INDIA 2022

Along the Expressway (10.3 Miles) -- 01/08/22

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Wednesday 01/05/22, 01 Jumadah al Akhira -- Mile Intervals
Lake Promenade, to Break in Wall: 0:18:12 [r.1'37"] [1.7M, 2.74K]
Mile Intervals, Wall to Main Gate & Back: 1.02 Miles - 1.65 Km
Interval 1: 8'14".29 [r.2'45"] -- Pace: 8'01"/mile - 4'59"/km
Interval 2: 8'20".51 [r.2'04"] -- Pace: 8'07"/mile - 5'03"/km
Intervals Time: 0:16:34
Intervals Mileage: 2.04 Miles - 3.3 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'04"/mile - 5'01"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.65K in 6'55", ie. 6'44"/mile pace
Back: 0:14:55 [1.59M, 2.57K]
Total Time: 0:49:41 (total workout: 0:56:08)
Total Mileage: 5.33 Miles - 8.61 Km
Total Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'46"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (Excellent, back in range)

15th reading Surah Shura till v 30
Started a little late at 6:45, needing to squeeze this in before an 8am meeting. Decide to keep to Mile Intervals, but a shorter session. I actually feel quite good this morning (after a bout of exhaustion yesterday evening!), and this is a good session. Good progress from last intervals, best pace this year, but of course on only two intervals.
Recovered from this week's abrupt weight gain, seems to be back under control.

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Friday 01/07/22, 03 Jumadah al Akhirah 1443 --
Chandivali - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - JVLR - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar.
Time: 0:53:40
Mileage: 5.47 Miles - 8.81 Km
Pace: 9'48"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Gulzar: 65.4 kg

15th reading Surah Ahqaf till v 21
Up at 3, unable to sleep in spite of my best efforts !!!
But amazingly, actually feel quite ok, and this is a pleasant run, after good reading and Surah Yaseen Namaaz (but unsuccessfully trying to learn another Aayat of Surah An'aam...)
Renewed Omicron alert in India also. We've learned earlier this week that Sofia's school would not reopen after all, and we are under threat of a new lockdown, or sealed building, etc.

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Saturday 01/08/22, 04 Jumadah al Akhirah -- Simili 10K
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - JVLR - EEH: 0:41:10 [r.4'19"] [4.01M - 6.46K]
10K Along Eastern Express Highway -
Split 1, JVLR to Talaab: 0:15:02 [1.63M - 2.62K] -- Pace: 9'13"/mile - 5'44"/km
Split 2, Talaab to JVLR: 0:14:54 [1.63M - 2.62K] - Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Split 3, JVLR to Vikhroli: 0:10:10 [1.12M - 1.81K] -- Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'37"/km
Split 4, Vikhroli to Ghatkopar: 0:17:17 [1.91M - 3.08K] -- Pace: 9'01"/mile - 5'36"/km
10K Time: 0:57:23 (watch: 0:57:24)
10K Mileage: 6.29 Miles - 10.13 Km
10k Pace: 9'06"/mile - 5'39"/km
Age Graded: 10.13K in 0:48:25, ie. 7'41"/mile pace
Total Time: 1:38:33 (Total Workout: 1:42:53)
Total Mileage: 10.30 Miles - 16.59 Km
Total Pace: 9'34"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Gulzar: 65.2 kg

15th reading Surah Hujuraat
Up at 4:30, my weight back in full control after last week's abrupt flare-up. Like yesterday, good reading of the Qur'an, good Namaaz, but unable to learn a new verse.
I return to the Eastern Express Highway for a simili-10K. But I feel a little weak during the long approach run, and I have decided not to carry food or drink. The 10K starts a little slow, but settles into an acceptable effort. Beautiful sunrise on the right over the mangroves, cool air, although a subtle warming seems to have occurred this week, and my sweat feels abundant. As usual, I try to hold on to a good relaxed pace, to my breath, and repress occasional discouragement, all with relative success. Once in Ghatkopar, as planned, I take an auto, which soon offers a ride to a policeman. Gesturing to the seat, I apologize a little embarassed, "bahout passina...", the policeman smiles and sits in front by the driver.
This run felt like a good managed effort, but again, an incomprehensible discrepancy persists with the same distance along Orchard Avenue. What can it be? Is it the long marche d'approche (over 40 minutes), or inaccurate measurements from Google Maps, or perhaps the different psychology of the course? Total mystery, but I decide to keep separate records for the two courses. This pace is better than last time, but still very slow, quite far even from my half marathon pace, and even slightly beyond previous years training pace! I imagine my goals will have to be reset once races start again, whenever that might happen.

The astounding flare-up of the Omicron virus which has swept across Europe and the US seems now upon us as well! Although this version doesn't seem to cause as much serious illness, renewed restrictions are being discussed. Tragically, earlier this week, we learned that Sofia's school would not re-open after all, at least till January end, it has been nearly two years that she is studying remotely!! Also, cases are increasing dramatically in Nahar, threatening our building to be sealed as it had been last year.

-- Omicron Variant Flare-up --

Recovery (9.38 Miles) -- 01/22/22

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Saturday 01/22/22, 18 Jumadah al Akhira 1443 --
Raambagh - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Aarey Pipeline - to Bhandup Gate - Back - Lake Homes - Chandivali.
Time: 1:32:05
Mileage: 9.38 Miles - 15.1 km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Gulzar: 64.5 kg

A gradual restart, cautiously, after illness.
A little laborious actually, especially through the 1st half. Accepting this won't be a great day, I patiently seek my pace. The building of the "cycling track" has further advanced, and more and more people run or walk here. I am as usually recognized, greeted. I hesitate at the end of the road, at the Bhandup Gate, is today the day where I will venture again down into the hill slum, closing the loop back home? But no, not feeling confident enough in my fitness, I turn back, feeling better on the quiet gentle downhill through the forest. Finishing the run in relative comfort, I take a detour through Lake Homes with my 20 Rs ready in hand, but at this later hour the boudi is not sitting there.
My symptoms have completely disappeared, including the mysterious muscle twitches that were pestering me at night.

-- Draperies in Aarey --

-- Surah An'aam 5th Ruku --

5th Ruku, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (11.24 Miles) -- 01/29/22

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Monday 01/24/22, 20 Jumadah al Akhirah 1443 -- Golibar Rd
Shangarsh Nagar SC - Khairani rd E. - Jivdaya Ln - Andheri Ghatkopar - Golibar Rd - Amrut Nagar Circle - RCity Mall - Back.
Time: 1:03:49
Mileage: 6.75 Miles - 10.86 Km
Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 19C; humidity 61%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Gulzar: 64 kg

Multiple wake-ups, wake up at 4:00, Allah ka Shukr able to sleep back to good dreams till 5, excellent wake-up.
I feel a little sore, and a persitent throat pain, don't think I'll run much. It continues to be unusually cold out, and I wear a kerchief around the neck, as on every run.
But once out, I immediately feel good, and decide for something different. Cutting straight through the impressive Shangarsh Nagar shortcut, onto Khairani rd and Golibar lane, which I haven't run in a long time. I feel surprisingly good, light, pleasant controlled breathing. An excellent run.
(The next day, the opposite happens, very bad sleep after the infamous night meeting (which at least allows me to finish reading Du Coté de chez Swann), and a really shitty run...)

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Wednesday 01/26/22, 22 Jumadah al Akhira 1443 -- Republic Day Hill Repeats
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Main - to Base of Hiranandani Hill: 0:28:31 [r.2'25"] [2.88M, 4.64K]
Hiranandani Hill Repeats: 1.06 Km - 0.66 Mile
Interval 1: 6'15".59 [d.6'14"][r.1'45"] -- Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'53"/km
Interval 2: 6'18".41 [d.6'03"][r.2'37"] -- Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'56"/km
Interval 3: 6'15".15 [r.1'25"] -- Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'53"/km
Hill Repeats Time: 0:18:48
Hill Repeats Mileage: 1.98 Miles - 3.18 Km
Hill Repeats Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Main - Central - SM Shetty - Jamma Masjid Shangarsh Nagar: 0:17:37 [1.99M, 3.2K]
Total Time: 1:17:13 (Total Workout: 1:25:26)
Total Mileage: 8.17 Miles - 13.14 Km
Total Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Gulzar: 63.9 kg (great!)

Gulzar continues alas to cough at night. But we do manage to sleep back, and again after one last wake-up at 4am. Unlike yesterday, I feel very good, and I complete learning the 5th ruku of Surah An'aam.
I want to resume speed training today, and I have ample time thanks to Republic Day (no morning meetings!). But I hesitate quite a bit: Hills, Half Miles, Where? I finally decide on the way, opting for my favorite hill. It is once again unnaturally cold and still quite dark. Passing through Lake Homes the Budi has finally returned, but this time I am not carrying money!
It's a great session. A remarkably consistent push, I feel well able to dose the effort throughout, the usual mixture of strain and relax, today well mastered. This won't be as good as the miraculous session from Dec 02, but it is my second best, and remarkably consistent. I come out very satisfied, signing my recovery by this run.

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Saturday 01/29/22, 25 Jumadah al Akhira 1443 -- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
Khairani rd E. - Under Jagruti Nagar - Navroji Ln - Camalane - Nathani rd - Fatima High School - Cross Vidyavihar Train Station - Sarvoday Buddh Vihar - Lokmanya Tilak Terminus - Under Bengaluru Mumbai Hwy - Ala Hazrat Rd - Y railtracks at Vidyavihar Station [5.47M, 8.81K]
Back same way to Vidyavihar Station - Nathani rd W. - LBS - Nari Seva Sadan (Asalfa) - Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar [11.24M, 18.09K]
Time: 1:46:41
Mileage: 11.24 Miles - 18.09 Km
Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'53"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Gulzar: 64.6 kg

I get at 4:20, but feeling quite tired, starting to wonder if I'll be able to run after all, and very hesitant as to the course or type of run. I finally decide on a new exploration. This will not disappoint!!
I leave at 6:20 still in darkness, and again the remarkably cold weather that has seized Mumbai this month (it's not just my imagination, I will later read this is the coldest month in a decade). Continuing the lackluster theme since morning, I realize I've forgotten to wear my mask (which I anyway wear around the neck while running). Like some time ago, I eventually pick one on the ground (this time very clean!) which I'll wear around my wrist as a token. No one will ask anyway.
I uncharacterstically scouted a route on Google Maps just before leaving, seeking to prolong the way beyond Fatima High School, hoping to reach the Mumbai Bengaluru Highway. It is again dark and cold at the start, and I reach the school as first light is peeking in. I turn left into unknown territory.
I don't remember he road precisely. I cross the railway at Vidyavihar Station, not finding exactly the clear road I was expecting from the map. I do turn right into a small road which seems legit, and shoots straight for some time along a narrow public park (it seems). Eventually, this leads to a huge station "Lokmanya Tilak Terminus", where massive overpasses cross overhead. I run under these impressive structures, on dirt grounds and among scarce crowds of the poor, till I find a small promising road to the right. This turns to be a small runner's miracle.
The road, narrow and absent of vehicles, soon clears a few slum dwellings to shoot straight among the fields, following the railtrack. I luckily embolden myself into continuing, and find a delightful stretch, surprisingly rural, and not feeling threatening even though fairly deserted. Eventually, I cross peasants in the fields, or campements along the tracks, and a few people walking. Eventually, this dead ends at a Y intersection of the tracks (which I would have to cross to continue). I later confirm on the map that I have simply retraced my steps to Vidyavihar Station. What a fantastic unexpected find!
It's been about 51 minutes so far. I decide to return the same way, now feeling very comfortable with my pace, as if awakened by the unique thrill of the exploration. I pass again the impressive Lokmanya Tilak area, its massive road structures, desolate grounds, this time briefly bothered by dogs which I handle firmly. I hesitate a little among the roads, but do find the way back. I hesitate again after Vidyavihar Station as a wide road opens to the left which I don't remember from the morning (it turns out this is the road I had scouted on the map...) I thankfully make the right choice, and back in familiar territory, complete this extraordinary run by running through the hill of the Asalfa slum, now feeling excellent in my effort, enthralled by this exhilerating new exploration.
For once I wish I had brought a camera to document... But no, I have forbidden myself technology on these runs, and I am sticking to that.

The War Sonatas (8.55 Miles) -- 02/05/22

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Monday 01/31/22, 27 Jumadah al Akhira 1443 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff, Central, Main - Hiranandani Hill - Vikhroli Park Site - Amruth Nagar - Golibar (slight detour) - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar Sc.
Time: 1:03:45
Mileage: 6.81 Miles - 10.96 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (Argh!!)

