-- At the Office --
At the Mall (6.11 Miles) -- 08/16/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 08/13/20 -- Powai Lake Tempo Run
Warmup, to Maritime Overpass: 0:13:36 [1.3M - 2.09K]
Tempo Run: Maritime Overpass to IIT Far Gate & Back
Tempo Time: 0:32:14
Tempo Mileage: 3.51 Miles - 5.65 km
Tempo Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'42"/km
Cooldown, back: 0:13:36 (estimate) [1.3M - 2.09K]
Total Time: 0:59:26
Total Mileage: 6.11 Miles - 9.83 Km
Total Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
11th reading Surah Ra'd till v 32
At last a good night's sleep. Yesterday evening, tired,
I was about to sleep when Ruksanna reminds me that I haven't
given her the davai. This is a very positive sign.
In the night, she continues to mutter and moan in her sleep.
Wake up around 4:40. As I'm reading the Qur'an, she calls
me, uncharacteristically, she has woken up too. I stretch by
her as she reads in English, it had been some time.
I choose to go out again, this time for a tempo run.
All is wet but no actual rain. Like Sunday, wearing kerchief
at first, but let it drop around the neck at the Lake.
I try to find a sustained but relaxed pace on the run.
Moderately successful, but later, I find that my
pace is even slower than my worst pessimistic prediction!!
Lots of work ahead to get it back. With no clear goal,
as races are nowhere on the horizon...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/15/20 --
Yarrow, Barberry to Bryony - 4 Laps
Time: 0:50:48
Mileage: 5 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68kg - 149.9 lbs
11th reading Surah Hijr.
Woke up to another torrential storm. But determined to run,
and thankfully calms down when I come out, steady rain throughout,
but never too heavy. A nondescript run, somewhat mediocre, but
not horrible. But my pace has definitely deteriorated.
Thursday, removing Ice in the Fridge by stabbing it with a knife,
I ended up puncturing the fridge itself, releasing a high-pressure gas!
That's it, we imperatively need a new fridge!
So To the mall, for which we need to take appointment. The Mall
at 11 on a Covid weekday is empty, all to ourselves. We buy
the fridge at Reliance, and finally Ruksanna's new phone for
her birthday (briefly, she says she'd prefer buying a computer!).
Then to Reliance Jewels to catch up on missed payments during
lockdown. It has been six months!!, which we find hard to believe.
Coincidentally, it's their first day open. I don't particularly
enjoy the mall usually, but it has felt really good being
out today.
And yesterday excellent day again. We go out first to Galleria
where I get her Davai, then to office to get a monitor (she keeps
repeating the new word, "monitor"). Ruksanna also takes back the
mini-fridge that I had in office. It does feel good to roam
around. And shortly after we return, the new fridge is delivered
to us, we now have three refrigerators in the house!
I laugh, as the notice of the fridge specifically warns against
removing ice with a blunt object! Yeah....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/16/20 -- Tempo Run
Yarrow - Rambaug - JVLR to Saki Vihar - Lake Powai -
IIT Main Gate
Time: 0:32:03
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.64 Km
Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'40"/km
IIT Main Gate - Orchard Av - Ridge Rd - SM Shetty -
Panch Sristhi - Chandivali - Laurel Entrance.
Time: 0:20:09
Mileage: 2.24 Miles - 3.61 Km
Pace: 8'59"/mile - 5'34"/km
Total Time: 0:52:11
Total Mileage: 5.74 Miles - 9.25 Km
Overall Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'38"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
11th reading Surah Nahl till v 50
Up before 5, as usual. Ruksanna, who has also waken up,
calls me as I read. I stretch by her, as she herself reads
The Cat in the Hat and other stories, as she has resumed
since a few mornings, and I correct her gently. It looks like
no rain outside, strangely, she's the one who pushes me to venture
out of Nahar again.
THis has not been a good running week, I'm not sure what
to expect. But once out, feeling relatively fine, I soon decide
to repeat a tempo run, hoping to get a better pace out of this
one, and start working my way back up - fewer miles, but more
speed. It's actually quite pleasant out, no rain but somewhat
windy, pretty quiet on this Sunday morning. As last week, I
wear the kapda around the neck, not on the mouth, and no-one
seems to object (besides, I am not alone in this). I run at an ok pace
till IIT main gate where I pause briefly to cross the JVLR, then
resume on the other side. Through Hiranandani, groups of runners.
I return through a different route, entering Nahar from the back
side, and meet Ruksanna walking on the podium. We have been
feeling good this week. All in all, a good run, closer to a
9'00"/mile pace.
We've been going out every day now, and it feels good.
Yesterday, to the mall again, where Ruksanna buys a gold ring
out of her birthday money, and we celebrate again the shop's
anniversary with them. She has not followed-up on the davai,
in fact, satisfies herself that it makes her sleep well. We
are happy and loving.
-- At the Mall on Independance Day --
-- Back to Igatpuri --
Picking up the Pace - Igatpuri (6.11 Miles) -- 08/22/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/17/20 --
Yarrow - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT Main Gate -
Hiranandani Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali - Yvonne.
Time: 0:44:02
Mileage: 4.72 Miles - 7.59 Km
Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
11th reading Surah Nahl till v 90
Pushed the pace gently, and did obtain a better pace.
Once again, Ruksanna up at 5, we did go to bed yesterday
at 8pm! Many dreams, good night's sleep. Ground is drenched,
but no rain, till I reach back Nahar. All is quiet outside,
a pretty good run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/18/20 -- Not much time
Yarrow, Barberry to Bryony - 3 Laps
Time: 0:33:21
Mileage: 3.75 Miles - 6 Km
Pace: 8'53"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
11th reading Surah Isra till v 41
Not much time today.
Around 4am, I hear Ruksanna calling me, Janou, Janou. But
no she says I must have dreamt it, which is entirely possible
as I have been immersed in episodic dreams all night - but it
could also be that she has uttered it in her sleep. I do fall
back asleep (confirming my continued excellent sleep pattern)
till Ruksanna wakes me around 5:15 with morning Adhaan, relatively
late for me.
I have a meeting at 7:30 so not much time after reading and
Namaaz, but I still decide for a run. Grounds wet but no rain,
I decide to stay inside to save time, and push the pace again,
trying to re-define my training pace. Today, I outrun the tall
runner for once.
And I find out that I achieved an excellent pace, much
better than expected. Like last year, it's seeing another
seemingly mediocre runner overtake me that has precipitated
this jolt, showing how barriers can be broken easier than
thought.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/19/20 -- 1/2 Mile Intervals
Warmup, to LH overpass: 0:12:26 [1.27M - 2.04K]
Intervals, LH OP to Break in Wall, to IIT Main Gate.
Interval I: 4'27".05 [0.55M - 884m] -- Pace: 8'05"/mile - 5'02"/km
Interval II: 4'12".03 [0.51M - 822m] -- Pace: 8'13"/mile - 5'06"/km
Interval III: 4'14".32 [0.51M - 822m] -- Pace: 8'17"/mile - 5'09"/km
Interval IV: 4'39".66 [0.55M - 884m] -- Pace: 8'27"/mile - 5'15"/km
Interval V: 4'27".81 [0.55M - 884m] -- Pace: 8'07"/mile - 5'03"/km
Interval VI: 4'45".78 [0.55M - 884m] -- Pace: 8'40"/mile - 5'23"/km
Overall Intervals Time: 0:26:45
Overall Intervals Mileage: 3.22 Miles - 5.18 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 8'18"/mile - 5'09"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 884 mtrs in 3'46", ie. 6'51"/mile (?????)
Cooldown: 0:11:27 [1.27M - 2.04K]
Total Time: 0:50:38
Total Mileage: 5.76 Miles - 9.26 Km
Total Pace: 8'47"/mile - 5'28"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (on the upper end)
11th reading Surah Isra till v 85
First bona fide intervals in a long time!
I wake up every hour for some reason, but fall back asleep,
until 4. Get up at 4:40, and as usual this week, so does Ruksanna,
who calls for coffee. I nevertheless adamantly pursue my reading
and Namaaz in the Namaaz ka Kamra, joining her after that, while
she reads the Polite Elephant. Yesterday, we met the doctor
again, who finds her really well, and has removed one of the
davai, in the patient taper towards removing them all. So
far all good, and last week has been particularly excellent.
Although tired, and having pushed the pace every day, I
obstinately pursue my idea of intervals for today. We look out
and see it is dry, but I joke that torrential rains can burst
at any moment, like they did last night. Funnily, that is exactly
what happens the moment I go out, a brutal heavy shower, thankfully
shortlived. I continue on undaunted.
Emboldened, I don't even bother wearing the kapda around the
neck, and go straight to my old routine of 1/2 mile intervals
along the JVLR. This feels good overall, although I do feel myself
weakening, especially in the last interval, where muscle fatigue
is noticeable. But all in all, even though my pace is expectedly
not that great, this is a good session, which leaves me satisfied.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/21/20 -- Fuck the Monsoon!
Yarrow, Barberry to Bryony - 3 Laps
Time: 0:34:43
Mileage: 3.75 Miles - 6 Km
Pace: 9'13"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 100%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
11th reading Surah Kahf till v 83
Up at 4, unfortunately, not really able to sleep past then.
Get up at 5.
Programmed for a short run, hesitant to go out or stay in,
a nascent light rain decides me so stay inside. I do well, as
this soon evolves into a steady heavy rain (and I'm the only
one out, other than the watchmen and delivery boys). In spite
of being a little tired, and a little sore in the quads from
the intervals, I push the pace a little once again, to some
success.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/22/20 --
Nahar - Lake Platform - IIT Far Gate - Back same way.
Time: 1:01:20
Mileage: 6.38 Miles - 10.26 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Weather: 26C; Humidity 94%
Unfortunately, another insomnia, largely caused by work, and perhaps
the prospect of driving today to Igatpuri in spite of the state of
the epidemic.
I nevertheless get up around 5, no reading today, as I hurry
to still manage a run in spite of an important 7:30am call. Having
learned that the roads are in fact open, we have planned to go to
Igatpuri this weekend, so this will be my only run. I had vaguely
wanted to run a simili 10K, but feel too tired to push it, settle
instead of an easier training pace. My shoes are still wet from
yesterday, and I am again drenched by strong but brief showers.
This is a mediocre run, but it's ok.
And the call sort of fizzles out, making me a bit angry that
I have lost sleep over it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/23/20 -- Igatpuri
Weekend in Igatpuri, at Ruksanna's insistence, braving the Covid.
Things have indeed re-opened.
Heavy fog and heavy rains, but having bought rain gear in
the village, we make it to "our" waterfall, today flowing with
violence, but the torrential showers prevent much hiking. It's
nevertheless a welcome trip, and on the way back around the lake,
Ruksanna stops to take photos "American Style".
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Along the Lake --
Surah Rahmaan (7.54 Miles) -- 08/30/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/24/20 -- Tempo Intervals
Warmup, to Lake Platform: 0:13:11 [1.34M - 2.16K]
Lake Plaform to IIT Far Gate: 0:15:44 [1.82M - 2.92K]
IIT Far Gate to LH Overpass: 0:11:51 [1.35M - 2.18K]
Tempo Time: 0:27:35
Tempo Mileage: 3.17 Miles - 5.1 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'42"/mile - 5'24"/km
Cooldown, LH OP to Nahar: 0:10:41 [1.16M - 1.87K]
Total Time: 0:51:27
Total Mileage: 5.67 Miles - 9.13 Km
Total Pace: 9'04"/mile - 5'38"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
11th reading Surah Maryam till v 50
Returned from Igatpuri yesterday, heavy rains on the road too.
Back home, I sure enough struggle to sleep. Nevertheless get up at
5, feeling a bit bloated after deliberately overeating over
the weekend. I read the Qur'an and Surah Yaseen in Namaaz, eager
to re-connect with the devotion that has been absent over the weekend.
The question remains, was this trip worth the risk?
I had envisioned a brisk tempo run for today, thinking I'd feel
great after the weekend. Well, no, it doesn't work that way. In spite
of trying to pace myself, I gradually tire up, to the point of deciding
to pause half way (thereby running tempo intervals instead of a single
run), and shortening the return. I am disappointed yet resigned at
this counter-performance, and later find that at least my pace has been
progressing. This will need more patient work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/26/20 -- Rays of Sunshine
Yarrow - Lake Platform - IIT Far Gate - Vidhya ka rasta -
Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Central - SM Shetty -
Chandivali Rd - Yvonne Gate - Yarrow.
Time: 0:58:41
Mileage: 6.37 Miles - 10.25 Km (excellent distance)
Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'43"/km (excellent pace)
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (excellent weight)
11th reading Surah Ta Ha
Woke up at 4:30, but this time fully rested! What a wonderful
constrast with yesterday. FInish Surah Ta Ha and good Namaaz.
Ruksanna sleeps still, I stretch at her side, we have seen
Dr Sangle yesterday who continues the medication reduction, I have
high hopes that last week will see the end of the XXX. I make her
coffee as soon as she wakes up, in a good mood, and start for this
run.
I feel actually marvelously good today, for a change. The
pace, which I want to keep relaxed and comfortable, feels particularly
easy and natural. I don't push it, but I still pay attention to
my stride, while carefully maintaining a good level of comfort,
and rehearsing more of Surah Rahmaan along the way.
Grounds are wet, but no rain, in fact, the temperature, pleasantly
windy, feels almost nice. And late in the run, as if to crown this
great run, rays of sunshine pierce through the clouds. How long
since I haven't felt that?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/28/20 -- Surah Rahmaan
Lake Promenade - IIT - to Tagore Nagar Jct - Back same way.
Time: 1:09:25
Mileage: 7.28 miles - 11.72 km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km (good training pace)
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
11th reading Surah Anbiyah
Woke up at 2, again, around that time is when Ruksanna
moans in her sleep. Yesterday, she even sang in her dream,
which filled me with joy. But I have struggled to fall back
asleep. One silly reason is that, I have paused the
Mémoires d'Outre-Tombe losing excitement after
Napoléon's death, and picked Michel Strogoff.
But it's the opposite problem, instead of struggling to pass
two or three pages, I devour several scores! Today, I police
myself to not overread, and immediately attempt to find the
remote recesses of the mind - successfully. I wake up at
4:20, feeling rested. It is Jummah. I read and pray a lengthy
Surah Yaseen, then go stretch at Ruksanna's side who soon
wakes up, prepare her coffee and her davai before
embarking on this run.
Having renounced a speed session yesterday, I am tempted
to go for it today, but eventually renounce, preferring to
try to re-capture the good feel of Wednesday's training
run. So at a similar effort, I run along the lake, rather quiet,
and past IIT to the Tagore Nagar Jct (but deliberately no further),
keeping things quite comfortable, and rehearsing Surah Rahmaan
along the way. I have completed the first ruku of the Surah.
La peur de creer - Car l'ebauche porte la promesse, alors que la
finition en clot l'espoir.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/30/20 -- Tempo Run
Warmup, Lake Platform via Saki Vihar: 0:19:50 [1.96M - 3.15K]
Tempo run, Lake Platform to IIT Far gate and back
Tempo Time: 0:32:50
Tempo Mileage: 3.62 Miles - 5.82 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'04"/mile - 5'38"/km
Cooldown (estimate): 0:19:30 [1.96M - 3.15K]
Total Time: 1:12:10
Total Mileage: 7.54 Miles - 12.12 Km
Weather: 17C; Humidity 100%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
11th Reading Surah Nur till v 58
Felt a bit weary last night, a desire for solitude, which
led me to a repeat of Surah Waqi'ah in Namaaz. I wake up around
3am, fearful that I once again might not be able to sleep back,
but I manage it till around 4:30, waking up fine. Extended Qur'an
reading and Namaaz.
I stretch by Ruksanna who does not wake up. I nevertheless
prepare her coffee and Davaï silently before going, leave
it there without waking her.
I am hesitant for today's run. Ideally, hill repeats would
be perfect, but getting to the hill and back might lengthen the
run too much, besides, the weather is still very uncertain with
sporadic violent showers. So I opt for another attempt at a
tempo run along Lake Powai.
I feel discouragingly heavy and awkward during warmup, which
I lengthen slightly to give my body an opportunity to wake up.
After a pause by the lake, here we go.
And actually, this feels like a very successfull run. I
calibrate my effort well, careful to not tense up or burn out
along the way, constantly managing my level of effort. Luckily
no rain. I cross a few runners wearing a "Virtual Run"
Bib, a practice that I am loath to adopt. Today, unlike previous
attempts, I do not weaken on the way back, nor cut the run short,
and finish in good condition, as well as a comfortable pace back
home. Later, the pace reveals to be slower than I'd
like, but still, we'll call this a success.
When I come home, Ruksanna has woken up, and having missed
my coffee, made a fresh one. I am happy to see her, having
fulfilled my longing for solitude.
This week ends up my highest running week since lockdown,
in spite of not really trying nor having run long on any single day.
Also, separately, I have completed learning the first ruku of
Surah ar-Rahmaan.
-- 1st Ruku of Surah Ar-Rahmaan --
-- Near Fort Sondai Summit --
Panvel (9.71 Miles) -- 09/05/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/02/20 -- Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - E. Pipeline, to IIT bridge & Back.
Time: 0:52:36
Mileage: 5.68 Miles - 9.14 Km
Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'44"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 100%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
11th reading Surah Naml till v 59
Successfully fell back asleep till 4:40, got up fine, feeling
much better than yesterday.
It's actually a beautiful day outside, roads still wet, but
some sunshine piercing through the clouds. On a sudden inspiration,
starting to combat monotony, I dare run towards Aarey (for
the first time in about 6 months??), and take the beautiful Pipeline
road, along the far bank of the lake. It is quiet there, and through
the slums, I pass without tension. The trail is peaceful, laborers,
few people walking or exercising, peaceful dogs. It's hazy and almost
sunny this morning along the lake.
But my breath still feels surprisingly short, and I'm more tired
than I anticipated. I keep the effort manageable, and later, my pace
reveals to have been quite good. I do not feel in the mood for another
speed session though, but we'll see what tomorrow brings.
