-- Last Three Verses of Surah Hashr --
New Year's Day (6.97 Miles) -- 01/01/20
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Wednesday 01/01/20 -- New Year's Day
W. Khairani rd - Saki Naka - Marol Naka - Airport Rd - Apna Dhaba -
Kondivita rd - RK Mandir (straight) - MIDC - 88 Pictures - Marol -
Marol CHS - Saki Naka - Asalfa - Jagruti Nagar - E. Khairani Rd.
Time: 1:02:11
Mileage 6.97 Miles - 11.22 Km
Pace: 8'55"/mile - 5'32"/km
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Weather: 21C; Humidity 64%
Rehearsed Surah al-Isra, then the same in Namaaz.
We spent the last days of the year by the ocean in Uttan.
More than ever, because of New Year, the beach is sadly
disfigured by numerous vehicles, sometimes even the clamor
of horns. But these appear in the late afternoon, and the
next morning, at low tide, Ruksanna and I progress near
the distant water on the rocks, in spite of her injured
ankle, and don't want the contemplation to end. Another
night, and another, and in spite of her healing foot,
we end up walking kilometers along the beach every day,
back and forth to Gaurai, drawn by the spectacle of popular
tourism, then reaching the actual fishermen. We progress till
a distant jettie where long fish have been laid to dry,
and young boys are fishing with amazing facility, but near
the end of the jettie, two women tell us rather rudely
that we are not allowed here (a rare display). I barely
miss walking by two snakes back on the beach, Ruksanna
warns village boys playing football who retort these
wouldn't do anything.
We've taken the car into Uttan, vibrant market place,
and then beyond on tiny roads up and down the cliffs,
revealing impressive views of the ocean, a fleet of
colorful boats. But children block the road pulling
a rope, forcing us to contribute to their holiday
plans, and this happens a few times (we had not seen
this before). Later, we'll see that this toll
is also performed by adults, or on pedestrians in
Gaurai. The road takes us to a remote Dargah by a vertical
cliff, and among beautiful old houses nested in the jungle
vegetation.
On the last day, the resort where we've eaten our
meals is being closed, a fence of Bamboo and cloth
blocking the view, in preparation for New Year's Eve.
RUksanna imagining some danger from outside finally
asks the question, as if the place was in danger of
being invaded by barbaric drunkards, but no, this is
more simply to keep the place to paying guests. She
briefly contemplates staying too, but no, we decide
to return on the 31st, but not without another trip
to Gaurai to buy fish - for which I too, for the first
time, drive the car up the beach in spite of my
pestering against it. We indeed buy fish which satisfies
Ruksanna immensily, are stopped by one last of these
New Year's rope tolls (this time operated by
a woman and her husband playing drums), then stopped
by the police who makes my blow in the alcootest
(my first time), and then we're on our way into
a dreadful return, a 3h30 journey in jammed traffic.
This morning, I am not sure what to expect.
Having missed a day or two, and after so much walking,
have I lost my agility? The answer turns out an emphatic no.
I feel fantastic once outside. It's cold,
yes, cold, by Mumbai standards, let's say fresh. It
being New Year's, I decide for an unusual urban run
(as I had last year), taking advantage of the supposedly
quiet streets. Khairani road is finally being repaired,
bad news actually, as it will re-open to traffic evantually.
Andheri Kurla, today straight, MIDC, then back. Most
activity around Asalfa, the busy thoroughfare no matter
what, surrounded by slums, one man grossly imitates my
running as sometimes they do, probably in good humour.
I feel perfect and complete the run thoroughly
relaxed. All is well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/02/20 -- Half Mile Intervals
To LakeHomes OP [1.29M - 2.07K]: 0:11:53
1/2 Miles, LakeHomes OP to Wall, then to ITT Gate.
Interval I [0.882 mt - 0.55 M]: 3'59".05 -
Pace: 7'16"/mile - 4'31"/km
Interval II [0.822 mt - 0.51 M]: 3'40".05 -
Pace: 7'10"/mile - 4'27"/km
Interval III [0.822 mt - 0.51 M]: 3'46".32 -
Pace: 7'22"/mile - 4'35"/km
Interval IV [0.882 mt - 0.55 M]: 4'03".35 -
Pace: 7'23"/mile - 4'35"/km
Age Adjusted Best Interval: 3'08", ie. 6'08"/mile
Overall Interval Time: 0:15:28
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.12 miles - 3.41 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 7'18"/mile - 4'33"/km
From LakeHomes OP [1.29M - 2.07K]: 0:10:55
Total Time: 0:38:16
Total Mileage: 4.7 Miles - 7.55 Km
Total Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'04"/km
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Weather: 20C; Humidity 77%
Read Surah Isra till v 70. This decides that I should not attempt
to learn the rest of the Surah by heart, I would rather direct my
attention to some other passage.
Somewhat hesitant to run these intervals, feeling I may
not be at the best, and I don't have much time, as I have to return
home instead of running directly to work. But I proceed anyway.
It's a good session, not great. No PR today, but cool
temperatures, and a good sense of relaxing through the effort.
I try to enjoy these, countering the fearsome aspect
of the exercise, forcing to take childish pleasure in the sense
of speed, and a wide range of motion. This works to some
extent, still, these interval sessions feel invariably
intimidating.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/03/20 -- Obstacles
Aarey Pipeline Commute
Time: 0:38:08
Mileage: 4.27 Miles - 6.86 Km
Pace: 8'56"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs ("the perfect weight")
Weather: 22C; Humidity 64%
Finished reading Surah Isra, from v 70 to the end. These
verses are indeed very fit for learning for Namaaz.
A day of minor mishaps:
First thing at wake-up, the coffee grinder no longer
works, no doubt victim to our shoddy electrical circuits.
Luckily, I have a bottle of Nescafe somewhere to save
the day. I feel so-so on the run, stiff and somewhat sore,
perhaps due to a somewhat erratic running schedule this
week, or recovery from yesterday's intervals. Anyway,
since it's getting late anyway, I decide to cut short the
hour run I had planned, for this classic Pipeline commute.
But it is nearly closed here. Two huge steel pipes
have been laid across the road on one end, which I pass
from inside the pipe, and barriers on the other end,
which I by-pass through a worker's settlement. Will this
way be closed entirely while this pipe work is going on?
Finally, I reach work to find that I don't have a towel.
Never mind, still manage with a couple handkerchiefs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navi Mumbai 10K (6.21 Miles) -- 01/05/20
-- First place at last, and trophies for both of us --
Not American (8.15 Miles) -- 01/08/20
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Tuesday 01/07/20 -- More Obstacles
Lake Homes - Orchard Av - Overpass - IIT near Gate -
Lake Powai - Aarey Pipeline.
Time: 0:52:39
Mileage: 6.01 Miles - 9.67 Km
Pace: 8'45"/mile - 5'26"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Unfortunately, wake up at 3:30, and not really able to sleep
back, uncomfortable thoughts turning in my head after a
relatively late meeting last night and a bad commute back
hopelessly stuck on Marwah, Saki Vihar, Chandivali road.
I do conjure dreamy thoughts, some relief but not nearly
enough to call it sleep. In spite of this, I seem to feel fine
when I finally decide to get up at 5. Studied Surah Isra,
then an exceptional Namaaz, perhaps
fueled by the world situation, and this carries through
the other Namaaz of the day as well, exceptional.
In fact, I feel particularly excellent running.
No after effects of Sunday's 10K, quite the contrary, very
loose and comfortable, springy. The theme from last night
continues though, traffic makes me decide for Lake Homes
which itself is blocked by work, then, a dreadful jam is
blocking the Aarey area, so locked that I have to walk
in places. And then of course, the Pipeline is still blocked
by two large pipes thrown across the road, allowing only
for pedestrians to squeeze by (wonder if this will completely
close eventually).
But as I said, it's a wonderful run, perfect pacing,
pleasant temperatures. I'll just have to sleep later
insh'allah.
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Wednesday 01/08/20 -- Not American (the Conversation)
Pipeline E. to Triangle Xing - Pipeline W. to Seepz.
Time: 1:14:08
Mileage: 8.15 Miles - 13.12 Km
Pace: 9'06"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Rehearsed Surah An'aam then A'raaf.
Unlike last night, I wake up from excellent sleep.
Yesterday night, Ruksanna has put me to bed by
applying tél to my hair, which she
says gives good sleep. Looks like it worked!
My Namaaz continues to be of good quality,
although not as dramatic as yesterday.
Today, I feel a little stiff actually, as a delayed
response from the 10K. And like yesterday, there is
an unexplained traffic gridlock on Saki Vihar
approaching Passpoli, which makes it hard to
run in places.
In spite of all this, on an inspiration, I opt
for the Eastern side of the Pipeline, as a long detour,
wondering what the distance and time will be. It is
as usual peaceful and beautiful here, in sharp contrast
to the earlier chaos, a few walkers, laborers, and a
few dogs, which watch me pass, and the voices
of birds. As the trail goes, it feels increasingly remote,
removed from the city, vegetation and small hills
around the surrealistic large tube of the pipeline.
At one point, a dense flock of crows on the
trail. It's an old isolated man who's been feeding them,
creating this Hitchcock The Birds little scene.
Later, I turn back at the small river, where the path
is actually under construction.
People are nice and friendly. On the way back,
I stop as I am being called, for a conversation.
We speak in Hindi for some time, I declare myself
as French, intent on not being taken for an
American, whose despicable policies and behavior
I forcefully reject, and do not want to be associated
with. The man says my Hindi is better than my
English, which I take as a tremendous compliment!
We'll meet tomorrow they ask, but I explain I cannot
run here every day as the route is too long.
The many stops have made this run particularly
enjoyable, I again have to slow to a walk for the traffic,
then squeeze in to cross the large pipe thrown across
the road.
This ends up totaling about 8 miles, a little long
perhaps, but an excellent route, flatter than the
similarly distanced old Lakshmi, and even
quieter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THursday 01/09/20 -- Tired
Chandivali rd - Galli shortcut - Saki Naka -
Marol Naka - Airport rd - Apna Dhaba - Straight - MIDC.
Time: 0:35:31
Mileage: 4.07 Miles - 6.55 Km
Pace: 8'43"/mile - 5'25"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 56%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
My glasses dropping from the bed wake me up around
4:30. Unfortunately the mind does not go to rest and
I can't sleep again. Yesterday, Ruksanna has told me
that we've been cheated regarding the Sunshine Apt,
perpetuating the endless deceit and abuse that is in
all things here. I worry more about her state of mind
than anything, but in the morning, she convinces me
that this is not so important.
I feel sore and tired. Clearly, I've overrun yesterday,
fueled by the classic mistake of feeling a little too good
right after a race, whose effect I now feel with a delay.
But in spite of that, the run is actually excellent.
To shake things up, I take this unusual route,
relatively short, and in spite of the urban obstacles
of all kinds (luckily it's still early), naturally settle into
a brisk relaxed pace.
-- Sunrise along the fields in Kanjurmarg, Bhandup --
Kanjurmarg Bhandup Sunrise (12.4 Miles) -- 01/12/20
Sunday 01/12/20 -- Kanjurmarg Bhandup Sunrise
Lake Powai - IIT - KanjurMarg - In the Field -
to Fatak Bridge - Talaab ka rasta - Eastern Expressway -
Back via Powai / IIT.
Time: 1:55:55
Mileage: 12.4 Miles - 19.95 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
I have been feeling a little beat-up this week, a little
sore in the body. But I stick to my objective of a semi
long run on this last weekend before the Tata Half Marathon.
It works out well. The goal today is to feel relaxed and in
full control, not struggling at any point. I have resumed
learning Surah al-Isra from verse 78, which I rehearse all
along. It's a beautiful winter morning, hazy sunrise, for
which I take a detour in the field (where some people walk)
to take pictures. Later, around the Talaab, same peaceful
atmosphere, and return along the highway, still managing
the effort well. Today, I am experimenting with gels instead
of Khajur, as a final try before the race. Seems a little
easier to ingest, although quite disgusting, and I still
hesitate.
Now an easy week ahead, fewer miles.
Unrelated, Ruksanna cannot stop laughing at my natak
of a drunkard, she did not know I could do this.
Before the Race (4.43 Miles) -- 01/16/20
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Tuesday 01/14/20 -- Recovery / taper run
Raheja Vihar (mid) - Marwah - Military - Marol.
Time: 0:34:10
Mileage: 3.85 Miles - 6.2 Km
Pace: 8'52"/mile - 5'30"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs (surprise!)
Revised Surah A'la, then together with Surah
An'aam in Namaaz. I have been postponing
for some time the revision of these earlier
Surah's (Buruj to Balad, and Muzzammil)
too involved in the longer ones. But I find
these provide me great effect actually,
and I get immersed back into them. Also,
I take the time to consign the new verse of
Surah as-Isra that I've learned.