NEW SHOES --
Gulzar coughing through the night - very concerning. We both sleep poorly. I nevertheless wake up ok around 5am, as usual to Qur'an revisions. Today, Sofia's first week at school since almost two years!!!
A little less cold outside. I start the run a little out-of-breath, but on an inspiration to combat monotony, head up the hill and back into Golibar road, along the base of the slums. I am somewhat intimidated, but the beautiful morning light paints the numerous dwellings up the hill in a peaceful warm light, and through the alleys, the gentle bustling of activity, children in uniform on their way to school, etc. It's a wonderful morning, and I feel better and better as it goes, ending the run very comfortably, at a good pace. I briefly start exploring a side road, but turn back at the sight of a steep incline deeper into the slums, as this run has stretched long enough. Later I'll see on the map how this would have connected, and resolve to try it on another day of bravery.

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Wednesday 02/02/22, 29 Jumadah al Akhira 1443 -- 1/2 Miles Intervals
To Lakehomes OP: 0:12:35 [1.25M, 2.01K] [r1'09"]
1/2 Miles, LHOP to Wall, Wall to IIT Main Gate
Interval 1: 4'10".69 [r2'53"] -- 890m, 0.55M -- Pace: 7'31"/mile - 4'40"/km
Interval 2: 3'59".25 [r3'18"] -- 830m, 0.51M -- Pace: 7'43"/mile - 4'47"/km
Interval 3: 4'01".77 [r3'36"] -- 830m, 0.51M -- Pace: 7'47"/mile - 4'50"/km
Interval 4: 4'29".91 [r1'23"] -- 890m, 0.55M -- Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'03"/km
Intervals Time: 0:16:40
Intervals Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.44 Km
Intervals Pace: 7'47"/mile - 4'50"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 890m in 3'30", ie. 6'19"/mile pace
Back: 0:10:18 [1.14M, 1.83K]
Total Time: 0:39:33 (Total Workout: 0:51:56)
Total Mileage: 4.51 Miles - 7.28 Km
Total Pace: 8'46"/mile - 5'25"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Gulzar: 64.3 kg

I Cannot believe this weight gain!!!
I have been eating quite well, it's as if my metabolism had abruptly changed! No need to panic, but patiently course correct... I will do a study of all speed sessions to figure out how weight correlates to performance. Both my throat ache and Gulzar's chronic cough feel a bit better.
Up at 4:30, feeling pretty good, but a morning of small annoying mishaps delay me a bit, so I'm not out till 6:40, without much time to waste... I settle for half miles, which I haven't run in a while. I revert back to the old way (two segments along the JVLR) ignoring the impediment of the Metro work on the road. At this early hour, without much traffic, this actually works great.
I feel very strong in 1st my interval, a good energetic pace, setting an ambitious target for the session. I try my best to keep up with the pace in the subsequent intervals, and finish feeling quite satisfied that I've maintained a fairly consistent effort.
The stats later reveal that, while I have indeed run a great 1st interval, my last has dramatically dropped, much much more than I would have imagined! This clearly invalidates that last interval, but still, this goes down as my best session so far this year, confirming that Covid has not put much dent into my training.

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Saturday 02/05/22, 03 Rajab 1443 -- Simili 10K
Chandivali - Lake Homes - Orchard: 0:13:31 [r.2'29"] [1.29M, 2.07K]
10K Along Orchard Avenue
Split 3K: 0:16:12 [1.89M, 3.04K] -- Pace: 8'34"/mile
Split 2K: 0:10:49 [1.26M, 2.02K] -- Pace: 8'35"/mile
Split 3K: 0:16:13 [1.89M, 3.04K] -- Pace: 8'34"/mile
Split 2K: 0:10:30 [1.26M, 2.02K] -- Pace: 8'20"/mile
10k Time: 0:53:44
10k Mileage: 6.3 Miles - 10.13 Km
10k Pace: 8'31"/mile - 5'18"/km
Age Graded: 6.3 Miles in 0:45:20, ie. 7'11"/mile pace
Raambagh - Nahar: [r.2'48"] 0:08:59 [playful dog.29"] [1.55K, 0.96M]
Total Time: 1:16:44 (Total Workout: 1:22:01)
Total Mileage: 8.55 Miles - 13.75 Km
Total Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (What!!???!)
Gulzar: 64 kg

Up early after a night of many many wake-ups. To my surprise, my weight has abruptly dropped this morning, just as mysteriously as it had sprung up. Some uncontrollable metabolic shift?
A very good run, excellent blend of the good old push-pull, the tricky art of the relaxed effort. This course continues to deliver good performances, perhaps because of its many short term goals, and strange ways in which it offers relief at several points (subtle differences in incline?). The weather is still abnormally cold, which of course helps.
In the end, my best 10K performance this season, but only roughly at my former 1/2 marathon pace. And of course, in the absence of actual races, these can't really be compared. The country has started to re-open again, will races open as well?
In a stark memory from the past, I have been listening to Prokofiev's War Sonatas (6, 7 and 8) which hold the same mesmerizing fascination, and have obsessionally gotten stuck into my mind!

Into the slums, Marol, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar (13.44 Miles) -- 02/12/22

-- Extraordinary route, connecting the Pipeline to Kanjurmarg through the Bhandup Hill Slums --

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Monday 02/07/22, 05 Rajab 1443 -- Marol JVLR Exploration
Khairani Rd W - Saki Naka - Marol Naka - Airport Rd - Apna Dhaba - Kondivita - MIDC - Vijay Nagar Bridge - Marol Maroshi - Military - Bamandyapada - Across Mithi River - Ganesh Mandir - Wide Alley along the Pipeline: 4.9 Miles - 7.88 Km
(tiny slum alley) - JVLR - Lake Powai - Raambagh: 1.87 Miles - 3 Km
Time: 1:03:33
Mileage: 6.77 Miles - 10.88 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Gulzar: 63.5 kg

Wake up tired, and very frustrated that I cannot sleep better - is it because work resumes today? Work from Home has brought me the ability to recover by sleeping in the day, but I am terrified of losing that ability as office life will reopen. Don't know if I can do it. I think I'll run very low-key this morning, but the exact opposite happens!
I take an entirely unexpected turn into Khairani Rd, heading to the MIDC area, and feeling my stride surprisingly good. In the perpetual quest for novelty, I wonder if I should push to discover the Mahabali Caves. But no, I don't do that, but will end up doing so much more!
Returning on Military road, an inspiration: Why don't I continue straight? This is a road I've often wondered about, which on the map approaches the JVLR but may not quite connect, dissolving into slum alleys.
This starts as a surprisingly wide road along large residencies, then as often, narrows in stages. I pass a bridge over the Mithi River, shortly after reach a dead-end. But people seem to be coming through, I ask a Rickshaw, he directs me through a school, jahan public ja raha hai, and indeed, I follow a small flow of pedestrians to come out on a wide slum alley, extraordinary and desolate, bordered by two distant row of low houses, like a large desolation, where some life happens outside, children playing, and terminated at the far end by the JVLR overpass. I run in that direction till it seems again to dead-end against the wall of the freeway, ask my way again. I am shown a tiny alley, squeezed between the highway wall and low shacks. It is so narrow and cluttered that I walk here, passing large cows packed in tiny spaces, low dwellings, as usual, my odd presence seems accepted with nonchalance. I do come out of this fascinating alley on the JVLR where I resume the run, back towards the familiar banks of Lake Powai.
This is another breakthrough exploration, which as usual with novelty, has completely erased my weariness. What a journey!

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Wednesday 02/09/22, 07 Rajab 1443 -- Intervals
Lake Powai, to Wall: 0:18:32 [r.2'58"] [1.81M, 2.92K]
Misc Intervals along JVLR --
1/2 mile, Wall to Main Gate: 4'06".37 [r.1'36"] -- 831m, 0.51M -- Pace: 7'56"/mile - 4'56"/km
1 mile, Main Gate to LHOP: 8'48".91 [r.3'46"] -- 1.71Km, 1.06M -- Pace: 8'17"/mile - 5'09"/km
1 mile, LHOP to Wall & Back: 9'05".47 [r.2'13"] -- 1.77Km, 1.1M -- Pace: 8'15"/mile - 5'07"/km
Intervals Time: 0:22:00
Intervals Mileage: 2.67 Miles - 4.31 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'12"/mile - 5'06"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.77k in 7'37", ie. 6'55"/mile pace
Back: 0:09:33 [1.06M, 1.7K]
Total Time: 0:50:05 (Total Session: 1:00:41)
Total Mileage: 5.54 Miles - 8.93 Km
Total Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'36"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.3 kg
Gulzar 64 kg

In spite of another insomnia in the night, get up before 4:30 feeling very sharp (mysteries of sleep!!). Gulzar wakes up as well. I get out at 6:30 for a promising speed session, it's still dark - and still surprisingly cold.
I want to run miles, but I bump into further work on the JVLR which alters my course. I am able to pass, but this completely takes the wind out my sails, and I'm unsure how to continue the session. I stop at the main Gate (after a first half mile), and run a full mile back to the Lakehomes OP. My timing seems very disappointing to me, further taking my heart out of it - and a motorcycle zooms within inches of me along the barricades! I do run one last mile, this time back and forth to "the wall", with what seems to be an even more disappointing timing. Sigh, not happening today.
But later the numbers reveal it hasn't been quite so bad, not my best session, but not a complete rout either. That said, I really need to re-think my interval course, the JVLR has become impractical, and the Metro work will continue for a long. Orchard Avenue perhaps? In the meantime, a session best forgotten.

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Saturday 02/12/22, 10 Rajab 1443 -- Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar
Nahar - Raambagh - Saki Vihar - Pipeline (0:45) - Water Tank Rd - Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar - Jamil Nagar Rd - Pratap Nagar Rd - Quarry Rd - LBS (0:56) - Bhandup Station - Kanjurmarg - to Fatak Bridge - Udayshree Rd - Talaab - EEH - JVLR - IIT - Lake Powai - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 2:09:00
Mileage: 13.44 Miles - 21.63 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 50%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs

At last!! Today is the day.
It started horrible. Very poor wake-up at 3:30, unable to sleep back really. Up before 5 in a particularly dreadful mood. Don't feel like running, don't feel like anything. Yet I still get outside, settling for the Pipeline, which I'm ready to cut short if things don't go well. And indeed, they start rather shitty.
But along the beautiful pipeline, away from the traffic noise, about 40 minutes into the run, I start to feel comfortable. And my fortune completely reverses.
Feeling increasingly comfortable and confident, I decide that today will be the day: I will attempt the loop back through the Bhandup Hill Slums, which I've been contemplating for some time now. Feeling like a mountaineer approaching a virgin mountain face, I approach the gate, and there, purposefully not giving myself time to think, turn right into the descent, through the narrow alley of the slums.
It's actually my second time there. And as before, whatever apprehension is soon quelled by a sense of peace and calm, I get a sense of friendliness, gentle curiosity, and even the dogs let me go in peace. The alley descends gently along tiny colorful houses stacked along the hill, with narrow alleys like rivulets, occasionally opening to views of the city beneath. Eventually, the galli plunges into a steep muddy descent into the maze of slum streets, where I ask my way to LBS. I reach the Quarry road with an extraordinary sense of accomplishment, the first time I establish this connection.
And by now, my running feels perfectly effortless, so I decide to prolong the course by seeking a passage towards Kanjurmarg. I achieve this by traversing the Bhandup station. I decide yet again to lengthen the course, running through the beautiful Talaab road, and from there back by the highway. I feel amazingly comfortable, in particular, my breathing is impeccable, effortless, even up the IIT Hill and along Powai Lake, all the way back home. As I had not planned such a long run, I completed it on a single flask of Gatorade, and no food.
One of my most remarkable runs in Mumbai, capping a week of about 5h30 total running, where I've explored deeper again into the slum communities of Mumbai.

6th Ruku, Mahakali Caves (10.84 Miles) -- 02/19/22

-- 6th Ruku of Surah An'aam --

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Wednesday 02/16/22, 14 Rajab 1443 -- 6K Tempo Run
Nahar - Lake Homes - Orchard: 0:13:51 [r.0'56"] [1.35M, 2.17K]
6K Tempo Run Along Orchard Avenue (1.89M, 3.03K X 2)
1st Split: 0:16:00 -- Pace: 8'27"/mile - 5'16"/km
2nd Split: 0:16:02 -- Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'17"/km
Tempo Time: 0:32:02
Tempo Mileage: 3.78 Miles - 6.06 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'17"/km
Age Graded: 3.78 Miles in 0:26:53, ie. 7'06"/mile pace
Back, via Raambagh: [r.1'32"] 0:08:53 [1.03M, 1.65K]
Total Time: 0:54:46 (Total Session: 0:57:15)
Total Mileage: 6.16 Miles - 9.88 Km
Total Pace: 8'53"/mile - 5'32"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs (Aaaargh!! Why????)
Gulzar: 64.4 kg

A very bad night, stayed up relatively late because of work, then we both woke up at 3am, and in spite of the most valiant efforts, could not go back to sleep.
Or did I? Strangely, I don't feel that bad when I finally decide to get up around 4:30. Good learning (I've completed the 6th Ruku yesterday), and good Namaaz.
And strangely, the run feels good to, dimaag relatively clear. I set out early (around 6:20), still in partial darkness, and fresh temperatures (in spite of a warming trend), and to a full moon! I find the Budi in Lake Homes, give her Rs. 20.
I don't want to push the pace much on this, wanting to achieve strict tempo run. As it turns out, I do exactly that! I end up with a remarkably consistent 8'30"ish pace, which was my half marathon pace before Covid. I am happily surprised at this excellent result, as I was anticipating a slower performance.