This continues to open the gates to reconquering all my
running roads, as a second exploration.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/03/20 -- Mile Intervals
Warmup, to Lake Platform then LHOP [1.87M - 3.01K]: 0:18:36
Interval I (LHOP to IIT [1.06M - 1.71K]): 8'51".51 --
Pace: 8'20"/mile - 5'10"/km
Interval II (IIT to LHOP [1.06M - 1.71K]): 9'03".81 --
Pace: 8'33"/mile - 5'18"/km
Interval III (to Wall & back [1.10M - 1.77K]): 9'13".20 --
Pace: 8'22"/mile - 5'12"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:27:08
Overall Interval Mileage: 3.22 Miles - 5.19 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 8'25"/mile - 5'13"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.06M in 7'29", ie. 7'03"/mile pace
Cooldown, Singing Fountain Park to Nahar [1.09M - 1.76K]: 0:09:50
Total Time: 0:55:34
Total Mileage: 6.18 Miles - 9.96 Km
Total Pace: 8'59"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
11th reading Surah Qasas till v 50
Get up at 4:30, which normally should be fine, but today a little
approximate. Usual reading and Namaaz.
I had resolved a mile intervals session today, and in spite of
being tired, proceed with that. Dry weather for the second day, leading
to a nice sunrise over Powai Lake. The usual "Assalam Walaikum"
group from Rambag.
In spite of feeling like I'm really holding back on the first
interval, I still struggle somewhat on the subsequent ones. My pace
will be confirmed as very slow, but this is a reality I have to accept
and deal with, and patiently work through. So all in all, not such a
bad session I guess.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/05/20 --
Lake Powai - IIT - EEH: 0:37:00 [4.04M - 6.5K; Pace 9'09"/mile]
EEH, to Ghatkopar Jct: 1:06:29 [7.07M - 11.38K; Pace 9'24"/mile]
Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd: 1:31:46 [9.71M - 15.63K; 9'27"/mile]
Time: 1:31:46
Mileage: 9.71 Miles - 15.63 Km
Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
11th reading Surah Rum.
Struggled to sleep around 2:30 because of (1), storm, (2), reading
Mathias Sandorf, and (3) renewed problems with Nazia (endless). My
Namaaz has been in an end of the world mood, quite good actually.
It has been finally sunny and dry for the last few days. But this
is another mixed run. I clearly have lost my training, and struggle to
claim it back, whether in speed, or like today in endurance. In both
cases, I feel my legs giving away, and my breath short. Nevertheless,
with a couple pauses, I manage to complete the run in one piece,
at an acceptable pace,
carrying the water belt for once, rehearsing Surah Rahman through
the first half, and taking the last leg back up
Ghatkopar Hill at a very conservative but manageable pace. I take
this as another step on the long road to recovery.
-- In the Lake --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 09/06/20 -- PANVEL
Hike to Sondai Fort
Estimated Time: 1:30:00 (actually completely unknown)
To Panvel with Azhmat.
Along the lake. A sunny day. In the water. I swim. Hot. Here
people will drink. Up towards Lonavalla, "jharna". Small stream
by the road, a little dirty. Policeman dissipates the small crowd.
But we come back. Lying in the running water.
Hiranandani Fortune City. RUskanna's interest. She dances.
The luxurious buildings, unfinished, will be bigger than Powai,
largely empty, presumptuous Greek Gods names.
We will sleep here. Only 15,000 rent, the same we pay in Sunshine.
She wants to move here! She cannot contain her exhuberance.
She runs in the appartment, balcony to balcony.
Next day, hike to fort Sondai. The guide, the snake catcher.
The group. Introductions. No masks. Up the trail, heat. Views
of the monsoon landscape. The water from the old tank. A man
in yellow in the bush. The sitting rock. The tree.
The way down. Ruksanna tries to help
the lady who struggles - too much? Eventually joins me and the
little boy. Back down, no-one, we wait, she unfurls a bedsheet
on the road to rest. They arrive after a long time, the lady
has struggled with heat and footing.
Gathering storm, thunder. A spot by the water, small dam.
In the water, under the small waterfall. Ruksanna swims like
in the swimming pool, having not progressed beyond taking a
few strokes with her head under water, and I catch her.
With the group snack. Little precautions are taken,
in spite of 90,000 new cases per day. They believe in a "racket".
Ruksanna's enthusiasm unleashed, she wants to come back
in two weeks, wants to take an appartment on rent, wants to
buy land!
-- Satisfied --
-- After the Hike --
-- "Everyone who is on it will perish"
"But will remain the face of your Lord,
owner of majesty and honor" --
(Surah Ar-Rahmaan [26,27])
Pipeline (9.3 Miles) -- 09/12/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/08/20 --
Yvonne Gate - Chandivali rd - Panch Sristhi - Cliff Av -
South Av Hill - Central/Main - Hiranandani Hospital -
Small Streets IIT mrkt - Padmavati Devi - JVLR - Orchard -
Heera Pana - Raambag - Yarrow.
Time: 0:56:27
Mileage: 5.99 Miles - 9.64 Km
Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
11th reading Surah Luqman, Surah Sajdah till v 12
Unbelievable, again that dream, having to do a major
presentation without having prepared anything!!! At least
I am relieved when I wake up, but why oh why always this same
stupid dream??!?? I prefer the one with the water at least.
Minor throat ache, probably due to drinking the water
from the old tank in the mountain. Luckily because of Labor
Day no morning meeting, so started later, a little tired,
but got into some rhythm, along this somewhat unusual route.
The South Hill Av offers a possibility for short hill repeats.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/09/20 -- IIT Powai Hill Repeats
Yarrow - Chandivali - Panch Sristhi - SM Shetty - Cliff Av -
Central Av - JVLR - to LBS: 0:34:38 [3.71M - 5.97K]
IIT Powai Hill Repeats: 828 Meters - 0.51 Miles
Interval I: 5'07".90 -- Pace: 9'58"/mile, 6'11"/km [descent 4'13"]
Interval II: 5'03".42 -- Pace: 9'48"/mile, 6'05"/km [descent 4'13"]
Interval III: 5'06".72 -- Pace: 9'56"/mile, 6'10"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:15:18
Overall Interval Mileage: 1.53 Miles - 2.48 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
IITOP to LHOP [Pause] Rambaag Nahar: 0:21:34 [2.32M - 3.74K]
Total Time: 1:19:56
Total Mileage: 8.58 Miles - 13.85 Km
Total Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'46"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (Aaargh, this is the limit!)
11th reading Surah Ahzaab till v 41.
Up at 4:45. Ruksanna up, then calls me imperatively so I shorten
Namaaz. Late start, luckily, again no morning meeting. Hesitation.
To the South Hill explored yesterday, but arrived in about 16 min,
judge it insufficient and too short, so to IIT hill, which conversely
is a bit too far. Nevertheless, session in earnest.
Three repeats, of equal strength. Heat and no water. But do
pretty well in effort. Do not push on the return, take a walking
break from LHOP to the Rambag underpass, finish in relative comfort
but EXTREMELY thirsty. Relax after that, and feel good. These hill
sessions are the best, and should not be discarded, no matter
how inconvenient reaching them might be.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/12/20 -- Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to Bhandup Gate - Back.
Time: 1:29:45
Mileage: 9.3 Miles - 14.96 Km
Pace: 9'39"/mile - 5'59"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
11th reading Surah Saffat
Do not wake her up, silently keep her
coffee + Davai + cookies by the bed.
It has rained, but skies are clear. Hazy sunshine,
contrary to weather report, feels fresh (but this could
also be in Aarey). Start a little slow and uncertain
after yesterday's lackluster run, but after about 1/2
hour, find a seemingly perfect rhythm. It is quiet
and beautiful along the pipeline, vegetation boosted
by the rains, invading sides of the trail. Clear crisp
sunshine, freshness of nocturne rain in the air, low
lying haze. Birds. A few people exercise here, largely
from the neighoring slums. At
one spot, a small sprint race has been organized, 3 by 3.
Beyond that, the trail gets even more deserted. In solitude,
a giant hawk flies by me, impressive. I reach the
Bhandup gate from where I return, feeling great, and
even more comfortable on the way back, a slight
downhill. I do not weaken even as I re-join the
traffic in Powai.
A near perfect run. I resolve to return tomorrow
with Ruksanna, to share the wonderful morning.
So the next day, we do
just that. The weather is not as perfect, but,
exploring trails by the Hostel area,
we find a set of mysterious military training structures,
seemingly abandonned, hidden in the forest...
-- Mysterious Training Structures in Aarey --
-- First time among horses --
Not quite a 10K (8.81 Miles) -- 09/19/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/15/20 --
Lake Powai - IIT Main Gate - Orchard - SM Shetty -
Panch Sristhi - Chandivali rd - Yvonne Entrance.
Time: 0:45:42
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8.01 Km
Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
11th reading Surah Zumar
A night of many wake-up's, including another dream with
Florence. Around 4am, Ruksanna speaks, apparently in her own
dreams, as she will not remember the incident. On Sunday I
have given her the final dose of the Olimelt (which I believe
is a good thing), but I hope the withdrawal does not create
some adverse effect (in fact, she seemed to prefer that to
the remaining davai).
Turned to powder, so Sunday will have been the last.
Yesterday, she slept for most of the
day, raising my alarm again, but in the morning, alhamdouillah,
she appears fine.
So at 4, it seems improbable that I will succeed to sleep
again, yet I must have managed to push myself to some form
of sleepy vision. When I get up around 4:45, I feel great!
Good reading of Surah Zumar, good Namaaz.
Not too much time before a 7:30 meeting, but I still
decide to go out. And it's a most excellent run!
I find a good pace at a manageable effort. I am re-learning
the end of Surah Isra along the way, wanting to resume its use
in Namaaz. The temperatures have been more clement for the last
few days, it's humid, but no rain. Finally, my upper back pain,
which thwarted breathing a little, seems to have finally
diminished. And to crown it all, I have managed to bring my
weight back down.
An excellent start to the day...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/16/20 --
Warmup, to Maritime OP: 0:13:20 [1.31M - 2.11K]
Tempo Run: Maritime to IIT Far Gate [0:15:13]- back to LakeHomes OP
Tempo Time: 0:26:50
Tempo Mileage: 3.1 Miles - 4.99 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'39"/mile - 5'22"/km
Cooldown, LakeHome OP to Yarrow [1.26M - 2.02K]
Cooldown Estimated Time: 0:12:00
Total Time: 0:52:10
Total Mileage: 5.67 Miles - 9.12 Km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (yay, confirmed...)
11th reading Surah Mou'minoun till v 61
Awake at 4, up around 4:30, not feeling great. Accidentally
read a bad work message that further sours my mood, and pollutes
my thoughts. Nevertheless decide to proceed with the idea of a
speed session, but opt for the somewhat less strenuous tempo
run.
It is wet outside, but no rain, and relatively fresh. As in
the last few days, I am wearing again the kerchief around the neck,
as a declaration of goodwill towards wearing a mask.
I do feel tired, but the run starts ok. I do weaken along the
way though, and knowing this is not a good day, decide to cut it
a little short at the Lake Homes Overpass. Not a great run, but
not a disaster either, in fact, this is still roughly a 5K, and
an improvement in pace since last tempo (8'39"/mile vs. 9'02").
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/19/20 -- Not quite a 10K
Warmup, to Maritime OP: 0:13:18 [1.3M - 2.09K]
Simili 10K Tempo Run
Maritime OP To IIT Far Gate - Back to Lakehomes Overpass: 0:27:40
-- 3.1 Miles - 4.99 Km -- Pace: 8'55"/mile - 5'32"/km
LHOP to IIT Far Gate (pause): 0:39:50
-- 4.45 Miles - 7.16 Km -- Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'33"/km
IIT Far Gate to Maritime OP: 0:56:06
-- 6.21 Miles - 9.98 Km -- Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'37"/km
Tempo Time: 0:56:06
Tempo Mileage: 6.21 Miles - 9.98 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'37"/km
Cooldown, back to Nahar: 0:13:00 (est.) [1.3M - 2.09K]
Total Time: 1:22:24
Total Mileage: 8.81 Miles - 14.16 Km
Total Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
11th reading Surah Zukhruf till v 57
I feel I'm controlling my effort well, yet I still get
discouraged while reaching the far gate for the 2nd time,
observing a pause. This might very well be largely in my head.
This nevertheless feels like a good training effort, but the
pace is still incredibly slow, and I am still not fit to run
a full 10K. A long way still to go, and this sub-par run does
cut the wind out of my sails a bit...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 09/20/20 -- Panvel
Horses. Missed hike. The police. Ruksanna "I didn't play".
The wasted day. The Biryani. The parlour. The new clothes.
-- Another hike, and waterfall, near Panvel --
Pipeline (11 Miles) -- 09/26/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/24/20 -- Intermittent (aka Fartlek)
Lake Powai - IIT - LBS rd - R-City Mall - Andheri Kurla - Khairani.
Time: 1:09:55
Mileage: 7.53 Miles - 12.12 Km
Pace: 9'17"/mile - 5'46"/km (5 Fartlek segments along the way)
Weather: 26C; Humidity 100%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
11th reading Surah Qaf till v 30
A great number of sleeping episodes during the night
(annoying actually), but able to sleep again very easily,
and to many extraordinary dreams! Get up around 5:10.
There are multiple morning meetings starting at 7:30,
but as the morning progresses, I decide to ignore them all
in favor of a good run, partially catching up for yesterday's
missed run. The incessant rain from yesterday has finally
stopped, so it's all lining up. Deciding that I don't have
time or energy for actual intervals, I opt for a less
stressful fartlek, which I barely every do.
And that's not the only innovation, I also decide for
the LBS loop, not quite remembering how long it would be,
rather than returning by the same Lake route. On the way,
I pick up the pace for five intervals, including the final
hill back home, and manage it pretty well.
When I come back, I've missed both meetings actually,
pretexting that I'm not feeling well (while arguably it's
the exact opposite), and quite satisfied with this run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/26/20 -- The Whole Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline East - Lake Vihar Intersection -
Back along Pipeline - Pipeline West - Marol Maroshi - Lok Bharti -
Marol CHS - Andheri Kurla - Saki Naka - Khairani Rd.
Time: 1:47:11
Mileage: 11 Miles - 17.71 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'03"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (the perfect weight)
11th reading Surah Hadid.
Beautiful morning, like two weeks ago. Pipeline. The Kerchief.
Hazy sunshine, shrouding the hills. Learning three more
verses of Surah Rahman, but soon the scenery will absorb my thoughts.
Amicable people, "good morning" says everyone. The same group
organizing small races. Beyond almost deserted. Patches of mud,
sometimes causing to stop. Reach the end, This time I turn
left towards the Lake. One youth at the junction, exercise.
"Kahan se?", he interrogates splaying his hands. "Allowed nahi
hai". The conversation turns very friendly, in good Hindi.
He is a guard he says, the other one must be washing, he's
exercising which is why not wearing proper uniform. I reassure
him that "yeh sab batane ki zarourit nahi hai, main tumpe
vishwas karta houn,", and I will not return from now on. When
he hears I am from France, he extends his hand, then because of
Covid settle for a fist contact. I have come before, there is no
sign, no gate, how could I know? This is a "plantation", he says,
"sher hai" (there are tigers, although I assume he means leopards).
"Magarmach bhi hai, suna mene" I add jokingly over-dramatizing.
"Magar bhi hai," he confirms, in the lake. I turn back, relucantly
closing this wonderful road for the future, but uplifted by this
nice conversation.
Return is easy, slight downhill, still careful to keep the
effort easy and manageable, the goal is to not suffer today. But
in this fine morning, attracted by the earlier promise of a long
run, I want to lengthen the return, and decide to continue along
the pipeline towards Marol, like in the days before Covid, when
this was my preferred commute route. I am careful about going into
Aarey though, a little intimitated by those slums in the era
of Covid.
So I pass the small slum with circumspection, having tied the
kerchief around the neck back on, not sure how I am perceived,
or whether some dwellers remember me from six months before.
The work has not progressed much, still a delicate passage through
large pipes, but otherwise the road is clear. From Marol, it's
a casual run through the streets, till the famed Khairani road,
which traverses a large slum, which we walked yesterday with
Ruksanna. Helped by a few pauses from the various obstacles,
I complete the run well, in good control, lengthening again
the reach of my long runs.
-- 2nd Ruku of Surah Rahmaan --
Talaab, 2nd Ruku, the End of the Book (11.74 Miles) -- 10/02/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/29/20 --
Yarrow - Lake Powai Platform - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
JVLR - Hiranandani Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali - Yvonne.
Time: 0:57:23
Mileage: 6.44 Miles - 10.37 Km
Pace: 8'54"/mile - 5'32"/km (is this for real???)
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
11th reading Surah Tahrim till v 8
Not in the best mood, burdened by multiplie worries that
assault at night. Also, yesterday was a headache day, and I'm
not sure I have recovered from it quite yet. I nevertheless
go out for the run, a dry sunny morning. For some reason,
these last couple nights I have woken up in abundant sweat,
but it's relatively fresh in the morning.
And the run actually feels very good. Outside, wearing
the usual kapda around the neck as a pretend mask, I hit a
pleasant stride, among many people come to exercise around
the lake. Feeling good, I come back through the small streets
of IIT Market, then the posh Hiranandani, then again small
slums (what contrasts!). When I come back, what a surprise:
A sub-9'00" pace! And that without effort!
Is this a break-through, or a mistake?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/30/20 -- 1/2 Mile Intervals
Warmup, to LakeHomes OP: 0:12:57 [1.27M - 2.05K]
Intervals LHOP to break in wall, to IIT Main Gate.
Interval I: 4'19".42 [0.55M - 885m]
Pace: 7'50"/mile - 4'52"/km
Interval II: 4'04".90 [0.51M - 825m]
Pace: 7'57"/mile - 4'56"/km
Interval III: 4'04".23 [0.51M - 825m]
Pace: 7'55"/mile - 4'55"/km
Interval IV: 4'21".60 [0.55M - 885m]
Pace: 7'54"/mile - 4'54"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:16:49
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.42 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 7'55"/mile - 4'55"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 885m in 3'39:, ie. 6'38"/mile
Cooldown, back: 0:11:25 [1.27M - 2.05K]
Total Time: 0:41:11
Total Mileage: 4.66 Miles - 7.52 Km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
11th reading Surah Qalam.
Somewhat tired and unmotivated, still proceed with 1/2 mile
intervals as planned, after getting up around 4:30. As one of
these frequent surprises, this leads to an excellent session.
It's another sunny clear day, not excessively warm. I wear
the kerchief around the neck, but take it off for the intervals.
Two policemen with long sticks are walking the promenade, but
do not pay heed to me.
