"... Those who believe and whose hearts find rest
in the rememberance of Allah,
verily, in the rememberance of Allah
do hearts find rest ..."
(Surah Ra'd [15] v. 28)
17th reading (8.22 Miles) -- 08/13/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/09/22, 10 Muharram 1444 -- REST
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
17th reading Surah Baqarah till v 60
Yesterday, we celebrated Gulzar's birthday with a fancy Hamburger
in Powai, and Madeleine has offered her one of her handmade clocks.
Madeleine and Terra leave in the night.
An unsettling incident
happened on the way to the airport. At night on Khairani
road, nearly deserted, I let a motorcycle pass from a left alley, while
seeing a nocturnal group of people around an Ashura altar. Then a noise
hits from the back of the car, and some shouting! I stop petrified, thinking
I've somehow hit the motorbike. It is indeed down, and a group of youths
walking in the deserted street has assembled. I fear the long dreaded
catastrophe of an accident in India, especially as I bring Madeleine to
the airport, but inexplicably, they gesture me to go on. Incredulous, I
confirm, "me jaoun?", same gesture, and so I resume the drive, shaken
by the incident, but disaster averted! What might have happened? It'll take
me till tomorrow to find a convincing narration
for this bizzare occurence. The bike driver must have been drunk, or tripped
on a bad hole, which is why he fell himself on the back of my car
(the others realizing this did not pursue, in fact, he probably
feared being at fault). Anyway, we reach the airport tense but
with no further incident, and Madeleine manages her several suitcases.
As they have left, the monsoon resumes, as if closing an interlude
designed for their trip. It will be very stormy this week. Today is too
late to run, and anyway not advisable in this weather.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/10/22, 11 Muharram 1444 -- Recovery Run
Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT Main Gate & Back
Time: 0:45:17
Mileage: 4.54 Miles - 7.3 Km
Pace: 9'58"/mile - 6'12"/km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
NEW SHOES
17th reading Surah Baqarah till v 148
I get up at 4, having followed Madeleine's trip, and reassured
that she has arrived. It's a mediocre run. Just before leaving,
I have felt suddenly dizzy and light-headed. Intermittent rain,
heavy at times.
Later, the drive back from Fractal is atrocious,
the JVLR stuck the whole way. It has taken me 2h10, a sad
new record!!
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Friday 08/12/22, 13 Muharram 1444 -- Brisk Pace Run, quasi Tempo
Chandivali - SM SHetty - Central Ave - JVLR -
Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar
Time: 0:37:17
Mileage: 4.12 Miles - 6.63 Km
Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'37"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
17th reading Surah Baqarah till v 267
I wake up at 3:30, unable to sleep back in spite of best efforts.
The weather is stormy, rattling our windows through the night.
A headache, which has been lingering these last days, turns into
pointless anger, but further reading and Surah Yaseen in Namaaz,
with some minor memory lapses, assuage me. A 7am meeting
makes me rush a bit, I planned to be out by 6 but am 10 minutes
late in spite of such an early rise. Anger and hurry fuel a brisk
pace actually, and feel surprisingly good. A brief blustery deluge
catches me around Lake Homes, but then lets me be. Back just in time,
actually quite satisfied with this, the anger has created an energetic
mood towards work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/13/22, 14 Muharram 1444 -- Hill Repeats
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Main - Kailash hill, to base camp:
0:31:32 [2.93M, 4.72K] [r.3'58"]
Kailash Hill Repeats: 1.07 Km - 0.66 Mile
Interval 1: 6'29".75 [d.6'26", r.2'50"] -- Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Interval 2: 6'28".19 [d.6'39", r.4'46"] -- Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Interval 3: 6'30".91 [r.2'26"] -- Pace: 9'47"/mile - 6'05"/km
Intervals Time: 0:19:29
Intervals Mileage: 1.98 Miles - 3.21 Km
Intervals Pace: 9'45"/mile - 6'04"/km
Main - Central - SM Shetty - Jamah Masjid Shangarsh Nagar: 0:18:52
[1.99M, 3.2K]
Total Time: 1:22:58 (Total Workout: 1:37:29)
Total Mileage: 8.22 Miles - 13.27 Km
Total Pace: 10'05"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
17th reading completed Surah Baqarah yesterday. This morning, revisions
of Surah An'aam, then in Namaaz.
I slept better, but still feel somewhat tired and hazy, and chronic
diffuse headache continues, as it has all week. Still, obstinately go
with the plan of hill repeats today. Stormy again, windows rattling
in the night.
Brief violent showers, but mostly clear. I feel tired, but as often,
the uphill pace brings me to life. A careful dosage of pushed effort
while keeping things in control, actually, end up getting quite a
workout as the slope increases to the top, not too far from my limit
on the last meters. But all in all, an excellent session, all intervals
within range of each other, and my best effort on the second. Great.
I don't realize though that I am about to fall sick...
Sick (7.84 Miles) -- 08/21/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/14/22, 15 Muharram 1444 -- SICK
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 kg
Temperature 11h00: 101.9F, 38.8C -- 14:30: 101.1F, 38.4C --
18h00: 100.4F, 38C
17th reading Surah Ali-Imraan till v 55
Chronic headaches along the past few days suddenly materialize in
this access of fever. I first try curing with 1 crocene,
completely ineffective,
then later 2 Advils (whose stock is running low), which works better,
but still, the whole day is spent in bed with constant
headaches and back pain. Other than Fajr, I skipped all Namaaz.
In the afternoon, I conduct a Covid test: It is Negative!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/15/22, 16 Muharram 1444 -- SICK
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs
5h00: 100.1F, 37.8C -- 12h30: 98.4F, 36.9C -- 14h45: 100.4F, 38C
17th reading Surah Ali-Imraan till v 110
I feel better this morning, but still some fever.
Again two advils take care of it, causing abundant sweating.
Determined to not spend the day in bed this
time, all seems fine by noon, I resume Namaaz, and sit at the
desk for some time. But I wake up uncomfortably
from a nap around 3pm with a new bout of fever, although milder.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/16/22, 17 Muharram 1444 -- Recovery Run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - JVLR - Orchard -
Lake Homes - Nahar.
Time: 0:44:04
Mileage: 4.33 Miles - 6.97 Km
Pace: 10'10"/mile - 6'19"/km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 kg
17th reading Surah Ali-Imraan, Surah Nisaah till v 25
Taking a big gamble today ...
No more fever in the morning.
I have slept so much yesterday that I struggled
to sleep through the night, resulting in a good advance in La
Recherche. Finally, I get up at 4am, very wide awake, reading and Namaaz.
In spite of another stormy morning, I do proceed with the plan of
running, perhaps too soon, and not knowing what to expect.
But my first strides feel surprisingly good, in fact, my breathing
is seamless. The roads are nearly deserted after yesterday's 75th
Independance Celebrations, and the windy weather yields no rain.
I complete the run in good overall comfort, although at a slow pace.
The gamble seems to have paid off?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/17/22, 18 Muharram 1444 --
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Lake Promenade -
Raambagh
Time: 0:38:57
Mileage: 4.09 Miles - 6.57 Km
Pace: 9'31"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 kg
17th reading Surah Nisaah till v 126
Rushed, because of an impromptu work review at 7am.
Yesterday evening one of the frequent evening anguish has seized me.
Wake up at the evil 3:30, read from La Recherche (which I have well
restarted), valiantly try to sleep again, do manage to push myself
to the visions, but not actual sleep, till I get up shortly
before 4:40. This seems to have been enough, I feel clear.
My irritated mood has not abated. Surah Nisaah reading
then Namaaz, a little faster but in good spirit, then out at 6am
after an abridged streching session. Blustery winds outside but no
actual rain. Like yesterday, the run starts surprisingly well, but
this good form peters out, and I have to
apply myself to sustain my breath under control. I am running
a faster pace. When I reach back, the meeting has been pushed by
15 minutes, and my mood continues to sulk.
I have recently listened to Bach's Prelude and Fugue "Ste Anne",
the third theme of the Prelude throwing me in a near trance, not
to mention the formidable effect of the triple fugue.
That is all well, but now,
it is irremediably stuck in my subconscious, and will continue to play
in my head for many days!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 08/18/22,
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
17th reading Surah Nisaah, Surah Maidah till v 12
A relapse today. An important 6am meeting has been pushed to tomorrow,
it is perhaps best, as following a very poor wake-up, I feel sick again.
I succomb to a terrible coup de barre at mid-day, cancel meetings
to spend half of the afternoon in bed. No fever, but strong cold symptoms,
very runny nose, dizziness, headache... This abates a little in the evening,
but at this point, plans for the 1/2 Marathon this Sunday are almost
surely dead.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/19/22, 20 Muharram 1444 --
Khairani E - Bhatwadi long - Jogger's Lane - LBS - Past Phoenix
Mall - Kane Marg - Kajupada Pipeline - Pause [0:39:41][4.41M, 7.1K]
90 ft Road - Saki Naka - Khairani W. - Jain Mandir
Time: 0:56:32
Mileage: 6.31 Miles - 10.15 Km
Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'34"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs
17th reading Surah Maidah till v 50
It has been difficult, feeling again quite sick
yesterday. Also, things are again coming to an end,
in a repeated pattern these later years,
as expected, but can we actually sustain it?
Will this trigger the next crisis?
But Allah ka Fazal se, I achieve good reading,
followed by an excellent
Surah Yaseen Namaaz (no memory lapses today). Yesterday's postponed
meeting happens,
and comforted by a better outlook in the early morning, I remember that this is
what I have wanted. To crown this feeling, in spite of the late hour (7am),
I go out for a run, another example of adamantly following my plans. Not
only that but I venture onto the Khairani road side, brief showers, but not
a consistent rain. Strangely, as most days this week, the run feels surprisingly
easy at first, excellent breathing and low-effort stride, so much that I
gradually lengthen the course, to connect from Bhatwadi to the Kajupada
Pipeline for the first time. Like other runs this week, this initial
excellent effort does drop out after the first half hour, a little abruptly,
and I do take a break before proceeding back on 90 feet road, trying to keep
it together on the way back.
Not sure where this puts me for Sunday's Half Marathon,
with a single day to recover ahead.
Did this help, or did this hurt? I am concerned about the deceptively good
pace that seems to abruptly vanish, without much that can be done. Will that
happen Sunday? But later, when I do the numbers, a new fact appears: Without
realising it, I have run unusually fast! Does that explain the lack of
stamina?
Again, not sure where that all puts me for Sunday, I will make a last
minute decision.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/20/22 -- REST
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
17th reading Surah Maidah, Surah An'aam till v 30
Yet another relapse. This illness offers a long buffet of symptoms.
Now a painful cough has started since yesterday.
After much tergiversation, I decide to cancel
tomorrow's 1/2 Marathon for good. We will not even go pick up the bibs.
The voice of reason has prevailed.
This weight loss is incomprehensible, unintended,
and a little concerning...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/21/22, 22 Muharram 1444 -- Kajupada Pipeline
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi long - Jogger's Lane - LBS, past Phoenix Mall -
Kajupada Pipeline - Saki Naka - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar long -
Mhada - Nahar
Time: 1:17:02
Mileage: 7.84 Miles - 12.62 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
17th reading Surah An'aam till v 140
This should have been the day of the re-scheduled Half Marathon,
our first race this season.
But sick all week, I have finally yielded to cancelling, heeding
reason for once. Yesterday was a bad day which ended up again mostly
in bed, in an increasingly despondent mood, and agitated by a painful
cough.
But as I had anticipated, I wake up well in the morning, feeling
quite sharp. Will I regret the decision? I stick to the long view,
and remind myself all the good reasons for not participating (one
of which is that this is another of those massive BKC runs, which
often are hard to run among the crowd!). I pursue a more moderate
distance today, in the mood for further exploration, end up repeating
the Kajupada Pipeline, this time till Saki Naka, venturing through
the narrower slum area of the road. I feel quite good, especially
at first, at a more conservative pace, feeling vulnerable yet in
control. I do confirm after some time that I've done right, I would
not have been in shape for a half marathon. Instead, this is another
slum discovery run, continuing the pipeline, somewhat adventurous,
weary of dogs along the way, but all is well. I lengthen the way
back, still feeling ok, having spent just the right amount of
effort to cap this week.
And I can now contemplate future races, in the months to come,
which will surely be better than running in BKC...
Aarey Pipeline (10.45 Miles) -- 08/27/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/22/22, 23 Muharram 1444 -- Short Brisk Run
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Slum Alley - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:32:32
Mileage: 3.51 Miles - 5.65 Km
Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs
17th reading Surah A'raaf till v 54
A lot of hesitation, to run or not to run. Reason would dictate
to take a day away from running and do a gym session, opinion
which prevails at first, but then the lure of the outside pulls
me, as often, an in extremis I do go out. Perhaps it's a mistake.
A mediocre run actually, a bit short of breath, but perhaps
caused by this unusually fast pace.
Later, I hastily register for Matheran Endurathon, only to
stupidly regret it almost immediately!! But still, need to ramp up
for upcoming races, let's see how it goes. Unfortunately, Gulzar
continues to withdraw, and will not be participating.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/24/22, 25 Muharram 1444 -- 1.5 K Intervals
Lake Homes - Orchard / JVLR: 0:13:15 [r.2'18"][1.27M, 2.05K]
Intervals 1.5 K on Orchard Ave.: 1.52 Km - 0.94 Miles
Interval 1: 7'49".49 [r.3'06"] -- Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
Interval 2: 8'11".69 [r.2'46"] -- Pace: 8'39"/mile - 5'23"/km
Intervals Time: 0:16:00
Intervals Mileage: 1.88 Miles - 3.04 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'15"/km
Age Graded: 1.52K in 6'31" ie. 6'53"/mile pace
Rambaagh - Nahar: 0:09:04 [1.02M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 0:38:19 (workout time: 0:46:31)
Total Mileage: 4.17 Miles - 6.72 Km
Total Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (Good weight, but don't let it drift up)
17th reading Surah Yunus till v 40
Unfortunately, a very mediocre session. I am not able to keep
pace, and cut it short. As if on purpose, heavy showers just for
the intervals, later, it will be rather sunny.
I am still not feeling recovered unfortunately, somewhat of
a relapse today. And following a surprise announcement, it looks
like work will come to an end quicker than anticipated. I have
wanted this in a way, so why should I feel so dejected? Conscious
efforts to not let my mood dip too far.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/26/22, 27 Muharram 1444 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Hiranandani Hosp. -
IIT Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:49:45
Mileage: 5.07 Miles - 8.16 Km
Pace: 9'48"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs (unexpected)
17th reading Surah Yusuf till v 43
I wake up "late" around 5:15, Qur'an reading, and Surah Yaseen Namaaz,
again in a terrible mood, which the practice of the text helps mitigate.
Yesterday, I performed a particularly excellent Zohar ki Namaaz (reciting
from Surah Isra), as it should be, but is difficult to attain outside of
moments of abandonment. This morning, the final word has fallen, next
month will be my last with Spire. In spite of anticipating this, I have
to police my thoughts to prevent a dangerous downward spiral. I have
been shielding Gulzar from most of this, but during stretching, it all
comes out, and we cry together.
On top of this, my health continues to be very fragile, disappointing,
with frequent relapses of fatigue, headaches, and heaviness in the chest.
I nevertheless go out on this run, fearing its outcome, will I be able
to run?
But alhamdulillah, this turns out quite good. I feel more comfortable
out today (at a later hour), and embark on a classic route through Hiranandani.
My running plans are completely up in the air, we'll see if I am able to
complete a long run tomorrow, and beyond that the Matheran Endurathon,
for which I have too hastily registered.
Later, I go to the Masjid for Jummah, which completes an entire reversal
of my mood. Sakinah, serenity, has taken hold of me. Nor do I fear,
nor do I grieve...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/27/22, 28 Muharram 1444 -- Aarey Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to Bhandup Gate [0:48, 4.53M, 7.29K]
Back to Renaissance Hotel [1:08, 6.5M, 10.46K] - Again to Bhandup Gate
[1:30, 8.47M, 13.63K] - Back to Renaissance Hotel [10.45M, 16.81K]
Time: 1:52:40
Mileage: 10.45 Miles - 16.81 Km
Pace: 10'46"/mile - 6'42"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
17th reading Surah Ra'd till v 38
I have planned this as a long training run, two weeks before
the Matheran Endurathon, and a test that I am back on track. Well,
I do not pass.
It starts well though. I am greeted by a rare sunshine, very
pleasant, and my pace, deliberately kept comfortable, feels easy
and natural. Although tempted by the Aarey hills, I return to the
Pipeline, attracted by its peace and quiet, no traffic here!
I cross and salute the usual people, and the first lap to Bhandup
and back feels very good.
But on the second, in spite of a refreshing drizzle, I start
to tire. I try my best to keep the effort controlled, but to not
much avail. After a break at the Bhandup gate, I decide to DNF
the run, stopping at the Renaissance Hotel, and buying a Thumbs-Up
at the slum hamlet, before hailing a Rickshaw back home. Having
planned for a 2h30 run, I have actually not even completed 2.
This falls short of my goal, but I am not entirely dissatisfied
at first ... until I see my pace! I have run particularly slow,
which makes my lack of endurance all the more concerning. I have
clearly fallen short, this mysterious illness continues
to bring me down, has really taken it out of me. In spite of the
negative test, could this be a case of long Covid? Surprising
that I am not able to recover.
Anyway, I find myself again back in that resigned "it is
what it is" position, which has characterized my training in these
later years. Unlike earlier, I find it difficult to rely on
the solidity of my training, very unpredictable, not able to depend
on my shape.
Impossible to make plans, I'll take it as it comes.
"... Those who believe and whose hearts find rest
in the rememberance of Allah,
verily, in the rememberance of Allah
do hearts find rest ..."
(Surah Ra'd [15] v. 28)
Drums of Lord Ganesha, Hill Slums, to the Birds (13.37 Miles) -- 09/03/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/29/22, 1 Safar 1444 -- Miracle Mondays
Rambaagh - Lakeside Promenade [1.7M, 2.74Km] [17'00"??]