Today's run feeling a little better, but still
a little stiff and heavy. I opt for Marwah
rather than the quieter Marol CHS, mistake!
Like last time, it is clogged at one point between
a school bus and a truck that has defied the
road closure.
Nevertheless, an acceptable pace. This run sets
the tone for the rest of the week, easy
and short.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/15/20 --
Raheja Vihar (shortest) - Saki Naka - Marol Naka -
Marol Maroshi.
Mileage (from Saki Vihar): 2.82 Miles - 4.55 Km
Time (from Saki Vihar): 0:24:56
Pace (from Saki Vihar): 8'50"/mile - 5'29"/km
Mileage (Total): 4.08 Miles - 6.57 Km
Time (Estimated): 0:36:02
Weather: 21C; Humidity 56%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Revised Surah Ghashiyah, prayed an good rendition
of Surah al-Isra (all 4 rukus) in Namaaz. This requires
an effort which I was up to today.
Woke up at 4, by some particularly successful
play of the mind, managed to sleep back till 5, repelling
the assault of work thoughts to plunge into the deeper
parts of the mind. Similarly, at lunch yesterday, with
only 15 minutes left before a meeting, I manage to
sleep as well! I still wonder what governs the success
or failure of these all-important efforts.
Run is fine, pleasantly fresh. I do feel still tight
especially in the hamstrings, in spite of my best attempts
at stretching. Again many obstacles today, kind of ran
into a rickshaw (or he ran into me), luckily at no speed.
We both exchange friendly apologetic glances.
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Thursday 01/16/20 -- Intermittent
Raheja Vihar (long) - Saki Vihar - Marwah -
Military rd - Marol - Seepz.
Time: 0:37:06
Mileage: 4.43 Miles - 7.14 Km
Pace: 8'22"/mile - 5'12"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
I should do this more often. This is essentially a Fartlek,
but not liking the name, I call it intermittent.
In the morning, revised Surah Fajr, and prayed
Buruj / Tariq / A'la / Ghashiyah for the first time in a
looong time. Enjoyed revisiting these Surah's, and
happy that they come easily back in memory.
Along with this week's theme, still a shorter
urban run, with the goal of recovering before Sunday.
I continue to feel better, gradually less stiff. Frustrated
with my weight, which I rightly or wrongly attribute to
eating English Cheese every lunch (English Cheese??
What was I thinking!!??), I aggressively cut dinner last
night, bringing back my weight in range.
To not abandon speed training altogether, worried
that last week's extra miles have slowed me down, I opt
for an intermittent run, essentially a Fartlek. This format
that I rarely use works out perfectly. I pick up regular
accelerations, but it is definitely less daunting, more
relaxed, than a full-on speed session. As usual, relaxing
under stress is the key.
I should do this more often, as a looser alternative
to the scary intervals!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/17/20 --
Raheja Vihar (shortest) - Saki Vihar - Mithi River -
Marol CHS - Seepz
Mileage: 3.48 Miles - 5.59 Km
Time: 0:31:44
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'40"/km
Weather: 18C; Humidity 48C
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Revised end of Surah Yaseen, then prayed it with great
intensity in Namaaz.
Woke up at 4:00 alas, and not really able to sleep
back. I manage the run at a deliberately easy pace, short
route, and even try to sleep on the run!
Actual cold weather today. Well, fresh.
I trudge through the day in spite of the increasing
tiredness in the brain, unfortunately unable to sleep even
for a minute. Finally around 6 I give up, come back home
and sleep before a client call.
And the next morning, I wake up wonderfully rested,
and feeling very flexible in stretching, at the great
weight of 67.8 kg.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TATA Mumbai Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) -- 01/19/20
Sunday 01/19/20 -- TATA MUMBAI HALF MARATHON
Time (Watch & Official): 1:52:39
Mileage: 14.1 Miles - 21.1 Km
Pace: 8'35"/mile - 5'20"/km
Age Graded: 1:37:27, ie. 7'27"/mile
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs (near minimum)
We've carefully figured out logistics. Like for the full Marathon,
this requires an unusually early wake-up, the race starts at 5:15,
but runners are called as early as 3:50. I keep the alarm at 2:30,
then postpone it a bit thinking there will be plenty of time. We
eat pasta.I have been feeling good and confident all day,
for once.
But Ruksanna is moving, wakes me up around 11pm,
and I really struggle to fall back asleep (like last year). In
doubt, I change my alarm again back to 2:30am. Soon I am
awaken again by the sting of a mosquito on the sole of the
foot, and then, the bed cover is too warm, I press against
Ruksanna under a lighter bedsheet, careful to let nothing
out. She shifts periodically, unable to sleep, this lasts
for some time.
I do eventually wake-up with the alarm. The bed
is empty. I find Ruksanna on the floor in the Namaaz
ka kamra, instantly up, it turns out, like a child
she has slept wearing her running clothes, so eager to go,
and then she could not manage to sleep
at all!!
We aim to leave around 3:00, call the Ola which
we find easily, direct to Doordarshan Bhavan as
recommended by the organizers. On the way, couples
wrapping up their parties, women scantily clad. As we
approach the area, large signs to Half Marathon
Drop-Off reassure me that we've come to the right
place. From there, we take place in public buses arranged
for this purpose, then walk through a narrow alley towards
the start. It is not too cold. Walking in the dark, a last
minute anxiety seizes me, what if they asked for IDs
at the entrance?
Ruksanna needs to go to the toilet. We spot
portable ones on the way, each preceded by a line.
A volunteer advises us that it will be even worse at
the start, so we wait here, while increasingly large
waves of people pass the street, as if dropped by
large buses. I watch powerless this crowd grow
and grow, wondering how we'll get through, and
our queue evolves slowly. I use this time to look
for our Aadhaar's on Google Drive (which I have
recently kept) on the phone, a first for me, and that
without glasses! I manage, and finally our turn comes,
almost together.
We walk along the large avenue towards the
start. Men are going to relieve themselves directly
by the slum houses that border the avenue. The
density of the crowd increases then comes to a stop.
A helper is calling "women only" to the side.
Ruksanna, wanting to follow, kisses me good luck,
leaves me and goes. I worry for her as usual, what
if she were asked her ID without me at her side?
My queue hardly progresses, but finally, I too enter,
my bib scanned but no questions asked.
Inside, it's equally messy. I look for Ruksanna
to no avail in this chaotic crowd, pass the Letter
Stalls (Ruksanna and I have been assigned C
and F respectively as starting stalls), and I wonder
if she's made it to F. But as I continue forward along
the letters, I realize that no-one has assembled there,
and participants have kept moving towards the start
line. To add to the confusion are various groups
warming up together. For a brief time, I am able to
jog in an empty segment, as a terse warmup. Finally,
these alleys come out on the main road along the
ocean, where already a sizable crowd has lined up
in complete disorder, all letters and levels mixed
together. I do my best to make my way forward,
at times following others, and finally settle about
50 meters from the start line. I hope Ruksanna has
followed the same path, and is somewhere hidden
in this crowd.
And without a minute to spare! Luckily we
have come early, as all this has eaten all the extra
time we had. Soon, the countdown, and the gun,
signaling the start. The crowd sets itself slowly
in motion, first walking to the line, then settling
into a cautious jog. I try my best to weave to get
ahead, perhaps spending too much energy in that.
Eventually, things clear up enough to run freely,
and feel fine once we reach the Sea Link.
Like last time, the bridge, which should be
a great attraction, feels a little long actually, especially
as there is no view in this pitch darkness, other than
the half moon smiling over us. Determined to break
my PR, I push the pace a bit, pushing a long regular
stride, gradually overcoming some nearby runners,
whose different gaits distract me. We turn back at the
end of the bridge to return same way towards the start.
I imagine this will roughly mark the halfway point.
Temperatures are pleasantly cool, and I feel generally
good.
Beyond that, I am eager to reach Hadji Ali, high
in our personal folklore, which actually comes surprisingly
quickly. This is where I had abandoned last time, and I
am strongly determined to reverse that ill fortune. I slow
down slightly to eat a Gel with water, in anticipation of
the hill after the Dargah. I continue to notice runners
of all ages, including older than me, who in spite of
a inelegant form seem to run faster than me. Getting
into the hill, I shorten my stride and slow down, hoping
the change of rhythm will give me a boost for the dreaded
last third. We are now crossing the full Marathon runners
coming the other way.
I clear the hill fine into a quick descent, and indeed
feel temporary relief from it. But this last section appears
long, particularly along Marine Drive Chaupathi. In spite
of weakening, I earnestly try to maintain a decent pace,
slowing down a bit but trying to relax and not let panic
set in. I count those last Kilometers, trying to imagine
the same distance in my familiar runs, 18, 19... But the
stretch along the ocean doesn't end. Finally, around
kilometer 20, the course veers left inland, I muster
forces to not fall back, till I see the last signs in meters,
400, 200, and I push towards the finish line, which I
had been denied last year. I have not glanced at all at my
watch, and walk straight through the stalls past the line still
without looking, postponing what I feel is a probably
disappointment. I gather the medal, collect the food pack,
and am ushered inside. There, I discover that indeed,
I have run in the relatively lackluster time of 1:52. Not
worst, but definitely not the break-out performance I
was hoping for today.
Now commences the long wait.
After some walking around, I finally sit on the
grass, take off my shoes. The food is quite awful
actually, salty biscuits that are awfully dry, and nothing
warm. A man sits by me, engages conversation, tries
to convince me that I would run better nange paon
as he did. Eventually, I get back up, but with my T-Shirt
drenched, start shivering uncontrollably in the morning
air, wondering if I'll fall sick. I eventually take place in
an area that the rising sunshine is starting to reach, which
improves things a bit. I am recognized by a couple runners
from the Decathlon Half Marathon. They've run faster than
I today, and hearing my time, ask "what happened?".
Finally, Ruksanna calls, actually earlier than I would
have thought. But it's almost impossible to find one another
in this crowd which is getting denser by the minute. We can
hardly hear each other in this tumult, the phone signal keeps
dropping, and we're unable to describe a suitable meeting
point. She even gives her phone to a volunteer at some point
who calls me by the medal stand, but I am unable to reach it
back from inside. A volunteer whom I ask responds
that too many people have arrived at once, and
he darts in a frenzy. Finally, after several unsuccessful calls,
I am able to give her the Volini Recovery Zone, the
black tent, the black flags... But she calls me back again,
sit, this will take some time... Finally she appears,
walking painfully. It turns out she had been on the other
side of the food and medal stalls, thinking I would wait for
her near the finish line, and too exhausted to enter the
long line for the medals, "unable to walk, unable
to sit". This must have all taken a good half hour!
She has completed the run, without stopping, she
says, without walking. We proceed slowly to a quieter place
to sit on the grass, I get her water. She has received very
little in the lunch box, as they are evidently running out of
supplies. But we are so happy that she had completed the
mythical Tata Marathon! How long she had been
talking about it! She describes how she splashed water
on her face several times to wake up from her sleepless
night, this time, she has seen the course, seen the sea,
seen Hadji Ali... She has made it, and we get up for someone
to take our picture with our medals.
As for me, this is a relative counter-performance. Not
horrible, but a step down from other runs, and clearly not
the breakout performance I was hoping for. Why? Hard to
analyze... I don't think I've committed any major mistake
during the run, except perhaps for too fast a start. Perhaps
I once again peaked too early, and felt a little exhausted
leading to the race. Also, perhaps this event does not
suit me well, with its unavoidable anxiety, the oversize
crowd, the ultra-early wake-up and lack of sleep...
Anyway, I am not dissatisfied, just slightly disappointed.
(Post-run analysis reveals that I was running around
an 8'15"/mile pace through the first half, which could
have produced a 1:48 finish had I been able to maintain
it. A little fast, but not unreasonable...)
A man is taken away on a stretcher. Ruksanna says
she's noticed several such incidents during the run. (And
later, I'll learn reports of several heart attacks - typical in
Mumbai - and one death at the event). We finally head out,
making our way slowly outside, unsure where to go,
following the crowd through a small alley where beggars
eat whatever food leftovers they can glean from the runners.
Then, this takes us by many small food stalls where we
drink a delicious Anaar juice, before looking for
a ride back home. No Ola is available, but luckily we find
a standard taxi. Ruksanna looks blissfully peaceful as she
falls asleep in the car.
And later, she sleeps most of the day, and the night.
In spite of not having run particularly fast, I feel like after
an extraordinary effort. We eat often, sleep often, and
some version of the run continues in my dream, where
heeding the man's advice I have run bare feet, up a long
series of stairs, later on to a slope that proves slippery,
I must wear back my shoes, I think.