I soon find a pleasant stride, which feels like a well-dosed
effort. Indeed, I am today able to stay on pace for the whole
session, which I however do not prolong too much, happy to end
it well in control. This seems to confirm yesterday's sudden
surge in pace, and feels good afterwards.
After an early meeting, I put work aside to watch the first
presidential debate, then spend quality time with Ruksanna, essentially
taking the half day off.
And then for Dhuhr ki Namaaz, I pray for the first the two first
rukus of Surah Rahman, which I've finished learning almost accidentally
earlier this week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/02/20 -- Talaab
Lake Powai - IIT - Tagore Nagar Jct - Kanjur Village -
Bhandup - Fatak Bridge - Talaab - Eastern Express Highway -
JVLR (left side) - D-Mart
Time: 1:55:16
Mileage: 11.74 Miles - 18.9 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
11th reading Surah Mursalat last Juz.
A long run on a Friday.
Another bad day at work. Plans to go out for the weekend,
therefore decide to run long today. Clear weather, relatively
ok, but starts to be more humid October heat. Two small bottles,
perhaps insufficient. Last minute turn into the modest areas
of Kanjur & Bhandup, lot of people
walking actually in this area, simple people, not the rich.
Slums are quiet. Feeling neither
great nor bad, aim for a roughly two hour run. Attain the Talaab
at the highway and return. Somewhat of a struggle on the way
back into Powai, but manage it with short pauses.
I stop at D-Mart, this has
well fulfilled my goal, although didn't quite reach the 2 hour
mark. Gradually approaching 1/2 Marathon readiness. A good run
overall.
I have confirmed my knowledge of the 2nd Ruku of Surah
Rahman enough to pray it in Namaaz, and I am completing my
11th reading of the book.
-- In Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel --
Panvel -- 10/04/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/03/20 -- End of the Book
Chandivali rd - SM SHetty - Cliff Av - Hiranandani Central -
JVLR - Orchard - Lake Homes Back - Raambagh.
Time: 0:45:42
Mileage: 4.88 Miles - 7.86 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
11th reading, Surah Naas, the end of the Book
A mysterious insomnia in the middle of the night, is it
due to yesterday's long run, in the same way that I could never
sleep after a Double Century? I do eventually manage to find
sleep episodes, and get around 5:20. I proceed to read the
familiar last Surah's from Surah Buruj onwards, which I have
left for today to complete the Book. It's actually mostly a
mediocre reading, not well concentrated, but there is is,
I have completed the 11th reading.
Could this be the antidote to "post long run hangover"?
I decide for an easy relaxed run as a way to recover from
yesterday, trying to avoid the dreadful cottonous daze that
typically strikes the next day, like a hangover.
I had resolved to stay inside,
but on a last minute inspiration venture into the posh Hiranandani
where the rich run too. Unusually, for the first time actually,
I find a snake in the back roads of Lake Homes, a long thin snake,
dead I think.
I feel great actually, except perhaps for a subtle thing in
the left knee. Should this be my strategy moving forward, to recover
from long runs?
-- Start of the Hike --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 10/04/20 -- Panvel
Hike in Panvel
Estimated Time: 2:00:00 (could have been more)
Another weekend in Panvel.
But Saturday starts poorly. Tired, in another empty apartment
in largely deserted Hiranandani, I cannot extract myself from sleep.
In the evening, dark gathering clouds hang on the mountains, break
into a spectacular storm. I sleep again at night, after expressing
my frustration about coming here to Ruksanna.
Wake up early in the morning, and Ruksanna seems at first
determined to go out early. But we eventually both fall back
asleep, and off to a late start. We this time have declined taking
a guide (will turn out to be the right decision). I am not particularly
motivated myself, still cottony in a negative mood, but she chooses
to go on a trek. Following Google instructions, we head out
on small roads around the lake, traversing village alleys, till a
spot where several cars have stopped. There begins the trail.
-- Among the rice fields --
It's actually a very popular hike, which soon ascends along the lush hills towards an impressive stony peak. We marvel on our way at the many flowers, insects and butteflies. The groups are somewhat annoying at first, particularly those that carry music along, overstepping the music of nature, but soon the environment takes over. Midway up we pass a small village, and from there the way gets more abrupt, progressing up towards the peak.
-- Halfway up --
I had lamented our late start, but the constant cloud cover is preventing excessive heat, although I am still drenched with sweat. Eventually, we reach the crest and a first summit, from where the trail snakes through the rock, wrapped in clouds, half revealing the dark silhouettes of the peaks.
-- In the clouds --
But a large group from Mulund has clogged the way,
which would take so long to clear that we renounce reaching the
summit itself. We stop for some time at the first summit, cooled
down by the passing clouds that rush past the crest. Ruksanna
marvels at the sight, she has never seen this.
The descent is pleasant, our good mood restored.
-- Near the summit --
Tempo Runs (6.12 Miles) -- 10/10/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/07/20 -- At First Light
Yarrow - Lake Platform - IIT Far Gate - Hakone Back Road -
Hiranandani Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali - Yvonne
Time: 0:58:30
Mileage: 6.37 Miles - 10.26 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Still revising 1st Rukus of Surah al-Isra, and the same in Namaaz.
Up around 4:30, after multiple episodes of short sleep. But feeling
well generally. A 7:30 meeting, and because Fajr ka time has slipped
to 5:18, I for the 1st time perform stretching before
Namaaz, then having given coffee to Ruksanna (since yesterday there
is no more subah ki davai), embark on this run early, shortly after 6.
It is still dark outside, but I've decided to venture outside, instead
of repeating yesterday's run. This is a good decision. The public
lighting is surprisingly good, better than I remember from last year,
and light is appearing as I reach Lake Powai, where many people are
already exercising. My pace and effort are surprisingly good, pushing
gently but staying at training pace, and rehearsing the 3rd ruku of
Surah Rahmaan. I try to run about an hour, and feel good throughout.
Later, my pace is confirmed to be excellent for this level of effort.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/08/20 -- Tempo Run
Warmup, to LakeHomes OP: 0:12:21 [1.28M - 2.05K]
Tempo Run, LakeHomes OP to IIT Far Gate & Back
Tempo Time: 0:22:48
Tempo Mileage: 2.7 Miles - 4.34 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'26"/mile - 5'15"/km
Age Adjusted: 2.7 Miles in 0:19:18, ie. 7'08"/mile
Cooldown, Estimated: 0:12:00 [1.28M - 2.05K]
Total Time: 0:47:09
Total Mileage: 5.26 Miles - 8.44 Km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Woke up around 3:30, struggled again to sleep again, and got up
around 4:40. In spite of this, decide to proceed with the idea
of a tempo run, before an 8am meeting.
It's again quite hot and humid. I have shortened the course
for the run, as I had been struggling to complete anyway, and take
on what I feel is a reasonable pace. I do struggle a little on
the way back, but do "hang in there" and complete the run, finally.
And back home, a wonderful surprise. My pace has indeed leaped
forward, coming to roughly what my 1/2 marathon pace used to be.
Encouraging.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/09/20 --
Yarrow, Barberry to Bryony - 3 Laps
Mileage: 3.75 Miles - 6 Km
Time: 0:34:46
Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Like yesterday, awake at 3:30, and really struggling to fall back
asleep, the ability to push myself into dreams seeming to elude me.
But I must have made it somehow, as the alarm wakes me up at 4:45.
An "easy" shorter run, although my pace is again much better than
it has been, at no particular effort. It feels very hot and humid,
but still runnable at this early hour (6:30).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/10/20 -- Another Tempo Run
Warmup, To Maritime OP: 0:12:57 [1.31M - 2.1K]
Tempo Run, Maritime OP to IIT Far Gate & Back
Tempo Time: 0:30:43
Tempo Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.64 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'46"/mile - 5'26"/km
Cooldown, (estimate): 0:13:00 [1.31M - 2.1K]
Total Time: 0:56:40
Total Mileage: 6.12 Miles - 9.84 Km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Thankfully, a good night's sleep at last. Again, these bouts of
insomnia seem to come by groups of 3 or 4 nights, then recede,
with no apparent reason. Feeling better, and thinking we'll go
to Panvel tomorrow, I decide to attempt another simili 10K
today, but this will not work well.
It is again very hot and humid. I push what seems like
a reasonable pace along Lake Powai, but yet again, my energy
erodes on the way, pushing me to shorten the run. Not only
that, but my pace turns out to be inferior to Thursday's,
and yet I feel quite exhausted. A new counter-performance
in an otherwise hopeful week, and yet another failed attempt
at a 10K.
What reasons for this? There could be a few. 1) still
recovering from chronic insomnia this week, 2) the October
Heat is severely affecting my running, 3) only two days
after a Tempo Run, this was too early to attempt, and 4)
this course for a 10K, with its repeated back & forth, is
just not conducive to success, time to think of another
option.
Tomorrow, Sunday, mandatory rest, and I take Ruksanna
for a walk in Aarey, where we discover a new fairly long
trail.
-- By the Lotus Pond in Aarey --
October Heat, the Two Bridges (11.47 Miles) -- 10/17/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/12/20 -- October Heat & Power Cut
Yvonne - Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Av - Hiranandani Central -
Hospital - IIT Fish Market - JVLR - Orchard - SM Shetty - Chandivali -
Yvonne.
Time: 0:57:10
Mileage: 6.11 Miles - 9.83 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Surah Mou'minoun till v 51
Sadly, again, a bad insomnia. One where shortly after falling
asleep, Ruksanna inadvertedly wakes me up disciplining the
children who have come late around 10:30. Interrupted in that
first sleep, it is hell to fall back, and I despair
as I see looming yet another bad night, when I thought that series
was over. Losing the battle, unable to push my mind, I succumb
to anger, punch the mattress "Merde! Merde! Merde!"
(which we will later make fun of), read several times to no avail,
put on the AC turn it off, etc., awakening Ruksanna for once
who vainly tries to massage my feet (I want to protect her sleep
though). Finally, I fall into a short semi-nightmare that wakes
me again within minutes. But from there, I am finally able to sleep.
After all that(!!), I wake up surprisingly well, first at 4:30,
then again at 5:20. Feeling unexpectedly good, I read part of Surah
Mou'minoun, as a change of pace from learning, and recite 3 rukus
of Surah al-Isra in Namaaz. And continuing to feel good, I embark
on a good run outside.
The heat is astonishing. This is the phenomenal October
Heat, which knocks us down every year, adding to the lethargy
of staying home. The landscape is draped in a dense whitish haze,
not exactly fog but like a heavy milky presence, which I attribute
mostly to humidity, as steam in a sauna. In essence the exact
opposite of a clear morning.
In spite of that, my running feels just about perfect. My
motion is loose and easy, the effort pleasant, just at the right
level of pleasant fatigue that could carry me far. A great run.
And later around 10, a major power cut paralyzes the whole
Mumbai area. All windows open to capture the slightest breeze,
I seize this chance to sleep and sleep, more than making up
for the bad night. The power does not return till around 8pm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/13/20 -- October Heat
Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate & Back - Saki Vihar S. -
Rajeha Vihar (short) - Chandivali - Back.
Time: 1:02:34
Mileage: 6.76 Miles - 10.88 Km
Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Woke up dangerously around 3am from some dream, actually feeling
rested after yesteday's "power cut" slumber, and thankfully regain
my ability to push my brain into the visions. I get up around
4:40 feeling fine. Study and Namaaz.
Also around an hour run, not quite as perfect as yesterday, but
overall good. The heat is again phenomenal, hard to describe
how thoroughly drenched my clothes are, including my socks, especially
with the stupid Covid kerchief hung worthlessly around the neck. Looking
for something slightly new, I take on Saki Vihar road on the return,
for a short incursion into Rajeha Vihar - the first in many months.
I'll say it again, it is phenomenally hot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/13/20 -- Mile Intervals
Warmup, Yvonne - Chandivali - SM Shetty - Orchard -
IIT Main Gate: 0:25:32 [2.58M - 4.16K]
Intervals, IIT Main Gate to Lake Homes Overpass [1.07M - 1.71K]
Interval I: 8'54".02 -- Pace: 8'19"/mile - 5'12"/km
Interval II: 8'52".93 -- Pace: 8'18"/mile - 5'11"/km
Interval III: 9'03".96 -- Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'18"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:26:51
Overall Interval Mileage: 3.21 Miles - 5.13 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 8'21"/mile - 5'14"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.07 Miles in 7'31", ie. 7'01"/mile
Cooldown, Rambaag - Jain Mandir: 0:10:26 [1.16M - 1.86K]
Total Time: 1:02:49
Total Mileage: 6.95 Miles - 11.15 Km
Total Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'38"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Up at 4:30, feeling good after multiple episodes of sleep.
Revised further into Surah al-Isra, then excellent Namaaz
consisting of nearly entire 1st 4 rukus. Out at 6:30 for this
speed session.
Still very hot. My shoes are still heavy and wet from
yesterday's sweat!
Longer warmup to the far end of the intervals @ IIT Far Gate.
I feel much better today, in spite of the continued heat. To solve
the water problem, I've kept one of the small flasks in my pocket,
which will work great, and impairs less than the full belt.
I am careful to maintain a relaxed pace, especially on the first
interval, to the cost perhaps of speed. I view it as critical today
to finish well, without collapsing or abandonning. And this I do.
I do feel pretty good, and that little bit of water helps. As often,
I get tricked by the extra length of the intervals in thinking my
pace is too slow, but I stick to it. On the third interval, I have
decided I will stop if my pace starts to weaken. I actually pull off
that interval still within the "legal" 10 seconds limit, but still
decide to end it there, wanting to finish for once on a good feeling.
I realize later that my pace has been pretty good for now (still
far off last year of course), and slightly better than the last
session. I'll take that as a positive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/16/20 -- First light, clear morning
Yarrow - Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate - Back.
Time: 0:49:54
Mileage: 5.24 Miles - 8.44 Km
Pace: 9'31"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
A night of many short episodes of sleep, including a very deep
dream involving Cecile, the children, Julien, and an overcrowded
transportation place. But I successfully push myself back to sleep
every time, a satisfying feeling after yesterday's struggle, till
around 4:15 when Ruksanna laughs briefly in her sleep, a sarcastic
laugh actually. This for some reason overwhelms me with joy and I
get up, feeling good in spite of the early hour.
Today again, an "inverted schedule", I perform stretching before
Namaaz, a long and deep rendition of Surah Yaseen on this Jummah.
I get out early at first light. Yesterday's storms have
cleared the air, it feels much fresher, and the sky is clean, opening
to a beautiful crisp sunrise light. The run is consequently truly
excellent, one of those perfect routine training runs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/17/20 - Pipeline, The Two Bridges
Raambag - Saki Vihar - Pipeline E. - to Muddy Area -
back to IIT Bridge: 6.02 Miles - 9.69 Km
IIT Bridge - Pipeline E. - to Bridge over Stream -
back to Saki Vihar - same way: 5.45 Miles - 8.77 Km
Time: 1:50:06
Mileage: 11.47 Miles - 18.46 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
In spite of terrible financial woes, managed to fall back asleep several times.
Up around 5:07. First rukus of Surah al-Isra. Learning of last part
of Surah Rahmaan. Feel silly in the morning for yesterday's angst.
A semi-long run, along the beautiful Pipeline.
Feels hotter at first, but turns
into a beautiful morning, as usual, fresher here than elsewhere. Fewer
people today, but the "body builders" are still there, in the middle
of the jungle. As usual here, polite slum dwellers, "good morning"
they say and good morning I respond. I talk to some of them, ask where
they live, beyond the jungle hill, a road...
Further the way is blocked by a very muddy patch, not far from the end
anyway, so I turn back.
Feel so good by now that I decide to repeat this section. Still
very quiet, hardly anyone. On top of that, the weather, sunny till
now, is clouding up, sending a breeze that I would almost call
fresh, in pleasant contrast with the sweltering heat this week.
My bottles keep falling, the belt has
gotten old, I eventually keep them in my pockets. The body builders
comment that "vapas aye". Yes, the day has been so enjoyable.
I complete the second loop, slightly
shorter, very comfortably, pleasant, and manage the busier way
back home with not much problem.
Another excellent run.
-- Last Ruku of Surah Rahmaan --
Surah Rahmaan, Collapsed Long Run (11.83 Miles) -- 10/24/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/19/20 --
Lake Powai - IIT - LBS N. - Into Kanjurmarg - Municipal Park -
Back - IIT Main Gate - Orchard - SM SHetty - Chandivali -
Frangipani Back Rd.
Time: 1:16:15
Mileage: 7.99 Miles - 12.86 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 28C; humidity 88%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
After another weekend in Panvel, actually very inactive (poor Sofia
got awfully bored, and I felt for her, in these tough times of Covid,
wondering again how it would have seemed to me as a child...). We got
the keys to our Mellona apartment, and feel into over-abundant sleep.
Again, after returning, surprisingly to little traffic, Ruksanna
doesn't feel well, and I fall asleep with her skipping Namaaz, as
early as around 8pm! I regret this, as I start waking up multiple
times durning the night, and the spirit of an excellent Namaaz on
Saturday seems to have unfortunately vanished.
But in the middle of the night, around 1am, after reading further
into Michelet's French Revolution (which I've resumed repeating the
death of Louis XVI), I get up to pray Tahajjud ki Namaaz, using the
last rukus of Surah al-Isra, making up for the missed Ishaa. As it
turns out, this does grant me an exceptional episode of sleep, out
of which I emerge in a fantastic dream around 4:30, feeling extraordinarily
fresh. I revise and recite in Namaaz the entire 1st 4 rukus of Surah
al-Isra, then after leaving coffee at her bedside, get out around
6:30 at first light.
The run feels very good. Relaxed pace, and in spite of the heavy
heat (overcast weather trapping the sweltering humidity), an even
effort. A small novelty, I decide to push towards Bhandup from the
bottom of IIT Hill, a road I've rarely run. I eventually turn back
without any notable landmark, worried that the run might extend
excessively, and return back still managing good comfort. Near home,
the small road behind Frangipani has finally been open, as well as
a small park, attracting a small crowd of walkers, players, etc.,
which I pass. This is where hamara tota came from, Mitou...
Very satisfying run, and at 8 miles, surprisingly long, at
a perfect training pace of 9'30"/mile.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/20/20 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Hiranandani Central - Hospital -
Vidya - Hare Krishna rd - JVLR - Orchard - Heera Pana - Raambag.