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Thursday 02/17/22, 15 Rajab 1443 -- Quick Run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Main - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar.
Time: 0:30:15
Mileage: 3.41 Miles - 5.48 Km
Pace: 8'52"/mile - 5'31"/km
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs (Yes! good...)
Gulzar: 64.9 kg (No!, bad...)

An uncharacteristic brief run squeezed between a 6am meeting, Namaaz, and a 7:30 meeting!
But feeling very energetic, which leads to an excellent pace at little effort. I should include such shorter runs more often in my routine!

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Saturday 02/19/22, 17 Rajab 1443 -- Mahakali Caves
Khairani Rd - Saki Naka - Marol Naka - Airport Rd - Chakala - Mahakali Caves rd - Along the Caves - to JVLR [5.1M, 8.21K]
Back Mahakali Caves rd - MIDC Central - 88 Pictures - Marol Maroshi - Military - Marwah - Saki Vihar - Chandivali - Mhada.
Time: 1:42:52
Mileage: 10.84 Miles - 17.45 Km
Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'53"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 63%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (Excellent, great recovery)
Gulzar: 64.5 kg (better)

I am often hesitant as to where to run on Saturday, but rarely to this extent! I have been toying with wildly different ideas since yesterday, and still cannot make up my mind. Finally, on a whim, an altogether new idea takes form: Finding the Mahakali Caves....
After running the old commute route along the Metro line, I embark straight into the unknown. It turns out to be a great road, which as often shrinks in stages as it winds up a hill. A broad start, which evolves into a typical Mumbai Chawl environment, as it progresses up, becoming more colorful as it goes. Near the top, I find an impressive sculpture atelier, with large metal sculptures of famous figures or Gods. At the top, I finally reach the entrance to the caves, closed today, and keep running along the perimeter, after which a short downhill dead-ends at the JVLR. This area now all makes sense, exploration successfull!
I head back through MIDC, but here the bustling activity has become very unpleasant (Seepz must be working this Saturday), and irritated by incessant obstacles, I resort at yelling at the shrill horn of a bus! A motorbike who has come in my way as a thousand'th obstacle humoristically sticks his tongue at me.
Things do quiet down a bit on Marwah rd, which is still closed to cars, and I return home in relative comfort, continuing on this excellent trend of endurance, which clearly in the last couple weeks has reached another level (it has taken a very long time this season, but I do master it now.) All in all, another very pleasant exploration, continuing to patch together my intimate knowledge of the area, very satisfied by this new discovery.
My weekly mileage is almost identical to last week, but for once, I have not taken a single rest day, which I hope I will not pay for later.

-- Promenade in Aarey

Miles, Injury, and War (6.18 Miles) -- 02/22/22

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Monday 02/21/22, 19 Rajab 1443 -- No Passage
Khairani Rd E. - Andheri Ghatkopar - Golibar Rd, to Amrut Nagar Circle and Back - Detour, Steep Uphill & back - Small Loop - Golibar - Andheri Ghatkopar - Ramchandra Kadam - Ram Joshi - Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:59:43
Mileage: 6.34 Miles - 10.21 Km
Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 51%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs

Slept a lot during the night, to multiple dreams. Felt a little stiff in the morning, but a surpringly marvelous run. Feeling comfortable on my first steps, I decide to push my daring exploration today in the Golibar road area, which I do on the way back. A brief but very steep uphill leads me right into the slums, but to my surprise, the road to the left looks closed ahead by a barrier and a guard. I ask my way to someone who says I could go, but I postpone that to some future run. On the way back, I find a shorter version of the Ramchandra Kadam route, which is a good alternative to the main road.
Again, surprisingly good run. Back home on Google, I scout new ways to find this elusive passage, which I'll explore in the future, insh'allah.

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Tuesday 02/22/22, 20 Rajab 1443 -- Mile Intervals
Lake Promenade, to middle Jettie: 0:17:40 [r.4'49"] [1.74M, 2.81K]
Intervals Break-in-wall to IIT Gate & Back: 1.03 Miles - 1.65 Km
Interval 1: 8'10".79 [r.4'05"] -- Pace: 7'56"/mile, 4'57"/km
Interval 2: 8'09".67 [r.5'16"] -- Pace: 7'54"/mile, 4'56"/km
Interval 3: 8'08".49 [r.2'35"] -- Pace: 7'53"/mile, 4'55"/km
Total Intervals Time: 0:24:28
Total Intervals Mileage: 3.09 Miles - 4.95 Km
Total Intervals Pace: 7'55"/mile, 4'56"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.03 Miles in 6'50", ie. 6'38"/mile
Return, to DMart: 0:13:28 [1.35M, 2.16K]
Total Time: 0:55:36 (Total Session: 1:12:22)
Total Mileage: 6.18 Miles, 9.92 Km
Total Pace: 8'59"/mile, 5'36"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 51%
Weight: 67.9 kg, 149.7 lbs
Gulzar (P20 Deviry 11)

Good news, an excellent session!!
I feel a much better stride, and a great ability to keep tension in check to stay as relaxed as possible through the effort. I end up running accelerating intervals, which is wonderful!!
Bad news, right after the intervals, I feel soreness in my left leg. I struggle a little bit on the slow run back home (which I interrupt at DMart), with left hamstring / IT Band stiffness, probably a result of overextending my stride and excessive running in previous days.
Let's see how this evolves, doesn't feel too serious, and tomorrow is a rest day anyway. Should not take away from this session's success, which is by far my best this season.

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Thursday 02/24/22, 22 Rajab 1443 --
Home Gym: 0:27:31
Sequence: Barpress - Cycle Abs - Ankle Weights
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs

I feeling better, my hamstring stretching ability more or less restored. So I decide to cautiously run, but after a few steps, finding that the pain subsists, I hurry back home to this gym session. This will take a little more patience...

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Friday 02/25/22, 23 Rajab 1443 -- Recovery run
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:39:04
Mileage: 4.04 Miles - 6.5 Km
Pace: 9'40"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs

A good night's sleep (in two intervals), into deep dreams. Sleep has been excellent these days, alhamdulillah, may this last.
I run this sandwiched between Namaaz, a 6:30 mtg, and another 8am mtg! But it is very debatable, the age-old question: should I run or not?
Well, I decide to try it out, and unlike yesterday see it through, pushing gently. hoping the mild effort will actually speed recovery. Stretching feels almost normal, but the run still does produce minor pain in the left hamstring and hip. I work around it by controlling my range of motion (particularly not extending the left leg much), to mixed results. I am happy to be out though.
Was this a good idea? Or too soon? Time will tell.
Russia since yesterday has invaded Ukraine. Thoughts about the appeal of catastrophe.

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Saturday 02/26/22, 24 Rajab 1443 --
Home Gym: 0:37:13
Sequence: Barpress - Cycle Abs - Flies.
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Gulzar: 64.7 kg

Yesterday's question was to run or not to run? Well, it is now loud and clear: the answer should have been NO.
The seemingly innocuous run has relaunched the leg pain, progressing till evening to where it was. In addition, I've made the mistake of sitting too long which greatly exacerbates it. I now believe that, rather than a hamstring muscle strain, this is a full-blown sciatica, spreading from lower back to hip to back of the leg. This will clearly be much trickier to mitigate.
For now, no choice but rest, and clearly tomorrow's 10K run is out of the question. Performed this gym session instead, which may have to become my regime for some time. Interestingly, less motivated to control my nutrition, I can't help let my weight drift. Interesting number two, this is the same month that I got injured last year, although I'm still hoping this time will be less serious. Only one month left till Ramadhan...

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Sunday 02/27/02, 25 Rajab 1443 --
Home Gym: 0:28:10
Sequence: Barpress - Cycle Abs - Punches.
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs

After last week's hard series of runs, I had written "I have not taken a single rest day, which I hope I will not pay for later.". This has proven sadly prophetic. My pain is not improving, I feel increasingly fragile, and without a clear path to recovery. Just as the races were finally opening up in Mumbai with the lightening of the Covid restrictions!
This morning is the 10K organized by Gulzar's running club the Ace Runners. My participation is clearly out of the question, but I take her there at dawn. I walk along the EEH service road instead (noticing today how incredibly loud the traffic is, as if running had previously muffled the noise), rehearsing the Qur'an, and anxiously looking for her return, as ever anxious of her whereabouts, as she has not trained at all. She does make it, although slower than she had hoped for, and finishes happy.
I perform this gym session unusually after lunch, feeling too cottony, seeing this and many days ahead stretching forebodingly idle, in contrast with the re-opening world, not sure at all when I should dare run again.

-- Gulzar finishing her 10K along Eastern Express Highway --

-- 7th Ruku of Surah An'aam --

7th Ruku, Walk -- 03/05/22

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Monday 02/28/22, 26 Rajab 1443 -- Recovery Rest
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs (Surprise)

Not much progress. Not too much pain, but feels very fragile, and certainly too early to start running again. No clear recovery plan.
Ukraine war continues to deteriorate and expand.

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Tuesday 03/01/22, 27 Rajab 1443 --
Home Gym: 0:33:54
Sequence: Standing Shoulders, Biceps - Dumbbell Press - Cycle Abs - Ankle Weights.
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs

Poor sleep last night, due once again to the evil night meeting.
Hooked on live news updates from both Le Monde and NYTimes, even at night, breaking my rules. Nevertheless still advancing in La Recherche. This morning feeling particularly foggy, to the point where Namaaz is compromised. Try to sleep again with no success, finally opt for this gym session.
Feeling similar, perhaps slightly better. Suffering from not being able to run, struggling with morale, despondency. Since yesterday wearing on and off a "back belt", which feels nice, and today, started taking Advil (which I had completely avoided since the start of the pandemic, having heard early on it could aggravate Covid).
When should I venture out to run? No obvious answer.

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Wednesday 03/02/22, 28 Rajab 1443 --
Home Gym: 0:43:40
Sequence: Benchpress - Cycle Abs - Ankle Weights - Flies - Toe Raises
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

Woke up at 4, unable to sleep back. I decide to try running again today, but retreat after only a few steps: the pain immediately returns in Hamstring / Hip. Little apparent progress, if any. So I fall back on this gym session, actually not feeling too bad.
With a single month left before Ramadhan, it is possible (likely?) that my running season is prematurely over.

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Thursday 03/03/22, 29 Rajab 1443 --
Home Gym: 0:33:03
Sequence: Standing Shoulders, Biceps - Dumbbell Press - Abs - Squats
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs

Finished learning 7th Ruku of Surah An'aam.
All morning meetings cancelled for some reason. Back pain not too bad, but still fragile. Good news, yet at the same time very frustrating, only running seems to exacerbate it (or also sitting for too long). Other activities, such as this gym session, which today includes squats, seem to be fine.
When will I run again?

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Saturday 03/05/22, 01 Shaban 1443 -- Walk
Raambagh - Lake Powai - Platform - W Powai Lake Park - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar Short - Chandivali - Mhada - Nahar.
Time: 1:15:14
Mileage (approx.): 4.18 Miles - 6.72 Km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

Feeling a dangerous depressive increase, decide to go out, still too fragile to run, at least walk, a prelude to my Ramadhan regimen (only a month away). Good decision.
Once again, I realize how vital these precious few hours around dawn are to me, in many ways living for that short slit of time, where my whole day is concentrated, leaving the rest as tedium like a disposable husk. I do enjoy being outside today, the morning air (considerably warmer but still somewhat fresh), the endless sights of Mumbai life. The world changes even from the briefest change of scenery.
That said, the world has slid into an even greater sense of doom, just as the pandemic slowly receeds, as if the plagues were on us, one after the other. For some years now, the world has lost its marks, the once unthinkable just happens.
We humans fail to comprehend the immensily broader, unable to distinguish the archs of history. Is the human race destined to succeed, or will it be a passing footnote? Is this then what our pre-ordained destiny looks like? More than ever, I weep at human tragedy, the tragic path it is embarked on, in semi-conscience, yet unable to alter our fate.
Clearly this period have seen an immense dissatisfaction with our world, knowingly or unknowingly, and the apetite for destruction, self-destruction, is high. Humanity has put immense faith in science as a guiding principle and hope for humanity, while scorning the obscurantism of religions of old, the ways of people past. But has science done any better?
To each their own response.
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Into the slums, Bhatwadi, Bhim Nagar Rd (5.09 Miles) -- 03/12/22

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Tuesday 03/08/22, 04 Shaban 1443 -- Jogger's Park
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani Rd E. - Ramchandra Kadam Long - Jogger's Park to LBS - Back via Ramchandra Kadam Short.
Time: 1:15:03
Mileage: 4.57 Miles - 7.35 Km
Pace: 16'25"/mile - 10'12"/km
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs

After reading signicantly through La Recherche du Temps Perdu in the night, I wake up well around 5:10, Aadhan these days being at 5:40. After Namaaz, I decide for another walk, without stretching, around 6:30, which is now daybreak. It continues to be warmer every day, but still relatively pleasant in the morning.
In a mood for exploration, I head through Khairani Road to the Ramchandra Kadam area, wondering if I'll have time to discover something new.
Well yes, I do make a notable find: a Jogger's Park. Essentially a long alley, like a bicycle path, which extends all the way to LBS, and where many people walk, exercise, or perform Yoga. What a surprising find, especially since I've run this area so many times without noticing it! It illustrates again how different the world appears while walking even compared to running.
This has improved my mood.