Although I've missed the intimacy of the smaller runs,
the big event will stay with me for several days...
As for Ruksanna, she is strongly determined to do this
again next year!...
Something Else (8.7 Miles) -- 01/26/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/21/20 -- Recovery
Aarey Pipeline Commute
Time: 0:38:11
Mileage: 4.26 Miles - 6.86 Km
Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Revised Surah Balad. Surah al-Isra in Namaaz.
Yesterday evening struggled with Onedrive on
my computer, which in spite of having turned synched
off, has clicked back into action and messes up my files,
freaking me out! I seem to succeed in uninstall the damn
thing (which is forced down's users' throats), hopefully
for good.
Woke up around 4:15 from two mosquito bites
on the hand, in spite of Ruksanna having applied cream
yesterday night. In spite of seeking the deep imagery
thoughts in the back of the mind, I am not able to actually
fall back asleep. This won't be enough to get me through
the day.
The run however is completely fine.
Both Ruksanna and I feel good, not particular pain
or stiffness. I take this very easy, still achieving a 9'00" pace
without trying, which should set the tone for this week.
Luckily, the bad jams that recently paralyzed the Saki
Vihar are gone, all is quiet again. The Pipeline road
however is blocked at a third spot, I still manage to
squeeze through (together with other pedestrians), but
wonder if this will close for good to allow replacement
of the pipeline.
Still the best commute route though...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/22/20 -- Recovery
Aarey Pipeline Commute
Time: 0:37:41
Mileage: 4.26 Miles - 6.86 Km
Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Revised Surah Mulk, then the same in Namaaz.
In all ways similar to yesterday.
Perfectly relaxed, pleasant, effortless run,
same obstacles along the Pipeline, quiet morning,
even a slight mist from my breath!
Took the time this morning to write
another verse from Surah al-Isra, which I had
learned yesterday evening stuck in traffic in
a rickshaw (as every evening).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/23/20 -- Classic Aarey Commute
Time: 0:48:14
Mileage: 5.29 Miles - 8.52 Km
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
Started revising Surah Muzzammil, which has almost
completely slipped off memory (unlike other ones which
only take a day or two to revive).
Similar, on theme for this week, easily paced,
comfortable, pleasant run. A little longer and hillier,
already looking ahead to the Borivali Park 25K,
a month from now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/24/20 -- Aarey Classic Commute
Same as yesterday.
Time: 0:47:27
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.5 Km
Pace: 8'59"/mile - 5'35"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 53%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Again, Surah Muzzammil, which I struggle to learn again.
Yesterday evening, came back walking, as no Rickshaw
would approach Chandivali (with good reason, it is
completely stuck in trafic). The walk home is made
extra challenging by all the road work that happens
in the winter. Particularly, to pass Marol CHS road,
I have to squeeze on the embryonic sidewalk, together
with two wheelers forcing their way through in spite
of the road closure. This is that same place where
I had fallen in the gutter during monsoon...
A little sleepy today. Good Surah Yaseen Namaaz.
The run again in keeping with this week's theme, easy and
relaxed, but I do feel a little tired, in spite of which I still
elect the same route as yesterday. Late start so a little
more crowded, but otherwise a good run. It is gradually
getting warmer, making me sweat even in stretching,
that fresh interlude was short-lived.
Took the time to consign on the website my latest
verse of Surah al-Isra, which I then rehearse during the
run, a particularly good passage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 01/26/20 -- Something Else
Chandivali Saki Vihar Shortcut - Saki Naka -
Airport Back Rd - Sahar Airport Rd - Sahar Rd -
Cardinal Gracious Rd - Makahali Caves Rd - MIDC -
Marol Maroshi - Marol CHS - Andheri Kurla -
Saki Naka - Khairani rd.
Time: 1:16:08
Mileage: 8.7 Miles - 14 Km
Pace: 8'45"/mile - 5'26"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 68.6 lbs - 151.2 lbs
Surah Muzzammil, then Surah al-Isra in Namaaz.
Something different.
Urban run, throught the aiport back-way, and MIDC.
Explore. Feeling good. Not overdo it. There would be
other longer alternatives. Relatively calm. Republic
Day. SOme running "imitators". Slightly hotter temperature.
Weaken slightly, but able to relax through the pace,
if anything picking up slightly, paradoxically relaxing.
I later found I've maintained an excellent pace.
Learned a new verse of Surah al-Isra, which I
rehearsed throughout the run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wonderful Winter Mornings (13.42 Miles) -- 02/02/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/28/20 -- Mile Intervals
Warmup, Maritime OP - LakeHomes OP:
0:16:16 [1.72M - 2.77K]
Intervals, Maritime OP to IIT Gate: 1.06M - 1.71K
Interval I: 8'06".87 - Pace: 7'39"/mile - 4'45"/km
Interval II: 8'07".35 -- Pace: 7'39"/mile - 4'45"/km
Interval III: 8'14".02 -- Pace: 7'46"/mile - 4'49"/km
Interval IV: 8'24".63 -- Pace: 7'55"/mile - 4'55"/km
Best Graded Interval: 0:06:55, ie. 6'31"/mile
Overall Interval Time: 0:32:52
Overall Interval Mileage: 4.24 Miles - 6.84 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 7'45"/mile - 4'48"/km
Cooldown: 0:11:20 [1.27M - 2.04K]
Total Time: 1:00:28
Total Mileage: 7.23 Miles - 11.65 Km
Total Pace: 8'22"/mile - 5'11"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Revised Surah Muzzammil, complete, then again in Surah
Isha catch-up, after Fajr ki Namaaz.
We have mosquito problems.
Yesterday, I was woken up several times by them.
During an episode of sleep, I call the mosquitoes
on the phone. It's a woman's voice, very polite. While
well acknowledging that they do need to eat, I plead with
her that I too, do need to sleep, appealing to her
empathy. Just then I am startled out of this dream by
the buzz of yet another mosquito in my ear, second time
that night.
When I recount this dream to Ruksanna, she cannot
stop laughing.
Today is better. I have been woken up by the
mosquitoes again, but fell back asleep several times
to wake up very fresh around five. Follows a good long
Namaaz, Fajr and Ishaa ka catchup.
Feeling this good, I decide to try a speed session
today, a little unusual on a Tuesday, but after all I've
been recovering all next week. I will run miles on the
JVLR.
It's a little fresh outside again, and I attempt this
without any water. Much too my surprise, some low
clouds even produce a slight drizzle.
As determined as I am to take it
easy at first and pick up the pace, the first interval
ends up being best, and I do slow down on the last.
Still, I focus as usual on relaxing through pain,
the key to running, and trying to find enjoyment in this.
This session does not set a new PR, but is my best
so far this season, and ends up feeling very satisfying,
body pleasantly tired.
Later, to the Dermatologist to remove another
two suspicious skin patches from my chest. I am
decidedly happy that I've run the intervals today,
not sure whether I could have done it following
the procedure. At the
pharmacy, a guy is buying a full box of face masks,
as he is traveling to China right in the middle of the
Coronavirus alert!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/29/20 -- After Surgery
Raheja Vihar (shortest) - Marwah - Military - Marol.
Time: 0:32:24
Mileage: 3.62 Miles - 5.82 Km
Pace: 9'00"/mile - 5'35"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Revised the new part of Surah al-Isra, then recited
Rukus 2 to 4 in Namaaz.
Not much today. A deliberately easy and short
run, after yesterday's speed training and mini-surgery.
Feeling overall good.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/30/20 -- Superb Winter Morning
Classic Aarey / Old Lakshmi Commute
Time: 1:00:23
Mileage: 6.69 Miles - 10.77 Km
Pace: 9'01"/mile - 5'36"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 52%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (perfect weight
to stabilize on)
A superb winter morning!
I've tried to memorize another verse of Surah
Isra, but that quickly is swept away as Ruksanna and
I get into a heated discussion about the future, owing
to yet another crisis at work, this one bigger than
ever. Namaaz, consisting of a return to Surah Baqarah,
has been good, and I am at peace.
It's a wonderful day outside. A clear winter
morning, the temperatures seemed to have dropped
back, a low morning haze but no clouds, clear.
On Saki Vihar, a group of young playful dogs
approach me, not aggressive at all but invasive,
and I take some time to distract them so I can
proceed. My running feels near perfect today,
a relaxed pace, seamless, and I easily pass the
Aarey hills, very in control of my effort. In Aarey,
in spite of the annoying traffic, the fields are coated
in early mist, and even my breath becomes
visible in the morning air, like a european winter.
Feeling so good, I decide to take beautiful Lakshmi
road into the fields till the barns, where it is quiet
and rural.
Back on Marol Maroshi, an impressive flood
of water, probably caused by the metro work, has
made the road hard a little hard to pass. Already
yesterday evening, commuting in an auto, we were
wading through a small river by the JVLR, that same
water must be flowing here under the JVLR bridge.
All in all, this is a perfect training run, exactly
how it should be. I call Ruksanna from work telling
her she should walk outside too, but her mood seems
still clouded from the worries of the morning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/31/20 -- Chhota Rasta
Chandivali (straight) - Saki Vihar - Mithi River -
Marol CHS.
Time: 0:29:14
Mileage: 3.34 Miles - 5.37 Km
Pace: 8'45"/mile - 5'26"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Another perfect run!
Very low-key, completely effortless. Cool
temperatures again today.
I first wake up at the evil hour of 4:00. But
fall back asleep with ease, to wake up again at
5:30. I learn another verse of Surah al-Isra, which
then, this being Jummah, I proceed to write
before Namaaz. With a clear mind, I recite Surah
Yaseen well.
With all this, it's a bit late (around 7:30), I opt
for a short urban route, luckily not too crowded on
a Friday morning. This combination of mid-short
mid-short seems to work very well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 02/02/20 -- Aarey Hills
Aarey, to Far end via New Zealand Hostel - Back same way.
Time: 2:05:52
Mileage: 13.42 Miles - 21.6 Km
Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity: 56%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
A wonderful winter morning, and a wonderful run to cap the week.
Morning, up at 5, and a long Namaaz to catch up with misses
from yesterday. I confirm my learning of a new ruku from Surah
al-Isra, which I will rehearse throughout the run. I am out
by around 6:40, a little before first light.
My plan is to run several hills in Aarey, and I will
do exactly as planned (for once).
It's another nice fresh morning. I am carrying the small
bottle belt, and back to Khajur. No phone, nothing extraneous.
I feel good on the first climb, very deliberate to not
exert myself. As usual on a Sunday, the Hostel area is busy
with walkers, runners, cricket players, and even a large
group of women in beautiful saree. My running is very smooth
in the morning air. Yesterday, as we went around town in
Rickshaws, we saw large noisy groups around water trucks,
with steel pots (no plastic binghys like in the south).
Could this be related to the terrible water flooding near
Seepz, where the pipe seems to have broken down?
I continue as planned to the far end of Aarey. There,
wisely, at about 1h05, I turn back, not trying to unduly
lengthen the run, and come back same way into the climb.
A man is running with me, I stay right behind him, keeping
up with his pace. About mid-way, he drops out, and I am
free to escape alone to the summit, which leads to a good
pace (I'll run negative splits today). At Marol intersection,
I hesitate again to lengthen the run, feeling so good, but
wisely decide to stay with the same way, which comprises
a steeper hill. I pass also in climbing form, which really
feels comfortable, even soothing, to me.
I finish the run very much in control, with memories
of the great cycling climbs, playing a mock race in my
head. I deduct from this that perhaps, a little less
is better than a little more, in other words, rather
than unnecessarely lenghtening runs and struggling to
finish, it is much better to complete in full control
like today, especially later in the season.
An excellent run.
-- Ruku from Surah al-Isra --
Hill Repeats, Tempo Run (10 Miles) -- 02/08/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/06/20 -- Hill Repeats
Classic Aarey Commute [5.28M - 8.5K]
Hill Repeats, backside of Aarey Hill -
909 Meters - 0.56 Miles
Interval I: 4'46" (Cumul 4'46") --
Pace: 8'26"/mile - 5'14"/km
Interval II: 4'39" (Cumul 9'25") --
Pace: 8'13"/mile - 5'06"/km
Interval III: 4'37" (Cumul 14'02") --
Pace: 8'10"/mile - 5'04"/km
Interval IV: 4'40" (Cumul 18'42") --
Pace: 8'15"/mile - 5'08"/km
Note: These paces look suspicious, perhaps
distance measure is off.
Overall Intervals Time: 0:18:42
Overall Intervals Mileage: 2.24 Miles - 3.63 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 8'20"/mile - 5'09"/km
Total Time: 1:27:31
Total Mileage: 9.76 Miles - 15.8 Km
Total Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'32"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 53%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Wake up at 4. Unable to fall back asleep, gate is closed.