Time: 0:53:00
Mileage: 5.53 Miles - 8.89 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Nondescript run. Up too early at 4:20, should probably have gone
back to sleep. Start revising Surah A'raaf, and learn further in
Surah Rahmaan. Run not great, but not awful either. Luckily, I
later fall into a blessed profound sleep, just before a 9:30 mtg.
Renewed worries about Ruksanna's procrastination, spending
most of the day in bed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/22/20 -- Tempo Run
Warmup, to Maritime Overpass: 0:13:12 [1.31M - 2.1K]
Tempo Run, Maritime Overpass to IIT Far Gate & Back.
To IIT Far Gate split [1.75M - 2.82K] : 0:15:04
-- Pace: 8'36"/mile - 5'20"/km
Age Graded Split: 0:12:45, ie. 7'17"/mile
Tempo Time: 0:30:33
Tempo Mileage: 3.51 Miles - 5.65 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'42"/mile - 5'24"/km
Age Graded Time: 0:25:53, ie. 7'22"/mile
Cooldown, back to Yarrow (est.): 0:13:00 [1.31M - 2.1K]
Total Time: 0:56:45
Total Mileage: 6.13 Miles - 9.85 Km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
A surprise rain shower shortly before the run. Out at 6:30, I revise my plan of 1/2 mile intervals, as I don't quite have enough time, for this "classic" tempo run. This feels generally ok, trying to attain even pacing and above all, not quit short of the distance. This I do achieve, but I do lose pace and energy on the return. Still, this is overall ok.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/24/20 -- Collapsed Long Run
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline to IIT Bridge:
2.85 Miles - 4.59 Km
IIT Bridge to Far Bridge & Back: 2.64 Miles - 4.26 Km
IIT Bridge to Far Bridge & Back: 2.64 Miles - 4.26 Km
IIT Bridge to Exercise Place & Back: 2.06 Miles - 3.31 Km
Return Segment, Renaissance to JVLR: 0.9 Miles - 1.45 Km
Return Segment, Lake Platform to Chandivali: 0.74 Miles - 1.2 Km
Time: 2:00:51
Mileage: 11.83 Miles - 19.07 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Had resolved to essentially repeat last week's long run along
the beautiful pipeline trail, and lengthen it by another lap.
But eventually, I will fail starkly along the way.
The day starts well, appropriately early after a good Namaaz.
It's a very hazy day, a warm milky atmosphere over the landscape.
I feel nevertheless unusually confident as I embark towards the pipeline.
The trail is actually relatively busy at this early hour, locals
in groups, or the usual people exercising in various ways at
various points. Still, it is very peaceful, stretches are empty,
offering views of the jungle hills, birds. I complete my first lap
in relative comfort.
But things degrade from there. I have taken an old water belt
which carries a single bigger bottle - this will reveal itself
insufficient. Also, a gel pouch which I've found in the drawers,
from the days of the Half Marathons, which I eat about half way,
but that will not prop me up enough.
In spite of my energy starting to dwindle, I obstinately
stick to the original plan, till eventually I break and stop.
I shorten the last lap slightly, turning back at the place where
a group typically exercises, but on the return,
feeling inavoidably out of it, I start walking
a few segments, alternating with slow running. I eventually call
it a day at the entrance of the Nahar area, out of water, my
throat painful with thirst, wondering if I should ask some store
for a free drink.
This is obviously quite a counter-performance. It's not the
first time it happens in the month of October, and its dreaded
heat. I am sure dehydration must have been a major factor here,
although there could be other things at play (too many miles
this week, not enough rest days?). Anyway, it teaches me again to be
cautious with excessive mileage, and vary the weeks in types
of effort. And of course pay full respect to the climate!
All that said, I have tentatively completed learning Surah
al-Rahmaan, although it will need to be strengthened in the days
to come. I plan a major pause in my learning for some time,
it all needs to be endlessly reinforced actually, as the growing mass
makes it challenging to keep all available in memory.
-- Us in Hiranandani Fortune City (Panvel) for
Azhmat's shop inauguration pooja --
A Touch of Fresh Air (6.11 Miles) -- 10/29/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/26/20 --
Yarrow - Lake Powai - IIT Main Gate - Hare Krishna rd - Vidya -
Hiranandani Hospital - South Av Hill - SM Shetty - Chandivali - Yvonne.
Time: 0:56:23
Mileage: 6.08 Miles - 9.78 Km
Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 27C 83%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
The increasingly dire (and revolting) financial situation has
woken me up at night very agitated. I have resumed reading Michelet's
French Revolution, so far to better effect. It is particularly hot
and humid tonight, we keep turning on and off the AC, and Ruksanna
briefly massages my feet. Somewhat miraculously, I do manage to sleep
again twice, to eventually get up around 5:30, slightly late.
In spite of all this, the run is quite pleasant, another one
of these good satisfying training runs, relaxed, at a decent pace,
a welcome turn of events after Saturday's semi-debacle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/27/20 -- A touch of fresh air
Lake Powai, to IIT Far Gate & Back.
Time: 0:49:14
Mileage: 5.26 Miles - 8.48 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
The usual wake-ups through the night, but feel back asleep well,
and got up at 4:30 feeling quite good. Another good Namaaz, which
succeeds in elevating me from the daily troubles.
I go on this run early around 6, at first light. It is peaceful
and nice outside at this hour, the usual small morning groups around
the lake, and my running feels even more comfortable and natural than
yesterday. At some point, I even realize that I am feeling a hint
of a cool breeze, and not sweating as much, probably making my
run that much better. The slightly cooler air brings memories.
After returning, the weather report does confirm this impression,
the first herald of winter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/29/20 -- 1/2 Miles Intervals
Warmup: Maritime - LakeHomes OP [1.72M - 2.77K]: 0:16:53
1/2 Intervals, LKOP to Wall, Wall to IIT Main Gate
Interval I: 4'20".62 [885m - 0.55M] -- Pace: 7'52"/mile - 4'53"/km
Interval II: 4'04".02 [826m - 0.51M] -- Pace: 7'55"/mile - 4'55"/km
Interval III: 4'04".02 [826m - 0.51M] -- Pace: 7'55"/mile - 4'55"/km
Interval IV: 3'54".29 [826m - 0.51M] -- Pace: 7'35"/mile - 4'43"/km
Interval V: 4'02".23 [826m - 0.51M] -- Pace: 7'51"/mile - 4'52"/km
Interval VI: 4'22".11 [885m - 0.55M] -- 7'56"/mile - 4'56"/km
Overall Intervals Time: 0:24:46
Overall Intervals Mileage: 3.14 Miles - 5.074 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 7'51"/mile - 4'52"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 826m in 3'18", ie. 6'25"/mile
Cooldown: 0:10:58 [1.25M - 2.02K]
Total Time: 0:52:37
Total Mileage: 6.11 Miles - 9.86 Km
Total Pace: 8'36"/mile - 5'20"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
- Facing renewed fury of the Covid pandemic,
President Macron announces re-confinement in France -
Fresher air, better performance.
I wake up around 4:20, hesitate to get up so early. I stretch
first, waiting for morning Adhaan, then another good Namaaz, Surah
Baqarah and al-Isra. I give Ruksanna her coffee and go out around
6:15, by early light. I extend slightly the warmup.
To my surprise, the intervals feel fantastic today!!
Unlike other sessions, my breath does not weaken much, in fact,
I seem to gain momentum for a particularly energetic 4th interval,
able to enthusiastically pick up the pace, in relative
comfort. The feeling is formidable, and denotes a mini-breakthrough
for this year, and a stark contrast with last Saturday's setback.
The morning air continues to feel better, in pre-winter mode.
I am not carrying water today, yet I feel ok, no disproportionate
sweat or thirst. Also, it's interesting to see how I have to re-learn
the same things every season, over and over,
long relaxed stride, springiness, arms
swinging perpendicular to the body, and last but not least, to not
block my breath at the top of inhaling, a nasty habit that I have
to combat every year (once I remember to do so),
making a big difference.
Anyway, in short, a great session today, and another boost
in performance.
On the other hand, the international situation continues to degrade,
and our personal situation mirrors that.
Emmanuel Macron has declared a second general confinement in France last
night, and the US election looms less than a week away. We are again
plagued by an atrocious tax situation, which I least expected, due to the fact
that the studio has completely botched my salary calculations. At home,
Ruksanna seems to decay every day, largely inactive in spite of my best
attempts, just like in March, and I feel equally powerless to prop her up.
Is a new crisis coming?
New Passages, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli (12.21 Miles) -- 10/31/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/31/20 -- Ghatkopar Vikhroli Exploration
Khairani Rd - LBS Marg - MG Road (Ghatkopar) - Across
the Railway - MG Road (continued) - Chembur Fly Over -
Eastern Express Highway - Past Mumbai Bangalore Hwy -
Past Ghatkopar Link Rd [5.43M - 8.74K] 0:50:11
Eastern Express Highway - Tagore Nagar -
Vikhroli Station [7.94M - 12.77K] 1:13:00
Vikhroli Station - LBS Marg - IIT Powai Hill -
Lake Powai - Raambag [4.27M - 6.87K]
Time: 1:53:05
Mileage: 12.21 Miles - 19.64 Km
Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs (this was expected, and actually
perhaps not such a bad thing)
In the morning, during stretching, morning demons.
But in spite of that, what an unbelievable reversal from last week!!!
I head out around 6:30, it again feels relatively cool outside.
I have bought this week a new running belt on Amazon - which proves
completely worthless. Far too loose, after a few steps I place the
bottles in my pockets and discard the stupid belt somewhere on
Khairani road, hoping someone will find a use for it.
I am headed towards the Eastern Highway, but in a sudden
inspiration, feel drawn to a completely new exploration
today. I decide to run through Ghatkopar market (where we've
gone to Prudential this week), and from there, into the unknown.
I soon cross the railway, following a rather large avenue
named MG road, thankfully pretty quiet at this time. This eventually
leads me to the expressway in some unknown spot (Chembur apparently),
which I follow along the service roads to the West. Here it is
a fascinating world at the edge of the slums, small commerces,
activity. I find my bearings as I reach the Mumbai Pune Highway,
often driven, and continue along the slums, fascinated by the
sights.
The temperature continues to be pleasant, a fresh wind,
and today, my stride is unbelievable, relaxed, and like Thursday
my breathing does not tire. I continue in this effortless joy,
till I reach the familiar Ghatkopar Link junction, from where
other runners populate the side of the highway, with the mangrove
fields to the right. Here too, my rhythm hardly subsides, feeling
miraculously airy.
In this mood, I decide for another innovation, turning into
Tagore Nagar (which I haven't run since lockdown). A wrong
turn leads me into a small street market, which dwindles down
to a winding alley, meandering among the slum dwellings to the back of
Vikhroli Train Station. I have to walk through, climbing the
overpass and crossing the platforms,
prudently tying my kerchief across the mouth in case of
police verification. All accesses are blocked to the
outside, till I finally find the exit, which leads me
to familiar LBS road, the second exploration today. Wow.
From here, it's familiar territory, the IIT hill
which I pass in relative comfort, the Powai Lake Promenade,
easy road home. But a brief incident stops me again, a
motorbike stopping on the side pushes me aside, almost
deliberately, throwing me in some avoidance maneuver. I
stop as if to argue, the guy doesn't even look back,
leaving me to vent my frustration to a rickshaw driver instead,
before resuming the run still in good comfort.
A miraculous run, a breakthrough this week, fueled by the
cooler temperatures, and an abrupt increase in fitness.
And the next day, Sunday, Cecile informs me that she has
received a letter from the Tribunal de Grande Instance
in Paris. Our divorce has finally been officialised in France!
The procedure, hampered by the Covid pandemic, has taken about
a year! The road is now open for our marriage to be recognized
in France.
12th Reading, Hiranandani Hill (8.79 Miles) -- 11/04/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/03/20 -- Hill Top
Yvonne - Chandivali - SM Shetty - Hiranandani - Main St -
Hiranandani Link Rd (Hill top) - Down to Tulip Stays Rd -
Back up the hill - Hiranandani - Orchard - Heera Panna -
Income Tax Colony - Rambaug - Yarrow.
Time: 1:02:44
Mileage: 6.66 Miles - 10.72 Km
Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
12th reading Surah Baqarah till v. 40
Starting to tire from the Qur'an revisions (even though
they appear necessary), I decide this morning to embark on
the 12th reading of the Book. Actually, today, of excellent
quality, and followed by an equally good Namaaz. Today is the
eve of the US election, tensions are peaking.
It's another beautiful morning, perhaps slightly warmer
than last week, but I'm slowly recovering fluidity after
Saturday's long run. In yet another inspiration, I decide
to re-visit the road to the slum on the hill that
links Hirandanani to Ghatkopar, another "post-lockdown
re-discovery". This goes very well actually, as my stride
improves as it goes, and I feel increasingly comfortable.
I'm actually not the only running here, and the municipal
parks appear full. This would be a great spot for hill repeats
(although it peaks in the slum), I should explore the shortest
access route.
Another excellent run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/04/20 -- Hiranandani Hill Top Repeats
D-Mart - SM Shetty - Hiranandani Central - Hill Top -
Down to Mayfair Hillcrest rd [3M - 4.83K]: 0:29:19
Hill repeats, Mayfair to Hill Top: 0.68 Miles - 1.1 Km
Interval I: 6'27".78 -- Pace: 9'27"/mile [descent est.: 6'10"]
Interval II: 6'29".45 -- Pace: 9'29"/mile [descent est.: 6'10"]
Interval III: 6'27".26 -- Pace: 9'26"/mile
Overall Hill Intervals Time: 0:19:24
Overall Hill Mileage: 2.04 Miles - 3.3 Km
Overall Hill Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'52"/km
Hill Top - Hiranandani - SM Shetty - Chandivali -
Frangipani Back rd [2.39M - 3.84K]: 0:21:08
Total Time: 1:22:11
Total Mileage: 8.79 Miles - 14.17 Km
Total Pace: 9'20"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
-- US presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden --
Surah baqarah till v 83
I right away implement yesterday's idea, returning to the
Hiranandani Hill for a session of hill repeats. I have even
scouted shortest access routes to limit overall mileage.
This works beyond expectations. As in recent runs, I feel a
natural easiness that does not falter, I do not fall back, and actually
finish with the strongest interval. The course turns out perfect,
a crescendo in inclination, and well divided in psychologically
manageable segments, which
culminate at the slum on the hill, thankfully calm at this hour. (I
was worried about the finish line being there, but no problem at all).
So I complete three great intervals of equivalent strength, which is
enough for this great great day, confirming the breakthrough that
has occurred since last week.
Once home, a crowd has assembled in front of Yarrow, around a van.
Suspecting some accident, I enter the back way, where a maid confirms,
"Body", someone has died.
And after the run, the results of the election slowly unfurl,
looking favorable to Donald Trump actually.
The Election, a Bona Fide 10K (10.19 Miles) -- 11/07/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/06/20 -- Bad Coffee
Yvonne - SM Shetty - Hiranandani - JVLR - Orchard -
Lake Homes Back rd - Rambaug - Yarrow.
Time: 0:42:38
Mileage: 4.65 Miles - 7.48 Km
Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'41"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 50%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
-- The US election is still undecided, although tipping
towards Biden - In a dramatic speech, Donald Trump attacks
the legitimity of the election in terms so outrageous that
most networks interrupt the transmission - US records more
than 100,000 new Covid Cases -
12th reading Surah Baqarah till v 142
The coffee I had bought from Amazon proves bad, another poor
experience after the faulty running belt. I struggle to wake up without,
feeling dizzy. Luckily, in spite of this and potential overtraining, the
run turns out excellent. Another cooler day, with a pleasant
breeze, and my pace is fluid and easy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/07/20 -- 10K
Raheja Vihar (mid) - Saki Vihar - Lake Platform: 0:25:52
[2.66M - 4.28K]
Simili 10K Race
Maritime OP - IIT Far Gate - Lake Homes OP
Intermediate time: 0:26:46; Mileage: 3.1 Miles - 4.99 Km
Lake Homes OP - IIT Far Gate - Lake Platform
Final time: 0:53:57; Mileage: 3.14 Miles - 5.07 Km
Total 10K Time: 0:53:57
Total 10K Mileage: 6.24 Miles - 10.06 Km
Total 10K Pace: 8'37"/mile - 5'21"/km
Age Graded: 10.06 Km in 0:45:58, ie. 7'21"/mile pace
Back, est.: 0:13:00 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Total Time: 1:32:49
Total Mileage: 10.19 Miles - 16.42 Km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 50%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
- Biden trending towards victory, but still not
officially declared, as final tally inches forward -
12th reading Surah Baqarah till v 183
Another pleasant morning, good temperatures.
After considering several options, I decide to attempt yet
again this 10K simili-race along Lake Powai, at which I have
faltered before. Not so this time, I accomplish it finally,
with no stops, and at a good effort throughout, finding
again the crucial ability to relax (relatively) under stress.
Even though the inclination is hardly noticeable, there is
a marked difference between the way to the far gate (hard)
and the return (easier), which helps me finish the run
strong.
I feel very satisfied with this run, appropriately tired
but energized for the day by the faster pace, although later
my pace disappoints, not even on par with last year's 1/2
marathon pace. Also, with a total of 6 hours, this caps my
biggest running week since Ramadhan (and March lockdown).
And when I return, still no election result!!!
It's not until Saturday night (in India) that the Biden
/ Kamala Harris victory is finally announced, and yet continues
to be vehemently contested by Donald Trump and his supporters.
Airport, BKC, Asalfa Village (9.75 Miles) -- 11/14/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/10/20 --
Along Lake Powai, to IIT Far Gate & Back.
Time: 0:46:46
Mileage: 5.26 Miles - 8.46 Km
Pace: 8'53"/mile - 5'31"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
12th reading Surah Ali-imraan till v 42
Solved my morning coffee problem (by using more Nescafe)
and felt much better than yesterday. In fact, the air this
early morning almost feels cold along Lake Powai, and
my running feels particularly easy and inspired, unlike
yesterday. And as if to prove that good feeling, I later
find out that my pace is indeed excellent, especially for
a relaxed training run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/11/20 --
Yarrow - Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati - Vidya -
Hiranandani Hospital - South Ave. Hill - SM Shetty - Chandivali -
Yvonne.