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Thursday 03/10/22, 06 Shaban 1443 -- Hybrid Walk: Up the Hill
Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid - SM Shetty - Cliff - South Hill - Castle Rock - Up the Hill to the Dish Gate - Back via Cliff.
Time: 1:08:32
Mileage: 4.56 Miles - 7.34 Km
Pace: 15'01"/mile - 9'20"/km
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs

Another walk.
I head today through the familiar routes towards Hiranandani, but right away challenge myself by passing through Shangarsh Nagar, always an impressive sight, although relatively quiet in the morning. Passing the Jama Masjid here, I form the idea that I should resume Masjid on Jummah, and this would be a great place to do it (yet tomorrow, I'll fail to execute that plan...)
In the starkest of contrasts, I reach the posh westernized area of Hiranandani, but this proves only a momentary pause: following a new idea, I head through the luxurious buildings of Castle Rock towards the hill with the dish. I have not gone up there since my very beginnings in Mumbai (since September 2017 to be exact). It is still closed by a barrier, but people seem to go, as it accesses the slums on the other side of the hill. And today, surprise, there is a large training group who seem to be doing laps up the hill. That decides it, I am going too!
It's a short steep climb, then the road levels while a trail plunges on the left to the slums below. This is as far as the runners go, but I continue straight, while the road follows more gently along the forested hill crest. With the runners gone, I am now in occasional company of slum dwellers and labourers, and come upon a group of men gathered around a shrine in the trees. These men of rough appearance intimidate me somewhat, as I feel their brief quizzical looks, but I pass unimpeded. As I remembered, the trail soon dead ends at a steel fence, here, spotting crisscrossing dirt trails towards Hiranandani, I ask someone ki rasta hai kya?, I am responded to very kindly, to follow the road back down. Passing the shrine, the group has now dispersed, and I contemplate the rising crimson sun through the haze over the slums underneath!
The road is so steep that I am naturally drawn to run on the descent, then realizing what opportunity that represents, as the motion produces no pain. I continue this pattern on the way back, short runs on the downhills, till mild pain starts, alternated with walking.
What another fantastic exploration this has been!
This Hybrid concept finally opens a pathway to recovery in my mind, and perhaps a good regimen for the Ramadhan period (now less than a month away). Back home, I decide to tally my walking mileage after all.

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Saturday 03/12/22, 08 Shaban 1443 -- BHATWADI
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani Rd E. - Ramchandra Kadam (long) - Bhim Nagar Rd - Bhatwadi - Along Khajrolkar Housing Society - Down to Andheri Ghatkopar Jct - Back up same way through Bhatwadi - Ramchandra Kadam (short) - Khairani Rd E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:27:10
Mileage: 5.09 Miles - 8.19 Km
Pace: 17'07"/mile - 10'38"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs

I have slept well (till 5:10), but waking up incomprehensibly foggy, dimaag nahi chalta, I pray a shorter Namaaz hampered by unusual memory lapses (yesterday's Namaaz were excellent though, perhaps signaling a new awakening). Also, I feel a slight relapse in back pain, a sense of renewed fragility, which makes me decide not to run small laps as I had planned. I head out, and with walking in mind, decide to accomplish this exploration I had projected: Bhatwadi! After Khairani Road, I pass the Ramachandra Kadam area which describes a sort of hook at the base of the hill slums. Then, deliberately leaving myself no hesitation or thought, I resolutely embark up the hill, on this small road ushered by a sign towards Bhatwadi.
As often, the road, already small, narrows down in stages, pressed between small dwellings, gets steeper as it climbs up the hill. I reach an abrupt turn, revealing the view of a Mandir near the top, but I choose to turn left, plunging down along the hill, with trees on the valley side and colored dwellings up the slope, piled like colored lego pieces. I am as often struck by the calm of the place, not at all what one might expect of this favela-like environment, morning peace painted with patches of golden light, I find reassurance at the sights of people going on with their ordinary lives, without heeding me excessively, follow down the soothing silhouettes of youths going to school or work, as if showing me the way down back into the city, as if here were a different world. The trees on the left are now replaced by more dwellings and shack shops as the road continues into what seems like a long descent, whose destination remains uncertain. I do feel brief intimidation passing a group of young men gathered by a chai vendor, but walk by seemingly without particular notice. The dwellings pile up the hill to the right, tightly packed, leaving sporadic narrow alleys or gullies through which dirty water rushes down.
What is it in such places that strikes my emotions so? I find here a poetry difficult to express. As if to put an end to my musings, my road plunges again while coming into the open, I recognize the concrete pillars of the Metro line, with a sense of triumph, I have reached the main road! I have finally dared figure this out!
Now emboldened with enough confidence, I choose to retrace my steps up the hill rather than the shorter way back home, passing through this captivating environment a second time. It is even quieter now, the young men are gone, perhaps the school ke bacche have already passed. Traffic does not pollute these places, too small for cars, leaving them pristine in the morning. Why do the poor live in these beautiful hills, leaving the polluted plains to the wealthy? I am now nonchalantly looked at mostly by old women or men, slowly active. The road which seemed so long when its destination was unknown now strikes me by its brevity, and I reach the top almost too soon. I hesitate there to push to that temple up the hill, but decide to save that summit for some other time. I head back home with a sense of triumph.
What is it in such places that strikes me with such emotion, I find here undescribable poetry, stepping into another world, like the explorers of old. I fleetingly regret not taking photos (I do not even carry my phone), regretting not having anything to show for this act, yet unwavering in the idea that it would be entirely appropriate. I have always been loath of the notion that I could behave as in a zoo, and would not tarnish my experience by acting like a tourist. I have long recoiled at the Western notion of adventure, so often used to describe travel, as in what would experience at Disneyland. Finally, I now realize what marvelous opportunity the injury has offered me: by walking, I am able to push my discoveries in an even more profound way, opening new worlds that perhaps were closed to running.
I return home with a sense of triumph. In the current end of the world mood, I seem to have unlocked some of that freedom that doom only enables.

-- Daring exploration through Bhatwadi, Bhim Nagar

-- Lake Powai Sunrise

Hybrid Run (7.58 Miles) -- 03/19/22

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Monday 03/14/22, 10 Shaban 1443 -- Hybrid Walk/Run
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani Rd E - Ramchandra Kadam long - Jogger's Park - Back Ramanchandra Kadam Short.
Time: 1:01:48
Mileage: 4.58 Miles - 7.37 Km
Pace: 13'29"/mile - 8'23"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidty 41%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs

With pain mostly gone, and a good rest yesterday, I feel ready to resume running, at least in this new hybrid fasion. But the exercise disappoints immediately, again, after only a few steps, the pain returns. Dismayed, I opt for another walk in the Bhatwadi area, rather than the tedium of Hiranandani.
But further into the walk, as the slope starts to gently descend, I decide to give it another try, I do think I need to gently push myself towards recovery. This feels better, and I am able to run sections of the (busy) Jogger's lane, and back home, by sections, stopping as the pain increases. Along Khairani Road, people are getting for Holikar, carrying loads of branches and gathering bonfires in temple yards.
This Hybrid run is mixed. On one hand, it feels like a good general technique for resuming running, which I should use in the future. On the other, I am not doing as well as I hoped. Most importantly, let's see how I recover from this, and whether I can repeat this in a couple days.

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Tuesday 03/15/22, 11 Shaban 1443 -- REST
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs

Sadly, yesterday's hybrid run, much to my surprise, has backfired!
The pain has returned, especially in the left hamstring, quite a setback. Not ready quite yet I guess, and the path to recovery ever more uncertain, especially before Ramzaan. Who would have thought?

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Wednesday 03/16/22, 12 Shaban 1443 -- Mohili Village
Khairani Rd W - Pipeline (Mohili Village) - To the End & Back.
Time: 1:05:51
Mileage: 4.15 Miles - 6.68 Km
Pace: 15'52"/mile - 9'51"/km
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs (not surprising)

Up at 4:20, out early around 6:10, so time for another walk before a 7:30 mtg. I decide for the "Pipeline" (Mohili village) which during the day is a bustling street market, and continues at the base of another hill slum. This early, it's very quiet, perfect for this walk, mostly school children in uniform, and morning temples.
After Monday's setback, no running at all today, but enjoy being outside, especially so early in the morning (started in darkness) before the heat (heat wave advisory over Mumbai).

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Thursday 03/17/22, 13 Shaban 1443 -- Rising Sun
Lake Powai - W. Park - Saki Vihar - Aarey Pipeline, to IIT Bridge - Back.
Time: 1:29:01
Mileage: 5.57 Miles - 8.97 Km
Pace: 15'58"/mile - 9'55"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 39%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

We both woke up at 4, not really able to sleep back. Yesterday another collapse caused me to sleep early, skipping both evening prayers. Headaches these days upon awakening, a mysterious condition which I don't know how to combat. Rather than a gym session, I opt for walking again, feeling the call of the outside, and as I have extra time with no morning meeting. Decide to see how long it would take to reach the pipeline road. Once there, really attracted by nature and the quietness of the place (I am saluted by locals), and wonder what it would take to walk a much longer route here, venturing again down the hill slum in Bhandup. I might attempt this weekend.
Continue to learn Surah An'aam.

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Saturday 03/19/22, 15 Shaban 1443 --
Raambagh - Lake Powai - "Sunrise Park" - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to runner's spot [3.84M, 6.18K] - Back [3.74M, 6.02K]
Time: 1:46:36
Mileage: 7.58 Miles - 12.2 Km
Pace: 14'03"/mile - 8'44"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 65%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (surprise, was expecting higher)

We had planned a weekend trip to Uttan, but in the morning, Gulzar has a different idea: we will return to Haji Ali, after a long time. This leaves me time to walk.
Like Thursday, I head to the Aarey Pipeline, feeling there the call of nature. It has been very hot lately, but the morning air still brings mild freshness. Feeling good, I cannot resist the desire to run, which I start doing in small intervals, my breathing feeling so pleasant, invading my body. I am careful to pause at the onset of pain, and yet, unable to resist the appeal, enjoy the running intervals. As often here, I strike several conversations in Hindi with locals, where am I from, my age, and they marvel that I have come all the way from Chandivali! I return, the gentle slope back favoring my episodic runs, and decide to pursue all the way back home, running longer intervals in spite of accumulating pain, screw it! This denotes a renewed jusqu'au boutiste phase, my namaaz also regaining strength, as Ramzaan approaches, and the world continues to deteriorate.
A little later, we do go to Haji Ali, which we haven't visited in at least two years, due to Covid. The coastal road construction has tarnished the area near the shore, but farther the pathway through the water is unaltered, today splashed by the high tide waves. Gulzar returns in tears from the Dargah, in the remembrance of her parents, yet delighted by the trip. Almost to my surprise, I seemed to have gotten away with the morning's semi-run, no increased pain.

-- At the Haji Ali Dargah

-- Through Asalfa --

Failed Run, into the Slums, Asalfa (5.26 Miles) -- 03/27/22

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Monday 03/21/22, 17 Shaban 1443 -- Hybrid Run
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - JVLR - Padmavati Devi - Hiranandani Hosp - Main - Central - SM SHetty - Shangarsh Nagar Juma Masjid.
Time: 0:56:23
Mileage: 4.6 Miles - 7.41 Km
Pace: 12'15"/mile - 7'36"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

Another hybrid run / walk, but with an increasing proportion of running.
All is relatively good, breath is excellent, pain appears but seemingly under control (IT band & Hamstring), I adjust my form to contact the ground rather backward, which is better form anyway. Again, time will tell how my recovery is doing.
In the anticipation of Ramadhan, a regain of fervor in Namaaz. Last Friday, I returned to the Masjid after a two year interruption due to Covid, choosing the first Masjid in Khairani road, right in front of the entrance of Nahar road. I have returned elated by the event.

