slumdwellers.
I end up wearing
the kerchief for extended periods, and feel really bothered
by the noise of the cars. The
turn towards Windmills, a slight descent, bare wind and less trafic, provides
some subtle relief, and in spite of all this, I get a relatively better pace.
A new unknown pain has developped in my right calf on this run though, which
makes me limp slightly even through the day. Let's see where this goes....
I have completed reading Surah Imran, coming almost unexpectedly to its end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/22/15 --
Home Gym: 0:34:00 -- Shadow Boxing - Push Ups - Shoulders - Abs
Run: Chhota Rasta (via T-Zed)
Mileage: 3.2 Miles - 5.1 Km (Google Pmaps)
Time: 0:27:29
Pace: 8'35" / mile
Wght: 73.3 kg / 161.6 lbs
Feeling much better this morning, sharp.
I made a really powerful nightmare last night, right after falling asleep,
about a bizzare woman with demonic powers, and woke up panting hard right
next to Ruksanna, who really wondered what the hell was going on! The vision
was so strong that her face scares me too, and I close my eyes immediately,
luckily falling back asleep promptly. For once in my life, I sleep
uninterrupted, no wake-ups, until around 5, feeling really rested.
But because of my recent exhaustion, and this developping calf pain, I have
resolved to run short today. I have finished reading Surah Imran, and after
Namaaz Yaseen, I do a good home gym session. Ruksanna has woken up by then,
and we spend a rare morning together, in love.
On the run, the leg pain bothers me at first (I wasn't even sure I was going
to be able to run at all!), but subsides as I warm up, and will actually
be helped by the run. As I used to say, you enter a run with a certain set
of injuries, and come out with another. Unpredictable...
I push the pace a little given the short distance. It's a good morning
over all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Batucada Brasileira (9.1 Miles) -- 05/29/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/26/15 --
Home Gym: 0:14:00 -- Shadow Boxing - Abs
Run: 1:02:36
T-Zed - PM Hamlet - Borewell Rd - Nellurahalli - Accenture - EPIP -
Windmills - BasavanaNagar - Hoodi - Rail Track - Shantinikethan.
Mileage: 6.7 miles - 10.7 km (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'20" / mile
Wght: 74.3 kg / 163.8 lbs
It has been hot again, but today a very pleasant breeze. Started late
at 7:30, but at this easy pace and on relatively quiet roads, this
is a very pleasant run.
Learning Surah Tariq.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/27/15 --
Vartur - Harohalli Rd. - Valepura - Ajgondanahalli - Road to Imadihalli -
Failed detours - Noor Masjid Road through Gandhi Puram - Vijay Nagar -
Muni Singh - Holy Cross - ELIM - Lake Trail - ITPL
Time: 1:26:14
Estimated Mileage: 9.1 Miles (too many detours to Google it)
Estimated Pace: 9'30" / mile
Wght: 73.4 kg / 161.8 lbs
My strategy of not waking up so damn early is starting to work. Today,
I get up again at 5:30, which feels great. There's not too much time
for Namaaz though, so it consists of "moussibat", A'ala, Burooj, and Bayyinah.
Ruksanna has woken up relatively early so I spent a moment with her.
In spite of the relatively late hour (7:05), I set off through the
Vartur route, which luckily isn't too bad with traffic (and wear the
kerchief along the lake). Past Vartur, it's rural and marvelously
quiet. My running isn't as optimal as yesterday, slightly stiff, but still,
it's a pleasant relaxed pace. Approaching Valepura, I'm called by a man
on a scooter. It's "mama", Roopa's uncle from Harohalli. He doesn't speak
much else than Kannada/Telugu, but manages to express that his mother has
passed away. I always particularly liked this man, so profoundly kind,
unassuming, and happy to be with us. If I remember the story correctly,
he was once kidnapped to be force married, but escaped and never married
again.
I turn towards Imadihalli thinking I'll take the trail to the Midway Temple,
but find it closed at the stream, the bridge gone. I therefore take the
road towards Whitefield, try several two or three roads to the right to
connect to Vijay Nagar, but have to retrace my steps. The road I'm looking
for actually starts right after the Bakery to the left which leads to Ozone.
This is the road of the Noor-e-Masjid, where Ayjas used to live. In spite
of the numerous dogs, no problem whatsoever, and the rest of the run
is completed unimpeded.
Continue to learn Surah Tariq.
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Thursday 05/28/15 --
Home Gym: 0:15:00 -- Mostly Push-Ups.