Time: 0:58:30
Mileage: 6.43 Miles - 10.35 Km
Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 46%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
12th reading Surah Ali-imraan till v 81
Woke up prematurely at 3:45, just like I slept prematurely
around 8pm. Not really able to fall back asleep till I get up
at 4:45. In spite of feeling tired, good reading, Namaaz, and
actually a good run, after a sleepy start. Again excellent
temperature, Mumbai winter-like conditions, and a very decent
pace at no particular effort. The run repairs be a bit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/12/20 -- Mile Intervals
Warmup, to Lake Homes OP: 0:12:25 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Mile Intervals: LHOP to IIT Main Gate;
Interval Mileage: 1.06 Miles - 1.71 Km
Interval I: 8'15".75; Pace: 7'47"/mile - 4'50"/km
Interval II: 8'20".63; Pace: 7'51"/mile - 4'52"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:16:36
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.42 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 7'49"/miles - 4'51"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.06 Miles in 7'00", ie 6'36"/mile
Cooldown, back to Yarrow: 0:11:01 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Total Time: 0:40:02
Total Mileage: 4.7 Miles - 7.58 Km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 38%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs (What the Hell??!? Did not expect...)
12th reading Surah Ali-imraan till v 121
Unfortunately, seems like another series of insomnia, although
not as severe as the previous. Strange how these come in clusters,
but luckily there are not too frequent. After advancing through
Michelet Révolution Française
through the night, I get up around 4:30, like yesterday,
feeling approximate. Reading and Namaaz however have been excellent.
My weight is a surprise, (in fact half asleep I first mis-read
it as 68.4), let's see where it goes. Although feeling
tired, I stick with the idea of Mile intervals. Strangely, in spite of
the early wake-up, I do not get out till after 6:30, not much time
before an 8:00am meeting, so the session will be short, which is
actually a good thing.
I do put in a good effort. This feels faster than I have been
this year, but at the same time, I do feel my limits, and am careful
to manage within those. The temperatures (and humidity) continue to
improve every day, which surely influences my performance greatly.
The chrono later confirms a good result. This is actually
surprisingly close to my mile intervals from last January, before Covid
(but of course this was a short session). This by the way puts in
question what my ideal performance weight should be, as I seem to
be doing well slightly heavier. Was I depleting my
strength at 68kg?
Anyway, in spite of hard times, very encouraging...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/13/20 -- Airport & Hotels (Something Else)
Chandivali - Mercedez Benz Shortcut - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka -
Back streets to Airport - Airport Rd - Marol Naka - Marol Maroshi -
Lok Bharti - Military - Marwah - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd.
Time: 0:59:26
Mileage: 6.55 Miles - 10.54 Km
Pace: 9'04"/mile - 5'38"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs (Argh, this weight is confirmed then)
12th reading Surah Ali-imraan till v 190
Something different.
Towards the airport. Another nice morning. A dog, easily tamed.
Sunny and hazy, back via Khairani road. Bridge almost finished, alas
road will re-open to traffic. But on this morning, beautiful, draped
in hazy sunshine, the profile of the Masjids.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/14/20 -- BKC, Asalfa Village
Khairani Rd - Saki Naka - Andheri Kurla (straight) - Airport Wall -
LBS Marg - BKC - American School - US Consulate (back) - WeWork -
US Consulate (front) - Back LBS Marg - Phoenix Market City -
Galiban Shah Dargah - Windy Road through Asalfa Village - Khairani Rd.
Time: 1:30:19
Mileage: 9.75 Miles - 15.69 km
Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
12th reading Surah Nisaah till v 22
A big seemingly meaningful dream.
My children and not me, I leave in dismay.
The machine, like a jackpot, it is our insurance, gives
a few coins at first, but then gold, diamonds, eager to not leave anything,
we even try to gather the powdery dust!
I should have woken up well around 5, but for some reason, bad mood,
despondent. Neither padhai nor namaaz are good, after yesterday's
exceptional.
Very hesitant where to run. The Eastern Highway seemed a clear choice
on a nice winter morning, but no, I instead opt for another exploration,
the appeal of the new. Old plan of running to BKC, can I make it?
Hoping quiet roads on Diwali morning, but actually more traffic
than I had hoped. A gigantic airplane passes by, just over my head.
A single patake, which I fortunately avoid, still clogs my ear. I do
make it to BKC, where it's suddenly so much quieter, the ominous landscape
of embassies, goverments, ... US Consulate heavily guarded.
Variant on the way back, straight onto LBS, and try a novelty,
a small road, which ends winding through the Asalfa slums, dargah and
masjids, like a labyrinth, fascinating environment.
This run has not felt as energetic, but still quite good. Beware
though of excessive mileage.
-- Irshalgad Fort, near the base and at the summit --
Under the Eye of Irshalgad (6.97 Miles) -- 11/17/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 11/15/20 -- Panvel, Hike to Irshalgad
Estimated Time: 2:30:00 (?????, it could have been more)
We have returned to Panvel for Diwali weekend.
But once again, feeling strangely uncomfortable in this luxurious
ghost town, my mood becomes atrocious. I can hardly bring myself to
go down for the small Diwali celebration that has been organized, and
seeing that Ruksanna has worn a Saree (which she hasn't in years) makes
me feel even worse. We finally go down, but I am a ghost myself.
Next morning, we return to the Irshalgad hike, this time with
Zoia and Sofia, and under clear skies. In only a few weeks of dry
weather, the landscape has changed completely, the grass having now
taken a brown color, orange in places. I was afraid of snakes in this
weather, but the trail is still quite busy even after monsoon, in fact,
it's been cleaned by burning parts of the hillside. Without clouds and
no water, it's a completely different landscape, the peak well visible at
all times. Sofia unfortunately complains of the heat (even though it's
not that hot really), which threatens to spoil my day and throw me
back to the disastrous mood of yesterday. But this time the top is
clear, not many people, and unlike last time we are able to proceed
to the summit, a small adventure that restores everyone's good mood.
It's a somewhat tricky climb, with shaky ladders in places and old
ropes, which leads us to the central tooth of the mountain, a small
arch that opens to both sides. Shielded from the morning sun,
on the shadow side, Ruksanna lies down, seems to fall immediately asleep,
to the point where I inquire.
Another few people arrive, among them a nice man who is an
avid trekker, with whom we sympathize (the above photos are by him).
Ruksanna offers him a Nimbu Paani, and he stays with us till the
bottom. There, the village children have a little chick which
Sofia gets to hold.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/16/20 -- Hiranandani Fortune City, along NH4
Right along NH4, to 2nd intersection
Time: 0:38:06
Estimated Pace: 9'15"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.12 Miles - 6.63 Km
After the terrible mood days, Ruksanna has ordered me to go
out and run!
Which I do, at dawn. Apprehensive of the many dogs at first,
but these are fine, and of the road traffic, which is more or less
ok, in spite of the lack of shoulder in places. I head cautiously
along the NH4 into the rising sun, not pushing it, as I've been
feeling sore and somewhat sick.
I have been trying to aggressively manage my weight, not wanting
it to flare up out of control. We'll see upon returning to Mumbai
(no scale here).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/17/20 -- Hiranandani Fortune City, along NH4
Along NH4, farther than yesterday, to "Chowk" intersection
Time: 1:04:27
Estimated Pace: 9'15"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.97 Miles - 11.21 Km
Still feeling somewhat sick, and very stiff. Has my excellent
shape from last week disappeared.
Like yesterday, I head along the road into the sunrise,
a little longer, to a place called Chowk. This time, I notice
the peak of Irshalgad in view the whole time, from a rotating
angle, as if I was running under its watchful eye.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/18/20 -- Hiranandani Fortune City, along NH4
Similar to yesterday, back on other side of the road.
Time: 1:03:13
Estimated Pace: 9'15"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.83 Miles - 11 Km
This is similar again, slightly shorter, although I'm feeling less and less in shape, somewhat dizzy at first. But changing side of the road for the return strangely improves things quite a bit, and running against traffic definitely preferrable.
-- A welcome evening swim in the lake --
-- Slum near the top of the hill --
Hiranandani Hill Repeats (10.04 Miles) -- 11/22/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/21/20 -- Hiranandani Hill Repeats
Frangipani Back - Chandivali - SM Shetty - Hiranandani Central -
Up the Hill - Down to BMC School: 0:30:08 [3.1M - 5K]
Hill Repeats, BMC School to top [0.67 Miles - 1.08 Km]
Interval I: 6'26".26 -- Pace: 9'35"/mile [descent est.: 6'10"]
Interval II: 6'27".57 -- Pace: 9'36"/mile [descent est.: 6'10"]
Interval III: 6'25".84 -- Pace: 9'35"/mile [descent est.: 6'10"]
Interval IV: 6'28".42 -- Pace: 9'38"/mile
Overall Hill Repeats: 0:25:47
Overall Hill Mileage: 2.68 Miles - 4.32 Km
Overall Hill Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'58"/km
Back through Hiranandani Central - SM Shetty - Through Shangarsh
Nagar (Jama Masjid) - Frangipani Back: 0:20:03 [2.25M - 3.61Km]
Total Time: 1:34:28
Total Mileage: 10.04 Miles - 16.17 Km
Total Pace: 9'24"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
12th reading Surah Nisaah till v 127
A most excellent session!!
Another big dream last night, which I struggle to emerge from.
Up at 5, a little later than usual. Freshness has returned. Yesterday's
"mandatory rest day" seems to have paid off, although I struggle to
find my breath at first, letting it settle in like a fluid traversing
the body. A little apprehensive at first, as usual for a speed session.
But I feel good on this hill, as if it were designed for me. Divided
in three parts of increasing incline, it somehow feels manageable,
starts with a long running stride, "shifting gears" to a climbing
stance a third in, these pose adjustments making the effort more
varied and manageable. Small landmarks along the way help negotiate
the distance. I arrive up into the slum, under watchful eye of policemen.
A slumdweller talks to me on the last lap, I respond, even though I've
not quite understood him. Crisp morning sun on the slum hill.
My intervals are slightly better than last time, and I add one,
without relenting in speed. And on the way back, feeling so good about
all this, I suddenly take a bold turn
right into Shangarsh Nagar, traversing
the impressive slum community, my confidence at a high.
-- Mithi River Crossing --
Through the Slums, Santacruz (12.01 Miles) -- 11/28/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/24/20 -- Further Steps, explorations
Khairani rd E. - Andheri Kurla - Golibar Rd - Amrut Nagar Circle -
Celiene D Silva Marg - Vikhroli Park Site - Hiranandani Link rd -
to BMC School - Back same way.
Time: 0:59:18
Mileage: 6.54 Miles - 10.54 Km
Pace: 9'04"/mile - 5'37"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
-- Although still not conceding, Donald Trump orders
transition process to get started --
12th reading Surah Maidah till v 51
I am running out of superlatives to describe these runs!
Up at 3. Many chinta. Robespierre. Miraculously discpline myself
back to sleep, and it works!! I wake up wonderful.
Once out, I feel like combating the boredom of the lake.
So I start through Khairani rd, headed towards LBS Marg. But in
an increasing push towards novelty, I suddenly veer left into a new road,
which appears to head for the hills. It's actually larger than
I would have thought, following midway up the hill, at the base
of the slum, with gentle morning activity. Reaching an intersection
with a sculpture, I try to continue in the same direction, not
ready to go back to the world, and the road becomes smaller
and smaller, till it's a mere alley. Finally, a right turn
down the hill leads me through the small dwelling and shacks
to a place called Vikhroli Park Site, fascinated by the morning
life. I eventually emerge on familiar Hiranandani link road,
putting an end to this fascinating exploration.
Unsatiable, I decide to plunge back the same way, curious
if I'll be able to re-trace my steps (which I do). My pace is so
wonderful easy and springy today, this could not be any better,
running in complete comfort, free to absorb the world, the
life around me. Excellent winter like mild temperature, could
hardly be better. This run could have gone forever.
I feel emboldened towards more daring explorations, drawn as
ever towards the slums, up their on the hills, getting closer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/25/20 --
Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Orchard - SM Shetty -
Jama Masjid rd - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:42:49
Mileage: 4.73 Miles - 7.61 Km
Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'37"/km
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
12th reading Surah Maidah till v 109
Another great run, a little shorter because of a 7:30am meeting.
I leave just at first light, again to pleasant weather, feeling quite
comfortable (but with subtle knee pain, something to watch...)
On the way back, I venture for the second time through Shangarsh Nagar,
extraordinary environment of the slum, waking up at this hour. The
smells, the sights, remind me of some of the Bangalore runs, although
the slums of Mumbai look architecturally quite different. What a seizing
experience.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/26/20 -- Tempo Run
To Maritime Overpass: 0:13:00 [1.32M - 2.12K]
Tempo Run, Maritime Overpass to IIT Far Gate and Back.
Tempo Time: 0:29:05 [1/2 split 0:14:32]
Tempo Mileage: 3.52 Miles - 5.66 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'15"/mile - 5'08"/km
Age Adjusted: 3.52 Miles in 0:24:38, ie. 6'59"/mile
Return, estimate: 0:13:00 [1.32M - 2.12K]
Total Time: 0:55:05
Total Mileage: 6.16 Miles - 9.9 Km
Total Pace: 8'56"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
12th reading Surah An'aam till v 31
I feel tired this morning. But what a miraculous run, excellent result!
Amazing what proper form does. I run faster, while feeling
much more comfortable. Unbelievable result compared
to just a few weeks ago. Too bad that, due to Covid, there are still
no races on the calendar!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/28/20 -- Santa Cruz
Khairani Rd - Saki Naka - Straight Andheri Kurla - Airport Wall -
LBS Marg - Air India Road - Nehru Rd - Western Express Hwy Santa Cruz -
Back - Air India Rd - LBS Marg - Phoenix Mall - Through Asalfa -
Khairani Rd (E) - Pipeline Rd - Khairani Rd (W).
Time: 1:49:44
Mileage: 12.01 Miles - 19.32 Km
Pace: 9'08"/mile - 5'40"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 44%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
12th reading Surah An'aam till end.
Up at 4:25, perhaps too early. Finish reading Surah an'aam,
but with a dim mind, to mixed success. I re-group for Namaaz though,
for once reciting
Surah Rahman in full in the morning. Yesterday for Jummah, I recited
the new big 4 throughout the prayers of the day, Yaseen (Fajr),
Mulk (Dhurh), Rahmaan (Asr and Maghrib) and Waqi'ah (Ishaa).
Today, I have a plan, and for once I stick to it to the T.
Building on the BKC run from a couple weeks ago, I had spotted
a road to the right opening to an impressive slum, which I have
further scouted on Google, and looks promising. I set out around 6:45,
a little later than anticipated, first clearing
Khairani road early morning, then the narrow road behind the
airport wall whose traffic always surprises me, even this early.
I am quickly reassured that my running is perfectly fine,
breathing effortless, fluid stride.
I soon reach LBS, then here, as scouted, turn to the right, into
the unknown...
Indeed, with the airport wall still to the right, the tails
of the aircrafts visible, the
road starts along an impressive slum, which soons crosses
the Mithi river, offering one of those striking views
of the slums, small makeshift houses piled over banks of
trash plunging into the dark water, beautified by its
morning reflections. Beyond that, with little transition, is a
surprisingly quiet and pleasant neighborhood, "Air India Road",
apparent living quarters for the airline personel, followed
by military bases (Kalina) which the road circumvents.
It is actually green and pleasant
here, in fact, several people walking or exercising. On the other
end of it, as scouted in Google, I reach a large road which
takes me further into Santacruz, all the way to the Western Highway,
where I turn back.
Back same way. This time, I stop at the bridge for a photo of the slum
by the Mithi river. Someone is washing within the shacks, I wonder
whether he'll object to my photo.
Like last time, I return through Asalfa hill, another
incursion into the slum's little windy streets. My running has
again been perfectly comfortable today, so to lengthen it closer
to two hours, I take a detour through the pipeline road, yet
another vibrant humble neighborhood, to conclude back on
Khairani road.
Another very successful run, very comfortable and at an
efficient pace, continuing on the theme of pushing the exploration
into the slums of Mumbai. I am gradually emboldened, with renewed
fascination.
That night, with the demise of Robespierre, I finish
L'Histoire de la Révolution Française de
Michelet.
-- Lake Powai from Renaissance Hotel (start of the 10K) --
Pipeline 10K (11.58 Miles) -- 12/05/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/01/20 -- Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to "running place" - back.
Time: 1:11:05
Mileage: 7.74 Miles - 12.46 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (Surprise!!!)
12th reading Surah A'raaf
Excellent day!
After tensions, yesterday moved forward on many fronts.
Night of many sleeps, many dreams. Wake up particularly well
around 5. Finish Surah A'raaf, and pray the last 2 rukus in
Namaaz too.
Follow my idea, a return to the pipeline.
Feels a little warmer, but peaceful there, except for
some dogs, and the usual exercise. I run a little longer
today to the "running place", where even on a weekday, there
is a group of young runners running informal races.
As for me, I feel very good, again, effortless pace,
which I push a little on the way back, imagining the hill
finish of a bicycle race.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/03/20 -- Half Mile Intervals
To Lake Homes Overpass: 0:12:58 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Intervals, Lake Homes OP to Wall, Wall to IIT Main Gate.
Interval I: 4'14".35 [887m - 0.55M] -- Pace: 7'40"/mile
Interval II: 3'53".50 [824m - 0.51M] -- Pace: 7'34"/mile
Interval III: 4'00".12 [824m - 0.51M] -- Pace: 7'48"/mile
Interval IV: 4'22".87 [887m - 0.55M] -- Pace: 7'57"/mile
Overall Intervals Time: 0:16:30
Overall Intervals Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.42 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 7'45"/mile - 4'49"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 824m in 3'17", ie. 6'24"/mile
Back to Yarrow: 0:11:26 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Total Time: 0:40:54
Total Mileage: 4.7 Miles - 7.58 Km
Total Pace: 8'40"/mile - 5'23"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
12th reading Surah Anfal
Woke up tired after another questionable night. Continuation
of a slight cold with sore throat, the Mumbai Illness
has unfortunately reappeared with the return of polluton. I don't
have that much time, but still decide to fit in an intervals
session, leaving before 6:30 still in darkness. It has felt
warmer again, although this morning yields a faint sense
of freshness. Like yesterday, the moon thrones in the morning
sky, almost full.
The first intervals actually feel quite good (and will
reveal slight progress from last time). But the tiredness settles
in, and I am not able to keep up that pace, although this is still
an honorable effort.
Later, finally, we go to the Alliance Française, getting
lost a few times following Google. But after a long drive through
Mumbai (actually interesting in ways), I finally give away the French
books that I had set aside. It has taken two years!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/05/20 -- Simili 10K - Pipeline.