I've unfortunately waken up at 4, and in spite of my most
valiant efforts, unable to fall back asleep. The gate to
my deeper mind remains closed, and every time I approach
a glimpse of dreamy vision, I fatally pop back out. So I get
up around 5 in a very bad mood, isolating myself in the
Namaaz ka Kamra, where I revise Surah al-Isra, followed
by the same in Namaaz.
This improves things somewhat, but towards the
end of Namaaz, I am perturbed by another quarrel. This is
because the boys have taken my running socks for
football and have brought them back filthy. Like Ruksanna,
I struggle to contain my anger at the incident, and soon
leave. I was planning on hill repeats today, but concerns
over my knee after a slight "tweak" on the run yesterday,
doubled with lack of sleep, make the run unpredictable.
I follow plan nevertheless. And as often in strained
circumstances, this leads to an excellent run.
It's another cool morning. No knee problem at all,
as it turns out. And the intervals, run on the backside
of Aarey Hill, feel great, in fact, they feel too easy,
able to hold pace without weakening or much strain.
Other than the distraction of the stupid traffic,
this is an excellent session. And I have even managed
to memorize another verse of Surah al-Isra, starting
a new Ruku.
As soon as I reach work, I call Ruksanna. She is crying
over the incident, and says she will go out to calm down.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/08/20 -- Tempo Run
Warmup/Cooldown, to Maritime OP via Lake Homes,
back via Raambag [3M - 4.82K]
Tempo Run: Maritime Overpass to IIT far Gate, Twice.
Lap Mileage: 1.75 Miles - 2.81 Km
1st Lap: 15'03" [15'03"] -- Pace: 8'36"/mile - 5'21"/km
2nd Lap: 14'38" [29'41"] -- Pace: 8'21"/mile - 5'12"/km
3rd Lap: 14'28" [44'09"] -- Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
4th Lap: 14'15" [58'24"] -- Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'04"/km
Tempo Time: 0:58:24
Tempo Mileage: 7 Miles - 11.24 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'20"/mile - 5'11"/km
Total Time: 1:27:34
Total Mileage: 10 Miles - 16.06 Km
Total Pace: 8'45"/mile - 5'27"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 56%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs (!!!, completely unexpected!!)
Last night, a loud bombdi, singing voices from some
neighboring appartment, and stomping feet. I imagine this
must be some religious function, still going on when I decide
to get up before 4:30. I'm not feeling well again, insufficient
sleep, and the beginning of some illness (Ruksanna has been
quite sick for a few days). I nevertheless decide to proceed
with the idea of a tempo run today, less mileage but more
speed, and luckily opt for doing that on the JVLR, close to
home.
Still tired, and worried about my recovering knee,
the warmup feels rather ominous. But as often in such
cases, this dark mood delivers an excellent run.
After a cautious start, I am able to sustain a good
pace, without relenting, relaxed enough to constantly
monitor my position, making small adjustments along the
way, and in control enough to experiment with rhythm
and stride, which allows a comfortable sense of pace.
In fact, I feel the benefit of the motion in my
legs as I'm running, like a spreading fluid.
I finish very well, having like Thursday memorized my
laps. No knee issue, or any sequel from removing the
stitches yesterday at the hospital.
Later, going through the data, I found that I
have run negative laps, further emphasizing how
a slow cautious start is key to success.
-- Méditerranée Sunrise, from the balcony --
Corniche des Serres de la Madone (7.44 Miles) -- 02/14/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 02/13/20 -- Roquebrune
Coastal trail to the West, till trail closure.
Time: 0:51:41
Estimated Pace: 9'15"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.59 Miles
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Weather: 9C / 14C; Humidity 51%
Arrived yesterday, after an easy trip through Dubai.
No particular alert linked to Coronavirus, very few
people wearing masks in Mumbai, many more in Dubai,
and particularly, as I deboard my plane, I come across
a dense crowd of chinese, all wearing masks. I wear
mine for a little time.
The run is fine. I am wearing adequate clothing
for the somewhat cold temperature, long sleeve shirt
and longer shorts. Up at 5:00, I have to wait for some
time for enough daylight (Fajr is around 6:30). The
trail is very quiet, (I cross a single runner), and
eventually closed in the aftermath of the recent
tempest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 02/14/20 -- Hill Repeats "Corniche des Serres
de la Madone"
Warmup / Cooldown, to Ste Agnes rd [1.36M - 2.18K]
Hill Repeats, Corniche des Serres de la Madone (route
de Ste Agnes), to Allee des Arbousiers [0.76M - 1.22K]
Interval I: 8'15" [8'15"] -- Pace: 10'52"/mile - 6'45"/km
Interval II: 8'13" [16'28"] -- Pace: 10'50"/mile - 6'44"/km
Interval III: 8'17" [24'45"] -- Pace: 10'55"/mile - 6'47"/km
Interval IV: 8'27" [33'12"] -- Pace: 11'08"/mile - 6'55"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:33:12
Overall Interval Mileage: 3.04 Miles - 4.88 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 10'55"/mile - 6'48"/km
Total Time: 1:15:16
Total Mileage: 7.44 Miles - 11.94 Km
Total Pace: 10'06"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs
Weather: 8C / 16C
Excellent wake-up around 5:30, in spite of having gone to
bed very early. Yesterday, high wind started blowing, but
this morning all is calm, skies free. Wait for first day-light,
stretching, traditional Surah Yaseen Namaaz on a Friday.
As yesterday, weigh myself on the scale here, whose results
I highly doubt, even though my mother confirms it is
properly functioning.
It's cold outside, but not unbearably so. Today, predicting
a more intense run, I've opted for a short sleeves t-shirt, which
will work fine. As yesterday, I've eaten a French Style
breakfast, consisting of Coffee, Baguette, Butter and Confiture.
Although a little harder to digest, this seems to work fine.
I find the road to Ste Agnes like last time, opt to run my
Hill Repeats there. The first section is indeed quite steep,
winding through a patch of forest, elevating itself quickly
over the ocean view, and the rising sun. I feel good, able to
maintain an even effort throughout. I stop at an alley to the
right, with a time a little over 8 minutes (about double my
typical hill intervals), which seems suitable, and we'll stay
close to that time on all intervals, slowing down unwillingly
on the last.
All good, good run.
-- Port de Menton, early morning --
La Turbie (13.74 Miles) -- 02/16/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 02/16/20 -- La Turbie
Roquebrune Carnoles - Route Grande Corniche -
La Turbie (Eglise): 1:15:00 [6.95M - 11.19K]
Retour meme route.
Time: 2:11:33
Mileage: 13.74 Miles - 22.12 Km
Pace: 9'34"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 8C (a la Turbie)
Weight: 67.8 kg -
Me who was worried about this run... It turned out perfect!
Fearing depletion while in France, I compensated by
overeating yesterday, wake up feeling heavy. And also, are
these daily runs too much? Will my level come down before
BNP?
I wake up around 5:00, the usual odd breakfast here
in France, although we bought yesterday in market a bar
which feels very appropriate as a pre-run meal. I wait till
6:30 for Namaaz, and then around 7:15 for daylight.
I take the time to write a verse
of Surah Isra which I've learned.
It's a little cloudy over the
ocean, suggesting possible colder
weather, yet I stick with my clothing plans, short sleeves
and no knee warmers, which will turn out perfectly
adequate. I want to try something different, rather
than repeating the coastal run or the ascent to Ste
Agnes. Perhaps Monaco by the road? A quick ascent
leads me to a first carrefour, where I spot a sign to
La Turbie. Why not? I take the road
which gently ascends to the right. Great inspiration!
It's a steady ascent along the coast, offering
sweeping views of the ocean. The clouds have lifted,
leaving the water to its usual deep blue. The road,
following the "high Corniche", becomes more remote,
nestled between the villages below and the cliffs that
peak above. A road crossing at the construction site
of a hotel, precariously perched over the cliff, reveals
a view of the Monaco buildings huddled below, and
the port. I pass old historical villages, without making
detours. The road gets wilder still at it ascends. At
some point, two german sheperds bark loudly and
run at me as if to attack, luckily enclosed behind
a wired fence. After a brief respite, one suddenly
jumps at me (still blocked by the fence), causing
me to swerve on the road near an approaching
car. No harm done, but I will be careful here while
running back.
The village of La Turbie is visible in the
distance at the peak of the road, heralded by
an odd monument called le Trophée
des Alpes. Contrary to me fears, I feel
particularly comfortable in my running, finding
a reasonable climbing pace, gently sustained
but with no extraneous effort. After about 1h15
at my watch, I reach the village of La Turbie,
stopping near the Eglise. A street sign indicates
a temperature of 8C, perfect for this run.
The descent feels easy and relaxed.
As before, the traffic is light, and I cross a few
cyclists. Feeling good, I try to push the pace
a little, relaxing into a flexible springy stride.
I drink a little from my belt but no need to eat.
I indeed reach back quite a bit faster, without
much difficulty, immensely satisfied with this
memorable run. At yesterday's market in
Menton, we have better planned my nutrition,
so I eat a wonderful yogurt with delicious
bread after the run!
Postscriptum:
At the time, I can not know that this particular run
will become a most potent memory, along with the
Qur'an verses associated with it, that I will
recall so dearly the views of the Mediterrannean,
the verses learned along the way, and the memory
of this stay with my mother whom I've visited
just in time, as the
world is about to lock-down into a then unimaginable
crisis. Alhamdoulillah.
-- Monaco, from the High Corniche Road --
-- Ruksanna, posing with the surprise roses that
I've sent her while in France --
Dust (5.28 Miles) -- 02/20/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/19/20 -- Dust
Raheja Vihar (mid) - Marwah - Military - Marol.
Time: 0:34:25
Mileage: 3.85 Miles - 6.2 Km
Pace: 8'56"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 50%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Back from France yesterday.
Slept very well, woke up at 5:45, after sleeping
through the night without a single wake-up, a
rare event! I feel stiff and a little sore in stretching,
and as soon as I go out, a guy vigorously sweeping the
street raising a dense cloud of dust sets the theme
for my return from the clean Mediterranean air.
I fear the run, but no, it ends up perfectly fine,
easy and relaxed, in spite of some traffic and an
oppressive haze (pollution?), and of course much
warmer temperatures than in France.
Very good though for now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 02/20/20 - Excellence
Classic Aarey Commute
Time: 0:46:34
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.5 Km
Pace: 8'49"/mile - 5'28"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 53%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Woke up at 4:30 in spite of Jet Lag, unfortunately,
unable to sleep back. But in spite of a morning
headache, I feel fine. I continue to revise Surah
al-Isra and recite in Namaaz.
I feel miraculously fine!
Very flexible in stretching, the run actually
feels unreal. A complete fluidity, a smooth easy
feeling nearly unparalleled. And this in spite of the
oppressive traffic, as every single road is being dug
it seems, creating tight bottlenecks clogged with
vehicles. But nevertheless, what a surprisingly
amazing run. Thankfully, I resist this blissful state
to not lengthen the route through beautiful Laxmi.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 02/21/20 -- Chhota Rasta
Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol.
Time: 0:30:17
Mileage: 3.48 Miles - 5.6 Km
Pace: 8'42"/mile - 5'24"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs
Friday. Woke up at 5:30 at Ruksanna's alarm, having
slept well (unlike previous night), after a long coconut
oil massage from her precisely to favor deep sleep.
It worked!
Revising again Surah al-Isra, recite it also in Namaaz,
veering away from my personal tradition of Surah
Yaseen on Friday's (which is actually best, there is
no such tradition). A good rendition today.
It's rather late (around 7:30), I am not motivated
to run. I choose one of the shortest routes, undaunted
by traffic noise and dust. As often, the obstacles, and
the shrilling sound of the horns are so oppressive that
I yell back at time. Like yesterday though, running is
easy and fluid. Something about my stride has come
together following this trip, I'm surprised by such a
good pace achieved at no effort. Am I ready for a great
performance tomorrow in Boriwali National Park?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boriwali National Park 25K (15.53 Miles) -- 02/22/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/22/20 -- Boriwali National Park 25K
Time (watch): 2:06:21 [halfway approx. 1h03]
Mileage (official): 15.53 Miles - 25 Km
Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'03"/km
Age Graded: 1:49:18, ie. 7'02"/mile
---------------------------
Scenario 2 (likely):
Mileage: 24 Km - 14.91 Miles
Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'15"/km
Age Graded: 1:49:18, ie. 7'19"/mile pace
---------------------------
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs
In spite of the jet lag from France, I wake up
perfectly fine, before my alarm, around 4am.