Run: 1:07:31
Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra - Main Road - To the rail tracks
until 1st bend & back - Hope Farm - Loyal Supermarket - ECC - ITPL
Mileage: 7.2 Miles - 11.5 Km (Google Maps)
Pace: 9'22" / mile
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 lbs
Crap, another bad night of frequent wake-ups! Finally, irritated, I get up
at 4. At least this gives me time for full Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
The run starts tired. A loud storm last night has left cooler temperatures
and muddy roads. I start feeling more comfortable about mid-way through
the run. I do a small detour towards the rail tracks, only to lengthen
this just enough beyond 1 hour, to meet my 5 hours in 5 days goal for this
week. I continue to stiffen up a bit (hamstrings especially) from this
higher mileage, but still generally ok.
Dogs are unusually aggressive in Pattandur (near Sonu Khan ka ghar), getting
dangerously close, but still no harm done.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/29/15 -- Batucada Brasileira
Kodi - Main rd through Siddapura, Thubarahalli, Kundalahalli - Brookefield -
Main rd to Hoodi - Main rd to ITPL.
Mileage: 7 Miles - 11.2 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 1:06:06
Pace: 9'26" / mile
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 lbs
And again, wake-up at 4:00!
But this time, Ruksanna wakes-up shortly after, so to be with her, I shorten
my Namaaz plans, reciting A'ala, Alaq, Bayyinah and the Moussibat verses.
I prepare her tea, our little tradition, for which she's reverted back
to the "packet dood" which holds more flavour than my slim milk.
While I complete my stretching, she has decided to copy lines from a
children's book, but she won't let me see it.
I unfortunately need to leave for a 7am meeting. I want to run about an hour
to reach my 5 hours in 5 days goal. I was going to run the Chansandra route,
but I don't feel well enough today to deal with yesterday's dogs. So I opt
instead for a "main roads" route, hoping the trafic will be mild at this
early hour. I set out at 5:40, already in daylight. It's ok at first, but
the trafic is picking up, particularly busses and company vans, so near
Brookefields, I put on the kapra, which limits my breathing. I'm not
feeling that great today, and so, for the first time, hoping to find
some energy, I let aside the Qur'anic studies, and turn on the Batucada
recently purchased on my Iphone. I don't have earphones, so the music
is barely audible over the trafic, but still, it's just enough to carry
me a little. I finish quite tired and fed up, but having overshot a little
my mileage goal.
Nobody bothers to even show up at the meeting, which finishes pissing me off!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fatigue -- 06/05/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/01/15 --
Oval Fountain - Hagadur - Imadihalli - Whitefield - Outer Circle -
Back streets to Borewell rd - Nellurahalli - Accenture - Sai Baba.
Mileage: 5.6 Miles - 9 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 0:50:57
Pace: 9'07" / mile
Wght: 73.3 kg / 161.6 lbs
Another return from Tirupattur last night, on a particularly stormy night. But I feel particularly good this morning, and as the run goes, push the pace. Many trees, cables, etc., have been downed by the storms.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 06/02/15 -- Small Detours
Hagadur - Outer Circle - Inner Circle - Back to Borewell Rd -
Nellurahalli - Accenture - Sai Baba.
Mileage: 5.9 Miles - 9.4 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 0:54:53
Pace: 9'18" / mile
Wght: 73.3 kg / 161.6 lbs
Started with 0 motivation to run today, body feeling encumbered and slow. I was going to cut it short (in spite of having time), but was blocked by a fallen tree in the maze of small alleys in Whitefield, so decided to continue on the Outer Circle, rolling back via the Inner Circle to Borewell rd., thereby lengthening the run after all. It felt a little better as it went.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/03/14 -- Salutations
Hagadur - Whitefield - Borewell rd - Nellurahalli - Sai Baba
Mileage: 4.5 Miles - 7.2 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 0:41:53
Pace: 9'18" / mile
Wght: 72.9 / 160.7 lbs
No interest in running. Like yesterday, very sluggish start, my body doesn't go. Loosens up later. Many salutations today, for whatever reason.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 06/04/15 -- Lost of interest and salutations
Oval Fountain - Hagadur - Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Midway Temple -
Vijay Nagar - Munni Singh - Holy Cross - Dog Alley - Main rd to ITPL.
Mileage: 5.5 Miles - 8.8 km (Google Maps)
Time: 0:52:20
Pace: 9'30" / mile
Wght: 72.9 / 160.7 lbs
Same. Even worse, wondering whether I'll actually go out and run.
Odd change in sleep pattern, last night, I could not fall asleep...