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - Renaissance Lake Lookout:
0:26:08 [2.59M - 4.16K]
10K Tempo Run: Lake Lookout to Bridge & back, twice.
Tempo Time: 0:54:10 (approx. splits: 14'00", 27'30", 41'20")
Tempo Mileage: 6.4 Miles - 10.32 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'27"/mile - 5'14"/km
Age Graded Time: 10.32K in 0:46:09, ie. 7'11"/mile
Back: 0:24:09 [2.59M - 4.16K]
Total Time: 1:44:27
Total Mileage: 11.58 Miles - 18.64 Km
Total Pace: 9'01"/mile - 5'35"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 53%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
12th reading Surah Yunus till v 31, but no good, will need to be
repeated.
After another night of many wake-ups, I get up very poorly,
dizzy, bad, and angry that it feels so bad. A moment
of weakness causes me to almost skip Namaaz. I get particularly angry
at my a slight weight increase (among other things), blaming RUksanna
for feeding me too abundantly
in the evening, missing the wonderful "tight" feeling from yesterday.
In short, I feel like shit, and I know it, and it makes me feel even
more like shit. But I proceed nonetheless.
A slow warmup, in spite of morning cool
air, which does not dissipate this sorry state. Once again, I obstinately
follow my plan of a simili 10K along the Pipeline trail, hoping the
faster pace will magically wake me up.
And to some extent it does.
It is as usual very pleasant here,
fresh and quiet, and the faster run relaxes me better than the slow
warmup had. I am careful to dose the effort to the distance, keeping in
mind that this is a slight uphill, making the return easier. As usual,
the "running club" is on the trail, organizing sprint exercises, which
I run through. I generally manage to stay on pace throughout, a good effort.
Funnily, as soon as I stop, the weariness returns exactly as it was, and
I sleep-run back home...
Kanjurmarg (13.06 Miles) -- 12/12/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/09/20 -- Mile Intervals
To Lake Homes Overpass: 0:12:39 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Intervals, Lake Homes Overpass to IIT Main Gate
Interval Mileage: 1.06 Miles - 1.71 Km
Interval I: 8'18".93 -- 7'50"/mile - 4'51"/km
Interval II: 8'21".99 -- 7'53"/mile - 4'53"/km
Interval III: 8'23".36 -- Pace: 7'54"/mile - 4'54"/km
Interval IV: 8'40".57 -- Pace: 8'10"/mile - 5'04"/km
Overall Intervals Time: 0:33:44
Overall Intervals Mileage: 4.24 Miles - 6.84 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 7'57"/mile - 4'55"/km
Age Graded Best: 1.06 Miles in 7'02", ie. 6'37"/mile
Return: 0:11:28 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Total Time: 0:57:51
Total Mileage: 6.82 Miles - 11 Km
Total Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'15"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 53%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (the perfect weight)
12th reading Surah Hud till v 96
Yesterday, the Courier has come to pick up the documents.
At last, the regularisation of our marriage in France has started!
I get up at 4:30, but feeling very good. Pleasant temperature.
Seemingly a good session, as usual, try my best to relax through
the effort, under the eye of the couple policemen patrolling with
canes. Do weaken on the last interval, as often. And then the humbling
experience, get gently passed by a youth who does not seem to
be pushing much of an effort, my vision of my running suffers.
In the end, a little disappointing times, a step back from
last session, but still a good effort.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/12/20 -- Kanjurmarg
Lake Powai - IIT - Eastern Express Highway - Airoli Jct - Mulund -
Nahur - Bhandup East - Kanjur - Bridge over the Tracks - LBS Marg -
IIT - Lake Powai - Rambaugh - D-Mart.
Time: 2:06:17
Mileage: 13.06 Miles - 21.02 Km
Pace: 9'40"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
12th reading Surah Yusuf.
Not entirely bad, but not entirely good either.
Up very early, lots of developments to think about.
This week has seen a mild setback, and the run starts on that
theme, in fact, I right away realize my main goal is to finish in
acceptable comfort, and I need to manage my relative lack of shape
from the very start.
Since yesterday, strangely overcast, almost smoky (is it pollution?).
The run is somewhat nondescript, the beautiful sunrise over the mangroves
that I had hoped for does not materialize because of this uncomfortable
haze, which also seems to drive humidity up. I manage my effort in earnest,
with the goal of running about a half marathon, and re-visiting
Kanjurmarg, and all goes according to plan. In the last third, a surprise
drizzle, very rare this time of year, refreshes me and lightens the effort
a bit. I pursue a small innovation continuing straight through Kanjurmarg,
which after meandering leads me to a large pedestrian bridge over
the tracks. This will surely become the norm from now on, rather than
coming back to the JVLR. For the second time this week, I barely
miss spraining my ankle, not sure why this is suddenly occurring,
be careful.
And I do fulfill my goal, finishing the run in one piece, without
stopping - tired and sore, but in one piece. Still, this week has been
marked by somewhat of a setback, which I'll have to manage.
Back to Aarey, Imperial Grand Palace (12.04 Miles) -- 12/19/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/15/20 -- Superb
Yvonne - Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid - SM SHetty - Ridge Rd -
Cliff Av - Central - Hiranandani Hospital - Podar School Alley -
IIT Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Rambaugh - Yarrow.
Time: 0:48:06
Mileage: 5.43 Miles - 8.74 Km
Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'30"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs (perfect weight!)
-- US Virus Death Toll crosses 300,000 as vaccination
begins - US Electoral College officially confirms
Biden's victory --
12th reading Surah Hijr
The return of superb weather leads to a superb run.
Up "late" at 4:50, in spite of all the agitation, an excellent
reading of Surah Hijr followed by Namaaz, repeating again the last
verses of Surah al-Isra after last night's Ishaa, obstinately trying
to achieve the best recitation possible. This morning is better.
I leave a little late around 6:45, but unlike these last days
of oppressive weather, this morning is clear and superb, winter
sunshine, crisp (by Mumbai standards). That, and feeling perfectly
rested, emboldens me to start right away through Shangarsh Nagar,
always impressive especially at this early hour.
Later, after the startling contrast with the posh streets of
Hiranandani, I plunge again through slum alleys, choosing for once
to descend through the narrow alley right along Podar school - a
way that I had run only once. It is very quiet here, among the
small slum-like structures. I eventually come out at the all too
familiar IIT, where I complete the run in perfect comfort. What
a contrast with these last few days, my pace is easy, springy,
effortless.
And indeed, the numbers reveal a surprisingly good pace,
so good in fact that I wonder if it could be an error.
And later, crowning this excellent day, to my surprise
I receive a couriered package: It is our marriage documents,
properly stamped with the State Attestation and Government Apostille!
This formality, which seemed
once so daunting, has happened in only a matter of days! And to add,
Sunday, the "house inspection" at Frangipani happened
without a single incident. The appartment is now ours.
Between all this, and
an unexpected reverse of fortunes at work, all our mousibat seems
to turn completely, insh'allah. Al'hamdoulillah!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/16/20 -- 1/2 Mile Intervals
To Lake Homes Overpass: 0:12:40 [1.29M - 2.07K]
Half Mile Intervals, LakeHomes OP to Wall, then to IIT Gate.
Interval I: 4'14".30 [885m - 0.55M] -- 7'41"/mile - 4'47"/km
Interval II: 3'52".59 [824m - 0.51M] -- 7'33"/mile - 4'41"/km
Interval III: 3'53".93 [824m - 0.51M] -- 7'36"/mile - 4'43"/km
Interval IV: 3'49".72 [824m - 0.51M] -- 7'29"/mile - 4'39"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:15:50
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.08 Miles - 3.36 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 7'34"/mile - 4'42"/km
Age Adjusted Best Interval: 824m in 3'15", ie. 6'20"/mile pace
Back, IIT Gate to Yarrow: 0:20:15 [2.34M - 3.76K]
Total Time: 0:48:45
Total Mileage: 5.71 Miles - 9.19 Km
Total Pace: 8'32"/mile - 5'18"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Weather: 23C; Humidity 77%
12th reading Surah Nahl till v 51
Continuing yesterday's great excellence, a great session!
I stick to the plan of an interval session - today, half miles.
I actually feel pretty good, and am encouraged by my pace. I complete
four intervals, and uncharacteristically get the best chrono on the
last one, very encouraging.
But as if hollowed out by this small victory, I am not able to
complete the projected next two. I do start on pace, but at about a third in,
feeling my energy synching, can no longer muster the courage,
yield to fatigue and relax the pace,
as if I wanted to keep this session pristine with good performances.
I do think this is largely in the head, but perhaps it is just as well,
as I have little time before a morning meeting anyway.
In spite of this small relapse,
this was an excellent session, reversing the tide on last
week's downward trend. Good progress from the last session (although still
quite far off my pre-covid PR).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/18/20 -- Alleys behind Podar
Frangipani rd - Chandivali - SM SHetty - Cliff Av - South Hill -
Central - Hiranandani Hospital - 2nd Alley Behind Podar - JVLR -
Orchard - Heera Pana - Income Tax Colony - Rambaugh.
Time: 0:51:51
Mileage: 5.79 Miles - 9.31 Km
Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
12th reading Surah Isra till v 53
This week's new strategy seems to work, hard, rest, recovery, hard.
Perhaps a template for the future.
Excellent run again, similar to Tuesday, again, down the
narrow alleys along Podar School, this time the second one,
with no incident, except a pack of dog which erupts at the bottom,
which I easily manage, under the friendly eyes of a group
of youths. This is a long sentence.
The run is again very comfortable and pleasant, and again
will yield a good pace.
Yesterday, in an obstinate effort to change our address on
our Aadhaar cards, pursuing my administrative blitz,
I take Ruksanna to the nearby Saki Naka Aadhaar center,
where we are told that we should have been standing in line since 6am,
to be provided with a form around 8am, from which the process could
start... So instead, we go straight the Wakil sitting outside
in his Jhopda on Kherani road, who offers us tea and reassures us this
will hardly take him a week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/19/20 -- Back to Aarey, Imperial Grand Palace
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Aarey - Lakshmi Rd - Royal Palms, right -
Garden View - Emerald Isle - Imperial Grand Palace - Back same way.
Time: 1:54:34
Mileage: 12.04 Miles - 19.37 Km
Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
12th reading Surah Kahf till v 13
For some reason, I had apprehended returning to Aarey.
The slum at the base of the hill has always intimidated me,
and I feared that Covid could have made it even more so (after all
I did once run into an incident here). But today is the day.
I wake up well, reading and praying Namaaz well, today
consisting of the "old classics" Surah Buruj, Tariq, Fajr and
Balad. I leave at 6:30 sharp, having left coffee by Ruksanna
without waking her.
It is still dark outside. I have no precise plan.
I run the all familiar road up the hill, and all is perfectly
quiet, the slum waking still. The road is actually partially
closed to vehicles, for no apparent reason. I soon find that
my stride is comfortable, which will continue through the
morning.
Once up and over the hill, I veer into beautiful Lakshmi
road. It has been freshly paved till the farms (alas, this
might forecast traffic in the future), attracting
extra groups of morning walkers. It's beautiful here
as usual in the morning misty light, and I feel so so happy
to be back. I do pass some familiar
faces, among them the mad young woman, but not my old friend.
I feel so good that I decide to extend the run. I continue
the dirt trail to the right, there, a group of youths are
contemplating and photographing the rising sun. I keep going
past into Royal Palms, which is more deserted, ascending
today by the road to the left, which snakes up the hill among
sporadic houses. A pack of dogs barks at me but stays at a reasonable
distance, as usual, I discipline them with no problem. Still
feeling extraordinarily comfortable, I continue on a loop
through Royal Palms' dilapidated buildings, asking my way
in this maze to a delivery guy, to climb up to
the surreal Imperial Grand Palace hotel, which looks
like it has finally been renovated, only to be tragically hit
by the pandemic! What bad fortune this place portends...
From the top, feeling decidedly in awesome shape today,
I return the same way rather than cutting back shorter,
complete the run without much struggle.
What an extraordinary contrast from last week!!
This turns out to be one of my best runs this season,
crowning an equally great week.
In the evening, Ruksanna reveals that she has stopped
taking the davai since a few days now. I try to convince
her to follow the doctor's slow taper plan - in vain. I fear
a possible relapse, but who knows, perhaps she is right. And
besides, there is no moving her on this. Insh'allah.
Shorter Runs (6.74 Miles) -- 12/26/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/21/20 --
Yvonne - Chandivali - SM Shetty - Hiranandani Central - Galleria -
JVLR - Orchard - Rambaugh - Yarrow.
Time: 0:42:26
Mileage: 4.65 Miles - 7.49 Km
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 55%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
12th reading Surah Kahf
Actually chilly outside! (By Mumbai standards...)
Beautiful morning, comfortable run, no major sequels from Saturday's
long run. We drove yesterday to pick-up the documents translation in
an intriguing part of town (Cuffe Parade), and I spend the rest of
the afternoon putting the final touches to the dossier (with which
in the morning I am still not completely satisfied). On the run,
I pass by Galleria,
giving a long look to the Blue Dart Courier office where we will go
later to send the dossier.
I have resumed learning. The middle Rukus of Surah al-Isra.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/22/20 -- Amrut Nagar
E. Khairani rd - Andheri Ghatkopar - Golibar rd - Amrut Nagar -
to LBS rd @ RCity Mall - Back Amrut Nagar - Sagar Park Rd -
Sainath Nagar Alley - Back same way.
Time: 0:54:00
Mileage: 5.9 Miles - 9.5 Km
Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
12th reading Surah Maryam till v 66
Another fair weather beautiful pleasant run.
I decide to venture again in the Ghatkopar smaller streets, at the
base of the hill, where the slums are perched. Similar to last time,
reach the Amrut Nagar chowk and its statue, this time continuing straight
down which leads me to R-City Mall. On the way back, from the statue I veer
right into a new variant, which gradually narrows down to a small alley,
barely sufficient for two wheelers, which I pass as if running through
people's lives, the exciting life of the slum. It is all quiet, and no
particular heed is taken of me, and no aggressive dogs.
Another excellent run, and later, I confirm that my documents have
reached the Ambassade Française. Let the process now follow its
course insh'allah!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/26/20 -- Tempo Run
Rambaugh - Saki Vihar - Maritime OP: 0:19:58 [2.03M - 3.27K]
Tempo Run: Maritime Overpass to IIT Far Gate and back.
Tempo Time: 0:29:59
Tempo Mileage: 3.52 Miles - 5.66 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'31"/mile - 5'17"/km
Age Adjusted: 3.52M in 0:25:24, ie. 7'12"/mile pace
Back, to Jain Mandir: 0:10:51 [1.19M - 1.91K]
Total Time: 1:00:48
Total Mileage: 6.74 Miles - 10.84 Km
Total Pace: 9'01"/mile - 5'36"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 63%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs
12th reading Surah Mou'minoun
Up at 4:30, but again, quite tired, and unmotivated by running,
sort of burnt out. After a lengthy Namaaz (uncharacteristically repeating
Surah Waqi'ah from last night), stick to the plan while Ruksanna is
still asleep: A 10 K along Lake Powai.
Often the run and the morning air dissipate the weariness, sometimes
it doesn't. This falls emphatically in the it doesn't category!
I soon
realize that this is not my day, stomach heavy from the effort, and
decide to cut the run short. Not entirely bad I guess, as this should
be my theoritical tempo pace, but all in all a run to forget. I wonder
if I've let my weight dip too far down this week, or perhaps need more
rest from excessive mileage.
To Work, to the Masjid (7.61 Miles) -- 01/01/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/28/20 --
Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid - SM Shetty - Cliff Av - Central -
Hakone Back Way - Orchard - Rambaugh - Yarrow.
Time: 0:43:54
Mileage: 5.02 Miles - 8.08 Km
Pace: 8'44"/mile - 5'25"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 51%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (Perfect Weight!)
12th reading Surah Furqan till v 35
Yesterday, caught in tax horror, as the situation continues to
unravel to more and more dreadful and incomprehensible news.
The evening approaching, as we go do our usual shopping in
Khairani road, Ruksanna leads me to continue one of the alleys,
a fascinating walk through the mesmerizing life of the slum. We stop here
and there among the local activity, the road
shrinks in size as it goes, till a mere passageway, which takes us back
to Mhada. This extraordinary promenade has helped restore my spirits.
This morning, a challenging wake-up. In spite of all this, I am
able to sleep again, and manage to turn my mood around in Namaaz,
a deep recitation from Surah Baqarah.
I run later than usual, and continuing yesterday's theme,
through the striking slum of Shangarsh Nagar.
I feel stiff and tired at first, but this completely reverses, to a
surprisingly springy stride, carrying me like in jumps, which
eventually yields a strong pace at nearly no effort, in complete
contradiction of last Saturday.
The days to come will be determining...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/29/20 -- Marol
Yarrow - Raheja Vihar Shortest - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military -
Marol - Lok Bharti - Marol CHS - Andheri Kurla - Saki Naka - Saki Vihar -
Shortcut rd - Chandivali.
Time: 0:51:57
Mileage: 5.81 Miles - 9.35 Km
Pace: 8'56"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
12th reading Surah Shu'ara till v 105
The situation continues to be terrible at work. Tonight it causes
a severe insomnia, and for once, breaking my rule, in the middle of the
night I check email & Whatsapp and respond. Miraculously
I do manage to fall back asleep to wake up again at 4am, and that will
be it. Long reading and a deep Namaaz. In spite of the lack of sleep,
I feel better this morning.
I have been entertaining this idea of running a simili 5k
along Lake Powai, but hesitate to embark on that today given the
lack of sleep.
I eventually renounce (probably a good thing) in favor of re-visiting the
old work commute Marwah road, for the first time in many months. It is still
partially closed to traffic because of work. A couple dog alerts, as
if they have forgotten about runners during the lockdown, but manage them well.
A good run actually, like yesterday, fresh temperature, and
a good pace.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/30/20 -- Simili 5K
Yarrow, to Maritime OP: 0:13:08 [1.31M - 2.11K]
5K Run: Maritime Overpass - IIT Far Gate - Lake Homes Overpass.