Ruksanna however has hardly slept at all,
similarly to the Tata Marathon. During the night,
she was shifting in all kinds of bizarre positions,
and we make fun of that. I scold her for having
drunk tea before bed. I offer for her to stay home,
but she firmly refuses, "NO, mujhe running
pasand hai".
Me being in France, we haven't gotten our
bids, so I am mildly worried about the logistics,
although we've been assured that we'll find
everything at the baggage counter. I call the Ola
before 5:00, for once arriving quickly, but before
I realize it, the driver embarks on the Eastern
side of Khairani road then back West on Kurla
Andheri, a fairly circuitous route, which I question
the driver, who assures me that all is barabar.
Indeed, we eventually reach the Western Highway,
and the park, arriving exactly at 5:30 for the opening
of the gates. We proceed inside with a small crowd
of runners. Indeed, we soon get our bibs and T-Shirts
(which Ruksanna wears discreetly kneeling behind
a bench). I warm up mildly in the dark, as dawn
walkers are starting to invade the park. I startle
a Hiran. It's actually surprisingly cold this early
in the woods.
After singing the national anthem,
The 50K runners are sent first, then comes
my turn (25K), and Ruksanna will be sent later.
Like last year, I feel very good on this course.
Perhaps I'm running a little too fast on the gradual
climb to Kanheri cave (hope not to repeat the
Tata Marathon disappointment), but I seem to be
able to hold this pace, and bide my time for the
change of rhythm that the steeper climb will
provide. I have been running in synch with
certain runners, but they gradually fall behind,
a good morale boost. I have spotted the taklu
coach, Eugene Quadros, someone running
with him was saying "It's great to run with you
sir," then boasting that "he liked the inclines,
from usually running in Aarey", and I imagine
how annoying this unwanted companion might
be, to us who seek silence. The coach also
falls behind me, seems to acknowledge as I
descend from Kanheri caves, and I hope
to keep him behind the whole way.
the effort and will pay for it. I try to relax through these
oppressive thoughts, relax as I've so often
practiced and sometimes found, taking in again
the scenery.
Luckily, the rolling hills offer intermediate goals,
a pleasant variety, a terrain that suits me well,
and I find myself on the Kanheri climb for the
second time, which again provides a pleasant
rupture of rhythm. I climb at a good rhythm,
looking forward to the descent to launch me
into another bout of speed.
This indeed happens. I fear that this
section might feel long, but in a well-dosed game
of patience, I do not weaken on the way back,
continuing to feel good on this mixed terrain.
The segment to Gandhi Tedki feels equally
manageable, at a good but controlled pace,
and I reach again the base of the climb in
fairly good condition, now ready for a final
push. I climb at a good effort (unlike last
year where I had slowed down), then push
the pace into the descent and to the finish.
My watch indicates 2h06, mission accomplished,
but I do not know how that compares to last
year. I am recognized by a few runners, and
only some time later arrives coach Eugene
Quadros.
I wait for Ruksanna. She arrives after
having completed the 12.5 K. But here mind
seems elsewhere. Mid-way through a sentence,
I pause, as I see her crying. Continuing this
week's somber mood, the visions of nature
have brought back memories of her father,
her childhood in the village.
After some time, we nevertheless take
a celebratory selfie in the same spot as last
year, then eat a delicious tarbouz from
a local woman, and finally, waiting for the Ola
at the entrance, I buy a soda, which unfortunately
is the only thing that will quench my extreme
thirst (how do we evolve to this?). Ruksanna
closes her eyes briefly during the ride back
home, while I contemplate the morning light.
Only later do I realize what an exceptional
performance this has been!!
To the point where I start to doubt the data:
I've run an unbelievable 8'08"/mile pace on this hilly
terrain, completely unprecedented, and I have beaten
last year's time by about four minutes (as it turns out,
I've again come second in my age group). There is no
reason to question the data, so I gradually reconcile
myself with the reality of this breakthrough performance,
confirmed the next day by official results. My week in
France seems to have paid off enormously. And more
than ever, I realize the determining effect of the
quality of my stride, a long flying stride,
which when successful propels me unknowingly
to much greater efficiency.
Virus (7.04 Miles) -- 02/27/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 02/24/20 -- Dream
Home Gym: 0:23:00
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Woke up at 2:00, struggled to sleep again given the current
tension, but adamantly pursued it, reaching into the far corners
of the mind, an ability that I seem to have partially lost, both in
sleep and Namaaz. But today, around 4:00, it worked!
I eventually wake up to a magnificent multi-part dream, involving
cycling, then a long pathway on the ocean with someone, but
we start falling as large waves overtake us, then I am at the
shore (is it me though?), with a group of children and adults,
holding our hands in Du'ah in front of the ocean, out of which
a procession of extraordinary creatures slowly proceeds in
our direction, while in the background gigantic waves gather,
although those look cheaply computer generated. My du'ah
is most tearful among the group (again, is it me?), perhaps
it is over the top.
I wake up around 5. Revise Surah A'raaf, then, since I've
omitted is on Friday, a well felt Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 02/27/20 -- Aarey - Old Laxmi
Time: 1:03:03
Mileage: 7.04 miles - 11.34 Km
Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 24%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Woke up at 3:20, fortunately able to sleep back, in spite
of the mind churning on Coronavirus fears and things.
I wake up again at 4:45, good study of the Qur'an, then
stretching by Ruksanna. I expose to her the night's idea:
That she stock up for about 2 weeks of sustenance, in
the case the epidemic broke out here. I am actually
convinced that it will, and that it will be particularly
devastating here given the chaos, poor hygiene level,
and lack of transparency. Till now, things are strangely
quiet on the topic, but I can well imagine the panic that
would brutally flare up, and portray to Ruksanna the mobs
that could assault the stores. I don't think this vision
is unrealistic, and she agrees to stock up a bit.
Namaaz is good, returning to Surah Muzzammil
then new rukus of Surah al-Isra (which are progressing
fine), then onto the run. This is another very relaxed
low-intensity run, trying to enjoy the day (although in
India there is always an underlying worry every time
I go out), and pass peacefully through Aarey and
beautiful Laxmi road. This is sadly getting ready to
be paved, perhaps as an alternate access road to
the Royal Imperial Palace up the hill which
looks like it has finally re-opened (I see from a distance
that it has been repainted). Bad news, as this could
remove this small haven of peace within Aarey.
As it is, approaching Seepz, I get as usual
shrilled by the piercing horns, yell back
at them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 02/28/20 -- Apna Dhaba
Saki Vihar Shortcut - Andheri Kurla - Apna Dhaba -
Kondvita (straight) - MIDC.
Time: 0:35:17
Mileage: 4.07 Miles - 6.55 Km
Pace: 8'40"/mile - 5'23"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 36%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
-- Lake Vihar, with the Pipeline in the distance --
The Far Side of Lake Vihar (11.7 Miles) -- 02/29/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/29/20 -- The Far Side of Lake Vihar
Pipeline East - To Bhandup Entrance - on the Right -
Along Lake Vihar - to Fork (near water treatment plant) -
Back same way.
Time: 1:43:42
Mileage: 11.7 Miles - 18.83 Km
Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'30"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 44%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
I have resolved for an Eastern Pipeline run, of mid-distance,
a rare endeavour on this route which somehow intimidates me.
I am still recovering from BNP 25K, taking it easy all week
but still feeling stiff. This will turn out to be an
exceptional run.
The road is relatively quiet past the little slum at
the edge of Saki Vihar. Here too, it looks like the road
is getting ready for pavement, sadly. But for now, it is
beautiful and nearly deserted, following the large blue
pipes of the pipeline, meandering among forested hills
whose vegetation has started to dry up. Finally far is
the oppressive clamor of the traffic, sounds of nature,
birds singing. I spot in a tree a couple of hawks perched
by their nest, in watch.
As usual, only a few people here, labourers walking
up on the pipes, or people exercising or running. Friendly
salutations. I reach the end of the road, at the Bhandup
end. Work here too is being performed.
Adventurous for exploration, I turn left, for the
first time. What could be here?
To my great (delighted) surprise, and contrary to
what Google seemed to indicate, I soon find myself on
the shore of the lake! What an unbelievable discovery,
one that I had so long wondered about!
A good road, largely deserted, follows the lake
bank then separates along a pipeline in denser woods,
here too, an eerie sense of being alone in nature,
birds, noises and rustling, but no leopard. Rare vehicles,
but no-one seems to mind me (I'm not completely sure this
is a public road). In spite of the run lengthening, I pursue
this heavenly run hoping to find some landmark to turn back.
This eventually happens, after a turn in the road leading
to a fork, and seemingly back to civilisation (a sort
of company building to the left gathers a small crowd).
I turn back, wondering what a longer run could yield.
The way back is equally delightful. Along the lake,
a road-roller (who are these called) hails me
as we cross. I imagine he'll tell me I shouldn't be here,
but no, he's actually asking me for directions, which
of course I do not know. I soon retrace my steps to
the intersection of the familiar pipeline road.
I feel incredibly good, all stiffness gone,
feeling once again that my stride has mysteriously
aquired some magic that wasn't there before, allowing
for a faster relaxed pace at very little effort,
mysteriously powerful. Back to Saki Vihar road,
plunged back into the oppressive traffic as if after
a dream, the dust, the noise, the horns...
Me who wanted a short run today, I have almost
run two hours on this magical route!
-- Ruku from Surah al-Isra --
Surah al-Isra, Précarité, Marol Church road (5.55 Miles) -- 03/05/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 03/02/20 -- Rest
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs
Weight increase confirmed, in spite of more
careful nutrition yesterday. Otherwise feeling
ok. While waking up in the night, I see that
the Louvre has been closed due to virus
fears, contradicting the calm assessment
my mother gave yesterday.
Towards dawn, another striking dream, for
some reason, once again on a Monday:
A thick crowd has assembled, leading to our
bedroom (a little bigger than normal). I fend
my way to find people queuing to Ruksanna's
cupboard, where they are taking free clothes,
while she is still asleep in the bed. I get hold
of Nilesh in the queue, exhort him to do
something zor se, then as he, timid,
doesn't act, I interrupt the queue and yell at
people to close this. Aman is still smoking near
our window, I go to confront him but he has
disappeared. Then at the door, a young ruffian
wearing colored sunglasses insists on still coming in
while, fearing a fight, I persuade him that we
will distribute clothes later, somewhere else.
I finally get a hold of Pankaj and start yelling
at him, that their carelessness has allowed
such a bad situation. I am so frustrated that I walk
away without even waiting for his response.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 03/03/20 -- Surah al-Isra
Pipeline Commute
Time: 0:37:59
Mileage: 4.27 Miles - 6.87 Km
Pace: 8'53"/mile - 5'31"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
NEW SHOES (Brooks)
Woke up at 3:00, struggled to sleep, but with good
perseverance pushed my mind back to sleep. Woke
up again before 5, did not wake anyone up to allow
for the blessed solitary learning of the Qur'an,
before Namaaz. I reach another milestone in completing
another Ruku from Surah Isra, then pray Namaaz, also
Surah Isra. My Namaaz has re-found the sense of
devotion and transcendence which I seek, fueled by
a sense of précarité linked to
the virus, a blessed state of mind that allows one
to submit oneself to faith, where everything might
seem possible. Prayer is not to influence events, but
to aquire the ability to bear them. Before the run, on this
particularly devoted morning, I take the time to
write the last verse of the ruku.
The run is typical, starting a little stiff, but relaxing
to a good pace about 20 minutes in. The Pipeline route
continues to be excavated, large pipes have been placed
all along the side, no doubt, this route will soon become
impractical unfortunately. Then, there will be no escaping
traffic on the way to work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 03/04/20 -- Précarité
Classic Aarey Commute
Time: 0:47:20
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.49 Km
Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
I woke up at 3:00, and wasn't able to sleep since. My efforts
to dig into the mind remain vain. The virus, work, dimaag
me ghoum rahe hain.
This finally wakes up Ruksanna as well. She tries to
put me back to sleep, but her motions, sometimes tiny
motions, only pop me out of whatever efforts, and I remain
sleepless, fearing the day ahead. I do get up before 5,
dépité.
I study the Qur'an as every morning before Adhaan, then go
by her to stretch. In a somber mood, I uncharacteristically
recite Surah Waqi'ah in the morning, the death Surah, a tearful
rendition, dans un état de précarité, most
fit for devotion.
The run is fine, a little hurry for an 8am meeting, and
arriving very sweaty. Along Lake Powai, the sight of crows
pecking at the cadaver of a dog, still mostly intact, a vision
that for some reason will repeat in a few days.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 03/05/20 -- Intermittent (Farktlek)
Raheja Vihar (long) - Saki Naka - Marol Naka -
Airport Rd - Marol Church Rd - Marol Pipeline rd -
Apna Dhaba - Kondivita - Bhim Nagar rd - MIDC.