Like yesterday, I start somewhat dizzy, but things this time quickly
get better and, at this slow pace, actually quite pleasant. It's hot
again this morning, but no particular problem. Like yesterday, I get
saluted. Weird.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/05/15 --
Oval Fountain - Hagadur - Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Midway Temple -
Right at the Khabarstan - Main Rd - Hope Farm - Sheraton - Loyal Market -
ECC rd - Lake Trail - Pattandur.
Mileage: 6.2 Miles - 10 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 0:59:49
Pace: 9'38" / mile
Wght: 72.9 / 160.7 lbs
Feeling a little better today. Slept well, woke up at 5. Full Yaseen Namaaz,
towards the end of which, I hear a long fart from Ruksanna waking in the
bedroom. I laugh, and take it as a sign from Allah to stop taking everything
so seriously! She laughs too...
Heavy rain last night, so temperatures are pleasant, roads are muddy. At
this easy pace, this is a pleasant run. Still learning Surah Tariq.
Surah Tariq (10 Miles) -- 06/09/15
Vartur - Harohalli Road - Timandahalli: 0:41:28
Ajgondanahalli - Naugondanahalli - Midway Temple - Vijay Nagar -
Muni Singh - Holy Cross - Elim - ECC - Lake Trail - Pattandur: 0:58:18
Mileage: 10 Miles - 16 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 1:39:46
Pace: 9'58" / mile
Wght: 73.2 kg / 161.4 lbs
I finally feel good today!
A 6:30am start. I have opted for the Vartur way. Reaching the village
is painful even at this hour with the growing trafic, but after that,
I find the wonderful peace of the fields. It's so pleasant that I push further
to Timandihalli, with hardly anyone in sight.
I was only a verse away from finishing Surah Tariq, but
my knowledge seemed so shaky in the morning that I refrained from completing
it. But through the run, the verses seem are coming back much better, so after
Timandahalli, I pause to learn the final verse.
Ruksanna has unexpectedly returned to the Kadugodi Slum, where everything
actually seems ok. This welcome twist opens up many possibilities, as the
area is no longer off-limits. I won't rush there though, but definitely plan
to return.
-- Surah Tariq --
Return to Kadugodi (7.2 Miles) -- 06/11/15
Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra - Patalamalevet -
Chansandra Railroad Crossing: 0:35:05
Through Kadugodi - Dirt road along the rail tracks - Over
the rails - Shantiniketan: 0:34:11
Mileage: 7.2 Miles - 11.6 Km (Google Maps)
Time: 1:09:15
Pace: 9'37" / mile
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 lbs
I wake up at 4am, and perform Namaaz with Burooj, Tariq, A'ala, and
the Moussibat verses. I take this early wake-up as an encouragement
to fulfill my plan, which is to run through Kadugodi, returning near
the slum for the first time in several years. In a surprise move, Ruksanna
has gone herself while I was in Pune last week, reacquainting herself
with the community. She was received well there, we apparently have
no reason to fear, and are hungry for our freedom. For me, this opens
up again a whole area that I had been avoiding.
It still takes some amount of courage to run through there though,
which makes me hesitate, ready to fall into the comfort of the other
routes. But no, as I set out, it becomes increasingly clear that I will
fulfill my plan, and decide to shut down any further hesitation. This
is also another case where writing starts to dictate the events. I am
seduced by the idea of a "return to Kadugodi" entry which I imagine
to look good on my diary, just before leaving to the US and as a great
way to bring another chapter to a close, and to some extent feel that
I'm manufacturing the event in order to write about it. This is
not new though, as already in cycling I tended to pre-visualize eagerly
my ride report while in the middle of the ride itself!
A pale daylight already greets me at 5h30 as I set out through
Hagadur, and soon, the clouds are painted by a soft warm light. The
ground is wet from a recent slight rain, which has purified the
heavy air.
Having suppressed all hesitation, I resolutely continue straight
after Chansandra towards the rail tracks, carried by the constant
mental recitation of the Surah's, plunging into what I knew
as "la Cour des Miracles". I feel hyper attentive to every moment,
apprehensive, but the activity is pretty low at this early hour. The place
has changes somewhat, with an inevitable condominium compound even here!
But here is the small cinema where Saundra Pandiyan used to work, and
now what remains of Ubagarimary's shack on the right, now gone
and unkempt, in front of the Patalama Temple. A small crowd has
assembled ahead, preparing for the Patalamalevet Bazaar. I eagerly
scrutinize the faces without recognizing anyone, and a little later,
am blocked at the tracks by a passing train, wondering if
that will allow time for imagined ennemies to catch up with me.