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Wednesday 03/23/22, 19 Shaban 1443 -- First Run
Rambagh - Lake Promenade - Central Ave - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:38:25
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.47 Km
Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidty 26%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs

In spite of an incomplete, shaky recovery, I unexpectedly decide today to go for a full run. Yes, no walking today.
This seems to work well. I do feel fragile, and still mild pain, particularly in the left hip, and occasionally in the hamstrings. But my breathing is surprisingly impeccable, and my pace will turn out suprisingly good, identical to when I left off. Plus, the temperature, although hot, isn't so stifling, and I come back in only moderate sweat. I do wonder if these types of run could be possible during Ramadhan, so as to not lose training entirely, and avoid starting back from zero.
As usual, let's evaluate the aftermath of this today and tomorrow.

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Friday 03/25/22, 21 Shaban 1443 -- Walk
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani E. - Ramchandra Kadam long - Jogger's lane - Pedestrian Bridge - Andheri Ghatkopar - Under Jagruti Nagar - Khairani.
Time: 1:09:01
Mileage: 4.03 Miles - 6.48 Km
Pace: 17'07"/mile - 10'39"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (deceiving, about to increase)

Well, I tried, and I failed!
Wednesday's run, as enjoyable as it was, has triggered again the back/hip/hamstring pain. Back to the drawing board, running is now again out of the question. Perhaps it's just as well, before Ramadhan.
Some insomnia in the night, and further reading of la Recherche.
Yesterday, having left Fractal around 5:45, it took me 1h40 to get home, completely stuck under the bridge near Raambagh. This turns into a nightmare of sorts, recalling the dark days of 88, and perturbs me quite a bit. In addition, I feel growing tension around the ever increasing nationalistic drift of India, fearing a looming catastrophe against the Muslim community, compounding the dire state of the world. Should we flee? Where to flee?
In the morning wake up around 4:40 from a dream, feeling tired. A 7:30am meeting got cancelled, so I walk, but feeling rather dizzy. I nevertheless make it to Jogger's park (and contemplate exploring side streets along the way) from where I try the pedestrian bridge to the right, which actually quickly leads me back to familiar roads.

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Saturday 03/26/22, 22 Shaban 1443 -- Walk in Aarey
Aarey - Hostel Rd - Down to Aarey Rd Goregaon - Back.
Time: 1:22:53
Mileage: 4.47 Miles - 7.19 Km
Pace: 18'32"/mile - 11'31"/km
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs

A promenade in Aarey, with Gulzar.
I returned to Masjid yesterday, this time choosing the big Masjid to the right on Khairani. This seemed to go very well, I arrived early enough that I found a comfortable place upstairs, but strangely, after blaring bhayan and other things in the mic, the Namaaz itself is recited off the mic, barely audible! This disappoints me greatly, the search for the Masjid will need to continue.
Continued oppression of Indian Muslims in the news, every day, one step at a time. Where does it end?

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Sunday 03/27/22, 23 Saban 1443 -- Bhatwadi, Asalfa
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani E. - Ramchandra Kadam short - Jogger's Park - LBS W. - Mahindra Park - Nari Seva Sadan Rd - Netaji Palkar - Big Masjid - Winding Rd - Nari Seva - Khairani Rd - Back.
Time: 1:18:44
Mileage: 5.26 Miles - 8.47 Km
Pace: 14'58"/mile - 9'17"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs

We will leave to Panvel today, but I do have time around sunrise for this. As if completing my idea from earlier this week, I continue Jogger's park, planning to return via my running route through Asalfa. In the early morning, as often, dogs bark after the trash pickers, in their endless competition. I make it quite easily to the road that snakes up into Asalfa, recognizing the place, venture up this time walking instead of running, which in some way makes me feel even more "out there", as if I could be more easily stopped. At some point, a smaller road opens to the left, which I had previously thought of exploring. Well, proclaiming it out loud, "today's the day", I venture into that. It indeed snakes up the hill, deeper into the chawl, passing a large Masjid, then an impressive view of small slum shacks precariously perched along a cliff. As often the road, already small, reduces gradually to meander back down pressed between dwellings, I follow the flow of a few pedestrians, with my technique of "following the backpacks" (youths on their way to school or work) to get back to the main roads. It is once again an impressive environment, where I find solace, and traverse with fascination. As usual, I am not bothered at any moment.
What is this profound sentiment exactly? "Solace in the Slums". Is it any different from Slum Tourism, that ooglers engage in? I don't think so. I am alone, vulnerable, putting myself out there. I do not take any photos, I take the impressions in. Very impressed by these recent walks, and deprived of the lore of running outside, these explorations more than ever become a raison-d'être.
I have continued to advance in learning Surah An'aam, setting a possible goal of completing the 8th Ruku by the start of Ramadhan.

-- Slums on the Hill, near Bhatwadi --

8th Ruku, In Search of a Masjid, Bhatwadi, Ramabai Nagar (8.31 Miles) -- 04/02/22

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Tuesday 03/29/22, 25 Shaban 1443 -- In search of the Masjid
Nahar - Mhada Streets - Sakinaka Police - Yusuf Qadri Masjid - Khairani Rd Alley - Rehmaniya Masjid - Husainiya Masjid - Durga Mata Mandir - Khairani Rd - Through Shangarsh Nagar - Jama Masjid - Chandivali - Mhada - Back.
Time: 0:54:07
Mileage: 3.4 Miles - 5.47 Km
Pace: 15'55"/mile - 9'53"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

I wake up at 4:15, sweaty, unable to sleep back, in a somewhat agitated state, following yet another bout of tax harassment. I pray Rukus of Surah An'aam in Namaaz, unusually long, then rush out before a 7:30 meeting.
Without too much time left, I execute my plan of scouting for a Masjid, just before the start of Ramadhan. Walking through Mhada, and the bacche ka ghar, then into an alley leading to Khairani road, an impressive slum environment full of commerce and small industries, where I pass three Masjids, among which the Husainiya Madrasa, which Gulzar has been recommending. This solves the mystery of these many nearby Mosques whose Adhaan we hear echoing every day, yet are somewhat difficult to access, in the labyrinth of slum alleys. I then proceed through Shangarsh Nagar, finding a new road which surprises me by winding uphill, before reaching the familiar Jama Masjid road.
On this short walk, I have passed by six Masjids! I choose to try out the Husainiya Masjid this Friday.

-- By the Maidan in the hill --

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Wednesday 03/30/22, 26 Shaban 1443 -- Bhatwadi Exploration
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani E. - Ramchandra Kadam (long) - Shri Gajanan Maharaj Mandir - Kamgar Nete Dattaji Salvi Maidan - Back via Ramchandra Kadam (short).
Time: 1:07:46
Mileage: 4.12 Miles - 6.63 Km
Pace: 16'26"/mile - 10'13"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (Weight gain as expected)

Another fascinating exploration!
Again, I have woken up at 4:15, as if training for Ramadhan. I pray in long Namaaz Rukus 5 to 8 of Surah An'aam, with great attention, leaving only the last verse (long) to learn. Like yesterday, with not much time left, I head out to the Bhatwadi area, not sure if I will have the time to venture out beyond the usual loop. I renounce a first alley to the left, but on a sudden inspiration, embark into a second one, smaller, climbing gently. What a suprise awaits me! The road leads to a large sports ground, framed by a hill where small slum dwellings are nestled among the trees. The road then becomes dirt, continuing into the wilderness, but I stop turn back there, for once taking a few photos, mesmerized by the scenery, as if I had stumbled on the land of Oz.
I rush back home, barely making it for the meeting. I realize after the fact that by chance, I have chosen the right alley. What a splendid discovery! Like yesterday, in spite of the very early wake-up and the summer heat, I actually feel quite good.

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Friday 04/01/22, 28 Shaban 1443 --
Lakeside Promenade - To Central & Back - Orchard OP and Avenue - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:05:38
Mileage: 3.94 Miles - 6.35 Km
Pace: 16'39"/mile - 10'20"/km
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (my targeted pre-ramzaan weight)

A nondescript walk, where I realize how, while walking, I am much more aware of the traffic noise then while running! What a pain, I retreat from the JVLR into the small streets. I can't imagine the invisible wear this noise does on my runs.
I have completed learning the 8th ruku of Surah An'aam, just barely for the start of Ramzaan. It will need of course to be reinforced.
And for Jummah, I execute my plan of going to the Husainiya Masjid. This time, it's the right one! I have arrived sufficiently early to sit on the ground floor with the Imaam, surprisingly, in this slum environment, the Masjid has real carpets (instead of mats) and even AC! The prayer is this time clearly audible, and for once, I even understand most of the Bayaan...

-- Kabuttar at Sunrise on Lake Powai --

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Saturday 04/02/22, 29 Shaban 1443 -- Ramabai Nagar
Lake Powai - Sunrise Park - Saki Vihar - Aarey Pipeline - Water Tank Rd - Down Ramabai Nagar - Jamil Nagar rd - Pratap Nagar rd - Quarry Rd - LBS - JVLR - Trikutta Towers - "Powai Plateau" - (over Kanakia Future City) - Back through Sri Ram Rd - IIT Far Gate.
Time: 2:13:20
Mileage: 8.31 Miles - 13.37 Km
Pace: 16'02"/mile - 9'58"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs

This is likely the last day before the start of Ramzaan. I take the opportunity to embark on a lengthy walk.
I first stop at the Lake Platform, contemplating the sunrise and the many kabuttar. On Saki Vihar road, a rickshaw driver seems to stop me, he just wants to say, emphatically, "a very good morning to you", a good prelude to what will turn out to be among my best days.
I embark along the Pipeline, with a slight regret that I've not decided to explore the Mandir on the hill in Bhatwadi, but I wipe this silly feeling aside. It is peaceful here in nature, away from the hated traffic. A new section of the trail has been freshly paved. I have no idea how long this might take, but at the end of the trail, I resolutely pass the gate, plunging into the alley that descends the hill.
It is peaceful as ever here, a paradox, the many colored shacks piled up along the hill, gentle morning activity. A large beautiful orange cloth is draped over the galli by a temple. A friendly Rickshaw driver, stopped on the side, salutes me with a wide smile, as if happy to greet a visitor. I turn back to ask him, - Is jagae ka naam kya hai? - Ramabai Nagar, he responds. I explain ki mujhe ghumna chahie, yahan subah shaant hai. This short conversation has further lightened my mood.
I continue the descent, for once, taking a rapid picture, although no picture could express the impression of the place, which in a way is very simple. The slope eventually increases and gets muddy, we are walking down with caution, till I reach the bottom, a few meandering roads taking me back to "civilisation", much quicker than I would have imagined (1h30). It has been my third time through here, this mesmerizing journey more than making up for the Bhatwadi exploration I was regretting earlier.
From here starts the comparative tedium along the main road. But an unexpected idea occurs to me: I try to reach the Plateau over Hirandanani as if to complete an old unfinished task (I had turned back there just before my stress fracture last year). I take a different road up, at the end of which a metal gate opens to a dirt road, which I resolutely enter. This passes under an overture pierced in the rock cliff, hidden by slopes on both sides. I proceed into the unknown, my heart pounding slightly, wondering whether I'll encounter bad dogs in this complete isolation. The road eventually emerges into the open, it is the plateau I remembered, although the landscape has changed somewhat due to construction, bordered by a cliff to one side and the back of the posh Hiranandani buildings to the other. The place is completely deserted, except for one single dog which contemplates me from a little distance. There is no clear way through into Hiranandani as I had hoped, so I turn back.
On the way back, I notice a few people walking on a ridge, which seems to connect to the slum I had visited the first time. I climb out of my dirt road to join that, turn around to take a photo of the place. I hear a shout, it's some man in a metal shack who from a distance is yelling something about photography. Feeling quite guilty of being caught in this practice which I have mostly abandonned, I demonstratively tuck the phone in my pocket, throwing my arms up as in surrender, "main rakhta houn". Not much of an incident, and I finish down the impressive slum alley that passes the church overlooking Vikhroli from IIT hill, making it back to the JVLR where I happily hail a rickshaw to return home.

It has been a perfect morning.
And in the evening, we go out for a walk to spot the new moon - in vain. But it has been seen across India. Tomorrow will be the start of Ramadhan.