Time: 0:47:58
Mileage: 5.55 Miles - 8.93 Km
Pace: 8'38"/mile - 5'22"/km
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
9th reading Surah Baqarah till v 40.
Wake up at 3:00. Panic at first, like yesterday,
will I not be able to sleep?? Perhaps reading too much
about the Virus. But a single verse of the Qur'an (not
an exercise of memory), and a few waves of half dreams
lead to one more vast: An Ola is taking Ruksanna and
I in Sunnyvale from our house back to our house (what?
why would we take a car for that??), but the driver
takes us further towards a wild hilly park that I can't
quite recognize, till I finally ask him is this really the
right way? He turns back smiling in embarrassment, we
have forgotten to give him the OTP, and he has
forgotten to ask, so he just driving randomly!
I wake up again at 4:30, admirably refreshed,
pondering yet again over the power of sleep, not
only with a clear mind but with a relaxed body.
Before waking up Ruksanna, I study the Qur'an,
deciding to launch into another complete reading
of the book, the 9th, which will probably restart at Ramzaan.
Again with a clear mind, Namaaz is well devoted,
reciting for the first time the two new rukus of
Surah al-Isra.
Like yesterday, a meeting at 8:00 does not
leave me much time. Rather than intervals, I opt
for intermittent speed (aka fartlek), and choose an
urban route. This is a great workout actually, not
as daunting as strict intervals, but more enjoyable
in its freedom, looser. In a good mood, I yield to
a sudden inspiration, taking a right under the Airport
Road station into a narrow street, into the unknown.
This narrows down further, seems to turn around
disorienting, through small slum-like areas, fascinating.
I do ask my way at some point as the roads meander
inexplicably, am advised to turn
into a dirt trail which will cross the pipeline, but
sticking to the road instead, eventually resurface
back on the main road. The map will later reveal
that I have nearly described a loop. Me who was
looking for a shortcut...
All the while, I continue my accelerations,
finding a sustained pace of segments of varying
lengths. After Apna Dhaba, a second exploration,
I continue straight from Kondivita road, which also
narrows down to a small alley through slum
dwellings, eventually reaching the main MIDC
road. I finish this extremely sweaty but very
satisfied, thankfully with a half hour to cool
down before the meeting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 03/06/20 -- Chhota Rasta
Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marway - Military - Marol.
Time: 0:31:00
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.64 Km
Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Surah Baqarah till v 83
Woke up several times, luckily, the terrible insomnia
from earlier in the week is gone, and I fall back into
two of my most classic dreams, one about making
a Shrek Presentation for which I have prepared
nothing, the second trying to leave to the airport
while my Ola app is critically malfunctioning. So
predictable it's annoying! But I get up feeling again
very well around 4:30. Continue reading of the
Qur'an before stretching and Namaaz, a
heartfelt rendition of Surah Yaseen, fueled
by the sense of vulnerability brought by
the epidemy.
Have to hurry for a 7:30 meeting, short
nondescript run.
Later, for Jummah, excellent Namaaz at the
Masjid.
Canton Half Marathon DNF "Together" (10.16 Miles) -- 03/08/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 03/08/20 -- Canthon Half Marathon "Together"
--------------------
Split at 10K U-turn:
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.5 Km
Time: 0:43:00
Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'03"/km
--------------------
Split at Haji Ali:
Mileage: 8.39 Miles - 13.5 Km
Time: 1:08:34
Pace: 8'10"/mile - 5'04"/km
Age Adjusted: 0:59:04, ie. 7'02"/mile pace
--------------------
To 10K U-turn:
Mileage: 10.16 Miles - 16.34 Km
Time (uncertain): 1:22:00
Pace (uncertain): 8'04"/mile - 5'00"/km
--------------------
To JK Kapur Chowk:
Mileage: 10.97 Miles - 17.65 Km
Time: 1:33:25
Pace: 8'30"/mile - 5'17"/km
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
After a few weeks of reprieve, I am again suffering
from the same minor illness, a sore throat accompanied
by fatigue, which generally settles into a mild cough
(I call this the Mumbai illness, as it seems
to happen on a permanent loop). I have no doubt
that this is not Coronavirus.
The race starts in Dadar, at Shivaji park,
which we've discovered yesterday, as well as
a beautiful access to the seashore. Anticipating
an hour drive, we arrive too early, as it has barely
taken half that with no traffic. I feel well awake
actually, in spite of the early hour, but perhaps
the wait will make me lose that. The weather
is surprisingly cool, similar to Mumbai winter,
whereas we are for once yearning for the terrible
humid heat in the hope that it will curb the disease's
progress. That hope seems largely unfounded by
the way. I notice an endurance cyclist whom
I've met at several of these events, stupidly
extend my hand salute him.
I don't have any particular goal today, after
the semi triumph in Borivali, I am ready to let the
season end easy till Ramadhan. Somehow I would
still love to break my half marathon record before
the season runs out, but I worry
that after two weeks only, this might be too early
to race again, especially with the sore throat. I
vow to take pressure off, run freely, and
we shall see. Ruksanna as gone to the restrooms
shortly before the start, so we are sadly separated
for the line-up.
I start at a good pace, which feels sustainable
to me. I notice a young white man wearing a cap
who was also at Borivali, we will yo-yo together
for a large part of the course. The run first heads
North in the semi-deserted streets, passes an
impressive Dargah in Mahim (apparently famous)
to reach the northern end of the Sealink before
turning back. As we pass back by the start,
we are passed by the 10K runners, their flow
merging into ours. The run continues now due
south through city streets, still quiet at this early
hour, some of it perturbed by the omnipresent
Metro work, and I imagine this might feel long
on the way back. We finally the sea-face, and
soon the other end of the Sealink bridge. I am
still running at a good steady pace, but start to
weaken. Certain areas for no obvious reason
seem bad for running, while others let one fly, and
I wonder if these long stretches along the Arabian
Sea are ill fated for me (as opposed to the hills
of Borivali Park). Along the sea front, I remember
that on the Tata Run, Haji Ali had not felt so far,
try to settle into patience, and as ever try to relax.
The white guy has now passed me, but I still keep
him in view. We reach the 10K turning point, but
we continue forward. Finally, I reach Haji-Ali, the
second great Dargah of the day, from where we
head back towards the start. I try to visualize the
distance left, and whether I can maintain this
pace.
But I struggle, and soon let myself be
defeated psychologically. The small illness, the critical
lack of sleep this week, and the insufficient two weeks
to recover since Borivali, all weigh me down, douse
the fight out of me. In spite of my pledge not to quit in
races, I do decide to quit, stop at the 10K U-turn
point and drink water. Stupidly (and amazingly), I forget
to memorize my time there (which could have served
as its own mini-race). It must have been around 1h21 or
1h22...
I resume running, but this time at a relaxed pace,
thinking I'll complete the run easily. But past the Sealink,
this also ceases to appeal to me, and I stop for good at the
round-about, start walking towards the finish.
But then the thought hits me. Why walk to the start
and wait for Ruksanna there? I miss her tremendously. In
these agitated times, I should be with her, and this is a rare
opportunity to actually run with her. I turn back, taking the
course in reverse, to meet her.
It takes a long time before I find her again, to the point
where I fear I might have missed her. The passing pacers
give me an indication of when I might cross her. The rows
are thinning. Finally, around the 10K turnout where I had
initially dropped out, I meet her at last, we wave from
a distance, but she seems initially panicked that something
might have happened to me. I turn around again to join her
side. An annoying fat man invites me in, encouraging me
to join the race.
We run together at her slow shuffle pace, which is
actually rather pleasant. I watch the sea, the posh seaside
houses, I am all attention to her, without looking at her
but feeling her presence, letting her guide the pace.
Photographers take our picture,
I dearly hope it will come out well. She insists on running
rather than walking, but near the Sealink, she yields to a walk,
her face subtly reddened by the effort. A little further she starts
running again exclaiming that she'd forgot to re-start, and
from there we alternate walking and running. The annoying
fat man, like an insect occasionally hovering about us,
encourages us several times, Then the 3h00 pacer, miserably
caring his defeated flag, walking as well, follows us. We actually
all get briefly lost at the metro work (the flag bearer has no clue),
have to briefly retrace our steps. I watch the houses, the rising
sunshine, the fascinating life of the small slums on the side,
the over-sized lofty towers in front. Finally, with some patience,
we reach the finish. Our time is about three hours (which will
later revealed to be among the last). We have arrived so late
that there is no food left, and prize distribution is coming to
an end.
A DNF decision often seems right at the time, in the action,
but almost inevitably leads to sour regrets. I first plan to bring this
season to a close, running only leisurely till Ramzaan, and look
forward to put more energy into other things (namely, Qur'an
study and Namaaz, and writing), appropriate for these
times of upheaval, and letting my weight fly off the handle till the fast.
But later, when I do the numbers, I realize that I've actually run a very
fast pace, explaining perhaps my faltering, and can't help wonder
what time I would have accomplished I had managed to hang on,
which of course sends a sharp ping of regret through my body.
I come to peace with it again, retaining the image
of her and I running together. Ahead of us looms the affliction that
is soon to flare the world.
Day by Day (5.78 Miles) -- 03/14/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 03/09/20 -- Rest
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
- Petrol and stock prices fall - France forbids gatherings
of more than 1000 people -
Surah baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2)
A near-panic anxiety seizes me in the middle of the night
(the evil hours), making me squirm and wail almost
comically, wakes up Ruksanna. I unfortunately read news headlines
during my nocturnal wake-ups (a habit I will wisely forbid myself
in another few days): Evolution of the epidemic, markets collapse,
yet another crisis at work, and even the memory of yesterday's
DNF. Somehow or other though, I do eventually manage to fall
back asleep.
The weather is again surprisingly cool outside, delaying
the start of summer heat, the blistering Mumbai heat which could
possibly curb the disease's progress.
In the evening, Ruksanna has cooked a delicious chicken.
The price has fallen to INR 50 / kg (from around 200), for
popular fear that it might transmit the virus!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 03/10/20 -- Holi Chutti
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Surah Baqarah till v 183
- Petrol prices fall, stocks plummet - Italy closes down -
Narendra Modi has declared he "would not
participate in Holi this year" -
Suffering from a mild cold (sore throat and runny
nose), I hesitate to run today, on this day of Holi.
Still, I am gearing up for a short run, when Ruksanna
wakes up and says we should go walk. Just as well.
We take a long walk, where I show her Rajeha
Vihar, then through Lake Homes, then on the shores
of Lake Powai where we sit for some time. In spite
of the virus alert, and the fact that prominent Hindu
leaders have declared they would abstain from playing
Holi this year, we do cross a few groups of youths
powdered in color, but we are left alone. The lake
shore is nearly deserted, usually a lover's place,
and we watch the agile play of the birds. As often
in this period, Ruksanna recalls oft repeated memories
of her father, her childhood. I try to explain to her
the stock market, which I myself never fully understood.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 03/11/20 -- Chhota Rasta
Rajeha Vihar alley shortcut - Saki Vihar - Marwah -
Military - Marol - 88.
Time: 0:32:35
Mileage: 3.67 Miles - 5.91 Km
Pace: 8'52"/mile - 5'30"/km
Weather: 22C - 29C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
- All India Visas cancelled, OCI Cards put in "abeyance" -
Surah baqarah till v 217
In a hurry for a 7:30 meeting. Bad news at work
continue to pour in, the urgency of which seems somewhat
surreal in the current world crisis.
The run feels fine. Yesterday, I spoke to my mother, who was
wearing a mask, a sight that first alarmed me, but she was
wearing it at work. Her thought, Our duty is to preserve ourselves
and others long enough for this to abate. I am dejected
on how to enforce that in India, outraged by the reactions
of some at work. I often hear the idea that in India, because
we live in doubtful hygienic conditions, the immunity would
be far superior, and people should not fear just another
virus (I will continue to hear this theory even later in
the epidemic). Or that the Indian weather
will defeat the illness. It's one thing to panic, but here, most
do not take this seriously at all! In constant contact with France,
I feel isolated in seeing accurately the gathering menace.
I am overcome with pessimism.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 03/12/20 -- Chhota Rasta
Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Marol - 88.
Time: 0:31:25
Mileage: 3.58 Miles - 5.76 Km
Pace: 8'46"/mile - 5'27"/km
Weather: 21C - 29C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.lbs
- WHO officially declares Pandemic - Speech
by Donald Trump - Blaming the evolution
of the epidemic on Europan inaction, he suspends
all European travel, with the exception of England -
Markets crash further - Italy shutters all businesses -
Surah baqarah till v 243
Waking up at 1:00, I read headlines which again jolt me awake.