IIT, to Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar -
Hiranandani Hosp - Main - Central - High - South Hill - Cliff -
SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time 2nd Segment: 0:41:57
Mileage 2nd Segment: 4.29 Miles - 6.9 Km
Pace 2nd Segment: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Estimated Total Time: 0:58:33 [0:41:57 + 0:16:36]
Total Mileage: 5.99 Miles - 9.64 Km
Total Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
17th reading Surah Nahl till v 120
Another staggering reversal. Incomprehensible.
Up at 4:15, reading and Namaaz. Like yesterday, an errand Masjid
gives the Fajr ki Adhaan, hope this will not create strife.
After yesterday's complete meltdown, afraid to run, really not
knowing what shape I'll be in. I opt for a "safe" run along Lake
Powai, easy to cut short.
But I feel Marvelous! Marvelous.
Very comfortable running, seamless breathing, and relaxed
stride. A complete turn-around. A steady rain along the lake,
which relaxes me even further. I feel like flying, effortless.
The section to the kabuttar is unexpectedly closed, I stop my
watch but reset it by mistake when I resume, hence first segment
timing is lost. Feeling so good, I prolong the run to the far gate,
and up to Hiranandani, and even add the South hill, all in perfect
comfort.
Unbelievable. And really confusing. Where is my health at?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/31/22, 3 Safar 1444 -- Hill Repeats "Drums of Lord Ganesha"
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Main - Kailash Hill -
to Base Camp: 0:31:34 [r.2'56"] [2.87M, 4.61K]
Kailash Hill Repeats: 1.07 Km - 0.66 Miles
Interval 1: 6'51".55 [d.6'39" r.3'43"] -- Pace: 10'18"/mile - 6'24"/km
Interval 2: 6'56".63 [d.6'37" r.4'45"] -- Pace: 10'25"/mile - 6'28"/km
Interval 3: 7'03".91 [r.2'24"] -- Pace: 10'37"/mile - 6'36"/km
Intervals Time: 0:20:51
Intervals Mileage: 1.98 Miles - 3.21 Km
Intervals Pace: 10'27"/mile - 6'29"/km
Main - Central - SM Shetty - Jamah Masjid Shangarsh Nagar:
0:19:32 [1.99M, 3.2K]
Total Time: 1:25:13 (total workout: 1:39:04)
Total Mileage: 8.16 Miles - 13.16 Km
Total Pace: 10'25"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (expected and deliberate)
17th reading Surah Maryam till v 65
Recovering from illness, I deliberately keep this session
a little easier, trying to keep the effort well in check.
Indeed, I have lost so much in the last two weeks!
Still, hoping this is a good recovery session. I might participate in
Matheran after all, we'll see, if this is confirmed.
Skies are now clear, and weather warmer, very sweaty.
On the way back, I hear loud drums of Ganapati, as if
giving rhythm to my run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/02/22, 5 Safar 1444 -- Barve Nagar Slum Hills
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi long - Barve Nagar Maidam - Bhim Nagar Hill -
Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani
Time: 0:49:12
Mileage: 4.84 Miles - 7.8 Km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs (Expected, but don't drift too far up)
17th reading Surah Hajj till v 39
A strange wake-up, mind and body do not wake, causing for a poor
reading of Surah Hajj, interrupted by bodily functions and noises in
the house (which I keep mistaking for Gulzar waking up). This
uncomfortable state luckily
turns around during an excellent recitation of Surah Yaseen in
Namaaz, on this Jummah ka Din. There is no Adhaan today, the errant
Masjid has gone silent again, and the lone bird of Fajr has
disappeared for some time now.
And the run is excellent!! Casting all caution aside,
I head out to the Bhatwadi area, it is quieter with schools off
(a last minute govt decision), I as often get increasingly bolder
as I find comfort.
I first visit the Barve Nagar Maidam, then, for the first time,
run up and down the impressive Bhim Nagar alley,
through the slum on the hill. I have
walked here before, but this is my first run, a somewhat bold
endeavor, pleasantly quiet on this beautiful clear morning, and
to the sounds and sights of the many Ganeshas.
Wonderful run! The mysterious illness seems finally over,
but I have yet to recover my full fitness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/03/22, 6 Safar 1444 -- Birds
Lakeside Promenade - IIT - JVLR, to EEH: 0:41 [4.05M, 6.52K]
Eastern Express Hwy, to Flamingoes Preserve: 1:10 [6.78, 10.91K]
Eastern Express Hwy, back to JVLR: 1:39 [9.51M, 15.31K]
IIT Hill - Lake Powai - Raambagh: 2:21 [13.37M, 21.52K]
Time: 2:21:39
Mileage: 13.37 Miles - 21.52 Km
Pace: 10'35"/mile - 6'34"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
17th reading Surah Nur till v 35
I accomplish today what I failed to accomplish last week.
With one week to go before Matheran, as I normally should be
tapering, I embark on a long run. After the usual hesitation (I
was projecting a hilly Aarey run to simulate Matheran), I settle
for mellower distance along the mangroves, cautious to not lay it
all out today. After a nervous start (I am somehow scared that I
might fail at this run, and have to discipline myself to relax),
I start feeling good along the highway, with the morning sun
over the mangroves to the right, on this unusually beautifully
clear day. I eventually decide to push
to the Flamingo Preserve, along the peaceful small road, and see
a large group of large birds on the salt marshes - not flamingoes,
perhaps those painted storks, which usually wander alone.
I have luckily planned for this distance, taking the big water belt
for the first time this season, and Khajur, which will fuel me
throughout. The return is also relaxed, I do allow myself
a few short stops, trying my best to return in relative comfort, and
find a moderate pace to carry me up IIT Hill. Today, I resist
any stupid suggestions from my mind to cut the run short, and
make it successfully back home. Yes, it really does feel good
to complete a run as intended!
I should be ready for Matheran.
-- Route through Barve Nagar and Bhim Nagar --
-- Another Magical Day in Matheran --
Matheran Endurathon 25K (15.53 Miles) -- 09/11/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/05/22, 8 Safar 1444 -- Amrut Nagar
Hiranandani H - Nana Palshikar - Padmaveti Devi - JVLR down -
LBS - RCity Mall - Amrut Nagar - Golibar Rd - Andheri Ghatkopar -
Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:01:31
Mileage: 6.22 Miles - 10.01 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 28C; humidity 80%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
17th reading Surah Shu'ara till v 105
Wake up 3:30, push to somnolence but unable to sleep back,
up at 4:40. 4 Rakhats Surah Isra in Namaaz.
Unusual start in Hiranandani, down through small
streets to JVLR, planning to loop via Amrut Nagar.
A little tired but feeling quite good. Clear day, recent storms
gone. Relatively comfortable. But this route ends up longer than I
anticipated. Me who wanted to stick to short runs this week, I end
up running a 10K! Still, a good run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/07/22, 10 Safar 1444 -- Semi Tempo
Rambaagh, to Orchard: 0:11:24 [1.13M, 1.82K]
Tempo Run: Orchard - Slum - JVLR - Lakeview - Orchard
Tempo Time: 0:17:57 [r.1'03"]
Tempo Mileage: 1.98 Miles - 3.19 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'37"/km
Back: 0:08:55 [0.96M, 1.55K]
Total Time: 0:38:16
Total Mileage: 4.07 Miles - 6.56 Km
Total Pace: 9'24"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.1 lbs
17th reading Surah Rum
Up at 4:08, after several wake-ups, and so does Gulzar.
I nevertheless manage a good reading and Namaaz.
But the run is mediocre, feeling laborious and out of
breath, slow. A run to forget -
Have I still not recovered?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/09/22, 12 Safar 1444 -- Easy Run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - High - Central - Main -
Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar.
Time: 0:38:38
Mileage: 3.83 Miles - 6.16 Km
Pace: 10'05"/mile - 6'16"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
17th reading Surah Yaseen
Up early again at 4am, a bit tired. Surah Yaseen in reading
and again in Namaaz.
A deliberately low-intensity run. Not as bad as Wednesday,
but still mixed. Even my easy pace is slower than I'd like.
It is a clear day, but there have been big storms the last couple
evenings, with lightning right over us, and the roads are still
wet.
I will definitely take the Matheran run very easy, aiming
to finish in relative comfort. As often before the run, I worry
about stupid things. This time it's the mud! I am obsessed by
the idea that the monsoon rains will make the trails an impractical
mud bath!
Later in the day, she unexpectedly reverses her decision,
wants to run a 10K after all. Without much hope, I try registering,
yes, it is still open and works! I am very happy about this, but
worried still about her persistent cold.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 09/11/22, 14 Safar 1444 -- MATHERAN ENDURATHON 25K
Time:3:04:26 (running time)
Official Time: 3:06:22
Rank: 10 Overall, 3rd of 45+ Age Category
Mileage: 15.53 Miles - 25 Km
Pace: 11'52"/mile - 7'22"/km
Age Graded: 25K in 2:34:31, ie. 9'56"/mile pace
I am in the typical sulky mood before the run, which often preludes
to my best runs. This time will be no exception...
Gulzar, who has registered last minute for the 10K, has a bad
cold (could it be Covid?), and I myself am back into headaches.
On Saturday morning, I am ready to abandon, not even drive to
Matheran at all. But Gulzar, who luckily has no fever, insists
on going. Off we go!
Drive to Matheran, up the steep mountain road, funny incident
at the parking: We are warned of a thief who steals Eeco (our car)
silencers at night. We are asked to sign a letter to absolve them
from responsibility should anything happen. After some discussion
in Hindi, I watch the agent write a long letter in Marathi, which
I dutifully sign, amused by the incident, and for some reason
confident that nothing will actually happen. (I am right, nothing
will).
Matheran is partially in the clouds as we walk towards
the market, then a steady rain for some time, confirming
my fears for the run tomorrow. Among my many worries is finding
a hotel room, but that ends up being trivial, at the same place as last
time. Even in our bag packs, our clothes have gotten wet, and
cannot dry. After getting the bibs (in deep fog), I more or less
fall asleep till dinner at 8:30, which Gulzar pushes me
to eat abundantly. A renewed deluge has started, I cannot
sleep, overcome by worries, the rain, her illness, the muddy
course, etc. I must have fallen asleep but wake up in the
night, again unable to really sleep, pushing myself to several
episodes of somnolence, and finally woken up by a bona-fide dream
in which I have been insulting my father! It is 4:45, before
the alarm, I still have a headache, but the rain has stopped.
None of the night's fears will materialize, quite on the
contrary!
We've reached the start too early, finding our way easily in the
darkness, and no fog. This time the route will consist of two
identical counter-clockwise loops, rather than the out-and-back
that had made the return so difficult last time. The group
of runners is relatively small. After warmup and singing the anthem,
the run starts with a slight delay to allow for visibility.
I am strongly determined to treat this as a long training run.
Today's motto: Keep the effort under control throughout,
and finish in one piece.
I am soon reassured that I feel good, none of the
out-of-breath stomach that has plagued me earlier in
the week. I find my comfort pace, focus on staying on plan,
not getting distracted by others, marveling at the deep forest
around me, or the occasional
plunging views of the vertiginous green cliffs striped by
long waterfalls. I stop briefly at certain drink stops,
either water or for the first time trying Enerzal. Another
innovation is that, having forgotten the Kajur at home, I
am carrying a Max Protein Bars in my pocket, which
I eat from at four points along the way. This small mistake
turns out to be a blessing in disguise, as this nutrition
works perfectly. Only thing, have been sternly warned of
potentially aggressive monkeys, I carefully conceal the
bar from their view.
Remembering the trail relatively well, it isn't quite
the same awed discovery as it was last year. Still, I feel
enthralled by the dense forest, the runners have sufficiently
spread out that I experience in my blessed solitude, and
marvel at the occasional sweeping views of the cliffs
plunging to cloud draped valleys and lakes below. None
of my silly nightmare scenarios materialize, it doesn't
rain, hardly any water on the trail, whatever mud
is perfectly manageable, and the temperature is quite
comfortable. I am scouting the route as I go for potential
difficulties in anticipation of the second loop. I
eventually reach the Market area, from where it's a relatively
easy return to the start, a much much easier finish than
last year. I have completed the first loop in surprising
comfort.
I continue to feel quite good on the second loop.
I cross 10K runners on
their way back, and soon meet Gulzar, who seems to be
having an equally good day, what a relief! A few
runners walk the steeper uphills, which I don't, although I'm
hardly faster than their walk.
Some guy complains about
the toughness of the trail, "so hard, so many rocks",
I let him disappear, valuing my solitude. I gather my strength
and patience for the long climb from the lake, which I pass
slowly but without interrupting the run, and not depleting
too much energy. From here, I patiently pass a somewhat long
stretch of rolling hills, ticking the kilometer markers,
occasionally chewing my bar while fearing the many monkeys.
At no point do I actually struggle, and eventually make it
back to the Market for the last stretch and last climb, then
downhill to the finish line, where like last year Gulzar
awaits me. I have indeed run about 15 minutes slower than
last time, but I feel much more comfortable.
Once stopped though, as if suddenly setting in,
I start feeling a bit dizzy, unable to
eat right away. Gulzar makes me sit in a plastic chair,
next to us, a woman who has fallen has a bloody nose
and mouth (there were many falls apparently).
I eventually manage to eat, slowly. I have perfectly
executed my race plan! My time is slower than last year,
but I could not be more satisfied. And Gulzar's run has
been great too!
We are about to leave when I pause as they start
announcing the 25K winners. There is hardly a chance,
but we stay. And yes, I am called, I have placed 3rd
in the 45+ category, I am given a small trophy and
made to speak in Hindi!
We walk back, drive back, immensily satisfied.
None of the inexplicable pre-race fears have materialized,
quite on the contrary, what a splendid day
for both of us. And only later once home, looking back at my
diary, do I realize that the last run was also during
Monsoon, so what is it that I was worried
about?
-- An unexpected Trophy --
After Matheran (5 Miles) -- 09/17/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/13/22, 16 Safar 1444 -- Heavy Rain
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Ave - Central - IIT - Lake Promenade
Time: 0:43:39
Mileage: 4.33 Miles - 6.97 Km
Pace: 10'04"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs (!! Oh Fuck !! Fuck !!! Fuck !!!!!!!!)
17th reading Surah Ha Mim Sajdah till v 19
Start under a very heavy rain, streets flooded in places, in fact,
more flooding here than in Matheran!! Even at this early hour, I
struggle with the disruptive traffic, especially near the schools,
like an course of surprise obstacles!
But all in all, an excellent run. Very good recovery it seems,
perfectly comfortable, like one of those Miracle Monday's. But let's
not get carried away yet, priority is to recover.
My weight however has exploded out of control! I need to bring
it back in check, hoping to stabilize somewhere in the mid 68's.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/14/22, 17 Safar 1444 -- Better Pace
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - Ridge -
Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:42:10
Mileage: 4.39 Miles - 7.07 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (better)
17th reading Surah Zukhruf
A good night sleep, made of several episodes with dreams.
Good reading and Namaaz (Surah Mulk), in a concentrated effort
to restore its devotion.
No rain today, but roads are still wet. I am proudly
wearing Sunday's Matheran shirt. My goal today is to improve my
pace, and I achieve just that, approaching a 9'30"/mile pace,
while feeling quite comfortable. Also, my runaway weight has
been brought under control, at least for now. I'll be happy
if it stays in the 68's. Basically, great recovery from the
Marathon run so far, all is well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/15/22, 18 Safar 1444 -- Even Better Pace
Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate & Back
Time: 0:42:19
Mileage: 4.51 Miles - 7.26 Km
Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (Shabaash, what a recovery!!)
17th reading Surah Muhammad till v 20
Another Evil 3:30 Wake-Up, unable in spite of
all my best efforts to fall back asleep, reaching only fleeting visions,
too fugitive for true Sukun. I get up around 4:20, luckily pretty well,
good reading and good Namaaz (Surah Isra).
My goal today is simply to continue improving my pace.
Not quite a tempo run, but I do find a brisker sustainable
pace, which works overall well. Grounds are still wet, but no rain,
until after the run. A good effort, fulfilling my goal
of the day. And I seem to have brought my weight back in
control.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/17/22, 20 Safar 1444 -- 5 Miles Semi Tempo Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate: 0:24:28 [2.58M, 4.15K]
Back: 0:21:58 [2.41M, 3.88K]
Time: 0:46:26
Mileage: 4.99 Miles - 8.03 Km
Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'46"/km
1st Split: 9'28"/mile pace -- 2nd Split: 9'06"/mile pace
Age Graded Best Split: 2.41 Miles in 18'15" ie. 7'34"/mile
Weather: 26C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (great, but now don't decrease further)
17th reading Surah Rahman
Yesterday, after going to Masjid in spite of the blustery rains,
I experience another mini-collapse in the afternoon, after Asr ki
Namaaz, and lay down on the ground to sleep. This still doesn't seem
enough and, skipping all other Namaaz, I sleep again very early, and
luckily through the night, in several episodes. Not sure what prompts
these breakdowns, is it long Covid, insufficient nutrition, or what?
Anyway, this morning is better, I have reached Surah Rahman in reading
the Qur'an and pray Surah Mulk in Namaaz. And I am delighted to hear
the song of the bird of Fajr, back after a long mysterious
absence.
I am more than ever hesitant where to run this morning. A good
guideline is to still keep it easy and short after Matheran, so
eventually I opt for the most familiar possible course: Lake Powai and IIT,
and continue to work on my pace (as I have all week), some sort of
a tempo run but without warmup.
This works out well. I am able to keep the effort under control,
a good push-pull rhythm, and my pace does progress, although
still a little disappointing. I have slowed down in the last few weeks,
and need to climb back up. With age, training has become more fickle.