-- Audacious route to the "plateau" --

-- In Ramabai Nagar --

-- Iqamat Salah, the call to prayer --

RAMADHAN, Taraweeh Prayers

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Sunday 04/03/22, 01 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 1, TARAWEEH
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs

16th Reading Fajr Surah Baqarah till v. 82, Dhuhr till v. 130, Asr v. 141 (Juz 1), then v. 164
That evening, for the first time, I pray Taraweeh at the Husainanyi Masjid! What an experience!
I had tentatively planned this. But in the evening, Gulzar's tiredness and somber sentiment makes me hesitate. She proposes to take me there, fearing the Khairani road traffic. I hesitate, but feeling quite good after a light Itaari, I follow my plan, out I go!
This is the Masjid that I've scouted a few days ago, in the alleys of Khairani road. I feel uncertainty, leave roughly at the evening Adhaan. Once there, a small crowd has gathered, and the doors to the main room are closed, I have arrived a little too late. I try upstairs but the place is deserted, children playing in the stairs, someone redirects me down, jagha hai. Back down, I sit in the hall, on the stone floor, among the rows that have formed there.
First Ishaa ki Namaaz. Next to me, a fat young boy leans over me while sitting. After Ishaa, seeing some movement to still at going inside, I try in vain. Find better place in the outside rows. Long fast recitation. Sets of two Rakhats which I count. But it is very difficult to hear from here, noise from the bacche playing, from the water. Fast recitation, I eventually do spot bits of Surah Baqarah, they must be reciting the 2nd Juz. In the rows. Occasionally people peeling off, causing to tighten the rows. After 10, change of Imaam, this one reads even faster! I confirm other bits of Surah Baqarah. 20 rakhats. Then Wajib. I make a small mistake, going into ruku where others hold there hands to their ears. People disperse. Small problem finding the shoes. The walk back, through the slum, through Khairani road, where other Masjids are flowing their own crowds into the street, fascinating activity. I feel a surprising energy, clarity, jubilance.
I am so happy coming home, Gulzar happy too. Determined to continue this! This has been so fulfilling that I struggle to sleep, in spite of the late hour.

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Monday 04/04/22, 02 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 2, TARAWEEH
Khairani Rd - Saki Naka - Andheri Kurla - Marol CHS - Vasant Oasis - Military - Marwah - Saki Vihar - Mahindra Alcove - Chandivali - Mhada.
Time: 1:22:37
Mileage: 4.81 Miles - 7.73 Km
Pace: 17'10"/mile - 10'41"/km
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs

16th Reading Fajr Surah Baqarah till v. 210, Dhuhr v. 252 (Juz 2), Asr v. 274, before Maghrib till v 286 (end).
Feel surprisingly good, up at 4:00 before alarm. Good Seheri, good Namaaz, and good reading. Embark on a walk, Khairani rd again, as if after the party, empty stalls with people sleeping. But activity has resumed, many school children. Continue towards Marwah, but I start to feel frustration as the way back home lengthens more than I would have liked. Let's see if this was a mistake, do not get presomptuous in this early phase of the fast.
Evening Taravee. This time arrive well on time, find a place in the room, I can hear the recitation. The two Imaams. No mistake today. Fear of foot cramps. The 2nd Imaam too fast, almost comically so. Recognize the end of Surah Ali Imraam.
Been debating all day, annoyingly, about attending Taraweeh at the risk of being late at the crew meeting. This stupid quandary takes too much importance and ends up annoying me. And I don't feel as clear as yesterday after Iftaar. But I do go. Small moon crescent smiling over Khairani road. The busy street. The little habit of the guy in front of me, adjusting the back of his shirt, at every Sajdah. Still cannot find my "friend's" adhaan, among the many masjid's, the one that from my first visit to Nahar had captured my attention.
Like yesterday, I return excited, and straight into the 2nd half of the meeting. It has all worked out great.

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Tuesday 04/05/22, 03 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 3, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs

16th reading Fajr Surah Ali Imraan till v. 80, Dhuhr v 92 (Juz 3), v 130, Asr v. 200 (end)
Abundant Qur'an reading allows me to catch up with Taraweeh recitation.
Taraweeh. Getting into the habit. Moved especially by the first Imaam's recitation (the 2nd is too fast). Must not have eaten sufficiently at Iftaar, dizziness, can't walk straight in the chaos of Khairani road! This time, I have not been able to identify where we've reached.
Considerably cut down on reading news in spite of the war in Ukraine, and paused la Recherche for the entire month.

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Wednesday 04/06/22, 04 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 4, TARAWEEH
Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid - SM Shetty - Orchard to Ambrosia Garden - Back via Raambagh.
Time: 0:46:43
Mileage: 2.73 Miles - 4.4 Km
Pace: 17'06"/mile - 10'37"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 74%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs

16th reading Surah Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 4), v 34, Dhuhr v 92, after Asr v 134.
Starting to feel tired, have I "started too fast"?
Good Namaaz nonetheless, for the first time, the entirety of Ruku 8, including the last long verse. I continue to be particularly inspired by this section of the Surah. Not much time left but still want to go out. For once quite reasonable with the route, and make it back in time.
Taraweeh evening. Ate "orange thing" from Khairani road at Iftaar, works great, feel very clear minded during Tawaweeh. Gulzar accompanies me to buy mutton, limping along the way. I fear at first that she'll make me late, but no, I arrive well on time, sit roughly at the same place (same actually as in the other masjid), seeing the rows form around me.

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Thursday 04/07/22, 05 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 5, TARAWEEH
Khairani Rd - Bhatwadi Long - Jogger's Park & Back.
Time: 1:23:35
Mileage: 4.86 Miles - 7.82 Km
Pace: 17'11"/mile - 10'41"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 75%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs

16th reading Surah Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6), 175 (end).
Woke very well at 4am, good Namaaz, good reading, and I go out for a good walk (although it is very hot and sweaty). I think I have ample time but I am shocked to find out that I've returned just in time for a meeting, which I jump straight into! Is my watch chrono deficient? I test it against my phone, it appears fine. Not sure what caused the error.
In Fractal, plans for dinner, I have been praying for that to miraculously be cancelled. And it does! I am left off the hook!
Deliriously happy about this, over-eager to get back home, I have first called an Ola which I eventually cancel while waiting, to hop into an Auto-Rickshaw that takes me right away through Aarey, miraculously mostly free of traffic. I open fast on the road. I will be able to attend Taraweeh after all!!
And I was right. Tonight is indeed when Surah An'aam is being read, and fortunately, the 1st Imaam takes on the 8 rukus I've been learning. I repeatedly smile that my du'ah has been heard.
But once the second much faster monotone recital of the second Imaam starts, harder to follow, a great fatigue sets in, I could almost fall asleep standing, and to my dismay, a boy next to me is giggling with his friend behind during the Namaaz. I can't help wonder if they might be making fun of me?
Surah An'aam has been recited in its entirety, and I was so fortunate to not miss it.

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Friday 04/08/22, 06 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 6, JUMMAH, TARAWEEH
Khairani Rd W - Pipeline Mohili Village - Khairani E - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:55:34
Mileage: 3.39 Miles - 5.46 Km
Pace: 16'23"/mile - 10'10"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs

16th Reading Surah Maidah till v 120 (end), Dhuhr Surah An'aam v 71, Asr v 111 (Juz 8), v 165 (end).
Gulzar's "operation Madrasa", she has bought great quantities of ration to donate the Al-Husainya Masjid where I have been praying. Alam comes to help. Explain to him where's the Madrasa. Comes back with Muezzin, to whom I'm introduced. Tempo. I started somewhat skeptical, but Gulzar's plan has worked admirably.
But I am tired. I resist calls from work to stay for Jummah ki Namaaz. I don't want to be prominent in the Masjid. Decide to not go too early, leave around 12:40, but the various Adhaan's start and I hasten a bit. This has been a mistake, the room is already full, I sit out. But a few people open the door and slide in, I follow. Sit between the rows, as I've seen people do, but some seem to object, and I'm relegated towards the back, fearing horrible embarassment if somehow I failed to insert myself in the rows for Namaaz! This at first increases my doubts, but somehow, as if under the effect of Sakinah, I find peace and confidence during Bayaan, like last week, I understand this Imaam almost fully. I am hoping for movement forward as we stand up for Namaaz, but not much of that happens, I am nevertheless able to insert myself in front of me, tight, but it fits, and no-one objects (I am not the only one to do this). Having fought this small battle, I am moved to tears by the Imaams recitation, and walk back home with a sense of success. Funnily, I have forgotten where I have kept my shoes, and a spend a while before spotting them.
Evening, Taraweeh. The 1st Imaam has a very sore throat perhaps from Bayaan earlier, barely makes it through Ishaa, hands over the entire Taraweeh to the 2nd, as ever difficult to follow. I've devised a small scheme with my hands: With my right fingers, I keep track of which set of 2 rakhats we're on, with my left thumb, keep track or even or odd rakhats, to know when to stand back up or stay seated. Simple trick, but useful as this Imaam occasionally recites for so long that it is easy to get lost. In spite of my good efforts at paying attention, I still fail to recognize the last verses of Surah A'raaf, nearly missing the additional prostration at the end of it. He recites till the first verse of the following Surah (Anfal). This will be difficult to follow unfortunately, especially as we venture into the middle SUrahs.

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Saturday 04/09/22, 07 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 7
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs

16th Reading Surah A'raaf v 65. Dhuhr v 88 (Juz 9), v 158, Asr v 206 (end)
Up from a very profound dream (a luxurious hotel beach has been built on Lake Powai!), waking up with a sense of panic that I will not be able to keep this up, due to exhaustion. A relatively long walk inside Nahar which I do not record, with Gulzar, who has decided to keep another Roza.
Something happens at home in the evening, and I am forced to skip Taraweeh for tonight.

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Sunday 04/10/22, 08 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 8, TARAWEEH
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs

I wake up around 11pm in abundant sweat. The AC doesn't do it either, too cold, an impossible mixture of sweat and cold. I will not be able to sleep, and neither does she, the night despair.
I later succumb to overbearing exhaustion. A "running band" of Qur'an verses is permanently running in my mind, it is hot and oppressive, difficult to breathe, and I struggle to gather strength for the Namaaz, confused, mixing pieces of verses in the recitation. At 6pm, luckily, I fall asleep, uncertain whether I'll have the strength for Tarawee tonight.
But Iftaar provides me a complete rebirth. My strength comes back, and leaves me with a clear mind. I firmly head out to Masjid, happy to escape the home's huis-clos, plunged into the chaos of Khairani road, under a growing moon, my mind feeling lucid. The first Imaam is back tonight, his voice restored, I am delighted to succeed in identifying what he is reciting.

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Monday 04/11/22, 09 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 9
Khairani E. - Ramchandra Kadam long - Jogger's Lane - LBS - Nari Seva Sadan - Asalfa - Khairani.
Time: 1:29:16
Mileage: 5.27 Miles - 8.48 Km
Pace: 16'56"/mile - 10'31"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs

16th reading Surah Yunus till v 70, Dhuhr v 109 (end), Surah Hud v 6 (Juz 11), Asr v 50.
I wake up before alarm at 4. I prepare Sehri myself, feeling also well awake, sharp, more hopeful. In the night, the vote that I could not participate in has seen Macron and Le Pen poised for the second tour. Not great when looking at her score, but at least not some horrible coup de theatre. For once that I wanted to vote...
Feeling good, after Namaaz, I go for this walk rather than read immediately. Not a breath of fresh morning air, and regularly wipe the sweat off my face. I nevertheless enjoy being out. May Allah continue trying us, and offer solace. I feel better today. Not too tired, and somewhat of the "clear mind". Somehow in reading, I manage to precisely reach the word "muttaqin", which I somehow hung up on as the last word of last night's Taraweeh. We are in synch, but I imagine this will be growing challenge as we move to the middle Surahs, especially if I skip today.
I feel again very good after Iftaar. I had the dubious plan of going to Masjid for Taraweeh but sit in the hall, to be able to leave after about 18 Rakhats so as to still reach home by 10pm for the crew meeting. I eventually abandon this cumbersome plan, perfectly happy to stay at home.

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Tuesday 04/12/22, 10 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 10, TARAWEEH
Shangarsh Nagar - SM Shetty - Cliff Rd - Orchard - Lake Homes - Chandivali
Time: 0:59:41
Mileage: 3.38 Miles - 5.45 Km
Pace: 17'39"/mile - 10'57"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs

16th reading Surah Hud till v 96, Dhuhr v 123 (end), Surah Yusuf v 52 (Juz 13), 58, Asr v 111 (end).
A shorter more relaxed walk this morning, largely in the posh areas Powai, in great contrast. I am very engaged (and quite satisfied) with work since last evening's successfull meeting, and bring energy and clarity in meetings - an onset of the clear mind? I pass by the budi in Lake Homes, telling her I don't come here much any more, give her a IRS 50 note. A wonderful day. Extraordinary lucidity at work, and energy. I attend Taraweeh, excellent prayer, I manage to recognize Surah Ibrahim (they have recited further than I thought yesterday), and a sajdah, ending on "muslimeen".

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Wednesday 04/13/22, 11 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 11
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs

16th reading Surah Ra'd v 43 (end), Surah Ibrahim v 52 (end, Juz 14) Dhuhr Surah Hijr v 99 (end), Surah Nahl v 50 (Sajdah), Asr v 89 (till "muslimin").
I recite parts of Surah An'aam, offering some solace, trying to focus on Allah rather than on men, yet still devising a plan of action. In spite of all this, blessed by the clear mind, my Namaaz is excellent. I will not go out today, cancelling plans to go to office.
I am getting ready for Taraweeh. Today will be when Surah Isra is read, I have been waiting for it all day. But Gulzar is not well in the evening, and I eventually stay at her side.