5K Time: 0:25:00
5K Mileage: 3.11 Miles - 5 Km
5K Pace: 8'02"/mile - 5'00"/km
Age Adjusted: 5K in 21'10", ie. 6'48"/mile pace
LakeHomes OP - back to Yarrow: 0:11:23 [1.53M - 2.47K]
Total Time: 0:49:31
Total Mileage: 5.95 Miles - 9.58 Km
Total Pace: 8'19"/mile - 5'10"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 67.7 kg
12th reading Surah Naml till v 67
I suffer from another midnight panic attack. Yesterday,
I had a lunch meeting, and of course the ever deepening burden
of taxes, which in the dark hours of the night cause me to
fret like a fish. Somewhat defeated, I reluctantly wake up
Ruksanna (whose sleep it is my mission to protect), who
still largely asleep immediately proceeds to massage my legs,
as we used to in the days of dread. Alhamdoulillah, we
eventually both fall back asleep.
I wake up again around 4:30, feeling fine, a different outlook
in the morning. This leads to good reading, good Namaaz.
This time, I do implement my idea of a 5K, between a Tempo Run
and a Mock-Race. Strangely, I've never raced a 5K, and think I
should make that part of my repertoire, at least in training.
Another good temperature morning. I start the run with
minimal warmup. I feel ok, but not great, slightly disappointed
perhaps that my pace doesn't feel as fluid as in the last couple days.
I try my best to stay relaxed, visualising the unusual distance,
but it still feels a little too laborious perhaps, never quite
the easy light spring I would like.
Nonetheless, I survive the struggle to complete the distance
in reasonable form, and in a reasonable time. This is actually
competitive compared to other distances recently run, and puts a
good stake in the ground to improve on.
Later, after a fateful meeting, things continue to unravel
towards a perhaps unavoidable end.
This actually leaves me feeling serene, perhaps I can attain
the rare blissful peace of the cancer day (the peace I
felt after finding out about my cancer), which I've
longed to recapture ever since, a state of enhanced freedom
that comes from contemplating tragedy.
I actually sleep well that night, waking up once to read
from Mémoires D'Outre-Tombe. In the morning at 5, after a
somewhat disappointing Qu'ran reading, I attain superior devotion
through Namaaz, particularly through the last rukus of
Surah al-An'aam.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/01/2021 -- To Work
Khairani Rd - Saki Naka - Marol Naka - Airport Rd - Apna Dhaba -
Kondivita Rd - RK Mandir - MIDC Central - 88 Pictures - Passport Office -
Vijay Nagar Jama Masjid - Marol - Aarey Pipeline - Lake Powai - Rambaugh.
Time: 1:09:12
Mileage: 7.61 Miles - 12.24 Km
Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (Perfect Weight!)
12th reading Surah Ankabut till v 23
A highly symbolic run!
Yesterday evening, in the last hours of this fateful year,
the decision has been reached. I am at peace with it, opening
myself to that blessed state where everything is possible,
insha Allah. It's an ever lasting paradox that I feel more serene
in times of misfortune.
So to end this year fittingly, I decide to run to work,
using two of my common commute routes (a third I have run on
Tuesday). I have gotten up at 4:30 feeling fine, a long reading
where I find solace in the opening verses of Surah Ankabut, followed
by a devoted recitation of Surah Yaseen. It is perhaps a little less
cold outside, and strangely hazy, perhaps smoke from the fires burnt
in the slums dwellings. I am actually surprised at the level of activity
on this New Year's day, especially along the Metro line, which creates
adverse conditions for running, which improve as I veer into the quieter
MIDC area. I pass the 88 Pictures office, deserted of course on this
New Year Morning.
I decide to continue via the old office, and from Vijay Nagar Bridge
nostalgically contemplate the Masjid that I used to attend every Jummah,
having attained hard earned comfort there. It is precisely Friday today,
the half closed gate of the Masjid reveals a Coronavirus Guidelines sign,
the Masjid will probably be open later today.
I continue through Marol, and decide for the run along the pipeline,
which continues to be under construction (I ask to confirm that it is
passable). A section has been deeply excavated, sections of the huge
pipe being buried underground. The whole road has become somewhat impractical,
but I still pass through, ending in the impressive slum along the hill
at the base of Aarey.
According to plan, this run has not exceeded much beyond an hour,
as I'm saving strength for a longer run tomorrow. But that will be in
next year's journal.
And thus concludes my 2020, the infamous Annus Horribilis.
Running-wise,
I have accomplished 1,337 Miles (2,153 Km), a step down from 2019 (1,524 Miles),
but an honorable number, achieved through the lockdown and the historic
difficulties of this fateful year.
"... Do people think they will be left alone because they say
'We believe', and will not be tested ..."
(Surah Ankabut [29] v. 2)
"... March forth, whether you are light or heavy, and strive
hard with your wealth and your lives
in the cause of Allah. This is better for you,
if you but know ..."
(Surah Tauba [9] v. 41)
Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar Chawl (11.02 Miles) -- 01/02/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/02/2021 -- Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar Chawl
Yarrow - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Along the Pipeline -
to the Bhandup Gate.
Through the Chawl - Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar - Water
Tank Rd (according to Google) - Jamil Nagar - to Pratap Nagar rd.
Back same way.
Time: 1:47:27
Mileage: 11.02 Miles - 17.74 Km
Pace: 9'45"/mile - 6'03"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
12th reading Surah Ankabut
Up at 4:30, to an excellent reading of Surah Ankabut, followed
by last rukus of Surah Isra in Namaaz.
I feel strangely stiff as I start the run, with an unusual
pain in the hamstrings on both sides. I start very easy, with no
particular goal in mind, other than enjoy nature along the pipeline
trail. It is again foggy outside, or smoky perhaps from the fires
in the slums, the other side of the lake invisible.
I relax into a comfortable pace, rehearsing new verses of
Surah al-Isra, taking on the scenery (distracted by the events,
my memorisation has been slow). People here are as ever friendly,
polite, we feel some community in seeking nature here, no matter
our origins. I reach the usual running group, I think I hear,
just after I pass by, kitna takat from the instructor,
which I'll admit makes me proud. Yes, running is a way of life.
Further down the trail, this man again, feeding a large flock
of crows. We smile at each other with a peaceful hand gesture as
I apologize that my running has made them fly off. Later still,
a man with a pot belly, jovial slumdweller carrying the ubiquitous
jar of water, I ask him if a trail into the hills would lead
somewhere, "rasta hai?". No, he responds emphatically,
before realizing with a comic delay that I've spoken in Hindi,
this makes him so overjoyed that I hear a loud "YAHOOOO" as
I leave him. I reach the gate on the Bhandup side.
Here, a big decision.
For the first time, emboldened, I venture into the Chawl.
I traverse those extraordinary slums perched on the hills, that
have so intimitated yet attracted me. From here views of the foggy city,
the modern
buildings don't seem that far. Here, a collection of small houses,
actually quite
nice, some of them of quaint architecture. It is quiet, the peaceful life
of the morning. People look at me with quiet benevolence, certainly no
hostility, at most curiosity. In places, the narrow road is covered by
a metal roof, perhaps near a temple. I pass several public toilets.
The road follows
just underneath the crest of the hill, where are packed another few rows
of box dwellings accessible through narrow passages. Only a couple dogs chase
and bark from a building, but are handled with poise.
The road then dips
steeply down the hill, will it connect to that place near the Metro?
As it starts to get a little labyrinthic, I reach a somewhat bigger
road (two lanes). Completely entranced by this experience, I decide
to retrace my steps the same way.
I climb back up steeply, finding my way quite
easily, this time the dogs letting me pass. I now notice on signs
the name of the place, "Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar".
The climb eases to the crest road, this fascinating exploration making
me run in full comfort, till I eventually reach the gate again,
unbelievably fulfilled.
From there the familiar run back home, still at a very conservative
pace. At the small slum at the the other end of the pipeline, boys salute
me, and like in the old days in Bangalore, articulate as best they can:
"What-Is-Your-Name?". Along Saki Vihar, a parked bus displays
in bold letters on the windshield: "RUKSANA", as if tying
these Indian years together.
This is a decisive run, in days of kasht,
emboldened enough to venture into the exploration
that I had long dreamed of.
"Tu Quoque Fili" (6.96 Miles) -- 01/10/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/05/21 --
Yarrow - Rambaugh - Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate -
Padmavati Devi - Vidya - Hiranandani Hosp - Central -
SM Shetty - Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid - Yvonne.
Time: 0:50:02
Mileage 5.66 Miles - 9.11 Km
Pace: 8'50"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 75%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
-- England imposes strict lockdown facing a more contagious
variant of the virus -- Scandal in France due to the abnormal
slowness of vaccinations --
12th reading Surah Saba till v 10
Start still feeling sore in the hamstrings, especially left.
But I again try to relax into it, apparently to great success!
The run feels better and better, gradually releasing the stiffness
I am able to lengthen my stride, and come back with a surprisingly
fast (yet easy) pace. It is another smoky morning, but quite fresh
and pleasant. The run, one of the last from Yarrow building, ends
up very pleasant.
And I do learn a new verse from Surah al-Isra, after having
stayed stuck several days.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/06/21 -- Tu Quoque Fili
Yvonne - Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - South Hill - Technology -
IIT Market - Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Saki Vihar - Rambaugh - Yarrow.
Time: 1:02:42
Mileage: 6.96 Miles - 11.2 Km
Pace: 9'00"/mile - 5'35"/km
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
12th reading Surah Fatir
Very poor sleep, awake since 3am. Particularly preoccupied
by passages in Jeremie's book. I run without a particular goal.
Today should have been move day, but the movers were delayed
by mechanical problems. Nevertheless, we sleep our first night
in Frangipani, which makes this the last run from Yarrow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/07/21 -- NO RUN (Move Day)
-- US Capitol is stormed by a mob incited by Trump,
during the electoral college vote certification --
12th reading Surah Sad till v 15
I continue to be preoccupied. Tonight Ruksanna also suffers
a insomnia, which opens a new abyss: Could she relapse? This thought
caps the assault of worries, and leads to a somewhat tragic dream:
I am walking with my head down, sobbing, abandonned and desperate now
that she again loses her mind, and then I realize this is the true
test of faith, which I fault myself for faling. I need to strengthen
yet again.
The fascinating news as the US Capitol is assaulted by the mob
provides some distraction, materializing Trump's endless push towards
insurrection.
Today, the movers do come, and complete their work rapidly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/08/21 -- 1st Run From Frangipani
Frangipani - Chandivali - SM SHetty - Central - Main -
Hiranandani Hill - LBS Marg - Rcity Mall - Amrut Nagar -
Golibar Rd - LBS Marg - Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar Shortcut.
Time: 1:00:53
Mileage: 6.59 Miles - 10.61 Km
Pace: 9'14"/mile - 5'44"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 91C
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs (surprised by this)
12th reading Surah Sad
Up at 4, feeling tired. I pray Surah Yaseen, to mixed success,
still preoccupied by Jeremie's book. The successive Namaaz typically
lose strength as the day passes, weary and unable to wield extraneous
thoughts.
This is our second night in Frangipani. I am a little lost in
the morning, struggle to find my routine.
THe run is ok. I do feel some stiffness still, but somewhat better.
It feels hotter, and more and more of that heavy uncomfortable
haze. I improvise this route, for the first time taking Amrut Nagar
in reverse. From there, I contemplate the impressive view of the slums
towering before me like a cliff, to the high crest that I ran last
Saturday. Awed by the vision.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/09/21 --
Frangipani - Rambaugh - Powai Promenade - IIT Main Gate -
IIT Market - Vidya - Hiranandani Hospital - Main - Orchard -
Heera Pana - Rambaugh - Frangipani.
Time: 0:48:38
Mileage: 5.42 Miles - 8.73 Km
Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 24C; HUmidity 92%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
12th reading Surah Zumar till v 53
Probably from moving things around, I feel very sore,
pain in the left side, back, glute, hamstring. The beginning
of the run is difficult, but I try (to some moderate success) to relax the
stiffness. On top of that, the air is heavy, smoky, humid and warm, palpable
with a milky haze, a depressing gel glued to the landscape.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 01/10/21 -- Tempo Run
Frangipani - Maritime OP: 0:12:46 [1.28M - 2.07K]
Tempo Run, Maritime OP to IIT Far Gate & back.
Tempo Time: 0:29:49
Tempo Mileage: 3.51 Miles - 5.66 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'29"/mile - 5.16"/km
Age Graded: 3.51 Miles in 0:25:16, ie. 7'11"/mile pace
Maritime OP to Frangipani rd: 0:10:16 [1.1M - 1.77K]
Total Time: 0:52:51
Total Mileage: 5.89 Miles - 9.5 Km
Total Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
12th reading Surah Mu'minum till v 51
Multiple wake-ups thought the night, but I get up fine around 4:30.
I have been struggling with Namaaz in this time of need, but yesterday
unexpectedly started to reverse the tide during Ishaa. This morning, with
a clear mind, Namaaz is much better at last, with the concluding verses
of Surah al-Isra.
Still stiff and not feeling so great, oppressed by the polluted weather
and heat, which feels like October. Hamstring and back are a little
better, but still too tight.
I set out to do a 10K tempo run which I
intend to be moderate. I actually feel relatively good, but still,
on the way back, shorten the distance by returning straight to the start.
I do think this is right, actually clocking a near-perfect 8'30"/mile
tempo pace (half marathon pace), and fulfilling the goal of keeping
mileage and effort moderate to continue recovery. As if the winter
had prematurely ended, I am completely drenched in sweat!
I deem it ok with all
the shit going on right now to let my performance slip.
-- In Frangipani, our Appartment --
Frangipani (10.64 Miles) -- 01/16/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/12/21 -- Asalfa
Frangipani - Chandivali rd - Saki Naka via Shortcut - Andheri Kurla -
Phoenix Mall - LBS Marg - Right @ Mahindra Park - Through Asalfa -
Khairani rd - Shangarsh Nagar Shortcut.
Time: 1:00:04
Mileage: 6.77 Miles - 10.89 Km
Pace: 8'52"/mile - 5'30"/km
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Weather: 26C; Humidity 75%
12th reading Surah Shura
Woke up at 3, Ruksanna too, and she cannot stay still, thwarting
my sleep attempts, "popping me out" regularly from the deeper recesses
of the mind. It's been a while that I hadn't failed at this.
I eventually get up around 4:45, so extremely mad that I hit myself
on the face repeatedly, still trying to dissimulate my anger from her.
Luckily, I isolate myself in the Namaaz ka Kamra where Qur'an
reading starts to apease me. Ruksanna eventually joins me and for once,
she imitates my stretching with me. She even sets out before me to
walk in the complex. I leave around 6:45, still in semi-darkness.
The temperature continues to be oppressively warm and heavy. I
find it difficult to breathe at home, and even in the early morning,
the winter freshness is gone (has winter lasted hardly a month this year?).
I nevertheless patiently seek a pleasant pace, and tired of the
posh Hiranandani area, head out towards the more humble neighbourhoods.
For the first time on a weekday, I run back through the windy alleys
of Asalfa, a fascinating small course through the quiet slums.
To my surprise, I come back before Ruksanna, who has been walking
for more than an hour, and says that she has even run two rounds.
She then sits on our balcony, at the rising sun, among the bamboo
scaffoldings that are left from the facade painting. She calls me,
want so show me an eagle, and the parrot ki jodhi who often
visits our balcony.
The morning's anger is long gone...
-- A "Cheel" on our Balcony --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/13/21 -- Dargah
Frangipani - Rambaugh - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Aarey - Dargah -
Back same way.
Time: 0:52:09
Mileage: 5.68 Miles - 9.15 Km
Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'41"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 71%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
12th reading Surah Zukhruf
Yesterday turned out to be an excellent day. One news after the
other to celebrate!
First, the Ambassade Française has processed our marriage,
we should be receiving the originals within days. This was meant to
happen in two months, it hardly took two weeks!! Then, yesterday evening
was an excellent conversation regarding new prospects, so encouraging
that my worries are just about gone, insh'allah, and I rejoice at the new
opportunities. We did announce my departure at 88 which turned out more
emotional than I had thought, quite moving. Finally, we conducted the
Yarrow inspection, and the internet here is back up. And finally finally,
my mother has succeeded in getting vaccinated in France, a topic that
was obsessing her.
Voila. After all that, I cannot sleep after 4am this morning. As
often combating monotony and liking to re-visit old pre-covid routes,
I run today to the Dargah in Aarey, a mediocre run actually, as for
some reason I am unable to completely dispel the stiffness in my
hamstrings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/14/21 -- Mile Intervals
Frangipani to LHOP: 0:11:55 [1.26M - 2.03K]
Mile Intervals, LakeHomes OP to IIT Main Gate
Interval Mileage: 1.07 Miles - 1.71 Km
Interval I: 8'28".81 -- Pace: 7'55"/mile - 4'57"/km
Interval II: 8'36".60 -- Pace: 8'02"/mile - 5'01"/km
Interval III: 8'24".63 -- Pace: 7'51"/mile - 4'54"/km
Interval IV: 8'36'.38 -- Pace: 8'02"/mile - 5'01"/km
Overall Intervals Time: 0:34:05
Overall Intervals Mileage: 4.28 Miles - 6.84 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 7'57"/mile - 4'58"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.07M in 7'06", ie. 6'38"/mile pace.
Back: 0:09:32 [1.09M - 1.75K]
Total Time: 0:46:00
Total Mileage: 5.54 miles - 8.87 Km
Total Pace: 8'18"/mile - 5'11"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 75%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs (Very happy with this weight. Now
the trick is to stay there).
-- President Trump is impeached again for "incitement of
insurrection" --
12th reading Surah Jathiyah till v 27
The stars finally align today. So on to a bona-fide speed session.
In spite of severe insomnia from roughly 1:00 to 2:30 last night,
I wake up around 4:45, finally with a clear mind. Reading and Namaaz
are good, and outside I am greeted by good weather at last, after these
last days of oppressive heat, as if the winter freshness, crisp skies
and clarity had finally returned. So with all that, definitely the right
time to embark on an interval session.
I am determined to make this as pleasant as possible. I wish this
could be fluid and fun, and strive for that, not letting the tension
take over, relaxing the speed slightly perhaps to not get into laborious
mode. Helped by favorable weather and clear mind, this works to some
extent. In fact, the second set of intervals feels the best, which
was another goal for today, and all end up in an acceptable time frame.
I finish very satisfied with this session, even though my speed has not
progressed since mid-November. Well, at least, it hasn't fallen back
much...
Since leaving 88, these are actually good days...
Each day sees a flurry of activity. Yesterday, we finally updated
our address on the Aadhaar cards, an as always impressive walk through
Shangarsh Nagar, where we meet Sabhir Bhai in a tiny ground floor shop.