Overall a good run though, an excellent recovery from Matheran,
my weight back on target, and as I have promised myself a low mileage
week, careful to not overdo it. Now happily planning for future races...
The 17th Reading (8.96 Miles) -- 09/24/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/19/22, 22 Safar 1444 -- Bhatwadi, Asalfa, Mohilli Village
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi long - Jogger's Lane - LBS -
Nari Seva Sadan, through Asalfa - Mohilli Village Pipeline - Khairani W.
Time: 0:59:10
Mileage: 6.31 Miles - 10.15 Km
Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
17th reading Surah Haqqah
Woke up around 4:30 pretty well. Surah Mulk in reading,
approaching the end of the Book.
This is actually an excellent run. I head out for the
Bhatwadi / Asalfa route, to not let myself dose off in the
posh Hiranandani routes, and this works perfectly. In Bhatwadi,
I pass a group of school youths running in the opposite
direction. And then, as always, the vibrant life of the slums,
particularly through Asalfa and Mohili, fascinates me. I feel
good enough that I lengthen the run a little, returning
through the Pipeline.
And actually, this ends up being slightly over a 10K,
at an excellent pace, without unduly pushing it. Excellent!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/21/22, 24 Safar 1444 -- 1.5K Intervals
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:13:11 [r.3'27"] [1.27M, 2.05K]
1.5K Intervals on Orchard: 1.5 Km - 0.93 Miles
Interval 1: 7'41".61 [r.3'21"] -- Pace: 8'14"/mile - 5'07"/km
Interval 2: 7'43".13 [r.4'00"] -- Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
Interval 3: 7'36".51 [r.5'27"] -- Pace: 8'09"/mile - 5'04"/km
Interval 4: 7'50".13 [r.4'32"] -- Pace: 8'24"/mile - 5'13"/km
Intervals Time: 0:30:50
Intervals Mileage: 3.72 Miles - 6 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.5K in 6'20", ie. 6'47"/mile pace
Back via Raambagh: 0:09:35 [1.01M, 1.62K]
Total Time: 0:53:36 (total workout: 1:14:26)
Total Mileage: 6 Miles - 9.67 Km
Total Pace: 8'56"/mile - 5'32"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
17th reading Surah Inshiqaq, Surah Isra in Namaaz.
I have been concerned about various aches and pains,
especially the back and hamstring, reminescent of last
year's stoppage. But I follow my plan regardless.
I wake up well around 4:40. I feel great actually as soon as
the run starts,
excellent breath, leading to a good session, careful not to overdo it,
but a well-dosed effort. My last
interval falls out of bounds, but that is common, and I do
fulfill my goal of 4 intervals. During one of them, I witness a young
man fall on his motorbike, taking a turn too tight on the wet roads.
Doing the numbers, my
pace disappoints slightly, I would have preferred 8 min miles. Still,
this is my 2nd best time
this year, and I've recovered some of the recent losses. Good enough for now.
Later, before Dhuhr ki Namaaz, I complete the Amma Padha, thus finishing
my 17th reading of the Qur'an.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/23/22, 26 Safar 1444 -- Marwah
Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Bamandayapada, to Mithi & Back
Time: 0:51:03
Mileage: 5.16 Miles - 8.3 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Revising Surah Isra, Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
Evil wake up at 3:40, vague attempts at seeing visions, but
no actual sleep, so I get up around 4:20. Excellent (re)study of Surah
Isra, and excellent recitation of Surah Yaseen in Namaaz, on this
Jummah. Things have been generally shaping up.
Gulzar has also woken up a little early. From the balcony, I marvel
at a clear day, revealing crisp stars. A low-key relaxed run,
for which I decide to revisit Marwah road, quiet because still mostly
closed to traffic. It's been unusually cool for Mumbai these
last few days, today is no exception. Once out, I marvel again
at the clear near winter conditions, but as if to play with me,
a brief rain shower soon falls out of nowhere.
All in all, a very good relaxed run, pleasant.
Later, on this Jummah, while walking to the Masjid,
I find a man laying as if unconscious on bustling Khairani road,
barely to the side, bringing back memories of our days in Kadugodi.
As I sit in the Masjid listening to the Imaam's Qutbah (which I
understand at about 75%, bringing back home words every week), I
am filled with happiness at the uniqueness of my situation, and,
even though we've been contemplating all options lately,
realize how I would loathe to leave India.
Like in the morning, I conjure an exceptional
Namaaz among the Saffat. It is dominated by the vision that Gulzar
has been sent to me to bring
me onto the siratal mustaq'een (straight path), and my
entire India periple, in all its extraordinary circumstances,
comes under the light of Allah's Qadar.
When I walk back after Namaaz 1h30 later, the drunk
man hasn't budged, his body still perilously splayed in the street,
could he be dead? As if to answer my question, as I pass, his arm
shifts position.
-- "... and He found you erring, and guided you ..." --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/24/22, 27 Safar 1444 -- Rain Crescendo
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline,
to Bhandup Gate [0:46:46] [4.54M, 7.3K]
Back same way [0:44:18] [4.42M, 7.12K]
Time: 1:31:04
Mileage: 8.96 Miles - 14.42 Km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Today, a semi-long run, which I deliberately keep easy. I have
chosen the Aarey Pipeline as a relaxing course, far from all
traffic noise.
Once again, I've gotten up bravely around 4:10, which feels
fine at first but gradually declines. I start the run somewhat
dizzy, and patiently strive to find a decent pace that will bring
my disposition
in order. People are getting shaved along Powai Lake.
The run starts under a very slight drizzle, but in a gradual
crescendo, escalates to a heavy rain, under which I will return.
The temperature is fresher than normal, as it has been all week,
Mumbai winter-like, good for running. The silence of the Pipeline
indeed provides me sukun (with the ever-present surprise
that occurs after the cessation of noise), and I cross the usual
ghumnevalle, exchanging many salutes along the way. I have
by now succeeded in relaxing into the run, and finish in very good
comfort, continuing to revise Surah Isra.
-- The Spire India Crew --
Last Days at Spire (11.8 Miles) -- 10/01/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/26/22, 29 Safar 1444 --
Khairani E. - Andheri Ghatkopar - Asalfa - Nari Seva Sadan -
LBS - Kajupada Pipeline - 90 ft rd - Saki Naka - Khairani W.
Time: 0:53:04
Mileage: 5.66 Miles - 9.12 Km
Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Clear skies, without transition, it has started getting hot,
though not yet October Heat Sweaty. It'll get worse...
The run starts admirably well today. I woke up a little
later around 5:10 to several dreams, and my breath feels
extraordinarily good today, running comfortable and easy.
A small innovation, I run through Asalfa in reverse direction
for the first time, in perfect miracle monday shape,
able to better take in the life of the slum.
But for no apparent reason, my good form leaves me on
the way back. I struggle a bit with my pace, and need to focus
on keeping the run under control - which I manage. While not so
dramatic, this is another example of a sudden loss of regime
in the middle of an otherwise excellent run. Why is this?
Old age? Covid aftermath? As a possible explanation, I realize
later that my pace has been inadvertently higher than normal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/28/22, 01 Rabi al-Awwal 1444 -- 6K Tempo Run
Nahar - Lakehome - Orchard: 0:13:42 [r.4'35"] [1.34M, 2.15K]
6K Tempo along Orchard Avenue
1st Split: 0:16:55 [3K - 1.87M]
2nd Split: 0:16:54 [3K - 1.87M]
Tempo Time: 0:33:49
Tempo Mileage: 3.74 Miles - 6 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'02"/mile - 5'38"/km
Age Graded: 6K in 28'08", ie. 7'32"/mile pace
Lakehome - Chandivali: [r.2'52"] 0:11:25 [1.21M, 1.95K]
Total Time: 0:58:56 (total workout: 1:06:26)
Total Mileage: 6.29 Miles - 10.1 Km
Total Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 26C; humidity 81%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Yesterday was Brad & PJ's visit, I was out for most of the day,
although miraculously managed to escape before dinner. Still, I
feel tired. As often, I wake up too early with my mind racing,
dreading another day of exhaustion, which I'll again have to
spend with Brad & PJ. But today, I miraculously sleep back!
With great focus and mental discipline, I manage to push my
mind to the dreamy images (which happen to work better when
the human figure, however distorted, is involved), and from
there to an actual dream. All that around 4:10am, with only
20 minutes left before getting up! I feel great, alhamdulillah,
buoyed by this accomplishment!
The run is ok, at a controlled pace. This is currently
my target tempo pace, as lackluster as it is, which I achieve
today with consistency. Still amazed though at the slowndown
of age, this used to be my easy slow training pace!
The day is spent with Brad & PJ, which is concluded by
a huge meal at a luxurious hotel, where we are made to each
eat like ten.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/30/22, 03 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Brisk Run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - JVLR - Raambagh.
Time: 0:34:34
Mileage: 3.77 Miles - 6.07 Km
Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'41"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (Nicely done)
My last morning meeting with Spire.
In spite of an early morning wake-up (like yesteday, "miraculously"
able to push myself to dreamy visions), not too much time, after Surah
Yaseen in Namaaz. (Yesterday, recited all of Surah Isra throughout the
Namaaz of the day, and re-started reading the Qur'an). This leads to
a spirited run, where I feel quite springy, in spite of having felt
various aches and pain. Overall a good run. This will be the last time
I show up all sweaty in the Zoom meeting, which seems to have
bothered the US quite a bit!
At the Masjid on Friday, for once, I do not quite follow the
Khutbah, but a good Namaaz. And so ends the day, peaceful and quiet,
my last day with Spire Animation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/01/22, 04 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Chembur
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Hiranandani Hospital -
Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - JVLR - Eastern Express Highway:
Vikhroli [0:57:57, 5.57M, 8.96K], Ghatkopar, Bangalore Hwy - Pestom
Sagar Rd - Ghatkopar Mahul Rd - MG Road - LBS - Ramchandra B Kadam -
Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani E.
Time: 2:06:39
Mileage: 11.8 Miles - 18.99 Km
Pace: 10'43"/mile - 6'40"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
18th reading Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 82
My goal is to run roughly a half-marathon today (in preparation
for a race in 2 weeks), or a two hour+ run. I am however as ever very
uncertain on the course, and end up improvising this somewhat unusual
route. I am well determined to cover the distance in relative comfort,
to not exert myself too much, finishing in one piece. But this excess
of caution eventually leads to a somewhat dispirited run, bordering
on tedious. I decide from the EEH to try the Chembur route in reverse
(probably for the first time), but it ends up being too urban to really
feel pleasant, and I am probably worn down by the incessant noise of
vehicles. Plus, as the run progresses, still taking it easy, I
complacently stop too often for eating or drinking,
interrupting my rhythm. Finally, at the end of Khairani road, seeing
the barrage of vehicles and people ahead through Shangarsh Nagar, I
stop there, and finish the last few 100 meters walking.
Later, my pace disappoints. It's one thing to take it easy on
long runs, but this may have crossed the line. Objectively, I have
accomplished today's goal, but with a mediocre run that disappoints.
-- A beautiful Goodbye Gift from the Crew --
Kailash Hill, Simili-10K (8.46 Miles) -- 10/08/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/03/22, 06 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline IIT Bridge [0:27:37, 2.81M, 4.52K]
- Back [2.69M, 4.34K].
Time: 0:52:25
Mileage: 5.5 Miles - 8.86 Km
Pace: 9'31"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Again, excellent sleep, with multiple episodes of deep dreams.
Revising Surah A'raaf.
No work, no meeting!! Beautiful clear sunny morning. Feeling pretty good,
as a Miracle Monday. Decide for Pipeline, quiet and beautiful, till the
bridge, careful to not overextend distance. Find a good pace, which
arguably should be my training pace, but may end up being my 1/2 Marathon
target pace for now.
18th reading Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 103, Maghrib till v 121.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/04/22, 07 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Barwe Nagar
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi Loop - Barve Nagar Maidam Loop.
Time: 0:39:02
Mileage: 4.03 Miles - 6.49 Km
Pace: 9'41"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Slept well, continued to revise Surah A'raaf, but once outside,
surprise, I struggle with my breath, feeling rather dizzy.
I endure it patiently, trying to find my rhythm, which I
eventually more or less do, in the second half of the run.
In spite of this, I do achieve my desired training pace,
one minute slower than it was in my prime.
18th reading Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 153.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/05/22, 08 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Snake!
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs (Crap!)
Got up "late" around 5:25 but
I cancel my ambitious Hill Repeats plan, as I feel beat-up by various
aches and pains, especially on the whole left side. I revert to praying
the seated portions of Namaaz in a chair to spare my left ankle.
Gulzar being awake too, we go for a walk along Lake Powai (morning
Durgah Pooja activity), and the
"sunrise" park. At some point, wanting to pee, I take
a dirt trail which embarks surprisingly far into the vegetation
by the lake, ahead, a long branch looks unusually shiny. It starts
to move its head, looking at me. It's a long long snake!!! I retreat
very politely, without peeing, thankfully from a safe distance.
My fitness doesn't feel that good since the long run, sore and tired, and
this weight increase, expected but still harsh, unforgiving, does
not help.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 183,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 222.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/06/22, 09 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Hill Repeats
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Main - Kailash Base Camp:
0:30:33 [2.86M, 4.61K] [r.5'04"]
Kailash Hill Repeats: 1.07 Km - 0.66 Miles
Interval 1: 6'28".09 [d.6'30"][r.5'03"]
-- Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Interval 2: 6'35".55 [r.2'53"]
-- Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'09"/km
Intervals Time: 0:13:03
Intervals Mileage: 1.32 Miles - 2.14 Km
Intervals Pace: 9'48"/mile - 6'05"/km
Back - Central - SM Shetty - Jumah Masjid Shangarsh Nagar:
0:19:02 [2.01M, 3.24K]
Total Time: 1:09:08 (total workout: 1:21:39)
Total Mileage: 6.85 Miles - 11.06 Km
Total Pace: 10'03"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs
I did very well in taking yesterday off. Today, my aches, pains
and weariness have subsided a bit, and I feel better fit for running
(although still a little shy, almost nervous). I wake up well around 4:30, after
multiple heavy dreams, this has been a period where sleep comes very easily at night.
Continued revisions of Surah al-A'raaf, and Surah Isra in Namaaz.
The weather has changed, October Heat has started. No more freshness
in the morning, however subtle, the weather is overcast, feeling hot and
humid like a hamman. Thankfully I have taken a small flask of Gatorade
in my pocket.
I warm up through Lake homes still unsure whether I'm fit for running,
observe ample rest at base camp before starting the hills. Today
I want to push the pace more firmly, even if that means running fewer
intervals. I do precisely that, feeling a good strong effort (the usual push-pull
strain-relax exercise), but not quite as energetic as I would hope. I
am drenched in sweat. I hope to better my time on the second interval,
but come short of that, yet still within acceptable range. I, wisely
perhaps, call it a day after two intervals.
This turns out to be just slightly short of my best session this
season, in late July. Perhaps I have finally recovered my shape, after
an unfortunate downturn, and now can progress again. My
weight has escaped my control once more, but perhaps I should be content
with this, and stabilize at this level. Not completely sure at my
age what should be the optimal performance weight. I have mapped
my recent races and speed sessions to their respective weights, the
data is inconclusive. I still believe I would feel better in
the mid 68's ...
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 243,
Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till v 267.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/07/22, 10 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Shorter run
Raheja Vihar long - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Raambagh.
Time: 0:42:54
Mileage: 4.39 Miles - 7.06 Km
Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs (still unable to control)
Revising Surah A'raaf, Surah Rahman.
The "various aches and pains" have unfortunately returned
after yesterday's run (especially this damn ankle pain), and
I consider taking the day off again. I have again slept very well last
night, and am nearing the end of Sodome et Gomorrhe. But I
eventually decide to go out for a relaxing shorter run, which starts
quite stiff (again that damn ankle!) but soon eases into a comfortable
pleasant pace (in spite of the later hour traffic, and humid heat).
It has rained slightly last night, but it still feels like a Sauna
out there!
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till end,
Maghrib Surat Ali-Imraan till v 20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/08/22, 11 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- 10K Tempo
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard / JVLR: 0:13:39 [1.28M, 2.06K]
[r.2'44"]
10K Tempo along Orchard Avenue: 10.02 Km - 6.22 Miles
1st Lap: 28'50".53 [3.11M, 5.01K] -- Pace: 9'15"/mile
2nd Lap: 29'07".41 [3.11M, 5.01K] -- Pace: 9'21"/mile
Tempo Mileage: 6.22 Miles - 10.02 Km
Tempo Time: 0:57:57 (Watch: 0:58:01)
Tempo Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'47"/km
Age Adjusted: 10.02 Km in 0:48:27, ie. 7'46"/mile pace
Raambagh - Nahar: [r.1'56"] 0:09:26 [0.96M, 1.55K]
Total Time: 1:21:02 (total workout: 1:26:58)
Total Mileage: 8.46 Miles - 13.63 Km
Total Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Revise A'raaf, Rahman.
We all thought Monsoon had ended with September, but yesterday,
we were battered by unexpected storms and heavy rain, throughout
the day and into the night. We are both awaken by lightning and
thunder around 3am, fortunately, as all this week, I am able
to sleep back. I have used the opportunity to advance again
in Sodome et Gomorrhe (I will actually finish the book
later today, and with no pause continue on to La Prisonnière.)
I get up late at 5:17, the storm has abated, leaving
wet grounds. Concerned by my ankle, the pain compounded by yesterday's
Jummah ki Namaaz in Masjid, I nevertheless follow my plan of a 10K
Tempo Run. Outside, the storm has left a light rain, which will
eventually subside, and does provide some mild freshness, to the
point where I feel almost cold at first, a bit late around 7am.
It's a good run. A well dosed well managed effort. My
stated priority today is to complete the distance without
fault, at a challenging yet moderate pace. I do exactly that,
controling the effort quite well.
When I do the numbers, the pace is indeed rather slow, but
appropriate for now, let's be realistic and train to my current
level. This run proves very satisfying in the end, and as often
with speed sessions, has left me energized, curing at least
temporarily these pains that were wearing me down.