But nothing happens.
The segment to Kadugodi is equally peaceful. How many memories
here too, the governement dispensary, the Masjid where RUksanna got
my Taviz, the doctor where I once took Sampa, etc. etc. But I pass
by virtually unheeded at this early hour, except for a friendly amused gesture
from a Muslim man who's surprised to see me running here. This would seem
like a quiet neighbourhood if it weren't so heavy with history in my mind.
I am now passing under the bridge, nearby the slum. A second pedestrian
structure has been built as well, completely closing the Kadugodi rail
crossing. Now into the streets, still without meeting anyone, passing by the shop
where we used to buy the "ration", the government school where we
used to cross, and finally to the turn at the small village that brings
me back to the rail tracks, and out of the area. I have passed!
Nothing has happened, but this tense run briefly leaves me in a great
state of elation, as if I had completed a Double Century. I complete
the run carried by a sense of small triumph, a fascination for destiny
that overtakes the body. My recitation of the Surah's has become celebratory.
But upon reaching ITPL, I'm greatly surprised that the run has hardly taken more
than an hour.
The Death of Syed Mukhram (17.2 Miles) -- 06/14/15
Sunday 06/14/15 -- Big Bear Lake
Heavenly Valley rd - Big Bear Blvd (Hwy 18) - Boulders Park: 0:48:08
Hwy 18, to Dam at West End of the Lake: 0:21:54
Hwy 18, up partway up the hill: 0:14:50
Back same way: 1:26:52
Time: 2:51:44
Estimated Pace: 10'00" / mile
Estimated Mileage: 17.2 Miles
As soon as I get off the plane in Los Angeles, I receive a phone call
from Ruksanna, even though it's the middle of the night for her.
It appears that Mukhram has passed away.
The start of an entirely new chapter in our lives.
I have driven straight from the Aiport to Big Bear to join the
DDU guys and Damien, who have rented a house for the weekend. I have
woken up at 5, and fueled by the news, feel an urge to get out, while
everyone is still asleep. The thrill of exploring a new place. But
I soon found out that I have forgotten my running socks. Nothing will
stop me though, luckily I do have thin chic socks, so I'll run in those.
After Yaseen and abbreviated warm-up, I set out eagerly. Fearing the
potential cold, am wearing an undershirt. But at my first step out
the door, I realize this is too much, quickly run back to take it off.
Good decision!
I start on Big Bear Blvd which traverses town, with the vague
hope of making it to the end of the lake, that I drove through
yesterday. But I quickly realize that this first stretch is long
and uninteresting, and wonder whether I'll make it. Also, I have
not taken any water, so not really ready for a long run (not to
mention I just got off the plane yesterday!) I regret that I didn't
take the car to start further on the road.
But about 45 minutes into the run, I reach a beautiful park
along the lake, and find water there (the only point over the course).
I am carried by the powerful news of last night, and recite ALL the
Surah's throughout the entire duration of the run, slowly, methodically.
The road now ascends a little away from the little towns, through a
beautiful pine forest and boulders, peeking at majestic views of the lake
in places. I feel very good running, and start thinking I might go for
a true long run today, in spite of the lack of preparation. Eventually,
about 1h10 into the run, I reach the dam that was my goal for the day.
Feeling so good, I think I can risk a 3h00'ish run,
so decide to push a little further
up a long hill where I might find spectacular views. About mid-way though,
even though I still feel great, but thinking about the return, I listen
to reason and pause there, probably midway up the climb. I have carried
a cereal bar in my pocket which I eat, although I have no water, and
fear it might increase my thirst. Water is probably 30 minutes down
the road.
The way back is less spectacular of course, now tredding known
territory, but at a slow pace, I feel in reasonable comfort. I fear
that the last segment might get painfully boring, but I have reached
the last Surah, Yaseen, which should take a good 1/2 hour to recite.
Midway through, I take a break from the Surahs
to mentally explain to an imaginary companion
Ruksanna's full life story, finding today great words to put it in good
succint terms. I resume the two last rukus of Yaseen, coinciding
almost perfectly with the end of the run. The others are having
breakfast when I reach, I avoid telling anyone how far I went,
almost ashamed,
who would understand the powerful urge to go?
I have made it well through the run, although am surprised to find
painful chafing in several areas (eg. under the armpits, that's
a new onw!), and the sun has reddened my face.
Powerful times. Big changes ahead.
-- Along Big Bear Lake --