India is closing its borders, soon the US to do the same,
markets have
dropped by 20%, etc. I somehow heroically fall back asleep to
several dreams offering solace, but when I wake up again at
4:30, Ruksanna has not.
It is frequent on these early days of the epidemic to
briefly forget the situation upon waking up, as if the
world had rolled back to normality, before the realisation
of the crisis gradually comes back into focus.
Thoughts on courage, thoughts on the appeal of catastrophe,
now that the moment is there, I am up to it?
Good reading followed by good Namaaz, and the run, again
shortened for a 7:30 meeting, is actually excellent. I am
hearing though that races are getting cancelled in Mumbai
too, putting a probable close to any future ambition before
wrapping up for Ramadhan. This won't matter much.
As much as the illness itself, it's the reaction that I fear.
Already dangerous irrational acts are emerging (like
slaughtering chickens or evicting Koreans) in India, and
this as the epidemic has barely started. What will happen
as it progresses? Will I be targeted as a European? With
excessive drama, I envision mobs crazed by the ravages
of the epidemic and its inevitable socio-economic aftermath,
an overblown but persistent vision that could be laughed at.
Come what may...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 03/13/20 -- Crisis deepens
Raheja Vihar (full) - Marwah - Marol.
Time: 0:40:24
Mileage: 4.53 Miles - 7.29 Km
Pace: 8'55"/mile - 5'32"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
- Speech by Emmanuel Macron - Schools in France
to close down, restaurants, theaters, etc. -
Markets plunge again - The US embassy
in India, after days of complete silence, announces
its shutdown -
Surah Baqarah v 252 (Juz 3) till v 267
I wake up around 4:30, on Jummah, pray
Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
I suddenly realize that, in my stocking plan,
I have forgotten water. Unfortunately, since our
water filter has blown up, we are dependant on
large water bottles that we get at the store.
I ask Ruksanna to accumulate some provision.
It feels good to run, but obviously the
mind wanders elsewhere. The weather is again
surprisingly cool in the morning. A bizzare
dispute preoccupies me, Ruksanna, who accompanied
me to office on Holi, wants to now come every day,
says she will simply sit there. I try to persuade
her this is a bad idea, but she demures. Luckily,
as I suspected, she won't bring this up again.
In office, I watch Emmanuel Macron's intervention
in its entirety, quite convinced by his tone. What
a difference with Trump's speech yesterday, short
and strangely aloof. But here, people still don't
seem to care much.
I still go to the Masjid for Jummah (little
did I know that this will be the last). The Imaam
precisely recites a ruku that I have just been
learning from Surah al-Isra, in a way validating
my choice. But funnily, being familiar with it
distracts me if anything, as I try to confirm
my learning. Still a good Namaaz, even though
outside the beggars put up a quarrel, snatching
away money, as if they felt the hard days ahead.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 03/14/20 --
Lake Powai - IIT far gate - IIT market - Hiranandani Hospital -
Galleria - Central Av. - Sm Shetty - Lake Homes - Nahar.
Time: 0:51:14
Mileage: 5.78 Miles - 9.31 Km
Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'30"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 38%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
- Maharashtra Schools to close down from March 16th -
- Malls, Gyms, Pools and Cinemas close down -
Frangipani Housing Society orders indentification of
at risk tenants, and placement on quarantine -
USA declares National Emergency - Spain declares National Emergency -
Completed Surah Baqarah
This is time to adopt wartime mesures.
But I struggle with Ruksanna's inattention. Now
she is strangely obsessed by a t-shirt incident that
happened during her training yesterday, and as often,
she feels ostracized. I confront her, a small argument.
She unfortunately has not accumulated much provision
in spite of my repeated warnings.
Outside, counter to the developing drama,
it is a superb winter-like morning. All
is quiet. I feared mall closures would trigger panic,
but no, it does not feel so, as I scrutinize on the run
shops and hospitals. All
is strangely quiet, a few people wearing masks. In fact,
I see School ke bacche, wearing green face masks, perhaps
given them by the govt schools. But what are they doing,
aren't the schools closed?
I have by now given up on all training goals.
Races are getting closed one after the other, even though
the precaution might still seem excessive. Funnily, this
absence of goals relaxes me further, and my running
could hardly be better. I will maintain running for myself,
no other than an exploration of the inside and the outside,
as in the old days, before this late bout of competition.
One thing, I do miss having my phone on the run, as ideas
spark my mind, which unable to consign I try to memorize.
My faith vacillates like a flame, frustrates me.
I long for that marvelous day, my best day perhaps,
that miraculous morning run where, after having found out
I had cancer, I had attained bliss, a holy elevation where one
rises above ones own destiny, and the world had opened its
doors to me, as I no longer needed to care. I remember the
day, the route, those semi-rural nondescript roads in
Northern Bangalore, rendered miraculous in the crisp
morning light. But in spite of what should be a similar
state of mind, that of contemplating ones mortality,
I am as of yet unable to capture its state, except perhaps in
glimpses. This morning's Namaaz was actually a little
better, still very focused on Surah al-Isra, and the verses
of your book ("iqra' kitabaka"),
which I invariably repeat a few times, always dissatisfied
with my rendition. Coincidentally, yesterday in Namaaz, the
Imaam precisely recited one of the rukus from the Surah that
I have recently learned. I felt validated in my choice, but
distracted by trying to follow him. Among the many
ecueils, Namaaz should not become a pure exercise of
memory, like one recites a play. A delicate balance of
reciting the old versus the new.
At times, I do attain though the communion with Allah,
as difficult as it is to elevate oneself above ones own
destiny, to broaden our appraisal of the world, beyond
the self. I catch this in glimpses now, will adamantly
pursue this monumental task regardless of setback, know
and accept that it will be a daily struggle,
now that I am put to the
real test, the test perhaps of our generation, the
revolution which I was calling, I question my courage.
Will I be up to the task?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Good Man (10.64 Miles) -- 03/15/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 03/15/20 -- The Good Man
Khairani rd - Andheri Kurla - Eastern Express Highway -
into Kannamwar Nagar - Road #2 - Back on EEH - JVLR -
IIT - Orchard Av - Heera Pana & Shortcut - Raambagh.
Time: 1:36:27
Mileage: 10.64 Miles - 17.13 Km
Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'37"/km
Weahter: 25C, 34C; Humidity 26%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
- Schools close in Maharashtra - USA travel ban now
to include Britain as well - Elections Municipales in France,
a decision that will spark much controversy -
Surah Ali-imraan till v 72
Up at 4, unable to sleep. Devote to the qur'an, the
reading at dawn. I fight through Namaaz, successful at times,
brushing aside misses and memory lapses, triggered by thoughts
too deep, or at times overwhelmed by the avalanche of
news. I fight, fight, to stay on track, have to believe that I will
prevail in due time, Alhamdoulilah.
Ruksanna has woken up too, morning conversation, during
stretching. She is singularly obsessed with the t-shirt incident,
feeling as ever rejected by the society of the wealthy, I manage
to make her listen to my account of the world's pandemonium
for a time, but then she returns right to it, returning to her reality,
in the same way her memories keep assailing her.
During the night, I have made the Shrek dream again!
Basically, I am to make a Shrek presentation for which I have not
prepared at all, nor gathered any visuals. And this time, even as
the dream unfolds in my sleep, I think it would be good for this
to finally happen for real, perhaps to stop such stupid recurring
dreams! So, my sub-conscious tells me that I am no better,
like others my spirit gets singularly overwhelmed with petty
matters of izzat and esteem, others' perception,
unable after all to lift oneself to the superior level I yearn
for. Perhaps the crisis isn't near enough yet for this
higher lucidity?
I ask her permission to run, which she grants
heartily, she will walk in the meantime on our podium,
still pursuing her t-shirt idea, to see what rich
people wear. I start on Khairani road in the early
morning, somewhat intimated, still playing a drama
in my head where I could get mobbed by people
demonizing Europeans for the epidemic (didn't
Trump do just that?). But no, nothing happens.
In fact, it's another beautiful morning, strangely
cool for the season, whereas we're all waiting for
the summer heat to unleash its force at the virus.
I reach the Highway feeling excellent, the rhythm
of the run restoring my courage, I opt for a detour
through the small community of Kannamwar Nagar.
There, as if to combat my earlier fear, I even venture
further out, exploring a new road which describes
a long semi-circle in the small neighborhoods. I
imagine runners are very rare here, but I again pass
unheeded, warming up to the small thrill of
exploration.
Eventually, reaching a cross-roads, I'm not
sure which way to go. I approach a man, of round
silhouette, a little aged, to ask my way. The man,
in true Mumbai fashion, responds to me in detail,
asking where I am actually going, and explaining
with gestures a few options. He answers with such
effusion that I actually have to gently maintain
distance as he approaches. The sight of this
man's generosity, as simple as it is, changes
my outlook. I know I will need to cling on to
this small memory in the days ahead, to remind
myself that people are not so bad. What will
we see? What will this war reveal? Man or
beast? Finest hour or decline of human nature?
The simple souvenir of this man should stay
with me.
Finishing the run very well, this ends
up being among my best days, the blessed
day I was looking for, a day of acceptance
of fate and clear mind, in sharp contrast with
the challenges of the week.
And later, it feels that perhaps the heat
is starting to settle in. And the sight of a few
foreigners at Haiko market continue to cheer
me up. What? Did I think I was the only
foreigner left in the country?
-- Last runs in Aarey? --
Day by Day (7.04 Miles) -- 03/20/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 03/16/20 -- Rest
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.46
- India imposes quarantine on any travelers arrived since
2 weeks - Enforced by stamping their hands - Maharashtra closes
schools, Malls, theaters - France is put
on strict mandatory confinement, enforceable by police -
San Francisco counties to "shelter in place" - Stocks
suffer worst losses in decades -
Surah Ali-imraan till v 92 (Juz 4) then v 102
Unfortunately woke up around 4:20, from someone's cough.
It is Shahid, who strangely fell yesterday, dizzy. Could he
be getting sick? These types of questions are sure to turn in
people's mind at every small alert.
Resisting rage at my inability to sleep I get up
to read the Qur'an. Yesterday was
an exceptional day, I try to cling to that, in spite of weariness
cling to a devoted Namaaz. Luckily the excellence of
its practice seems to have been
restored since yesterday, a radical and welcome change
from last week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 03/17/20 -- Aarey / Lakshmi commute
France en etat de confinement depuis hier soir -
Situation similaire dans la Bay Area - Recommendations
vagues du gouvernement US - Nouvelle chute boursiere
Time: 1:06:11
Mileage: 7.05 Miles - 11.34 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Weather: 26C - 35C; Humidity 30%
- European borders are closed - Gatherings of more
than 10 prohibited in the US, but not enforced -
After waking up in the middle of the night, woke up
again at 4:00, miraculously fell back asleep till 4:30,
get up feeling very well. Reading of the Qur'an, and
a long recitation of Surah al-Isra in Namaaz. Spend
time with Ruksanna, have decided to stop the SIPs
(in spite of Deepak's unrelenting insitance) for which
she has to sign forms. We will succeed in this, but
closing the SIPs will take till May. In a few days,
I will take the decision to keep my bank balance
low enough that the SIPs fail unfunded, in an effort
to save all possible money.
It is very quiet outside, probably because of school
closures, or is it that I have missed news, and stores
are being closed here too? France has announced
maximum confinement since last night, and the Bay
Area as well (although US guidelines remain vague).
I consider opening my journal (removing
password protection on my website) before the run,
still fearing that I could get mobbed outside, in
an uncontrollable public outburst of anger. But no, things
are quiet, in fact, I see an unusual number of runners,
less impaired by traffic, some salute me nicely. At
the top of Aarey hill, a Rickshaw driver seems to
wave at me to his friends, but unclear what the
intention is. Beautiful Aarey road is crisp
and beautiful this morning, some walkers, but
not my familiar friend.
Since Sunday, I feel remarkably at peace.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 03/18/20 -- L'Heure de l'Epreuve
Raheja Vihar (full) - Saki Naka - Andheri Kurla - Apna Dhaba -
Kondivita - MIDC - 88.
Time: 0:45:29
Mileage: 5.1 Miles - 8.21 Km
Pace: 8'55"/mile - 5'32"/km
Weather: 25C - 35C; Humidity 28%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Surah Ali-imraan till 200 (end)
Demons of the night at 1:00, but I fall back asleep.
Again at 4:00, and again miraculous brief slumber,
decide to get up around 4:30 for the dawn reading.