18th reading Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 64.
Navi Mumbai Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) -- 10/16/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10-10-22, 13 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- IIT
Lake Powai, to IIT Far Gate: 0:25:40 [2.59M, 4.17K] --
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'09"/km
Back: 0:24:00 [2.59M, 4.17K] -- Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Time: 0:49:40
Mileage: 5.18 Miles - 8.34 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
What a wonderful run. Another "Miracle Monday".
Clear sunny skies, not yet too hot. We observe the nearly full
moon, both last night and this morning, masha Allah! After a warmup
period through Raambagh (my left ankle always sore in the first
minutes), I settle into an increasingly good springy pace, very
pleasant, enjoying the motion, and finding a good form. This feels
like a near perfect run, as often on a Monday.
Having not returned steadily to office since 2020 has allowed me
to develop my own personal rhythm, good or bad, which is
perhaps excentric. I am free to follow my natural sleep patterns,
which, in the same way that I eat, favor multiple short intervals.
Typically, after a flurry of activity at dawn and into the early
morning, I nap around 10:30, eat lunch early at 11:30, sometimes
sleep again after that, before Namaaz. In the evening, I sleep
very early, almost at sundown, often collapsing after dinner,
from which I may wake up or not, causing me to sometimes miss
Ishaa ki Namaaz.
18th reading Maghrib Surat Ali-Imraan till v 156.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10-11-22, 14 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Marol CHS
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Makwana -
Marol CHS - Saki Naka - Khairani Rd
Time: 0:43:41
Mileage: 4.51 Miles - 7.26 Km
Pace: 9'41"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity: 82%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Up around 5, not exactly bad, but strangely unmotivated and
unenergetic. The run starts in that mode, but seeking some
variety, I head out to Marwah (whose access is even worse
than before, by a narrow steel flimsy bridge) free from traffic,
and then decide to return via Marol CHS (in a long time),
finding my rhythm along the way. Early on, as a bus passes me,
I vividly feel the hot dusty air penetrate my lungs, an
absolutely horrible feeling!!
But in the end, I do find my pace, and it's a good run.
On Khairani road, I salute the kapde lenevalla from our
Masjid.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till end,
Maghrib Surat An-Nisaah till v 34.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/12/22, 15 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- 3K Intervals
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:13:32 [1.28M, 2.06K] [r.3'54"]
3K Intervals on Orchard: 3.0 Km - 1.86 Miles
Interval 1: 15'58".21 [r.5'22"] -- Pace: 8'33"/mile - 5'19"/km
Interval 2: 15'50".37 [r.3'26"] -- Pace: 8'29"/mile - 5'16"/km
Intervals Time: 0:31:48
Intervals Mileage: 3.72 Miles - 6.0 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'31"/mile - 5'18"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 3K in 0:13:10, ie. 7'03"/mile pace
Raambagh - Nahar: 0:09:25 [1.01M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 0:54:45 (total workout: 1:07:29)
Total Mileage: 6.01 Miles - 9.69 Km
Total Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
As I was starting to despair, a most excellent session!
I wake up at 4:20, up at 4:30, feeling clear but in a
dreary mood. Back to revisions of Surah An'aam, which I also
pray in Namaaz. Learn other Durude Sharif, which I think is
recited at the Masjid. The moon thrones outside.
I pursue my goal of a speed session, deciding for
"long intervals", more suitable perhaps for half marathons.
I leave feeling apprehensive for some reason.
Good weather, clear, but not too hot. And the session
works out beyond my expectation. Able to sustain a good controlled
pace, quite consistent, feeling at times the right form in my
body, producing a good yet light effort. The first interval has
felt great, I fear not being able to uphold that on the second.
But on the contrary, I manage a better time! Excellent session...
Very satisfied with this mini-breakthrough, all pains gone.
As usual with my tortured mind, this good result worries me, as
now it sets up the expectation a notch higher for Sunday.
Can I not just simply enjoy life for once?
18th reading Maghrib Surat An-Nisaah till v 70.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/14/22, 17 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake - IIT - Central - SM Shetty - Chandvali
Time: 0:40:20
Mileage: 4.15 Miles - 6.68 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (excellent reaction)
18th reading Fajr Surat An-Nisaah till v 171
My blessed days of excellent sleep have ended, as I knew
they eventually would. Woke up at 4, up at 4:12. Revising 4 rukus of
Surah An'aam, and time left for reading a little before
Namaaz at 5:20. In spite of this early start, I still don't
make it out until after 6:30, no doubt due to lack of
meeting pressure.
A bad run, actually. I feel tired, out of breath, and
in spite of my patient pacing it doesn't not come together.
A run to forget.
18th reading Asr Surat An-Nisaah till end,
Surat Al-Maidah till v 35, Maghrib Surat Al-Maidah till v 50.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 10/16/22, 19 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- NAVI MUMBAI HALF MARATHON
Time (watch): 2:08:11
Time (Official): 2:08:16
Overall Rank: 8th - Age 45+ Rank: 2nd
Mileage: 13.1 Miles - 21.1 Km
Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
11K split: 1:07:58 -- Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Age Graded: 1:47:24, ie. 8'11"/mile pace
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Chapter 1 -- A Dreadful Night
I often run my best runs after losing all hope, this resets the
bar for that silly record!
We have gone to get the Bibs in Navi Mumbai, which because of
excessive traffic took most of the afternoon. In the evening, a
work call at 8:30pm worries me, a little too late for my taste,
but I am able to wrap by 9pm, and we
fall easily asleep. We are set to wake up at 3:30 in the morning.
But we are soon jolted awake by a loud phone call on Gulzar's phone!!
Ham so rahe the I exclaim in despair, it is only 10pm, why
have you not kept the phone on DND??! Fighting resentment and anger,
I try my best to sleep again, trying to ignore the fact that interrupting
the first sleep is often impossible to recover from. And there
is no way!! Anger overwhelms me in waves, funnily aggravated by the
sound of Gulzar's peaceful sleeping breath, furious to have to
renounce to the run tomorrow, and compounded by the work call
from last night. After Covid I have longed so much for these runs,
to see it thwarted by some ridiculous call!
I eventually get up to find the culprit, it was
simply one of Sofia's friends. Finally, my anger boiling over,
I resort to hitting the bed, waking up Gulzar, overcome by an
embarassing access of fury, ready to walk out the room, hit walls,
quite ridiculous really in its excess.
Like with a child, she eventually orders me back to bed, tries
to put me back to sleep (which I resist at first). We must have
finally slept around 1 or 1:30? But then again, I am jostled
awake by Gulzar screaming!! She has seen a terrible snake in her
dreams, cuddled by the budi, ready to strike.
I hug her as if the snake had attacked me too, my heart
racing with hers. It is almost 3:30, just before the alarm, we
must have managed a little sleep after all.
Chapter 2 -- The Race
The madness of the night as if forgotten, we get ready
and drive out in the night, finding the place easily in the
deserted orderly streets of Navi Mumbai. It's a smaller event,
I am glad to recognize Michael D'Souza, the passionate runner
photograph, whom we used to meet at every event pre-pandemic.
After a brief Zumba session (during which I run a very mild
warmup), we are called to the start. Off we go...
It is still dark at 5:30 but the streets of Navi Mumbai
are adequately lit. I plan to take it cautiously, pushing
only slightly, mostly determined to not quit. The streets are quiet
at first, we pass a big mall, and a group of dogs barks at
me (I discipline them back). We head out along wide streets,
eventually along an open land (perhaps a lake?) which provides
pleasant fresh air. To my surprise we soon turn back. The next
KM marker (3) seems unnaturally long (I'll understand why later)
but my pace feels sustainable so far, as some around me
are starting to fall back. Eventually, we loop back near the
start to engage in a second loop, whose course I soon recognize.
This is where we had once run a 10K where I had finished first
(at last!) of my age group. I liked the course then, and I
encourage myself that I'll like it today too. This indeed
happens, I feel good here, something unexplainable about the
road that allows me to keep my rhythm. I complete the first
11K in good spirits.
I am determined to not flounder on the second half. We repeat
the dawn's course, this time in daylight, the first loop
shortened (this explains the long 3K marker from earlier)
no doubt to provide the extra km in distance. I continue
to feel quite good, have started drinking, and approaching
the last third, eat a few kajurs, with no stopping. I reach
the second part of the course reassured that it should suit
me well, which it does, even though some annoying runner
has decided to shadow and "encourage" me part of the way.
I finish without seemingly relinquishing much of my pace,
very very satisfied to make it in once piece. The time
is around 2h08, right along my expectation of the day.
Gulzar is there, having just completed her own 10K.
I cannot bring myself to eat much Idli, drink very abundantly,
mixing water and Enerzal. Michael takes our picture (sadly,
for some unknown reason, none of his pictures will be
made available...). We
wait for the podium even though I doubt winning anything,
but yes!, another surprise podium for me, I finish 2nd of
the 45+ age category. We then drive home, and I will sleep
abundantly, day and night!
Later as I do the numbers my pace dissappoints. I had
imagined running roughly a 9'30" pace or better, but not at
all. And this is my slowest half marathon yet, by a good
margin. Still though, I feel well satisfied, a good performance
for this point in time.
-- Another unexpected trophy --
-- After the race (photo by Michael D'Souza) --
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Aarey Sunrise (8.58 Miles) -- 10/22/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/18/22, 21 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Recovery Run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Orchard - Raambagh.
Time: 0:43:05
Mileage: 4.46 Miles - 7.18 km
Pace: 9'39"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weather: 27C; humidity 85%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
18th reading Fajr Surat Al-An'aam till v 30
Early wake-up around 4:15, Gulzar coughing.
The dawn is devoted today to Surah An'aam,
revising it, then "reading" the first three rukus, and again
praying those same rukus in Namaaz. Excellent.
Nondescript run, focused on recovery. I feel ok overall,
but a bit out of breath. Terribly annoying traffic around SM
Shetty School, area should be avoided at this hour.
Of concern is my left heel, which
continues to bother me, in spite of no longer sitting on it
in Namaaz. The weather is hot and humid, in typical October
fashion.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-An'aam till v 90,
Asr Surat Al-An'aam till v 110.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/19/22, 22 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Jain Mandir - Khairani Rd E. - Bhatwadi (long) - Jogger's Lane -
LBS till Ganesh School Maidan: 0:25:46 [2.71M - 4.36K]
LBS, Ganesh School to before Petrol Pump (time unrecorded)
[3.04M - 4.9K]
Nari Seva Sadam - Asalfa Metro - Mohili Village Pipeline -
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir - Durga Mata Mandir - Mhada - Nahar: 0:48:30
[5.42M - 8.72K]
Recorded Time: 0:48:30
Recorded Mileage: 5.09 Miles - 8.18 Km
Recorded Pace: 9'31"/mile - 5'55"/km (split: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km)
Total Mileage: 5.42 Miles - 8.72 Km
Total Time (estimate): 0:51:34
Total Pace (estimate): 9'31"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (what variance!)
I was feeling tentative, especially over concerns over my ankle, but
the opposite happens. It's a Miracle Monday on a Wednesday!
I wake up after excellent sleep, in fact, I've disappeared into
sleep yesterday evening skipping Ishaa ki Namaaz, waking up still
dressed in the middle of the night, and advancing in the fascinating
La Prisonnière from La Recherche. Around 4:40,
I wake up gradually, extracting myself in stages from a persistent
dream involving Jeffrey Katzenberg (as far as I can remember).
Continue to revise further into Surah al-An'aam, which I also
pray in Namaaz.
I am as often unsure where to run, concerned about my troubling
left ankle. I first opt for caution, but once out, completely throw
that out the window, actually heading for the Bhatwadi area. As I
feel surprisingly good (in spite of pesky traffic here and there),
I push to the Asalfa route, mishandling my chrono along the way
(after another involuntary stop for Rickshaws that have
gotten in my way!). But I still feel
marvelous, surprisingly light and easy, and painless. And in
Mohili village is where I take my boldest move: I turn left
into a slum galli which I suspect will cut through the slums
to Khairani road, near the Masjid ka rasta. It's as ever a
fascinating world here, waking with peaceful morning activity,
small shops opening and children going to school, some 2-wheelers
and rickshaws but no excessive traffic (cars would struggle in the
narrow passages). After a time running and taking in this captivating
world, I indeed spot the painted roof of the Durgah Mandir near
the Masjid, what a sense of success! To celebrate or prolong this small
victory, I run ahead, past the Masjid, coming back through Mhada,
extremely satisfied with this new exploration.
18th reading Maghrib Surat Al-An'aam till v 130.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/21/22, 24 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 --
Jain Mandir - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi long - Jogger's Park - LBS -
Nari Seva Sadan - Asalfa - Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:51:40
Mileage: 5.5 Miles - 8.85 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Another run through the exciting environments of Bhatwadi and
Asalfa, witnessing the early morning activity of the slums,
the neighbourhoods of Mumbai. It is hot again, but bearable
in the early morning. A very similar run to Wednesday, but
without returning through the Khairani Road alleys. I feel
very good actually, well awake and fueled by good energy,
until my pace starts to run out about midway, and I have
to hold back on the climb through Asalfa, finding an
effort which will carry me back home (which I do). Later,
the reason becomes obvious, I have once again run a bit
faster than usual, at a stronger sustained pace.
Later, after an excellent Namaaz in Masjid (I understand
most of the Khutbah today, and achieve a well focused Namaaz),
Gulzar and I walk to Pipeline, but Khairani road being so
completely clogged by traffic as to be unwalkable,
I take her through my discovery
of the week, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir alley, which takes us
through the bustling small industries (and pollution) of the
slums. We buy fish at the end of it.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-A'raaf till v 40,
Asr Surat Al-Ar'aaf till v 65, Maghrib Surat Al-Ar'aaf till v 100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/22/22, 25 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Aarey Sunrise
Nahar - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Aarey Road - Lakshmi Road -
Trail - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey - Saki Vihar - Lake Powai - Back.
Time: 1:23:46
Mileage: 8.58 Miles - 13.81 Km
Pace: 9'45"/mile - 6'03"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
I wake-up once again still dressed, having skipped Ishaa ki
Namaaz, still wearing my white Jubah from Jummah. Gulzar wakes
up too, turns on the AC, sweltering in the October heat. I do
manage to sleep, wake up again at 3:00, to find her still
awake (and still turning on the AC). My own sleep continues
to be blessed though, alhmadulillah, and I get up around 4:30,
very very careful to not wake her up, as she seems to have
finally found neend. I finish revising all I know
of Surah An'aam, wondering what I'll do next (and have
continued to advance in fascinating La Prisonnière
through the night).
I set out to run along the Pipeline, hoping for a somewhat
shorter relaxing run, away from all traffic. It is thoroughly
empty outside this morning, no doubt due to Diwali. Strangely,
no doubt abiding by some tradition, I cross occasional men
walking around a donkey. Approaching
Aarey, on a sudden inspiration, I continue straight on Aarey
road, along the impressive hill slum, the only place that I
dread somewhat due to prior incidents, and that I haven't
visited in a long long time. The road is under permanent
reconstruction, half abandonned mid-way, but today very
peaceful, with no incident. I clear the hill in good confort,
and proceed onto beautiful Lakshmi road, a natural point to
witness the sunrise, where morning walkers do their devotions
to the sun. I do cross one man that I used to meet here
regularly, but not my friend from before.
I feel good, but tiring somewhat, and not wanting to
lengthen the run too much, decide to return directly through
the impressive slums along Royal Palms road. This also happens
smoothly, except for an aggressive pack of dogs, which a passing
motorcyclist helps me discipline. I am tiring though,
perhaps due to the unusually hilly course, and stop
briefly to drink and eat Kajur. I make it back through the
descent and through Powai, a bit more tired than I would have
liked, managing my best to complete the run - which I do,
satisfied in the end.
-- On Morbe Dam --
Morbe Dam (4.06 Miles) -- 10/24/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/24/22, 27 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- Morbe Dam Tempo Run
Morbe Dam, from the Chowk end to the other side & back
(3350m marker to 80m)
Time: 0:37:04
Mileage: 4.06 Miles - 6.54 Km
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'40"/km
Age Graded: 6.54K in 0:30:51, ie. 7'35"/mile pace
Having slept in Panvel, on Sunday morning, looking for something
new, after exploring several new roads, we end up on the other
end of the Morbe Dam. There, a watchman lets us in.
The top of the dam describes long straight stretches along
the lake (about 3.5 Km total), a nicely paved road devoid of
any traffic, except for a handful of morning walkers, spread
across the distance, rhythmed by distance markers every 30 meters.
It is a perfectly clear morning, under the sunrise, to our right
beyond the lake the Matheran mountain and its impressive rock
wall. We eventually make it to the opposite end, where a friendly
man, who had been sitting for Yoga on the bridge, engages in
friendly conversation, sadly tarnished by his unsollicited opinion
that the unbearable Muslim situation in India is finally getting
better under Narendra Modi. He warns us against our usual Kaccha
Rasta along the lake, where he says several murders have been
committed, the kind of warning we get pretty much any were we go.
But a man comes to us holding a phone. It's that we have been
gone for too long, and our watchman from the start has been
worrying, thinking we'd only go for a short walk. They open
the dam briefly in the early morning, our man explains, but
after 9am the police comes and entry is not allowed. We start
the long walk back, caught up at some point by a lone motorcycle
(a man carrying a small child) who also wonders why the watchman
has let us pass. I fear some argument with the watchman, but no,
not at all, we find him walking someone's cows, and explaining
that we should come by dawn and be gone by about 8am.
I am exaggeratedly frustrated by food on this trip. On Saturday,
I underate, which caused a brutal access of exhaustion (doubled by
an extremely annoying cold). On Sunday it's the opposite, and I fear
that I have eaten way too much during the day, unable to control my
nutrition outside of home.