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Thursday 04/14/22, 12 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 12 TARAWEEH
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs

16th reading Surah Nahl till v 128 (end, Juz 15), Dhuhr Surah Isra v 111 (end), Surah Kahf v 32, Asr v 75 (Juz 16), 110 (end).
Good reading of Surah Isra than Surah Kahf, trying to guess where they've stopped last night, and wondering whether I'll be able to go out tonight. I have to refocus on the submission to Allah, which is the only acceptable state. I succeed somewhat, feeling more rested than yesterday, mind quite clear.
After Iftaar, I fear that I will be thwarted again going to Masjid, but no, the wonderful walk through Khairani road, as Iftaar restores my senses to a clear mind. I find great relief sitting on the carpet, state of submission there anything is possible, if I could only capture it permanently rather than having to seek it every time. The great feeling of standing among the saffat (today, a small mistake happened where the congregation stayed seated like one man after a rakhat, and was ordered to stand back up, I was always wondering how so few mistakes were made, I wonder if it's just by imitation, as a wave traveling from the front.) I am deeply moved by the first recitations of the Imaam, find the area of the mind for Namaaz, but later, need to make sure the mechanics of the ritual do not start to distract. Still disappointed that I have missed Isra and Kahf yesterday, I try my best to situate myself, soon recognizing Surah Maryam by its opening letters, and later Sajdah. I however get lost in the 2nd Imaam's hasty debit, and today cannot grasp onto an identifiable last word, other than "dada". Not sure how far we've reached.

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Friday 04/15/22, 13 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 13 TARAWEEH
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs

16th reading Surah Maryam till v 66, Dhuhr v 98 (end), Ta Ha v 135 (end, Juz 17).
Jummah ki Namaaz. I went much earlier at 12:25, making chouta on Khairani rd (easily), still the room is well occupied when I reach, but I do find a place to sit. A fat man has sat just behind us, joins us when the rows form, we are particularly tight! My concentration on the Namaaz is not as good as I'd wish, perhaps due to the affluence during Ramadhan. We return to Galleria get our clock, then at the parlor, where a half hour job turns into all afternoon, with Mehendi too! These people are Muslim. Happy to see her enjoy something, but unable to sit any longer on this plastic stool, I go for a walk, trying my best to not spoil her day by showing impatience. When I come back, they take me to pray Asr ki Namaaz in Galleria itself in a small court where they assemble during Ramzaan. We finally leave around 6.
But the whole area is completely stuck. I "smartly" circumvent our usual road to shortcut to Raambagh, but it's even worse here, and we stay blocked for over an hour. Eventually, still stuck on Rambaagh by the little Masjid, I have to open Roza in the car itself, luckily I've bought a few small things from Haiko. It has taken us well over an hour foor less than 3 KM! We marvel at the moon over us, nearly full.
I go to Taraweeh. But I have somewhat mishandled Iftaar, half in the car half at home, and the excruciating waits, parlor and traffic, have exhausted me. During prayer, I feel I am drifting into dream like visions as I stand listening to the hurried recitation, and occasionally have to open my eyes to clear those visions. I am nevertheless able to situate myself in the Qur'an.

-- The playground in Barve Nagar

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Saturday 04/16/22, 14 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 14, TARAWEEH
Khairani E. - Ramchandra Kadam long - Up 1st Galli - Sports Ground - Down 2nd Galli - Back.
Time: 1:09:59
Mileage: 3.87 Miles - 6.23 Km
Pace: 18'05"/mile - 11'13"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 80%

16th reading Surah Anbiya till v 112 (end), Asr v 78 (end, Juz 18), Surah Mu'minum v 50
It is slightly less hot, faint morning freshness. Head out to the Bhatwadi area, this time exploring the "first Galli", which to my surprise leads to the same sport ground I had discovered earlier, which I go around descending back from the other side. It has been a pleasant walk, which as usual, appeases me a bit.
In the evening, following a good Iftaar (what a science), she comes out with me to spot the full moon. We find it indeed framed by two of our buildings, big and incredibly bright, Masha'allah. It's a wonderful moment, even a fresh wind abates the heat a little, as to celebrate her well being. Soon it is 8pm and I head to the Masjid for Taraweeh. I am careful to refocus and not let the mechanics of the prayer overtake the moment, or silly scenarios of how to tell Taraweeh to imaginary audiences. This age old travers must be squashed, the prayer only functions in the rememberance of Allah.

-- Lake Powai Sunrise

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Sunday 04/17/22, 15 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 15, TARAWEEH
Lake Powai Platform - Sunrise Park - Pipeline, to Lake View - Back.
Time: 1:24:30
Mileage: 5.19 Miles - 8.35 Km
Pace: 16'16"/mile - 10'07"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs

16th reading Surah Mu'minun till v 118 (end) Dhuhr Surah Nur till v 64 (end), Asr Surah Furqan v 21 (Juz 19), v 77 (end).
The alarm wakes me up but leaves Gulzar fast asleep. I prepare chupchap Seher and eat by myself, Namaaz, reading, and even proceed outside as she is still fast asleep.
I head out around sunrise by the lake and to the Pipeline. A subtle freshness in the air, still, I will eventually sweat a lot. I am abundantly recognized on the Pipeline trail, saluted, wondering why I have disappeared, friendly atmosphere among the habitual walkers. I salute the man with bowed legs, he first thinks I came from the hotel, then wonders that I've made it all the way from Nahar. I have left my mind drift into those stupid scenarios, rehashing endlessly my life stories to an imaginary audience. I eventually catch it angrily, realizing I would have been far better occupied in Zikhr, complete the walk thinking I've partially squandered an otherwise perfect morning by letting my mind wander into foolishness.
In the evening, Taraweeh. I have come to realize that these stupid imaginary speeches have permeated my mind, cropping up at every occasion, and make a concerted effort to refocus, trying to completely eradicating them. How does the mind work? As well leave aside the mechanics of the prayer and the awareness of my status within the surroundings to completely devote myself to Zikr, only benefit. This works to a good extent today, I come out of Taraweeh in the Khairani chaos under a peaceful full moon, firmly engaged, and hoping that my resolve and detachment will not wither, although I know they inevitably will.
Slowly understanding Taraweeh, each Imaam has a helper for memory lapses, the helper to the 2nd Imaam warns us in case of Sajdah. Slowly, familiar faces, small odd physical traits.

-- Kabuttar of Lake Powai

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Monday 04/18/22, 16 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 16, TARAWEEH Chandivali - Lake Homes - Lakeside Promenade - Orchard OP - Hakone Back Rd - Main - Central - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:15:17
Mileage: 4.46 Miles - 7.18 Km
Pace: 16'52"/mile - 10'29"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs

16th reading Surah Shu'arah till v 104, Dhuhr v 227 (end), Naml V 59 (Juz 20), Asr v 93 (end).
As I head out for walk, Gulzar hands me over seeds, hoping I'll pass by the Lake Powai pigeons, which makes me decide to go that way. I feed them, and send her a photo. The boudi in LH asks, "atach nahi?", yes, I explain, I cannot run any more.
I have decided to attend Taraweeh tonight no matter what in spite of the 10pm meeting, with a plan to leave just before Wajib Witr. To that effect, I leave a little later, and sit towards the back of the room. But inevitably, I am dragged forward as the rows are tightened just before Namaaz, thwarting my plan, and end up right next to a sick youth to my right, sniffling abundantly the whole time, wondering whether that will be my punishment for the day. But swiping distractions aside as best I can, I feel I belong there, more than in that meeting. When the time comes after Taraweeh, looking back I find the way impractical between worshippers, and stay till the end. Luckily, it's not too late, I walk back home at great speed, make it only 5 minutes late. As it turns out, neither leaders were in the meeting tonight, I feel further justified in my choice. Only one Monday remaining in this Ramzaan, the best one perhaps I've experienced, and attending Taraweeh is the best thing I've done.

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Tuesday 04/19/22, 17 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 17, TARAWEEH
Khairani E. - Mohili Village Pipeline - Saki Vihar - Shortcut - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 1:03:25
Mileage: 3.86 Miles - 6.22 Km
Pace: 16'25"/mile - 10'11"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (Eh oui...)

16th reading Surah Qasas till v 42, Dhuhr v 88 (end), Surah Ankabut till v 44 (Juz 21), Asr v 69 (end), Surah Rum till v 40
A normal walk, but I have to gradually pick up the pace as I worry to get back in time for a 7:30 meeting. The morning is not unpleasant, but I am still drenched in sweat even from walking.
After Iftaar, I do go out for Taraweeh. This time, from my normal place, I am thrust forward by the empty spots in the forming of the saffat, end up near the front. The 2nd Hazrat seems to repeat several times "Alif-Lam-Meem", as if to lengthen his portion of the day, or because of memory gaps. They are now reciting according to Juz, much easier to follow.

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Wednesday 04/20/22, 18 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 18, TARAWEEH
Shangarsh Nagar - SM Shetty - Central - High st - Orchard - Lake Homes.
Time: 0:53:19
Mileage: 3.04 Miles - 4.89 Km
Pace: 17'32"/mile - 10'54"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs

16th reading Surah Rum till v 60 (end), Surah Luqman till v 34 (end), Dhuhr Surah Sajdah till v 30 (end), Surah Ahzaab till v 30 (Juz 22).
I have gone to Taraweeh again, perhaps too tired to really muster the strength of Namaaz. By evening, I am in a particularly "end" mood, and the night will be difficult.

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Thursday 04/21/22, 19 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 19, TARAWEEH
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 kg

16th reading Surah Ahzaab till v 73 (end), Dhuhr Surah Saba till v 54 (end), Surah Fatir v 26, Asr Surah Fatir v 45 (end), Maghrib Surah Yaseen v 22 (Juz 23), v 83 (end).
I have turned off my alarm, deciding to skip Roza, and not let the alarm wake her up. It will be decided for whether I should keep Roza if I awake spontaneously.
This does happen, I do wake up myself, before 4am. Alhamdulillah, I proceed to get ready by myself. But a new obstacle awaits me: No gas to warm up the food! (I'll find out later this is for the whole area). I still manage enough of a meal, find some comfort in my determination, and revise verses of Surah An'aam which I then pray in a good Namaaz.
Later, fatigue, heat, silence. At Iftaari, I consciously eat little, Taraweeh, which starts well with Surah Yaseen, but fatigue does take over a bit (flawless execution though).

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Friday 04/22/22, 20 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 20, TARAWEEH
Bhatwadi, loop to the Maidan in Barve Nagar and back.
Time: 1:05:07
Mileage: 3.82 Miles - 6.16 Km
Pace: 17'02"/mile - 10'34"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 55%
Weight: 67.1 kg - 147.9 lbs

16th reading Surah Saffat till v 114, Dhuhr v 182 (end), Surah Sad v 88 (end), Asr v 32 (Juz 24).
I miraculously wake up 3 min before the 4am alarm and prepare everything chupchap, go through Seheri, Namaaz, reading and on this walk. It's again very hot. This continues to be my favorite area, I take an assured walk to the Maidan (noticing today that the area is called "barve nagar"), I notice the silhouette of a man standing high on a cliff, which I remember seeing before identically. I imagine this solitary man dominating the landscape of sprawling slums from his perch up there, every morning. For once, I am back properly for a 7:30 meeting. She is still asleep, which I continue to protect. But I am exhausted.
Jummah ki Namaaz, I have been able to sit through the long Bayaan, then Namaaz. I have resolved to make significant donations today, keeping various notes in my pockets, but I am confused coming out, several groups sitting on the floor with a kapda advertising this or that, I give some of my 500 notes to the 1st (which I've seen before), unsure where to give the remaining 1000, end up at the last which has little, he proceeds to write a receipt, just as a faithful is scolding him to get out of the way, sort of attacking his legitimacy, in a increasing haze, I realize I am doing wrong, mechanically give him my number, only later to realize that was yet another mis-step. The walk back is oppressively hot and chaotic, I am discouraged. Am I also losing the Ramadhan?
Taraweeh starts well tonight, but my dedication is short lived, and exhaustion takes over. Silly detail, the lower panel of my Jubah is pushed up by the wind Marilyn Monroe style, disturbing me and possibly others around me, without anything I could do. For some reason, a familiar old man behind me pushes my on my feet a few times, as if I was encroaching on his space. The youth to my left is fidgeting. I lose gradually track of the Namaaz, exhausted, feeling guilty that I've come here to no avail.