In typical Indian fashion, he offers us the keys to his scooter, for us
to return home to get Sofia back for her Aadhaar. We decline though,
preferring to walk in the nice evening light painting the slum, and
through the street commerces. Breathtaking impressions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/16/21 -- Vikhroli East
Frangipani - Khairani Rd E. - Andheri Ghatkopar - Eastern
Express Hwy - Vikhroli E. Rd No 1 - Outer Loop - JVLR - IIT Hill -
Rambaugh - Frangipani.
Time: 1:36:15 (close, but exact time uncertain)
Mileage: 10.64 Miles - 17.12 Km
Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'37"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 59%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
12th reading Surah Fath till v 18
Not a bad run, but somewhat nondescript. The good weather
has returned, a cool sunny crisp (by Mumbai standards) morning.
I return to the "Island" of houses East of the Highway in
Vikhroli. A lot of runners on the highway, and trainers.
My breathing is excellent, but the hamstring stiffness returns
along the run. I still manage this in comfort.
Still learning middle Rukus of Surah al-Isra.
Livret de Famille (10.89 Miles) -- 01/23/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 01/18/21 -- Livret de Famille
Chandivali Rd - SM SHetty - Cliff Av - Central - Orchard OP -
Lake Promenade - Rambaugh.
Time: 0:39:48
Mileage: 4.44 Miles - 7.15 Km
Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 71%
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs (surprise...)
NEW SHOES --
12th reading Surah Qaf
Up early after multiple wake-ups through the night. Was fearing
stiffness but feel better than expected. What was meant to be a slow
recovery run turns into a good brisk pace, finding great forms at times.
Yesterday, a wonderful promenade with Gulzar in the Aarey
Hills. We explore new trails, leading us into the solitude of the forest.
A little later that morning, an unexpected call. A courier has come.
My heart racing, I rush downstairs. An enveloppe from the Ambassade
de France, it is the Livret de Famille! Our marriage has been
officialized by French law! I had prepped myself for a several months
wait, it actually got done in two three weeks.... We celebrate with a
photo on the balcony.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/19/21 -- Hiranandani Hill Repeats
Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid - SM Shetty - Central - Main -
Hirandandani Hill - Down to BMC Ground: 0:25:53 [2.66M - 4.28K]
Hill Repeats, BMC Ground to Hill Top
Hill Mileage: 1.07 Km - 0.66 Miles
Interval I: 6'18".69 -- Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'53"/km -- [Down ~5'50"]
Interval II: 6'12".93 -- Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km -- [Down ~5'50"]
Interval III: 6'11".51 -- Pace: 9'17"/mile - 5'46"/km
Overall Intervals Time: 0:18:42
Overall Intervals Mileage: 1.98 Miles - 3.21 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km
Back same way: 0:17:02 [1.94M - 3.11K]
Total Time: 1:13:17
Total Mileage: 7.9 Miles - 12.74 Km
Total Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
12th reading Surah Tur
A formidable classic dream: In front of the ocean,
we contemplate awe-struck massive waves. Two women, one of whom
is Gulzar, are standing in front of the spectacle.
But isn't this real?
I yell at them to pull back from the danger, but they cannot hear,
staying motionless like an audience in front of a giant screen,
seemingly mesmerized by the grandeur.
Woke up around 4:20, not able to push back to sleep. I had a
tentative plan to do speed training today, which I eventually follow
in spite of insufficient sleep (and perhaps recovery). It is again
nice outside, but the start of the run finds me again stiff and
laborious. I pass through Shangarsh Nagar at first light, always
an impressive sight.
The first hill repeat fortunately feels good, as my stride
lengthens and flows, then adjusts to the increasing incline (once
again, this is an excellent hill for me). To my great satisfaction,
I am able to run each interval faster than the previous, and finish
the session very satisfied. This is later confirmed by the numbers,
I have largely improved from my last session here.
We are still basking in the happiness of our French Marriage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/21/21 --
Rambaugh - Lake Powai - IIT - Hakone Back Rd - Main St -
Lake Blvd Overpass - Lake Powai - Rambaugh
Time: 0:44:48
Mileage: 4.79 Miles - 7.71 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
-- With Washington on highest alert, Joe "Robinette" Biden
is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States -
US Covid deaths have exceeded 4,00,000 --
12th reading Surah Waqi'ah
Renewed worries conjure the midnight demons. That, and the
first attack of mosquitoes in the new appartment, wake me up in a near panic.
It feels hot, the fan stuck at the highest speed gives an oppressive sense
of dryness. I squirm in this, Ruksanna eventually puts me back to sleep.
In spite of all this, I get up at 4:30, miraculously well. The morning
has chased the demons away, morning inspiration dictates a clear path,
and all seems well. Outside, a wonderful chill in the air, a relaxed run,
learning another verse of Surah al-Isra.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/22/21 --
Rambaugh - Lake Powai - IIT Main Gate - IIT Market - Vidya -
Hiranandani Hospital - Main - Central - Cliff - SM Shetty -
Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid.
Time: 0:48:31
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.5 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
12th reading Surah Mujadilah
Up at 4:15, but feeling good. A good intensity recitation of Surah
Yaseen in Namaaz, which helps dispel the growing anxiety that has begun
to creep back at me, after days of remarkable soukoun.
An uneventful but pleasant run. Weather is ideal. A bit of stiffness
again in left leg / back, but manage ok, at low intensity, rehearsing the
Qur'an.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/23/21 -- Pipeline Simili 10K
Rambaugh - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - Lake Powai @ Renaissance:
0:24:56 [2.56M - 4.12K]
Simili 10K, Renaissance View to Bridge & back, X 2
10K Time: 0:54:06 [middle split: 0:27:17]
10K Mileage: 6.38 Miles - 10.26 Km [(3.19M - 5.13K)x2]
10K Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'16"/km
Age Graded: 6.38 Miles in 0:46:06, ie. 7'13"/mile pace
Back, slum shop to D-Mart: 0:18:38 [1.95M - 3.14K]
Total Time: 1:37:40
Total Mileage: 10.89 Miles - 17.52 Km
Total Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
12th reading Surah Saff
Another beautiful cool morning. After having considered three
possible courses, I head to the Pipeline for this 10K.
A good effort. Sadly, the way is being paved, and some passages
are disrupted by the ongoing work. A work truck slows me down
briefly. I come across the usual running group, know to dose my
effort on the gentle uphill, recovering well on the return.
I struggle slightly on the 2nd uphill, but do not let down,
in fact, I end up running negative splits, and finish strong,
satisfied. After stopping do I realize that I am spent. I have
not carried water today, and for the first time buy it from a
shack in the small slum. Hindi is easy today, natural.
Later the stats reveal that this has been nearly identical
to the same run on 12/05. No progess in a way, but all in all
feeling very satisfying.
We continue to be happy with Frangipani. Space as it turns
out is not an issue. From our 9th floor balcony, we are somewhat
remote from the clamor of the street, and live among the birds.
A couple of parrots, that Gulzar had noticed all the way back
when we were scouting the appartment (and influenced her choice),
visits us regularly. One day, we watched them tenderly making love,
first touching each other with a delicate but awkward gesture of
the foot. The next day, there was only one parrot, it sat a long
time calling, calling ... The next day, they were together again,
and spent a long time kissing after love. Gulzar thinks humans
must have gotten the idea from watching them.
-- The Couple of Parrots --
The Twelfth Reading -- 01/29/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 01/24/21 -- Hike in Panvel
Further along the Lake road.
Time Estimate: 2:30:00
In Panvel, we return to the dirt road around the lake.
It is early morning, cool hazy weather, crisp sunshine.
Past the hamlets, we are soon alone. The vegetation has continued
to dry up, the grass brown, and expanses of land have been burnt.
Whatever water was left flowing from the hillside is now gone.
We eventually stop at last time's stop, but here too, the stream
has dried up.
We push forward further up the trail. We soon find a larger
river bed, which has even dug a small cliff in its path to the
lake, which reminds of Elaruvi. Here, a small stream survives,
punctuated by small pools. This must be huge during monsoon!
We rest for some time. The water is cool. We listen, impressed
by the silence, eventually filled by nature's subtler voices.
We then push further still. The road opens to a few flat fields,
revealing views of the mountains that guard the valley. As it's
getting later, we pass by occasional motorcycles, and a few trucks
packed to the brink coming from the distant elusive village,
women inside, young cricket players up on the roof of the cabin.
As we reach another group of trees, we distinguish one of those
tall lean monkeys (langur?) vanishing into the brush.
This is where we turn back, still at an unknown distance from
the village.
As the day progresses so does the sunshine, and the return
walk feels harsher. Still, the winter sun is tolerable,
and I make it free of sunburns.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/26/21 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Av - Central - Technology -
Hiranandani Hospital - IIT Market - Lake Powai - Rambaugh.
Time: 0:47:13
Mileage: 5.2 Miles - 8.37 Km
Pace: 9'04"/mile - 5'38"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 71%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
12th reading Surah Qalam
My strategy of an extra rest day yesterday seems to have
paid off great. Hardly any stiffness or pain, and a relaxed
good stride. Although the weather report doesn't indicate it,
this feels like one of the freshest mornings so far, which we
complete by another walk in Aarey.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/27/21 --
Rambaugh - Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Vidya -
Hiranandani Hospital - Central - SM Shetty - Orchard - Rambaugh.
Time: 0:56:44
Mileage: 6.1 MIles - 9.81 Km
Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'46"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (ok, but time to control it)
12th reading Surah Nuh
Coldest day so far, although yesterday must have been similar.
Got up at 4:15, tired of multiple wake-ups. Long Qur'an reading
(reaching the end of the Book) and Namaaz. The run is good, but not
great, a little stiffer than I would have wanted. Given Saturday's
effort, no speed training this week.
The endless story of the parrots: Yesterday, one lonely tota
endlessly calls his missing companion. Today, reunited,
they make love again, followed by extended time kissing. Ruksanna
thinks man must have gotten the idea from watching them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/28/21 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Av - South Hill - Technology -
Hiranandani Hospital - Padmati Devi - IIT Far Gate - Lake Promenade.
Time: 0:55:05
Mileage: 5.91 Miles - 9.52 Km
Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
12th reading Surah Insaan
Regular run, still under pleasant cool temperatures, but still
with more stiffness than I'd like. In the early morning, vision of
the full moon of orange color. Keep the pace casual, feeling easy,
rehearsing the Qur'an. A dreadful stretch of dust along the JVLR,
probably due to Metro Work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/29/21 -- Just in time - The Twelth Reading.
Raheja Vihar full loop - Saki Vihar - Rambagh
Time: 0:40:18
Mileage: 4.52 Miles - 7.28 Km
Pace: 8'54"/mile - 5'32"/km
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
12th reading Surah Inshiqaq. Then Surah Yaseen in Namaaz on Jummah.
A brisk pace trying to make it to a 7:30am meeting, one of the last
meetings that I'll attend. I still feel a bit stiff, the old IT Band pain is
back on the left as a reminder from the cycling days, but I still manage
a good run. An auto runs into a cyclist at the entrance of Rambaugh, luckily
at slow speed, spilling his coconuts on the pavement.
I make it just in time, go straight into the meeting
with no shower, a rare feat made possible by the cooler weather.
Yesterday, there were six parrots sitting above our balcony!
And later in the afternoon, I complete the reading of the Qur'an,
my twelfth reading.
The Mandir on top of the Hill, around the Talaab (13.78 Miles) -- 01/30/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/30/21 -- The Mandir on top of the hill, around the Talaab.
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central Av - JVLR - St Joseph's Church -
Shree Ram Rd - Up the Hill to Temple & Back - JVLR - Kanjurmarg -
Bhandup - Fatak Bridge - 30 ft rd - Around the Talaab - Back same way -
Kanjurmarg bridge - LBS Marg - IIT Hill - Lake Promenade - Rambagh
Time: 2:09:36
Mileage: 13.78 Miles - 22.18 Km
Pace: 9'24"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
A terrible wake-up.
We've woken up around 3:45, both of us, and Gulzar's small movements
pop me out of my attempts to enter the realm of dreams. I eventually
get up around 4:45, to a difficult start. She is also awake, but knows to
leave me alone in this particularly shitty mood. Funnily, having finished
the Qur'an yesterday distresses me even further, what am I now going to
do with myself before dawn? I opt to start a much-needed cycle of revisions,
as some Surah's have started to erode in memory.
I nevertheless embark on a possible long run, targeting Kanjurmarg.
But on a sudden daring inspiration, I veer into a new exploration, which
I had been eyeing recently: near the IIT far gate, I turn right into a
promising small alley that I have scouted on Google.
This first passes St Joseph's church, prominent at the entry to Powai,
then progresses through a narrow slum alley up the hill. As usual, I run
cautiously through the life of the slum, small dwellings and wakening
activity. This soons opens to a large desolate dirt plateau, flanked
by a hill crest. A group of dogs erupt though at my unusual sight, and
though they do not attack, they show no sign of backing down. I ask my
way to a man, "rasta hai?". - "Kahan jaane ka?", comes
the obvious answer, which points to the stupidity of my question, as
I have no particular destination. - "Ghoumna chahie", I respond.
He indicates that the plateau leads on to Hiranandani, but more dogs
there are already barking. A more modest goal is a small mandir just
further up, which I reach along metal slum shacks, and decide this is
enough for today. As I return, the dogs are still fairly aggressive,
still not used to my presence, not allowing me to run (as usual,
the inhabitants help keep them in check). I descend back to the JVLR
with no problem.
At least, this notable exploration has woken me up!
From here on, although the mind is still tired, I feel remarkably
relaxed, a good form which will carry me till the end. I continue through
the more familiar Kanjurmarg to the Talaab by the Expressway, along the
fields in the rising sun, and back via the bridge across the railway.
I feel strangely good up IIT Hill, and along the lake, surprised
how, with excellent breath, I am able to relax my stride in spite of
this week's troubling stiffness, pushing away
tension and pain. I finish the run in surprising good control, feeling
I could have run longer.
But that same evening, as Gulzar and I have gone for a walk,
a mysterious pain appears out of nowhere in my left leg, between heel
and calf, causing me to limp. And then, after a night's
sleep, it is even far worse Sunday morning, I can hardly walk !!!
First actual injury in a long long time...
To Run or not to Run (5 Miles) -- 02/06/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 02/01/21 --
Home Gym: 0:37:50
Sequence: Bar Press - Abs - Ankle Weights - Shoulder Flies - Punches.
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Revisions Surah Ali-imraan 1st ruku
Injury recovery is progressing well. Yesterday, I started to be able
to walk during the day, enough to go to Haiko in the afternoon (bought
a compression band along the way). This morning, slight pain, but
manageable, and much much better than yesterday morning.
Feel fresh this morning, good weight session.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/03/21 -- To run or not to run
Nahar - Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Main - Lake Blvd -
JVLR - Customs Colony - Rambagh.
Time: 0:34:46
Mileage: 3.69 Miles - 5.94 Km
Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 51%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (Aaargh, confirmed! Diet change needed)
Qur'an revisions Surah Ali imraan last ruku
I wake up unusually late at 5:30, which seems to be a growing
trend, still in time for Namaaz. Another disturbing growing trend
is this damn weight creep, that seems to resurge at regular intervals.
Big question of the day: To run or not to run? The classic
quandary of the injured runner...
The pain is mild, but still present, and seems to have stabilized
at this level. Yesterday evening's short walk caused a painful twitch,
casting doubts on recovery. But nevertheless, this morning, I decide
to venture out, as I had planned.
The first steps are awkward and tender, but I soon seem to find
a gait that is manageable (bearing weight more on the front of the
foot), and start enjoying the morning air. I am delighted to feel roughly
ok, although I know that the true test will only come later in the day,
if not tomorrow morning. After about 20 minutes, the pain seems to increase
some, but still, I complete the run fine. Cautiously happy...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 02/04/21 -- To run or not to run
Lake Powai - Central - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:34:50
Mileage: 3.83 Miles - 6.17 Km
Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'38"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs (a step in controlling)
Qur'an learning Surah Isra middle rukus.
Up at 4:30, but feeling very sharp.
Unfortunately, the pain is worse than yesterday, and seems to
increase at the two ends of the day. I nevertheless run as planned.
On one hand, I feel great, perfect breath, and a spirited
cadence. But on the other hand, the pain is definitely worse than
yesterday. I nevertheless complete the run with healthy energy,
finishing through the always awe-inspiring Shangarsh Nagar.
Not sure whether this was right, let's see how it evolves.
Strangely, the pain seems to move around some, today more towards
the side of the calf muscle, and higher up than initially. What can
it be exactly? And how to solve the eternal dilemna of effort versus
rest?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/06/20 -- 5th Ruku
Lake Powai, to IIT far gate & back.
Time: 0:46:04
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Continued learning of Surah Isra. Finished the 5th Ruku.
After several days of relatively late sleeping (~5:15am), woke
up at 4, unable to sleep really. In the night, it's Gulzar who wasn't
sleeping around midnight. I worry in the morning, but she says she
simply was watching something interesting.
The pain has been much lesser yesterday, encouraging. Today
I want to run cautiously, perhaps add a little time, but not much.
It starts quite well, after a few awkward steps, my stride gradually
lengthens and relaxes. The pain increases slightly with time, but
still feels manageable. Again, we will see what after-effects come
out of this run. I am still unsure of a diagnosis: Is this a micro
stress facture (which would require extended full rest), or some lesser
muscle or nerve strain? The path to cautious recovery continues.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 02/07/20 --
Home Gym: 0:42:15
Sequence: Cycle Abs - Ankle Weights - Prone Row - 3 Shoulders.
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Qur'an learning Surah Isra 5th Ruku, and 1st four in Namaaz.
Unfortunately, the leg pain shot back up during the night.
Somewhat better in the morning, but still, a realization that
I perhaps need extended time away from running, and renewed
questions about what this actually is. This week, I have spent
roughly equal time running and lifting weights, but perhaps
this reduced amount of running needs to be interrupted too.
I read more about it, looks like a choice between shin
splits and the dreaded stress fracture, which
are often hard to tell apart. I do book an appointment with
a Sports Medicine Doctor for tomorrow, till then, no running.
Ironically, this happens just
as I achieve back my perfect weight, and I worry
about how I will handle the withdrawal, how to even wake
up in the morning ... Thinking of all the other
activities that this might allow is the most positive
thought I can muster ...
-- Fifth ruku of Surah al-Isra --