On Monday morning, an excellent wake-up around 4:30am, after
several dreams sleeping on the hard marble floor. I wonder whether
I'll go running along the road (an unappealing run I typically do
in Panvel) or whether we'll both return to the dam. Either way,
I am highly motivated to run!
Gulzar does wake up, and opts for the dam. I dearly hope this
will work, as I eagerly need to run outside. As it has gotten a little
late, I choose to stop on the Chowk side of the dam, closer to us.
Indeed, the gate is open, and no-one asks anything. Gulzar lets
me run, while she will walk.
I decide to use this opportunity for a tempo run. The course
is rigorously flat, long straight segments, and well marked by
distance markers. I start the run immediately, feeling perhaps
a little heavy, wondering whether I'll manage to hold the pace
without any prior warmup, running into the rising sun, and into
a headwind. The first marker is 3350m, which I do my best to
memorize. Like yesterday, I enjoy the water, the ominous presence
of Matheran, and the fields glistening in the rising sun on my
right. I cross only very few walkers, or partial runners, and
make it to the other end, finding there a 80m distance marker,
which I memorize as well. Heading back, I seem to be holding the
pace pretty well, gently pushed now by a tailwind (my time will
end up being faster). I find Gulzar near the other end, by the
dam's floodgates, and complete the distance to the gate. This
has felt good overall, although I still feel a bit heavy, and
strangely neither hungry nor particularly thirsty.
So we prolong this beautiful morning by a hike on our usual
kaccha rasta along the lake, where the murders are supposed
to occur, particularly quiet today. We eventually settle along a
stream with a small waterfall (which has survived the end of the
monsoon), at some point, Gulzar sees a mongoose which has briefly
pointed its nose at her, which I unfortunately miss (she always
sees all the animals...)
18th reading Maghrib Surat Al-Ar'aaf till v 130
-- Partial Solar Eclipse, as seen from the beach in Shirgaon --
Eclipse in Shirgaon (9.98 Miles) -- 10/25/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/25/22, 28 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1444 -- EEH
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Heera Pana - Lake Promenade - IIT
- JVLR - Eastern Express Highway - Andheri Ghatkopar = Khairani Rd E.
Time: 1:37:51
Mileage: 9.98 Miles - 16.06 Km
Pace: 9'48"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 24C; humidity 77%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
18th reading Fajr Surat Al-A'raaf till v 163
I am about to go when Gulzar calls me to the balcony.
Over Khairani road, a thick column of opaque black smoke is snaking
up in the morning sky. She thinks this is part of the usual slum
pollution, but I believe some accidental fire must have happened.
I feel quite uncertain about the run today, but once out,
I feel exceptionally (and surprisingly) well!!
I am greeted by fresh air, the start of the Mumbai winter,
the roads are virtually empty, littered with leftover Patake
from the Diwali celebrations which have exploded all night.
My cold, so bad last night, causing my eyes to cry from sinus
irritation and a permanent runny nose, seems completely gone,
my breath feels perfect.
So I prolong the run, and then prolong it again, eventually
reaching the Eastern Express Highway, for what should amount to
a 10 mile course. Running feels entirely effortless!
Today, I stay on the right side of the service road, passing
a long long line of Rickshaws, whom I suspect are abiding by some
technical control. The run continues amazingly easy, flawless
breathing, relaxed motion and posture, magical. I make my way
through the Ghatkopar uphill, still feeling great, seeing again
the plume of smoke in the distance, eager to find out what it is.
I was right, on Khairani road, several fire engines are parked,
with a small crowd of onlookers, in one of the side alleys, the
dark smoke continues. I finish the run in perfect shape. You
can never predict when these marvelous runs are going to occur!
Later, as planned, we drive north Uttan, into the unknown,
in quest of new beaches. We stop in a small village with a market
along the way, are advised an excellent back alley restaurant.
I have penciled Shirgaon, a small village along the coast, as
the destination of the day, but we are advised to try Kelva
beach instead. Once there though, we find a large crowd gathered
around a (famous?) temple, and a paying entry to the beach,
full of stalls, etc. We leave back unsatisfied, and set out
to Shirgaon as initially planned, by small beautiful country
roads.
Shiragon is a tiny village with a surprisingly strong
Muslim presence (Flags, signs in Urdu, Masjid, Madrasa...)
The beach, like most of the beaches on the coast, is a long
strip of sand, flat and somewhat nondescript, where the low
tide retreats far into the distance. We are advised to a small
resort, the only one in town, "Lakshmi Garden Resort", where
after some negotiation we decide to spend the night. It is
a little expensive compared to Uttan, but very clean, and the
homemade food turns out excellent.
We return to the beach in the evening. Many horses are
left in the fields. Shirgaon, although tiny, also possesses
a small fort initially built by the Portuguese. As I stare
to the West on the Arabian Sea, I notice an odd shape to the
sun, as if a crescent was missing from it. Am I seeing this
right? I suddenly realize, (and remember vaguely hearing
on Gulzar's DLS news), we are witnessing a partial eclipse!
Delighted by this event, which I don't remember ever seeing
before, we wait for the sun to set, admiring (to Sofia's
annoyance) the changing colors, and sleep very profoundly
that night.
The next day, we will drive further north to Dahanu beach
(which I've been advised) but dissappointed by yet another
long nondescript stretch of sand baked under the mid-day sun
(for once in India, people are walking under the sunlight,
in colorful dresses, perhaps because of Diwali), we retreat
all the way back to Gorai Beach in Uttan, which Gulzar says
she prefers. Even though it is dirtier and more populated,
something about it is more scenic, but that night, two
motorbikes threaten to nearly run us over as they are
playing on the beach. I hate bikes and cars, if I ran things,
they would be banned.
-- Eclipse and Sunset, Shirgaon Beach --
New Verses (8.62 Miles) -- 10/30/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/28/22, 01 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Kailas Hill Repeats
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Main St. -
Kailas Hill, To Base Camp: 0:31:27 [3.11M, 5.01K] [r.3'14"]
Kailas Hill Repeats: 1.06 Km - 0.66 Miles
Interval 1: 6'15".55 [d.6'25"][r.4'09"] --
Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'53"/km
Interval 2: 6'19".21 [d.6'23"][r.4'06"] --
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'55"/km
Interval 3: 6'19".17 [r.2'18"] --
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'55"/km
Intervals Time: 0:18:53
Intervals Mileage: 1.98 Miles - 3.18 Km
Intervals Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'56"/km
Main - Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar: 0:20:16 [2.21M, 3.55K]
Total Time: 1:23:24 (total workout: 1:37:13)
Total Mileage: 8.62 Miles - 13.86 Km
Total Pace: 9'40"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 71%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Good sleep with multiple episodes.
I Had penciled in Hill Repeats, but hesitate, should I rather take it
easy today? And what about our further traveling plans, how will they
affect running? Once out, a little late around 7am, finding fresh air and streets
unusually quiet, I come back to original plan. After an uncertain warmup,
I start the session.
And it feels generally good, a well controlled effort. pushing
the effort while managing
to stay in the orange zone, and dosing the intensity across the crescendo
climb. Second and third repeats are remarkably similar, notably, I do not lose pace
today.
And later, I find that, while not a PR, this is by far my best time
this year, a marked improvement over last session. Great!!
After having spent several weeks in revisions, I start learning a
new passage of the Qur'an: The "Ya Baani Israael" verses of
Surah Baqarah (ruku starting at v. 40).
18th reading Asr Surat Al-A'raaf till end
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 10/30/22, 03 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to "tri-bridge" [4.14M, 6.67K]
Back [4.03M, 6.48K]
Time: 1:17:09
Mileage: 8.17 Miles - 13.15 Km
Pace: 9'26"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Recovering from Friday's excellent Hill Repeats has been a little
challenging, and I still feel sore. I was aiming for a mid-distance
run along the Pipeline, but unsure whether it is the right move.
But it's a fresh clear morning, with little pollution. And my pace
feels easy and natural, increasingly comfortable, one of my best
this year. So I peacefully head along the pipeline, very quiet
Sunday morning, a few of the usual workers, many mutual salutes.
My running continues flawless today, the kind of easy flying
impression that we train so hard for all year round, and occasionally
delivers. I use this excellent state, while I feel in perfect control
and with a cool mind to analyse and
refine my gait, posture, breathing, seeing how a balanced form makes
such difference (but is often hard to achieve under stress).
As often, stupidly, I feel almost guilty for feeling so good,
wondering what possibly will go wrong now. I finish the run in
perfection, and at a decent pace, at a very easy effort.
The next day, Monday, as Gulzar is up early full of energy,
we walk this exact same course, witnessing at sunrise ceremonials
for Chhath Puja at every possible water point. It is again today
here very peaceful past the Pujas, good-natured, away from the tumult
of the city.
Me who had worried that this week's training would be
compromised by our traveling, it ends up being one of my best
this season. It feels like a sudden step up, but let's see what
happens in the half marathon this Sunday. "Seule ombre au tableau:"
my ankle pain, which had disappeared, has made a regrettable come-back.
18th reading Maghrib Surat Al-Anfaal till end.
-- Surah Baqarah, Verses 40 to 46 --
Excellent Runs (6.6 Miles) -- 11/04/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/01/22, 05 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- MIDC, the Old Masjid
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol -
Vijay Nagar Bridge (Jama Masjid) - MIDC Passport Office: 0:30:03
Back same way, via Mahindra Enclave
Time: 1:00:58
Mileage: 6.41 Miles - 10.31 Km
Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 74%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Yesterday, was dismayed by this unexpected weight gain, and by the
return of ankle pain, wondering whether I had overdone last week,
and whether I would lose my "peak". But this morning's run completely
dismisses those doubt. I feel absolutely wonderful in the cool
morning temperature, opting to visit quiet Marwah road (still closed,
for how long now, a year or two??),
and pushing to the initial 88 office in MIDC, past
the old Masjid (which has been renovated), essentially, my old
commute route. Running has rarely been so easy, comfortable, something
has clearly happened, I obtain an excellent 9'30"/mile pace with
seemingly no effort, which in one step resets my training pace
where it should be. Insha allah, things are looking good for this
Sunday's half marathon in Thane...
18th reading Dhuhr Surat At-Taubah till v 43,
Asr Surat At-Taubah till v 60, Maghrib Surat At-Taubah till v 73.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/02/22, 06 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Mile Intervals
Lake Powai, to Lakehomes OP: 0:13:40 [1.32M, 2.12K] [r.2'17"]
Intervals, LH OP to IIT Main Gate: 1.06 Mile - 1.71 Km
Interval 1: 8'36".51 [r.5'19"] -- Pace: 8'05"/mile - 5'01"/km
Interval 2: 8'43".01 [r.2'57"] -- Pace: 8'12"/mile - 5'05"/km
Intervals Time: 0:17:19
Intervals Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.42 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'03"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.71K in 7'10", ie. 6'44"/mile pace
Back: 0:10:13 [1.13M, 1.82K]
Total Time: 0:41:12 (total workout: 0:51:47)
Total Mileage: 4.57 Miles - 7.36 Km
Total Pace: 9'00"/Mile - 5'35"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
I have completed learning the Bani Israeel verses from Surah
Baqarah, and recited them in Namaaz this morning, along with other
excerpts from the Surah.
My intention is for an interval session this morning. Once out,
I decide to change the route, neglecting Orchard Avenue to return to
the classic JVLR along Lake Powai and IIT, which in spite of the roadwork,
still feels like the best course. Indeed, at this early hour with
light traffic, the work barricades do not present a significant
obstacle after all, and I am happy to be back here after so long.
The session is good, but not great. I do my best to work on
stride and cadence, while pacing myself through the exercise and
staying as relaxed as possible, but my pace is not as competitive as I
had hoped for. I end the session after the second interval -
wisely perhaps - cautious that I have not done this in some time, and
don't want last minute risks before Sunday's Half Marathon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/04/22, 08 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Kajupada Pipeline, Bhatwadi
Khairani Rd W. - Saki Naka - 90 ft Road - Kajupada Pipeline -
LBS - Jogger's Park - Bhatwadi Long - Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:02:52
Mileage: 6.6 Miles - 10.62 Km
Pace: 9'31"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 75%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
18th reading Fajr Surat Yunus till v 40
Another perfect run !!!
Many wake-ups last night, some to disturbing dreams, but as usual
through this period, my sleep is impeccable, alhamdulillah, I am able to
near magically fall back asleep. Up around 4:50, rather than continuing
to learn, I read from Surah Yunus, then good Surah Yaseen Namaaz on this
Jummah. Gulzar is still asleep when I leave (a little after 6:30), I have
kept her coffee at her beside.
It's another wonderfully fresh morning. In a last minute decision,
I opt away from the familiar to venture out, taking Khairani to the West
to 90 Ft Road, and beyond to the Kajupada Pipeline, through the slums by
the airport, with planes flying right overhead (they've been taking off
in this direction lately, probably due to wind conditions). This is another
near-perfect run, excellent breath and position, the long sought
effortless pace, which I've been blessed with all week!
I have the vague plan of pursuing beyond LBS, without stretching
out too much beyond an hour, but once there, I hesitate seeing the
narrowness of the street, and the time on my watch, choosing to return
via the familiar LBS / Bhatwadi route. This works out perfectly, my
running continues to be amazingly relaxed, no strain, even my
weight lands exactly where I want it, things could
hardly be better leading to Sunday's Thane Half Marathon. And it
looks like my training pace has comfortably settled at 9'30"/mile,
a goal that only recently felt too far fetched.
Maghrib Surat Yunus till end.
-- the two climbs to the finish line --
Thane Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) -- 11/06/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 11/06/22, 10 Rabi-al-Akhir 1444 -- THANE HALF MARATHON
Official Time: 1:57:43 (Watch: 1:58:00)
Ranked: 2nd place in 51+ Category, 40th Overall
Mileage: 13.1 Miles - 21.1 Km
Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'34"/km
Age Graded: Half Marathon in 1:38:37, ie. 7'31"/mile pace
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Completely surpasses my expectations!!!
Again, I spend a bad night before the run, waking up frequently
and unable to sleep back (and can't blame it this time on a phone
call). I feel a pesky headace since evening, for which I blame myself
for not having taken medicine. Yesterday, I've been surprised by an
abrupt weight loss, which is confirmed this morning. In my unrelenting
silliness, after having complained about weight gain, I now find myself
lamenting this loss - never satisfied. We do leave in time, an easy
drive this early in spite of several nocturnal road closures (which
I navigate cunningly), but once arrived I find that the instructions
to the parking have led us into some narrow dead-end alley! Luckily,
retracing back, I soon find the start location, from where there are
signs to the parking.
This is a much bigger than in Navi Mumbai. There are even
various paces carrying their little flags. I decide to warm-up
properly this time, running easily in the streets, and luckily find
the toilet (I've gone already twice at home), but there, unexceptedly
finding no water in the stall, I resort to wiping myself with my
hand(!), which I then thoroughly clean outside at the faucet (others
are passing around a single plastic jug...) What else could I have
done?
Not even going near the crowded Zumba warmup, I soon line up
at the start. The area looks hilly, I doubt that I'll be able to
improve my time after all. I may have recognized the Yeour Hill
area from previous runs, hard to say in darkness. We start into
a downhill (which I presume will have to come back up), I let the
2:00 pacer drift a little ahead, well focused on my own sustainable
pace, turned onto myself (but I'll always stay comfortably ahead
of the 2:15 guy). It is fresh this early morning, waning stars,
and yesterday we've seen the bright moon, nearly full. I don't
feel quite as great as I'd like, focus on a reasonable pace,
avoiding too much sufferance later, careful with upcoming hills.
Indeed, after the first descent, we settle into a steady mild
climb through streets that get smaller and smaller (and nicer
and nicer, closer to the hills). I notice as often people around
me starting to drift back, as I try to keep to my rhythm and
stride, without pushing excessively. Not feeling that great,
I imagine my pace to be rather slow, like in Navi Mumbai.
I eventually make it to the 6Km mark, quite happy with the
course, where we turn back towards the start into now mostly
a gentle downhill. Having scouted the whole course, I prepare
mentally for the second loop, while eating Khajur and drinking
as the downhill allays the effort (this nutrition will work
great). I carefully scout the last climb back to the finish,
which starts with about 2 km to go, and end on a short but
steep segment (here I see photographer Michael D'Souza, who
unfortunately does not seem to have taken my picture).
Having passed the Finish/Start line, on to the second
loop, this time in daylight, and with some knowledge of the
geography. I continue on the same mode, feeling ok but not
great, manage my effort as best I can, trying to stay generally
on pace (but with no way to check), but avoiding to suffer
much. This generally works out, I do like this course, enjoy
the smaller streets, and the forested hills above us. I do
cross Gulzar twice along the way, who is running (or walking
rather) the 10K. I reach
the top for second time relatively well, but imagining that
I must have unavoidably been dropping pace (the 2:00 pacer
has drifted farther ahead). I make a constant decision to
not consult my watch, happy to run by feel only.
I head back into the descent again, eating Khajur at the
same spot, trying to gather strength for the ominous
final climb. I resist any desire to quit or let down too
much. I eventually reach the 19K marker, struggle a little
on a first longer than expected hill, passing many 10K
participants who are mostly walking, but do hang on to
my rhythm. As I am looking for a brief downhill reprieve
the incline actually seems to increase ahead, but then,
exultant surprise, I see the 200 meter sign of the last hill,
and with a shout of encouragement, push up the effort up
the steeper incline. Here happens a silly incident - the
second of the day -, a man next to me encourages me loudly,
but in an unfortunate reflex, all to my focus, I yell back
"OH, SHUT UP!!". I immediately sheepishly give him
a sorry look for my outburst, which he nicely says he
understands, a short episode that will make me stupidly
uncomfortable in the days to come ... All this while running
up the last meters, which I do finish relatively strong, in
a well managed effort, and finally turn to pass the line.
I stop my watch, and...
...Surprise !!! I have completely beaten my expectations,
easily breaking the 2 hour mark !! A 10 minute improvement
from the Half Marathon only three weeks ago, and that on a hilly
course !! I can't resist shouting at that !!
For once, Gulzar isn't there waiting for me, and arrives
shortly after (she hasn't had such a great day, walking almost
the whole way). I feel actually rather good, not dizzy, not
even excessively thirsty or hungry. She thinks we should wait
for the results, although, given the size of the race, I very
much doubt that I'll get a podium finish. As the event stretches
out with hundred sponsors and influencers to first thank, we
finally decide to leave, meeting Michael D'Souza on the way,
who again takes our picture, and confirms that we have indeed
run once again in the beautiful Yeour Hill area.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 96,
Maghrib Surat Hud till end.
-- Finish Line --
-- After the Race (Photo by Michael D'Souza) --
Recovery (6.91 Miles) -- 11/12/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/08/22, 12 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Recovery Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Middle Park - Lake Blvd - Orchard -
Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 0:36:09
Mileage: 3.59 Miles - 5.78 Km
Pace: 10'04"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Not a great night, but I advance well in La Prisonnière.
In the morning, I resume learning Surah An'aam, from verse 95 onwards.
Deliberately slow, short and easy recovery run. Minor pain in
both knees from the race. Ankle though seems fine.
Immediately after this, another walk with Gulzar, along Lake Powai.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/09/22, 13 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Recovery Run
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi Loop.
Time: 0:32:47
Mileage: 3.46 Miles - 5.57 Km
Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'53"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 69%
Like yesterday, an imperfect night, woke up around 12am feeling hot
in spite of the mild temperature (and worries over Sofia not sleeping
at night don't help, I find her singing outside on the tiny kitchen
balcony!!). Good consequence I continue to advance well in reading
La Prisonnière. I get up at 4:30, a little early, studying
again Surah An'aam, and pray the first 3 rukus in an good Namaaz.
Yesterday evening, because of a phone call, by the time we went out
we missed the Lunar eclipse unfortunately.
In spite of the early start, I don't get out before 7am, hesitant
between running or giving myself another rest day (still a little stiff,
and mild pain in Knees and Ankle). But I have chosen well. It's a
perfect run today, spring and rhythm are back in my stride, and at
no effort, I retrieve my 9'30"/mile training pace, along the very
pleasant Bhatwadi small loop, busy but not congested at this hour.
Like an addict, I have been somewhat depressed right after the
race, and feel strange tension in picking when to race next and
where. Also, I continue to be very uncertain about work, very tempted
to defy other's opinions and prolong this rest period, perhaps
indefinitely.
Next day (Thursday), a great early morning 10K walk along the
Aarey Pipeline with Gulzar. Birds, trees and fish...
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Ar-Ra'd till end,
Asr Surat Ibrahim till v 13, Maghrib Surat Ibrahim till v 22.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/11/22, 15 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Recovery Run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Ave - Central - Main - Lake Blvd -
JVLR - Raambagh.
Time: 0:34:45
Mileage: 3.78 Miles - 6.08 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 74%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs (continues to be low, but not
worry about it after Sunday's success)
Incredible. Another low key recovery run today, yet I am able to
achieve this strong pace without pushing much. A significant
increase in performance has clearly happened in the last two
or three weeks, one of those mysterious abrupt boosts that sometimes
occur, whose exact cause one wishes one could better analyze
and control. What is it that makes things suddenly so incredibly
easy, whereas before they seemed laborious and out of reach?
The mysteries of training...
Continued learning of "Ya Bani Israeel" verses, and Surah
An'aam v 95 onwards, then good Surah Yaseen in Fajr ki Namaaz.
The carpet is back in the Masjid...
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Ibrahim till end,
Maghrib Surat Al-Hijr till v 45.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/12/22, 16 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- MIDC
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Andheri Kurla - Saki Naka -
Marol Naka - Airport Rd - Apna Dhaba - Kondvita - MIDC - Vijay Nagar
Bridge - Marol - Military - Marwah - Saki Vihar - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 1:03:44
Mileage: 6.91 Miles - 11.12 Km
Pace: 9'13"/mile - 5'43"/km (perfect)
Weather: 24C; Humidity 67%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (perfect)
To conclude this recovery week, I intend for today to be a relaxed
one hour run, which is exactly what it will be. Again, today turns
out nearly perfect.
In a last minute inspiration, I head out along some of my old
commute routes to 88 Pictures, through Marol and Marwah, relatively
quiet at this early hour. The temperature is again very good, and
my breath and stride are excellent, easy and comfortable. On
Military road, I come across a procession of men behind a flag,
marching on half of the road, unsure what it's about. Marwah, still
closed, is as usual very quiet.
When I do the numbers, my pace continues
to amaze: what an incredible jump in training pace, and that at
seemingly no effort. Probably a combination of a sudden boost
in fitness, and milder temperatures. With a clearer head, I am
able to analyze what makes my stride and breath so much more efficient,
and wonder, like every year, why oh why it couldn't be like this all
the time.
18th reading Asr Surat Al-Hijr till end,
Maghrib Surat An-Nahl till v 35.
The Stubborn Verse (12.93 Miles) -- 11/19/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/14/22, 18 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Not a Miracle Monday
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - Far Gate - Padmavati Devi Marg -
Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Orchard - Lake Homes - Chandivali
Time: 0:50:53
Mileage: 5.37 Miles - 8.65 Km
Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 71%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs (unexpected, but stay calm, no sudden
moves)
For some reason, this is a somewhat sleepy run, started strangely
unmotivated, and despite a new (surprising) weight loss, feeling
sort of bloated at first. But I do relax into the pleasant morning
freshness, and, while this doesn't feel as miraculous as
last week's runs, still quite comfortable, and at a perfectly valid
pace (in fact, this should be my training pace). I hope I haven't
peaked last week, and can continue to build on my good fortune.
Most likely will run another half marathon at Upwan lake in
early December.
I finished reading La Prisonnière during the night.
On that thrust, don't plan to stop till the end of La Recherche.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/15/22, 10 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Hiranandani Hospital: 0:19:26
[2.04M, 3.29K] -- Pace: 9'31"/mile
Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar (left) - IIT Market -
Main Gate - Lake - Raambagh: 0:22:03 [2.57M, 4.13K] -- Pace: 8'34"/mile
Time: 0:41:29
Mileage: 4.61 Miles - 7.42 Km
Pace: 8'59"/mile - 5'35"/km
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs (Still underweight, but should I worry?)
Weather: 25C; Humidity 77%
Up at 4, cannot fall back asleep (it had been a while).
In a sudden inspiration once outside, I decide to
run to Hiranandani, then helped by the downhill towards IIT,
I happily (but reasonably) push the pace on the way back, feeling a good
spring in my stride. But how much only becomes apparent later, when I do
the numbers: I have run back at nearly 8'30"/mile pace! Phenomenal, and
really unexpected! What an abrupt turn-around these past few weeks!
18th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nahl till end,
Asr Surat Al-Isra till v 23.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/16/22, 11 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Mile Intervals
To Lakehomes Overpass: 0:12:40 [r.3'42"] [1.25M, 2.01K]
Mile Intervals, LH Overpass to IIT Main Gate: 1.06 Miles - 1.71 Km
Interval 1: 8'18".27 [r.5'45"] -- Pace: 7'48"/mile - 4'51"/km
Interval 2: 8'34".63 [r.2'20"] -- Pace: 8'03"/mile - 5'00"/km
Intervals Time: 0:16:52
Intervals Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.42 Km
Intervals Pace: 7'56"/mile - 4'55"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.71 Km in 6'55", ie. 6'30"/mile pace
Back: 0:10:15 [1.07M, 1.73K]
Total Time: 0:39:47 (total workout: 0:51:35)
Total Mileage: 4.44 Miles - 7.16 Km
Total Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
My blessed days of miraculous sleep are over (as I feared they would be),
for the past two days, I wake up at 4, unable to sleep back (and at points
in the night continue to advance fascinated in Proust). Today, I feel a bit
tired, but nonetheless carry on with my plan of running Mile Intervals.
I have lately broken my rule of never checking updates on the phone
at night, which perhaps explains my insomnia: last night, an email from the
tax dept (which will end up being fairly innocuous, once I read it in the
morning), worries me.
I pray Surah al-Isra this morning, which I've also reached in my 18th
reading (the middle of the book). I set out for the intervals, choosing
again the JVLR along the Lake and IIT, which, despite the road work obstacles,
continues to be the best yardstick.
I run my first interval at what feels like a strong pace, but my chrono
seems to disappoint (as every year though, I have to remember that these
intervals are a little long, so my actual pace might end up being better). I
have been hoping for a breakthrough performance today, given my excellent
running in the last couple weeks, but this doesn't seem to happen. Plus
I feel quite tired from the early start, and not that combative. On the
interval back, into a headwind, I weaken while trying to stay on effort,
and indeed my time is significantly slower. I call it a day, quite
disappointed, chalking this out as a mediocre session.
But later, as I do the numbers, I realize this was not at all bad
after all. I have fulfilled my goal of running a sub-8'00" / mile pace,
plus this is not only my best pace this year, but actually my best mile
intervals since 11/12/2020 !!!
Ok, I'll settle for that, but there is still room for improvement...
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Isra till v 78
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/18/22, 22 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 --
Khairani E. - Andheri Ghatkopar - Golibar Rd - Amrut Nagar - Back.
Time: 0:50:45
Mileage: 5.44 Miles - 8.75 Km
Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 52%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Bad night, awaken at various points by macchar. Or is it because of
the looming perspective of work, which seems to close down on
me like a vise? Able to sleep back,
but a very bad wake-up, excessively bad mood, not feeling well.
I question the run, but once out, one of those surprises, things
are quite good actually. Easy pace and breathing, and I opt towards
Golibar rd. On the way back, a very friendly dog keeps jumping on
me, under the amused (or bewildered) gaze of his owner, a jovial
fat local man. Seeing Gulzar walking her rounds as I return, I
catch her up, and walk a couple rounds with her. The temperature
in my sweaty state actually feels quite chilly!
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Kahf till v 23,
Asr Surat Al-Kahf till v 83, Maghrib Surat Al-Kahf till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/19/22, 23 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Aarey Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to Bhandup & back to
Renaissance Hotel [6.52M, 10.49K]
2nd loop - Back same way [6.41M, 10.32K]
Time: 2:06:41
Mileage: 12.93 Miles - 20.81 Km
Pace: 9'47"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
Unlike the last few days, a good night's sleep, with multiple
wake-up's and sleeps, but I get up feeling good. For a few days,
I have been held back in my learning Surah An'aam by a difficult
verse, which resists my memory. This morning, in my pre-dawn
study, I hammer on it, hoping it will carry me through today's
run.
I have planned for a long run today, two weeks apart from
the previous half marathon and the next one, as a way to keep
stamina. But there is some tension, I have an important meeting
in town at 10:30, for which I shouldn't be late in Mumbai's
utterly impredictible traffic. So I leave for the run before
6:30, still in semi-darkness, embarking for the Aarey Pipeline.
Once I turn into that Chowl Galli, I am again fascinated
by the incredible impression of silence, or rather, the absence
of noise, which while unnoticed, consumes us relentlessly.
Today quite a few people on the trail, walking, running,
exercising. My running feels excellent, so good perhaps that
in the absence of a challenge it could get monotonous, if it
weren't for nature around me. I am determined to keep the run
easy throughout, which I will succeed in. As all this month,
temperatures are pleasantly cool. I rehearse the verse from
Surah An'aam along the way, contemplating the morning, and
in the easy descent, eating kajur with water, my magical
formula for endurance.
My friend asks me, kitne rounds, without
stopping I show two fingers, adding aaj 20km se zyadaa
hoga. On the second lap, still without stopping, he
says next time he wants to run 20 km with me, I object that
aap tezi se daurte hain, barely hearing his response
as I pass by (I have no intention of doing this). I complete
the run in great control, without stopping once, slightly
sore, but holding well together (plus I'll reach my meeting
well on time).
And I seem to have mastered that difficult verse,
subhanallah -
18th reading Maghrib Surat Maryam till v 40.
-- Surah Al-An'aam, Ruku no 12 --
The 12th Ruku (9.95 Miles) -- 11/26/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/21/22, 25 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- Good Monday
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Hiranandani Hospital -
Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT Far Gate - Lake Powai - Raambagh.
Time: 0:52:22
Mileage: 5.59 Miles - 9 Km
Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 60% (Coolest so far this year)
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Multiple wake-ups during the night, from deep dreams, but feeling
alert I advance significantly in La Fugitive. Wake up after 5am,
a little late, finish learning the 12th Ruku of Surah An'aam. I leave
for the run late around 7am, to a fresh clear morning.
And the run is just about perfect. I soon settle in a relaxed
comfortable pace, where "it runs by itself", enjoying the chilly
morning, and paradoxically at this later time, not as bothered by the
schools traffic. I opt for the classic loop through Hiranandani, IIT
and Lake Powai, enjoying my excellent shape.
18th reading Asr Surat Ta Ha till v 55,
Maghrib Surat Ta Ha till v 90.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/23/22, 27 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1444 -- 9K Tempo
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:13:23 [r.5'46"] [1.28M, 2.06K]
9K Tempo Run 3X Orchard Avenue [1.87M, 3.01K]
Lap 1: 16'20".25 -- Pace: 8'43"/mile - 5'25"/km
Lap 2: 16'10".27 -- Pace: 8'38"/mile - 5'22"/km
Lap 3: 16'05".21 -- Pace: 8'35"/mile - 5'20"/km
Tempo Time: 0:48:36
Tempo Mileage: 5.61 Miles - 9.03 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'39"/mile - 5'22"/km
Age Graded: 9.03 Km in 0:40:35, ie. 7'13"/mile pace.
[r.2'12"] Back via Raambagh: ??? Est. 0:09:35 [1.01M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 1:11:33
Total Mileage: 7.9 Miles - 12.72 Km
Total Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'37"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Wake up at 4:15, with determined effort, able to push to the dreamy corners
of the mind, till I get up at 4:45, feeling quite good. Continued learning
of Surah al-Anaam (starting Ruku 13) and Namaaz. One sole Masjid gives the
Adhaan at 6am, just at the time when it is legally allowed to do so.
Another clear almost chilly morning. I feel quite good, but the warmup
disappoints, somewhat out of breath and sore. I take a good rest before
starting the session. As often, things feel paradoxically better at a faster
pace. In fact, I manage this very well, with a good controlled stride and
rhythm, and able to "tense / relax" the level of effort, constantly bringing
it back in control. I feel I must be slowing down a little as the run goes,
but the numbers will reveal the opposite, each lap is actually run a little
faster. Excellent result, by far the best this year (but still short of
pre-covid performances).
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Anbiya till v 76
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/25/22, 29 Rabi-al-Akhir 1444 --
Time: 0:45:27
Raheja Vihar - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Mileage: 4.72 Miles - 7.6 Km
Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weather: 26C; humidity 63%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
In spite of last night, wake up at 4:10, able to rest till about 4:50.
Intense revision of Surah Al-An'aam, the "despair verses", then Surah
Yaseen ki Namaaz.
But in spite of lack of sleep, I feel ok. The run, intended as
low-key, is actually quite pleasant, at a later 7am, feeling actually
quite easy, sleepy, but comfortable. I extend slightly through Lake Homes,
and give rs. 20 to the Budi.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Mu'minun till v 50,
Asr Surat Al-Mu'minun till end
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/26/22, 01 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Tagore Nagar
Lake Powai - IIT - JVLR - Tagore Nagar (straight) - Across EEH -
Back East of the HWY - JVLR - Central - SM SHetty - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:36:55
Mileage: 9.95 Miles - 16.02 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Up at 4, feeling rested actually (yesterday slept at 8pm!). Having
learned Ruku 12th, I learn two Aayat from the next Ruku, and recite
parts of Surah An'aam in Namaaz.
My goal today is a relaxed, moderate, pleasant run, of about
10 miles. I choose for this the Easter Express Highway, on the memory
of such a nice run. But things end up unexpectedly more
laborious (and tedious perhaps) than I would like.
Out before 6:30, before
day break (but lighting is sufficient), I struggle a little to find my rhythm,
tired. I contemplate a daring venture into the unknown (the unexplored slum
road that starts at IIT) to wake myself up, but eventually choose
Tagore Nagar, not new, but different enough, and run straight all the way through,
traversing the humble neighbourhoods and a morning market.
I decide to return through the streets on
the other side of the highway, but I continue to feel
disappointingly mixed, and
pause for a time at the base of the JVLR, wondering whether I should
give up and hop into
a Rickshaw. I nevertheless decide to restart, completing the run at a moderate pace,
paradoxically finding a little relief up the hill, before the tedium sets back in.
Perhaps this was one run too many, and it would have been wiser to reduce
mileage more this week (it's almost identical to last week).
-- Through Barve Nagar and Bheem Nagar --
Barve Nagar, Bheem Nagar, Lakshmi Narayan, Shangarsh Nagar (6.03 Miles) -- 11/30/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/28/22, 03 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Brisk Pace
Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar -
Hiranandani Hosp - Main - Orchard - Heera Pana - Custom Colony - Raambagh
Time: 0:50:15
Mileage: 5.62 Miles - 9.04 Km
Pace: 8'56"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
The usual sleep pattern, up once around 1:00, read La Recherche till
2:00, wake up again (from a long dream) at 4:00, thankfully able to sleep
again till 5:10, slightly late. Continued learning of Surah An'aam, and
Namaaz entirely from Surah al-Baqarah.
Me who feared that Saturday's run marked a downturn in training,
today's wonderful run emphatically dispels that notion!
With clear skies (yesterday we saw the early moon), it is nicely
fresh again, much less sweaty, and feeling better rested, I embark with a
naturally energetic pace, which carries me throughout the run, without
tiring. A very (unexpectedly) pleasant run.