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Saturday 04/23/22, 21 Ramadhan 1443 - ROZA 21, TARAWEEH
Same as yesterday, with a loop around the Barve Nagar Maidan
Time: 1:10:54
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.48 Km
Pace: 17'38"/mile - 10'56"/km
Weather: 29C; humidity 70%
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs

16th reading Surah Zumar till v 75 (end), Dhuhr Surah Mu'min till v 85 (end), Ha Mim Sajdah till v 33, V 47 (Juz 25), v 54 (end)
I wake up "miraculously" shortly after 4am, I forgotten yesterday to turn my alarm back on. This is a sign to proceed with Roza, regathering my strength, which has often happened in previous year in this last stretch. And this happens. I am blessed with some of these "dawn ideas" that sometimes touch me, the day appears to me clearly.
I go out for a walk as she continues to sleep, nearly identical to yesterday. It is particularly hot, passinah sets off right away. A dog on Khairani road has paper or plastic hoops stuck around his neck, I wonder if I should rescue him in one of those Facebook friendly moments, but decide against it. The walk to the Maidan has clearly become my favorite, one of those hidden worlds, today, a stage has been erected there, Ghatkopar something. When I return, still hatching my plans for the day, the dog has only one hoop left. And Gulzar is still sleeping.
In the evening, I handle Iftaar well, go to Tarawee, today in simple shirt, to avoid the silly flapping Jubah problem. Like yesterday, Khairani road, and the gallis, are an impossible knotted mess, hard to walk in places.

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Sunday 04/24/22, 22 Ramadhan 1443 - ROZA 22, TARAWEEH
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2

16th reading Surah Shura till v 53 (end), Surah Zukhruf v 16 Dhuhr till v 89 (end), Surah Dukhan v 59 (end), Surah Jathiyah v 37 (end, Juz 26).
Again up before alarm. In the morning, I take the time to vote at the French Consulate (having unfortunately missed the 1er tour) for the first time in many many years.
A great day actually, spent at the mall, with the children.

-- "A voté..."

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Monday 04/25/22, 23 Ramadhan 1443 - ROZA 23, TARAWEEH
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - JVLR - Padmavati Devi - Right Alley - Hiranandani Hosp - Central - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:17:42
Mileage: 4.59 Miles - 7.39 Km
Pace: 16'55"/mile - 10'30"/km
Weather: 31C; Humidity 62%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs

16th reading Surah Ahqaf till v 35 (end), Surah Muhammad v 38 (end), Dhuhr Surah Muhammad, Hujurat, Qaf, Dhariyat till v 30 (Juz 27), v 60 (end).
Again up before alarm, in the solitary pre-dawn, I handle Sehri myself.
A policeman on the way to work stops me, for some ridiculous extra bumper on the car that we got from the previous owner, which appears illegal, but he softens gradually at hearing my Hindi, and eventually lets me go somewhat moved.
Tonight Surah Rahman and Waqi'ah in Taraweeh, but these guys recite so fast! I make it back just in time to give my update in crew meeting, quite sweaty.

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Tuesday 04/26/22, 24 Ramadhan 1443 - ROZA 24, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs

16th reading Surah Tur, Surah Najm, Dhuhr Surah Qamar, Rahman, Waqi'ah, Asr Surah Hadid (Juz 28).
All is well. I have carefully eaten and handle Taraweeh well.

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Wednesday 04/27/22, 25 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 25, TARAWEEH
Shangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid - SM Shetty - Cliff - Castle Rock - back via S. Hill.
Time: 1:03:05
Mileage: 3.71 Miles - 5.97 Km
Pace: 17'00"/mile - 10'34"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs

16th reading Surah Mujadilah, Surah Hashr till v 10, Dhuhr Surah Hashr, Mumtahanah, Saff, Jumu'ah, Munafiqun, Taghabun, Talaq, Tahrim.
As I return from this walk, I cross Gulzar downstairs. With T-Shirt and Yoga Mat, she is finally returning to Ace Runners!
At the end of Taraweeh, someone (at last) shakes my hands and talks to me. Perfect opportunity to ask my questions: What happens to Taraweeh after tomorrow night (it will be over), and what time will they hold Eid ki Namaaz (ehlan karenge).

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Thursday 04/28/22, 26 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 26, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs

16th reading Surah Mulk, Nun, Haqqah, Ma'arij, Dhuhr Surah Nuh, Jinn, Muzzammil, Muddaththir, Qiyamah, Asr Surah Insaan, Mursalat
A day marked by a long wait at Hiranandani Hospital as our doctor is caught in an emergency surgery, till we finally leave without having met her. We buy some fruits in Mhada, but the mid-day heat feels unbearable to me, overwhelming sun, exhaustion. In Namaaz find sort of desperate exhausted strength. It's a bad day. In this challenging state, I have slept multiple times during the day, incapable of much action or thought, without finding rest.
I head to the Masjid after Iftaar. This will be the last Taraweeh, a bit more of a crowd. The recitation comes to the increasingly familiar last Surah's, I am able to hold the thread today, slowly clearing the mind (Iftaar + Namaaz). I am satisfied by not missing a beat (including 2 Sajdah's) yet maintaining concentration. At the end, the Imaam surprises by finishing till Surah Naas one rakhaat before last. He starts over Alif-Lam-Meem briefly for the ultimate one. An unusual commotion at the end. Then bags are brought to the front. The du'ah starts with a delay, followed by the usual Wajib Witr, putting an end to this month's ritual. But most people stay in place, "bethe rahyie, apko milega" we are instructed, and soon young men traverse the rows handing a sweet wrapped in paper, which I preserve for home. There will be further activities till 11h30, tonight is Shab-e-Qadr.
But I worry about staying too late. Luckily, a few people have started departing, I follow that flow, recognizing a few favorite faces among the faitful. I once again tread the chaos of Khairani road, feeling irrepressible sadness.
I have not been delayed more than 10 or 15 minutes, but she admits that "ghabra rahi thi" waiting for me. I reassure her, narrate the last Taraweeh at the Masjid and produce the sweet. She is delighted, Tabruk mila, hamara nasib... We all share it the small ball of sweet, it is indeed quite good, and she will save small leftover preciously.
Tonight is Shab-e-Qadr, but I have never been able to embrace this concept, and today, I am reaching the end of exhaustion, more than anything, more than anything, I need sleep.

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Friday 04/29/22, 27 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 27
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi long - Maneklal Mehta - Jagruti Nagar - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani
Time: 1:11:31
Mileage: 4.04 Miles - 6.5 Km
Pace: 17'42"/mile - 11'00"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.5 lbs

16th reading Surah Naba, Nazi'at, Abasa, Takwir, Infitar, Mutaffifin, Inshiqaq, Dhuhr Surah Buruj, Tariq, A'ala, Ghashiyah, Fajr, Balad, Shams, Lail, Duha, Nashrah, Teen, Alaq, Qadr, Bayyinah, Zilzali, Adiyaat, Qariah, Takasur, Asr, Humazah, Feel, Quraish, Maoon, Kausar, Kafirun, Nasr, Ikhlas, Falaq, Naas.
She sleeps in the morning. I find white rice, I throw in tomatoes and eggs and manage. Alhamdulillah, I feel much better than yesterday's day of despair, a clean wake-up. I leave for this walk, leaving coffee at her bedside. It is again very hot, even this early. For some reason, dogs and men seem agitated this morning, dogs and men alike. A big group of dog is fighting, one nearly bites me by surprise as I pass by, a very rare occurence, a close call, and I scold it firmly. Later, a first demented man, fiery eyes, and later still, dogs bark at a barechest man wielding a belt. The tragic memories of Edwadi. I imagine I decide to return another route to not see this again. Luckily, my mood feels unalterable for now (stark opposite of yesterday), and I still feel ready for the day.
Jumah ki Namaaz. I have gone very early, but inside is already full! I sit just outside the door, on the hard floor, away from the AC, a youth at my left falls asleep against me, folded in a very small position. The Bayaan feels too long and too loud, not the usual Hazrat. Namaaz happens, happy to recognize Surah A'ala and Ghashiyah, but overall, this has not been particularly good.
In the evening, I have an difficult email to write which I've postponed for later counting on a post Iftaar high. But with no Taraweeh to go to, I fall heavily asleep, and wake up in a very uncomfortable digestive haze around 9:30, furious. I nevertheless manage Ishaa ki Namaaz and the email.

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Saturday 04/30/22, 28 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 28
Lakehomes - Orchard - Lake Blvd - Small Park - Lake Promenade to Rambagh.
Time: 0:52:08
Mileage: 2.58 Miles - 4.16 Km
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.5 lbs

I wake up tired, shortly before alarm, without waking her up. Later, I sleep briefly, woken up by her laugh. I propose to go for a walk to feed the pigeons of Lake Powai. She asks to go by the Lake Homes Budi we she meets for the first time. We laugh at the pigeons eating by her feet.
I am tired and very thirsty in the afternoon. It continues to be extremely hot, difficult to breathe at home. She has sent Alam get back our Samaan from the Masjid, the Muzzin comes home all smiles, bringing back the stuff, and I find out from him Eid ki Namaaz timings.

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Sunday 05/01/22, 29 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 29
Khairani Rd - 90 Ft Road - Andheri Kurla - Khairani Rd - Masjid ka rasta
Time: 1:17:46
Mileage: 4.43 Miles - 7.14 Km
Pace: 17'33"/mile - 10'53"/km
Weather: 28C; humidity 84%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs

Woke up at 3, freezing in the AC, which I turn off, she wakes up but thankfully goes back to sleep. I however do not, and get up before the alarm, la mort dans l'âme.
Alhamdulillah, I feel surprisingly good. Pray good Surah An'aam, and read from further rukus. I leave for this walk before 6am.
It is subtly fresher outside, subtly (mostly, I will be sweaty less rapidly). In a sudden mood for change, I decide to head down Khairani road towards 90 ft road, which I've only explored once or twice. A new idea has emerged. Could I enlist help from the Imaam from the Masjid, and possibly the Jammat? With this, I look to meet by chance the Muzzin in the street, which is mostly desert this early, some people sleeping half naked outside, left over Iftaar stalls. A couple dogs chase a truck, trying to catch a piece of cloth decoration dangling at the back.
I make it to 90 ft road, a group of boys salutes me in English, I respond in gestures, "Where are you going?", I mimic with my fingers the act of walking. At the end of the road, I turn right for the first time. This continues wide, till it loops back to Andheri Kurla. I've spotted a very promising road to the left.
I feel good outside, in the solitude of the morning, but this himmat slowly melts as the walk ends, but I could not walk forever (although that has been a dream). I decide for a detour through the Masjid alley, but rather than the Muzzin, all I meet is the Banana-valla from Mhada!
At night, we go out in the park, she looks for a cat to feed some chicken pieces. No moon, Amavaaz. The night will be peaceful.

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Monday 05/02/22, 30 Ramadhan 1443 -- ROZA 30
Rambagh - Lake Promenade - Padmati Devi - Right Alley - Hiranandani Hosp - Main - Central - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:20:24
Mileage: 4.65 Miles - 7.49 Km
Pace: 17'17"/mile - 10'44"/km
Weather: 29C; humidity 81%
Weight: 66.9 kg - 147.5 lbs

I wake up at 3:30 again, after insufficient sleep.
After a long time, a moderate stretch session after Namaaz. I then leave at 6am, leaving coffee at her bedside. It is again extremely hot, but I find solace in walking, particularly along that quiet alley that climbs up to Hiranandani Hospital.
Officially, after Eid being celebrated today in Saudi, India has proclaimed Eid for tomorrow. This will be the last Roza. We go to Galleria at mid-day, my haircut and shave, hers has not taken too long, we come back together. Eid ke Kapde, white Jubah and pants. We are ready for Eid.
Heat and thirst, the last Iftaar. But I have overeaten, for the 1st time on the last Roza, completely knocked out into a very incomfortable sleep, struggle to wake up for Ishaa and the night meeting.
It was a nearly perfect day.

-- Eid Family Reunion

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Tuesday 05/03/22, 01 Shawwal 1443 -- EID-UL-FITR
Home Gym: 0:21:00
Sequence: Barpress - Cycle Abs - Toe Raises
Weight: 67 kg - 147.7 lbs

Wake up at 5 with Adhaan. Feeling good, a short gym session.
Get ready, new Jubah won't work, use the pink one from Bangalore.
Police in Khairani, was it like that last year? Fitra in front of Masjid, as Gulzar has recommended, think I'm early but already full. Muzzin encourages me to go in. Announcement to get up to establish the rows, it fits. But someone will still insert, our row very tight. Most people in white, but sitting by chance among a few colorful kapde, as if to dilute my pink Jubah.
Bayaan. 2 festivals, other religious festivals, aaj se nayi zindagi. Namaaz ka tarika. I make no mistakes. Long du'ah. This has been my best Eid ki Namaaz, perhaps my best Ramadhan. No mulakhat. Unusual clouds, as if rain. Heat still. 50 inr bills along the way. A group fights over it.
She greets me at the door in tears kyun itni der ki? It is that Shahid and Shabaaz, who probably barely heard the Namaaz in Masjid, have long returned. But she soons laughs, bacche have come home for Eid! She has not prepared Biryani after all, so we will eat Biryani at the mall, actually quite delicious!

I will stay long with the memories of Taraweeh. Occasionally, the voice of the Imaam will come to me during Ishaa prayers, and I will unwittingly imitate the melody of his recitation, unexpectedly restored from my memory, with gentle melancholy.
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-- Surah An'aam, 8th Ruku --

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