INDIA 2024


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-- Too hot to sleep in the tent --



Illness, Restart, Heat (5.03 Miles) -- 04/20/24



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Friday 04/12/24, 02 Shawwal 1445 -- Reprise
Raambagh - Orchard - Powai Mhada - SM Shetty - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:23:22
Mileage: 2.4 Miles - 3.86 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'03"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h29m

Following yesterday's delicious Eid meal, my stomach is no better, no cramps now, but a constant discomfort, which augments through the night - again a very uncomfortable night, digestive pains and excessive heat, and I advance into the wonderful language of François-René de Chateaubriand - a fantastic passage in Livre XIV Chap. II, starting with De Montpellier à Narbonne..., which evokes the contemplative state that grisps me as well, sounding extraordinary contemporary. Chateaubriand's trips, even if only to the Midi or to Italy, are among his most fascinating writings.
At the worse of last night, I had decided to visit the doctor today, but feeling somewhat better in the morning, decide to postpone by a day. And even after stretching, in spite of relatively late hour (7:30), decide to go out for my first run.
It is very hot outside, and I take a hyper conservative effort, trying to manage breath, muscles, and above all my damn stomach. I more or less succeed, with periodic short walk breaks. Let's see what happens now.
In Jummah ki Namaaz, I am aware of someone sitting next to me with a loud yellow outfit. It is my friend, I let him complete his Sunnat Rakaats before saluting him. He struggles to button his sleeves on his new outfit, asks for my help, and I struggle as well. We both laugh, and I realize it's the first I have laughed at the Masjid.
On the way back, the traffic man, whom I recognize well from seeing him heroically standing at the Khairani junction mayhem every day, comes to me. We shake hands, and I compliment him that without him the street would not function at all. He actually wants to ask for Eidi, which I will gladly give him at a later date (I have no money).
25th reading before Jummah Surat Ali-Imraan till v 80, After Jummah Surat Ali-Imraan till v 91 (Juz 4), till v 109.

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Saturday 04/13/24, 03 Shawwal 1445 -- REST
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 1h02m

Again, stomach pains in the night, multiple wake-ups, and a very bad morning, to the point where I find strength neither for Tilavaat, nor even for Namaaz! We need to see the doctor, this can't go on.
We meet Doctor Neeraj in the morning. He prescribes a series of medications. Back home, I spend the day essentially in bed, taking the medicine once has not provided relief, and I struggle to eat anything (Gulzar serves me Upuma, whose bland taste and consistency really does not help). I sleep several times, still in pain. Later in the day, I manage to catch up on the day's Namaaz, praying seated. Things are somewhat better in the evening, let's see how the night goes.
25th reading Asr Surat Ali-Imraan v 129.

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Monday 04/15/24, 05 Shawwal 1445 -- Lake Powai
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Mid Jettie - Lake Blvd OP - Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:41:42
Mileage: 3.81 Miles - 6.13 Km
Pace: 10'56"/mile - 6'48"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h35m (Sunday 0h40m)
NEW SHOES --


25th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 171.
At last, I wake up well. It's been a looooonng time!
I finally feel fine. The weekend has been difficult, but last night, multiple episodes of sleep without even needing to read, fell back asleep easily to multiple pleasant dreams, and wake up around 5:10, feeling resurrected! Finally energized, good Tilavaat Qur'an, Namaaz and stretching, and here I go, out for my second run!
I start with significant pain in both hamstrings, to the point where I wonder if I should stop, but remembering that this is normal after Ramzaan, I patiently continue. Good news is, at this very conservative pace, my breath is fine, and in spite of the heat, running is quite pleasant (I should however bring water even on such a short run). We have bought new Asics shoes yesterday which add to the comfort. No stomach pain, and again, I keep my breath under control. Focus is solely on breath and relaxation, at the expense of speed.
For once, I pause briefly to meet the man walking his small dog along Lake Powai, whom I have been saluting in passing for the last six years, without ever talking. He comes from the Glendale Building in Hiranandani (funny...). It is otherwise a beautiful morning (although once again hot), not polluted, through Raambagh, the ground is littered with confetti from yesterday's Ambedkar celebrations.
I feel like I am living again...
This good disposition carries me through the day, in fact, this is a (very) rare day where I do no sleep at any point.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till end, Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 22.

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Wednesday 04/17/24, 07 Shawwal 1445 -- 2nd Run, HEAT
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Orchard - Raambagh
Time: 0:39:50
Mileage: 3.77 Miles - 6.07 Km
Pace: 10'33"/mile - 6'33"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 61% (!!!)
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs (!!!)
Phone Time: 0h48m (Tuesday 0h43m)


25th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 23 (Juz 5), till v 50, Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 91.
After multiple wake-ups, and reading through the Assassinat du Duc D'Enghien, wake up quite well before 5am. Good Tilaavat, good Namaaz, both focused on the closing Rukus of Surat al-An'aam. Feeling well awake, I embark on my 2nd ramp-up run. As usual after Ramdhaan, and in spite of having been sick after it, my weight unexplicably shoots up by 1KG, unavoidable. I do have to gently prevent it from nudging any further up.
It has been phenomenally hot. Even around sunrise, temperature is at 30C, and opening the window does not bring the slightest sensation of freshness. I arm myself with a small bottle (which I actually won't touch), and bravely go out in what feels like a sauna, "pressure cooker" weather, with a low cloud cover. Also, I expect to be very sore from early runs and gym sessions, expect to struggle greatly through the first part of the run.
But actually, things feel quite good. Body pains are less than on Monday, and I find an acceptable rhythm quickly. It is of course phenomenally hot. Like Monday, my focus is entirely in "keeping all systems in check": Breathing, Muscle System, Temperature and Heart Beat, all within control, and methodically trying to delay the onset of fatigue. This works well today, as I do avoid strain throughout, and that at a slightly better pace (my target pace through this ramp-up phase could be 10'00"/mile).
All in all, a satisfactory run, and a successfull step on my patient way back up.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 126.

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Friday 04/19/24, 09 Shawwal 1445 -- 3rd Run, HEAT
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:41:43
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.47 Km
Pace: 10'22"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (good)
Phone Time: 0h56m (Thursday 0h56m)

25th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 147 (Juz 6), till end, Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 27.
In line with other runs this week.
I wake up around 5am after multiple wake-up's, but feeling quite good. An excellent Surat Yaseen ki Namaaz, and revision of the shorter Surah's (particularly Fajr). I embark on this third run.
It is again phenomenally hot. And again, I run focused on keeping all systems in check, regardless of pace, which I manage reasonably well, not letting my breath or temperature escape my control, finishing the run with a pleasant effort and not much strain. Even my weight seems to have been brought under control. Once the illness over, my post-Ramzaan recovery is going well so far, insha Allah.
Later, excellent Jummah ki Namaaz at the Masjid. The boy's younger brother asks me earnestly, "Aap kis desh se ho?". "France" I answer, which he probably doesn't understand.
25th reading before Jummah Surat al-Maidah till v 50, After Jummah Surat al-Maidah till v 82 (Juz 8), till v 86, Asr Surat al-Maidah till end.

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Saturday 04/20/24, 10 Shawwal 1445 -- 4th Run, HEAT
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Hiranandani Hospital - IIT Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:51:58
Mileage: 5.03 Miles - 8.09 Km
Pace: 10'19"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (excellent)
Phone Time: 1h40m (Atal Setu Directions)

My plan, following the "every other day" scheme, was not to run today. But after another excellent wake-up (around 4:40), after good Namaaz with the old Surah's (Tariq-A'la-Ghashiyah-Fajr), I feel so good that I go out after all, rather than running tomorrow in Sawale. In spite of this being the second day in a row, this works out just great. Same, I carefully keep all systems in check in spite of the continued formidable heat, and succeed in keeping the effort well under control, very satisfying.
Following this debilitating illness right after Ramadhan, which weakened me considerably, it is now the exact opposite. I feel energized, very pleasantly resuming activity (in fact I have exceeded my running goals by nearing 3 hours this week), which also translates to work, as the Imaam had preached on Eid ka Din. My nutrition and weight have stabilized, and I am sleeping very well, feeling rested.
Eh Allah, hamko sukun, sakinah, takkat, himmat, aur quwah farma de, aur hamari ibaadat kabul farma de, ameen.























-- Surat al-Fajr --







More Heat (7.52 Miles) -- 04/27/24



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Monday 04/22/24, 12 Shawwal 1445 --
Raheja Vihar - Saki Vihar - Lake Platform - Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:45:33
Mileage: 4.43 Miles - 7.12 Km
Pace: 10'16"/mile - 6'23"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 1h09m (Sunday 1h05m)

Again, phenomenally hot. A good run nonetheless, similar, although a little short of breath today.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till v 73, Surat al-An'aam till v 110 (Juz 8), Asr Surat al-An'aam till end.

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Wednesday 04/24/24, 14 Shawwal 1445 -- IIT far gate
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Back.
Time: 0:52:20
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8.02 Km
Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 1h17m (Tuesday 0h52m)

25th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 58.
Multiple frustrating wake-ups in the night, but multiple sleeps too, and multiple dreams (which I all remember). Get up "late" around 5:15, feeling well rested. Still manage to get out around 6:40am.
An excellent run actually. It is still hot, but with a subtle fresher breeze. And unlike Monday, my breath, at this easy pace, is excellent, and I am able to master the effort throughout, on this slightly longer run. Peaceful and pleasant.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 87 (Juz 9), till v 141, Maghrib Surat al-A'raf till 157.

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Friday 04/26/24, 16 Shawwal 1445 -- Andheri Ghatkopar
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani E. - Nahar.
Time: 0:40:54
Mileage: 3.91 Miles - 6.29 Km
Pace: 10'27"/mile - 6'30"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h48m (Thursday 0h35m)

25th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till end, Surat al-Anfal till v 40 (Juz 10), Asr Surat al-Anfal till v 64, Surat al-Anfal till end, Surat at-Taubah till v 37.
Yesterday evening, very tired from a string of meetings till 8:30pm. I wake up this morning around 4:20, unable to sleep back, get up around 4:45. A low intensity run away from Lake Powai, it continues to be very hot, but I manage.
At the Masjid, the Imaam explains the preparations for the Hajj, which have started in the month of Shawwal itself, right after Ramdhan. An excellent Namaaz today, aware of the world, and motivated to accomplish the Hajj next year, before it's too late, our next grand design, insha allah.
25th reading before Jummah Surat at-Taubah till v 82, After Jummah Surat at-Taubah till v 93 (Juz 11), till v 110, Asr Surat at-Taubah till end.

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Saturday 04/27/24, 17 Shawwal 1445 -- Pipeline
Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to "Runner's Spot" - Back.
Time: 1:19:12
Mileage: 7.52 Miles - 12.1 Km
Pace: 10'31"/mile - 6'32"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h52m

A longer run than anticipated.
I head out to the Pipeline (where I meet the usual people), reaching the runner's spot, which will make for roughly a 12 Km run (a 10K would have been more reasonable). Still, only two weeks after Ramzaan, I manage the effort well, in spite of the continuing excessive heat, carrying a small flask of water, and at this same very conservative pace (I seem to have stabilized around 10'30"/mile for now). I manage the effort well, not feeling undue strain at any point.
Things are going better than anticipated, but let's hope this isn't too much too soon. Time will tell, insha Allah...
25th reading Asr Surat Yunus till v 30, Maghrib Surat Yunus till v 82.




































-- Surat al-Muzzammil --



Muzzammil (6.43 Miles) -- 05/04/24



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Monday 04/29/24, 19 Shawwal 1445 -- Hiranandani
Nahar -- Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - Down to LBS Marg & Back - IIT - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:46:41
Mileage: 4.58 Miles - 7.37 Km
Pace: 10'11"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 32C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h39m (Sunday 0h51m)

25th reading Sunday Asr Surat Yunus till end, Surat Hud till v 5 (Juz 12), till v 24, Maghrib Surat Hud till v 109, Ishaa Surat Hud till end.
I start the run in Hiranandani, feeling quite good after a "late" wake-up at 5:15, decide to lengthen slightly by running down to LBS Marg and back up IIT Hill. Running feels quite good today, and I gently push the pace on the way back. For some reason, I am not particularly affected by the heat, although it seems to reach a new record today.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till v 35, Asr Surat Yusuf till v 52 (Juz 13), till v 79.

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Tuesday 04/30/24, 20 Shawwal 1445 -- Chhota Rasta
Raambagh - JVLR W - to Saki Vihar - Lake Platform - Raambagh
Time: 0:29:17
Mileage: 3.05 Miles - 4.9 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h58m

Very unexpectedly, a run today, in spite of the planned gym session. I have woken up well, and in spite of a 7:30am meeting, seeing that I am ready by 6:30, I decide to go for a Chhota Rasta run (which I still refer to as "Nellurahalli" from the Bangalore days), breaking my plan of running every other day in this early phase. I take this opportunity to push the pace a bit on this shorter distance, which works quite well. It is still extraordinarily hot, but I manage. Let's see, I hope I don't regret this extra run, perhaps pushing my post-Ramzaan recovery.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till end, Surat Ar-Ra'd, Asr Surat Ibrahim till v 21.

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Wednesday 05/01/24, 21 Shawwal 1445 -- Out of Breath
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Suverna Temple - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:33:33
Mileage: 3.43 Miles - 5.52 Km
Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h44m

My tentative plan was to perform my first speed session (easy) today. But I find myself rather out of breath, and affected by the heat. Besides, it might not be good right after yesterday's relatively fast run. I still push the pace moderately (but no Fartlek as planned), but this is not such a pleasant run.
It is holiday today, but we stay most of the day at home because of the overwhelming heat. In the evening, after going to Mhada, I finally go to the Masjid for Maghrib ki Namaaz. I am a little early, so walk to Masjid al-Husaynia (instead of discovering the Rahat Masjid). This is a first, which I intend to repeat on occasion, especially for the evening prayers, Maghrib or Ishaa (as otherwise I fall asleep at home!).
25th reading Dhuhr Surat Ibrahim till end, Asr Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end.

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Friday 05/03/24, 23 Shawwal 1445 -- Muzzammil
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar
Time: 0:41:20
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.47 Km
Pace: 10'16"/mile - 6'23"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 75%
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.7 lbs (Damn!!)
Phone Time: 0h39m (Thursday 0h31m)

25th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till v 65, Asr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15), Surat al-Isra till v 22.
I was attacked by despair yesterday. My timid self-confidence, which I knew would not last, has indeed ended. This leads to an excellent Ishaa ki Namaaz, reciting Surat ar-Rahman. But I feel somber.
In the night, still in this anxious mood, I wake up around 3:20, read more about Napoléon in Mémoires D'Outre-Tombe, but really fear that I will not be able to fall back asleep, ending a good period of rest. But no, in spite of my state, I do fall back asleep, to a series of short dreams, and waken up by Fajr ki Adhaan at 5:11 (the Adhaan at dawn has continued after Ramadhan, even in this tense political climate). I feel surprisingly good. As if all my strength had gone into yesterday's Ishaa ki Namaaz, this morning's Fajr isn't well inspired. My weight seems to run out of control, typical after the Ramzaan fast. I need to reel it back in with more aggressive control.
This is meant to be an easy run, before running longer tomorrow. The weather seems more bearable this morning, in fact, for the first time in a while, going out brings a subtle sense of freshness. Under these conditions, and at an easy pace, the run feels very pleasant, exactly as a training run should be. After having revised the early Surah's (Buruj to Layl), I have started relearning Surat al-Muzzammil, which I hadn't visited in a very long time. These revisions produce an excellent effect, and show me the way: Not able to keep all my knowledge in memory at once, I will continue to cycle through what I know, dwelling on one section at a time, to great effect. I feel ready to learn new passages, but no haste.
At Sunset, since Gulzar is not home, I finally implement a plan I have long thought about: I go to "Rahat Masjid" for Maghrib ki Namaaz. For some reason, this requires small courage, as a slight fear of the unknown subsists from the old days, yet it proves perfectly easy. It's essentially a straight line through Nahar, across Khairani road, and straight into the Masjid, where I find in succession a shoe rack, the Wudhu bassin, and right into the room, which is an elongated rectangle, with Qiblah ki Taraaf to the side. I sit at my usual place, off to the left somewhat back, and move forward as the rows form. The room fills up, the Imaam's voice is not so pleasant, but I sense the novelty's thrill, do my best to remain focused. Once done, I make my way carefully and knowingly through the rows, attentive to not cut anyone's Namaaz, and walk back home. This has actually been so easy, as if the gate has been opened, I imagine I'll return often.
25th reading morning Surat al-Isra till end, Before Jummah Surat al-Kahf till v 31, After Jummah Surat al-Kahf till v 74 (Juz 16), till v 82, Maghrib Surat al-Kahf till end.

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Saturday 05/04/24, 24 Shawwal 1445 -- Marwah
Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military rd - Makwana - Marol CHS - Andheri Kurla - Saki Naka - Mahindra Alcove - Chandivali
Time: 1:08:16
Mileage: 6.43 Miles - 10.35 Km
Pace: 10'37"/mile - 6'35"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h20m

Again, waken up by Fajr ki Adhaan around 5:11am, after episodes of sleep. But I feel strange this morning, for more than a week, I have a point of pain deep in the throat, and I wonder if that should eventually be shown to the doctor (my health continues to be flaky this year). My mood is irritable, it's better I go out (Gulzar feels it), this morning very hesitant for some reason as to where to run. I gradually settle into this nondescript route, relatively quiet, starting out of breath, but focusing again on comfort find a mild pace that gradually soothes me, while I continue to rehearse Surat al-Muzzammil. I return better than I had left.







"Nuruddin Franch" (5.28 Miles) -- 05/12/24



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Monday 05/06/24, 26 Shawwal 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:54:08
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.5 Km
Pace: 10'15"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone Time: 1h14m (Sunday 0h51m)

25th reading Sunday Asr Surat Maryam
Up at 4am, but feeling surprisingly good. This week Crosby is in India. Yesterday evening, after driving back from Sawale, I went to Rahat Masjid for Maghrib for the second time. This is the only activity that soothes me. In the morning, after completing revision of Surat al-Muzzammil (the last long verse), I embark on this run.
It is again very hot, but at this pace, I feel surprisingly good, and prolong the way a bit. Unclear how much or how well I'll be able to run this week, take it a day at a time. And how to observe Namaaz? Hamko ibaadat karne ki taufiq ada farma.
25th reading morning Surat Ta-Ha v 54, Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17).

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Tuesday 05/07/24, 27 Shawwal 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Back, Powai Plaza - Orchard Ave - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:44:33
Mileage: 4.48 Miles - 7.21 Km
Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs (better)
Phone Time: 2h15m (Crosby's visit)

Yesterday with Crosby was better than I feared. I get back from Film City via Rickshaw through Aarey Colony, just around Maghrib, after a visit to the lavish film set of Godpower. I wake up in the night (to a nightmare about my mother being trapped by a mysterious creature), but slowly fall back asleep, to wake up well before 5am. This run, similar to yesterday, ends up being pleasant. Like yesterday, a dog comes to me on Raambagh, I tame him nicely while talking to local slumdwellers who appreciate this.
Later, to office again, this time I drive myself. But it takes me 1h20m to drive back, completely stuck on Andheri Kurla!! One of my goals for this trip is for Crosby to witness how difficult it is to commute here, this will actually work beyond my expectation...
25th reading Asr Surat al-Anbiya.

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Thursday 05/09/24, 29 Shawwal 1445 -- After Bangalore
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Ave - High St - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar.
Time: 0:36:16
Mileage: 3.49 Miles - 5.62 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs (better)
Phone Time: 1h34m (Wednesday 1h19m)

25th reading Wednesday before Fajr Surat al-Hajj till v 38.
Back from Bangalore a little late last night, a tired slow run, not great. Kept it short and easy.

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Friday 05/10/24, 01 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 --
Raheja Vihar long - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:43:38
Mileage: 4.28 Miles - 6.89 Km
Pace: 10'11"/mile - 6'19"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs (better)
Phone Time: 1h54m

25th reading Fajr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18).
Yesterday, we met at the Royal Palms office. As many times discussed, the road to reach there is in unbelievable disarray, even by Mumbai standards, driving through holes and craters, true to its reputation. That said, I could see myself going to office there occasionally, much better than the Santa Cruz office which is farther. This actually felt like our best day.
Opposite to yesterday morning, I wake up well around 4:45, excellent Surah Yaseen ki Namaaz. And then, embark on this run feeling much better than yesterday, although still a little short of breath. With all travel and AC, I have started being sick again, heavy chest and coughing, but still, I manage the run well, which seems just the right length for today.
My obsessive goal for today is to get back in time from Office to attend Jummah ki Namaaz at the Masjid, let's see if this will work, Insha Allah.
And I do this. With adamant perseverance, I very productively charge through a meeting, and manage to "escape" from office around 11:10. But will that be enough? The suspense grows as I hit various patches of bad traffic. But today, in spite of several clogged areas, Andheri Kurla is relatively free, and little by little, I reassure myself that I will indeed make it, with a nascent sense of triumph. I was playing different scenarios in my head based on the hour, but I do have time to go home and change, and walk to the Masjid like I would on any other Jummah (and as usual, it is hot on Khairani road.) I meet my friend Jamal Malik, Gulzar has been calling him to take Jackfruit that we have brought from Sawale. He wants to visit us after Namaaz. I help him find my name on his phone, he has written it "Nurudin Franch". I love this rendition of this name, to the point where I might adopt it in the future (it means brightness of the faith). The Bayaan and Namaaz are among the best. As has happened before, succesfully escaping to rush adamantly to Namaaz has put me in a triumphant mood! I gather much strength in the Namaaz, as I had in the morning, persuaded that my obstinate perseverance is what has made me so surprisingly successful this week. I have left Crosby in office, but we were essentially done, he will leave tomorrow morning. His trip to India was a success.
25th reading Asr Surat al-Mu'minun till v 50.

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Saturday 05/11/24, 02 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- SICK!
Fever: 2am 102F 38.9C -- 7am 98.8F 37.1C -- 11h30 101.4F 38.5C -- 18h30 100.3F 37.9C -- 20h15: 100.5F 38C.
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h53m

But after yesterday's triumph, I feel a relentless headache. I wake up in the night to uncontrollable chills, and later around 2am, find that I have a temperature of 38.9C. How frustrating! Needless to say, plans to run are postponed, but I still perform Tilaavat Qur'an and Fajr ki Namaaz.
25th reading Fajr Surat al-Mu'minun till end, Asr Surat an-Nur till v 34, Maghrib Surat an-Nur till end.

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Sunday 05/12/24, 03 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- Sick
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar
Time: 0:42:34
Mileage: 3.9 Miles - 6.27 Km
Pace: 10'54"/mile - 6'47"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h46m

25th reading Fajr Surat al-Furqan till v 19 (Juz 19), till v 44.
Sick yesterday with fever, cancelled all running plans. But this morning woke up at 4:30 feeling surprisingly good, and after checking temperature (none at all) decide daringly to roll the dice and run. I leave as Gulzar is still sleeping.
The run works very well at first, to the point where I contemplate yesterday's projected hour-long run, but my energy gradually runs out, and I wisely turn back earlier, going through Lakehomes where I do not find the Boudi even though I have been carrying money for her the last few runs. Running today is a very questionable move, but I feel overall ok, let's see what this does in the long term. When I return, Gulzar has just woken up.
I am more than ever committed to Tilaavat Qur'an and Namaaz, and continue to find solace in reciting Surat al-Muzzammil.
25th reading Asr Surat al-Furqan till end, Maghrib Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 104.











-- Freak Storm in Chandivali --



Illness before leaving (4.19 Miles) -- 05/16/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 05/13/24, 04 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- SICK
Fever: Sunday 16h00 100.8F 38.2C
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h39m

25th reading Fajr Surat ash-Shu'ara till end.
Unfortunately, yesterday's clearing was short-lived, in the afternoon, fever rises again, and my strength declines. In retrospect it was a mistake to run yesterday, in my waning years, this obstinate running as a solution to all problems, which used to carry me well, now fails more often than not. I feel frail, and have to wonder again whether my running days are coming to an end. Take it a day at a time. I am in a way at peace with the passing of the ages, moving to other passions.
In the afternoon, while in a meeting with London, a freak storm hits Mumbai. It starts with a spectacular dust blow-out which ominously obscures the area, high winds, then a brief deluge of rain, monsoon-style. We do see various objects flying in the air, and later learn that a collapsed structure in Ghatkopar has killed several people.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naml v 44, Asr Surat an-Naml till v 59 (Juz 20), till end.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/14/24, 05 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- SICK
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h51m

25th reading Fajr Surat al-Qasas till v 21.
Yesterday, forces decline throughout the day. I don't let fever rise with Advil, but feel chest oppression and fatigue. Towards the end of the day, really fed up, I cancel last two meetings, skip Maghrib and Ishaa prayers, and finish reading the retreat from Russia in Mémoires d'Outre-Tombe.
This morning's wake-up is a bit better, let's see how it evolves. No question of running though, or any physical activity.
Indeed, the day is much better! I feel just about cured, which leads to a burst of energy where I attack all these pesky administrative tasks which have been wearing me down (eg., updating the bank KYCs for the 100th time!!). No trace of fever, and all symptoms nearly gone. Getting through most of the administrative mountain has appeased my mind a bit.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Qasas till end, Asr Surat al-Ankabut till v 44 (Juz 21).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/15/24, 06 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- Reprise
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Lake Promenade - Overpass - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:44:28
Mileage: 4.19 Miles - 6.75 Km
Pace: 10'36"/mile - 6'35"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h51m

25th reading Fajr Surat al-Ankabut till end, Surat ar-Rum till v 27.
Finally an excellent wake-up, clear.
So I embark on this run. Still not great though, my breath is tentative, and I do weaken as I go, but still, manage this under control. The aftermath of Tuesday's storm is still visible, downed branches, structures, puddles of debris.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat ar-Rum till end, Surat Luqman, Asr Surat as-Sajdah.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 05/16/24, 07 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- Terrible Lousy Run
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - High St - Orchard - Raambagh
Time: 0:44:24
Mileage: 4.17 Miles - 6.7 Km
Pace: 10'38"/mile - 6'37"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 67%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone Time: 0h39m

25th reading Fajr Surat al-Ahzab till v 30 (Juz 22), till v 33.
Up at 4am, unable to sleep back, tension regarding tonight's departure. A really bad run actually, tired, I take two breaks along the way, and struggle to get back. The heat appears phenomenal. I am not doing well.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahzab till end, Asr Surat Saba.











-- At the beach in San Francisco --



San Mateo (4.55 Miles) -- 05/20/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/17/24, 08 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- TRIP TO US

We arrive in SF, we sleep at Apurva's. Jeremie comes for BBQ. A horrible first night. Shocked by the cold. Cannot sleep.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 05/18/24, 09 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, SF WITH JEREMIE

SF With Jeremie. His apt. Driverless car. Haight Ashbury. Goodwill.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 05/19/24, 10 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, STEVENS CREEK

Promenade with Apurva and Purvi at Stevens Creek park. Starting to feel better. Manhattan Court. Arnold and Earl.
Then we drive to Cecile. The beach.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 05/20/24, 11 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, PESCADERO
Apurva's House - Alameda de Las Pulgas - Crystal Springs
Time: 0:47:45
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Estimated Mileage: 4.55 Miles - 7.32 Km

To Haydee's house. Walking. Night there. Pescadero -







-- In Pescadero with Haydée --











-- Sunset on Mount Burney --



Grass Valley, Big Bend (4.74 Miles) -- 05/28/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/21/24, 12 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, GRASS VALLEY

Drive to Grass Valley, Madeleine. Terra's school. Suspended Bridge, Sunset point. Next day, Yuba River.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/22/24, 13 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, GRASS VALLEY

Grass Valley. Empire Mines.








-- At the river, Gulzar and Katie the cat --


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/24/24, 15 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, GRASS VALLEY, BIG BEND
Madeleine's House - Empire Mine Trails - From Penn Entrance to Visitor's Center and Back
Time: 0:56:12
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Estimated Mileage: 5.35 Miles - 8.61 Km

Drive to Ian's house in Big Bend. To the river, waterfall. Meme. Cats and dogs. Tent.
Big Bend -








-- On Ian's property in Big Bend --


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 05/25/24, 16 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, BIG BEND

Morning Walk - Hot Springs - Waterfall -






-- At a waterfall --


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 05/26/24, 17 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, BIG BEND

To the mountain between Shasta and Lassen (Mount Burney). Snow. Return at Sunset. Views of Shasta and Lassen.










-- Up to the top of Mount Burney --


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/28/24, 19 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- US, GRASS VALLEY
Madeleine's - Wolf creek trail and back - to Grass Valley and back
Time: 1:00:17
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Estimated Mileage: 5.74 Miles - 9.24 Km

I follow Madeleine's advice for this run. But too short, and I run in the other direction to Grass Valley, completing an hour.
Later, to Grass Valley Lake. I swim.














Return (5.76 Miles) -- 06/01/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/31/24, 22 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- BACK IN MUMBAI
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Lake Blvd OP - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:40:24
Mileage: 4.01 Miles - 6.46 Km
Pace: 10'04"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h43m

Back, fearing the return. But surprisingly successfull. I resume Tilavaat Qur'an and Namaaz (Surat Yaseen) with success, snapping back to my old ways, contrast, and even go on this run in spite of having landed this morning itself. It is particularly hot and humid, but generally fine at this prudent pace.
25th reading before Jummah Surat Fatir, Surat Yaseen till v 21 (Juz 23), till end; After Jummah Surat as-Saffat till v 113; Asr Surat as-Saffat till end.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 06/01/24, 23 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- Lake Powai
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Back to Raambagh - Lake Road - Powai Mhada - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 1:02:09
Mileage: 5.67 Miles - 9.13 Km
Pace: 10'57"/mile - 6'48"/km
Weather: 31C; Humidity 68%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone Time: 1h00

Contrary to my fears, feeling extraordinarily good!
Excellent disposition. Yesterday worked incessantly without rest, no jet lag, and went to Masjid. Night great sleep, multiple wake-ups, but easily fell back asleep, after resuming les Mémoires. I get up "late" around 5:40, feel excellent. The run starts so well that perhaps I'll run semi-long today, but luckily, I listen to my tiring pace, and prudently scale back somewhat, still passing an hour though. At a very cautious pace, and with two stops (and a flask of water because of the formidable heat), this all feels quite good.
A successfull come-back so far.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat Saad till v 63, Asr Surat Saad till end.







Marol Explorations, Heat and Humidity (6.98 Miles) -- 06/08/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/03/24, 25 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- Marol
Nahar - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Small road - Bamandayapada to Mithi river and back - Marwah - Saki Vihar - Mahindra Alcove - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 1:03:16
Mileage: 5.9 Miles - 9.49 Km
Pace: 10'43"/mile - 6'39"/km
Weather: 31C; Humidity 75%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h41 (Sunday 0h57m)

25th reading Sunday Asr Surat az-Zumar till v 31 (Juz 24), Maghrib Surat az-Zumar till v 63.
Wake up a few times, then at 3:45 like yesterday, but miraculously fall into a short crisp dream that clears my mind, to get up at 4:15. Gulzar has been awake since 2:30, but my jet lag recovery has been among the best I can remember. I revise and pray Surat al-Muzzammil, then go out shortly after 6am, greeted by a thin moon, and again, very hot and humid climate. Today, I feel quite good actually, my breath is comfortable, so I embark with a goal of a 1 hour run through Marwah. There I explore a new short alley through Marol, and return in relative comfort, fulfilling my goal, although at a slightly slower pace than I imagined. Again, it is phenomenally hot, when will the rains start?
Very frustrated with sitting at the desk, but what choice is there?
25th reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till end, Surat al-Mu'min till v 60; Asr Surat al-Mu'min till end, Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 46 (Juz 25), till end.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/05/24, 27 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- Marol, First Rain
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military Road - Marol Maroshi - Bhawani Nagar, to end and back.
Time: 1:04:37
Mileage: 6 Miles - 9.66 Km
Pace: 10'46"/mile - 6'41"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs (Argh)
Phone Time: 0h43m (Tuesday 0h48m)

25th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat ash-Shura till v 43, Asr Surat ash-Shura till end, Surat az-Zukhruf till v 35.
Good jet lag gone, both of us up again at 2am, unsure whether we were able to sleep back at all. Finally get up around 4am, not feeling that bad.
Again, Marwah, again, 1 hour goal, and again, a new small exploration in Marol. A small street that climbs briefly, I turn back, but find out later I could have turned to the left to loop back to Marol Maroshi.
Is it again phenomenally hot and humid, heavily overcast, pressure cooker weather. I run very cautiously, intent on comfort, and do not hesitate to stop (3 times) to cool down and drink. But overall I manage, and am rewarded by a first rain in the last 10 minutes of the run. (This rain unfortunately short-lived, the terrible humid heat resumes).
On top of that, in yesterday's election, the BJP has won far less decisively than anticipated. Will this give us some respite from persecution?
25th reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zukhruf till end, Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26); Asr Surat al-Ahqaf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/07/24, 29 Dhul-Qa'dah 1445 -- Marol
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Bamandayapada, to end & back - Prime Academy Galli - Makwana - Marol CHS - Andheri Ghatkopar - Saki Naka - Mahindra Alcove - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 1:04:27
Mileage: 5.97 Miles - 9.6 Km
Pace: 10'47"/mile - 6'42"/km
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs
Weather: 30C; Humidity 77%
Phone Time: 0h32m

25th Reading Thursday 25th reading Dhuhr Surat Muhammad, Asr Surat al-Fath till v 26. Today Fajr Surat al-Fath till end, Surat al-Hujurat.
Continued increasing after effects of US trip, both jet lag and weight hitting me with a delay. Wake up at 3am, despair that I won't sleep, just about manage a brief half dozing, up at 4am. Evening collapse! That said, excellent Surat Yaseen in Namaaz on this Jummah, then this run.
Again, near unbearable heat and humidity, typical of June, as we wait for the rains. I start with difficulty, tired and somewhat sore, but relax into the run, and eventually stick to my goal of "an hour a day", and another route through Marol, team of the week. That said, running in these conditions is not very pleasant, I come back completely drenched as every day this week, and quite drained. Pace is dead slow (although I've had to walk over the ever broken Marwah bridge), but focus is on endurance.
25th reading before Jummah Surat Qaf, Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 30 (Juz 27), till end, Surat at-Tur.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 06/08/24, 01 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Marol
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol Maroshi - Bhawani Nagar - Customs Colony - Vijay Nagar Bridge - Road 16 - Kondivita - Andheri Ghatkopar (Sanseri Bazaar, Airport Road, Marol Naka, Saki Naka) - Khairani Road
Time: 1:13:39
Mileage: 6.98 Miles - 11.23 Km
Pace: 10'33"/mile - 6'33"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 75%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Phone Time: 1h10

Better sleep in spite of the heat, wake up several times, but sleep back several times. Up around 4:30, feeling well. But heat continues to be phenomenal, simply Namaaz drenches me with sweat.
But once out, I find that a light rain in the night has subtly cooled the air, with the slightest fresh breeze, which makes quite a difference. In the near deserted street of Nahar, I meet the Imaam (strangely out here at this hour), tell him about my trips.
I was fearing this run, but soon find that I am doing much better today, a little sore at first, but finding an excellent breath that will carry me throughout. In this good disposition, I head out again towards Marol (this week's theme), complete the exploration of the Bhawani Nagar road, and loop back via the old Masjid and Saki Naka, completing an even longer loop, and no stops today. I have exceeded my goal of running over 4 hours this week (nearly 4h30), completing 1hr+ a day as planned. With all the setbacks, this is my biggest week since Ramzaan.
Back home, a delivery boy from Bhandup recognizes me having seen me run there, he shakes my hand appreciating my Hindi.
25th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Najm, Surat al-Qamar, Surat ar-Rahman, Asr Surat al-Waqi'ah, Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28).







Annecy (8.43 Miles) -- 06/13/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/10/24, 03 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- ANNECY
Allobroges - Rive Est - to Veyrier le Lac
Time: 0:52:46
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.03 Miles - 8.09 Km

25th Reading Sunday Asr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr.
I wake up around 4:30 at the hotel, keep to my ritual of tilaavat Qur'an (not interrupting my 25th reading in spite of the trip) and Namaaz. I go out around my usual 6:30, to find a steady rain and cool temperatures (I am wearing a long sleeve jersey. For the first time, I explore the east bank of the Lake, which leads me under a cliff, eventually reaching the village of Veyrier. It's a nice run overall in spite of the weather, quiet, crossing occasional runners or cyclists, overall satisfying. I am determined to follow a tight nutrition during my stay at Annecy, in spite of all the events.
25th reading Fajr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff, Asr Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 06/11/24, 04 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- ANNECY
Allobroges - Rive Ouest - to Servier Beau-Rivage and back
Time: 0:53:34
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.1 Miles - 8.21 Km

I wake Up at 4, feeling generally ok. Clouds but no rain this morning. This time, I explore the West Bank, which offers better views on the mountains and the rising sun through the clouds. The run feels a little less fluid than yesterday, but still satisfying. This side of the lake does feel nicer.
25th reading Fajr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam, Asr Surat al-Haqqah, Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 06/13/24, 06 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- ANNECY
Allobroges - Rive Ouest - Servier - Le Clos Berthet - Back
Time: 1:28:31
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 8.43 Miles - 13.56 Km

25th Reading Wednesday Fajr Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil, Surat al-Muddaththir; Dhuhr Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30); Asr Surat An-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat Abasa.
Having skipped the Netflix Party yesterday, I have slept well, and wake up around 4:30 to a clear sunny day (finally!). I find myself feeling very good on the run, cool temperature but clear skies, and excellent breath, so I let it go. Pushing past the point reached on Tuesday, I pass the village of Servier, continuing on the trail along the lake, feeling that I can handle a semi-long run, the first since Ramzaan. I eventually turn back at a spot called "le clos Berthet", head back in good comfort, still good breath. Several runners and cyclists (and fishermen) along the way in spite of the early hour. This will be the only clear sunny day in Annecy. An excellent run, among my best in some time. The cold temperatures, too low perhaps, do clearly help the run compared to Mumbai weather.
25th reading Fajr Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/14/24, 07 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- ANNECY
Allobroges - Rive Est - Veyrier le Lac
Time: 0:51:22
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.89 Miles - 7.87 Km

25th reading Fajr 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.
Wake up around 5:13, after having "escaped" from a dinner last night (disappearing inconspicuously just after dessert). The rain is back this morning, and yet, against all reason, I choose to run one last time in Annecy. I feel better than expected after yesterday's long run in spite of steady rain and occasional wind. I nearly repeat Monday's run on the East bank of the lake.
Later, after having completed my tasks at the booth, I walk in extremis to a local Masjid, guided by Google Maps. This works out perfectly, I arrive right in time to find my place in the Saffat just before Namaaz. Namaaz itself is the same of course, but before and after rituals differ. I am very satisfied with this escapade, which sorts of marks the end of my Annecy Festival. Later in the day, back at the hotel, I finish my 25th reading of the book, Alhamdulillah.
Asr Surat adh-Dhuha, Surat al-Inshirah, Surat at-Tin, 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-Lahab, Surat al-Ikhlaas, Surat al-Falaq, Surat an-Naas,
Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 5.










-- Birthday Dinner at "La Méditerrannée" --



Paris (6.31 Miles) -- 06/16/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 06/16/24, 09 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- PARIS
Hotel Studia (Maubert Mutualite) - Blvd St Germain - Pont D'Austerlitz - Ledru Rollin - Basfroi - Place Leon Blum - Pere Lachaise - Avenue de la Republique - Place de la Republique - Strasbourg St Denis - Rue St Denis - Blvd Sebastopol - Notre Dame - Hotel Studia.
Time: 1:06:16
Estimated Pace: 10'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.31 Miles - 10.15 Km

Now in Paris with my mother, on Saturday, we went to the Ecole Alsacienne for an event, and ate a delicious dinner at La Méterrannée for my birthday (slightly anticipated).
On Sunday morning, staying at the Hotel Studia Boulevard St Germain, I have resolved to run, and will not be deterred by the weather, which continues to be awful. This entire run occurs under a steady cold rain, but wearing long sleeves and a cap, I manage fine. This ends up being a "nostalgy trip" on the Rive Droite, first by the Synagogue Rue Basfroi, past le Père Lachaise and back via the Avenue de la République where I pass my grandparents former house (70), and our own near the Place (which I mistakenly remembered as 11 but must have been 10). Continuing on that theme, I return via Rue St Denis, back through the Parvis de Notre Dame (still under construction). Later, with my mother, after visiting the Musée de Carnavalet and the Rue des Rosiers (now all luxury boutiques), we pass by l'Ecole Duperré.
In spite of the relentless rain, a good thoughtful run, revising Surat ar-Rum, and pondering over past present and future. My mother was right, in great political turmoil, French Society seems obsessed with antisemitism, few moments go by without the word being pronounced on TV news.
This trip has brought a crucial decision in front of me, will I take it? Perhaps yes.
























-- 2nd Ruku from Surat ar-Rum --



Surat ar-Rum, Monsoon Rains (8.08 Miles) -- 06/22/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/19/24, 12 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Rain
Raambagh - Orchard, to Lake Blvd & Back - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:33:07
Mileage: 3.19 Miles - 5.13 Km
Pace: 10'22"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity: 82%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (disappointing)
Phone Time: 0h41m (Tuesday 1h11m)

Many wake-up's, but managed to sleep back. Up slightly before 5am, to the sound of loud Fajr ki Adhaan. I finish learning the 2nd ruku of Surat ar-Rum (in only a few days), and recite it in Namaaz.
I get out around 6:30 under a pouring rain, and even some thunder, waterlogging in places. This ends up being a laborious run, not feeling that well, not finding my breath. In the night, I have felt this oppressed breathing , unfortunately characteristic of Mumbai (or is it the run under Paris rain?). Anyway, I gradually temper my effort, slowing down, and keep the distance short. My weight, which I thought I had controlled very well in France, disappoints, but still stays at the upper limit of my preferred range.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/21/24, 14 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Torrential Rain
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani - Central - Main - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:56:00
Mileage: 5.29 Miles - 8.52 Km
Pace: 10'35"/mile - 6'34"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs (Damn !!!!)
Phone Time: 1h10m (Thursday 0h25m)

Woken up by the alarm at 5am, and a loud Adhaan. I think I might beat the rain this morning (it rains every morning at my running time), but soon after I get out, it starts, and turns into a torrential downpour! hampering the way, as I swerve around waterlogging and obstacles. I feel a little better than Wednesday, but still a bit out-of-breath, and I keep my pace way down, focused on finding comfort - and navigating the rain. My weight completely defeats me, I was expecting a drop, but instead, find another surge. Incomprehensible! Patience...
Continue to affirm Surah Rum's 2nd Ruku, and have started on the third.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 06/22/24, 15 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Pipeline
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - to Triangular bridge & Back
Time: 1:27:05
Mileage: 8.08 Miles - 13 Km
Pace: 10'46"/mile - 6.41 /km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h47m

Up at 4am, unable to sleep back, deep in thought. Yesterday, back to the Masjid, my friend is back (he had gone to UP, reports things are calmer since the election), and so are the Imaam and Muezzin. Carpets have been removed for Monsoon, we sit on the marble floor. My namaaz is excellent today, feeling that I have returned, after the France interlude. In the evening, Gulzar makes sound arguments which bring reason back to me I feel, as if she as ever was to show me the way. So I can't sleep back, but continuing to learn Surat ar-Rum, and Namaaz, I see clarity and arrest my decision.
The rain spares me this morning. It is very wet, but no rain during the run, until the last 10 minutes. Feeling better than the previous days, I set out for the peaceful Pipeline, where I am saluted warmly, running again at a conservative pace, seeking comfort and ease. I do run somewhat out of steam though, but still complete the run as intended. I am learning Surat ar-Rum surprisingly quickly.










-- Synagogues in Mumbai --



Mixed (5.56 Miles) -- 06/29/24



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/24/24, 17 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 --
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Naka - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd - Jain Mandir
Time: 0:37:21
Mileage: 3.76 Miles - 6.06 Km
Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs (Unbelievable !!!)
Phone Time: 0h22m (Sunday 1h56m)

Yesterday, we take the local train on a mission to find the synagogue near Masjid station. We struggle to find the place, misled by google, and asking around for Yehudi ka Mandir, which leads us to an old building where the mandir perhaps once was. About to renounce, we find it by chance further up the street. I speak to a guard who directs us to the Magen David synagogue in Byculla, about a half hour walk away. Progressing through small streets and alleys near Mohammad Ali, we find this second synagogue, bigger and more conspicuous than the other. We've missed the Rabi by about 1/2 hour, we'll have to come back.
This morning, I wake up at 5am with the alarm. No rain today, and I focus on a shorter but slightly faster run, trying to establish a better training pace. In spite of a delicate start, I succeed somewhat in this. I continue to learn and recite Surat ar-Rum. My weight in inexplicably escaping my control, increasing for no discernible reason!
Later, appointment with Dr Irfan Khan. No change in my heart flow, it is still too lows (it should pump 60ml, it outputs 50). He prescribes the same medication for the next 6 months.

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Tuesday 06/25/24, 18 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Bhatwadi
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi loop - Back - Jain Mandir.
Time: 0:30:54
Mileage: 3.31 Miles - 5.32 Km
Pace: 9'20"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (better, if this could stabilize)
Phone Time: 0h47m

Today is a good day!
I wake up at 5 with the alarm, a clear sunny morning. Yesterday, in a historical moment, I spoke to my father for 45 minutes. Continuing this week's theme, I run a shorter faster run, returning to the Bhatwadi area after a long time. I am a little out of breath, but my pace is beyond my expectation, and even my weight feels better. Continued progress learning Surat ar-Rum.

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Wednesday 06/26/24, 19 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Very soft Fartlek
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - to Powai Plaza - Back
Time: 0:36:01
Mileage: 3.79 Miles - 6.1 Km
Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h41m

I have slept well (as in all this period), several wake-ups, but easy to fall back asleep. I wake up before the alarm around 4:45. Continued study of Surat ar-Rum, again, rapid progress. It is raining at Fajr, but stops by the time I get out. Roads are wet, but no rain during the run.
On the same theme, I run shorter, but at a faster pace, attempting even mild accelerations and recoveries, as in a Fartlek. I do tire eventually, and keep to a more steady pace, still gently sustained. This works well overall, like yesterday, I achieve what should be my training pace once fully trained.

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Friday 06/28/24, 21 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Hiranandani
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - High St - Central - Technology - Hiranandani Hospital - IIT Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:48:40
Mileage: 4.73 Miles - 7.61 Km
Pace: 10'17"/mile - 6'23"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (better, in range)
Phone Time: 0h50m (Thursday 0h32m)

26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 59.
Heavy rain at Fajr, but stops in time for the run. I feel good after several wake-ups, and again, the classic "presentation with no preparation" dream!
The run starts very well, energetic and fresh, but for some reason my strength leaves me gradually, and I slow down to keep things under control. My weight is starting to fall back in range, and my sleep continues to be excellent.
Later, at the Masjid, a particularly excellent Namaaz. But I get soaked on the way back (the Masjid court has gotten entirely waterlogged) and Sofia has "stolen" my umbrella (which throws me in a mild fury). But I come away very satisfied with this inspired Namaaz, and continued progress learning Surat ar-Rum, and I have restarted a Qur'an reading. Later, I watch fascinated the Trump - Biden debate in its entirety with morbid taste for failure.
26th reading before Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 96.

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Saturday 06/29/24, 22 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Failed Run
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Naka - Magan Nathuran (pause) - Kale Marg - Kajupada Pipeline (pause) - 90 ft rd - Saki Naka (pause) - Khairani Rd, to Rahat Hotel
Time: 0:56:51
Mileage: 5.56 Miles - 8.95 Km
Pace: 10'13"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (Finally! well in range)
Phone Time: 0h51m

Unexpectedly, a very bad run!
Like yesterday, it starts well though. The roads are drenched, but the morning rain has stopped. I feel good, but for some reason, like yesterday, gradually run out of steam, this time quite severely, feeling out-of-breath and weak, to the point where I observe three long stops. Shortening the laborious return route, I finally stop at the Rahat hotel, finish walking in Nahar. There, as a fitful conclusion to this failed run, I get attacked by a crow, who hits me on the head!
Why such a counter-performance? Not sure actually. The week started well, but ends in near exhaustion. Perhaps the aftermath of excesses in Annecy and insufficient recovery? Or have I too aggressively lost weight? Or finally, is it my heart condition that is limiting my ability to train? Time will tell...
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 141 (Juz 2), Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 167.
























-- 3rd Ruku of Surat ar-Rum --



3rd Ruku, Hills (7.87 Miles) -- 07/06/24



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Monday 07/01/24, 24 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Padmavati Devi
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani - Main - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:54:58
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.5 Km
Pace: 10'24"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (Gulzar 66.7 kg)
Phone Time: 0h58m (Sunday 0h53m)

26th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 188, Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 228.
After Saturday's dreadful run, and yesterday's prolonged sleep to combat a daze (to the point where I've considered abandoning running for good!), I dread today's run. But no, quite the opposite.
At this moderate pace, things feel good again, and I prolong the route a bit, at a pleasant effort, and rehearsing the 3rd Ruku of Surat ar-Rum which I have finished learning this morning.
In the evening, I go to Maghrib ki Namaaz, but make a small mistake, passing in front of someone as I exit (in spite of my great care), while hearing a reproachful "tsk" (or did I imagine that?). This small occurrence makes me uncomfortable, I will not return for a few days, as if to let this small mistake be forgotten.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 242.

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Tuesday 07/02/24, 25 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:41:48
Mileage: 4.04 Miles - 6.5 Km
Pace: 10'20"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h35m

Stormy night, violent rains and winds. Woken up at 4 by one such deluge, I cannot sleep back. But the rain has stopped for this run, and I feel better than expected, finding a comfortable pace similar to yesterday.
I continue to "affirm" Surat ar-Rum, reciting it in Namaaz and along the way, to excellent results.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 252 (Juz 3), till v 266; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till end, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 30.

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Wednesday 07/03/24, 26 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Hills
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Kailash Complex, to Base Camp - Back up Kailash Hill - Main - Orchard - JVLR - Raambagh.
Time: 1:02:45
Mileage: 6.09 Miles - 9.8 Km
Pace: 10'18"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h53m

Up again at 4 unfortunately, and unable to sleep back, in spite of valiant efforts to seek the visions. Taking a break from Surat ar-Rum, I revise verses from Surat al-Baqarah, reciting them in Namaaz and on the run. And I have set my mind on learning the 2nd ruku of Surat Ali-Imraam next, after yesterday's excellent reading.
It is more or less dry outside for once. In spite of being tired, I find a pleasant pace, yet shy away from starting speedwork. Instead, I design a hilly course, including my favorite Kailash Hill, which I manage with a controlled effort. A good run.
In the evening, I return to Rahat Hotel Masjid for Maghrib, this time get drenched on the way by a brief Monsoon downpour. But all is well.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 54, Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 91 (Juz 4).

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Friday 07/05/24, 28 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 --
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd
Time: 0:39:06
Mileage: 3.88 Miles - 6.25 Km
Pace: 10'04"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h40m (Thursday 0h41m)
P28? FL695 (109M)

26th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 129, Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 180.
This bout of insomnia continues (they come in periods). Again, I wake up around 3:30, but this time, my concentrated effort pays off, and I do slip into dreamy visions. Alhamdulillah, I feel fine when I get up at 5am, to the Fajr ki Adhaan!
Roads are drenched, but no rain on the run, gusts of wind. I find a good moderate pace today, keep to it while not pushing, attentive as usual to control the effort. With the 3rd ruku of Surat ar-Rum completed, I have decided to learn further passages from Surat Ali-Imraan, which speak eloquently to this period.
Yesterday, we visited Dr Chitwan Dubey. The reports are concerning. She recommends surgery, taking the time to gently explain in detail. Back home, after a brief deliberation, we decide to proceed at the earliest. The surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, insha allah. I go to Jummah ki Namaaz like every Friday, excellent today, and then again out for Maghrib at the Rahat Hotel Masjid.
26th reading after Jummah Surat Ali-Imraan till end, Surat An-Nisaah till v 10, Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 23 (Juz 5), till v 25.

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Saturday 07/06/24, 29 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 -- Hills
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Bamandayapada - Prime Academy Hill - Marol Maroshi - Bhawani Nagar Hill - Marol Maroshi - Picnic Spot - Aarey Hill - Saki Vihar - Lake Powai - Raambagh - DMart.
Time: 1:23:17
Mileage: 7.87 Miles - 12.66 Km
Pace: 10'34"/mile - 6'34"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 1h46m

The insomnia curse worsens, this time, we are both up at 2am! It seems like neither of us will sleep, yet we do make it eventually, with the same resilient pursuit of dreams, and I wake up fine at 5am. Alhamdulillah!
I embark on a longer run, yet I am careful to not make it too long, not wanting to feel beat up. I design the road as I go, first on Marwah road whose bridge has finally been repaired after over three years of work (yet it is still closed to traffic). Then continuing on Wednesday's theme, I pile up a few hills, first the small hills I had explored in Marol, then back by the more substantial Aarey Hill, which I haven't visited in very long. Today, gusts of wind, but no rain, and I manage to keep things relatively comfortable, settling into a pace I can sustain, not hesitating to slow down to preserve my breath, stay in a good zone. I stop a couple times to drink from a flask of Gatorade, but not compelled by exhaustion.
As I had been thinking all week, I have started learning the 2nd Ruku of Surat ali-Imraan. This has been a good run, and a good week (my second longest since Ramzaan). Now focus on Gulzar's surgery next week.










-- At the Hospital, before surgery --



Surgery (7 Miles) -- 07/09/24

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Monday 07/08/24, 01 Muharram 1446 -- Torrential Rain
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Back.
Time: 0:51:19
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 10'18"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs (still in range)
Phone Time: 0h50m (Sunday 0h53m)

Thunderstorm and heavy rain in the night, and again at Fajr. After a night of many wake-ups, but also dreams, I actually feel good, and set out for this run under a still heavy rain. Flooding in places, streams in the street. In spite of that (or thanks to that), my pace actually feels energetic. A good run, on a classic route, the climate providing plenty of entertainment.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 70.

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Tuesday 07/09/24, 02 Muharram 1446 -- Calm
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Kailash Complex Hill - LBS Marg - Ramchandra Kadam - Batwadi (short) - Khairani Rd.
Time: 1:13:21
Mileage: 7 Miles - 11.27 Km
Pace: 10'28"/mile - 6'30"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (excellent)
Phone Time: 2h24m (hospital)

After yesterday's deluge, a rain alert has been issued for Mumbai, all schools are closed. I have slept well with multiple dreams, and continue to advance in Surat ali-Imraan. I fear the weather, but determined to run anyway, similarly to yesterday, before a break for Gulzar's surgery.
But once out, it turns out there is no rain at all! Quite on the contrary, although overcast, it's a cool calm day, the streets fairly empty because of the rain warnings and closures. I enjoy the morning, finding a comfortable pace, and making the route as I go, eventually lengthening beyond what I had planned. I find a particularly good rhythm today, excel at keeping the effort well within limits, a near perfect training run (although still at a slow pace). I feel calm before the surgery ahead, and speak well in Namaaz.

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Wednesday 07/10/24, 03 Muharram 1446 -- Surgery
Phone Time: 1h33m (hospital)

Yesterday, to the hospital around 11am as planned. But as we're leaving, she stops, wants to warm up and take "food from our property", which the neighbor has cooked for us. I object that the hospital won't allow it, but she is adamant. I control my annoyance, not the time to be irritated over silly things. In fact, she will be right, the hospital will tolerate this, it will be our lunch. They however confiscate a bedsheet that she had packed, which we'll take back when we leave.
The admission is eventless. We are confiscated a bedsheet, but to my surprise, noone takes the "food from our property" that she has insisted on bringing as her last meal before surgery. Like last time, I sleep on the small couch by her bed, like in a sleeper train. The other side of the room is occupied by a pregnant woman and her mother-in-law, who snores like I have never never heard before! Around 12am, unable to sleep and increasingly frustrated, I politely reprimand the woman to stop using her phone (watching some "talent" show), she looks back somewhat annoyed, "really, this bothers you?" (I'll admit that, compared to the other's phenomenal snoring, the noise from her phone is negligible). The mother continues to snore as if suffocating, the minute she falls doses off, and I will hardly sleep at all. Miraculously, Gulzar seems completely unperturbed by all this.
After all this, I don't feel well in the morning, yet have to get through the day. Throughout the hospital stay, I will pray Namaaz sitting on my little couch, trying my best to find concentration. As planned, she is taken around 8am, we part at the waiting room with a wave of the hand and a flying kiss. The wait starts. The Doctor has estimated that she would update me around 11 or 11:30. The waiting hall is nearly empty, yet always some small action occurs, as if on some random loop, creating a distracting rhythm of ordinary scenes. I stick to the idea of "living the moment exclusively and to the fullest", refusing any distraction (from phone or even a book). Only, I allow myself to continue to rehearse Surat Ali-Imraan. This could become a core tenant of my philosophy, "a return to the exclusive reality of the moment, undivided, even through discomfort or tedium".
The guard regularly calls people. I don't find a bathroom other than two floors below, to which I make rapid trips, anxious to not miss my call. At around 11h30, my name is called, as planned. The doctor reassures me that all went well. She proposes for me to see the specimen which I decline, but then wonders if Gulzar would like its photo taken. She advises that Gulzar should come out in around one hour, at 12:30, that I should go get Nashta till then. But feeling no hunger, I stay there waiting. Good thing, I actually do get called again, a nurse shows me the specimen after all, a small bloody piece of flesh, smaller than I had imagined, asking me to photograph it then sign in a register. Back to waiting ...
I must have fallen briefly asleep finally. Time has passed, it's now been over two hours, I start to worry. Could she have been shifted during my sleep? Should I go check the room upstairs? But what if she precisely comes out while I'm doing that? I try to ask the guards, but they reassure me that I will be called once "hosh me aegi", till then no update can be queried. My worry overwhelms me at times, as visions of her death pop up in my time, quickly suppressed. At some point, seeing the elevator door open and about to go, I rush to the room and back, it is indeed empty. The activity in the waiting room has picked up, noisier, making the calls harder to hear. Around 3, I yield to sending a message to the doctor, "She still hasn't come out, should I worry?" But just a few minutes later, I finally get called.
I follow the bed to the room. She half opens her eyes, mouths Subhanallah through parched lips. She gradually regains her senses. I was hoping our neighbours would have moved out, but no, the woman has returned with her newborn baby (a difficult delivery). But the snoring lady has been replaced, and that night, in spite of the baby's regular cries, I sleep deeply and abundantly.

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Thursday 07/11/24, 04 Muharram 1446 -- In Hospital
Phone Time: 2h59m (hospital)

Gulzar however, has not slept at all through the night, and I start to worry about the effects of her lack or rest. But she improves througout the day. She has strangely insisted that I go home, which I have resisted so far, but do go around lunch time, pray Dhuhr ki Namaaz at home and return. I feel actually very satisfied to return to the huis-clos of the hospital room, finding here a suspended reality, a sense of safety and remoteness that suits me well.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 91.

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Friday 07/12/24, 05 Muharram 1446 -- In Hospital
Phone Time: 3h34m (hospital)

She continues to improve. Following Doctor's orders, we started walking in the corridors. She has found a somewhat vacant part of the corridor which is perfect for this, with a window at one end opening on the view of a temple and a cliff, and a narrow alley surprisingly busy at all times, in spite of the incessant rain. She sits in the chair for the doctor's visit as if to display her good recovery, which indeed the doctor compliments with effusion.
Like yesterday, I leave around 11h30 to attend Jummah ki Namaaz at al Husainya Masjid. Like last year, the Imaam explains the true significance of Muharram and Ashura, as according to Sunni tradition. The Imaam mentions some other woman's surgery in Du'ah, I vaguely wish I had told him about ours.

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Saturday 07/13/24, 06 Muharram 1446 -- In Hospital
Phone Time: 4h22m (hospital)

All is well, her dressing is removed, and the doctor orders for discharge around 11h30.
But the procedure turns into a nightmare, bouncing between the insurance and a small 5th floor office where several angry people yell at three miserable employees. After much Kafkaesque back-and-forth, we are not able to complete the exit formalities till around 6pm! Back home, she happily reunites with her "bacche" (the cats). I go to Masjid for Maghrib that evening. While returning, I get drenched by a brief monsoon deluge (luckily, I have taken the umbrella). When I get back, I find Gulzar dressing up in rain clothes, ready to go save me in the deluge, in spite of her surgery! I laugh lovingly, and discipline her to not attempt such things!

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Sunday 07/14/24, 07 Muharram 1446 -- After Surgery
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT far gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Technology - Central - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 1:02:19
Mileage: 5.7 Miles - 9.18 Km
Pace: 10'55"/mile - 6'47"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (big surprise!)
Phone Time: 1h29m

I wake up at 4:15, feeling overall well, finding our habits back. I continue to progress slowly in Surat Ali-Imraan. There have been violent rains, but mostly stop during this run. I don't know what to expect in the aftermath of the hospital stay. My weight has come down, when I was expecting it to shoot up. On the run, I first feel nicely comfortable, even entertaining the idea of a long run (I've taken water and a bar), but gradually run out of steam. Luckily, I follow that feeling to keep the distance reasonable, return home laboriously at slow cautious pace. I would not have been able to sustain a longer run, which actually makes sense. I feel a weak, strangely, especially in the shoulders and upper body. Thinking that I could just have picked up right where I had left off, after five days in the hospital, was pure folly!
26th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 115, Ishaa Surat An-Nisaah till v 147 (Juz 6).






-- Back home --







Monsoon Rains (11.1 Miles) -- 07/20/24

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Monday 07/15/24, 08 Muharram 1446 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:41:12
Mileage: 4.03 Miles - 6.49 Km
Pace: 10'13"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 97%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h22m

Wake up around 3:20, struggle to sleep back, but do find vague visions through the usual effort. This seems enough for a decent get-up around 4:40. I continue to progress learning Surat Ali-Imraan. Gulzar is well.
In a sort of reverse pattern, there is no rain at dawn, but it starts just as I head out, with sporadic strong showers. But the run is better than yesterday, it was foolish to think that I could pick up just where I had left off right after the hospital stay. I hope my shape will gradually return throughout the week.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till end.

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Tuesday 07/16/24, 09 Muharram 1446 -- Semi Tempo
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - Forest - Orchard - Raambagh
Time: 0:43:02
Mileage: 4.38 Miles - 7.06 Km
Pace: 9'48"/mile - 6'05"/km
Age Graded: 7.06K in 0:35:14; ie. 8'01"/mile pace
Weather: 26C; Humidity 93%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h50m

I wake up at 3am, but do find sleep, get up well around 4:30. Feeling good, and with no rain outside, I finally decide for some sort of a speed session. After some hesitation, I settle into an improvised tempo run, which seems to go reasonably well, trying to stay with the effort without overly exerting myself, and determined to complete the run. But once home, my pace disappoints. Oh well, it's a start. The age graded pace puts it in some perspective, certainly not getting any younger.
Amazingly, I've learned yet another Aayat of Surat Ali-Imraan. I am learning them faster than I can write them!
Later in the day, I get the biopsy report. No malignancy, alhamdulillah! I report this teary eyed to Gulzar, and go out to Rahat Masjid for Maghrib.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 19, Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 82 (Juz 7), till v 93.

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Thursday 07/18/24, 11 Muharram 1446 -- Rain
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka - Asalfa - Jagruti Nagar - Bhatwadi long - Khairani rd
Time: 0:53:42
Mileage: 5.19 Miles - 8.36 Km
Pace: 10'20"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone Time: 0h55m (Wednesday 0h39m)

26th reading Wednesday Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till end, Surat al-An'aam till v 50.
Wake up at 3:30, but after reading, manage to push myself to dreams (these mind exercises are working well these days), and get up around 4:40, feeling good. The rain stopped yesterday, with even moments of sunshine, but resumes this morning, a steady rain throughout the run, heavy at times, causing me to navigate a few areas of minor waterlogging, and dodge umbrellas.
But I feel particularly good today. At this pace, it is a pleasant effort, and I lengthen the road as I go, in good comfort. And I continue to learn from Surat al-An'aam, with increasing enthusiasm, reciting the verses in Namaaz.
In the evening, she sends me to Namaaz, then we meet at the Rahat Hotel for a dinner of Biryani.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till v 94, Asr Surat al-An'aam till v 110 (Juz 8), till end.

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Friday 07/19/24, 12 Muharram 1446 -- Rain
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:42:16
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.47 Km
Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h56m

Again wake up around 3:30, but struggle this time to find rest, barely pushing myself to some vague visions. I go out for an intentionally smaller run. It is dry at first, but a heavy rain starts minutes into the run, without relenting, similar to yesterday, although this time I have been duped into not wearing my cap. I start tired and a bit sore, but ease into the effort, feeling better and better, buoyed perhaps by the torrential rain.
26th reading before Jummah Surat al-A'raf till v 39, Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 72.

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Saturday 07/20/24, 13 Muharram 1446 -- Deluge
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - JVLR - Eastern Express Highway - Andheri Ghatkopar - Pant Nagar - AS Gawde Marg - Ghatkopar Station - MG road - Navroji Ln - Ramchandra Kadam - Bhatwadi (short) - Khairani rd - Rahat Masjid.
Time: 2:00:18
Mileage: 11.1 Miles - 17.87 Km
Pace: 10'50"/mile - 6'43"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone Time: 1h11m

Heavy incessant rain throughout!!
A good night's sleep, multiple complex dreams, through several episodes of sleep, get up around 4:50, good learning of Surat Ali-Imraan and Namaaz.
It is raining constantly, but this time I am ready, I go out with my cap, a flask of water and a Yoga bar under a strong rain. My general goal for today is at least an 1h30 run. Even the quiet streets of Hiranandani are flooded in places, sloped streets transformed into streams, and a big sign has fallen closing a street to trafic. Dodging all this, and the traffic, and the umbrellas, requires some skills! I planned to visit the open space of the highway, which I haven't in a long time, and eventually, through all the rain obstacles, I do reach there.
As often, the rain lifts my spirits. The pace feels comfortable, and the weather makes the run eventful and stimulating. The only danger is tripping in waterlogged areas on some hidden hole, which actually happens once, without any harm (this could easily have caused a sprained ankle, careful!). I continue to rehearse Surat Ali-Imraan throughout. Towards the end, after stopping briefly to eat my Yoga Bar and drink (still under heavy rain), I am inspired to find my way through Pant Nagar and Ghatkopar station, which actually feels better than the main road. At the Rahat Masjid (where I typically go for Maghrib ki Namaaz), seeing that I have just completed two hours (exceeding my goal), I stop and finish walking, still under the rain, feeling very satisfied with this run, my first bona-fide long run this season.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 87 (Juz 9), till v 126; Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 151.



































Surat Ali-Imraan, 2nd Ruku --



Surat Ali-Imraan, the Second Ruku (6.77 Miles) -- 07/27/24

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Monday 07/22/24, 15 Muharram 1446 -- Rain
Raambagh - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:43:14
Mileage: 4.03 Miles - 6.49 Km
Pace: 10'43"/mile - 6'39"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone Time: 0h32m (Sunday 2h18m)

26th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till end.
Yesterday, it has rained continuously for the fourth day, the city is flooding. This morning, after many episodes of sleep, I wake up at 5am to a reprieve from the rain. As every day, I perform Tilavaat Qur'an while drinking coffee, then Namaaz, then open the news as I start stretching. Bold letters in the New York Times: The drama that has been gripping me these last weeks has concluded: Joe Biden has dropped out of the presidential race. I have spent way too much time making my arguments to imaginary audiences, this puts that to rest.
As I said, a reprieve from the rain, but once out, it soon starts and quickly evolves into another deluge. I do like the rain, but this is a bit much. That said, the run, at a slow pace due to the elements, feels very comfortable.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till v 40 (Juz 10), till v 44; Asr Surat al-Anfal till end.

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Tuesday 07/23/24, 16 Muharram 1446 -- Tired
Raheja Vihar (long) - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:45:19
Mileage: 4.26 Miles - 6.86 Km
Pace: 10'38"/mile - 6'36"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 96%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h46m

Wake up at 3:20 unfortunately, and this time unable to find the gate to the dreams.
No rain for once, but I have been unable to dry my clothes from yesterday. A tired run, at a slow pace, which I manage though to keep under control and relatively pleasant. As usual, I hope to be saved by sleeping around 9am.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 37, Asr Surat at-Taubah till v 59, Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till v 66, Ishaa Surat at-Taubah till v 80.

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Wednesday 07/24/24, 17 Muharram 1446 -- Intervals
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:14:05 [r.3'06"] [1.29M - 2.08K]
1.5K Intervals Orchard Avenue: 1.5 Km - 0.93 Miles
Interval 1: 8'27".25 [r.2'42"] -- Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'38"/km
Interval 2: 8'32".47 [r.1'47"] -- Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Intervals Time: 0:16:59
Intervals Mileage: 1.86 Miles - 3 Km
Intervals Pace: 9'06"/mile - 5'39"/km
Age Graded: 1.5K in 6'55"; ie. 7'25"/mile pace
Raambagh - Nahar: 0:09:13 [0.95M - 1.53K]
Time: 0:40:17 (total session: 0:47:54)
Mileage: 4.1 Miles - 6.61 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone Time: 0h41m

In between rain showers, but no rain on the run.
I have slept better last night (up around 4:30 after multiple episodes of sleep), and feel inspired in Qur'anic studies and Namaaz. I am reaching the end of Surat al-An'aam 2nd Ruku, one Aayat to go.
I do however still feel somewhat tired, sore and beat up. As often, I hesitate to embark on a speed session, not sure if I can withhold the effort. But I do stick to it, and come back very satisfied. I choose the relatively easy Orchard Avenue course, and the run feels surprisingly pleasant, just about the right level of effort. The pace is quite slow, but not egregiously so, feeling just right for where I am. This is my first interval session since February!
26th reading Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah v 93 (Juz 11), till v 99; Asr Surat at-Taubah till end.

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Friday 07/26/24, 19 Muharram 1446 -- Short Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Lake Blvd - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:32:57
Mileage: 3.19 Miles - 5.13 Km
Pace: 10'19"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone Time: 0h27m (Thursday 0h42m)

Excellent sleep, fell asleep multiple times to dreams, and got up at 5am. I have completed learning the 2nd Ruku of Surat al-An'aam, and my Namaaz has seen renewed intensity, as I seek guidance over the Siratil Mustaqeen. My determination continues to strengthen.
A deliberately short moderate run, in between rain showers, slightly out of breath, but otherwise fine.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till end, Asr Surat Hud till v 5 (Juz 12), till v 45.

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Saturday 07/27/24, 20 Muharram 1446 -- Hill Repeats
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Kailash Hill Base Camp: 0:29:54 [r.4'20"] [2.82M, 4.54K]
Kailash Hill Repeats: 1.07 Km - 0.66 Mile
Interval 1: 6'57".57 [d.6'38"][r.5'00"] -- Pace: 10'27"/mile - 6'29"/km
Interval 2: 7'11".83 [r.2'55"] -- Pace: 10'49"/mile - 6'43"/km
Intervals Time: 0:14:09
Intervals Mileage: 1.32 Miles - 2.14 Km
Intervals Pace: 10'38"/mile - 6'36"/km
Main - Central - Shangarsh Nagar - Chandivali: 0:07:30 [2'59"] 0:04:17 [0'31"] 0:08:04 == 0:19:51 [1.97M, 3.17K]
Total Time: 1:10:32 (Total Session: 1:26:18)
Total Mileage: 6.77 Miles - 10.92 Km
Total Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 93%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h48m

Have slept well, but for some reason wake up with a slight headache and somewhat dizzy. I have finished learning the 2nd Ruku of Surat Ali Imraan and pray the same in Namaaz. It is heavily overcast and still windy, but the rains have stopped, enough for the streets to dry. I hope that the run will dissipate this morning's malaise, but it doesn't really. I persevere with the idea of Kailash Hill Repeats. The first interval feels reasonably good, challenging but managed, but I tire significantly on the second, do not give up but slow down to a terrible pace. Even on the return I feel exhausted, and choose to stop on the way. Partially to shorten the route, I go through Sangarsh Nagar, which I had abandoned a while back after a dog incident, and indeed, I do get bothered again by slum dogs, but well managed.
Far from the best session, but it can only go uphill (pun intended) from here. My slowdown compared to previous years is staggering. Can it be partially attributed to my heart condition? Or the effect of aging?
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 95.







Sick, again (4.4 Miles) -- 08/04/24

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Monday 07/29/24, 22 Muharram 1446 -- Aayat 81
Raheja Vihar long - Saki Vihar N - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:45:22
Mileage: 4.38 Miles - 7.05 Km
Pace: 10'21"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 93%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs (expected)
Phone Time: 0h51m (Sunday 1h22m)

26th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till end, Surat Yusuf till v 20; Maghrib Surat Yusuf till v 35.
Woken up by the alarm at 5, from a deep dream. I have started learning Aayat 81 (Ruku 9) of Surat Ali-Imraan. An easy run under a light rain, a little later than usual, but I am reassured after Saturday's setback that I can handle this.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till v 52 (Juz 13), till v 79; Asr Surat Yusuf till end.

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Tuesday 07/30/24, 23 Muharram 1446 --
Raheja Vihar long - Saki Vihar S - Khairani Rd
Time: 0:36:59
Mileage: 3.55 Miles - 5.71 Km
Pace: 10'25"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs
Phone Time: 0h41m

Similar to yesterday, a slow start, but manage this ok. At first, my body feels awkward and laborious, like those dreams where you're unable to run, but I relax gradually and control my effort. I have stabilized at this pace (around 10'30"/mile) and don't seem to be able to push beyond that. A dramatic slow-down, but at least this pace feels pleasant.
Yesterday, again to Masjid to Maghrib, very satisfied, and I have finished learning Aayat 181.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat ar-Ra'd, Asr Surat Ibrahim till v 21, Maghrib Surat Ibrahim till v 41.

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Wednesday 07/31/24, 24 Muharram 1446 -- Short Tempo
Raambagh - JVLR/Orchard: 0:10:58 [r.2'23] [1.01M, 1.63K]
Tempo Run Orchard Avenue
Tempo Time: 0:17:47
Tempo Mileage: 1.88 Miles - 3.02 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'53"/km
Age Graded: 1.88 Miles in 0:14:33; ie. 7'44"/mile pace
Back same way: [r.3'00"] 0:10:01 [1.01M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 0:38:46 (Total Session: 0:44:10)
Total Mileage: 3.9 Miles - 6.28 Km
Total Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs
Phone Time: 0h47m

Under rain, heavy at times. I have chosen a tempo run, to continue my slow ease into speed training. This goes well (in spite of the strong rain), although I conservatively keep the distance down to 3K, rather than the projected 5. Seems like the right decision for where I am right now. Clearly, psychologically or physically, I am not able to push the effort much, and I have to accept that.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Ibrahim till end, Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end; Asr Surat an-Nahl till v 50.

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Thursday 08/01/24, 25 Muharram 1446 -- REST, SICK
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Temperature: 19h30 = 101.6F 38.6C; 0h45m = 99.2F 37.3C
Phone Time: 0h56m

I slept very well, but to a paradoxically difficult wake-up.
I decide to skip gym and rest. Later in the day, this gets worse, and I have to sleep again in the afternoon, feeling body aches and dizziness like earlier in the week. The fever starts that evening, confirming the feelings of the day.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till v 83; Asr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15).

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Friday 08/02/24, 26 Muharram 1446 -- SICK
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (Surprising)
Temperature: 11h30 = 100.8F 38.2C; 0h30 = 100F 37.8C
Phone Time: 2h25m

Actually, a surprisingly good wake-up, all fever is gone in the morning, and my mind feels reasonably clear (after terrible headaches through the night). I read from Surat al-Isra, and pray Surat Yaseen in Namaaz. Let's see how it evolves from here.
Later unfortunately, JUST IN TIME FOR JUMMAH KI NAMAAZ, the fever resumes, forcing me to sleep and skip Masjid (likely for the first time in over three years!). Later though, once the Advil has kicked in, I feel incredibly better, regret that I haven't taken the medicine sooner, with which I wouldn't have skipped Jummah. In a somber mood, I read extra from the Qur'an, finishing familiar Surat al-Isra and into Surat al-Kahf, nearing a full Juz for the day, which appeases me somewhat.
Further darkening my mood, I receive the news that I will not be able to find Health Insurance in India, due to my age and cancer history. Unbelievable and upsetting! This is apparently a well-known problem here. I unfortunately had no idea, otherwise I would have subscribed an insurance years ago. As it is, I will no longer have insurance once I stop working.
26th reading Fajr Surat al-Isra till v 39, Dhuhr Surat al-Isra till end, Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 31, Ishaa Surat al-Kahf till v 53.

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Saturday 08/03/24, 27 Muharram 1446 -- SICK
Home Gym: 0:38:37
Sequence: Barpress - Ankle Weights - Cycle Abs - Shoulders flies and back - Squats - Toe Raises
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 1h17m

Some fever still in the night, although it is lesser. I struggle to fall back asleep, but once I do, do not wake up till 6:30, really late for me! For a beat, I am tempted to go out running in spite of the night's fever and the late hour, but eventually talk myself out of it, settle for this more reasonable gym session - undoubtedly the right decision. I feel better having performed some sort of activity.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Kahf till v 74 (Juz 16), till end.

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Sunday 08/04/24, 28 Muharram 1446 -- Reprise
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Back.
Time: 0:48:43
Mileage: 4.4 Miles - 7.08 Km
Pace: 11'04"/mile - 6'52"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h46m

Feeling better since yesterday, I am determined to run today, but a strong thunderstorm at Fajr threatens that plan. Luckily, this stops just by the time I go out around 6:20. It is quite dark, very wet, but no rain on the run. A large tree has fallen in the neighbouring property, barely missing parked cars. At this slow pace, the effort feels pleasant and controlled, and I am relieved to run again.
We then go to Haji Ali. The massive coastal Highway has started to open, and I mistakenly drive through a section of it, passing Haji Ali. We do reach the Dargah, under stormy winds but no rain. I have looked up tide information, which should peak around 12pm. Indeed, the access to the sea is being closed, and soon we are asked to head back. As we walk back, on the narrow pathway through the water, we are drenched by large splashing waves from both sides! We both absolutely love this.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Maryam; Asr Surat Ta-Ha till v 62.







Struggle (6.34 Miles) -- 08/10/24



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Monday 08/05/24, 29 Muharram 1446 -- Struggle
IIT Main Gate and Back (same as yesterday)
Time: 0:46:09
Mileage: 4.38 Miles - 7.04 Km
Pace: 10'32"/mile - 6'33"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h34m

I have slept well to several profound dreams, which I fail to remember, and in which I would have preferred to stay. Various small annoyances have put me in an angry mood, I definitely need to go out this morning!
The run starts very well, an unusual pain in the right hamstring, but an excellent breath (and no rain). This however gradually runs out, and I struggle to return. The run was meant to energize the day, but it has rather drained me out. This year really feels like the beginning of the end of my running days, I am increasingly tempted to switch to morning walks, and wonder what life will feel like. That idea later during Dhuhr ki Namaaz fills me with a sense of peace and happiness.
Perhaps new opportunities insha allah?
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha till v 103, Asr Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17).

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Wednesday 08/07/24, 01 Safar 1446 -- Marwah
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar Short - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military Rd - Makwana - Marol CHS - Andheri Kurla - Saki Naka - Khairani
Time: 0:46:30
Mileage: 4.51 Miles - 7.26 Km
Pace: 10'18"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (incomprehensible, yesterday was 69.4 kg)
Phone Time: 0h37m (Tuesday 0h49m)

26th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat al-Anbiya till v 75, Asr Surat al-Anbiya till end.
Many wake-ups in the night, but my sleep continues to be excellent, easily able to fall back into dreams, wonderful. In the morning though, I am still very hesitant to run following Monday's struggle. I continue to wonder whether I should hang my shoes for good, putting an end to an extraordinary 25 years or so of nearly uninterrupted activity. Yet, I still go out this morning.
It feels better than I feared. The hamstring pain is almost gone, and my breath doesn't betray me as much as Monday. I entertain the idea of lengthening the run to an hour, but prudently scale back, as I do run out somewhat eventually. Still, this is better than Monday, and feels like just the right effort for now. Also, my weight is swinging wildly, incomprehensibly. Is that really it, or is the scale broken?
Continued progress on the 9th ruku of Surat Ali-Imraan, I have started to pray it in Namaaz. Evening, as most evenings, Maghrib at the Rahat Masjid. It is the best thing I do, "bowing among the Ruki'ine".
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hajj till v 39, Asr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18).

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Friday 08/09/24, 03 Safar 1446 -- Recovery
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Hare Krishna - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palikar - Hiranandani - Central -
Time: 0:52:01
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8.01 Km
Pace: 10'26"/mile - 6'29"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h48m (Thursday 0h46m)

26th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'minun; Today Fajr Surat an-Nur till v 32.
Yesterday evening, I "collapse", suddenly extremely tired, exhausted by sitting at the computer, to the point where I sleep profoundly during a meeting. We then celebrate Gulzar's 44th birthday.
I luckily feel better in the morning. The morning's anguish leads to an excellent Surat Yaseen Namaaz, then this run which feels better than earlier in the week, even though the hamstring pain is still subtly there. But at least my breath is good, and this time, I don't weaken much during the run, comfortably controling the distance. I have learned another verse of Surat Ali-Imraan, and am eager for Masjid today (funnily, the Imaam had noticed my absence last week, I didn't realize he would). I do not like missing Jummah, it has become a near obsession.
26th reading before Jummah Surat an-Nur v 50, After Jummah Surat an-Nur till end, Asr Surat al-Furqan till v 20 (Juz 19).

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Saturday 08/10/24, 04 Safar 1446 -- MIDC
Raheja Vihar (long) - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol Maroshi - Jama Masjid - MIDC - Rd 16 - Kondivita - Andheri Ghatkopar - Airport Rd - Marol Naka - Marol Maroshi - Lok Bharti - Marol CHS - Andheri Ghatkopar.
Time: 1:08:32
Mileage: 6.34 Miles - 10.2 Km
Pace: 10'48"/mile - 6'43"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h49m

Excellent sleep again, amazed at the ease of sleeping through this period. I go out for a cautious longer run, targeting about 1h10m. Overcast weather but only a few brief showers. I loosely set the 88 Pictures office as a goal, but meander a bit on the way (perhaps a mistake). After passing by the old Masjid in Marol, and MIDC, I head before reaching 88, as I am starting to run out of steam, in spite of a very conservative pace. This continues through the return, I am tiring out, and eventually decide to stop at Andheri Ghatkopar to return in a Rickshaw (anticipating this, I had taken money for once). Absolutely no regret however, this ends up being the time I had set for myself, and finishing the run would have been laborious and counterproductive.
This is all fine, but these small repeated illnesses set me back to scratch every time, just accept it as it is. Also, this has been a 4-day run week (as opposed to 5), which is likely to become the norm moving forward. Again, take it as it comes...
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Furqan till end.







Independence Day (6.99 Miles) -- 08/15/24



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Monday 08/12/24, 06 Safar 1446 -- Very Bad
Chandivali - Lakehomes - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar
Time: 0:24:43
Mileage: 2.31 Miles - 3.71 Km
Pace: 10'41"/mile - 6'39"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone Time: 0h47m (Sunday 1h21m)

For some reason, a completely failed run.
I don't feel that great in the morning in spite of good sleep, and for once not at all motivated to run. I go out nevertheless, but it's a complete catastrophy! I feel very tired, out of breath, and like a burden weighing down the entire body. I retreat, cutting this short for what is likely my shortest run ever in Mumbai. A complete failure!
But what does this all mean?
26th reading Dhuhr Surat ash-Shu'ara.

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Tuesday 08/13/24, 07 Safar 1446 -- Sunshine
Hiranandani Hospital - Kailash Complex Hill - LBS Marg - RCity Mall - Rd 6 - Amruth Nagar - Golibar - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani E.
Time: 0:49:30
Mileage: 4.83 Miles - 7.78 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h53m

After yesterday's disastrous run, and an overall exhausted day, I fear running this morning. Yet I embark on a somewhat different road back home, starting uphill on Hiranandani Link road. To my suprise, I feel quite good, a complete reversal from yesterday!
And so I continue this way, describing a nice loop by RCity Mall, and up Amruth Nagar to Golibar road. My breathing under good control, the run is quite pleasant (didn't think I would say that again after yesterday!), and to crown the day, I am greeted by episodes of sunshine, a rare clearing in the monsoon, which paints the slums up there on the hills that stand before me.
An excellent run, which further adds to my confusion regarding my state.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till v 59 (Juz 20), Asr Surat an-Naml till end, Surat al-Qasas till v 28.

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Thursday 08/15/24, 09 Safar 1446 -- Independance Day
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka - Magan Nathuram - Kale Marg - LBS Marg - Jogger's Park - Bhatwadi long - Khairani Rd - Jain Mandir.
Time: 1:14:26
Mileage: 6.99 Miles - 11.25 Km
Pace: 10'38"/mile - 6'36"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs (Good weight)
Phone Time: 0h52m (Wednesday 0h58m)

26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Qasas till v 75, Asr Surat al-Qasas till end.
Yesterday, a strange evening has left me in a strange mood.
I go to Masjid for Maghrib. During Wudhu, a man talks to me, having seen me around, running or at Masjid, at my Urdu thinks I am a Kashmiri. I have arrived early, sit in the middle rows, he invites me to the front, which I decline. After Adhaan, as the rows form and tighten, I step forward, but the spots are quickly filled forcing me to retreat, squeezing back into my original row. Somewhat dizzy and elated, I reach a good Namaaz. But walking back home, on the usual dark chaotic way, I stumble, and as in slow motion gradually realize that this small stumble will make me fall to the ground. I indeed fall flat to earth, in what feels like a slow peaceful - yet inevitable - motion. The tall thin man who often sits here at the bus stop stretching his feet in odd sharp gestures, witnesses this. Main keisa gir gaya? I ask getting back up. He gestures to a pipe on the ground. I did not hurt myself, but this unusual fall, and my general dizziness, seem to exemplify my decline.
And then at night, as we have just fallen asleep, our phones ring, first hers than mine, in spite of them normally being on do-not-disturb. It is the father of a girl whose house Sofia has gone to sleep-over, who wants a written consent from us, as he has a large dog, and fears that she could have food allergies. We painfully fall back asleep, but later, the phone rings again. The man has decided that this would not be appropriate after all, and sends Sofia home. His wife has driven her back, and were woken up a second time by her at the door. To my dismay, overcome with embarassment, and that eternal feeling of being insufficient, I fault myself for having so lightly given Sofia permission. Around 2am, as I am unable to find sleep, I hear Sofia still laughing on the phone in the night. This is too much, I get up in a fury!
After such a bad night, angry and dismayed in the morning, I fear my weakness will return, but I obstinately carry on with my running plans. Today is Independence day, not only is there no work, but it should be quiet in the streets. Indeed. It's another clear morning, the rains have completely stopped and streets are dry, greeted by rising intermittent sunshine. This ends up being one of those "make-it-as-you-go" routes, which takes me to LBS Marg and back through Bhatwadi, for a longer run than I anticipated. I manage this carefully, and feel reasonably good, able to control the effort by modulating the pace.
In spite of all, a satisfactory run, during which I continue to rehearse the 9th Ruku of Surat Ali-Imraan, often praying it in Namaaz.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ankabut till v 44 (Juz 21), Asr Surat al-Ankabut till end.

The next day, after Jummah ki Namaaz at the Masjid (where I meet the Imaam for some time), we head out to Uttan, where we'll spend two nights, and, among other things, rescue a Rickshaw driver who has sunk his vehicle into the wet sand while trying to wash it. These are peaceful contemplative days, we hadn't returned to the sea in a long time, unfortunately, it is particularly littered with trash, yet retains some of its poetry. We walk and sit in a contemplative mood, but I return with strong sunburns on my feet, which threaten to be as bad as the severe burns I had experienced in Goa in our early travels.
I have left running for several days, but I am fine with that, happy to walk with her.
Gulzar has been insistent to come to Gorai and forget the world. Contrary to my plans, I have missed running for the last three days, but I am happy to renounce for her, walking at her side, an activity she loves and had been yearning for.
Friday Fajr Surat ar-Rum till v 48, Before Jummah Surat ar-Rum till end, Surat Luqman.







-- Horse ride on Gorai Beach --































-- Surat Ali-Imraan, 9th Ruku --



9th Ruku (7.05 Miles) -- 08/24/24



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Monday 08/19/24, 13 Safar 1446 -- 9th Ruku
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate & Back
Time: 0:53:49
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 10'48"/mile - 6'43"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h29m (Sat 0h21m, Sun 0h35m)

Up at 4:20, but feeling quite good. Before Fajr, I finish learning the 9th Ruku of Surat Ali-Imraan.
Nowadays, as I go out for the run, I feel some apprehension, not sure what to expect, and whether I'll see another meltdown. But today is quite good, slowly at first, I find my breath, and still rehearsing the last Aayats, enjoy the morning, relatively calm and completely free of rain (roads have dried up).
26th reading Dhuhr Surat as-Sajdah, Surat al-Ahzab till v 30 (Juz 22), till v 34.

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Wednesday 08/21/24, 15 Safar 1446 -- Tempo Intervals
Raambagh, to Lake Powai: 0:10:01 [0.94M, 1.51K]
Tempo Intervals, Lake to IIT Far Gate Slum: 1.61M - 2.6 Km
Interval 1: 0:15:12 -- Pace: 9'24"/mile - 5'50"/km
Interval 2: 0:15:36 -- Pace: 9'39"/mile - 6'00"/km
Tempo Time: 0:30:48
Tempo Mileage: 3.22 Miles - 5.2 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'31"/mile - 5'55"/km
Age Graded: 2.6 Km in 0:12:26, ie. 7'41"/mile pace
Back: 0:09:13 [0.94M, 1.51K]
Total Time: 0:50:02
Total Mileage: 5.1 Miles - 8.22 Km
Total Pace: 9'48"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h29m (Tuesday 0h34m)

26th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat al-Ahzab till end, Asr Surat Saba till v 30, Maghrib Surat Saba till end.
Yesterday, to Masjid for Maghrib, in near despair conditions. Later in Ishaa, I recite Surat al-Waqi'ah after having revised it, which I hadn't visited in a long time - typically reserved for times like this. The night constitutes of a frustratingly many wake-ups, but once again, my ability to sleep back excels (including after one final wake-up around 4). This is one of the longest good sleep periods I can remember, particularly extraordinary in these trying conditions.
In the morning, I eventually settle for the idea of a tempo run, in spite of my overall tentative state. Since this wasn't planned, I have not taken the chrono, so I memorize the laps from my watch (which works out). I was going to run a continuous 5K, but relent to running two intervals instead - a good decision. This constitutes a good effort, but again reveals my marked weakening this year - I have barely been able to sustain my training pace from recent years!
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Fatir, Asr Surat Yaseen till v 21 (Juz 23), till end.

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Friday 08/23/24, 17 Safar 1446 --
Raheja Vihar long - Saki Vihar - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:46:18
Mileage: 4.4 Miles - 7.08 Km
Pace: 10'31"/mile - 6'32"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h35m (Thursday 0h51m)

26th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat as-Saffat, Asr Surat Saad; Today Fajr Surat az-Zumar till v 31 (Juz 24), till v 41.
I knew it wouldn't last, my magical ability to fall back asleep is evading me, and I am getting tired, up too early. Nonetheless, an excellent Surat Yaseen in Namaaz, and yesterday evening to Masjid for Ishaa. Later I will go to Masjid for Jummah, equally satisfying, indispensable.
The run is mixed. I control the effort, but feel relatively tired for such a short distance, a sense of weakness and vulnerability is the best way to describe it. Also, rains are still absent, and it feels excessively hot and humid, overabundant sweat.
Before Jummah Surat az-Zumar till end, Surat al-Mu'min till v 37; After Jummah Surat al-Mu'min till end; Asr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 25.

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Saturday 08/24/24, 18 Safar 1446 -- EEH
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - JVLR - Eastern Express Highway - to Ghatkopar jct.
Time: 1:16:25
Mileage: 7.05 Miles - 11.34 Km
Pace: 10'50"/mile - 6'44"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 2h07m (Tilaavat Qur'an on the phone)

Surprise, rain is back!
We continue to struggle to sleep, partially, it's the humid heat, partially, it's itching from insects. I knew this remarkably long period of excellent sleep would not last.
Along the same theme, I feel vulnerable and fragile, almost scared to go run, worried that I might somehow collapse. In spite of this, and of the rain, I do go out, with the idea of a semi-long run, which could potentially reach 1h30 (to reach a 4h running week).
Today a constant moderate rain, which has the merit of bringing the temperatures down. I feel quite good at first, keeping the effort and pace very easy. I opt for running along the Eastern Express Highway, whose long straight stretches along the mangroves appeal to me, especially on a rainy day.
I feel ok, but still vulnerable, and lacking much courage. Interestingly, it is repeated rehearsals of the 9th ruku of Surat Ali-Imraan that keep me going, and keep the effort under control. Still, having reached Ghatkopar, I decide I've had enough, not that I am exhausted, but I am simply not in the mood for the way back home. Prudence is key through this period, I cannot imagine adding another 1/2 hour to this, anticipating dizziness and exhaustion after the run.
But I find no Rickshaws (it is because of today's Bandh?). I resort back to attempting to run back home, which should take over a 1/2 hr, but soon, discouraged by the thought of the uphills ahead, I stop again, this time for good. After some wait, I do find a Rickshaw back home. This run has felt appropriate for where I am, as my running future continues to appear uncertain. In some ways, I might welcome the change.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 46 (Juz 25), till end; Asr Surat Ash-Shura till v 31.







Rebound, Aarey Hill and the Western Pipeline (7.78 Miles) -- 08/31/24



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Monday 08/26/24, 20 Safar 1446 -- One Hour
Chandivali - SM SHetty - Cliff - Central - Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Pakshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:59:33
Mileage: 5.7 Miles - 9.18 Km
Pace: 10'26"/mile - 6'29"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h34m

To my great surprise, an excellent run.
I woke up too early around 4:15, not sure whether I slept back really, up around 4:50. As usual these days, I am unsure of what to expect from this run, almost fearful. It is blustery outside, and occasional rain showers. To my great surprise, running feels very easy today, excellent breath, and I extend beyond what I was expecting, feeling good and easy the whole way. Not sure what this means.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat ash-Shura till end, Surat az-Zukhruf till v 56; Asr Surat az-Zukhruf till end, Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26); Maghrib Surat al-Ahqaf, Ishaa Surat Muhammad till v 28.

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Tuesday 08/27/24, 21 Safar 1446 -- Bhatwadi - Asalfa - Pipeline
Khairani Rd E. - Bhatwadi long - Ramchandra Kadam - LBS Marg - Nari Seva Sadan - Pipeline - Khairani Rd W.
Time: 1:02:44
Mileage: 6.08 Miles - 9.78 Km
Pace: 10'19"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Phone Time: 0h59m

Miraculous! After thinking of abandoning running, I suddenly feel near perfect, for the second day in a row!
My excellent sleep is back, this too a surprise. I woke up after 4am, still easily able to fall back into dreams till about 5am. It is stormy outside, wind rattling the windows in the night, and reason would dictate to take a day off after yesterday's run. Yet for some reason, I go out.
And on an inspiration, I head out towards Bhatwadi through Khairani road. A young man grossly imitates my running in front of his friends, as sometimes happen. Streets are otherwise near deserted, as today is Jamasthami, schools are closed. Through Bhatwadi, several installations or podiums for the occasion.
I started a little stiff, but like yesterday, I am immensily relieved to find a comfortable breath, which does not fail me. I decide to prolong the run, coming back through the Asalfa hill and slums, and Pipeline road, which with no school is quiet. Blustery winds, but only a short rain shower on the way back.
I control the pace (slightly better than yesterday) till the end, to cap this excellent run. Again, what a stark contrast from last week!!
26th reading Dhuhr Surat Muhammad till end, Surat al-Fath, Surat al-Hujurat; Asr Surat Qaf, Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 30 (Juz 27), till end.

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Thursday 08/29/24, 23 Safar 1446 -- Tired
Chandivali - SM SHetty - Cliff - Central - Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:58:33
Mileage: 5.58 Miles - 8.97 Km
Pace: 10'29"/mile - 6'31"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (seems incorrect)
Phone Time: 0h48m

26th reading Wednesday Dhuhr Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm, Surat al-Qamar, Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah.
Unfortunately, up at 3:20, and don't remember falling back asleep (which probably means I did, but very imperfectly). Get up tired before 5am. Revising Surat ar-Rum, and the same in Namaaz.
Although feeling tired, my breath seems roughly ok, as it has been this week, and I aim again for about an hour run, this time on a very familiar route. But the weariness does catch up with me, and I run out of steam on the way back. It would be best to stick to the "4-days-a-week" plan, so take a rest day tomorrow.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28), Surat al-Mujadilah; Asr Surat al-Hashr, Surat al-Mumtahanah.

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Saturday 08/31/24, 25 Safar 1446 -- Aarey, Pipeline (West)
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Aarey Hill - Picnic Spot - 3.64M 5.85K Marol Maroshi - Pipeline (W) -
Time: 1:22:52
Mileage: 7.78 Miles - 12.52 Km
Pace: 10'39"/mile - 6'37"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h57m (Friday 0h58m)

26th reading Friday Fajr Surat as-Saff, Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun; Before Jummah Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29); Asr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam.
Woke up around 2am, but managed to sleep back till about 4:40. I am determined to do a longer run today, to complete over 4 hours of running this week, but am extremely hesitant as to the route, contemplating many options. I am out before 6:30.
I feel ok, but a little tired. At a conservative pace, I have finally settled for the pipeline, but in a last minute inspiration, head out straight up Aarey road, an area I have not visited in a long time, which spurs interest into this run. I make it through the slum and up the hill ok, and relax into the descent, on this road I used to run routinely, but have lately neglected. The landscape has changed past the Picnic Point intersection, due to the construction of the Metro Shed (a battle activists have lost). I am satisfied with the run so far, but still feeling tired, and still hesitant as to which road to follow back home.
I am struck by a second inspiration: What if I took the Pipeline back to the base of Aarey? That road, a kaccha rasta that follows the Pipeline, peppered with small slums, was closed around Covid time, and I have never revisited it. I ask, "rasta hai?", the man says there are dogs etc, but I should get through. So I embark on it, indeed, not only is it open, but it has been well paved, easier than before. This (re)discovery lifts my spirits, and I am greeted by a wonderful monsoon shower, thick raindrops glistening in the veiled sunshine, beautifying the way. This, as before, takes me to the base of the impressive slum on the hill (Passpoli?), back to familiar Saki Vihar. Even though I feel reasonably good, I don't hesitate to take a few short drinking breaks, and complete the run at a measured pace, but well in one piece. Goal attained: I have run over 4h20m this week, in just four days.
This week has seen a clear rebound in my running, as I was contemplating abandoning it altogether. What explains these seesaw performances? Is it the mysterious heart condition that I've been diagnosed with? Or some latent illness, that fluctuates my fitness? Or simply the effect of age? As ever, I will take this day by day, and follow Allah as my guide, inshallah.







26th Reading (5.83 Miles) -- 09/07/24



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Monday 09/02/24, 27 Safar 1446 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT main gate & back
Time: 0:46:52
Mileage: 4.38 Miles - 7.06 Km
Pace: 10'42"/mile - 6'38"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs (deliberate)
Phone Time: 0h13m (Sunday 0h58m)

Up at 4:30, but generally ok. It's actually a little too early for Namaaz, so I perform stretching first. I feel quite good when I go out for running, even contemplating a semi-long run along the pipeline, luckily, I don't do that, as I gradually run out of steam, not so much sore or out of breath, but simply tired. My pace turns out to be extra slow, even by my lowered standards. I have deliberately let my weight come up, vouching to not go hungry or dizzy, although this should be the upper limit I will tolerate.
I increasingly struggle to muster the strength to run, feeling a sense of boredom, and a general weariness. Rather than energizing me, most of these runs exhaust me, leaving me flat. The debate about whether to bring it to an end is renewed.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Haqqah, Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh, Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil; Asr Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30).

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Tuesday 09/03/24, 28 Safar 1446 --
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - IIT Near Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:40:29
Mileage: 3.89 Miles - 6.25 Km
Pace: 10'24"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h31m

Insomnia around 2:30am, during which I advance in Mémoires D'Outre-Tombe. I fall back asleep till before 5am. I am still a bit tired, yet still choose to run, somewhat apprehensive of what that will feel like. But today is actually better. I gradually find my breath, and a reasonable pace, more pleasant than yesterday.
26th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq.

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Wednesday 09/04/24, 29 Safar 1446 -- 1/2 Miles Intervals
Raambagh - to Lakehomes OP: 0:12:16 [r.1'32"] [1.13M, 1.82K]
Intervals on JVLR, Lakehomes OP to Break-in-Wall [887m, 0.55M] Break-in-Wall to IIT Main Gate [830m, 0.51M]
Interval 1: 4'46".91 [r.2'36"] -- Pace: 8'40"/mile - 5'23"/km (887m)
Interval 2: 4'30".45 [r.3'22"] -- Pace: 8'43"/mile - 5'25"/km (830m)
Interval 3: 4'37".79 [r.3'24"] -- Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'34"/km (830m)
Interval 4: 5'01".31 [r.2'16"] -- Pace: 9'06"/mile - 5'39"/km (887m)
Intervals Time: 0:18:56
Intervals Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.43 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'52"/mile - 5'31"/km
Age Graded: 887m in 3'55", ie. 7'06"/mile pace
Back: 0:10:16 [1.07M, 1.73K]
Total Time: 0:41:28 (total session: 0:54:40)
Total Mileage: 4.32 Miles - 6.98 Km
Total Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs (excellent)
Phone Time: 0h52m

Feeling quite good in the morning, breaking the "4-day-a-week" rule, I go running this morning, and even attempt an interval session. That decision pays off.
I have elected 1/2 miles, feeling the shorter distance will be less taxing, without excessively pushing the pace. This is a like old times session, running segments along the JVLR, in spite of the continued metro work which narrows the way in places, pushing me to run with traffic. But it really pays off today. I find a challenging yet controlled pace, just about the right amount of effort, and come back very satisfied, at last a run that actually feels good.
Still trying to make sense of things, let's see what this means for the future.
And later, before Dhuhr ki Namaaz, I complete my 26th reading of the Qur'an.
26th reading Dhuhr 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, 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.
Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 5.

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Friday 09/06/24, 02 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Chhota Rasta
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Lake Blvd - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:33:13
Mileage: 3.19 Miles - 5.13 Km
Pace: 10'24"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h39m (Thursday 0h44m)

27th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 59; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 74 -- Friday Fajr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 103.
Deliberately short run today. Feeling reasonably good.
Yesterday, I went to Masjid for Ishaa ki Namaaz, but arrived late as the time keeps shifting. Finding a place in the last row just by the door, I join the Namaaz while already in progress (in the middle of the 1st rakaat), not completely sure how to handle that. I later more precisely learn what to do, I won't hesitate next time.
27th reading before Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 141 (Juz 2), Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 188.

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Saturday 09/07/24, 03 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Failed Run
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - to Triangle Bridge - Back to Chawl
Time: 1:01:47
Mileage: 5.83 Miles - 9.39 Km
Pace: 10'35"/mile - 6'34"/km
Weather: 27C; humidity 89%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone Time: 1h08m

I was planning on a semi-long run along the Pipeline today, but this doesn't work out at all!! A run to forget ...
I leave fairly confident, at a conservative "long run" pace, under clement weather, intermittent sunrise sunshine, but gradually find that I just don't have it today. Even on the beautiful quiet Pipeline trail, away from traffic, I fail to find my rhythm, not finding my breath, diffuse weariness building up in the upper body, a bad day. I gradually scale back my ambition, so much that I eventually stop back at the chawl and finish in a rickshaw - under the circumstances the right decision.
This clearly sets me back to square one, and renews doubts over whether I'll continue running. This week has started excellent, but I got overgreedy (making it a 5 day running week) and ran out in the end. More than ever, I resolve to take it a day at a time, and don't bother predicting what will come next, insha allah.
27th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 228, Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 252 (Juz 3), till v 257.







Air India, Marble Lane (12.08 Miles) -- 09/14/24



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Monday 09/09/24, 05 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Bahujan Settlements
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - JVLR - East Ave - Technology - Central - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar.
Time: 0:49:48
Mileage: 4.84 Miles - 7.79 Km
Pace: 10'17"/mile - 6'23"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h34m (Sunday 1h53m)

27th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till end.
Yesterday was an awful day. After a walk in Oxygen Park, chased away by mosquitoes into Hiranandani, I start feeling tired and dizzy, very foggy, and uncharacteristically, unable to fall asleep. This afflicts me during the entire day, a distressing malaise that hits me regularly. After Saturday's failed run, I question again my health. At night, after finally finding sleep, I am soon awaken by painful mosquitoes, to conclude this bad day.
This morning, up a bit before 5am, I fear running, yet decide to go out to test the waters, ready to cut it short if things go wrong. But past the warmup, I start finding my rhythm, and to my disbelief feel quite good. Still cautious, I decide as a goal to run along the Bahujan settlements in Powai which we have discovered yesterday. These are people of lower classes whose slums have been destroyed recently even though, brought by the builders, they had lived here for over 10 years. They have now settled in makeshift tents in the posh streets of Powai. Recently, the Bahujan women tried to join a protest for women's safety (following the Kolkota rape) but were chased away by the rich women of Powai.
So I run along their settlements, witnessing the morning activity of the slums. They have taken one side of Central street for a few blocks, and again on the back road behind Hakune Center (now closed), which is otherwise mostly deserted.
Back to running, I continue to feel surprisingly good, finding a good energetic stride at no effort, a stark contrast with my last run, and with yesterday's meltdown.
This makes no sense at all.
27th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 63, Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 91 (Juz 4), till v 120.

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Wednesday 09/11/24, 07 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Semi long run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - JVLR - LBS Marg - Hiranandani Link rd (Kailash Hill) - Main - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 1:23:55
Mileage: 7.89 Miles - 12.7 Km
Pace: 10'38"/mile - 6'36"/km
Weather: 28C; humidity 82%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Phone Time: 0h33m (Tuesday 1h01m)

27th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 171, Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till end.
A horrible wake up at 3:30, overcome by various worries, completely unable to sleep. Until I hit myself on the face in frustration, which makes up Gulzar. She helps me relax, so I eventually do reach vague dreamy visions (yet no sleep), apparently just enough to feel ok as I get up around 5 - still terribly frustrated.
But things go rather well from there. I've switched to rehearsing Surat al-Isra, which quickly comes back to memory. And opt for a semi-long run this morning (rather than a speed session), which works surprisingly well. I do find a sustainable rhythm, and, energized by a good rain shower halfway, describe a loop which takes me back through the Kailash Hill climb, all well managed. My worries are all still there, but seem so much smaller than in the depth of night!
27th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 23 (Juz 5), till v 33; Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 70.

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Friday 09/13/24, 09 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Waqf protests
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Naka - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd
Time: 0:40:34
Mileage: 3.92 Miles - 6.3 Km
Pace: 10'20"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 74%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs
Phone Time: 0h49m (Thursday 0h33m)

27th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 104, Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 147 (Juz 6), till v 162.
Today Fajr Surat An-Nisaah till end, Surat al-Maidah till v 5.
Up at 4:36. Feeling a little tired, but roughly ok. The run starts a little laboriously, but after a brief but intense shower, I feel better and better, and find a nice rhythm for the rest of the way. My weight has increased to over 70kg and needs to stabilize there, this will be my new range (69/70kg), finally giving up on my magical weight of old (68kg), which I believe has rendered me weak lately.
Later, at the Masjid, renewed talk about the Waqf. The Imaam instructs people to send emails opposing the new law, today is the last day. At the exit, people, grown-ups or children, are holding a paper copy of the QR code that allows to do this, pushing the beggars near the street (they smile once I find them, as if amused by all this perturbation). Not having my phone, I plan to msg the Imaam later to send me the instructions for Gulzar, but once home, I realize she has already done it on her own, following online instructions. I check, indeed, her email has been sent.
27th reading before Jummah Surat al-Maidah till v 34, After Jummah Surat al-Maidah till v 56, Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 82 (Juz 7), till v 100.

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Saturday 09/14/24, 10 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Western Express Highway
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka - Magan Nathuram - LBS Marg - Air India - Kalina Military Camp - Jawaharlal Nehru Rd - to WEH [1:01:50; 6'05M, 9.74K]
Along Western Express Highway - Marbles Line - Past Domestic Airport - Sahar Rd - Under Airport Highway - Aiport Rd - Andheri Kurla - Saki Naka - Khairani Rd (Rahat Hotel)
Time: 2:03:34
Mileage: 12.08 Miles - 19.45 Km
Pace: 10'13"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 70.1 kg - 154.5 lbs (my new weight)
Phone Time: 0h28m

One of these great runs. A manner of ressurection, after a period of profound doubts.
I have resolved again to attempt a long run, not sure though what to expect. This week, I have followed the 4-days-a-week plan strictly, but ran semi-long on Wednesday.
I wake up well before 5, revise Surat al-Isra and recite its three first rukus in Namaaz. I am out by 6:30, relatively mild weather, mostly dry and a little windy.
I have initially set the Air India area as a goal, but as often hesitate at the last minute, tempted to repeat (and avenge) last week's run along the pipeline. But no, once out, I do head out towards Saki Naka, a more unorthodox route, which appeals to me. I pass just under the landing planes through the slums, and past many Ganesha altars. I eventually make it to the Air India loop. It is quiet here as usual, along the airport grounds (now blocked by tall blue metal walls) and the military barracks, a few runners here.
Once here, I am struck with a new idea: What if I attempted to return along the Western Express Highway, an entirely new exploration, finding my way as I can? This is much more uncertain, which is precisely what appeals to me. Here we go, I can always return in a Rickshaw if I get in trouble...
I indeed find my way along the highway, past small slums that I've seen while driving, and a series of Marble shops that I had often noticed. In spite of the proximity of the highway, it's actually nice to run here, and the weather is temperate today. I pass the Domestic airport, then pass the International Expressway (not runnable) to reach Sahar road, where I stop for a Coca Cola. I take a few small stops, eating my four Kajurs, but I am surprised how good I feel after restart, finding a comfortable pace, almost too good to believe (I keep expecting a collapse, which doesn't come).
Approaching Saki Naka, I am caught in one of those violent but brief rain showers, which actually energizes me to finish Khairani road till Rahat Hotel (and Masjid) where, having passed 2 hours, I put an end to this remarkable run.
This is my longest run since last Ramzaan, and contradicts my terrible mis-shape of the last few weeks. Also, I have run nearly five hours this week, in only four days. Finally, as planned, I have let my weight increase to about 70kg. This will be my official weight now (but no more than this!), may it carry me well through this next phase, insha allah.
27th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till end, Asr Surat al-An'aam till v 41.







Visitors from London - Mumbai (7.32 Miles) -- 09/21/24



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Monday 09/16/24, 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Calm
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - East Ave (Bahujan settlements) - Technology - Main - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:46:03
Mileage: 4.35 Miles - 7.01 Km
Pace: 10'35"/mile - 6'34"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.7 lbs (target weight)
Phone Time: 0h30m (Sunday 0h59m)

27th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till v 90, Asr Surat al-An'aam till v 110 (Juz 8), till v 117.
Started somewhat tired and sleepy, but found my rhythm into a pleasant recovery run, nice mild sunny weather, a little cooler than normal.
27th reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till end, Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 31, Maghrib Surat al-A'raf till v 87 (Juz 9), till v 93.

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Wednesday 09/18/24, 14 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Julus, Jasla
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi - BMC School 2 - Maidam - Shri Gajanan Maharaj Mandir - Jogger's Park - LBS Marg - Kale Marg - Kajupada Pipeline - 90 ft rd - Magan Nathuram - Saki Naka - Khairani W - Nahar.
Time: 1:09:44
Mileage: 6.89 Miles - 11.09 Km
Pace: 10'07"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.7 lbs
Phone Time: (Tuesday 0h41m)
Commute (SantaCruz): 10:10 to 11:00 (50 min) -- Back 13:40 to 14:20 (40 min)

27th reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 162, Asr Surat al-A'raf till end, Surat al-Anfal till v 10, Maghrib Surat al-Anfal till v 40 (Juz 10).
Another excellent run!
I went yesterday for Ishaa ki Namaaz, went to sleep past 10 and woke up in the night as usual, but slept back till about 5. Strangely, my mood has reversed, af is my calls for Sakinah had been granted, and I feel at peace with the upcoming events that had been affecting me so badly. I get up tired, but roughly ok. I had projected a speed session today, but feeling quite tired, and in the mood for a different landscape, decide for a semi long run.
It is sunny, relatively fresh, and unusually quiet in the streets. Today, following Milad-un-Nabi and Ganesh Chaturti, many signs of the festivities out, several stages, entire portions of the street are tainted with red powder. Gulzar says today will be a big Juloos. Indeed, I witness several preparations, stages being erected, islamic flags, to the sound of testing the audio systems.
After a cautious warm-up, I find my rhythm and feel surprisingly great. I decide to go through the Maidam in the hills in Bhatwadi, it too occupied by a stage, offering a nice view of the hill slums at sunrise. From there, I lengthen the road back through Kajupada Pipeline to Saki Naka, here too, many preparations are made. My running feels better and better, so I push the pace somewhat on the way back, ending with a better pace than usual. Me who thought my running days were over, I am starting to feel great again, perhaps a promising winter ahead, insha allah.
Later, to work in Royal Palms. Visarjan is still happening at the Lake (leftover from last night?), a HUGE idol is presented for immersion, creating a long traffic jam, luckily on the other side. But I get stuck too going up and over Aarey road, it ends up taking about 50 minutes. On the way back, on a quiet shortcut road through Aarey, I see a long dark snake crossing the road just in front of the car, on the other side, a man on a scooter has stopped to let it pass, a few feet away from his wheel. I so wish I had taken a picture of this to send to the London guests, that silly thought does not leave me till the next day. Luckily the Visarjan has ended by now and traffic is clearn, although I do run into preparations for Milad-un-Nabi through the Aarey slums.
Speaking of that, as I go out for Maghrib, I find Khairani road alive with crazy activity! Many youths showing off on bikes, flying large islamic flags, and Khairani road is taken over by a loud procession of chariots, headed slowly towards Saki Naka, blasting music and cries. I want to call Gulzar to see this, but not having my phone, I return home, invite her to go out. By the time we do, the activity has mostly passed, she does see one last chariot from some Madrasa, and the stands on the sides of the street are starting to pack, leaving a motley crowd and a lot of trash. We are happy hamare nasib me tha that she could witness some of this at least.
27th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till end, Asr Surat at-Taubah till v 42.

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Friday 09/20/24, 16 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:40:15
Mileage: 3.95 Miles - 6.35 Km
Pace: 10'11"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h55m (Thursday 1h35m (Santacruz Office))
Thursday's Commute (SantaCruz): 9:45 to 10:55 (1h10) -- 17:50 to 19:20 (1h30)
Today's Commute (Royal Palms): 8:40 to 9:50 (1h10)

27th reading Fajr Surat at-Taubah till v 80, Surat at-Taubah till v 93 (Juz 11).
Friday Fajr Surat at-Taubah till end.
Yesterday, to SantaCruz Office, to meet our leadership from abroad. I happily escape a dinner plan, but the commute back proves particularly challenging: It takes about 1h30, and on Khairani road, completely stuck, I send the Cab away and finish on foot. On the way, I meet my friend the Goatwalla, to whom, after the Imaam, I warn that I won't be able to attend Namaaz these two weeks. In spite of this, thanks to the cancelled dinner, I made it home earlier than feared, and complete all the Namaaz of the day by reciting small sections of Surat ar-Rahmaan.
I wake up around 1am, after all the activity of the day, fear I will not sleep back. But Gulzar calms me, and eventually, with good effort, I do push myself to a long string of small dreams, of increasing depth, till I get up around 4:30, feeling quite good. My mental ability and discipline to push myself to dreams has improved these days, a remarkable ability.
But the run feels surprisingly sluggish. I make it (my pace seems to have improved a bit), but struggle somewhat to keep my breath, and run without much enjoyment. More tired than I thought I guess.
Because of their visit from London, I leave for the Royal Palm Office around 8:40. It starts well, but then after the Picnic Spot, Aarey is road STUCK. Stuck!! I have to force my way across the road through a knotted criss-cross of vehicles to the Royal Palms shortcut, where I finally found khali rasta (although very bumpy). I reach late at 9:50. The Londoners, with little traffic on WEH, have been here for some time.
Later, on this today Jummah ka din, I am strongly determined to attend Jummah ki Namaaz, a topic that has funnily greatly preoccupated me for the last few weeks. Before 12:30, I skip inconspicuouly out of a meeting, gulp a half sandwich, and head out, feeling liberated once outside, as if nothing could now stop me. I have scouted two Masjid on Google Maps, and walk in the decrepit alleys of Royal Palms, down a steep slope. I reach the location of the first Masjid, to find an open space with Wudhu on the side, with hardly anyone there, and no actual Masjid structure (it goes into small slums houses). Uncertain, having arrived too early in my enthusiasm, I decide to try the second Masjid. I walk up a slope this time, but have to ask my way around, as there is no Masjid at the said location. I am directed to a small door with a few shoes in front, which I push. It's a small elongated room, where hardly 20 people could stand, where a few men have gathered. A single place for Wudhu, in front of the toilet. I take place among the small congregation. A man opens the window to give Adhaan with no mike. An Imaam gets up, reads two Khutba from a book, and immediately goes into a brief Namaaz, and that's it, over. No Bayaan, it has hardly taken fifteen minutes! (In fact, as I leave, a second group seems to get ready). I leave feeling very dissapointed, unfulfilled.
But outside, I now hear loudspeakers from the first Masjid. On an inspiration, I decide to return there. The place is now full of people, and men are taking place for Namaaz. I decide to join them, leave my shoes on the ground, perform Wudhu again, go up a flight of stairs. There are several large platforms, outside and covered by a metal roof, where the rows are formed, under the direction of an old man who holds a bag for alms. I take place on the upper platform, among many youths, evidently residents of nearby slums. In front of us the slum dwellings, many chickens, goats, etc., whose voices will accompany us. The actual Masjid is probably further up, among the small houses. We are sitting on the hard floor. The Bayaan on the loudspeaker, with too much echo, is barely comprehensible. It eventually orders up to stand for Sunnat Rakhats, then soon after, the Adhaan followed by Namaaz. The loudspeaker is now kept clear, no echo, and we follow the Namaaz well. Finally, I am overwhelmed by the emotion of the moment, here among the rows, this is what I had been yearning for today, and I repeat the Namaaz with great devotion. I don't stay however for Sunnat, following much of the crowd, and contrary to my fears, find my shoes very easily, all have been kept quite neatly on the large ground.
I walk back with the habitual sense of triumph that accompanies such occurrences.

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Saturday 09/21/24, 17 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- MIDC, Pipeline
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar Short - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol Maroshi - Vijar Nagar - to MIDC & Back - Along the Pipeline - Aarey - Saki Vihar - Lake Platform - Raambagh - Dmart.
Time: 1:15:32
Mileage: 7.32 Miles - 11.79 Km
Pace: 10'19"/mile - 6'24'/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Phone Time: 1h08m

27th reading Fajr Surat Yunus till v 30.
I wake up around 1am as usual, but struggle to sleep back, with the yesterday's events spinning in my head, whether from work or from the Masjid in Royal Palms. I can no longer rely on sleeping in the day to recover, which increases my tension. I eventually do make it though, to get up before 5am.
I go on this run feeling a bit tired, with no specific goal in mind. I gradually head out to the MIDC area, my old commute route to 88 Pictures, from where I am inspired to return by the Aarey Pipeline route. I am tiring though, but the quiet and small thrill of the Pipeline and slums carry me through. I do finish quite tired though, needing sleep and rest.
One more week of their visit, will I sustain this rhythm?
Later, with our London colleagues, visit to Film City on the stages, then in the evening, our presentation and recruiting event. This goes very well, in fact, I deliver a strong speech and feel very energized in spite of the late hour. I return wondering whether the prolonged confinement has indeed polluted my mind after all. Time will tell.







Visitors from London - Bangalore (7.84 Miles) -- 09/27/24



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Monday 09/23/24, 19 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Exhaustion
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar, to Renaissance & Back - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar short - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 0:44:36
Mileage: 4.36 Miles - 7.02 Km
Pace: 10'13"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs
Phone Time: 0h39m (Sunday 1h40m (Santacruz, Juhu))

27th reading Fajr Surat Yunus till v 82; Asr Surat Yunus till end -- Today Fajr Surat Hud till v 5 (Juz 12), till v 35.
Yesterday evening, Crosby's birthday in Juhu (I have to drive back after having spent part of the day in SantaCruz). I escape "early" (around 10:30), take an auto back, but we end up staying stuck for some time by a backing truck in the Masjid ki galli, even at this late hour!
This morning, I feel exhausted, yet I still decide to run. But I am just too tired, and my morale plummets. It is also cloudy and heavy, a return of the monsoon after some days of sunshine, and feeling extremely humid. I struggle on the run, complete it with no pleasure, feeling exhausted and without the possibility to sleep and recover. This is bad.

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Tuesday 09/24/24, 20 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- Storm
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka - Andheri Ghatkopar - Bhatwadi - Khairani rd
Time: 0:53:18
Mileage: 5.2 Miles - 8.37 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Phone Time: 2h05m (to Juhu & Back)

27th reading Fajr Surat Hud till v 83.
Yesterday, I felt utterly exhausted, and in office, incapable to find rest. Luckily, the day ended around 6:30, and the commute back wasn't bad, except for a last minute clog under the bridge at Raambagh. I go to sleep soon after reaching home, skipping all Namaaz.
I wake up at 11pm, feeling hot and uncomfortable, manage to sleep back with AC and Mémoires D'Outre-Tombe. But I am then startled awake by a violent storm before 4am, lightning and thunder exploding together, right over our heads. I do not really sleep back, and get up around 4:30.
But I feel fine. By the time I go out at 6:30, the rain has stopped, leaving roads drenched, and a milder temperature. To my relief, running feels good, in stark contrast with yesterday's misery. I lengthen the route a little, inspired to come back via Bhatwadi, feeling relatively comfortable throughout, yesterday's miserable exhaustion has lifted mostly.
But the commute is once again impossible. When I see that Aarey road is stuck again past Picnic point, I decide to take a U-Turn and drive up the back road, where I used to run. But it is nearly impassable, especially after the rain. There are no words to describe the state of that road, punctured with craters and areas of rock and dirt, and difficult slopes. It is nearly deserted (people surely know its reputation), in spite of the few houses along the way. I fear several times that I may get stranded (in fact a truck is precisely stuck on a tricky slope), but I do make it through. Unfortunately, this will not be a viable solution to circumvent morning traffic!

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Wednesday 09/25/24, 21 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- REST
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Phone Time: 0h53m

This morning, after an overlong dinner last night in Juhu, cats wake me up at 5, scratching at our door for once, and I can't sleep back, in spite of Gulzar's insistence that she should put me back to sleep. But after coffee and Namaaz, alhamdulillah, I do find sleep, lifting some of the morning's misery.
I leave for work earlier at 8:10, but the commute is the same, Aarey Road is stuck past Picnic Point (particularly the turn into the Talaab), and I have to force my way through, as usual, anevalla traffic is taking the whole road. And then inside Royal Palms, on the steep slope where the road has gone jungly, the car starts skidding, and I get stuck. Luckily, without panicking, I let myself freewheel backwards, and after a couple tries manage to climb up. Unbelievable. Our London guests have abandonned their Uber there and finished on foot, seeing other stuck cars.
And then in the evening, I leave after 5:30 under a new storm. Going down the slope is of course easier than going up (I don't think anyone can make it up under this rain), but from there, it's a difficult drive back home, the tension increased by the fact that I am running out of petrol while stuck in this mayhem. But I do make it home in an hour.
This cannot work, plans to resume work-from-office will have to wait.
27th reading Fajr Surat Hud till end.

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Friday 09/27/24, 23 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- BANGALORE, Vartur Kodi
Lemon Tree - EPIP - Nallurahalli - Siddapura - Ramagondanahalli - Vartur Kodi - Whitefield Masjid - Outer Circle - ECC road - Pattandur Agrahara - Nellurahalli Lake - Epip - Lemon Tree.
Time: 1:16:48
Mileage: 7.84 Miles - 12.62 Km
Pace: 9'47"/mile - 6'05"/km
Phone Time: 1h17m (Thursday 0h45m)

We arrived yesterday in Bangalore, sleeping at the Lemon Tree Hotel. I am at first startled by the changes in the area, failing to recognize these routes I used to know so well.
I head out towards Nellurahalli, wondering whether I'll get lost, but gradually find my bearings, even though certain sections have changed dramatically. I have forgotten my watch in Mumbai, so for once, I carry the phone in my pocket to measure time, luckily, this climate creates far less perspiration. The weather is pleasant, partly sunny, with a cool breeze. Although relatively tired and having not fully stretched, I relax into the run, and feel increasingly ambitious as I go. I eventually decide to visit several old commute routes, and pass by each of our successive houses, first, Palm Meadows. The Vartur Kodi intersection has dramatically changed, with a large overpass being built, and distant high-rise buildings visible in the distance where the fields used to be. I continue on the main road past Ozone, then to the Whitefield Masjid (where I intend to go later today), and around the Whitefield circle to EEC road, where we lived at Rustique Citilights. In spite of all the development, the landscape retains a pleasant rural quality, more peaceful than Mumbai. I finally reach Pattandur Agrahara, the back road to ITPL, which has retained its village aspect, in spite of exagerated traffic forcing its way through it, as I'll witness tonight. I pass Nellurahalli lake, which has been outfit with a promenade for walkers and joggers, but its water level dangerously low. Through Nellurahalli, I dream along the old "Dunmore House" area, the labourer slums where the journey all started for me 16 years ago, finding back some of that feeling as if carried by the smell in the air. I manage my way back to the hotel, discovering that I have run a far longer loop than I had anticipated!
Later, I walk from the office in Ramagondanahalli to the Whitefield Masjid for Jummah, which takes a good half hour. Having arrived early I get to sit in the main room behind the Imaam on the ground floor, the proceedings are very similar to Khairani Road, in fact, the Imaam recites the exact same Khutba before Namaaz. I have not been able to focus as much as I'd want, distracted by the novelty and activity, still, I have still managed to attend every Jummah ki Namaaz in Masjid in spite of their trip, and walk back very satisfied.
That evening, our recruiting presentation is very successfull, I have spoken even better than in Mumbai.

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Sunday 09/29/24, 25 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 -- BANGALORE, Hoodi
Lemon Tree - to the right - EPIP - Seetharampalya - Basavana Nagar - Hoodi - Hoodi train station - Sadarmangala, along the tracks - to Kodigenahalli & back - Shantiniketan back road - Sai Baba - Trade Promotion - EPIP
Time: 1:16:25
Mileage: 7.47 Miles - 12.02 Km
Pace: 10'13"/mile - 6'21"/km
Phone Time: 2h01m (Saturday 1h25m)

Here too, a storm has woken me up at night, lightning striking right on us. But by the morning, rain has ceased, a nice pleasant Bangalore morning, fresh air. Again, Gulzar proposes that I run, and I set out for what I think should be a short or mid run. I hesitate to head out again through Nellurahalli to reach Varthur, to see all the changes around the lake and in the village, but eventually return to my initial plan, which is to retrace my other later commute routes, from Shantiniketan.
The metro line has transformed the road. There are other runners who salute me on the way, all helped by the clement weather. I do find the way to Basavana Nagar, a descent that hasn't changed much, in spite of a huge extension to Windmills being built in the distance. Memories return as I progress, and particularly, I remember to cross the rail tracks at the end of the Hoodi rail station, and from there on to Sadarmangala road. This, my old route along the tracks from Shantiniketan, has now been largely widened and paved, but otherwise remains the same. I do not have time unfortunately to venture out onto the Kodigehalli loop, but do reach its intersection before returning back, up and over the tracks to the backside of Shantiniketan, with the maids and workers. My running is relatively comfortable, like the other day, and I finish the run past ITPL, Sai Baba Hospital and EPIP in relative ease.
But what a surprise! I have by far exceeded my running goals, matching almost exactly my previous run in Bangalore! After a good breakfast and a brief nap, we depart for the airport, and back home.







-- Kara and Cow, mimicked by a young girl in Bangalore --











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