Problems grow. Water wasn't available at the
store, so Ruksanna was unable to stock up. Growing movement
against children playing in the society
on Social Media. India's
extreme precariousness appears increasingly apparent,
imminent. But in the morning, I feel serene,
accepting of destiny, submitted to
Allah's will. Fueled by an excellent reading
of Surah al-Imraan, certain verses treating
this very topic, and a lengthy namaaz consisting
of 4 1st rukus of Surah al-Isra, as every day,
their power intact (which will be followed by
later rukus later in the day).
By Ruksanna for stretching, and conversation.
What seemed dire in the night seems acceptable
in the day.
She will go in person to the shop for
water, worse comes to worse, we can always
boil tap water for drinking, if we run out (we've
accumulated 5 20 liters jugs so far as reserve).
As for the children, it is nearly impossible to keep
them inside, we'll see what happens next.
On my way out, conversation with the football
coach, who's gathering the children. I ask him
if he might have to stop, that people
might object to him gathering the children.
He dismisses this, conveys the
often heard opinion that this is just a bad flu.
I don't exactly agree with that last part (!), but I
do tell him that after all I, too, am going out.
Among other frequently heard opinions is that Indians,
accostumed to living in approximate sanitary conditions
and pollution, possess a stronger immunity than in the
West. Not that dissimilar with my own thoughts of
the West's over-protectiveness, but we'll see where
this takes us.
I am again nervous on the run. Could I be insulted
or attacked? The slightest detail makes me react,
like jumping to rustling leaves in deep forest, for example
when a fat kid on a bike points to me apparently
calling his friends. But nothing happens. Like
yesterday, it is very quiet, particularly through
Nahar, but not so quiet that I don't have to still
dodge through traffic or halt a few times! I have
opted for an urban route today, worried about
repeating the same route everyday, as if that
would further elicit danger. A percentage of people
are wearing masks or kerchiefs across their
faces. Actually, the road is so dusty in places,
half dug up, that that alone would justify
wearing a mask. Yesterday, auto-rickshaw
asks me if I'd be wearing a mask, and how
much would those go for? After a silence,
he then asks me, in typical indian fashion,
about how much I earn. Ham log nahi
bolte I answer, which puts an end to
that conversation. At least traffic has been
calmer these days.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 03/19/20 --
Raheja Vihar (full) - Marwah - Military - Marol.
Time: 0:39:11
Mileage: 4.44 Miles - 7.14 Km
Pace: 8'49"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
- 88 Pictures on shifts, to reduce occupancy by 50% -
All of California placed in confinement ("Shelter in Place") -
No new infections reported in China - US / Canada border closes -
Fourth market halt triggered in 2 weeks due to spiralling losses -
Surah Nisaah v 23 (Juz 5) till v 26
Wake up "late" around 5:20.
Lengthy reading and lengthy Namaaz, as has
been the norm.
Why not start a premature ramadhan?
In a way, that is what I am doing, minus
the fast, reciting a lengthened Namaaz, including combined
excerpts of Surah Baqarah followed by Surah
al-An'aam (putting al-Isra temporarily aside so it doesn't
become stale).
Often, the distraction of the upcoming run
comes in the way, questions like which route to choose, will it
be safe, and I have to forcefully
put those aside. Patience, let the thoughts go, and
put back on the loom, over and over. Perhaps
I should now renounce running, as I above all I don't want
the distraction. On the other hand, my usual
recipe of Namaaz + Running is what keeps
me going.
Ruksanna is now happy with training.
The trainer
hasn not come today (apparently after having
been yelled at yesterday for irresponsible behavior
for engaging in group activities), so the women played together,
the t-shirt incident long back. She is even learning cricket!
We discuss the problem of keeping the
children at home? I fear people's wrath, our name
could get soiled. But for now it would be nearly impossible
to keep them confined, besides,
most other people's children are playing too.
Ruksanna has also seen many groups of elderly. The importance
of being outside.
I unfortunately feel a slight chest pain,
hopefully the simple continuation of
habitual Mumbai illness, and yesterday's particularly
dusty run.
I still visualize my premature demise, this silly
idea that my 54th year should be it, an idea that has clung
on to me all year, but which I was
dismissing as a somewhat farcical intuition. I do not
pay too much heed to it, and let fate play out.
The run is a little warmer, but at this point
very little belief subists that
the temperature could abate the virus. Still
afraid of Aarey, and taking a late start,
I choose an urban run again, nearly deserted,
especially the affluent neighborhoods. High
percentage of masks in the streets. I feel that my
pace is completely gone now, obviously,
yet the numbers later reveal it has held surprisingly well.
I'm also eating quite liberally, yet my weight hasn't
increased much yet. I expect this to happen soon, and suddenly.
In spite of low traffic, I still manage to get
stuck on Marwah road!! A car has taken it
the wrong way, blocking everyone.
Pace is gone, obviously. No incident.
Refrain from spitting, fake directive. But
people might object. Sometimes feel
jealous from people in the west, a petty feeling.
Perhaps their world will collapse more than ours,
and besides, I have felt such an alien there,
now is the time to put my grand theories to
the test!
Would I be better in the home land? But no, I have
been estranged for so long, deepened by the years, and the thought
of Ruksanna anchors me so powerfully. Leaving her,
whether through separation or death, is the most
potent emotion, one I cannot bear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 03/20/20 -- Last Aarey run?
Aarey / Old Lakshmi Commute.
Time: 1:03:43
Mileage: 7.04 Miles - 11.33 Km
Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'37"/km
Weather: 24C - 31C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
- Modi Speech - proclaims Sunday Janta Curfew - Haji Ali closes -
California declared in full confinement - Italy's death toll
surpasses China's
Surah Nisaah till v 71
Up around 4:20, decide to get up. Questionable choice though.
I don't feel very awake. Qur'an reading disappoints,
frustrated that the mind drifts to menial thoughts in
spite of the extraordinary situation, struggling to
stay on the same clear conscience as earlier in the week.
Luckily, allhamdoulillah, this occurs better through
Namaaz, an extended rendition of Surah Yaseen.
Today is Jummah, but I have decided to not attend Masjid.
Stretching by Ruksanna, who wakes up very
slowly. It turns out she was up part of the night
as Shahid wasn't home, she even went outside
to find him. We lament our plight, more than
ever unable to control the children, wondering
if our demise will come through them.
I had loosely planned to run through Aarey today
to beautiful Lakshmi road, perhaps it will be the
last, as I imagine work closure is imminent. (Many
employees are already absconding for fear of
transportation). But I continue to be scared that,
especially after Modi's speech yesterday, I as
a european might fall victim to people's wrath,
and do not want to appear to take things lightly.
I eventually settle on the weird plan of running
on the JVLR highway itself towards Aarey hoping
traffic will be less, rather than through the hill
slum.
It is very quiet outside, even emptier than yesterday
through the affluent Nahar area. Once outside, as often
finding courage at the sight of the rising sun,
I switch back to my original plan, head out through
Aarey. As it turns out, I run by largely unheeded,
no alert whatsoever, and make it peacefully to the
beautiful hills of Aarey. Laxmi road, sadly,
has been partially paved. Some walkers here,
and people saluting the sun, and the pagal
woman who always errs here but keeps to
herself, and large black cows (but no sight
of my usual friend). It's beautiful again, and
perhaps we could forget that the world has
so radically changed. Thinking that this could
be my last run through this place that has supported
me over the last few years, I uncharacteristically
stop for a few pictures, as if to document the
event.
On the way to Marol, a prominent temple on
the left remains closed, while to the left, from another
one the Ghante are heard ringing loudly. It's somewhat
more populated near Seepz, where people are still
gathering for work, but obviously far less than a
week ago. Late for a meeting, and the office toilet being
busy, I am forced to change clothes without
washing, closing my office door and kneeling
behind my desk, just in time for a meeting!!
I continue to feel uncomfortable in the chest,
although the thought that I am still able to run well
calms me. I continue
to put that on Mumbai illness, and refuse to
worry about it unless symptoms significantly
worsen. That said, through Namaaz and Zikr,
I prepare myself for any eventuality, finding
for now peace and serenity. After all, this is
what I have been preparing myself all these
long years in India.
Later, skipping Masjid, I pray Namaaz at length in office,
Surah Mulk, then sleep briefly. When I wake up, the news
has fallen: Maharashtra is shutting out businesses as of
midnight tonight. Our studio will be closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Last runs in Aarey? --
Too long (11.27 Miles) -- 03/21/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 03/21/20 -- Too long
Lake Powai - IIT - EEH, to Bhandup Talaab Overpass - back.
Time: 1:46:37
Mileage: 11.27 Miles - 18.14 Km
Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151.01 lbs
Weather: 25C - 29C; Humidity 57%
- Maharashtra all non-essential businesses closed
as of midnight - 88 Pictures closes - New York declared in confinement -
International flights to and from India to cease tomorrow -
French consulate reaches out every day to help stranded French
citizens - Us consulate has remained nearly quiet -
Surah Nisaah till v 100
News has come that Maharashtra will be closed,
but confusion remains as to what that exactly means.
Indeed, Nahar feels deserted on this Sunday morning,
and even the prominent Jain Mandir appears closed.
I nevertheless head out towards the lake, past
IIT, and to the Eastern Express Highway where, not
wanting to repeat last week's semi-long run, I turn
left instead of right. As we'll see, this will actually
cause an even longer run.
There are hardly any runners even here, and just
a few cyclists. It's beautiful clear sunshine, in fact
so clear as to blind the eye. It is clearly (and finally)
getting hotter, let's see if it can impede
the virus in any way (the world is waiting...).
I continue towards Airoli thinking I'll turn back
at one of the overpasses, not wanting to overstretch this,
but after leaving one overpass, the next one ends up being
much further, in fact, right by the Talaab leading to
Bhandup, not far from the Airoli intersection after all.
This is clearly too long for today. I have lost most
pace and endurance to the events, and must patiently
trudge my way back, a little laboriously but without
stopping. I continue to learn Surah al-Isra along the
run, although more slowly than in the past weeks.
At least my chest discomfort feels much
better after the run, what a radical treatment!
This does lift some weight off my shoulders.
I continue to fight for Namaaz, holding on as
best I can to the consciousness, a state
that I define as self-oblivion of the self into
the greater universe. More than ever, I toil my
best to hold myself ready.
After returning, I discover in the papers that
people have massively attempted to flee from Mumbai
following yesterday's announcement, creating disastrous
congestions at the stations.
Later, we're visited by the Hazrat. If anything, he reports,
the affluence has increased in the Masjid. It is
Fardh, he explains, criticizing my choice of not
attending last Friday, Allah chooses what he wishes for us.
Follows a deepening debate over my practice of Namaaz and
reading of the Qur'an, that Ruksanna abruptly puts to an
end, telling me to go sleep now,
"bahut ho gaya, jaa, so jao!" This has a comic
effect, but she is right. In the days to come,
what I see as the naive faith
of the Hazrat will eventually question my own.
Later still, I gather the children to deliver a rare
solemn speech about the unfolding situation. They
seem to listen, and tomorrow, will dutifully observe the
Janta Curfew.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- People gathering on the balconies at 5pm --
Janta Curfew -- 03/22/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 03/22/20 -- Janta Curfew
Weight: 69.4 kg
- Janta Curfew, India encouraged to stay home
from 7am to 9pm -
Surah Nissah till v 135. Ruku 105 to 112 excellent.
Namaaz Surah Baqarah Surah An'aam. Vacillating
yesterday evening, but good in the morning.
Janta Curfew, proclaimed by Narendra Modi a
few days ago, goes into effect at 7.
Ruksanna opens the window for morning air, swarm
of mosquitoes enter and attack me! Good news, no
chest pain left since yesterday's long run.
It is quiet. The wonderful voice of the birds.
Notice the absence of motors, vehicles honking.
Occasional vehicle pass by, and a few lone
walkers in Nahar, but for the most part, the
area is deserted. A rare scooter passes by, honking
its horn. Honking at who? A woman paces like a
caged tiger on her balcony.
Yesterday the hindu temples were loud with constant
monodic incantation. Later we realize this comes from
the appartment downstairs, an old couple.
We went out in the evening,
a particularly bright star attracts our gaze. The
evening crowd that normally invades the podium
after dark has thinned. Will the Masjid's open
today, defying the curfew? I worry about the
tensions that could further arise.
This morning, a bad surprise: Our internet is down!
What unfortunate timing!
And who knows when it will be repaired now. After
initial dismay, I realize that this is
after all good, and
we go back to sitting and listening to the birds.
Stray dogs are surprisingly silent, but large
flocks of crows flock noisily from one building
to the other, nearly covering by their hoarse
voice the delicate chirping of others. I marvel
at my sense of peace, hoping it could last till
the end.
The birds have reclaimed the land.