18th reading Maghrib Surat An-Nur till v 40.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/29/22, 04 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Barve Nagar, Bheem Nagar,
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi - Barve Nagar Maidam - Bheem Nagar Hill -
Andheri Ghatkopar - Mohili Village Pipeline - Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.
Time: 0:50:14
Mileage: 5.42 Miles - 8.72 Km
Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 67%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
18th reading Fajr Surat An-Nur till v 58
Up at 4:37, a little early, feeling somewhat tired. Planning for
a short easy run, sky clear again, air fresh, nearly chilly. In a sudden
inspiration, change plans to turn towards Bhatwadi, where I take another
daring route through the hill slums, first the Barve Nagar Playground,
then the galli up and down Bheem Nagar hill, and finally returning through
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, through Khairani road slums. This daring
exploration, and hilly terrain, gradually improves my running and
returns my comfort, fascinating world. Through Bheem Nagar, a young
man with few teeths and the visage of poverty greets me exclaiming
with a large partly toothless smile. This fascinating environment
has restored my running form, and I finish the run in perfect comfort,
and at a surprisingly fast pace.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nur till end,
Asr Surat Al-Furqan till end.
-- Lakshmi Narayan Mandir through Khairani Road Slums --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/30/22, 05 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- 3K Intervals
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:13:01 [r.4'40"] [1.28M, 2.06K]
Orchard Avenue Intervals: 1.87 Miles - 3 Km
Interval 1: 15'15".65 [r.5'54"] -- Pace: 8'10"/mile - 5'05"/km
Interval 2: 15'25".07 [r.3'41"] -- Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
Intervals Time: 0:30:40
Intervals Mileage: 3.74 Miles - 6 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'13"/mile - 5'06"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 3K in 12'41", ie. 6'46"/mile pace
Back via Raambagh: 0:09:13 [1.01M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 0:52:54 (total workout: 1:07:10)
Total Mileage: 6.03 Miles - 9.69 Km
Total Pace: 8'46"/mile - 5'27"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Another clear morning with fresh temperatures. Wake up well actually,
after multiple wake-ups through the night. Continued studies of Surah
An'aam, as well as in Namaaz.
I do feel good today, warmup through Lakehomes (but do not find
the budi by the temple). I pause as usual at the start, where a man
walking his dog engages in conversation, having seen me run all over
town. Good conversation, good Hindi, which assuredly has taken another
leap forwards since moving to Mumbai.
I start the intervals finding a good stride, quite springy, and
yet relaxed. I focus as usual on keeping the relaxation, even though
the pace feels a bit challenging on the return. I take a long break,
wondering whether I can muster the energy for a 2nd interval at this
level. I eventually start again, to find the stride surprisingly easy
at first, which more or less I'm able to maintain throughout, playing
that usual game of "push-pull" (which when it works is incredibly
satisfying!). My second interval lands within 10 seconds of the first,
victory!
An excellent session (although still behind pre-Covid levels),
and a big improvement from the last similar session in October.
Things are really coming together, it's magical, I hadn't felt the
miraculous effect of training in some time.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Ash-Shu'ara till end,
Maghrib Surat An-Naml till v 45.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/02/22, 07 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Shangarsh Nagar
Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Vihar - Mohili Village
Pipeline - Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar Loop
Time: 0:45:54
Mileage: 4.81 Miles - 7.74 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
A "late" wake-up at 5:15, out shortly before 7am.
Today's goal is a short easy relaxed run, in preparation for
Sunday's half marathon. I am headed to the peaceful and familiar
roads of Hiranandani, but as often, take a sudden different turn,
which turns into another bold exploration. The run is indeed
very pleasant, easy as designed. On the way back, feeling good
and my time still low, I take a small detour through Shangarsh
Nagar, the road that ascends gently to the right. From there,
I eye with hesitation the alleys, pressed between the buildings,
that lead to the outer edge of the community, but I decide against
it. This idea, essentially a deeper dive into the Shangarsh Nagar
community, doesn't let me go, and feeling remorseful, as I approach
home, I take another sudden right turn which loops back,
following the Northern
edge of Shangarsh Nagar, a daring route that I have long thought
of. The road is particularly impressive,
between the decrepit darkened buildings
to the right and the cliffs on the left, bordered by an unfinished
structure, and piles of trash. The paved road soon turns to dirt.
I continue straight while I can, then loop back on the first road.
This is a particularly impressive slum community, around these
rows of all similar buildings (reminescent of Uncle's complex
in Kadugondanahalli, Bangalore), alive with the morning life of
the slums, peaceful in the morning. I am fascinated
by this long thought-of exploration.
8th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Qasas till v 60,
Asr Surat Al-Qasas till end.
-- Through Shangarsh Nagar --
-- A hugely disappointing Run --
Lokmat Maha Mumbai Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) -- 12/04/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 12/04/22, 09 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Maha Mumbai Half Marathon
Time: 2:03:12
Ranking: 81/315 Overall - 17/81 Age Group
Mileage: 13.1 Miles - 21.1 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Pace through 11.35K: 8'56"/mile - 5'33"/km
Age Graded: 1/2 Marathon in 1:43:13, ie. 7'52"/mile pace
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
A month after Thane, I have decided to re-try my luck at a half
marathon. In great shape lately, riding on an excellent streak,
I hope to again shatter my record for this year. But it was not
to be.
Unlike the previous two races, this is a huge event, as indicated
by the scale of the expo where we get our bibs, and the number
of politician VIPs involved! I am worried about the logistics of
parking the car, but that will eventually be seamless. In the day
and night preceding the race, I manage to suppress my usual
pre-event tension, and see the event approach with relative
confidence. Should I then conclude that I need a state
of semi-despair before a race to perform well?? At night, I finish
reading La Fugitive, continuing right into Le
Temps Retrouvé, but otherwise sleep relatively well.
We reach the event well ahead of time, as anticipated, it is huge,
but no particular problem. A quick warmup jog drenches me in sweat,
indicating the morning isn't as nicely fresh as it has been. After
the traditional singing of the anthem, I find a good place near
the start line. Hear we go, right on time at 6:00, still in
semi-darkness.
I have lofty expectations for today, aiming to pulverize again
my yearly record, but as the run starts I quickly realize
that it won't be so, perhaps a self fulfilling
prophecy. Sensations are inexplicably not good, I am
not finding my good breath, not feeling the thrill of the race,
settling into borderline tedium, and already fearing the long road ahead.
The course is surprisingly hilly, and very soon, we pass the now
familiar Upwan lake, then onto new roads through the base of the
Yeour Hill area. In spite of lackluster feelings, I patiently try
to find my rhythm, hoping for relative comfort and perhaps better
sensations later on, I obstinately run on, neither pushing nor
relenting too much. For once, very unusual on a race, I resort
to reciting the Qur'an, rehearsing recently learned verses from
Surah An'aam, feeling strangely disengaged from the race, and
needing to combat tedium. For once, the course is
not a repeated loop, and I watch the Kilometer markers go by.
Some of these roads look familiar from the previous Half Marathon,
which I try to use to cure my spleen, and eventually reach the
halfway mark. Having passed 11 or 12 kms, I do start to feel better,
using a gentle downhill to eat kajur and drink (which I'll do twice),
hoping finally for a better day. But this does not hold. I am slowed
down by a few hills, which for once I do not enjoy. I have been
thus far ahead of the 2:00 pacer, but he joins me on these climbs,
cheers me up then slowly drifts ahead. These hills are hurting me,
and I must have slowed down dramatically here (as the splits will
later show), but resisting any impulse to stop, I eventually
clear Upwan Lake and the Yeour Hill entrance, turn left into
what should be a good straight downhill shot back to the finish.
But instead of elation or relief, the last kilometer is where I
end up struggling the most. My fears of a dense crowd finally
materialize here, the road is busy with people walking from the
various shorter runs, and the various sideshows for which people
congregate aggravate the problem. Worse still, traffic is being temporarily
restored to allow side roads to cross at times, clogging the course.
I pass anyway, weaving through crowd and traffic, but further
eroding my effort. The last 800 meters sign instead of liberating
my energy digs me in further, I have nothing for the last effort,
finish the run without stopping but without any flourish. I finally
look at my watch, a disappointing 2h03! My most minimal expectation
was to at least come in under two hours, even that was missed!
I find Gulzar among the crowd, who has completed her 10k.
The food is too dry to be edible in my state (except for banana and orange),
mostly, I need lots of water. We leave relatively soon, ignoring
the big brouhaha on stage, not waiting for the podiums, which
I am convinced won't provide any happy surprise today (indeed,
I will later find out I've placed only 81 of my age group!), and
clearly not in the mood.
My toes are hurting from the run, and the walk to back to the
car, a little distant, is somewhat laborious. But on the way, an
unexpected surprise: I casually notice a Jewish Cemetery! So
unexpected here in Thane. I talk to a few people wearing the Kipah.
According to some past census, the Mumbai Jewish Community is about
4,000 strong...
What a counter-performance today!! It will leave me with a bad
feeling in the days to come, like the echoes of an uncomfortable
dream.
I admit I don't take it well. It leaves me uncharacteristically
fed up with running, not wanting to plan any next steps, although I
imagine the lore of running will return after some mandatory rest.
How to explain this failure? Not exactly sure... Have I again peaked
too early, two or three weeks back? Was this too soon after last month's
success? Have I simply run too much in the weeks leading to the
event, burning out? (This explanation is the most likely, this week's
mileage is among my three highest for the year, I should
have tapered more wisely).
Whatever it might be, I now need to digest this, take it easy
for a week, and figure out my desires and goals for the rest of
the season. It can't all be uphill all the time, obviously,
disappointments are part of the game.
Recovery, Pollution (7.22 Miles) -- 12/10/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/06/22, 11 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Recovery
Lakehomes - Orchard - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:36:45
Mileage: 3.71 Miles - 5.98 Km
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (expected, and ok)
A short low-key run, to try to get back on the horse after
Sunday's disappointement.
Unfortunately, I woke up around 4:15, unable to sleep
back really, and feel tired. I nonetheless try to relax into
this, at an easy pace (indeed very slow), with no other goal
than to patiently mend things, and find pleasure back in
running. Sadly, since yesterday, it has been horribly polluted
out there, we can barely distinguish the Khairani road slums
from our balcony! And the temperature is warmer and more humid
too, hardly any morning freshness. Still feeling disheartened.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Ankabut till end,
Asr Surat Ar-Rum till end, Maghrib Surat Luqman till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/07/22, 12 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Recovery
Raambagh - Lake Promenade IIT - to Central Ave. - Back.
Time: 0:34:33
Mileage: 3.86 Miles - 6.22 Km
Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (expected, and ok)
A much better run today. And a sigh of relief.
Yesterday, utter exhaustion! I take three naps (!), yet still
unable to shake off an uncomfortable despondent dizziness. I fall
again asleep at 7:30 right after dinner (!), wake up around 2am finally
feeling rested, read further into Le Temps Retrouvé,
fall back asleep till about 5:10. So much sleep!
Yet I'm not sure how the day will find me. Should I run or should
I not? I decide at first for a gym session instead, extending the
rest, but change my mind after Namaaz, as often, the lure of the
outside feeling strong. This in spite of horrendous pollution that
has put its lid on the neighborhood for the past few days, a depressing
sight, Khairani road is hardly visible, the further buildings gone
in a milky haze. Atrocious!
I do go out relatively late (around 7am) for a classic Lake
Powai run. I soon find my pace to be energetic, I don't feel much
endurance, but a certain spring in my stride. I want to cross
back through Hiranandani for the return, but the JVLR proves
too long to pass, so I return the same way along the lake -
perhaps a good thing, saving me from unnecessary miles. I keep
a brisk pace throughout, at a well-managed effort. Indeed, my pace
will prove to be about what it should have been on Sunday.
Feeling better, I can perhaps again start to set future goals...
Later, a report from a French Newletters comes in: It states
this is the most polluted it's been in Mumbai since the past five
years. Sadly confirms what I have been seeing and feeling...
18th reading Dhuhr Surat As-Sajdah till end,
Asr Surat Al-Ahzab till v 28, Maghrib Surat Al-Ahzab till v 53.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/09/22, 14 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Recovery
Time: 0:43:00
Mileage: 4.64 Miles - 7.46 Km
Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'45"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 62%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs (feels like an anomaly)
Far less polluted today, and the freshness is back, as well as
a beautiful moon (full yesterday)! An excellent run again,
perfectly relaxed, kept intentionally relatively short, at
a good pace with no particular effort. The joy of running
is back!
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Ahzab till end,
Asr Surat Saba till v 22, Maghrib Surat Saba till end,
Surat Fatir till v 15, Ishaa Surat Fatir till v 38.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/10/22, 15 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Quasi Tempo Run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Ave. - Central - Hiranandani Hosp -
Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT Far Gate - Lake Promenade -
Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar - Mhada - Nahar.
Time: 1:04:32
Mileage: 7.22 Miles - 11.62 Km
Pace: 8'56"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs (again, surprisingly low)
18th reading Fajr Surat Fatir till end
Very bad wake-up, too early, not feeling well. Think I might
not run. Gulzar gets up early too, perhaps we should walk? But
deciding for me, she decides to go by herself, removing any
scruple. So here I go.
It's another clear crisp almost chilly morning, sharp
contrast with the earlier dreadful pollution. As sometimes
happens, contradicting my terrible wake-up and mood, I find
the run wonderfully pleasant, flowing, and gradually gaining
confidence, extend it along familiar roads (quiet today),
picking up a increasingly solid yet comfortable pace.
Indeed, I have run under 9'00"/mile, enough to qualify
for an unintended tempo run. Great run again, need to rethink
what's next.
This is how it should have been last week. Still not completely
sure how it went so wrong. Most likely, simple overtraining. I should
have tapered leading to the race, in fact, this week is what
last week should have felt like, perhaps the result would
have been different. Anyway, I think I am done digesting this setback,
ready to move on.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Yasin till end,
Maghrib Surat As-Saffat till v 75.
-- Morning atmosphere, on Wednesday then on Saturday --
-- 13th Ruku from Surah al-An'aam, and end of Juz 7 --
13th Ruku (5.55 Miles) -- 12/14/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/12/22, 17 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 --
Raambagh - Orchard - Central - SM Shetty - Sangarsh Nagar Jama Masjid
Time: 0:38:18
Mileage: 4.12 Miles - 6.63 Km
Pace: 9'17"/mile - 5'46"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs (What????? Was expecting a weight gain)
One of those paradoxically lousy wake-ups.
In spite of excellent sleep (I even slept back at 4:30 till 5:10),
I wake up groggy with a headache, causing great frustration. I nevertheless
learn further into the Qur'an and manage Namaaz, but my head does not
improve much. I set out late around 7am.
Weather is slightly less nice, not as clear and fresh, but roughly
ok. But I continue to do poorly, groggy, slightly nauseous even, wondering
whether I should write this out as a bad day and return home. I don't,
and eventually find glimpses of goodness in my running, moments
of confort, quite erratic though.
In spite of this uncertain state, I still achieve a good pace,
confirming my overall good shape.
My weight is incomprehensible. Could it be that the scale is
defective?
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Sad till end,
Maghrib Surat Az-Zumar till v 53.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/13/22, 18 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 --
Nahar - Raheja Vihar - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 0:46:30
Mileage: 4.84 Miles - 7.79 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs (Absolutely incomprehensible!!!!)
A very bad night, little sleep, and again headache, which yesterday
did not leave me throughout the day. Gulzar has not slept well either,
although I did hear the reassuring sound of her slumber, while I
continued to progress in the night in
reading le Temps Retrouvé.
We both wake up again around 4am, by some miracle, I am able to sleep
again briefly, getting up at 5:10, which softens the blow of this
horrible night.
And the run, though sleepy, is not that bad after all! Even
though under slightly overcast skies it is hotter and more polluted,
and I am really pestered today by the obstacle course of endless
buses and bus passengers! Still, in a "rest mode", I manage
a relaxing run.
My continued weight loss continues befuddle me.
I am eating well, not excessively,
but well. What is wrong here?? Could it seriously be a defective
scale? Or is it that I am ill?
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Az-Zumar till end,
Asr Surat Mu'min till v 28.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/14/22, 19 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- 1/2 Mile Intervals
To Break-in-Wall: 0:18:32 [r.4'59"] [1.86M, 3.0K]
Half-Mile Intervals, "Break-in-Wall to IIT Main Gate": 812 meters
Interval 1: Unrecorded, est. 3'47" [with rest: 7'50"]
Interval 2: 3'55".89 [r.4'41"] -- Pace: 7'45"/mile - 4'49"/km
Interval 3: 3'47".77 [r.3'54"] -- Pace: 7'29"/mile - 4'39"/km
Interval 4: 3'58".15 [r.2'18"] -- Pace: 7'51"/mile - 4'53"/km
Intervals Time: 0:15:28
Intervals Mileage: 2 Miles - 3.25 Km
Intervals Pace: 7'39"/mile - 4'45"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 812m. in 3'09", ie. 6'14"/mile pace
Back: 0:15:20 [1.69M, 2.72K]
Total Time: 0:49:20 (total session: 1:09:15)
Total Mileage: 5.55 Miles - 8.97 Km
Total Pace: 8'50"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weather: 27C; humidity 74%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (excellent)
Better wake-up finally. Largely gone is the morning headache, the mysterious
Mumbai illness that has affected me for the last couple days,
mostly likely due to pollution (and worry).
Significant advance in Le Temps Retrouvé
in the night, extraordinary passages where Proust explains his intentions
and method.
Good session. I run a "near-perfect" first interval,
completely "feeling it", excellent
relaxation, posture, etc., at an even effort.
BUT I SOMEHOW MISHANDLE MY CHRONO, so this excellent effort
will remain unknown!! (I later realize that I've failed to click
the end of the lap). I write it down it like the 3rd (same direction),
but it was most likely faster. Quite disappointing, but oh well...
I try to not let this mishap interfere with the rest of the session.
And I do decently on the other ones as well, although not feeling quite as
satisfactorily fluid. The course is mostly clear
(and definitely better than Orchard
Avenue), except for one funnel where I have to compete with vehicles,
especially motorbikes showing no pity to pedestrians.
All in all though, an excellent session.
The weather is however hotter and more humid. In the elevator when I return,
a lady stares at me incredulous, "is it water or sweat?". Indeed, it
looks like I've jumped in Lake Powai!
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Mu'min till v 61,
Asr Surat Mu'min till end, Maghrib Surat Ha-Mim Sajadah till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/16/22, 21 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Easy Run
Lake Promenade, to Middle Jetty, & Back
Time: 0:32:18
Mileage: 3.47 Miles - 5.59 Km
Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'46"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
The perfect easy run. Very relaxed, and deliberately kept short, effortless.
This is how I should have run before the Half Marathon, I need to discipline
myself into such runs. The weather is better, clear sky (stars visible),
making for somewhat fresher temperatures. Funnily, because of the easiness
of the run, I return feeling somewhat unfulfilled, almost guilty
that I haven't done enough, but again,
I need these types of run more often. Feels very pleasant.
And at dawn, I have finished learning the 13th ruku of Surah Al-An'aam,
which I'll soon start praying in Namaaz.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Ad-Dhukhan till end,
Asr Surat Al-Jathiyah, Surat Al-Ahqaf, Maghrib Surat Muhammad till end.
-- Another 2nd place podium, and a very large check!--
Airoli ASA Greenathon 10K (6.2 Miles) -- 12/18/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 12/18/22, 23 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- ASA Greenathon 10K
Time: 0:52:45
Mileage: 6.2 Miles - 10 Km
Pace: 8'29"/mile - 5'16"/km
Rank: 2nd place 56+ Category, 20th place Overall
Age Graded: 10K in 0:44:06, ie. 7'05"/mile pace
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Last night, again, a terrible insomnia, but perhaps this is the condition
for me to succeed at these events. It is oddly very hot, and I cover
the bed with sweat. I continue to read in Le Temps
Retrouvé, seeing with awe the end of the monumental book
approaching. As often before the run, I worry about ridiculous things,
this time that the event might be so small that due to sub-par
organisation, Gulzar might get lost somewhere on the route! I do
eventually sleep, as usual wake-up before the alarm (4am), but not
feeling the kind of enthusiasm that has saved me in the past. Really
not sure what to expect today, is it a mistake to run again only two
weeks after the failed Half Marathon?
We reach the venue with no problem, immediately dispelling the
night's worries: this is actually a sizable event, organisation
is top notch. The sky is clear, but not much freshness, and an easy
warmup has already covered me with sweat. I suddenly realize that
I have forgotten my watch! That's a first... I'll have to memorize
the start line chronometer, and hope their measurements work.
Off we go. I am committed to a good but reasonable pace, having
lost the habit of running 10Ks, and not sure where my fitness stands.
I imagine a finish time around 0:55 would be satisfactory for today.
I settle into a good but cautious pace, watching people around me,
as usual a little dismayed that their relatively unimpressive running
form is matching my speed, and concluding that perhaps, in spite of
feeling fluid, I also look like them. Anyway, the streets are quiet
before first light, and the run eventually proceeds on a nice road
along the mangrove marshes that I vaguely recognize from my marathon
training long runs. I like this area.
Little by little, I notice runners falling back, and find myself
quite isolated, as if I was ahead of the race (which of course I'm not),
an encouraging sign. Also, I have left behind me Gulzar's Ace Runners
Trainer who is serving as pacer today, which gives me further hope.
I am very focused on keeping everything in check, not letting stress
take a foothold in my body or mind. I reach the halfway point in
acceptable control.
There are regular school ke bacche cheering on the sides and
offering water (which I wave off). I continue to focus even more
intensely on staying calm and fluid through the return, even as
tension inevitably starts to build up. I do start to struggle
in the last third (typical), but manage to keep it together. From
experience, I decide to relax the pace a little, slowing
down slightly to recapture some comfort, and that change of thought
in itself seems to be enough to keep me going, without even hardly
slowing down. This is somewhat of an epiphany, that in times of
struggle, taking a little pressure off might be enough to get through,
a subtle change in effort or rhythm,
rather than trying to muscle it out. I finish quite well, passing now
many walkers from the shorter distance runs, and eventually seeing
the bright lights of the clock at the finish in the distance. I
do switch to a 1 / 1 breathing rhythm for the last 200 meters or so,
and finish well. The chrono indicates 1:22, and we started at 0:29,
I laboriously figure out that I must have run around 0:54 (my math
sucks as usual, it's actually 0:53!). Mission
accomplished...
Gulzar, whom I've passed on the way, soon completes her 5K,
frustrated though with her lack of fitness (she's managed to
run in small increments and her timing is as ever slow).
We decide to wait for a possible podium, enjoying the dances at
first, but then the wait stretches and stretches and stretches, as more and
more sponsors are introduced (let's hope we're not waiting in vain!).
Most of the crowd has dispersed by the time trophies are finally
announced. "Next, I think we have a Foreign Runner..." announces
the speaker. Yes, we have not waited for nothing. Yet again, I have
come in second place! This time, I am presented with a huge check
on stage for 4,000 rupees, and a beautiful trophy! Since we have
left the phone in the car, Gulzar borrows another finalist's phone
to take my picture on stage.
I am very satisfied with the day, and my performance. I am still
far from pre-Covid levels (in fact, today's pace corresponds roughly to my
former Half Marathon Pace), but still, this is a great step up,
and I've enjoyed the 10K format, a good break from Half Marathons.
I feel vindicated from my poor performance at the Lokmat Maha Mumbai event,
and after some rest, will plan for next month.
In the evening, we watch the World Cup Final together. Gulzar has
eventually gone to bed dismayed by France's disastrous performance, when
hearing me shout "Penalty" she hurries back. And we witness one of the
most dramatic finals ever. France eventually loses, and Argentina deserved
their win, but what an unbelievable epic game this turned out to be!
18th reading Maghrib Surat Al-Fath till end
-- Marcel Proust, gift from my Mother, exactly a year ago --
À la Recherche du Temps Perdu (10.58 Miles) -- 12/24/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/20/22, 25 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Bhatwadi / Asalfa
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi (long) - Jogger's Park - LBS -
Nari Seva Sadan (full length) - Khairani - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:48:53
Mileage: 5.44 Miles - 8.75 Km
Pace: 8'59"/mile - 5'35"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
NEW SHOES
Wake-up at 4:15, but feeling surprisingly good this morning, clear
of body and spirit. Namaaz as often within Surah al-An'aam. Morning
stretches are comfortable, feeling very good after Sunday's 10K.
It is clear this morning, stars and a thin smiling moon,
temperatures are finally fresher again. And my running is just about
perfect! Very easy and fluid, comfortable, pleasant, a Miracle
Monday on a Tuesday, wonderful feeling after Sunday's 10K.
And so I leave the dull comfort of Lake Powai and Hiranandani to
return to the more adventurous side, through Bhatwadi and Asalfa,
held back at times by sporadic traffic clogs, but otherwise perfectly
in tune with this run, resulting in a very good pace at very little
effort. Wonderful.
Wearing new shoes, and my newest race shirt from the Airoli 10k.
I had considered getting much cheaper shoes from Decathlon (one third
the price!), but chickened out, and got the usual Asics.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Qaf, Surat Adh-Dhariyat,
Asr Surat At-Tur, Surat An-Najm, Maghrib Surat Al-Qamar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/21/22, 26 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Barve Nagar / Bhim Nagar
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi (long) - Barve Nagar Maidam - Ambedkar Rd -
Bhim Nagar Hill - Andheri Ghatkopar - Bhatwadi (short) - Khairani E.
Time: 0:47:48
Mileage: 5.4 Miles - 8.68 Km
Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'30"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Another near perfect run.
In spite of a late start (around 7:15), I decide to head out
again to the enthralling slums in the hills, in the Bhatwadi area.
It feels a bit fresher today, and I soon find excellent form and
breath, in spite of slight tension in the hamstrings. I first go
up to the Barve Nagar Maidam, nestled in the slum hills, which is
bustling with cricket, volley, etc. this morning, and
on the way back down, experiment
with a new alley, which perhaps could connect directly to Bhim Nagar.
This eventually takes me back down into Bhatwadi, although I pass on
a left turn into a promising alley climbing to the left, which was
actually only meters away from connecting to Bhim Nagar. Anyway, I descend
and climb back up Bhim Nagar Hill, deep into its narrow dwellings,
witnessing as ever fascinated the the slum community's morning life,
strangely peaceful in warm early light. I return to the world on
Andheri Ghatkopar, and come back resisting further detours.
It has been an excellent run, in fact, my pace is so good,
yet so effortless, that I wonder if I've messed up my measurements.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Ar-Rahman, Surat Al-Waqi'ah,
Maghrib Surat Al-Hadid till v 20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/23/22, 28 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Hiranandani Hospital - Down to
IIT Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:44:44
Mileage: 4.75 Miles - 7.65 Km
Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Weather: 24C; Humidity 76%
Last night, I have finished reading Le Temps Retrouvé,
conclusion of À la Recherche du Temps Perdu. This enthralling
yet difficult reading has taken me about a year. It opens a new
artistic dimension to me,
which I have barely skimmed in a single reading. I will miss
Proust's presence in the days to come.
A good wake-up. I have started learning Ruku 14, which I intend to pursue for
a few verses, enough to provide another segment for Namaaz.
The sky is clear, temperature relatively fresh (in spite
of abundant sweat at night), but pollution sadly clogs the distance.
A relaxed uneventful run, at an easy pace, feeling good overall, although
subtle tension in the hamstrings. As on polluted days, the far side of
Lake Powai is nearly invisible in the milky haze.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Jumu'ah, Surat Al-Munafiqun,
Surat At-Taghabun, Surat At-Talaq, Asr Surat At-Tahrim, Surat Al-Mulk,
Maghrib Surat Al-Qalam, Surat Al-Haqqah, Surat Ma'arij, Surat Nuh.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/24/22, 29 Djumada-al-Ula 1444 -- Pipeline
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to Bhandup Gate - to "Runner's
Spot" - Back to Bhandup Gate, and back.
1:39:49
Mileage: 10.58 Miles - 17.02 Km
Pace: 9'26"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
A surprising assault of throat pain and headache has jolted me awake
during the night, and my wake-up is quite poor, in an uncomfortable
daze. In spite of that, and to the eternal law of contraries, this
will be a most excellent run.
The weather is particularly fresh, dare I say cold, giving a
spontaneous energy to my run. My breath is absolutely impeccable
today, making running almost effortless, if it weren't for a slight
tenderness in the knees (which I need to watch for). The "track" along
the Pipeline has now been entirely paved all the way to Bhandup, which
brings an increasing affluence of people, among which many of my
"friends" salute me. Feeling so good, I lengthen slightly, but deliberately
staying away from a 2 hour run. This has been just about perfect, and I
naturally (and unknowingly) achieve the perfect pace for this kind of run.
18th reading Maghrib Surat Al-Jinn, Surat Al-Muzzammil,
Surat Al-Muddaththir.
18th Reading (8.15 Miles) -- 12/24/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/26/22, 02 Djumadah-al-Akhira 1444 --
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - South Hill -
SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:41:10
Mileage: 4.51 Miles - 7.26 Km
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'40"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Exceptionally cold, coldest temperature this year. Again an excellent
run, perhaps fueled by these cool conditions, and good rest.
Followed by a long walk in "Oxygen Park".
18th reading Dhuhr: Surat Al-Mursalat, Surat Al-Naba',
Surat An-Nazi'at, Surat 'Abasa, Surat At-Takwir, Surat Al-Infitar,
Surat At-Mutaffifin, Surat Al-Inshiqaq -
Asr: Surat Al-Buruj, Surat At-Tariq, Surat Al-A'la, Surat Al-Ghashiyah,
Surat Al-Fajr, Surat Al-Balad, Surat Ash-Shams, Surat Al-Lail, Surat Ad-Duha,
Surat Ash-Sharh, Surat At-Tin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/27/22, 03 Djumadah-al-Akhira 1444 -- Kailash Hill Repeats
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Kailash Hill,
To Base Camp: 0:28:10 [r.3'47"] [2.83M, 4.53K]
Kailash Hill Intervals: 1.07 Km (0.66 Mile)
Interval 1: 6'02".91 [d.6'23", r.2'16"] --
Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'39"/km
Interval 2: 6'04".15 [d.6'20", r.3'47"] --
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'40"/km
Interval 3: 6'08".31 [r.1'48"] --
Pace: 9'13"/mile - 5'43"/km
Hill Repeats Time: 0:18:15
Hill Repeats Mileage: 1.98 Miles - 3.21 Km
Hill Repeats Pace: 9'08"/mile - 5'41"/km
Back, same way, through Sangarsh Nagar: 0:17:58 [2.02M, 3.25K]
Total Time: 1:17:06 (Total Workout: 1:28:46)
Total Mileage: 8.15 Miles - 13.13 Km
Total Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
I am running out of superlatives this month. A most excellent
Hill Repeats session...
Wake up at 4:40, quite well. Continued study of Surah al-An'aam,
and the same in Namaaz. Start around 6:40, still in partial darkness,
to a cautious warmup... It is again
very nicely cool this morning, probably around 20C.
The session starts well. At the risk of repeating myself, relaxation
and fluidity are paramount in running, no muscling your way around, and
I seem to control both quite well today, coupled with an energetic rhythm.
I do quite well on the subsequent intervals too, not relinquishing much
pace, truly excellent.
It's amazing how, once well trained, traning sessions feel so much
more productive, delivering an exponential effect on performance. I later
find that I have obtained my first bona fide Personal Record in a long
time, comfortably beating my previous times up this hill (caveat though,
I did not run here while at my best, so cannot completely compare). And
yet this excellent performance felt easier, better managed and more
pleasant than other slower more laborious sessions from earlier!
Small incident on the way back, I get harassed by a pack
of dogs through Shangarsh Nagar. This is actually the most serious such
incident I've experienced in Mumbai. Nothing actually happens, but the
dogs are aggressively barking right at my feet, and not backing down. I
firmly stand my ground, and eventually get helped by a local
man, for once a little lethargic. Still, I have handled this with poise,
and nothing bad happened. Perhaps I should be a little more careful in
my bold explorations of the slums.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/29/22, 05 Jumadah-al-Akhira 1444 -- End of the Book
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Naka - Marol Naka -
Makwana - Military - to Mithi River and back - Marwah - Saki Vihar -
Khairani Rd.
Time: 0:56:32
Mileage: 6.02 Miles - 9.69 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
After Uttan yesterday, again, I mishandled my nutrition there,
and succumb to somewhat
of a collapse in the evening. But a good wake-up this morning around
4:50. Again, cool temperature, clear sky, but dreadful low lying
pollution over the Khairani road area, too clearly visible.
The run is excellent, once again. In fact, I feel so good that
I lengthen this as I go, quite a bit more than I had planned, making
up my route along the way, returning to the Marol / Marwah area.
Easy and comfortable, quite amazing really. I later in the day complete my
18th reading of the Holy Qur'an.
18th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Alaq, Surat Al-Qadr, Surat Al-Bayyinah,
Surat Az-Zalzalah, Surat Al-Adiyat, Surat Al-Qari'ah, Surat At-Takathur,
Surat Al-'Asr, Surat Al-Humazah, Surat Al-Fil, Surat Quraish, Surat Al-Ma'un,
Surat Al-Kauthar, Surat Al-Kafirun, Surat An-Nasr, Surat Al-Masad,
Surat Al-Ikhlas, Surat Al-Falaq, Surat An-Naas.
For Days like this we train (11.26 Miles) -- 12/31/22
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Friday 12/30/22, 06 Jumadah-al-Akhira 1444 -- Lousy Run
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Lake Blvd - JVLR - Raambagh.
Time: 0:29:00
Mileage: 3.09 Miles - 4.97 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
A lousy run, a run to forget. Was yesterday too much? I begin to fear signs of overtraining.
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Saturday 12/31/22, 07 Jumadah-al-Akhira 1444 -- Mangrove Sunrise
Lake Powai - IIT - JVLR - EEH [0:37:??]
EEH, to Talaab Overpass (Bhandup) [0:52:??] [5.69M, 9.15K]
EEH, back to JVLR [1:07:??]
IIT - Lake Powai - Back [1:43:18] [5.57M, 8.97K]
Time: 1:43:18
Mileage: 11.26 Miles - 18.12 Km
Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs (Not Surprising)
"For days like this we train..."
I conclude the year with a near perfect run. Wake up at 4:04, somehow
sleep again till about 4:50, continue learning of 14th Ruku. I am quite
hesitant to run after yesterday's bad run, but still follow my plan.
It definitely pays off: This will be one of my most excellent runs.
I embark on the classic EEH route towards Airoli. It is another crisp
cool winter morning, too rare in Mumbai. I immediately feel, in stark contrast
with yesterday, excellence and fluidity, the mythical effortless pace.
I have vowed to not let this run too long, but feeling
so perfectly well, I do prolong the route along the Highway, with at my right
the sun rising over the Mangroves. I do wisely turn back at the far
overpass, careful to not get coaxed until the full hour mark.
The return is equally perfect, in fact, the fatigue in
my muscles produces an incredible and bizzare sense of energy, like a
fluid flowing through my legs, which leads to a great natural rhythm on
the way back, and up the IIT Hill. It has rarely felt so good. And
I realize it is for days like this, to enable days like this,
that we train all year long.
My pace will end up quite fast yet at a comfortably managed
effort. How can it feel so perfectly fluid, when a few months back I
would have struggled so laboriously? I feel the magic of training
has finally taken hold, after having been sudbued the past couple
years, as if I had finally succeeded in recovering from the dismal
aftermath of the pandemic.
-- Sunrise on 2023 --