-- The last Ruku of Surat ar-Rum --
Surat ar-Rum (4.82 Miles) -- 08/09/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/04/2025, 09 Safar 1447 --
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - IIT - Lake
Promenade - Raambagh - Nahar
Time: 0:39:00
Mileage: 3.89 Miles - 6.26 Km
Pace: 10'01"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs
A recovery run. Good sleep, rains have stopped, roads are dry.
I am nearing the completion of Surat ar-Rum.
33rd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'minun till end;
Asr Surat an-Nur till v 51.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/06/2025, 11 Safar 1447 --
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Cross Aarey - Straight -
RTO Passing Track - to River - Back same way to SRA rd
Mileage: 3.96 Miles - 6.37 Km
Time: 0:40:31
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs
33rd reading Tuesday Morning Surat an-Nur till end,
Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19);
Dhuhr Surat al-Furqan till end, Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 69;
Asr Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 192;
Maghrib Surat ash-Shu'ara till end.
Get up at 4:30, feeling good at first, but after Namaaz
this deteriorates for some reason, feeling dizzy,
almost sick. I still opt for an easier run from Royal Palms,
on the relatively flat route to the Auto Rickshaw testing place,
which I haven't visited in long due to road work. I indeed don't
feel good, quite sore overall, and short of breath, yet I manage
this at a conservative pace, just about the right effort for the day.
The weather is pleasantly sunny for once, even though
roads are partially wet.
If there was still any doubt, my lack of shape is forcing me to take
a light recovery week - just as well.
33rd reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20), till end;
Asr Surat al-Qasas till v 29.
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Friday 08/08/2025, 13 Safar 1447 -- Chhota Rasta
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar short -
Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 0:33:55
Mileage: 3.45 Miles - 5.55 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 70.7 kg - 155.8 lbs (Surprise!!)
33rd reading Morning Surat al-Qasas till end;
Dhuhr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21), till end;
Asr Surat ar-Rum.
Still not feeling so well, wake up after several good episodes
of sleep, but with a strong headache (and eat Advil). That said,
between yesterday and today, I finish learning the last Ruku of
Surat ar-Rum, completing the entire Surah, and give a convincing
Adhaan.
Also, I am surprised by a sudden weight gain (it is true
that I have been abnormally hungry all week). So this run, which
I start unusually late after 7am, is meant as an easy short
relaxing episode.
But I find myself feeling much better than anticipated.
Slightly short of breath perhaps, but still well able to control
my breath, and no body soreness. I end up running the Saki Vihar
route in reverse, and surprise myself with an unusually fast
pace (relatively).
33rd reading before Jummah Surat Luqman;
Asr Surat as-Sajdah; Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till v 34.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/09/2025, 14 Safar 1447 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Powai Internal - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Orchard -
Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:49:05
Mileage: 4.82 Miles - 7.76 Km
Pace: 10'10"/mile - 6'19"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
As planned, an easy short run, to cap an easy short week.
And I am well served: I struggle to find my breath, which
ends any temptation to run longer today. I also feel heavy,
not comfortable with this sudden weight gain. That said,
I still make the most of it, and manage the run ok. The
weather is again pleasant, relatively cool and windy,
roads wet from recent rains.
I have finished learning Surat ar-Rum in its entirety,
and have recited its last ruku in Fajr ki Namaaz this morning.
33rd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahzab till end;
Asr Surat Saba.
-- Rest --
Vikhroli Park Site, Kanjumarg Station (7.23 Miles) -- 08/17/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/11/2025, 16 Safar 1447 -- Better than expected
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Powai Internal - Hiranandani Hospital - Techno - Central -
Powai Plaza - Lake Promenade - Raambagh - Nahar
Time: 0:51:45
Mileage: 5.17 Miles - 8.33 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'12"
Weather: 26C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
33rd reading Sunday Ishaa Surat Fatir.
Yesterday drive to Sawale, but unfortunately I feel quite
bad throughout the day, dizzy and tired, and unable to shake it
off. I do sleep well in the night, with many episodes of deep
sleep adorned with several distinct dreams, and get up at 5am
with the alarm, closing another such episode. But I again feel
odd, short of breath, an impression in the chest. I decide to
run anyway, but the run starts sore and short of breath.
But unexpectedly, I wake up to it, and my pace soon becomes
more fluid. It's another pleasant morning, wet from recent rain,
but relatively clear and windy. As I feel better and better, I
gradually lengthen the course climbing again to Hirandandani,
and end up with a decent run after all. Unpredictable as ever!
33rd reading Dhuhr Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23),
till end, Surat as-Saffat till v 75; Surat as-Saffat till end;
Asr Surat Saad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/13/2025, 18 Safar 1447 -- Fear
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Central -
SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:53:41
Mileage: 5.29 Miles - 8.52 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
33rd reading Tuesday Morning Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24),
till v 71; Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till end,
Surat al-Mu'min till v 61; After Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'min till end;
Asr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25), till end.
After months of excellent sleep, the curse of insomnia is back
on me. Like yesterday, I wake up before 3am, impossible to sleep back!
I make some efforts, perhaps partially successfull, but it's as if
the gates of dreams have been tightly shut, just as mysteriously as they
were open before.
Also, this bothers me: A small swollen area has developed on my
right knee, where I had fallen earlier in the year. Even though I have
thought I should consult for this, I have postponed seeing
the dermatologist. But now, its appearance increasingly worries me,
and I feel a diffuse sensation, perhaps partially in my head. Could
this be cancer? And I have waited too long? Today, after such a
challenging night, I decide to skip going to office, and make it
a priority to see the doctor without fault.
That said, like yesterday, I feel strangely good, in spite
of lack of sleep. I revise earlier Rukus of Surat ar-Rum which
I recite in Namaaz, then embark on this run, greeted by a heavy
but brief downpour. Going to office yesterday has left me a bad
impression for some reason, perhaps seeing a rickshaw getting stuck
in a terrible pothole on the slope, or simply tired of all this.
Buoyed by the decision to stay home, I run surprisingly well,
my breath just about perfect, and end up climbing up to the Hospital
again, which I intend to visit later today.
33rd reading Dhuhr Surat ash-Shura;
Asr Surat az-Zukhruf till v 57;
Maghrib Surat az-Zukhruf till end, Surat ad-Dukhan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/15/2025, 20 Safar 1447 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main St - Kailash
Complex Hill - Descent - Vikhroli Park Site Rd - Rd #1 - Celiene
D Silva - Amrut Nagar - Golibar Rd - Andheri Ghatkopar - Bhatwadi
(long) - Khairani Rd - Nahar.
Time: 1:14:04
Mileage: 7.23 Miles - 11.64 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 71.3 kg - 157.2 lbs
33rd reading Thursday Morning Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26),
Surat al-Ahqaf; Asr Surat Muhammad, Surat al-Fath.
I finally did visit the dermatologist yesterday, after
skipping office again. It was a false alert, this is nothing,
just a scar from my fall in January. When I return home with
the good news, Gulzar dances triumphantly, singing bada
Doctor main houn!... (indeed she had told me not to worry).
Finally, a good night's sleep. I wake up with the alarm
at 5am. For once, I do not recite Surat Yaseen on this Jummah
ka din, preferring excerpts from Surat ar-Rum which I continue
to revise. My weight has suddenly jumped up, but this will
prove an anomaly in the days to come.
Today is Independance day, and the streets are nearly
empty at first. I choose to run semi-long, heading out to
the Kailash climb, from which I decide to keep going forward,
venturing up the Amruth Nagar slums, about halfway up the
hill, to Golibar road, a fascinating area I haven't visited
in some time. It is still wet but no actual rain on the run.
Coming back through Bhatwadi, a youth from a group hails me
jokingly, seeing my jerzey, "Marathon kidhar hai Uncle?"...
I finish the run in good control, streets gradually
busier with people wearing patriotic colors for the
celebrations.
33rd reading before Jummah Surat al-Hujurat;
Asr Surat Qaf, Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27), till end;
Ishaa Surat at-Tur.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/17/2025, 22 Safar 1447 -- Small Exploration
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - Down IIT Hill - Past LBS -
JVLR - Left, Kanjurmarg Skywalk Rd - Kanjurmarg Station -
Back same way
Time: 1:15:11
Mileage: 7.16 Miles - 11.52 Km
Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs
33rd reading Saturday Asr Surat an-Najm, Surat al-Qamar,
Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah;
Ishaa Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28).
Yesterday, we went to Hinduja Hospital in Mahim for
Gulzar's appointment, then stopped along the sea front,
and finally visited the Mahim Dargah for the first time,
a good alternative to Haji Ali. Arrived slightly after
Dhuhr ki Namaaz, I still offer Namaaz in the Masjid, then
visit the Dargah, a structure with elaborate ornementation.
In the alley leading to it, men are cleaning heavy cauldrons
outside. It has been raining consistently since yesterday,
on the way, we see many groups in club uniforms, soaked
on their scooters, going to build human pyramids for
Mahasthami.
But I have again slept poorly, fueled by worries.
I wake up at 4:30, determined to run. Friday's high
weight must have been an oddity, as things are back
to normal this morning. Thanks to Friday's longer run,
I need about an hour today to reach the goal of 4 weekly
hours. I eventually settle for the familiar route along
Lake Powai / IIT, and continue on from there. In spite
of starting tired, I settle well into the run, fueled
by a constant rain (it hasn't stopped since Friday!).
As I make my way towards the Eastern Expressway, in
a sudden inspiration, I veer left for a small exploration,
which leads through small alleys under a "skywalk" along
the rail tracks, to dead end near Kanjurmarg railway
station. As small as this is, it satisfies me with
a sense of novelty.
I return the same way, climbing back up the IIT
hill, and back home, now feeling in full comfort,
under a constant rain, today wearing my cap throughout.
An excellent run actually, along which I have been
revising Surat ar-Rum, which helps my rhythm and mind.
Later, we go to Haji Ali. I pray Dhuhr ki Namaaz in the
Masjid there, to my great satisfaction. We sit for some
time under a relentless heavy rain, sitting on the ground under
the pavillon, where people are packed. Among three men sitting
right by us, one goes into epipeptic seizure, while
his companions try to restrain him as best they can. Gulzar helps
them, gives them her keys to hold, the chaiwala throws onion
to smell (both superstitions I later find out). Once the seizure
finally subsides, she offers all three a good meal and money,
and we leave them our blanket.
These are men from Lucknow who had come to find work in Mumbai,
but found none, and after having boarded the wrong train,
are out of money. This is the first time this has happened,
says the man's companion, his hands trembling from emotion.
What distress in those three, as seen in Dargahs.
33rd reading Asr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr.
-- Along the Arabian Sea in Mahim --
-- Flooding on Kharani Road, in front of Rahat Masjid --
33rd Reading, Torrential Rains (8.28 Miles) -- 08/24/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/19/2025, 24 Safar 1447 -- Torrential Rain
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT, to far gate - Back
Time: 0:52:13
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 10'29"/mile - 6'31"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
33rd reading Monday Dhuhr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff,
Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun; Asr Surat at-Taghabun,
Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29), Surat al-Mulk.
Night of anguish, after a particularly bad performance
at work. But I do manage to fall back asleep, to an extraordinary
long multi-episode dream (about a bike race for which I have
forgotten my bike, among other things), and wake up surprisingly
well. It is still raining heavily outside! We have cancelled work,
the city is on Red Alert, schools are closed.
Very motivated, I go out to brave the deluge. Indeed, I run
throughout under heavy rain, which does not relent, paralyzing
the metropole. Streets are nearly empty at first, very dark,
and the lake promenade is deserted (except for rare fishermen).
As often, the downpour has an exhilerating effect, I feel
particularly good on this run, finding back a positive mood.
Needless to say I return thoroughly drenched, not sure whether
I'll be able to dry shoes and clothes by tomorrow.
Later in the day, spectacular videos of flooding on Khairani road
are being circulated.
33rd reading Dhuhr Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah,
Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh;
Asr Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil, Surat al-Muddaththir,
Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/20/2025, 25 Safar 1447 -- Heavy Rain
Chandivali - Raheja Vihar Short - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka -
Andheri Ghatkopar - Asalpha, Jagruti Nagar - Bhatwadi Long -
Khairani Rd - Nahar
Time: 0:59:02
Mileage: 5.69 Miles - 9.15 Km
Pace: 10'22"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
Another poor night's sleep, and I wake up drained.
Yet I still stick to the plan
of running today. A break in the rain, but I start the run
very poorly, feeling sore and dizzy, wondering if I should turn
back. But I do find my breath little by little, as the rain starts
to pick up. Feeling better and better after Saki Naka I extend
the run through Bhatwadi, the rain now turning into another downpour,
although not as violent as yesterday (luckily I am wearing my cap).
Roads are very wet obviously, but through Khairani road the
dramatic flooding has subsided, and I pass through without
a problem, my form mirroring the crescendo in rainfall.
Later, I complete the 33rd reading of the Book.
33rd reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at,
Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin,
Surat al-Inshiqaq;
Asr Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq, Surat al-A'la,
Surat al-Ghashiyah, Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad, Surat ash-Shams,
Surat al-Lail, Surat 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/22/2025, 27 Safar 1447 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Powai Internal Rd - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Orchard -
Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 0:49:21
Mileage: 4.82 Miles - 7.76 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
34th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-Fatihah,
Surat Al-Baqarah till v 60; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 87;
Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till v 122.
I get out early today at 6:15 for this run, as I have
ordered Gulzar's blood test at home for 7:20am. This morning,
on Jummah, I return to Surat Yaseen in Namaaz, which I had
skipped last week. My sleep was somewhat agitated, but all in all
I managed to sleep back.
The rain has generally
stopped, merely an occasional drizzle, still cloudy and blustery.
But the run is somewhat mediocre after all, I probably should
have run shorter today, in preparation for a more
ambitious run tomorrow. I guess I continue to chase my
"4 hours per week" goal, perhaps stupidly.
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2), till v 148;
Surat al-Baqarah till v 197.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/24/2025, 29 Safar 1447 -- Vidya Vihar, Fatima High School
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Naka - Magan
Nathuram - LBS Marg - Kohinoor City - Nathani Rd - Fatima School -
Camalane - Navroji Ln - LBS - Sant Marsi Mehta - Jagruti Nagar -
Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar - Nahar.
Time: 1:25:39
Mileage: 8.28 Miles - 13.33 km
Pace: 10'20"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
34th reading Saturday Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 243;
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 253 (Juz 3), till v 258.
I had plan to run semi-long yesterday (Saturday) to
fulfill my 4 hour weekly goal, but in the morning,
seeing the tide schedule, Gulzar wants to leave or Haji
Ali on this Amavaaz. Without hesitation, I scrap
all running plans to drive her there, we struggle as
often to find parking (in a narrow steep street). The
weather is partially sunny, windy, the place unusually
quiet at this early hour, we sit for some time on the
rocks by the sea until the rising wave dislodge us,
watching many large crabs. Since the previous incident
the ChaiWalla knows us, he tells us today is a great day
as the Hundis are being emptied and collected (about
every three months). Around 10am, a loudspeaker voice calls
us to leave phataphat as the tide is rising, indeed,
we get splashed spectacularly along the walkway as the iron
gates are being shut.
Last night, I have been coughing, and wake up with
that same uneasy sensation, making me reconsider my plans,
thinking I'll run much shorter. But in another complete
reversal, once outside, I end up feeling quite good.
The weather is pleasantly windy, with no rain.
In a whim, I decide to run from Saki Naka along the
back of the airport, just under the landing planes!
It is quiet on this Sunday morning, which perhaps prompt
a small dog aggression, a bit close (but disciplined with
authority). Even at this time though, a portion of the road
is locked in a tight jam as one side is cloed, and vehicles
haved jammed from every side (I meander through this
gridlock). From the wide LBS road, I decide to pursue
ahead to Vidya Vihar, passing the impressive slum buildings,
high bars tightly pressed together, like a canyon where light
hardly penetrates, traversed by desolate trash alleys. I
return back by Fatima High School, a way I had not taken
in some time. Several times on this run, I manage to relax
to regain comfort, finding an easy pace and breathing,
particularly successfull at this. All in all, an excellent
run, and fulfilled my 4 hour goal.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till end.
Classic Powai / IIT route (5.31 Miles) -- 08/30/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/26/2025, 02 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Central -
SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:53:44
Mileage: 5.31 Miles - 8.54 Km
Pace: 10'07"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 70.7 kg - 155.8 lbs
NEW SHOES --
34th reading Monday Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 64;
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4), till v 102.
Wake up before 3:30 with a terrible headache, and
from an uncomfortable dream where I am completely lost
in London, unable to remember even my hotel name. I eat
Advil, and try in vain to sleep back (or did I?).
I get up again at 4:30, strangely feeling very clear,
perhaps the effect of the Advil. And similarly the run
feels surprisingly comfortable, again, able to regain
my breath several times through relaxation. Once again
office has been called off this week (not sure for what
reason though, it isn't raining much), so I stay on these
familiar roads, only regretting the opportunity to go to
Patel 7 Masjid. Tomorrow is Ganesh Chaturti, but I see
no effect thereof (but on Sunday evening we got stuck
a couple times in stopped traffic for the street
celebrations).
34th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 172;
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till end, Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5);
Maghrib Surat An-Nisaah till v 43.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 08/28/2025, 04 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT, to Far Gate - Back - Powai
Plaza - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:53:14
Mileage: 5.12 Miles - 8.23 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 71 kg - 156.5 lbs
Struggled back to sleep around 1 / 2 am, and wake up for once
with the alarm at 5, from a dream. My weight has increased
this morning, where I was expecting a loss perhaps. Yesterday,
we went to Sawale, and visited Yogesh (our home builder) in
Kashele for Ganesh Chaturti.
I go out late (7am) on this run, under a steady rain,
heavy at times. I have switched to re-learning
the Ibrahim verses from Surat al-Baqarah, which I pray in
Namaaz. Running is actually more challenging than I
expected, a little short of breath, but I do manage,
again along this very familiar route. While not as dead
quiet as yesterday, roads are still relatively calm.
My new shoes get "baptized" with the rain and mud,
me who didn't want them to look too new.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 88;
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 116;
Maghrib Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/30/2025, 06 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Back.
Time: 0:53:14
Mileage: 4.96 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 10'43"/mile - 6'39"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
34th reading Friday before Jummah Surat al-Maidah till v 20;
Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 51;
Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till v 87;
Maghrib Surat al-Maidah till v 101.
Yesterday was an excellent day! I went to Masjid for
Jummah (Namaaz under a heavy rain, which fortunately abates
by the time I leave), and enjoy the afternoon, as most
meetings have been cancelled. A moment of peace.
But at night, an unexpected cough wakes me up,
and oppressed breathing keeps me awake.
I eventually do fall back to sleep to an amazing series
of 5 or 6 dreams, each separate, well defined and memorable, and
am woken by the alarm at 5am (could have seen more dreams I feel).
In spite of not feeling so well, still challenged in my breathing,
I still decide to go out running. I start laboriously and very
slowly, but eventually find some comfort and feel better on the
way back. I have elected for the third time this week the classic
Lake Powai / IIT route, a sort of worry-free route, which allows
me to rehearse the first verse of Juz 7 (Surat al-Maidah v83) which
I have started learning this morning. A mediocre run at an
unusually slow pace, but appropriate under the circumstances.
24th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till end,
Surat al-An'aam till v 74;
Maghrib Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8).
-- From Surat al-Maidah (Juz 7) --
Surat al-Maidah, Mahakali Caves (9.77 Miles) -- 09/06/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/01/2025, 08 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 --
Nahar - Raheja Vihar - Saki Vihar - Lake Powai - Visarjan Platform -
Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:44:21
Mileage: 4.27 Miles - 6.87 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.7 lbs
34th reading Sunday Asr Surat al-An'aam till end.
Unusually, I struggled to fall asleep at bedtime,
partially because of loud Ganapati celebrations outside. I
wake up at 4:30 from insufficient rest, continue to learn
a few aayat from Surat al-Maidah. Yesterday, I completed
reading Surat al-An'aam which impressed me greatly, I may go back
to revise that.
Cecile has suffered an unexpected heart attack over the weekend,
she is now recovering in the hospital. I go on this run, feeling tired but
roughly ok, then talk to Jeremie and Madeleine.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 53;
Surat al-A'raf till v 85; Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9),
till v 127; Ishaa Surat al-A'raf till v 158.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/03/2025, 10 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Hiranandani
Nahar - Lakehomes - ORchard - Main St - Techno - Hiranandani
Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT Far Gate - IIT -
Lake Promenade - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:53:48
Mileage: 5.25 Miles - 8.45 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
34th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till end;
Surat al-Anfal till v 29;
Maghrib Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10), till v 65.
Woke up at 4am, but there is too much going on so I get up!
I have learned the first Aayats of Juz 7 (Surah Maidah) and started
reciting them in Namaaz. Around 5am, I talk to Cecile, who has
returned home, and is generally fine.
The run starts a little tired, again, no rain but overcast
skies, but improves a bit on the descent through Padmavati Devi
(although extra challenging to navigate the 1000 obstacles today!)
and running along the lake. I finish in good spirits, still
reciting from Surat al-Maidah.
34th reading Asr Surat al-Anfal till end,
Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till v 43.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/04/2025, 11 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Same in reverse
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Central -
SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:53:59
Mileage: 5.3 Miles - 8.53 Km
Pace: 10'10"/mile - 6'19"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
Yesterday, Gulzar's mammography at 7 Hills Hospital reveals nothing
concerning.
I get up around 4:20 after a better night's sleep. As the days
change, it is too early for Namaaz, and I perform stretching first.
I get out earlier around 6:15, relatively dark, wet but no rain.
This is roughly the same run as yesterday, only in reverse, and
I feel reasonably good. I continue to revise and recite the Aayats
from Surat al-Maidah.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11);
Asr Surat at-Taubah till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/06/2025, 13 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Mahakali Caves
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol
Maroshi - Vijay Nagar Bridge - Seepz - Cross MIDC - Mahakali Caves -
to the Top - Descent E. Side - JVLR - Vallabhai Patel - Mahakali
Caves Rd - MIDC cross - Seepz - 21st Rd - Rd N 16 - Kondivita -
Andheri Ghatkopar - Airport rd, Marol Naka, Saki Naka -
Time: 1:43:44
Mileage: 9.77 Miles - 15.72 Km
Pace: 10'37"/mile - 6'35"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs
34th reading Fajr Surat Yunus till v 21;
Before Jummah Surat Yunus till v 61;
Asr Surat Yunus till end;
Maghrib Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 25.
Yesterday, I woke up around 3:30, looking really dire for
a moment, but through effort and discipline, managed to
sleep back in stages, and felt very proud of it! Today, nearly
the same thing, again wake up at 3am, but more easily sleep
back to a series of dreams (like contiguous episodes), and
uncharacteristically wake up at 5am with the alarm. I continue
to revise and recite Surat al-Maidah in Namaaz.
Feeling well rested, I go out on this run, planning to
finally accomplish my plan of running up to Mahakali Caves.
I find a constant rain outside, heavy at times, and wear my
cap almost throughout. I feel hungry at first, regret having
omitted to take food, but managing carefully my pace the
weakness eventually disappears. In fact, I feel better and
better on this run, manage the climb up Mahakali Caves well,
past the monumental sculpture shop. Feeling this good, I
descend on the other side to the JVLR, to return via
Vallabhai Patel road, my second time here.
The rain does not relent, but especially after the climb,
I am in particularly good control today, keeping the pace
manageable at all times, stay out of struggle. I eventually
decide to return via Andheri Ghatkopar along the Metro line,
and through Khairani road back home, still under a steady
rain, but feeling good.
This ends up being my longest run so far this season,
almost 10 miles, and one of the best, able to manage my
effort at all times (granted, at a slow pace). These type
of "looking for comfort" runs suit me very well at this
age.
When I return though, Gulzar is worried that I've been
out so long under the rain, without the ability to reach me.
Should I relent and get a Smart Watch? Or carry the phone?
The various emergencies around us do bear the question.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 96;
Asr Surat Hud till end.
-- Milaad-un-Nabi on Kharani Road --
Milaad-un-Nabi, Back to Royal Palms (5.43 Miles) -- 09/13/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/08/2025, 15 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 --
Raambagh - JVLR to Saki Vihar - Back via Lake Platform & Promenade -
Lake Rd - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:35:39
Mileage: 3.59 Miles - 5.77 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
34th reading Sunday Morning Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13);
Asr Surat Yusuf till end.
Woke up from another fantastic complex long dream after
several wake-ups in the night, with
the alarm at 5am. Still feeling sleepy, I go on this run unusually
late at 7am, intending to keep it short. Roads are wet, but the
weather is pleasantly sunny, and taking it easy, I enjoy this
smaller wake-up run.
In the evening, thanks to a meeting cancellation, I go to Masjid
for Marghrib, and walk along Khairani Rd to witness the procession
of "Juluz" for Milad un-Nabi.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat ad-Dahr;
Asr Surat Ibrahim till v 35;
Surat Ibrahim till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/10/2025, 17 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Kokan Vikas Mahandal
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Talaab -
Kokan Vikas Mahandal loop - Back - Talaab - Aarey
Dairy - Royal Palms - Dneg
Time: 0:51:30
Mileage: 5.07 Miles - 8.16 Km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 70.1 kg - 154.5 lbs
34th reading Tuesday Morning Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end;
Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till v 71;
Asr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15).
Yesterday, I finally returned to Royal Palms in office, after
about a month. Thanks to a meeting cancellation, I am able to
attend Dhukr ki Namaaz in Patel 7 Masjid, which makes me very
happy.
Today, up around 4:30, revising the "Sal Bani Israel" verses
from Surah Baqarah, and barely started learning Surat ar-Ra'd.
I again go to office in Royal Palms, this time embarking on this
run.
I am greated by beautiful sunny weather, yet still fresh,
and the run feels amazing! I haven't visited this area in a long
time, it could not be better. Running through the Aarey forest and
fields, I realize how I value the silence, an often unconscious
weight on my mind. This ends up being one of my most comfortable
runs in a long time, excellent!!
34th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Isra;
Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 44.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/11/2025, 18 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Imperial Palace
Dneg - Mall - Walk Area - Anumati Resto - Imperial Palace
Climb - Descent - Khet - Lakshmi rd, to Lakshmi Studio & Back -
"Sunrise trail" - Through the Hamlets - Climb through Picadilly 3 -
Anumati - Walk zone - Mall - Dneg.
Time: 0:51:01
Mileage: 4.68 Miles - 7.52 Km
Pace: 10'54"/mile - 6'46"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs (target weight)
Not as "blessed" as yesterday, but still a good run.
I decide to run a second day in a row, attracted by the Royal
Palms environment, and a beautiful weather. Today, back to the big climbs.
Attracted to the morning sun, I head up to the Imperial Palace, feeling
less fluid than yesterday, but I manage the hard
climbs, with burning in the quads.
Back in office, the lifts are still broken, I have anyway
resolved to never use them again, after getting stuck yesterday.
At lunch time, a shortened meeting allows me to rush just in time
for Dhuhr at Patel 7 Masjid, which as usual makes me feel triumphant.
Later, on the way back, after atrocious traffic through Powai,
a policeman unexpectedly pulls me over. It's the samaan in the
car, and the usual "allowed nahi hai" (we should get a yellow
plate if we are transporting goods). I explain to him with
great animation (and entirely in Hindi)
that this is a tent, that we own land near
Karjat, etc. etc., do you know what camping is I ask him? He eventually
gestures me away. Once home finally,
hearing this incident, Gulzar laughs to tears !!!
34th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16),
till v 83; Asr Surat al-Kahf till end, Surat Maryam till v 41;
Maghrib Surat Maryam till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/13/2025, 20 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Vihar Lake
Raambagh - Lake Promenade, Platform - Saki Vihar - Aarey entrance -
Dargah Rd - Lake Vihar entrance - Back
Time: 0:55:36
Mileage: 5.43 Miles - 8.73 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
34th reading Friday before Jummah Surat Ta-Ha till v 77;
Asr Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17), Surat al-Anbiya till v 30.
Gulzar had not slept yesterday, so I am
extremely relieved to find her sleeping deeply
this morning,
and I leave quietly without waking her. As for me, a mild indigestion
leaves me weakened, so luckily, I keep this run short, without
quite knowing where to go, I end up impromptu to Vihar Lake.
Not feeling very good, I control the effort as I can, with occasional
stomach burns, and feeling generally weak, but I still manage.
I was expecting a dramatic weight loss (due to loss of apetite)
but this weight surprises me instead, and I continue to feel
uncomfortably bloated.
I have started including Surat ar-Ra'd in Namaaz.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anbiya till end;
Asr Surat al-Hajj till v 34.
-- Milaad-un-Nabi on Kharani Road --
-- Aqua Metro Line, Worli Seaface Promenade and Haji Ali --
Explorations (8.96 Miles) -- 09/20/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/15/2025, 22 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Hiranandani
Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT Far Gate - Lake
Promenade - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:56:26
Mileage: 5.61 Miles - 9.03 Km
Pace: 10'03"/mile - 6'14"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
34th reading Sunday Asr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18).
A lightning storm and heavy rain at Fajr makes me renounce
to run at first, especially since I continue to feel a bit
weak. But the rain eventually abates, and I set out late around
7am. Surprisingly, this is an excellent run, very good breath
and motion, so I prolong it to nearly an hour, again, totally
unexpected. Still learning Surat ar-Ra'd. Raambagh badly stuck
on the way back, I have to weave skilfully between locked traffic.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'minun;
Asr Surat an-Nur till v 35.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/17/2025, 24 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Muthu Mari Amman
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Cross Aarey - NZ Hostel Climb -
Descent - Talaab - Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms rd - Anna Nagar,
to Muthu Mari Amman Mandir & Back - Royal Palms - Dneg
Time: 0:49:48
Mileage: 4.77 Miles - 7.67 Km
Pace: 10'26"/mile - 6'29"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 93%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs
Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19);
Dhuhr Surat al-Furqan till end, Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 34;
Maghrib Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 160.
Woke up before 3am greatly upset by a dream where
Gulzar has left me! But with discipline, I do manage to fall
back asleep to several nicer dreams, and wake up well
around 4:40. I leave before 6:30 for Royal Palms, start
the run around 7:10.
I start feeling more tentative than I would have thought,
a little sore, "old" so to speak. But relaxing into it, I find a pleasant
rhythm up the NZ Hostel climb, drawn by the deep forest, charmed,
and feel increasingly good. This gives me strength for a new
exploration, long planned: On Royal Palms road, I resolutely
turn left through the hamlet at the road bend, which I believe
should take me towards some Film City side entrance. It is
one of those chawl lanes that reduces gradually, narrower
and narrower, busy with morning activity, school children,
etc. As I reach a "Muthu Mari Amman" temple, the alley
swerves to the right, getting narrower still, which is where
I decide to turn back, without reaching the Film City Entrance.
I finish the run satisfied with this exploration, and feeling
good about my state. Temperatures are pleasantly fresh,
wet roads but no rain.
Dhuhr Surat ash-Shu'ara till end, Surat an-Naml till v 45;
Asr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/18/2025, 25 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 --
Dneg - Royal Palms rd - Aarey Dairy - Cross Aarey Rd - Talaab -
Konkan Vikas Mahamandal loop - Small Bridge, trail to Chawl & Back -
Mahamandal loop cont. - Talaab - Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms - Dneg
Time: 0:59:32
Mileage: 5.66 Miles - 9.12 Km
Pace: 10'31"/mile - 6'32"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs
Up at 4am, a bit too early. I am tempted to not go to office today,
especially since there really won't be much there, but eventually,
the excitement appeals to me, staying home deemed boring, and
motivated by another run in Aarey and going to Masjid, in spite
of the exhaustion risk.
I am actually generally ok, learning another verse from
Surat ar-Ra'd, which I have started to recite in Namaaz. I decide
for the quiet and easier Konkan Vikas route, greeted by pleasant
weather and intermittent sunshine. I feel a little stiff, but breathing
is ok. On the descent from DNeg, an aggressive pack of 5 ot 6
dogs makes me break down to a walk to discipline them. But
the run proceeds well from there.
Like yesterday, I am emboldened to try another exploration.
At the bottom of the loop, I take a small steel bridge which leads
to a narrow trail, passing along (or almost in) forest houses, and
eventually comes out in another narrow shawl. I imagine I should
be able to reach the JVLR, and a man nicely points me the way
(through a very narrow alley), but I decide to turn back, around
the 1/2hr mark (later, trying to find this on the map, I realize
the JVLR was quite a bit further). I return through the same
hidden trail, and complete the usual loop from there, still
managing the pace.
Later, I am wonderfully rewarded for this effort: I manage
to sleep
deeply in my office, wonderfully clearing my mind for a busy day.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Qasas till v 76;
Asr Surat al-Qasas till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/20/2025, 27 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- Jamata rd
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol Maroshi -
Vijay Nagar Bridge - Seepz - Cross MIDC - Rd 23 - Mahakali Caves left -
Jamata Rd - Datta Jagdamba Mandir - Paper Box Rd - MIDC Central - Seepz -
Vijay Nagar Bridge - Marol Maroshi - Makwana - Marol CHS - Andheri
Ghatkopar - Saki Naka - Khairani Rd - Nahar.
Time: 1:30:37
Mileage: 8.96 Miles - 14.42 Km
Pace: 10'06"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs (target weight)
34th reading Friday before Jummah Surat al-Ankabut till v 45
(Juz 21), till end; After Jummah Surat ar-Rum;
Asr Surat Luqman.
After yesterday's stark insomnia, today a good night's
sleep. I make good progress in learning Surat ar-Ra'd, which
I also pray in Fajr ki Namaaz.
Not sure where to run today. It's another pleasant weather
day, no rain, relatively cool. I eventually decide for the Mahakali
Caves area again, attracted by a new exploration there: Instead of
climbing to the top, I take a wide road which I had spotted for
some time, thinking it'll lead me to the Western Highway, or back
to Andheri Ghatkopar. A left turn takes me through smaller streets,
weaving my way through small industrial estates, till I eventually
emerge at a large intersection. It takes me a beat to realize that
this I have reached MIDC central. After a pause, I decide to return
again through Seepz, passing in front of 88 Pictures.
But the return is somewhat laborious. I don't feel quite as
fluid today, and observe three pauses along the way (luckily, I
have carried both water and a bar). This refuels me just enough
to finish the run in acceptable condition, through Saki Naka and
Khairani road. In the end, not the most thrilling run (compared
to the Aarey explorations earlier in the week), but still managed
well, and conclude another 4hours+ week.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat as-Sajdah,
Surat al-Ahzab till v 28;
Ishaa Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till end.
-- Aqua Metro Line, Worli Seaface Promenade and Haji Ali --
-- Our 12th Anniversary in Haji Ali --
12th Anniversary, Short Runs (2.88 Miles) -- 09/27/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/22/2025, 29 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 -- 12th Anniversary
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Heera Pana - JVLR - Raambagh -
DMart - Nahar
Time: 0:26:17
Mileage: 2.65 Miles - 4.26 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs
Yesterday, we went to Haji Ali for our 12th Anniversary.
But because of the tides, for once we reached there in the afternoon.
A wonderful motley crowd there, and we sit under the pavillion, listening
to a lively Qawali group. I go for Namaaz in the Masjid for Asr, moved
by the occasion, this place favors memories, our love, our beginnings,
our move to Mumbai, Haji Ali has always held unique value for
her. I return to the Masjid for Maghrib
again moved by the Namaaz here. When I come out, darkness has set,
the lights feel magical. The man guarding the Ladies Entrance shaking
my hands wishes me kal ke lye mubarak ho (our anniversary is
the 22nd), Gulzar distributes rs.100 bills to all the shoe keepers,
and gives coins to every beggar along the long walkway through the sea.
This morning, I wake up around 4:30, roughly ok, and decide for
a short run, just to wake up. I intend for this to be a small running
week. Besides, I have a plan for today: Running back through Nahar,
I stop in
front of DMart to buy roses, come back home carrying a big new tent
that we bought Saturday, with the flowers. "Happy Anniversary my
Love!"...
34th reading Dhuhr Surat Saba; Asr Surat Fatir.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/24/2025, 01 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 --
Dneg - Walking Zone - Anumati - Imperial Palace Climb - Descent -
Back up through Picadilly 4 - Garden - Anumati - Mall - Dneg
Time: 0:28:17
Mileage: 2.49 Miles - 4 Km
Pace: 11'21"/mile - 7'03"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70.7 kg - 155.8 lbs
34th reading Morning Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23),
till end, Surat as-Saffat till v 22;
Dhuhr Surat as-Saffat till end; Asr Surat Saad.
After yesterday's bad insomnia, a good night sleep, although I still
get up at 4am, but feeling well rested. The usual Surat ar-Ra'd at dawn...
I remember a dream where I stand in a very
long line to buy cigarettes. By the time I reach, only a single Marlboro
is left, and that too in form of a pill. I decline.
The weather is beautiful and cool at first, but the run starts under
a slight drizzle which crescendos to a downpour in the second half. But
this is a pleasant run, determined to take it easy and make this a short
week, I keep the distance very short, turning at the bottom of the climb
right back up through the garden route, under heavy rain but feeling
comfortable on the steep climb. I should really incorporate shorter runs
like this in the future, and perhaps resume mild speed work.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24), till end;
Asr Surat al-Mu'min till v 38; till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/25/2025, 02 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Steep Climbs
Dneg - Climb to Sunrise Balcony (Rd 5) - Back -
Walking Zone - Garden - Climb to Picadilly IV - Down to the Villas -
Climb to Imperial Palace backside - back via Mastermin IV, Moroccan -
Royal Palms rd - Dneg Climb
Time: 0:32:52
Mileage: 2.88 Miles - 4.64 Km
Pace: 11'24"/mile - 7'05"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbs
Up again around 4am, but feeling again fresh and clear. Further study
of Surat ar-Ra'd, then the same in Namaaz.
I decide to run again today, similar to yesterday, a short run.
The Royal Palms Rd is again pinched at the turn through the hamlet,
creating commotion even this early, so I decide to rather return to the
tranquility of the hills. Besides, it's another beautiful partly cloudy
sky, painted by sunlight which peaks through in places. So I decide
to run to the Sunrise Balcony, a short but steep climb, which leads
to a view on the sunrise over Aarey forest. Like yesterday, at a
tranquil pace, I manage well.
While I am in this good disposition, I decide to go climb the
backside of Imperial Palace, the toughest climb in the area, first
taking the "Garden Route" in reverse for the first time. I pass a
group of elderly laughing yoga, then beyond that the forest is
deserted, feeling wonderfully remote.
I take the steep long climb with caution, managing
the pace fine, and return satisfied with this run. I continue to
appreciate these shorter runs, and plan to make them a regular
part of my routine.
On the way to Patel 7 Masjid, an old local man asks me for
instructions. I feel pride at this.
In the evening, I receive the news that my father has
been diagnosed with Melanoma.
34th reading before Dhuhr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25),
till end; Dhuhr Surat ash-Shura, Surat az-Zukhruf till v 26;
Asr Surat az-Zukhruf till end; Ishaa Surat ad-Dukhan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/27/2025, 04 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Storm
Nahar - Raambagh - Service Rd - Orchard - Powai Vihar Complex -
SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:26:28
Mileage: 2.55 Miles - 4.11 Km
Pace: 10'22"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
34th reading after Jummah Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26),
Surat al-Ahqaf; Asr Surat Muhammad, Surat al-Fath.
In keeping with this week's theme, I plan for a short run
today, especially since I wake up somewhat foggy. As I go out,
I realize how dark it is, I hear rain starting, so I turn back
to change shirt and wear my cap. I have done well: This soon
turns into a torrential downpour, and streets are almost as
dark as night. More concerning, I see bursts of lightning,
so keeping to my rule, I soon head back, avoiding the Lake's
wide open space, making this run even shorter than I had imagined.
Good, as planned, this has been one of my shorter weeks this
season, and I plan to include shorter runs in my routine
moving forward. I have reached the end of Surat ar-Rad's first
Ruku, but not quite ready to pray in Namaaz.
34th reading Asr Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf;
Maghrib Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27), till end, Surat at-Tur;
Ishaa Surat an-Najm, Surat al-Qamar.
-- Surat ar-Ra'd, 1st Ruku --
34th Reading, Surat ar-Ra'd, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Vikhroli Exploration (8.26 Miles) -- 10/04/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/29/2025, 06 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- IIT Hill
Chandivali - SM SHetty - Cliff - Central - Techno - Hiranandani
Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT Far Gate - Down JVLR,
to LBS - Back up IIT Hill - Lake Promenade - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 1:08:38
Mileage: 6.62 Miles - 10.65 Km
Pace: 10'22"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
34th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat Ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah,
Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28); Asr Surat al-Mujadilah,
Surat al-Hashr.
I wake up (after multiple times) around 2:45, and for a while,
it feels impossible to sleep back. But through another courageous
determined effort, I do manage to push myself to the visions, and
from there into a deep dream (where I am stuck at work against my
will), woken by the alarm at 5am, feeling miraculously rescued!
It has been raining continuously yesterday, and again through
the night! And again a strong shower while stretching, causing
me to reconsider running plans.
But I persist, get out around 6:45, as the rain is abating,
carrying my cap. The atmosphere is very wet, but down to a blustery
drizzle, actually feeling good and fresh. Carried by that, and
recharged by good sleep and last week's rest, I feel great, and
lengthen this run down (and back up) IIT Hill, feeling excellent
throughout. I have completed learning the 1st Ruku of Surat ar-Rad,
which I have recited in Namaaz, and today am rehearsing Aayat from
the second ruku. A great run, probably aiming for a high mileage week.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff,
Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun; Asr Surat at-Taghabun,
Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/01/2025, 08 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Babasaheb Ambedkar
DNeg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Konkan Vikas Mahamandal,
Long Loop (counter-clockwise) - Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar - Talaab -
Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms - DNeg.
Time: 1:00:39
Mileage: 5.79 Miles - 9.32 Km
Pace: 10'28"/mile - 6'30"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
34th reading Morning Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam,
Surat al-Haqqah; Dhuhr Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh, Surat al-Jinn;
Asr Surat al-Muzzammil, Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah,
Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30).
Yesterday, my father should have started treatment,
but at mid-day, I hear that there
are alarming complications. For the first time perhaps, the idea of
his death becomes real to me. Only in the evening do I learn that
the treatment was able to proceed.
I wake up in the morning not as fresh as yesterday, too early,
(perhaps I should have run yesterday after all). But I stick to the
plan. Even though work will be largely deserted, I still head out
to Royal Palms, mostly for this run, and for Masjid.
It's another beautiful variable day, wet but no rain, timid
occasional sunshine, feeling pleasantly cool and blustery, especially
in Aarey. I don't feel as good as I'd like, but make the most of it.
I opt for the main road (in spite of the congestion at the turn),
and accomplish a new exploration I was planning. Taking the Konkan
Vikas Mahamandal loop in reverse, I continue straight, hoping to
rejoin near the main road. This works out wonderfully!!
It's mostly a small rocky trail, occasionally wider, deep into
the forest, passing through a remote marsh, occasional hamlets and
large cows, eventually comes out through some Adivasi village, and
finally loops back to the main road as I had predicted. I feel better
halfway through the run, fueled by this magical exploration, and
finish the run well. As predicted a very quiet day at work.
Later, I complete my 34th reading of the Qur'an.
34th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at,
Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin,
Surat al-Inshiqaq, 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 adh-Dhuha, Surat al-Inshirah, Surat at-Tin,
Surat al-Alaq, Surat al-Qadr;
Asr 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/03/2025, 10 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Lousy Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - to Powai Plaza & Back
Time: 0:39:33
Mileage: 3.88 Miles - 6.26 Km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'19"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs
35th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-Fatihah,
Surat Al-Baqarah till v 30; Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till v 62.
I have slept very well to many dreams, it is a beautiful
morning, but strangely I feel quite awful on this run, weak,
and inexplicably sore. So I cut this relatively short, still
finding an acceptable pace. The road is badly littered on a
long stretch near the jetty, remnants of Dusserah festivities.
Unexpected weight loss since yesterday. Yesterday evening,
we walk along the Pipeline Bazaar, people, children and adults,
marvel at a full rainbow, shortly before Maghrib.
35th reading before Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 86;
After Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 112;
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2), till v 164.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/04/2025, 11 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Vikhroli Exploration
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - Down IIT Hill - JVLR - past
Railway (3.31M 5.32K) - Alley - Under Kanjurmarg Skywalk - Left along
the tracks, under JVLR - Santoshi Mata Mandir - Orchids School -
Lal Singh Chauhan - Tagore Nagar - JVLR (4.43M 7.13K) - IIT Hill Climb -
IIT - Lake Blvd - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 1:24:49
Mileage: 8.26 Miles - 13.29 Km
Pace: 10'16"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs
I sleep well like yesterday, woken from a deep dream by the alarm
at 5am, but afraid that things might turn bad again, I don't
make any big plans. It is again a pleasant morning, partly cloudy,
windy, and relatively cool. I start again with atypical pains in
the legs, but am soon relieved that my breath feels quite good.
I head out along Lake Powai, projecting to run towards the EEH,
as my strength permits.
But as my comfort and confidence increase, I finally decide
to execute an exploration that I had been projecting for some time:
I turn left into a small downhill alley after the rail tracks,
which leads me to a dark (but busy) street under the Kanjurmarg
walkway, but this time, I turn to the left, hoping this will
take me towards Vikhroli. It does indeed. The alley is surprisingly
busy, probably train commuters, and meanders through the chawl,
till I reach a larger street, the usual chawl landscape, activity,
small houses, street commerce, and temples. At the Orchid International
School (strange location), I turn left, to find Tagore Nagar rd, and
loop back to the JVLR. This exploration has worked out beautifully,
and opens another access into Vikhroli.
I return via more familiar routes up IIT Hill, then another
slight detour through Hiranandani, mastering effort and pace all
along, very satisfying after yesterday's bad run. I continue to
learn Surat ar-Ra'd all along the way. This concludes another 4hr+
running week.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 189.
Bangalore (7.42 Miles) -- 10/10/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/07/2025, 14 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Babasaheb Ambedkar
Dneg - Royal Palms - Aarey Dairy - Konkan Vikas
Mahamandal - Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar - Aarey Rd -
Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms - SR rd - Dneg
Time: 0:53:13
Mileage: 5.18 Miles - 8.34 Km
Pace: 10'16"/mile - 6'23"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
35th reading Monday Morning Surat Al-Baqarah till v 229;
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 253 (Juz 3), till v 267;
Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till end.
Yesterday was a horrible meltdown. With Crosby's visit
in Royal Palms, I felt awful, a severe case of brain fog, barely able
to see or talk. Luckily I escape around 2pm after a painful lunch
(unfortunately had to skip Masjid) and rest at home a little. After
such a terrible day, today was borne to be better...
I wake up at 4am, after several wake-ups and dreams,
actually feeling fine. This early, I decide to run in Royal Palms.
I start around the usual 7am, another partly sunny day, pleasant
temperatures. I am scared that perhaps my state will plummet
like yesterday, but I feel more or less fine, take it at a comfortable
pace, decide to head back to last week's discovery, the remote
Ambedkar Rd. Indeed, it plunges deep through the forest, with
several turns and surprises, through adivasi hamlets, large cows.
Today I return directly through Aarey road, and climb up the
slum alley passing by the Masjid to return to DNeg. This route
ends up being longer than I had thought. But I do feel better
than yesterday, phew!
And then, a small miracle: because of an administrative mistake,
I am kept out of the visit to Film City! I accept profuse apologies,
while barely hiding how profoundly delighted I really am! I therefore
stay in office over lunch, able to advance Tilaavat Qur'an
and attend Dhuhr ki Namaaz at Patel 7 Masjid after all.
As usual, this
last minute change, which has allowed me to perform Ibaadat, makes
me giddily happy, a small sense of triumph! What a good
day after yesterday's struggle!
Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 93 (Juz 4);
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 149.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/08/2025, 15 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Fields
Dneg - Mall - Walking Zone - Imperial Palace Climb -
Descent - Khet - Sunrise Trail - Small trail to the right -
to a group of trees - Back - Through the Hamlets - Piccadilly 4
Climb - Garden - Walk Zone - Dneg
Time: 0:47:06
Mileage: 4.36 Miles - 7.01 Km (uncertain)
Pace: 10'48"/mile - 6'43"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 70.8 kg - 156.1 lbs
I wake up at 2:45, unfortunately, in spite of dedicated efforts,
unable to sleep back. I get up after 4am to Tilaavat Qur'an,
feeling tired, but not awful.
Again running from Dneg, this time, heading for the
hills, hoping to gently wake myself up to another beautiful
morning, sun on one side and full moon on the other,
near winter like atmosphere with a cool mist. I am indeed
tired and surprisingly sore, but taking it very easy try to find
my rhythm, and feel gradually better in the second half.
This emboldens me to another daring exploration: I turn
right at the "sunrise trail", a small trail descending into the
open fields, passing occasional slumdwellers (some
exercising in the morning dew), very muddy in parts,
but otherwise beautiful. The trail seems to peter off
at a group of trees where a man is sitting, I ask him
whether agey rasta hai, but no, he points me to the left,
towards the woods. I decide to turn back here and start
the climb back up, which I do through the hamlets and
the steep Garden Climb (where I think I see a large snake
disappearing into the brush), and impressive
cows (which let me pass peacefully). Still tired, but managing
the run well, luckily, able to rest briefly at work, just enough
to clear my mind a little. And like yesterday, in spite of the
happenings at work, I manage Tilaavat Qur'an and Dhuhr ki Namaaz
at Patel 7 Masjid!
35th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till end;
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/10/2025, 17 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Patalama Levet
Aloft Hotel - down to railway tracks and back - Whitefield rd
to Hope Farm - to Chansandra - Patalamma level - left along the tracks -
AB Vajapayee - back to main rd - Hope Farm - ITPL - Aloft Hotel
Time: 1:13:59
Mileage: 7.42 Miles - 11.94 km
Pace: 9'58"/mile - 6'12"/km
35th reading Fajr Surat An-Nisaah till v 51.
I am in Bangalore for work. Arrived yesterday, I slept
very poorly last night, a jet lag feeling, and still get up
at 4am, motivated to perform Tilaavat Qur'an before the day
starts, then Surat Yaseen in Namaaz, on this Jummah ka din.
The rain has stopped since yesterday evening (we got
drenched walking to a party). I realize that I have forgotten
my socks! But not to be deterred, I still go out on the run
as planned.
The Hotel is on the small downhill road along Prestige
Shantiniketan, which leads to a narrow passage beyond the
rail tracks. My goal is to run from there in the beautiful
farm lands, one of my old classic routes. But when I reach
the railtracks, I first try to pass through the tunnel -
immediately stepping in a deep grey mud! Retreating hastily,
I attempt to pass over the tracks, to find that blocked
by a very long freight train, barely moving, which will take
a long time to clear (workers are waiting on the other side).
So I have to turn back in disappointment, head back towards
the main road instead.
This isn't as nice as I had planned, but a new idea forms
along the way: run to Chansandra, and from there to the left
through Patalama Levet, where I used to spend hours
with Ubagarimary and her daughter Velangani. Though the place
has changed, some features are still recognizable, the Prashanti
Complex where Gulzar had her biryani shop, and through
Patalama Levet the vacant lot still seems to be there, but
I don't find the small Patalama Mandir. There is now an
underpass at the railroad crossing, but I veer to the left,
remembering a road that cut back through villages and open
fields. That too has changed, now fully developped, but does
bring me back to the main road, from where I complete the
run back to ITPL. I am tired by the lack of sleep, but still
manage the run ok.
And then, around 12, with my usual obstinacy, I leave
ITPL to walk to the Nexus Mall, where Google tells me there
is a Masjid. I indeed find it nearly hidden on the last floor,
near the Parking area, a beautiful long room where indeed
a sizable Jammat gathers. After a brief Bayaan, the Imaam
recites from the last ruku of Surat ar-Rahmaan, moving me
to unexpected tears. Again, I walk back after Namaaz with
a sense of accomplishment and triumph. No doubt on future
trips I'll return to this Masjid isha allah!
On Saturday morning, I wake up again around 3am, use
the time to perform Tilaavat Qur'an, and after Fajr ki Namaaz
at 5am, head out the airport, returning to Mumbai fine.
35th reading Saturday Fajr Surat An-Nisaah till v 92.
Kanjurmarg (9.33 Miles) -- 10/18/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/13/2025, 20 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Nana Palshikar - Hirandandani Hospital - Main St - Central - High St -
Cliff - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:56:25
Mileage: 5.61 Miles - 9.02 Km
Pace: 10'03"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs
35th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 116.
I have made a striking semi-nightmare
in which government forces are expected to visit each home at night
to verify all papers!! But after multiple episodes, I get up
reasonably well around 4:30 still wondering whether
after yesterday's tired day, I'll be able
to run today (or even want to).
But the opposite happens, yet again! The rains are definitively
over now, clear sunny skies, but still mild coolness in the morning.
Contrary to expectation, I find a near perfect breath today, very
easy and smooth, one of those perpetuem mobile runs, where
it feels it could last on. I let myself enjoy the feeling, while
memorizing another Aayat from Surat ar-Ra'd.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6), till end;
Maghrib Surat al-Maidah till v 44.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/15/2025, 22 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 --
Dneg - Royal Palms - Aarey Dairy - to School & Back -
Aarey Rd - Lakshmi Rd - Sunrise Trail - Through the Hamlets -
Piccadilly IV Climb - Garden - Anumati - Palms Island,
Mastermind III - Dneg Climb.
Time: 1:00:26
Mileage: 5.74 Miles - 9.23 Km
Pace: 10'32"/mile - 6'33"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 64%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
35th reading Tuesday Morning Surat al-Maidah till v 67;
Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till end;
I am startled up around 2am by a violent leg cramp (these
are happening more and more, usually in the toes...). This also
wakes up Gulzar, I do sleep back after a long time, but when I
am awaken at 5am, she hasn't slept back, her second bad night
in a row. That, and other worries, puts a somber start to my morning.
This is another day where I am on the brink of giving up
running. I imagine a life without running, open with new possibilities,
and worn down by tiredness, and an unusual knee pain, I wonder
if this should be it. But once again in such a state, I am blessed
with a miraculous run, which completely flips the mood!
I start from Royal Palms down the main road, in spite of
my worries, like on Monday, I quickly find out that I am feeling
perfectly fine. My breath is comfortable, and my knee doesn't
bother me in running. Gradually emboldened, I get increasingly
ambitious as the runs progresses. It is another sunny morning,
with surprisingly cool pleasant temperatures, almost winter-like.
I first decide to finally explore the side road to the school,
a remote road in the forest that climbs gently, but dead-ends too
soon at the school entrance. I turn back. But there, feeling this
could be a near perfect day, I resolve to go down the main road
to go climb back up through the hills of Royal Palms, first
time running this loop in that direction. The main
road section is unpleasant, too narrow for the aggressive traffic,
but I find a wonderful sense of peace from Lakshmi road onwards.
In this continuing blissful state, I decide to extend the trail to
Sunrise point, basking in the warm morning light, and return
via the hamlets, and finally the steep climb by Mastermind IV.
Even there I do not struggle at all today.
An exceptional run !!
35th reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8);
Maghrib Surat al-An'aam till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/17/2025, 24 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Ridge - Orchard - Powai Plaza -
Lake Promenade - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:39:16
Mileage: 3.92 Miles - 6.31 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'13"/km
Temperature: 26C; Humidity 71%
Weight: 71.1 kg - 156.7 lbs (expected)
35th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 59;
Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9), till v 100.
In the eternal law of contraries, I wake up
very well, after easily falling asleep multiple times in
the night, but once out, I unexpectedly struggle to find
my breath. It's another clear sunny morning, but contrary
to what says the weather report, I feel the freshness is
gone. In spite of a good wake-up, excellent Surat
Yaseen in Namaaz, this run feels unexpectedly laborious,
struggling to find my breath, a sharp contrast with the
wonderful runs earlier in the week. Oh well, I still
manage, feel a little better on the return, and keep
this relatively short. My weight is hard to control:
I often feel dizzy or tired during the day, and have
to multiply snacks, for fear of dimming down severely in
meetings.
35th reading Fajr Surat al-A'raf till v 142;
After Jummah Surat al-A'raf till v 163;
Asr Surat al-A'raf till end;
Maghrib Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/18/2025, 25 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Kanjumarg
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - Down IIT Hill - JVLR -
Seth Govindram Jolly - Kanjur Village - St Xaviers Rd - Ashok Najar Rd -
Veer Savarkar - Kanjur Village - Bridge over the Railway - LBS Marg -
IIT Hill - IIT - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 1:38:03
Mileage: 9.33 Miles - 15.02 Km
Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 71.1 kg - 156.7 lbs
Not a good night, we both wake up in the night. But I do manage
several episodes of sleep, and wake up a bit before 5am, to a
heartfelt Namaaz. I leave around 6:30, not sure what to expect
after yesterday's challenging run. But I find that, in spite of
feeling sore, my breath is much better, in fact, it evolves to
the same great form I enjoyed earlier in the weak, easy, nearly
effortless, which will carry me through the morning. It is again
a sunny morning, beautiful sunrise, but a bit warmer. I opt for
a small exploration in Kanjur Village, taking right into the
Chawl for the first time.
The road, narrow at times, traverses the charming chawl
neighbourhoods, but instead of leading to the highway
as I expected, gradually
arcs back to Kanjur Village. I feel particularly excellent by now,
effortless, pass the IIT climb and return home perfectly in control,
feeling I could have gone longer - all the while rehearsing a new
verse of Surat ar-Ra'd.
35th reading Surat at-Taubah till v 38.
Sunday Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11);
Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till end.
Hiranandani Hill (6.51 Miles) -- 10/25/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/21/2025, 28 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Sick
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Nana Pashikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Techno - Main St - Orchard -
Heera Pana - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:56:01
Mileage: 5.46 Miles - 8.79 Km
Pace: 10'15"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
35th reading Monday Dhuhr Surat Yunus till v 41;
Asr Surat Yunus till end.
I was sick all Diwali weekend, cancelling all plans for an excursion
to Sawale or to the Sea, mostly staying home with a very very runny nose.
This morning feels roughly the same, perhaps slightly better, but I still
decide to run and see what happens. But a cat incident jolts us in the
morning: As I was in the toilet, I push the door closed as it was slowly
opening. I hear loud cries: Daulat's hand got stuck (she was pushing the
door), and Kismat, misunderstanding the danger starts to attack her, with
Gulzar jumping in between!! It takes a little time to calm every down,
luckily, no one is hurt.
I have reached the Sajdah in Surat ar-Ra'd, which I pray in
Namaaz, fighting sneezing interruptions from my runny nose. Once I go out,
I find the streets nearly deserted, wonderfully quiet after a night of
explosions and tumult, the ground littered with Patake. To my great
surprise, in the capricious law of contraries, I find my breath to be
near perfect, feel rested and fluid on the run, easy. So I proceed ahead
along Lake Powai and through the Powai Chawl, enjoying this unexpected
excellent form, marveling in its contrast, and continuing to rehearse
Surat ar-Ra'd.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 69;
Asr Surat Hud till end, Surat Yusuf till v 36.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/22/2025, 29 Rabi ath-Thani 1447 -- Langur
Nahar - Raheja Vihar (full) - Saki Vihar - To Pipeline & back -
JVLR - Lake Powai - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:54:33
Mileage: 5.35 Miles - 8.61 Km
Pace: 10'11"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
News yesterday that my father's treatment cannot be continued.
They will now attempt surgery as soon as possible.
In spite of all this, and the continuing explosions of patake
at night, I have been blessed with good sleep lately, easily falling
back asleep to many dreams, confirming how sleep patterns are not
necessarily related to stress. This morning I wake up around 4:45,
reciting again up to the Sajdah in Fajr ki Namaaz. My health feeling
better, I am determined to drive to work, pack my bag, but soon
revert that resolution to stay home. I also resolve to skip running
for another gym session today, but that too changes, and I go out,
to beautiful clear skies.
A somewhat different route today, through Raheja Vihar and Saki
Vihar to the Pipeline. It is also very quiet today, although whatever little
traffic there is proves to be a problem. I nearly get hit by a crazy
motorbike rushing by the narrow opening to the left of a bus, then
soon after am pushed to the side by a rickshaw that decides to stop
right in front of me. But my running is otherwise good, not as blessed
as yesterday, a little stiffer, but still I find a good breath, and
enjoy the outside. I am rewarded for this good effort on the way back:
At the entrance of Raambagh, I spot four or five Langur monkeys sitting
on a low roof, a woman trying to chase them away by throwing rocks.
Coincidentally, my "Muslim Friend" stops by there as well, and we
exchange a few words. The woman says these langur aate rehte hain,
but it is the first time I've seen them in Chandivali.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13), till end;
Asr Surat ar-Ra'd.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/24/2025, 02 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Hiranandani Hill
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - South Hill - Castle Rock -
Steep Climb to Helipad Gate - Descent - Castle Rock - High St -
Orchard - Heera Pana - Customs Colony - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:57:13
Mileage: 5.15 Miles - 8.3 Km
Pace: 11'05"/km - 6'53"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 71.2 kg - 157 kg (!!)
35th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat Ibrahim;
Asr Surat al-Hijr till v 2 (Juz 14), till end;
Surat an-Nahl till v 51 (Sajdah);
I am startled awake by loud Patake explosions shamelessly around
11pm! Struggle a bit to sleep back, but otherwise, continued to be
blessed with excellent sleep, falling back easily to multiple dreams,
and wake up with the alarm at 5am, unfortunately with a tenacious
headache. I continue to learn Surat ar-Ra'd, and a well felt Surat
Yaseen in Namaaz, on this day Jummah.
I head out on this run later than usual around 7am, but it is
a quiet day with no particular hurry. It is beautiful outside, yet
more overcast, and markedly warmer and humid. I plan on a shorter
run, reserving strength for tomorrow. My headache still bothers, but
creates almost a pleasant mind lightness on the run.
And I get inspired along the way: Eventually, I resolve to tackle
the steep hills of Hiranandani, first the South Avenue climb, then
Castle Rock, and most notably the climb to the Helipad, which I have
not visited in a very long time. This is indeed a very steep difficult
climb, and a desolate somewhat foreboding road (no vehicular traffic,
only slumdwellers walk here), a surprising feeling of remote isolation
in the middle of the posh Hiranandani area. I manage the steep sections
at a very slow pace, running to my breath, nearly a walk, but make it
through, crossing occasional locals, passing by an informal temple,
several dogs (peaceful), till I reach the steel door to the Helipad -
as usual closed. I turn back into the descent satisfied with this
daring route.
From there, an easier way back home, "back into civilisation",
along posh neighborhoods and gentle descents, I make it back with
no problem, clocking nearly an hour, much longer than I had
anticipated.
35th reading Morning Surat an-Nahl till v 101;
Before Jummah Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15);
After Jummah Surat al-Isra till v 71;
Asr Surat al-Isra till end, Surat al-Kahf till v 45;
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/25/2025, 03 Jumada al-Ula 1447 --
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - to Saki Vihar - Lake Platform - Lake
Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Pashikar - Hiranandani
Hospital - Techno - Main St - Orchard -
Time: 1:07:14
Mileage: 6.51 Miles - 10.48 Km
Pace: 10'19"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 71.2 kg - 157 lbs
Wake up a little tired with the alarm at 5am. Going to Sawale today,
I keep this run relatively short, this familiar route is designed to
provide a little over an hour of running - which it does. I don't
feel great, but not miserable either, make the most of this run,
feeling increasingly comfortable as I go. And of course rehearsing
Surat ar-Ra'd, past the Sajdah. This has proven to be the exact
right length for the day, we are still able to leave for Sawale
in the morning, to moderate traffic.
35th reading Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till v 83;
Surat al-Kahf till end (in Sawale).
Sunday 35th reading Ishaa Surat Maryam.
The Way to Film City (4.84 Miles) -- 11/01/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/27/2025, 04 Jumada al-Ula 1447 --
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Central - SM Shetty -
Chandivali.
Time: 0:40:52
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.48 Km
Pace: 10'09"mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs (better)
Sunday 35th reading Ishaa Surat Maryam.
We went to Sawale over the weekend. I have mounted the
small tent, but in the evening, an unbelievable deluge!
We take shelter at the nearby restaurant for dinner, watching
a torrential rain that does not abate, lighting strikes and
thunder, water streaming in cascades from the metal roof!
I drive back very cautiously through this Maelstrom, managing
my wipers who I know can get stuck. Back at the property,
the area around the tent is flooded, so we settle to sleep in
the car, Gulzar in the back seat, me in the trunk, with the
hood open. At some point, I venture out to the tent to get
pillows and bedsheet, inside, it's surprisingly dry, but the
floor is like a waterbed, sort of floating on the water (luckily
we have put a tarp underneath). I sleep briefly in the car,
bothered though by insects, but not wanting to close the hood.
Around 10:30 though, judging that the storm has finally abated,
I go explore the tent once more, the water there has settled
into the ground, and the tent interior is surprisingly dry.
I invite Gulzar to sleep inside, we again move pillows and
sheets. Compared to the car, the tent feels like a haven
of comfort!
I wake up around 5am, after several episodes of sleep,
all in all feeling quite good. I decide to pray Namaaz on
the foundation of the house, in the lower part of the terrain,
on the way, my light catches a large web being spun by a spider,
who is running around with great agility in concentric circles.
I pray Fajr ki Namaaz on the hard ground, for the first time
on the location of our future house.
We then go on a wonderful morning walk!
We find a new road which I thought was
a dead-end, which leads far, meandering among plots and areas of
wilderness, occasional views of the mountains, mostly sunny, all
glistening in water and shabnam.
We stop to sit in a stream, then continue
past the end of the road into a trail which gradually dissolves
in the brush, with to our right an impressive
wall that curves up and down along the relief of a vertical cliff.
This descends towards the river, but we eventually turn back
as it feels too impractical to continue.
On the way back, we sit again by a large well, I contemplate for a while
a frog which slowly drifts on the water, content to not move. It's
been a wonderful promenade.
Back at the property, I pack the tent just in time before another
strong shower, we leave early fortunately, as the traffic proves
difficult through every village, but we make it home fine.
Monday morning, a good night after returning from Sawale, tired
by the drive back.
I wake up shortly before 5am, again sleeping well to many dreams.
But the run is somewhat laborious, I barely manage to find my breath,
and keep this relatively short and familiar, without pushing it.
I feel again slightly sick, not surprising after the weekend's
activities, and as usual devoured by insect bites.
Along Hiranandani, I notice that a tall corrugated metal wall has
been put up, chasing all the encampments away from the street -
where have these people gone? Surely new tall posh tall buildings
will be built here by Hiranandani.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha till v 105;
Asr Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17), Surat al-Anbiya till v 42.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/28/2025, 05 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- The way to Film City
DNeg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Aarey Rd (right) -
Royal Palms Rd - Kaccha Rasta to the left - Break in the wall -
to Flim City Rd - Back - Royal Palms - Patil 7 - Dneg.
Time: 0:39:48
Mileage: 3.85 Miles - 6.2 Km
Pace: 10'20"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 74%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs
I have again slept well, remembering all my dreams (are the two
related?). My father's surgery successfully happened yesterday.
Back to office after a long time, I arrive at the usual 7am,
no more rain, mixed skies, leaving temperatures pleasantly
fresh. But I find that like yesterday my running isn't as comfortable
as I'd like, breathing a bit laborious, and another sore start. Wanting
to keep this short, and feeling relatively bored, I decide to turn
right into Aarey road to loop back to Royal Palms, a relatively
unpleasant experience, as I get nearly pushed off the road twice
by motorcycles (one stops after I have yelled in protest).
But an inspiration forms along the way: Why don't I try
the dirt road to the left, which might be the long heard off access
to Film City? I do that, my second attempt in that direction, this
time through a wider way which narrows somewhat through the Chawl,
till it reaches a half broken wall, where the path continues as
a trail. I ask someone, he confirms that this does lead to Film
City, but "zyada andar nahi jaa sakte". I decide to push
the exploration, passing a couple school children walking there,
and soon come out on a wide busier road, most likely Film City.
I decide to turn back not knowing whether passing here is
authorized, and anyway satisfied enough with this breakthrough.
Later, looking at the map, I realize that I actually have
reached the Whistling Woods School in Film City, entirely
by-passing all security checks!
As usual, the exploration has invigorated my running,
I feel much better now, and return via the slum ascent by
the Patel 7 Masjid, where a pack of dogs erupts at me. An
old man rises to threaten them with a rock,
I manage them ok, "kuch nahi karenge" I tell the old man who
nods smiling.
35th reading Morning Surat al-Anbiya till end,
Surat al-Hajj till v 23; Dhuhr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18),
Surat al-Mu'minun till v 51; Asr Surat al-Mu'minun till v 93,
Surat al-Mu'minun till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/30/2025, 07 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- 5 Climbs
DNeg - "Sunrise Balcony" Climb (Rd 5) - Descent - Anumati -
"Royal Palms Villa" Climb - Descent - "Imperial Palace" Climb -
Descent - "Picadilly IV" Climb - Garden - Palm Island V -
"Dneg" Climb.
Time: 0:39:22
Mileage: 3.42 Miles - 5.5 Km
Pace: 11'30"/mile - 7'09"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
35th reading Wednesday Morning Surat an-Nur till v 35;
Dhuhr Surat an-Nur till end;
Asr Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19), till end.
It was hot yesterday, but this morning,
to my great surprise, a light rain.
Unlike yesterday, I wake up very clear, around 4:30. I decide for another
relatively short run in Royal Palms, but in quest of solitude, decide to
head for the hills. In fact, on an inspiration, I decide to climb a series
of very steep hills in succession. And I feel absolutely great!
Rarely has my breath been so perfect, so effortless, in spite of the
steep grades. Helped in this by a constant light drizzle, which keeps
the temperature nicely fresh. So as planned, I climb one after the
other, all very steep, but feeling great, hardly any struggle with
my breath. Some of these roads feel very remote as I hoped for,
an exciting sense of wonder.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat ash-Shu'ara;
Asr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/31/2025, 08 Jumada al-Ula 1447 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Techno - Hiranandani Hospital -
Back Techno - Central - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:46:49
Mileage: 4.67 Miles - 7.51 Km
Pace: 10'01"/mile - 6'14"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
35th reading Fajr Surat an-Naml till end,
Surat al-Qasas till v 22;
I wake up at 4am with a solid headache, but get up eager to
perform Tilaavat Qu'ran before Fajr, as the schedule might be
heavy today. I recover slowly, and feel quite good in Namaaz,
and even better once outside.
This is an unusual run, normally I would not run today, as
this most likely will constitute 3-days-in-a-row and a 5-days-run-week.
Like yesterday, an unseasonal
pediodic drizzle outside, which keeps things pleasantly cool,
and avoids oversweating. To my surprise, I pass an organized
run in Hiranandani ("Run for Unity"). I eventually find myself feeling
so comfortable that I take a small detour to the Powai Plaza,
and finish the run in
particularly excellent form, not tired, excellent breath, and
reasonably fluid. Hope I won't pay these extra miles tomorrow.
Morning Surat al-Qasas till v 61;
Before Jummah Surat al-Qasas till end;
After Jummah Surat al-Ankabut till v 23;
Asr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/01/2025, 09 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Classic
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Powai Internal - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Orchard - Lakehomes -
Chandivali.
Time: 0:49:06
Mileage: 4.84 Miles - 7.79 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
I wake up again at 4, but this time feeling rather tired.
After considering many options, I settle for a moderate run on the
most classic worry-free route, cancelling any ambitious plans. I
decide well, as I do feel tired and a bit sore, but still make the most
of this lower key run. Again it is wet and very muddy outside, with
occasional short showers, unseasonal, but keeping temperatures
nicely cool. This "five-days-a-week" thing has not worked so well,
better to stick with my four-days-a-week routine, which better suits
my age and condition. Rest days are a must (and I do enjoy them).
35th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat ar-Rum;
Ishaa Surat Luqman, Surat as-Sajdah.
-- 2nd Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd --
2nd Ruku, into Bhandup (10.64 Miles) -- 11/08/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/03/2025, 11 Jumada al-Ula 1447 --
Nahar - Raheja Vihar (full) - Saki Vihar - To Pipeline & Back -
JVLR - Lake Powai - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:54:31
Mileage: 5.34 Miles - 8.59 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 70.8 kg - 156.1 lbs (disappointing)
A good wake-up after multiple episodes of sleep. I wake up early,
continuing to rehearse and recite Surat ar-Ra'd.
The run feels fine. Roads are still wet, but no rain on the run,
pleasant temperatures. My running is not exceptional, but quite
relaxed and pleasant. My weight disappoints slightly.
Yesterday, a historical date: For the first, yielding
to Gulzar's insistance, I HAD A PEDICURE. For that, I have
finally overcome my bizzare phobia of someone touching my
little toe! I keep things in control when that happens, drawing
on my experience as a runner, or from enduring medical exams.
I do well, and as Gulzar predicted, actually enjoy the experience,
come out of it with "Baby Feet".
35th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till end;
Asr Surat Saba.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/05/2025, 13 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Bigger Loop
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Konkan Vikas Mahamandal -
To Police Training Ground & Back - Loop cont. -
Back to Talaab - Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms - Picadilly I climb - Dneg.
Time: 0:58:22
Mileage: 5.67 Miles - 9.12 Km
Pace: 10'17"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
35th reading Tuesday Morning Surat Fatir;
Dhuhr Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23), till end,
Surat as-Saffat; Asr Surat Saad.
A silly incident: Our new fan is occasionally produces
a tapping noise, "tak-tak-tak-tak...", which wakes me up at
12 am, and after painfully falling back asleep, again at 3am.
Gulzar has by then gone to the hall, I turn off the fan, on
the AC, and try my best against the insomnia curse.
Through discipline and
great perseverance, I manage to push myself to vague visions,
à l'antichambre du sommeil, but no actual sleep.
This might have sufficed though, miraculously, when I
eventually get up at 4:30, I feel relatively fine.
Before dawn, I manage to finish learning the long Zabada verse.
A glorious full moon, getting red at the approach of sunrise,
thrones near the horizon. After all this, I get out earlier than
usual. It will be one of those miraculous runs today.
From DNeg, I run to the Konkan Vikas loop, warning up on
the descents from Royal Palms. Skies are mostly clear, beautiful
morning sunshine, and fresh temperatures. I feel a little sore
at first, but warm up well into the run, find my breath.
Feeling better and better, I extend the run, continuing straight
in the Konkan Vikas fields, hoping to reach the NZ Hostel through
back roads. The landscape, bathed in a slight mist, is remarkably
peaceful. As often, I pass a young dead cow, thrown there on the
side of the road. Eventually, I reach the Police Training ground
and its large structures, but am stopped by an "Entry Prohibited"
sign (long gone are the days when Gulzar and I would freely roam
there), so I turn back. A road to the left soon takes me back,
describing a better loop through the area, which will probably
become the norm now. I continue to feel near perfect in the
morning light, rehearsing that verse from Surat ar-Ra'd along
the way. Approaching Royal Palms, one more small detour, I climb
back up through a side road, which too will probably become a
new norm. I return to office immensily satisfied.
When I reach our 4th floor, the guard seeing drenched in
sweat asks surprised: "Barish ho raha hai kya?". I laugh in
response: "Nahi, passina, mein daur raha tha"...
35th reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24), till end,
Surat al-Mu'min till v 28; Asr Surat al-Mu'min till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/07/2025, 15 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Road Closure?
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - to Saki Vihar - Lake Platform - Lake
Promenade - Overpass - Orchard - Heera Pana - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:50:31
Mileage: 5.03 Miles - 8.09 Km
Pace: 10'02"/mile - 6'14"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 kg (good)
35th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25),
till end; Surat ash-Shura till v 10;
Asr Surat ash-Shura till end; Maghrib Surat az-Zukhruf.
Yesterday was another terrible insomnia. Gulzar has fixed the fan,
but I have still woken up multiple times till around 3:45, but this
time did no find the strength to push myself to the visions. So I got
up at 4, eager to finish learning the 2nd Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd.
I eventually decide to stay home (rather than another day
in office), which relieves me greatly. But strangely I struggle
to find deep sleep during the day too. In spite of the exhaustion,
I will go twice to Rahat Hotel ki Masjid (Dhuhr and Maghrib), and
have advanced significantly Tilaavat Qur'an.
And today I get up at 4:08, early, but much better than yesterday's
3am. A strange battle between our cats has occurred last night, which
surprisingly does not abate, and we have to separate them. I feel
much better, confirming the last verses of the 2nd Ruku, and praying
Surat Yaseen in Namaaz, then set out a little early at 6:20am, still
in partial darkness. The purpose of this route is to see whether the
announced road closure along the JVLR (which is sure to paralyse the area)
has come into effect: The answer is no, all is still open.
It's again a beautiful lightly cloudy morning, pleasantly fresh. And
I feel absolutely great!! Running feels completely relaxed, fluid,
breath natural. If anything, I hold back lengthening the route too
much, as I'm planning a long run tomorrow insha allah. A nearly
perfect run.
Why so good? Well, being rested for sure, no soreness in the body
and clear mind. Also, I have performed a gym session yesterday, which
I think benefits me. As I've said many times, I need to work these gym
sessions
regularly into my schedule, I believe that at my age thay have become
mandatory.
35th reading before Jummah Surat ad-Dukhan,
Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26); Asr Surat al-Ahqaf, Surat Muhammad,
Surat al-Fath.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/08/2025, 16 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Bhandup
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Pipeline Trail - Gate -
into Bhandup - past Anthony Church - To Marathon Building Overpass
& Back - Bhandup Gate - Pipeline - Saki Vihar - Lake Platform -
Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 1:46:28
Mileage: 10.64 Miles - 17.12 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 62%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 151.6 lbs (on target!)
Another severe insomnia last night. But this time it has a cause:
The fighting between our cats continues, of scary violence. Kismat
and Daulat can no longer be in each other's presence, hissing
loudly then lurching at each other with incredibly speed and violence.
In the evening I've read about this: It sounds daunting. Getting
things back to normal could take months! This silly incident turns
in my head at night, preventing sleep.
I get up at 4:30, and comically holding the squirt bottle like a gun,
proceed very carefully to open our door, to not let Kismat in (Daulat
is with us). Indeed, he is ambushed right behind the door, I
immediately squirt him to repel him. In spite of all this, I
proceed with Surat ar-Ra'd revisions, and Namaaz. For once,
I have set a firm running plan for the day which does not waver:
The Aarey Pipeline. In spite of all the agitation, this will
be an exceptional run!
I am greeated again by clear skies and surprisingly fresh
temperatures, Mumbai winter-like come early. The moon features
gloriously in the clear sky. Once along the pipeline, as anticipated
I am charmed by sense of calm, away from the tumult of the city.
Many people are walking here, but no traffic. I am recognized
as usual, and briefly stop to talk: "You haven't come here
in such a long time, we thought you had gone back" tell me
the locals. A group of slum youths run with me for some time,
chatting along, asking where I'm from, and curious about
French repeat "Comment ca va?".
I leave them at the training spot.
I have left it open today, not sure how far I will go, ready
to turn back at any point. But my initial tiredness dissipates
leaving me feeling exceptionally good,
virtually no soreness, an excellent pleasant breath, no strain!
So for the first time this season I decide
to continue past Bhandup gate, venturing on the continuation of
the track through the slums. Here too it is
surprisingly busy with walkers, activity. Still carried by an
exceptional mood, I even continue past Anthony Church road, where
the track gradually empties out, more remote, slum perched on the cliffs
to the left, and laid down in the valley to the right. As the path
becomes increasingly deserted,
I reach an overpass
and some large buildings, decide cautiously to turn back here. This
must already be longer than anything I've run this season, I'll
cautiously save a 2 hour route for the future, hoping that this
year too I can reach the Dargah in Bhandup, insha Allah.
The return is equally pleasant, feeling amazingly easy.
Getting a little hungry, I eat
my bar and drink on the run (I do not stop at all today,
no even at the gates). I return comfortably, saluting my friends
from earlier, a pleasant smooth descent along the pipeline, then
back along Lake Powai, with disconcerting ease. Like a couple
times this week, I complete the run with the marvelous feeling
that I could actually have done more.
My longest run this season, and my longest week, all in amazing
comfort!
35th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf;
Asr Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27), till end.
-- Along the Pipeline into Bhandup --
35th Reading, Vikhroli (9.12 Miles) -- 11/15/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/10/2025, 18 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Miracle Monday
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Platform - Saki Vihar -
Saki Naka - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 0:55:57
Mileage: 5.58 Miles - 8.98 Km
Pace: 10'01"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs
35th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm,
Surat al-Qamar, Surat ar-Rahman;
Asr Surat al-Waqi'ah, Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28).
A particularly great number of wake-ups during the night,
even by my standards, some episodes no more than 10 / 15 minutes.
We have locked Kismat in the alcove behind our bathroom (as their
fight continues), but he miaws continuously all night (luckily
I don't hear him till I go to the bathroom). I get up at 4am,
wake Gulzar, and let him out.
Not sure what to expect this morning outside. I go out for
a cautious recovery run, but in the end, will be blessed with a
case of the "Miraculous Mondays". I have not felt this
good in a long time!
I go out around 6:20, a little before first light.
It is remarkably clear outside (good view of the moon and
Venus). Temperature are unusually fresh, winter-like, another
notch down this morning. I proceed towards the Lake Platform
to check again on the road closure (which still hasn't started),
but I realize that I feel particularly good. My running
is fluid, and most importantly, my breath is near perfect,
effortless. In quasi-disbelief at this good fortune, I extend
the run, and extend again, eventually covering all of Saki Vihar,
along the Metro Line and back via Khairani road, to complete an
amazing near 1 hour loop. I have not felt like this in a long
time, clearly going through an excellent period. Pourvu
que ça dure...
I go twice to Rahat Hotel Masjid today, Dhuhr, and Maghrib.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr;
Asr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff, Surat al-Jumu'ah;
Maghrib Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq,
Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/12/2025, 20 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Aarey
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Konkan Vikas
Mahamandal (long loop) - NZ Hostel - Royal Palms Rd -
DNeg Climb.
Time: 1:06:36
Mileage: 6.57 Miles - 10.58 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 63%
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs
35th reading Tuesday Morning Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam,
Surat al-Haqqah, Surat al-Ma'arij;
Dhuhr Surat Nuh, Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil,
Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah;
Asr Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30),
Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at.
Up at 3:30 unfortunately, and barely able to push myself
to vague visions. Get up at 4am. But decide to go to Royal
Palms, after reciting 2nd ruku in Namaaz. Cats separated,
but quieter.
Still amazingly fresh. I start on the run, warming up into
the descent, cool temperatures. My body is a little sore, but
again I am amazed by the quality of my breath. I opt for a repeat
of last week's route through Konkan Vikas, this new loop will
now become the norm. Again, sunny clear weather, half moon
overhead, and I feel better and better through the morning. So
good that I decide to extend the run by returning through NZ
Hostel, unsure how long this will be. Again, my breath is
perfect throughout, even on the steep last climb, and I
achieve a near perfect run. Wow.
And then I am blessed with a brief excellent sleep
on the couch in office, an excellent start to the day after all.
And later, I complete my 35th reading of the Qur'an.
35th reading Dhuhr Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir,
Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq,
Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq, Surat al-A'la, Surat al-Ghashiyah,
Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad;
Asr Surat ash-Shams, Surat al-Lail, 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/14/2025, 22 Jumada al-Ula 1447 --
Chandivali - SM SHetty - Powai Vihar - Orchard - Powai Plaza -
IIT - Lake Promenade - Lake Platform - to Saki Vihar - Back JVLR -
Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:51:28
Mileage: 5.2 Miles - 8.37 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs
36th reading Thursday Morning Surat al-Fatihah,
Surat Al-Baqarah till v 47; Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 104;
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2);
Unbelievable! Another day of excellent form!!
Sleep has been better for the last couple days, wake-ups, but
recover, and get up generally between 4 and 4:30 feeling fine.
After Surat Yaseen in Namaaz, I embark on this run, meant to be
low-key.
But once again, the temperature is amazingly cold, January-like.
And I feel terrific, near perfect breath, able to push the effort
while feeling in total control. So in these near perfect conditions,
I extend the run a bit, running the full length of the Lake Promenade
on the way back. Not only does this feel effortless, but I can feel
a spirited pace, able to gently stretch my stride and push my
rhythm. This is conformed when I do the numbers: I've run a sub-10'/mile
pace finally, and could surely have done more. Miraculous!
36th reading Fajr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 183;
Before Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 197;
After Jummah Surat Al-Baqarah till v 229;
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 253 (Juz 3), till v 254.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/15/2025, 23 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Vikhroli
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT - Down IIT Hill - JVLR -
Under Kanjurmarg Skywalk - Under JVLR - Santoshi Mata Mandir -
Buddha Vihar - TK Kambla - Ram Hajare - Tagore Nagar Rd - Station Rd -
Vikhroli Station Overpass - LBS - Kailash Complex Rd - Hiranandani -
Main St - Central - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Sangarh Nagar - Nahar.
Time: 1:31:25
Mileage: 9.12 Miles - 14.67 Km
Pace: 10'01"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 48%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs
Another relatively good night of multiple sleeps. Up early.
I do feel sore, and question my initial idea of another long(ish)
run this Saturday. My initial plan was to run another 10 miles or
so through Vikhroli, but I now consider several other options,
thinking I might cut this short. I have started learning the
3rd Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd.
Once out, I do start on the all familiar route along the Lake / IIT,
thinking I'll perhaps keep to that. A very persistent dog insists
on playing my shoes, gently biting my laces and lower legs, I struggle
a little to get him away. My body does feel sore, but my
breath is once again impeccable. And I soon regret the thrill of
exploration of a more ambitious route, so I end up returning back
to my very initial idea: I take the small left turn that
loops back under the JVLR, and into the chawls of Vikhroli!
This is a great environment, and provides me the excitement
I was missing on this beautiful morning. Temperatures are once
again amazingly fresh, winter-like. I run through the small neigborhoods
of Vikhroli, through the chawl, finding my way through various streets,
witnessing the morning activity. Another dog barks at me, quickly
mastered. Feeling good, I end up at the EEH crossing, but take
right towards the far end of Vikhroli station, cross the railway
on the overpass. From there, more familiar roads, up the Kailash
Complex climb (which I handle with poise), and back through
Hiranandani. As a last chawl variant, I cut back through Shangarsh
Nagar, careful to not arouse the dogs there.
This has been another great run, to cap another great week
(almost as much weekly mileage as last week it turns out). I am
enjoying an État de grâce of sorts, an excellent
running form that I have not enjoyed in quite some time (and thought
I might never see again)..
36th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till end;
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 31.
Sunday 36th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4);
Short Runs (3.73 Miles) -- 11/23/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/17/2025, 25 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Small
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Lake Blvd - Lake Promenade -
Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:30:34
Mileage: 3.08 Miles - 4.95 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 17C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 70.5 kg - 155.4 lbs
Excellent sleep (with several dreams), but my excellent shape
has left me. In spite of amazingly cool temperatures, I feel
quite sore on the run, and for once struggle to find my breath.
This is good in a way, I planned to make this an easier rest
week, so this puts me on the right track.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 149;
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 190; Surat Ali-Imraan till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/19/2025, 27 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Small
Dneg - Mall - Royal Palms Studio - Khet - Sunrise trail -
Hamlets - Piccadilly IV Climb - Garden - Palms Island -
Dneg Climb.
Time: 0:33:11
Mileage: 2.96 Miles - 4.77 Km
Pace: 11'12"/mile - 6'58"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 40%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs
36th reading Tuesday Morning Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5),
till v 26; Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 71;
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 113;
Up at 4:15, after several wake-ups, due to Sofia's friend's
sleepover and the cats. But managed to fall back asleep, and
feel more or less fine in spite of the early hour.
I start around the usual 7:10 from Dneg, again amazingly
fresh temperatures and a nice wind. But as predicted, my
État de Grâce has come to an end, at least for now,
and I continue to feel surprisingly sore (especially right hamstring),
but at least today my breath is more or less fine. I opt for the
beautiful solitude of the hills, but keep the route short and
relatively mild, committed to making this a restful much shorter
mileage week.
Later to the Oberoi Mall for a meeting: 45 minutes to drive back.
In time though for Namaaz at Patel 7 Masjid, today, only three of us
in the Jammat (including the Imaam). Yesterday, I found the Masjid
empty when I arrived, I nearly thought of giving the Adhaan myself
(1st time in public!), but the old man came just in time, and I let
him. He did show me though where to do it, how to turn on the mic,
so perhaps I will do it if such an occasion presents itself again,
insha allah.
36th reading Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6), till end;
Maghrib Surat al-Maidah till v 27.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/21/2025, 29 Jumada al-Ula 1447 -- Small
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Lake Promenade -
Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:39:25
Mileage: 3.88 Miles - 6.25 Km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 45%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs
36th reading Thursday Morning Surat al-Maidah till v 57;
Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till v 109;
Asr Surat al-Maidah till end.
Sleep is fine, but I feel mixed in the morning. The run
continues this week's trend: Start feeling quite sore, especially
hamstrings and back, and keep it short, eventually manage to find some
sort of rhythm.
What an abrupt decline from last week's excellence!! But I am
not surprised, even in the past, the État de Grâce
was often followed by a sudden drop. It does make it feel like the
last two weeks were sort of a miraculous interlude, a flash from
the past.
36th reading Morning Surat al-An'aam till v 95;
After Jummah Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8), till end;
Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 48.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 11/23/2025, 01 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Orchard - JVLR - Lake Promenade at Lake Blvd -
Raambagh - Nahar
Time: 0:36:01
Mileage: 3.73 Miles - 6.01 Km
Pace: 9'38"/mile - 5'59"/km
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs
Friday during Jummah in Masjid, a subtle pain in the knee had appeared,
quite mild, but growing later to a marked pain at bedtime,
restricting my leg motion. I eventually decide to
pray all Namaaz seated, as the
motion aggravates it. On Saturday morning, although improved, I
decide not to run, and continue to pray seated throughout the day.
This morning, I wake up well rested a little after 5am, after
deep-dream episodes of sleep. I still pray seated, but feeling that
the pain is virtually gone, decide to go out for a short run.
And I do well! This turns out nearly perfect. No pain in
the knee, nor soreness in the hamstrings, and my breath soon finds
a perfect rhythm. Without prolonging the run too much, I do a loop
through Hiranandani, enjoying the morning freshness (although it
feels polluted), and end up running my best pace this season,
without pushing. Happy this knee alert seems to be over, and
I'll be again able to sit properly in Namaaz, insha allah.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9),
till v 127; Maghrib Surat al-A'raf till end.
-- Ruku 3 of Surat ar-Ra'd --
3rd Ruku, Airoli Junction (12.67 Miles) -- 11/29/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/24/2025, 02 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Bhatwadi / Asalfa
Nahar - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi (full) - Jogger's path - LBS Marg -
Nari Seva Sadan - Asalfa Metro - Pipeline - Khairani W. - Nahar.
Time: 0:54:33
Mileage: 5.68 Miles - 9.15 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs
Struggle to sleep in the night, but eventually wake up to the alarm
in a deep dream at 5am. I have started to sit again in Namaaz since
yesterday Maghrib, my knee seems generally fine. I decide to run again
today.
And I do well! Initially projecting another low-key run along
Lake Powai, I realize that I've succombed too often to the monotony
and comfort of that all-familiar route. I abruptly decide to change
that: And head through Khairani road towards Bhatwadi, which I haven't
visited in a long time.
The temperature is still fresh, although perhaps slightly less,
but unfortunately, it has gotten polluted, like every winter, a
distinct white haze wrapping the landscape. My running feels good,
although not quite as fluid as yesterday. I traverse the bustling
slum neighborhoods, full of activity, feeling I've left the area
for too long. Emboldened, I opt for the climb through the Asalfa
Chawl, and lenghten again to return via the Pipeline market. I feel
good generally, although I do start
to tire in the last quarter. I have still been
rehearsing Surat ar-Ra'd along the way.
Again today, my pace surprises: Without any extra effort, I
seem to have suddendly found a faster pace!
36th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10),
till v 59; Asr Surat al-Anfal till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/26/2025, 04 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Konkan Vikas
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Konkan Vikas
Mahamandal loop - Back - Piccadilly I - Orchid Mall - Dneg.
Time: 0:56:11
Mileage: 5.45 Miles - 8.76 Km
Pace: 10'18"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.4 lbs
36th reading Tuesday Morning Surat at-Taubah till v 38;
Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11), till v 99;
Asr Surat at-Taubah till v 119; Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till end.
I feel exhausted for a second day in a row!
Monday night, another accidental cat fight kept us from sleeping.
And today, I wake up at 4am, again feeling the heaviness of
insufficient sleep. But still, after learning Surat ar-Ra'd further,
I do go to office, though feeling angry and exhausted. I hope
the run may relax me a little.
It starts with difficulty. On the steep descent from Dneg,
my entire body is in pain, but I patiently let myself relax gently into
the run. It is a little warmer today, but mostly a thick white haze
everywhere, most likely a mixture of heavy pollution and morning
shabnam. I let myself run on the Konkan Vikas loop, the body
pains gradually ebbing, and finding some rhythm to my breath, still
tired, but feeling more enjoyable. As often, I pass two young dead
cows, thrown to the side of the road (what is causing such frequent
deaths?).
Feeling exhausted, I have the best of this morning run, and
feel better for it. But I really do need sleep !!!
36th reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till v 61;
Asr Surat Yunus till v 93;
Maghrib Surat Yunus till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/27/2025, 05 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Techno - Hiranandani
Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT Far Gate - Raambagh -
Nahar.
Time: 0:55:27
Mileage: 5.59 Miles - 9 Km
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.4 lbs
At last a good night sleep, in spite of terrible worries regarding
the never-ending 2009 Tax situation! But I get up just before alarm
at 5am, soon finding that I feel rested at last! What a difference
that makes!! My mind is clear, and all body pains have just about
disappeared!!!
So I decide to run again. And I do well. Since I need to
deal with horrible taxes, I have decided to stay home today,
and so choose to run on familiar Powai routes. It is sunny and somewhat
fresh (less than last week though), but again a thick haze suffocates
the landscape, part fog part pollution. But my running is excellent.
Seeking comfort, not pushing the effort, I find a pleasant rhythm,
which yields a relatively good pace, all quite fluid. What a relief!
36th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 69;
Asr Surat Hud till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/29/2025, 07 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Airoli Jct
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT JVLR, to EEH [0:39]
Eastern Express Highway (E side), to Airoli Junction [1:06]
Back Eastern Express Highway (W side), JVLR jct [1:30]
IIT Hill - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar [2:11:41]
Time: 2:11:41
Mileage: 12.67 Miles - 20.39 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 57%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs (perfect weight)
36th reading Friday before Jummah Surat Yusuf till v 36;
After Jummah Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13), till v 69;
Asr Surat Yusuf till end.
The absurd 2009 tax situation has deteriorated again,
a permanent dagger over my head. It is excruciating, and
leaves me with an overwhelming sense of unfairness, which
I do my best to accomodate. Yesterday Jummah, just as I have
read the seduction passage of Surat Yusuf in Tilaavat, the
Imaam happens to tell the same passage in Bayaan. I do my
best to wether this renewed set of worries, and the Namaaz
of the day have been successful.
This morning, we both wake up at 3am, Gulzar has made
a dream (which she will later narrate to the Kadugodi Hazrat).
But tonight, the doors of sleep have closed on me, after barely
managing some vague visions, I finally get up at 4:30, fearing
another terrible day of exhaustion. But
strangely, I don't feel that bad.
I study again the 3rd Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd, continue
to rehearse it while stretching, then recite it well in
Namaaz. By then, it is still only 6am, dark outside,
so I decide to perform Tilaavat Qur'an before going out.
I have precisely reached Surat ar-Ra'd in my reading, so repeat for
the third time those same passages. By the time I leave around
6:30, Gulzar is still sleeping. I leave silently, leaving
on her coffee cup a funny drawing of me running.
After considering several options, I somehow settle
on seeking the sunrise by the mangroves along the Eastern
Expressway, a classic run that I haven't performed in long.
As often, I am immediately reassured that I am feeling fine,
no particular pains, and comfortable breath. Out just before
first light, I reach the Expressway as the sun is lifting
over the foggy landscape (it is however less polluted
today, and still quite fresh). I feel very relaxed along
the highway, contemplating the waterways and mangroves on
the side, and still rehearsing the same 3rd Ruku continuously.
As things are going well, I decide to push all the way to
the Airoli junction. The service road has been improved
which unfortunately has opened it to more traffic, still,
it feels peaceful and pleasant. I am eating a bar along
the way, but without ever stopping.
At the Junction, I return on the western side of the highway, where
for some reason there are more runners and walkers.
I continue to feel in excellent control, climb IIT Hill
with no problem, and from there easily back home along
Lake Powai.
This has been by far my longest run this season
(over 20kms, which I hadn't planned for!), as well as
my longest week (almost 5 hours). I guess I can
still run 20 Kms after all...
36th reading Fajr Surat ar-Ra'd till v 27;
36th reading Dhuhr Surat ar-Ra'd till end, Surat Ibrahim till v 28;
Asr Surat Ibrahim till end.
-- The "Zikr Verses", from Surat ar-Ra'd --
The Zikr Verses, Sanichar Bazaar (7.37 Miles) -- 12/06/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/01/2025, 09 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Miracle Monday
Dneg - Orchid - Walk Area - Royal Palms Studio -
Khet - Lakshmi rd, to Aarey road & back same way
Time: 0:47:39
Mileage: 4.54 Miles - 7.3 Km
Pace: 10'30"/mile - 6'31"/km
Weather: 18C; Humidity 44%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Succombing to the various worries of the day, I wake up
to a strong panic attack at Midnight!! But I do manage to
control, and eventually fall back asleep, to wake up
again at 3am. But again, I am able to push myself to
the visions, and eventually get up around 4:30am, feeling
surprisingly fresh. Yesterday, I have unexpectedly learned
in one-go four additional verses from Surat ar-Ra'd. These
are precisely the "Zikr Verses", which had motivated me
to learn this Surah to begin with. Surprised at how easily
I have memorized them, I start reciting them in Namaaz
right away.
This week, due to a Western visit, I will be going
to office every day (except Friday), and feeling good,
I decide to run from office today itself. I head out
towards the hills, by the easier route along the Royal
Palms Studio (with much morning activity, some shoot
must be going on), it feels pleasantly fresh, pollution
far less than last week. I feel just about perfect,
another case of the Miracle Mondays, after Saturday's
20K run.
I pass a group of small monkeys by the red villas, making
much noise on the balconies. Fresh wind, sunrise gives a
warm light, and along peaceful Lakshmi road, I meet a few
of the usual acquaintances. I return the same way, keeping
the route easy and pleasant.
And then, from office, I try once again to book Gulzar's
Visa Appointment..... and finally get it!! Surprised by this
unexpected success actually. And later in the day, I hear
that the horrible tax threat has been brought back under
control.
It seems that all the problems of the night have
resolved themselves, and I end up spending a surprisingly
energetic day at work, contrary too all my fears.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till v 71;
Asr Surat an-Nahl till v 111;
Maghrib Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/03/2025, 11 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Dneg - Orchard Mall - Walking zone - RP Studios - Khet -
Lakshmi Rd - to Aarey Rd & back - Back same way.
Time: 0:46:39
Mileage: 4.52 Miles - 7.26 Km
Pace: 10'19"/mile - 6'25"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 55%
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs
36th reading Morning Surat al-Isra till v 78;
Dhuhr Surat al-Isra till end, Surat al-Kahf till v 50;
Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till v 83;
Surat al-Kahf till end.
An ok route, but not as great as Monday, along the
exact same route. After another difficult night (woken
up by a strong leg cramp which still hurts in the morning!),
I feel a bit tired, and consequently soreness has returned.
Still, I take it easy, enjoy the beautiful sunrise, cool
temperatures. Again, several monkeys running around at the
red villas, what a nuisance this must be.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat Maryam;
Asr Surat Ta-Ha till v 55; Surat Ta-Ha till v 77.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/05/2025, 13 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Faster Pace
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Suverna Temple - JVLR -
Lake Promenade from Lake Blvd - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:34:11
Mileage: 3.61 Miles - 5.81 Km
Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'53"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 67%
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs
36th reading Thursday Morning Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17);
Dhuhr Surat al-Anbiya till v 93; Asr Surat al-Anbiya till end.
Wake up at 3am, seek sleep for some time, and through a great
disciplined effort, do manage to push myself to dreams, and get up
around 4:50 feeling rested. After Surat Yaseen in Namaaz, I embark
on this intentionally shorter run, under a clear sky and full moon,
and fresh temperatures. And I find an excellent pace, faster than
usual, well spirited and energetic.
At the Al-Husaynia Masjid, I find a policeman forbidding the
beggars to sit there. After Namaaz, I find some of them in the
street, and am able to offer them there. Tomorrow, we will witness
the same in Haji Ali, the row of beggars has disappeared from the
walkway through the sea - Is this some new rule? I have not found
anything about it.
36th reading Morning Surat al-Hajj till v 39;
Before Jummah Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18);
After Jummah Surat al-Mu'minun till v 93;
Surat al-Mu'minun till end; Maghrib Surat an-Nur till v 41.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/06/2025, 14 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Sanseri Bazaar
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Marwah -
Military - Marol Maroshi - Vijay Nagar Bridge - Seepz - MIDC -
Xroad B - Vazir Glass Factory - Guru Hargovindji - Western Express
Highway - Till end of Andheri Flyover: 0:55:28 [5.7 Miles - 9.17 Km]
Back along WEH - Sahar Rd - Intl Airport Rd - Marol Pipeline -
Sanichar Bazaar.
Estimated Time: 1:11:36
Mileage: 7.37 Miles - 11.85 Km
Pace (to WEH): 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs
Another good night sleep, easily able to sleep back,
and up just before 5am. I continue to revise Surat ar-Ra'd
up to the Zikr Verses, and recite the same in Namaaz.
I have decided for a modest run today, perhaps under
an hour. But Gulzar decides to head out to Sanseri Bazaar
in the early morning. Once outside, I decide to join her,
giving a nice goal for this run. Why not?
I head out through Marwah and Marol, past 88 Pictures,
and decide to lengthen slightly the loop to the Marol Pipeline.
But I get completely lost!
Having continued straight past the Versova Metro Line,
seeing a elevated highway, I follow it thinking I have
reached the Airport road. But this starts to descend,
and in stages, I gradually realize that I have somehow
reached the Western Express Highway. I get increasingly
confused as I spot the Domestic Terminal down the road,
how is this possible?? Finally, luckily, some road signs
save me: Bandra, Nariman Point, Colaba... My God, I am
running in the complete opposite direction!! How is this
possible?
Accepting that I have somehow gotten lost, I do turn
back, turn right to eventually find the actual Sahar road,
and from there a turn into Marol Pipeline, where eventually
the street market is. I run until the street activity blocks
me, realizing that I have mishandled my watch, probably
failed to restart it after the "Oh Shit" moment on the
highway earlier.
I continue walking along the Bazaar, unable to find
Gulzar at first (and as usual not carrying my phone).
I turn back at the end for a second passage, finally
do spot her, very happy to find her! In the end,
this unusual run has felt just about right for the day,
no too long, at a pleasant pace, and unwillingly did
see something new!
36th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Nur till end,
Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19);
Asr Surat al-Furqan till end (in Haji Ali Masjid).
-- In Haji Ali till after Maghrib --
Seegehalli, Nellurahalli (7.31 Miles) -- 12/14/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/08/2025, 16 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Back -
Powai Plaza - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:44:36
Mileage: 4.57 miles - 7.35 Km
Pace: 9'45"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 42%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
36th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat ash-Shu'ara.
Excellent sleep, easily able to sleep back after multiple
dreams. Up at 4:30, I end up waiting till 6:30 to get out,
advancing in Surat ar-Ra'd, as it is still dark outside, indeed,
I start the run a little before first light. No particular goal
today, feeling rather unmotivated, but once out, I feel quite
excellent. Clear morning, fresh air, 3/4 moon overhead next to
Venus, and I feel easy vigor in my rhythm. This 9'45"/mile pace
seems to be confirmed as my new training pace, very pleasant.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20), till end;
Asr Surat al-Qasas till v 43; Surat al-Qasas till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/09/2025, 17 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Dneg - Down - Palm Island V - Imperial Palace Hotel -
Descent - Khet - Sunrise Trail - through the Hamlets -
Imperial Palace Backside - Royal Palms - Piccadilly I - Dneg.
Time: 0:40:52
Mileage: 3.74 Miles - 6.02 Km
Pace: 10'55"/mile - 6'47"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 37%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
A frustratingly high number of wake-ups through the night,
with an urgent need to pee (why???). I eventually get up
around 4:20, not great, but roughly ok. