-- Conclusion of the Du'ah --
-- From Hiranandani, hazy morning --
Restart, October Heat (5.58 Miles) -- 10/14/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 10/08/23, 23 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- SAWALE
Phone Time: 1h57m (Israel News)
On Saturday, after the good first run, we drive to Sawale,
in one go without stopping in Hiranandani, feeling surprisingly
good. We eat a picnic at the property. But this excellent form
does decline eventually, Gulzar insists on installing a mosquito
net under a dense mango tree, which indeed provides shade and
cool, and installs me to sleep. While contemplating the dense
foliage overhead, but lamenting the incessant noise from the
nearby road (alas!), I do find some sleep. That night in Hiranandani,
I sleep like a log, in a single stretch, wake up particularly
well rested.
It's a foggy morning. Back at the property, we pull weeds
from the ground, which as Gulzar had predicted proves very
satisfying, and we don't see time pass. Around 11, in spite
of the heat, we set out for the society office, but I get
a little lost for once, which causes us to explore a new
road, longer and partially exposed to the sun, but offering
beautiful landscapes, a good find. We drive back having
spent an excellent weekend, in spite of the terrible news
of the Hamas attacks in Israel.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/09/23, 24 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Restart
Raambagh - Orchard -
Time: 0:36:25
Mileage: 3.7 Miles - 5.96 Km
Pace: 9'50"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (back on target)
Phone Time: 0h59m (Yesterday 1h57m (News in Israel))
Up around 5:40. Don't sleep as well here than in Panvel, probably
due to heat. A little stiff after the weekend's activities.
I continue my gradual ramp back up. Clear weather,
monsoon definitely over, slight freshness in the early morning,
but very sweaty. The run is a little more laborious than on
Saturday, but I keep it under control. This will take some
patience, but at least, I am back outside.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Fatihah,
Surat Al-Baqarah till v 40; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 83.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/11/23, 26 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Restart
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Central - Forest - Orchard - Raambagh
Time: 0:42:30
Mileage: 4.3 Miles - 6.93 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'07"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
Phone Time: 0h44m (Tuesday 0h57m)
Tuesday: 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 96,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 141 (Juz 2).
Wake up around 4am from uninterrupted sleep, up at 4:40 feeling
reasonably good. I continue to ramp back up, cautiously lengthening
the runs if form permits. Today, in spite of stiffness in the
hamstrings, I feel very comfortable for the first 20 minutes, then
weaken somewhat, but still under control. I meet Amit (walking his
German Sheperd) along the way, stop to tell him, not without some
pride, about the Dengue Fever.
Very upset at the situation in Israel. Difficult to express
my views.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 168,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 196.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/13/23, 28 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Nahar - Raheja Vihar (long) - to Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar (mid) -
Nahar.
Time: 0:32:41
Mileage: 3.19 Miles - 5.13 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Phone Time: 1h11m (Thursday 0h36m)
Thursday: 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 232,
Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till v 252 (Juz 3).
Let's face it, not a good run. One of those "Pressure Cooker"
days.
I wake up at 4, but heroically, in spite of all the preoccupation,
am able to fall back vaguely asleep till 5. Continued revisions of
Surat al-An'aam, and Surat Yaseen in Namaaz.
I go for an out and back run in Raheja Vihar (surprisingly
first time I do that), quieter than the outside streets, and
hilly. But the atmosphere feels unbelievably heavy today,
a thick haze (or pollution?) blocks the view, I am soon
drenched in sweat, and struggle to find my breath.
I manage at a low intensity, but am happy to return home without
lengthening. It really does feel today that I have lost all my
training, this will take time, patience ...
A slight concern about yesterday's PSA result. Is it a
negligible increase,
or something to worry about? I am waiting for an answer,
which comes by mid-day. The doctor does want to see me in person
(which hasn't happened in a long time). Is the cancer resurfacing?
Fueled by this, and the situation in Israel, an intense Namaaz
at the Masjid. No carpets or mats today, raw floor, but AC has
been turned on because of the heat.
As before, I am strangely buoyed by news about my
health, which gives me a strange sense of freedom. My Imaam makes
a vibrant Bayaan lamenting the weakness of Muslims in today's world,
and cries while praying Du'ah for the victims of Palestine.
22nd reading before Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 283,
After Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till end, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 21,
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/14/23, 29 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- 9K
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Hospital - Nana
Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT far Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:57:13
Mileage: 5.58 Miles - 8.98 Km
Pace: 10'15"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs
Phone Time: 1h05m
"October Heat" continues, it is difficult to sleep at night
(compounded by our AC malfunctioning), letting me advance further
in Guerre et Paix. I do fall back asleep eventually, Gulzar
wakes me up around 5, taking care of les petits minous
(who have pooped again!).
Very impressed by yesterday's heat,
I take a water flask and towel. My goal is
to run longer, but not sure at all if I'll make it, especially after
an unfortunate headache
wake-up. I take it easy, along this very familiar route.
It seems to go well, better than yesterday.
At this pace, I manage, keeping it just under
strain, and with three short stops to drink and cool down a little.
Strangely, most of the fatigue is in my shoulders. Another "pressure
cooker" run, in oppressive October Heat, but much better than
yesterday. Encouraging, but confirming that I've lost all my training.
Patience...
22nd reading Maghrib Surat Ali-Imraan till v 121.
-- What to recite before and after Du'ah,
in the hand of the Masjid Husaynia Imaam --
Before and After Du'ah (6.78 Miles) -- 10/21/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/16/23, 01 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 --
Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani rd - Nahar
Time: 0:42:30
Mileage: 4.22 Miles - 6.79 Km
Pace: 10'04"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (expected)
Phone Time: 0h45m (Sunday: 0h45m)
On Sunday morning, we walked in Oxygen Park where I spotted
a large snake (disappearing into the brush). In the afternoon, we
explored Dadar, Gulzar looking for wholesale clothes, finding places
we had visited in our initial trips to Mumbai, walking at mid-day
in the crowded October Heat. And the evening, we go out again along
Khairani road to Pipeline, but I suffer a semi-collapse along the
way, unable to walk straight. I sit at a stall to eat and drink,
recovering just enough.
This morning, I wake up to another "screaming" dream
(silently though), but
fortunately sleep back briefly till 5am.
The goal at this early stage of training is to delay the onset of fatigue,
gradually lengthening the runs, and extending the period of comfort. This works
well today, particularly remarkable in this sweltering heat, and given yesterday's
collapse. I manage the run well, and get a little
bolder with the route. I am carrying a small flask of water which
I sip along the way. Witness an altercation between a Rickshaw driver and
some youths, with some slapping.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 155,
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 180, Maghrib Surat Ali-Imraan till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/17/23, 02 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 --
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar Short - Saki Vihar N - Lake
Powai - Lakehomes OP - Dirt roads - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:41:17
Mileage: 4.18 Miles - 6.73 Km
Pace: 9'52"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (expected)
Phone Time: 0h26m
Yesterday, we consulted Dr Pranav at Kokilaben (we hadn't
taken the Metro in a long time). Fortunately, all is
well, at this point, the chances of cancer reoccurring are
next to nil.
Another hot night, and the AC is still not repaired. We both wake
up around 1am, unfortunately with a strong headache. I read
a while into Guerre et Paix before falling back asleep,
wake up just before 5am from a long intricate dream, of a
fascinating level of detail.
Strangely, I feel quite good, of clear mind, and decide to run
again. This is similar in effort to yesterday, under same oppressive
heat, perhaps a little more laborious at first, but at a better
pace.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 23 (Juz 5), till v 42;
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 70.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/18/23, 03 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- After Du'ah
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Powai Internal -
Hiranandani Hospital - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:49:04
Mileage: 4.74 Miles - 7.63 Km
Pace: 10'21"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (optimal weight)
Phone Time: 0h41m
A very difficult night, fueled by work worries, and this abominable
heat. Our AC has now gone for repair. Gulzar resorts to sleeping on
the floor, to find a touch of freshness. I wake up multiple times,
struggle to sleep back, and finally call it around 4am. I am tired,
but luckily not as bad expected.
The Imaam has sent me yesterday the verses that he recites
before and after Du'ah, which I had been seeking for a long time,
unable to reconstruct them by myself.
Thrilled by this, I learn them rapidly, use them in Namaaz, and
keep repeating them on the run. The run is similar to the previous
days, quite tired, but committed to finding a sustainable pace, which
today is slower. It starts quite laborious in this sweltering heat,
but I bring the effort under control as the run progresses.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 104,
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 147 (Juz 6), till v 152,
Maghrib Surat An-Nisaah till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/20/23, 05 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 --
Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT
far Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:30:02
Mileage: 3.12 Miles - 5.01 Km
Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'59"/km (excellent, but largely downhill)
Weather: 29C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h45m (Thursday 0h25m)
Thursday 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 34,
Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 82 (Juz 7);
Morning Fajr Surat al-Maidah till v 108.
A bad wake-up at 3:30. With all the work worries, it seems
that I won't be able to sleep, but I do manage it, incredibly,
my mental discipline has improved it seems, and I wake up
actually feeling very good at 5. A very exalted Surah Yaseen
in Fajr ki Namaaz, on this Jummah.
I run down to the JVLR, but my breath is more laborious
than my excellent wake-up seemed to prelude (it can also be
that I am feeling hungry). The run feeling
a more difficult than I'd like, I keep it short (which
it should be anyway), saving energy for a bigger run tomorrow,
insha allah.
At the Masjid, the AC is again on, and the mats are
back. Our Imaam, like last week, concludes with a tearful
Du'ah for Palestine. My friend who gives me scent,
as I was asking about his shop, invites me on his bike
after Namaaz. As I wait for him outside, brief conversation
with the Imaam, who reveals that this man went to Hajj with
him, and actually paid for the trip. Talking about the Khairani
road area, he reveals that the Muslim population is such here
that there were no incidents during the Babri Masjid riots
in 1992. After some conversation, he drops me back home
on the bike. I didn't realize I had an earlier
meeting for which I am late. I should have given the excuse,
"I was drinking Chai among goats", if only
I had thought of it! All Namaaz of the day
have been particularly exalted today, and a particularly
long reading of Surah al-An'aam.
22nd reading before Jummah Surat al-An'aam till v 30,
Asr Surat al-An'aam till v 110 (Juz 8).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/21/23, 06 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Marol Masjid, Seepz
Raheja Vihar (short) - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol
Maroshi - Vijay Nagar Bridge, Jama Masjid - MIDC: 0:34:33
88 Pictures - MIDC Central - RK Mandir - Kondivita - Andheri Kurla -
Aiport rd, Marok Naka, Saki Naka - Khairani rd.
Time: 1:08:56
Mileage: 6.78 Miles - 10.91 Km
Pace: 10'10"/mile - 6'19"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h19m
I feel somewhat tired this morning, not as fresh as I hoped,
and I wonder how this projected longer run is going to unfold.
I have contemplated many routes, favoring one that would allow
to retreat at multiple points in case things aren't good.
But I get unexpectedly ambitious, head through Marwah into Marwah,
and even all the way to 88 Pictures. Without feeling
great, I do manage quite well, and treading my old commute
routes, passing by the Masjid, definitely helps. Emboldened
by this, I return through MIDC and Andheri Kurla,
and finish very satisfied to have
fulfilled today's goal of running over an hour.
Recovery is going well, insha allah, at a slow pace, but
endurance has started to come back.
-- Introduction to the Du'ah --
-- Gulzar rescues a bird in Sawale --
Sick, again! (8.82 Miles) -- 10/28/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/23/23, 08 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard -
Heera Pana - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:40:26
Mileage: 4.11 Miles - 6.61 Km
Pace: 9'50"/mile - 6'07"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h19m (Sunday 1h10)
I have learned in Sawale also the "before Du'ah", and start
to pray Du'ah in the way of the Imaam.
Yesterday (Sunday), in Sawale, Gulzar rescues a beautiful
little bird that has been
caught by some Gaon ke bacche. She buys it from them for Rs.20,
cuddles it talking to it like she would to
our cats (under their amazed stare), till it tentatively
flies away. The children
are determined to catch it back though, and catch it back
several times. We finally set it free again once they're
gone, it flies to a higher branch, seems to be able to stand
in spite of its damaged leg.
I am bothered by a pesky cold (painful in this heat) that
irritates my sinuses and brings constant tears to my eyes.
I have invited les petits minous with me for Namaaz,
but now bigger, they play too rough around me, climbing my
legs as if I were a tree and scratching me, to the point where
I eventually have to chase them away.
Not a great run, in spite of good weight, I actually feel
bloated, heavy and awkward in my run, somewhat out-of-breath,
and managing myself in the continuing October heat. Things
do improve somewhat along the way, but still, a mediocre run
overall. Many flowers are sold in the streets for Durga Puja.
The Raambagh dog is particularly friendly today, I have to
stop both times to talk to him.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till end,
Maghrib Surat al-A'raf till v 53.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/24/23, 09 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Bad Cold, Fever
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Powai Internal Rd -
Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:47:50
Mileage: 4.78 Miles - 7.69 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 71%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h37m
Temperature: 11am 99.6F / 37.5C; 12:30: 101.2F 38.4C; 18h00: 98.6F, 37C;
A formidable cold yesterday! It gets in the way of Ishaa ki Namaaz,
as I keep sniffing and sneezing, yet obstinately pray all Rakhats.
I wake up before 12 sneezing again, our neighbour society is still
having a musical celebration for Dusserah. I wake up around 4:15,
and that's it, get up early, study the Qur'an, and stretch before
Namaaz. I have finished learning both texts send by the Imaam, which
I recite before and after Du'ah.
With such a bad cold, running may seem like a terrible idea.
Yet I obstinately follow the plan, out early in semi-darkness, quite
crappy at first, but soon, in one of those ulta effects,
revealing a good breath and a more dynamic stride. It feels subtly
fresher in the morning, subtly (at least the morning air now
produces a hint of freshness). Today is the Dusserah holiday, streets
are calm. In this surprisingly good disposition, I prolong the run
reasonably, feeling that my pace is improved (it hasn't as much as
I hoped). I come back very satisfied with this unexpectedly good run,
although the runny nose starts right back as soon as I return.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 87 (Juz 9),
till v 93; Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 147.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/25/23, 10 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Bad Cold
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - to Aarey Pipeline - Back
Time: 0:43:19
Mileage: 4.35 Miles - 7.0 Km
Pace: 9'57"/mile - 6'11"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h35m
In spite of yesterday's fever, I take the bold step of running today.
This pays off reasonably well, I keep my breath under control and
enjoy being out. It has started to be cooler in the morning, a little
fresh air, blessed.
And it does pay off. I actually feel quite good in the early
afternoon, just in time for an important meeting. Then symptoms
return in the evening, and the night will be challenging, allowing
me to progress by large strides in Guerre et Paix.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till end,
Asr Surat al-Anfal till v 40 (Juz 10).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/27/23, 12 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Small
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:33:54
Mileage: 3.49 Miles - 5.62 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 0h40m (Thursday 0h22m)
Thursday: 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till end,
Surat at-Taubah till v 24; Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till v 37.
Still feeling sick, slowly descending into the chest, and similar
insomnia in the middle of the night, although not as severe as
yesterday. The run starts a bit dizzy, but evolves into a
nice comfortable pace, strangely faster than I would have
expected. It is a nice morning, markedly cooler than previously,
an early taste of winter. Pleasant in spite of the continuing illness.
22nd reading before Jummah Surat at-Taubah till v 66,
After Jummah Surat at-Taubah till v 80,
Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till v 93 (Juz 11), till v 100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/28/23, 13 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Semi Long Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Hare Krishna -
Padmavati Devi - Down JVLR - LBS Marg S. - RCity Mall - Amrut Nagar -
Golibar Rd - Andheri Ghatkopar - Bhatwadi (long) - Khairani Rd
Time: 1:29:18
Mileage: 8.82 Miles - 14.19 Km
Pace: 10'07"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 55%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 2h08m (Driving Directions to Dadar)
Another run which starts tentative, but ends up far exceeding
my expectations!
My cold continues to peter down, but I am still sick, and
the wake-up is tentative, and too early. I nevertheless proceed
with the plan, with usual hesitations as to which route to run.
But it is pleasantly fresh outside, another harbinger of winter,
and actually not too polluted, with a pleasant wind. Little by
little, I get into the rhythm of the run, mastering my breath
quite well, feeling increasingly comfortable, and charmed by
the warm light of the rising sun. I end up lengthening in stages,
feeling better and better, and gradually realizing that a 1h30
run is within reach today, beyond my goal. I return via Amrut
Nagar, climbing towards the spectacular view of the slums in
the rising light, densely covering the hill, towering ahead.
I finish the run in full control, adding a last detour through
Bhatwadi, nearly reaching the 1h30 mark, and very satisfied
with this run, which signals that much of my endurance has
returned, sooner than I expected. Perhaps next week I can
start getting some speed back, insha allah.
22nd reading Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till end.
Pipeline Miracle Run (9.88 Miles) -- 11/04/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/30/23, 15 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Bhatwadi / Mohili Village
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani E - Bhatwadi Loop - Mohili Village
Pipeline - Khairani W - Nahar.
Time: 0:43:05
Mileage: 4.34 Miles - 6.98 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h56m (Sunday 0h51m)
Sunday: 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till v 53,
Asr Surat Yunus till end, Surat Hud till v 5 (Juz 12), till v 24.
Unfortunately, still not feeling good, damn!
A poor wake-up, after difficult sleep, feeling still sick, as
I hoped to be clear by now. I nevertheless run, as if to force
recovery, and even venture to the Bhatwadi area and back through
Pipeline (instead of safely to the Lake). It's another pleasantly
cool morning, although sweat in my eyes bothers me today. The run
starts laborious, but I gradually find some rhythm. Minor pain in
the knee after chasing the cats, and chest feels heavy, but I still
make it through. In somewhat of a daze.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 68,
Asr Surat Hud till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/31/23, 16 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Insomnia
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - Main St - Lake Blvd OP -
Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:41:02
Mileage: 4.14 Miles - 6.66 Km
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 62%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 0h38m
Unfortunately, a bad insomnia in the night. Woke up at least three
times, and after 3am, impossible to sleep! Frustrated, I get up at
4:30, Gulzar has also not slept well, but she takes it better than
I do. We do settle into a nice morning conversation.
I am still not feeling well, which aggravates my frustration.
I still obstinately go out running as planned, easy at first, and
settle in a nice pleasant pace, under clement weather. Another
better than expected run, although I'm still not sure whether
running is the right course of action, perhaps total rest would be
preferable. Towards the end of the run, my left knee hurts a bit,
something to keep watching.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till v 52 (Juz 13),
till v 57, Asr Surat Yusuf till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/01/23, 17 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Mild tempo
Warmup / Cooldown, Rambagh to Lake: 1.92 Miles - 3.09 Km
Estimated Time: 0:19:12 (based on 10'00"/mile pace)
Tempo: Lake Promenade, Raambagh to Far Gate, back on JVLR
Tempo Time: 0:29:01
Tempo Mileage: 3.04 Miles - 4.89 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'56"/km
Total Time: 0:48:13
Total Mileage: 4.96 Miles - 7.98 Km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 47%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 0h48m
Another similar day, same unfortunate sleep pattern (3am wake-up, not
able to really sleep again), still not feeling fit with a heavy chest
and runny nose. And again, I obstinately follow my running plan, start
cautiously, then decide for a very mild tempo run.
Passing through Raambagh, I witness that, as I'd read on Social
Media, one of the shops (a garage) has been destroyed. Why this one,
and is this another victory for the gentrification of our neighborhood?
I fear for the Khairani road area, which some of the rich would
love to see torn down.
Reaching the Lake, I see that my watch is at "0". Have I forgotten
to start it (unlikely), or has it reset itself yet again? This watch is
a fiasco, I may revert to the old chronometer once I resume speed training.
In spite of my state of exhaustion, I decide to attempt a mild
tempo run, along the Lake and IIT. I manage it decently, although the
pace stays very moderate (it will come to about 9'30"/miles, which
should be my training pace). After the run, my chest is still heavy,
and this lingering left knee pain. Feeling satisfied to have gone out
though.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat ar-Ra'd,
Asr Surat Ibrahim, Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/03/23, 19 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd
Time: 0:40:58
Mileage: 4.15 Miles - 6.68 Km
Pace: 9'52"/mile - 6'07"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h43m (Thursday: 0h22m)
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hijr,
Asr Surat an-Nahl till v 83,
Maghrib Surat an-Nahl till v 110.
Today: 22nd reading Fajr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15),
Surat Isra till v 10.
A better night's sleep at last. I wake up before 5am, feeling
rested for once. But the run still starts laboriously, I struggle
at first to find my breath. Going through Rambaagh, I witness
additional destruction of the Shawl, and I've heard of a new
crackdown on polluting factories in the Khairani road
area.
I do eventually find my breath, and prolong this run nicely
along Saki Vihar to return via Khairani road. The knee pain
returns in the last quarter, subtle, but present.
22nd reading before Jummah Surat al-Isra till v 77,
After Jummah Surat al-Isra till v 100,
Asr Surat al-Isra till end, Surat al-Kahf till v 22,
Maghrib Surat al-Kahf till v 74 (Juz 16), till v 82.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/04/23, 20 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Pipeline "Miracle Run"
Raambagh - Lake Visarjan Ghat - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to Bhandup
Gate & Back - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd - Nahar
Time: 1:37:18
Mileage: 9.88 Miles - 15.91 Km
Pace: 9'50"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h45m
Alhamdulillah, a good night sleep, multiple wake-ups, but able to
sleep back to dreams, and wake up shortly before 5am feeling rested,
actually still in a half-sleep mood. After successfully revising
portions of Surat al-An'aam, I venture into learning new verses,
wondering if this will stick.
Like other runs this week, this starts slowly, gently warming
to the rhythm, finding my breath. It is again cool this morning,
pleasant, and gradually, in a somewhat sleepy mood, I find my
pace, in spite of my lingering cough and knee pain. Encouraged,
I head out to the Pipeline, which is more and more populated,
and on the quiet trail, amidst nature, things continue to improve,
one of those magical effortless runs. In perfect control,
I reach the Bhandup gate, occasionally drinking Gatorade from my
pocket, and in this surprising excellence, devise ways to lengthen
the run on the way back. Repeating yesterday's inspiration,
I run the entire length
of Saki Vihar, finishing on Khairani road, still with ease.
Unexpectedly, this turns out to be one of my best runs this season,
seemingly curing all diseases and aches. Perhaps I can start thinking
about a Half Marathon after all...
22nd reading Maghrib Surat al-Kahf till end.
Resuming Surat al-An'aam (6.93 Miles) -- 11/11/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/06/23, 22 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Slum Playground
Jain Mandir - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi - BMC school Rd -
Playground: 1.84M, 2.95K
Kamgar Nete Dattaji Salvi Ground X 6: 1.22M, 1.96K (655m*3)
Back Shri Gajana Mahraj Mandir - Bhatwadi - Khairani E. -
Shangarsh Nagar: 1.92M, 3.09K
Time: 0:48:22
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 63%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h14m
NEW SHOES --
Sunday: 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Maryam till v 40,
After Dhuhr Surat Maryam till end,
Maghrib Surat Ta-Ha till v 76.
A good day yesterday, I thought I was done with the cold,
but in the middle of the night, I am woken up by an irresistible
cough (which allows me to progress in Guerre et Paix). We
wake up around 4:20, not bad. Also, at night, as I try to sleep,
I am distracted by these funny subtle noises coming from my chest,
as if someone was moaning, along with my breathing.
In spite of my chest affliction, the run feels very pleasant,
and I choose to run towards the rising sun towards Bhatwadi, where
I visit the playground after a long time. It is wonderful up here,
among the slum school children, with the view of the hills
dotted with small barracks. After several laps around the ground,
I feel that this could continue forever, but I do reasonably
decide to head back.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha till end,
Asr Surat al-Anbiya till v 75.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/07/23, 23 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 --
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar: 1.34M, 2.16K - Est. 0:12:45
Marwah - Bamandayapada & back: 0:23:12 - 2.32M, 3.73K
Back same way: 1.34M, 2.16K - 0:12:45
Time: 0:48:42
Mileage: 5 Miles - 8.05 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 59%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h26m
Still not feeling very well, heaviness in the chest, and occasional
cough. But I still go out on this pleasant morning, the run is ok
but not great, and perhaps a little longer than it should. My watch
this time resets right in front of my eyes, I will need to revert to
alternative plans. Learning further into Surat al-An'aam, and good
devotion in Namaaz, a refuge against insuppressible anguish.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anbiya till end,
Maghrib Surat al-Hajj till v 38,
Ishaa Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/08/23, 24 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Fartlek
Warmup, Raambagh to Lake Promenade: 0:11:36 [1.08M, 1.73K]
Fartlek: Lake Promenade, IIT Main Gate: 0:13:05
Continued: Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali: 0:18:10
Fartlek Time: 0:31:15
Fartlek Mileage: 3.41 Miles - 5.49 Km
Fartlek Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Total Time: 0:42:52
Total Mileage: 4.49 Miles - 7.22 Km
Total Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 65%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h31m
Awake again in the middle of the night, I advance past the
bataille de Borodino in Guerre et Paix, making
a good opportunity out of these incessant insomnias.
Unfortunately, up again at 4, I find it impossible to sleep back,
and neither does Gulzar.
Not feeling well, I still try to make the most of it, a Fartlek session
to ease back into speed training, which under
the circumstances I handle ok. My cough continues to diminish.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'minun,
Maghrib Surat an-Nur till v 34.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/10/23, 26 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Ghatkopar
Jain Mandir - Khairani E. - Sant Narsinh Mehta - Navroji Lane -
Camalane - Ghatkopar - MG road - Ramchandra B Kadam - Bhatwadi (long) -
Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:49:10
Mileage: 5.03 Miles - 8.09 Km
Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (Shit !!!!)
Phone Time: 1h16m (Thursday 0h33m)
Thursday: 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat an-Nur till end,
Surat al-Furqan till v 20 (Juz 19),
Asr Surat al-Furqan till end.
Friday Fajr Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 51.
I wake up with a headache around 4:20, following one of those classic
big presentation without preparation dreams, this time with
unusual scope, details, and strong emotions! Troubling...
Angered by an unexpected weight gain (most likely inconsequential),
I embark on a relatively long run, putting together on inspiration a
somewhat unusual route. This works out well, a bit out-of-breath
on the uphills but otherwise feeling comfortable. Minor dog incidents
along the way, easily tamed.
I continue slowly to learn new verses of Surat al-An'aam.
22nd reading before Jummah Surat ash-Shu'ara till end,
After Jummah Surat an-Naml till v 59 (Juz 20),
Ishaa Surat an-Naml till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/11/23, 27 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Hill Repeats
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Main St - to Kailash Hill
"Base Camp": 0:29:25 [r.5'29"] [2.81M, 4.52K]
Kailash Hill Repeats: 1.07 Km - 0.66 Miles
Interval 1: 6'31".27 [d.6'30", r.3'16"]
-- Pace: 9'47"/mile - 6'05"/km
Interval 2: 6'36".55 [r.1'22"] -- Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Total Intervals Time: 0:13:07
Total Intervals Mileage: 1.32 Miles - 2.14 Km
Total Intervals Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Back same way: 0:20:33 [2.14M, 3.44K]
Total Time: 1:09:35 (total session: 1:19:44)
Total Mileage: 6.93 Miles - 11.17 Km
Total Pace: 10'02"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 65%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (Weight gain confirmed)
Phone Time:
I wake up in a terrible mood again,
largely due to the over-inflamed radical debates
around the situation in Palestine, and renewed tensions at work.
I woke up at 4, vaguely attempted to see the visions, and
got up at 4:30. These strange funny breathing noises continue
in my chest, distracting me further as I try to regain sleep,
only audible with my ear pressed against the pillow.
My aim is to perform a speed session today -
the first since Dengue Fever -, but which type? I settle for Hill
Repeats, on the Hiranandani Hill. On this Diwali weekend,
the streets are wonderfully quiet in the
early morning, pleasant and sunny, cool.
I proceed with the intervals at a sustained, but cautious and
conservative effort. I manage this ok, although at a slow pace,
which should not surprise (although this is slightly better than
a session in late August). Overall, putting aside the obvious
loss in fitness, this is a good session, at least it's a start
back into speed training. And I have learned three new verses into
Surat al-An'aam.
-- Completion of Surat al-An'aam Ruku 14 --
Pipeline, and beyond (12.42 Miles) -- 11/18/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/14/23, 30 Rabi al-Akhir 1445 -- Bhatwadi / Asalfa
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi (long) - Jogging Park -
LBS Marg - Nari Seva Sadan - Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:51:44
Mileage: 5.24 Miles - 8.43 Km
Pace: 9'52"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (still quite high)
Phone Time: 0h43m (Sunday: 0h26m; Monday: 0h52m)
Wake up well, after a most incredible weekend in Gorai, where Gulzar's
cloth selling plans have worked out beyond expectation, allowing us
to explore the life of the fisherman village. Wonderful !!!
Up at 4:20, but feeling good, I resume Tilaavat Qur'an and Fajr ki
Namaaz, and out a little before 6:30 for this run, a beautiful fresh
morning. I soon opt for a more interesting route than the bourgeois
streets of Powai, running through Bhatwadi and back up through the
Asalfa slum. It is incredibly quiet this morning for the Diwali
festivities, small pockets of activity around rare early shops, most
are closed, hardly any traffic. My running feels excellent, in spite
of the continued cough, my breathing is just about perfect, near
effortless pace, only to note is a slight pain in the left knee.
And to further make my day, it looks like some dreaded meeting
has been cancelled!
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Qasas till end,
Surat al-Ankabut till v 44 (Juz 21), till end;
Asr Surat ar-Rum.
-- Selling Sarees in Gorai --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/15/23, 01 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Mile Intervals
Raambagh - Lake Promenade, to "break in wall": 0:17:37
[1.68M, 2.71K] [r.3'40"]
Intervals "break in wall" to IIT Main Gate & Back:
1.04 Miles - 1.67 Km
Interval 1: 8'46".19 [r.4'25"] -- Pace: 8'25"/mile - 5'14"/km
Interval 2: 8'44".31 [r.4'55"] -- Pace: 8'23"/mile - 5'13"/km
Interval 3: 8'50".15 [r.3'21"] -- Pace: 8'29"/mile - 5'17"/km
Intervals Time: 0:26:20
Intervals Mileage: 3.12 Miles - 5.01 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'26"/mile - 5'15"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.04M in 7'13", ie. 6'56"/mile pace
Back same way: 0:15:29 [1.58M, 2.54K]
Total Time: 0:59:26 (total session: 1:15:48)
Total Mileage: 6.38 Miles - 10.26 Km
Total Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 65%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h24m
Up around 4:30, but feeling quite good after multiple episodes of
sleep. Good Namaaz, and I finish learning the 14th
Ruku of Surat al-An'aam. For once, I feel quite positive about
speed training as I head out in the early morning, to pleasant
temperatures, deciding for mile intervals.
This is indeed an excellent session. I feel that I handle
the effort very well, balancing the strain with a steady effort
at relaxation, and able to keep it in control at all times (once
again amazed at how relaxation makes such a difference in these).
Given the Decathlon Watch's multiple failures, I have reverted
to the hand chronometer, which is actually easier to handle,
more easily readable, and has a fun retro style to it,
suiting my ever-increasing anti-technology bias.
The intervals fall within range (+/- 10' per mile), and while
not particularly fast, do show an improvement from the last
session back in September.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat Luqman, Surat as-Sajdah,
Asr Surat al-Ahzab till v 30 (Juz 22), till v 52,
Maghrib Surat al-Ahzab till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/17/23, 03 Jumada al-Ula 1445 --
Chandivali - Raheja Vihar (long) - Saki Vihar - JVLR Lake Powai -
Orchard - Powai Mhada - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:53:32
Mileage: 5.38 Miles - 8.66 Km
Pace: 9'57"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (better, barely in range)
Phone Time: 0h46m (Thursday: 0h27m)
22nd reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat Saba, Asr Surat Fatir;
Friday Fajr Surat Yaseen till v 21 (Juz 23), till v 36.
Yesterday morning, a terrible insomnia flings me into uncontrolled
rage, which multiplies when I discover that my weight has suddenly
spiked to 69.6 KG! (largely because I have been unknowingly eating
fat greasy meat the last two dinners). Isolating myself, I eventually
do calm down, and resume Tilaavat Qur'an and Namaaz,
followed by a good gym session. In the evening though, renewed work
tensions trigger another access, giving Ishaa ki Namaaz particular
intensity.
This morning, unfortunately, yet another 3:30 wake-up,
I do push myself to
vague visions, but no actual sleep. After yesterday's weight
explosion, I have submitted to a rigorous diet, and this morning
my weight is more in control (although it will need to be confirmed). The
effort will continue today. I have reached Surat Yaseen in reading
today, as well as recite it in Namaaz.
The run starts poorly, tired and sore (backpain), so I consider
cutting short. But this gradually reverses, halfway through, I start
feeling extraordinarily comfortable, and now start lengthening the
course. The streets are again remarkably calm today, no doubt due
to school vacations for Diwali.
22nd reading before Jummah Surat Yaseen till end,
Surat as-Saffat till v 74; After Jummah Surat as-Saffat till end;
Asr Surat Saad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/18/23, 04 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Pipeline Continuation
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - Beyond Bhandup
Gate (with detours finding my way) - Along Anthony Church Road -
to 3rd Bridge Dead End (Tempipada Pipeline Flyover) - Back -
to "Runner's Spot": 1:05:?? [6.36M, 10.23K]
Back along Bhandup Pipeline to 3rd Bridge (no detours) -
Return to Pipeline - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar:
2:06:00 [6.06M, 9.75K]
Time: 2:06:00
Mileage: 12.42 Miles - 19.98 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 51%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone Time: 0h22m
I again wake up at 3am, but this time, I miraculously succeed
in my concentration, finding deep sleep and a deep dream. I
get up feeling great shortly before 5am.
I have planned for a long run, returning to the Aarey
Pipeline, with the idea of perhaps exploring beyond Bhandup
gate to the North, as Google seems to indicate that there
could be a continuation of the cycling track.
In the morning, this plan feels just right, so I
proceed with no change. As every run this week, it starts
slow and stiff, but after some time, becomes magically effortless.
The path is more and more populated. I am as usual recognized
and saluted. The absence of traffic noise invariably provides
a feeling of peace. I feel a little hungry from the start,
and soon start eating Kajur along the way, earlier than usual,
and in smaller quantities (perhaps this partially explains
today's success?). At a tranquil pace, I feel better and better
as time passes. Having reached the Bhandup Gate,
I go for it.
I explore a first road which parallels the Pipeline
from the top, but this more or less dead-ends in a slum
perched along the hillside. I ask if rasta hai to
a young man, but he responds no (protecting me?), but I
persist obstinately. I have noticed people walking through a
small field where a few boys are playing cricket, so I
follow that lead. Indeed, it soon takes me to a track
along the pipeline, cutting through the slums. Feeling
somewhat intimidated by these new surroundings, I run
ahead, on a mild downhill, passing several people and
dogs, small hill slums to the left, and a view into
the neighborhoods below to the right. Then, to the right,
a few modern buildings are under construction, and I pass
under a series of overpasses. At some points, the track
narrows for some shacks, people watch me pass, one fat
man sitting to the side hails "Hi Uncle!" and I smile
back, without stopping (which I regret, I should have
talked to him). Eventually, a narrow vehicle overpass
winds around the track, but for some reason is rendered
inaccessible by metal barriers. I have reached a dead-end
and retrace my steps. I occasionally catch a glance
at the hard look of poverty on some man's face, altering
his features, but others salute me nicely, like in the
other part of the trail. The track dead-ends on this
end too, so I retrace my steps through the same field.
This extraordinary exploration has seemingly multiplied
my strength!
After having run back to the runner's spot,
reaching a little over one hour, I decide to repeat
the same route, venturing a second time into Bhandup,
this time with no detours. This time the surroundings
already start to feel familiar, apeased, my intimidation
is gone, and I start to notice people walking their
children on the trail, feeding dogs, etc., an image
of Sunday morning peace. The threatening aspect of the
first exploration is just about gone. I complete the same
back and forth to the overpass dead-end, leaving
further exploration (which there should be many) for
another time.
I complete the run in amazing good form, keeping everything
well under control till the finish. Amazing! This ends up being my
third longest run this season, and a great recovery from Dengue
fever, now feeling
clearly ready for a half marathon.
As extraordinary as this has seemed,
I don't realize quite yet how strong
an impression this run has made on me, in the next several days,
I will continue to see visions
of the way through Bhandup...
-- First meal on the property in Sawale --
First Meal (5.06 Miles) -- 11/25/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/20/23, 06 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Recovery
Raambagh - Lakeside Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes
Time: 0:40:05
Mileage: 3.95 Miles - 6.36 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 62%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h48m (Sunday: 0h27m)
On Sunday morning, on the way to Sawale,
we've bought chicken in Kadav, and found the way to the
small Masjid, in narrow alleys. We cook our first meal on
the property with the help of Komal-ji. Meanwhile, we
try to sell Sarees in the car to the Adivasis,
after driving up the road (which
I would love to explore further!), stopping at various
hamlets (one of which is actually Sawale).
We do sell some, but not so many (yesterday, we had
tried the same in the Sabji market in Karjat, to my
surprise being given a slot to lay the Sarees on the
ground). Great contacts
with the Adivasi, great contact with the merchants.
"Sombo rupay", calls Gulzar as she has learned
in Marathi (luckily, someone or other always knows some Hindi).
We eat our first meal on the property,
cooked on a Chula like in her old
days, delicious! I eat with children from Komal's family and
hamlet, seated on a blue tarp, under the large tree. And later,
under the same tree, whose shade provides such freshness,
I fall inadvertently asleep for some time. I imagine us
living here in our tent, or a small house. Peace, away
from computers... We drive back, as if returning from
very very far away.
On Monday, I wake up at 3:30am, back to the city's tensions,
but miraculously succeed in pushing myself to
a dream! Get up around 4:45. A mediocre recovery run, feeling
a little tired and short of breath, trying to relax in to the
coming week. A Pooja at the lake jettie has drawn a colorful
crowd, and again in the park near Nahar, I cross beautifully
dressed woman carrying idols to the lake.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 31 (Juz 24),
till end; Asr Surat al-Mu'min till v 37,
Ishaa Surat al-Mu'min till v 60.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/21/23, 07 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Recovery
Raambagh - Lakeside Promenade - to "Break in Wall" - Back to
Lake Blvd OP - Main St - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:39:34
Mileage: 4.07 Miles - 6.55 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 59%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 0h48m
Wake up at 3, push myself to vague visions but no actual sleep.
Another mediocre run, tired, unusually sore and out-of-breath.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'min till end,
Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 46 (Juz 25), till end;
Maghrib Surat ash-Shura.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/22/23, 08 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Tempo Run
Rambaagh, to JVLR: 0:10:08 [r.1'31"] [0.91M, 1.47K]
Tempo Run: JVLR, Raambagh to IIT Far Gate and Back [1.54M, 2.48K x2]
Lap 1: 13'36".27 - Lap 2: 13'45".25
Tempo Time: 0:27:22
Tempo Mileage: 3.08 Miles - 4.96 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'52"/mile - 5'31"/km
Age Adjusted: 4.96 Km in 22'16", ie. 7'13"/mile pace
Back same way: [r.1'39"] 0:08:40 [0.91M, 1.47K]
Total Time: 0:46:09 (Total Session: 0:49:21)
Total Mileage: 4.9 Miles - 7.9 Km
Total Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h23m
At last, a good night's sleep! I get up at 4:30 after waking up only
once in the night, feeling rested and clear. After two bad run days,
finally, an excellent run.
I feel good from the start, in the fresh morning, finding my breath
easily. I proceed with a tempo run along the JVLR (it is early enough that
the traffic doesn't pose much problem, even around the roadwork areas).
I seem to manage the effort very well, a good feeling for how to keep
it within range, as if this was a half marathon, gently pushing yet
careful not to strain. This works great throughout, and I finish still
feeling fresh. My pace turns out better than I expected, my second
best such exercise this season. I have renounced a Half Marathon on
Dec 17th (as we'll want to sell in Uttan before Christmas), but perhaps
I should sign up for the 10th?
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zukhruf, Surat ad-Dukhan,
Asr Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/24/23, 10 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Better Pace
Raheja Vihar (long) - Saki Vihar - Lake Platform - Raambagh
Time: 0:40:16
Mileage: 4.31 Miles - 6.94 Km
Pace: 9'20"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h53m (Thursday: 0h31m)
Thursday: 22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahqaf,
Asr Surat Muhammad, Surat al-Fath,
Maghrib Surat al-Hujurat.
Today 22nd reading Fajr Surat Qaf.
Unfortunately, another wake-up at 3:12, and no real sleep after
that. Get up at 4:30, a little better than yesterday but only barely.
Luckily, yesterday's mysterious shoulder pain has abated somewhat.
Good Surat Yaseen Namaaz though. I go out nevertheless, a fresh
morning, and making the most of it, opt for a shorter but faster
paced run, quite successful in spite of the weariness.
22nd reading before Jummah Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 30 (Juz 27),
till end, Surat at-Tur; After Jummah Surat an-Najm, al-Qamar, ar-Rahman;
Asr Surat al-Waqi'ah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/25/23, 11 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Tempo Run
Rambaagh, to Lake Powai: 0:10:02 [r.4'28"] [0.93m, 1.5K]
Tempo, JVLR Rambaagh to IIT Slum & Back: 1.6M, 2.58K x2
Lap 1: 14'31".39 -- Lap 2: 14'35".09
Tempo Mileage: 3.2 Miles - 5.16 Km
Tempo Time: 0:29:06
Tempo Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'38"/km
Age Adjusted: 5.16K in 0:23:58, ie. 7'28"/mile pace
Back same way: [r.2'09"] 0:08:45 [0.93m, 1.5K]
Total Time: 0:47:53 (Total Session: 0:54:32)
Total Mileage: 5.06 Miles - 8.16 Km
Total Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h49m
Wake up at 3, but do manage to push myself back to brief sleep.
Strangely, the cough persists, sporadically picking up, and
I still hear murmurs in my chest at night...
Today, I intend for a 10K Tempo Run along the JVLR, but this
falls flat. Feeling tired and unmotivated, I stop halfway, essentially
reproducing Wednesday's run, slightly longer, but a little slower.
A run to forget -
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28),
Surat al-Mujadilah, Ishaa Surat al-Hashr.
"... Those who believe and whose hearts find rest
in the rememberance of Allah,
Verily, in the rememberance of Allah
do hearts find rest ..."
End of the Book, Pollution, DNF (8.25 Miles) -- 12/02/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/27/23, 13 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Ghatkopar Station
Jain Mandir - Khairani E - Andheri Ghatkopar - Hirachand Desai -
Ghatkopar Metro - Train Station - Shraddhanand - Navroji Lane -
Jogger's Park - Bhatwadi (short) - Khairani E - Jain Mandir
Time: 0:47:16
Mileage: 5.01 Miles - 8.07 Km
Pace: 9'26"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 100% (???)
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h48m (Sunday: 0h51m)
After some challenging runs last week, a near perfect run!
I wake up well rested for once (all the more remarkable that I
have a challenging meeting in town today), and in spite of some
back pain, quickly find a comfortable pace. Yesterday, thunderstorms
have brought atypical rains; this morning, the air is particularly
cool and pleasant, and roads quiet (partial school holiday). I opt
for the Bhatwadi area, but on a sudden inspiration, run to the
Ghatkopar Metro Station, than Train Station, which strangely, I
have never done. Excellent feeling throughout, at a great training
pace. As I return in the elevator at home, a maid smiles at me,
"aap Bhatwadi se daur gaye" she comments with amused incredulity.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff,
Surat al-Jumu'ah; Asr Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun,
Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/28/23, 14 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Brisk Pace
Nahar - Lake Homes - Orchard - Back.
Time: 0:32:17
Mileage: 3.54 Miles - 5.7 Km
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 25C;
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h36m
Gulzar wakes me up around 5am from dreams, for once, I've been sleeping
later, after a long reading episode in the night (a little fed up with
the epilogue of Guerre et Paix, trying to finish it quickly).
I feel very sleepy at first, somewhat sore, but still decide to go out
for a short run.
This turns out excellent! On a shorter no-brainer route,
I take on a much more energetic pace, yet feeling in good control.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah,
Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh, Surat al-Jinn;
Asr Surat al-Muzzammil,
Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr;
Maghrib Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/29/23, 15 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- 1/2 Mile Intervals
Lake Promenade, to Middle Jettie: 0:15:58 [1.58M, 2.54K] [r.4'03"]
Half Mile Intervals, Break-in-wall to IIT Main Gate: 831m (0.51M)
Interval 1: 4'13".75 [r.3'23"] -- Pace: 8'09"/mile - 5'04"/km
Interval 2: 4'17".07 [r.3'10"] -- Pace: 8'17"/mile - 5'09"/km
Interval 3: 4'11".45 [r.4'02"] -- Pace: 8'05"/mile - 5'02"/km
Interval 4: 4'18".21 [r.3'00"] -- Pace: 8'19"/mile - 5'10"/km
Total Intervals Time: 0:16:59
Total Intervals Mileage: 2.06 Miles - 3.32 Km
Total Intervals Pace: 8'13"/mile - 5'06"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 831m in 3'27", ie. 6'40"/mile pace
Back same way: 0:14:49 [1.58M, 2.54K]
Total Time: 0:47:46 (total session: 1:05:34)
Total Mileage: 5.22 Miles - 8.4 Km
Total Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h28m
Similar to yesterday, up in the middle of the night, a rather long
read, in somewhat of a hurry to finish Guerre et Paix, whose
conclusion I find tedious. I wake up around
4:40, tired, but with a clear mind.
I proceed with Speed Training, as is customary on Wednesdays.
I am feeling tired though, and as every day, the first steps feel
stiff, particularly with back pain. But I relax into the pace, the
morning air continues to get fresher.
In this state, I opt for half-milers, which I haven't run in
ages! This feels very good. I control the effort, finding great
relief when I am able to relax, making it feel almost pleasant.
My pace is ok but not great, still, a very satisfying session.
In spite of my relatively good form, I have renounced running
any race before next year, focusing on Gulzar's efforts at
Tijaarat. We plan to try to sell Sarees again in Christian
coastal areas at the approach of Christmas, for which she has
been doing much preparation.
Later, I complete my 22nd reading of the Qur'an.
This particular reading was made fast, not far from a Juz per
day. This time, I have used a "word-by-word" translation from
the web (rather than an English book), which makes a huge
difference. Unbeknownst to me, I have been struggling with
arabic verbs, finding big gaps in basic understanding, which
this in time should solve (I will surely use this translation
method from now on). Also, I have come up with the idea that
I need to read one Qur'an for each year of my life,
as if buying them back. I try to remember what events and
mindset were prevailing then. I will take some time to
reach my current age, may Allah grant me the time, Ameen.
22nd reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at,
Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-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,
Surat al-Alaq;
Maghrib 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-Lahab,
Surat al-Ikhlaas, Surat al-Falaq, Surat an-Naas [end of the Book].
Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/01/23, 17 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Short
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Middle Jettie - Back
Time: 0:31:58
Mileage: 3.35 Miles - 5.39 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (Crap, fooled by the scale!)
Phone Time: 1h07m (Thursday 0h24m)
Very frustrated by late work meetings the last two nights,
and still wake up at 3am! I do finish Guerre et Paix
(whose epilogue I found very laborious, quite uninterested
in his endless discussion of whether individuals make history
or are toys of fate, which serves as a heavy leitmotiv
througout the book). It really looks
like I won't be able to sleep back, but miraculously, I do!
However, unfortunately, the cough is back (!!) and the
disturbing chest murmurs,
and looking outside, I am appalled at the white smoke that
dims the view, like a nauseous fog.
I still go out on this short run, at a good training pace.
Tricked by the scale which appeared to be dysfunctioning over
the past several days, I've lost control of my weight (although
to an acceptable extent). Running along the lake, the far
bank is invisible in the polluted mist. Should I really be running
outside like this?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/02/23, 18 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- DNF
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - JVLR - Kanjur Village - to Nahur
Train Station: 1:01:10 [6.03M, 9.71K] - Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'17"/km
Back to Kanjur Village Intersection: 2.22M, 3.58K -- Est. 0:22:29
Estimated Time: 1:23:39
Mileage: 8.25 Miles - 13.29 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs (the scale must be broken!)
Phone Time: 0h20m
I have slept well, but my cough and chest oppression have increased
again in the morning. Weighed by many worries, pessimism has set
in again. I still go out, hoping that a long run will clear all
that away. It doesn't.
This is a lousy run. I don't feel well, heavy chest and
(for once) stomach. As often, I patiently try to find comfort,
find my pace, but things do not come together. I opt for the
Like yesterday, the landscape seems to suffocate in smoke,
although above the clear sky reveals the moon. I opt for the
Kanjur village area, find momentary reprieve, but, not helped
by my tenacious pessimistic mood, and heaviness in the chest,
things do not improve much and discouragement sets in. On the way,
a brief altercation with a dog causes my to mishandle my watch,
(fortunately, I have memorized my time at the Nahur Train Station).
Similarly, the scale now seems to be completely broken, my
weight readings make no sense at all!
Back in Kanjur Village, I eventually abandon, and return
in an auto-rickshaw, the right decision for this lousy day.
Rising Sun along the Mangroves (13.53 Miles) -- 12/09/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/04/23, 20 Jumada al-Ula 1445 --
Raheja Vihar (short) - Saki Vihar - to Aarey Pipeline - Back to
JVLR - Lake Powai - Raambagh
Time: 0:44:03
Mileage: 4.63 Miles - 7.45 Km
Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Phone Time: 0h17m (Sunday 0h44m)
Back from Sawale yesterday, I woke up 3 times in the night,
from intense dreams,
both good and bad. An average run, still heavy chest and somewhat
out-of-breath, having decidedly lost my comfort. I have decided
to pull back (yet again) from running, which I don't really do. In any case,
the half-marathon goal for Dec 17 is completely buried now that we
have been called for Sawale for the Survey, which is just
as well.
23rd reading Asr Surat al-Fatihah,
Surat Al-Baqarah till v 29.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/05/23, 21 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Brisk Pace
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Orchard -
Heera Pana - Kaccha Rasta - Raambagh
Time: 0:35:52
Mileage: 3.9 Miles - 6.27 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'43"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h30m
One of those highly unexpected good runs.
I wake up tired after multiple wake-ups and again, intense
dreams, with a headache and again a heavy chest. I continue to
question whether I should run at all, or seriously take the foot
off the pedal for some time (or permanently?). Yet I still go out
for this short run.
There, I unexpectedly find a good pace. Unlike yesterday,
my breath is quite good, and my stride has a pleasant spring,
which does not tarry throughout the run. I complete this at
an unusual brisk pace, completely reversing the morning's feeling.
These jumps in form are incomprehensible (and hard to plan with!),
take it day by day as it comes.
I embark on reading the Qur'an again, this time planned at
a much slower pace (perhaps it will take me till Ramadhan?),
and continue to progress learning Surat al-An'aam.
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 61,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 86.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/06/23, 22 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Tempo Interval
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:13:25 [r.3'34"] [1.3M, 2.09K]
3K Tempo Orchard: 16'12".69
Tempo Mileage: 1.87 Miles - 3 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'41"/mile - 5'23"/km
Age Graded: 3 Km in 13'22", ie. 7'10"/mile pace
Back via Raambagh: [r.2'35"] 0:09:20 [1.01M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 0:38:57 (total session: 0:45:14)
Total Mileage: 4.18 Miles - 6.72 Km
Total Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h22m
Up at 4:18, after several wake-ups, unfortunately very tired.
Should I run in this state? I do, but it won't be a good session.
My goal is to run a 5K tempo on Orchard, hoping that the run
will magically restore my form, as it sometimes does. But not
today. I push a reasonably good pace, but not feeling well,
and not seeing hope of improvement, I decide to cut short
after the 1st lap. My pace is actually pretty good, but the endurance
just wasn't there today, and stopping felt like the right decision.
The seesaw training continues, just go with it, just go with it...
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 112,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 141 (Juz 2), till v 147.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/07/23, 23 Jumada al-Ula 1445 --
To Dmart - Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi -
IIT - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:31:16
Mileage: 3.36 Miles - 5.4 Km
Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 74%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h45m
Normally I wouldn't run on a Thursday. But today, feeling very well
rested (opposite of yesterday!), and seeing clear skies, I decide to go
out after all.
This is a good pleasant run, the air feels finally clear, and my
coughing has stopped, finally! Me who had decided to run less, here
I am adding an extra day this week, go figure...
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 176,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 196.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/08/23, 24 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Chhota Rasta
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Lake Blvd - Orchard - Lakehomes -
Chandivali
Time: 0:31:20
Mileage: 3.17 Miles - 5.1 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h24m
I follow my (weird) plan and run today, but it is a pointless run,
feeling stiff, it would have been better to rest. At least my mind is
well awake, and I learn further into Surat al-An'aam.
23rd reading before Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 216,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 252 (Juz 3), till v 253.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/09/23, 25 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Long Run
Raambagh - Lake - IIT - JVLR - to EEH: 0:39:00 [3.89M, 6.25K]
Eastern Express Highway, to Airoli Jct: 1:03:00 [6.33M, 10.19K]
Mulund Airoli - Nahur Station - 30 ft rd - Talaab - EEH
to JVLR: 1:36:00 [9.7M, 15.61K]
JVLR - IIT Hill - Lake - Raambagh: 2:16:46 [13.53M, 21.78K]
Time: 2:16:46
Mileage: 13.53 Miles - 21.78 Km
Pace: 10'06"/mile - 6'16"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 0h39m
Many wake-ups through the night, but I fall back to long dreams,
as has been the case this week. I wake up again at 4am, fearing
sleeping will be impossible, but I end up dreaming precisely about
"pushing myself to the visions" without finding sleep, just
to wake up finding that I was actually sleeping!. It is
5:12, Alhamdulillah, a bit "late"...
This puts me in excellent shape, with a clear mind, and a
sense of enthusiastic haste.
I still get out by 6:30, in semi-darkness, and head out East towards
the Eastern Express Highway, running along the rising sun over the
mangroves, planning to lengthen somehow past the Airoli Junction.
I feel good, as on the last long run, eat Kajur early (after about
40 minutes), in regular small quantities, seemingly a good strategy.
With the effort well under control, rehearsing a new verse of Surat al-An'aam,
I enjoy the start of the day.
At the junction, I opt to return via Nahur
Station, as if to "avenge" last week's bad run, and proceed on
the small road through
the Talaab, beautiful at this early hour. It is a clear day (relatively),
fresh temperatures. I contain a brief struggle on the way back, and
make it in general comfort and control up IIT hill and along Lake Powai
back home. Only real discomfort late in the run is a pain in the left
hip, reminescent of the old IT Band problems back in 2000(!).
My unusual week (I have run six days in a row) seems to
have paid off, and this ends up being my longest run this season,
and my highest weekly mileage. Ironic, just as I had decided to pull
back from running ...
-- In Uttan --
-- 15th Ruku of Surat al-An'aam --
15th Ruku (5.76 Miles) -- 12/14/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/11/23, 27 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Recovery
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Vihar - Mohili Village
Pipeline - Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:36:16
Mileage: 3.73 Miles - 6 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 67%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h40m (Sunday 0h22m)
Slept relatively well, but woke up tired, feeling that I should
have slept more. The run is like that, sleepy, in recovery mode
from Saturday's long run.
Later though, a day of collapse. I am not functional, sleep
three times, still unable to function, seek refuge in Tilaavat Qur'an,
end the day in severe relentless anguish.
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till end,
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 54.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/12/23, 28 Jumada al-Ula 1445 -- Bhatwadi
Jain Mandir - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi (long) - Jogger's Park -
Sant Narsinh Mehta - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 0:40:26
Mileage: 4.24 Miles - 6.83 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h24m
After yesterday's meltdown (another one!), I wake up much better
this morning, after multiple episodes of sleep and dreams. I finish
learning the 15th Ruku of Surat al-An'aam, and recite the same
in Namaaz.
Unlike yesterday, the run is pleasant, comfortable, at a good
pace. I head out for Bhatwadi, describing a loop slightly longer
than I intended. Insha'allah, all will be better today.
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 91 (Juz 4),
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 109,
Maghrib Surat Ali-Imraan till v 129.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/14/23, 01 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- 6K Tempo Run
Raambagh - Orchard: 0:10:44 [r.2'39"] [1M, 1.62K]
Orchard Avenue Tempo Run -- 1 Lap = 1.88M, 3.02K
Lap 1: 0:16:38 -- Lap 2: 0:16:40
Tempo Time: 0:33:18
Tempo Mileage: 3.76 Miles - 6.04 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'30"/km
Age Graded: 6.04K in 0:27:28, ie. 7'19"/mile pace
Back: [r.2'52"] 0:09:27 [1M, 1.62K]
Total Time: 0:52:29 (total session: 0:59:00)
Total Mileage: 5.76 Miles - 9.28 Km
Total Pace: 9'06"/mile - 5'39"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h21m (Wednesday: 0h37m)
Wednesday: 23rd reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 155.
Feeling much better than yesterday, after many wake-ups in the
night, but able to sleep back every time. That said, yesterday
saw another bout of depression, which in spite of feeling more
rested, has not fully dissipated this morning. I pray Rukus
14 & 15 of Surat al-An'aam in Fajr ki Namaaz.
I set out for the tempo run that was originally planned
for yesterday. I did well in postponing it, as I feel much better
today, and perform the run in good control, the usual mix of
pushing gently while committing to stay relaxed.
The rest of the day is truly excellent. I haven't felt
this sharp in a long time. What difference rest makes, and
why can it not be like this always?
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/15/23, 02 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Hospital - Technology St - Main St - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 0:46:06
Mileage: 4.79 Miles - 7.7 Km
Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'59"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 63%
Weight: 68.3 kg
Phone Time:
Unlike yesterday's excellence, I wake up at 4:15, unable to sleep
back, get up tired again around 4:50. Yesterday was a miraculously
clear day, alhamdulillah, but today slides back into the same
weariness. After an excellent Surah Yaseen in Namaaz, and starting
to learn the 16th Ruku, I go out on this low-key run, feeling
a bit tired.
This will be it for this week, tomorrow, we drive early morning
to Sawale for the land's survey (after a several month's wait!). This
achieves a purposefully very low mileage week (after last week's
extravaganza), I have not even reached three hours total. Perfect,
that was the intention!
23rd reading before Jummah Surat An-Nisaah till v 22,
After Jummah Surat An-Nisaah till v 23 (Juz 5), till v 50.
Further into Bhandup (11.36 Miles) -- 12/23/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/18/23, 05 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 --
Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar -
Time: 0:42:39
Mileage: 4.39 Miles - 7.06 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 67.1 kg - 147.9 lbs
Phone Time: (Sunday: 0h22m)
After returning yesterday from Sawale, I am awoken by a bad dream:
First, a big work meeting that goes poorly for me (no doubt a combination
of Merzin's recent Birthday, and some client meeting tomorrow), then in the cab
back home, my mother calls, she is very unwell, but the communication is poor,
the environment too loud, and
I can not understand properly the details. I wake up!
The run is so-so, a bit sleepy, and a bit stiff.
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 91,
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 126.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/19/23, 06 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- Chhotu Bhai
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
IIT Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:49:06
Mileage: 5.24 Miles - 8.43 Km
Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Phone Time: 0h51m
I again get up around 4:30, feeling tired and sore, to the point where
I wonder whether I should run at all. But I do go out, at 6:30, it is
still dark, and like yesterday, a bit windy. But against expectation,
after a few 100 meters, I realize that my running today is excellent!
My breath is perfect, and my stride energetic, flowing. What a suprise!
So I enjoy the morning, happy for this unexpected good form. From
the Far Gate, I return through Padmavati Devi, at some point, stopped
by a very friendly dog who does not let me go. I talk to him, try
to send him home, give him my hand to smell, but he keeps playfully
rubbing against me. At some point, a man on a bike makes the youth
seating at the back descend, proposing to take me past this obstacle
(so nice!), but
I tell him I can surely go by myself. Another man tells me to call the
dog by his name, "Chhotu Bhai", finally, the dog does let me pass.
I finish the run in the same perfect form as before.
Later, I find out that Marc Bellan, my old friend from the Paris days,
has passed away. This is a shock, even though I had learned that he was
sick. Sadly, I was trying to contact him a month ago, but then waited
too long. Too late. His memory stays with me vividly for several days.
I never imagined he would be one day absent, I always thought he'd
be there for me, whenever I would come back.
This is what I'll write on FB towards the end of the week, as his
memory does not leave me:
"Je continuais à te parler en imagination même
à distance, je pensais que tu serais toujours là, que
naturellement, quand je retournerais enfin à Paris, nous nous
verrions, on reprendrait simplement, notre amitié
inchangée. Mais non, trop de temps a passé.
Tu me manques mon ami." -
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 147 (Juz 6), till v 152,
After Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till end; Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 5,
Maghrib Surat al-Maidah till v 34.
-- Chez Marc Bellan, Decembre 2017, IN MEMORIAM --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/20/23, 07 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- Crescendo Intervals
Raambagh - Lake Jettie: 0:16:49 [r.6'10"] [1.58M, 2.54K]
Intervals, Break-in-Wall to IIT Main Gate: 1.03 Mile - 1.66 Km
Interval 1: 8'57".11 [r.5'08"] -- Pace: 8'40"/mile - 5'23"/km
Interval 2: 8'50".97 [r.4'36"] -- Pace: 8'34"/mile - 5'19"/km
Interval 3: 8'40".85 [r.3'14"] -- Pace: 8'24"/mile - 5'13"/km
Intervals Time: 0:26:29
Intervals Mileage: 3.09 Miles - 4.98 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'33"/mile - 5'19"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.66 Km in 7'10"; ie. 6'56"/mile pace
Back: 0:14:56 [1.58M, 2.54K]
Total Time: 0:58:14 (total session: 1:17:22)
Total Mileage: 6.25 Miles - 10.06 Km
Total Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'47"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 47%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 1h12m (calls)
Yesterday a late night meeting (where as in my dream I didn't do so well)
and many wake-ups, and mosquito bites. But I do sleep back to dreams,
feel surprisingly clear in the morning.
A very odd session, which starts slow but progresses into an unusual
crescendo. The run starts unexpectedly poorly. Not feeling well, low energy,
and sore, should I then renounce? I nevertheless proceed with the intervals.
The first one feels relatively good, but quite slow. The second is a bit faster.
And
to my great surprise, the last interval is even faster, by 10 seconds! Very
unusual pattern, but I feel a lot better after that! All that said,
this is still a touch
slower than a similar session a month ago.
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 50,
Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 66.
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Friday 12/22/23, 09 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- Salaam
Chandivali - SM SHetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Orchard - Rambagh
Time: 0:36:32
Mileage: 3.85 Miles - 6.19 Km
Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h17m (Thursday 0h35m)
Thursday: 23rd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 82 (Juz 7),
till v 108; Asr Surat al-Maidah till end.
Yesterday, I woke up poorly from a difficult dream,
where I was supposed to pack out stuff in a huge ship, not getting much
help from anyone in the family, and the samaan strangely kept increasing as
I packed, till finally when all my book also appeared I realized I would never
be able to make it till the ship departs. Should I just abandon all my stuff?
I got up very groggy from this, unable to wake up properly.
Last night, unfortunately, the coughing and chest noises came back.
Very frustrating!
But this ends up being a pleasant low-key comfortable run, achieving
a good pace at no particular effort. From today, I am on vacation,
feeling liberated.
23rd reading before Jummah Surat al-An'aam till v 90,
Ishaa Surat al-An'aam till v 110 (Juz 8).
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Saturday 12/23/23, 10 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- Even Further into Bhandup
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - Bhandup
Gate: 0:46:03 [4.5M, 7.24Km]
Continue into Bhandup - To Tempipada Flyover - Ekveera Devi Marg -
Too Narrow - Tempibada - Sanman Singh: 1:00:01 [5.86M, 9.44Km]
Back up Tempibada - Anthony Church rd - Pipeline - Bhandup Gate -
Pipeline - Saki Vihar - Raambagh - Nahar: 1:55:14 [11.36M, 18.29K]
Time: 1:55:14
Mileage: 11.36 Miles - 18.29 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Phone Time:
Again, a bad cough wakes me up in the night, and renewed chest noises,
very disturbing. I breath with stress and effort, imagining what Covid victims
must have felt like, and wonder if something is seriously wrong.
I read further into Monte Christo, before finally getting
back to sleep, wake up around 4:30.
In the morning, my chest is still heavy, some coughing. The usual question:
Should I run? But I
gradually feel better, through Tilavaat Qur'an and Namaaz (and coffee),
and decide to venture out cautiously. Contrary to my earlier
plans, I head out to the Pipeline, away from traffic pollution,
and where I could easily cut the run short if things turn bad.
But I feel fine. At this conservative pace, I quickly
find comfort,
and no difficulty breathing. Indeed, the minute I step onto the
Pipeline road, I am tranquilized by its calm, no vehicles, a magical
feeling! It's
the usual atmosphere, peaceful here, different people in the early
morning doing different things, some whom I interact with. I
was reluctant to push further today, in a way intimidated by this
promised exploration into Bhandup, but confirming my good form, I decide
that today is the day: I will explore further into Bandhup,
as promised a month ago. I cross a group of runners whom I've met
before who call me to U-Turn to join them, but no, Aaj mujhe
aagey jana hai!
But I am not ready to venture straight to Mulund as projected
which could be very long, rather, I try to find a road that descends
East, postponing the Big Exploration.
At the flyover I had reached last time, I try first a small
road to the right which gradually narrows as it traverses the slums,
eventually becoming so small it is not runnable (several
people descend here in a line towards the valley, not possible to pass them).
So I turn back up trying to find another way, this time
almost the opposite, this road gradually widens
as it descends, alive with increasing activity,
buses and vehicles occasionally clogging the way.
I eventually reach a bigger intersection where I decide to turn back,
exactly at the hour mark. I climb
back up to the Pipeline to Anthony Church road, this time
with no detours. From there, it's a comfortable return home. I master
the run very well at this pace, enjoying a strange state of
fatigue, half eyes closed, yet a magical sense of perpetuum mobile
through pleasant fatigue. I have been rehearsing yet another
verse of Surat al-An'aam, and eating Kajur all along the run, as is
the new way.
23rd reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till v 140.
-- Early morning, Sawale --
Jambhulwadi, Sawale, Kadav, Kashele (7.64 Miles) -- 12/30/23
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Sunday 12/24/23, 11 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Phone time: 0h14m
Saturday Drive To hiranandani. Cats in the car. Night in Mellona.
MOrning: Selling with zoia in Karjat station. Sawale.
The family help cook the stomach. Gulzar change mind we sleep here,
but we've left most things home. Two tents. A very cold night!
We wear her samaan.
Exciting site of the moon, too bright over the tent.
But freezing cold. Both sick.
-- Early morning on the property --
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Monday 12/25/23, 12 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Phone time: 0h08m
Cold wake up. She makes fire. Coffee. A walk at dawn, in search of the rising sun. The "friendly" neighbor. Selling in Kadav, no success. People help. Back and forth drop zoia and bring back our stuff. A few sprees finally. The second night, thick bedsheet, very comfortable. Near full moon.
-- Walking at Sunrise --
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Tuesday 12/26/23, 13 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Jambhulvadi, to Kadav (far end) and back.
Time: 0:54:01
Mileage: 5.7 Miles - 9.16 Km
Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'53"/km
Phone time: 0h21m
Tata pwr road into hamlet and villages. Many ways. Road into the farmlands
along the 3 mountains. Yesterday the talaab in Kadav. Sell one place.
Later in hamlet no success, Gulzar frustrated, they always ask for the car
in the shade. Eventually return.
Sudden inspiration she buys a couple chicken from chicken shop.
At first a rassi but soon let them free, roam the property.
Inauguration of the chulla. Pooja by Komal ji to which Gulzar abides.
Semyan for everyone. Aakshay sets up a light in the tree, which I'll greatly
regret at night fall. Their festival tonight, she has declined to go.
-- Cooking at the Chulla --
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Wednesday 12/27/23, 14 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
To the River and back - to Kashale and back
Time: 0:54:40
Mileage: 5.7 Miles - 9.17 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Phone time: 0h16m
Their festival at night. The chicken. They don't make it up the tree,
she helps them there. Muzzin Saab (adhaan), muzzinia. Noise from the
hamlet, the rooster calls in the night. Full moon. But the stupid light,
get removed tomorrow. Many wake ups, many sleeps. Not cold.
Run around 8, good time. Feared the dogs in that direction but no
incident at all. Better this way. Reach the village of kashale.
Rest of the day at the property. Gulzar tired of selling.
Electric box, Akshay installs, we can recharge the phones.
I worry that our relation might sour? We admire the moon early night,
almost full, warm color. Mozin and Mozinia make it themselves up the tree.
I do not miss Namaaz. From 5 to 7 particularly virulent mosquito assault.
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Thursday 12/28/23, 15 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Phone time: 1h12m
Unable to sleep at night after 12. Occasional traffic. Finally I open
the car to get Monte Christo, eventually sleep. Mozin in the morning.
Cough is back, noises. No run today.
Exploration 2nd road, towards the mountains, villages and resorts,
dead end Tata power, beautiful. Back into kadav back road talaab.
La chaux. Preparation. Boiling. Eats the bucket. She throws
on the tree, I stop her, we throw bucket away. Feeling pareshaan.
Subhanallah she has not mixed it with her hands!!
Evening, Akshay 's accident. Promenade at sunset. Small trail.
Beautiful cactus.
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Friday 12/29/23, 16 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Jambhulwadi - Kashale - to 2 resorts (Sahyadri Green Valley)
Time: 0:59:52
Mileage: 6.18 Miles - 9.94 Km
Pace: 9'41"/mile - 6'01"/km
Phone time: 0h37m
Difficult sleep. Immense frustration with road traffic at night.
She puts me to sleep. 5 or 6 pipi, but sleep back. Positive morning,
namasz Surat mulk
With dhaneshwar to Kadav, green tarp. They fill the holes.
Jummah masjid in Kadav. Will i be too early? Same time.
Small alley, chicken shop. Small masjid. 3 people. Adhaan quiet.
I take place roughly same place. Some time. Fills up, people
between saffat. Imaam, Bayaan. Make the rows while seated.
Differences in what is recited, but core ritual is exactly the same.
Nammaz, bani Israel, Fajr. Last the bag. No beggars. My familiarity
with the ritual. How much has been accomplished since moving to Mumbai!
Yet not skipped jummah.
Visit neighbor constructing resort. He knows about Akshay,
dismisses severity, you are Akshay 's mother? I implore him to not
play music all night.
At sunset walk other neighbor house. Their manicured house
and garden. We are complete aliens. Gulzar insist on talking
English to mixed results.
Combra combri have disappeared. We all search (Komal too),
call, muzin muzinya, soon darkness. No sound. Someone stole them?
-- Combra combri, "Muezzin and Muezzinya" --
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Saturday 12/30/23, 17 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Jambhulwadi - Kashele - 1st turn after Naledhe bus stop
Time: 1:15:05
Mileage: 7.64 Miles - 12.28 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'06"/km
Phone time: 0h24m
Night, midnight susu, dog barking relentless, but no muzin,
convinced they've been stolen, but as I lay back down in tent,
cocorico!!! They were both higher in our tree, we rejoice in the night.
To Hiranandani and back. Sofia sad.
People ask to use the land to cook, she says yes, then rs 2000. They run.
Combra attentive to combri.
Mosquito net. Plans for a bathroom. Piles of Mithi.
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Sunday 12/31/23, 18 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Phone time: 0h22m
Music karaoke in the night. But sleep nonetheless.
A strong cold, runny nose. Less activity. Kombra kombri continue
to fascinate. All namaaz but Ishaa. Visit to Kashale. Bad food.
Toilet and house talks. Dirt. Painting the trees.
I master the crouch position?
Too much Upumav!
Coincidence of warnings, is there a gate? Komal, nahi darte?
Koi nahi aega.
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Monday 01/01/24, 19 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Jambhulwadi - Kadav, to first slight left - back via Sawale rd mid
Time: 0:53:58
Mileage: 5.53 Miles - 8.9 Km
Pace: 9'45"/mile - 6'03"/km
Phone time: 0h37m
Wake up around 11:37. She wants to go out. I am sick. Eventually do.
Walk out, the distant cacophony of the resorts. Patake! For once
I am happy to celebrate. Later moon, smaller. We embrace. But this is not
what she wanted, back at property, she wants to yell, happy 2024!!!!
But then terrible insomnia. Quieter than I feared. I get up before 5,
manage by myself, tilaavat qur'an and stretch, let her sleep till 6:30
day rise. Then this run. Today kadav. Quieter than 1st day,
no dog problem here either. Will definitely explore side roads.
And for a start, I return via the familiar sawale road, no problem
at all, quiet, pleasant cool sunshine.
More mitthi. Shower. Davat. Evening, BBQ with the adivasi,
Komal and family. Dadou. Akshay can walk. The beautiful couple.
-- Cooking with Komal and family at the Chulla --
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Tuesday 01/02/24, 20 Jumada al-Akhira 1445 -- JAMBHULWADI
Jambhulwadi - Kadav, to Tata pwr road and back
Time: 1:00:18
Mileage: 6.18 Miles - 9.96 Km
Pace: 9'45"/mile - 6'03"/km
Phone time: 0h38m
Bats in the night. Quiet otherwise. Cold a little better. Ironically
miss human noises.
Last run. Kadav, no dog problems. Fog, shamnam. A little tired but
relax into the run. Kadav the Muslim chicken shop, the bhaji guy.
Beyond the village to Tata power road, for an hour run.
Vichare. Accusations from Mr P**. Preparations and packing.
Goodbye Komal. Electric line.
We return posh walls of Hiranandani.
-- Gulzar very very happy in our Property --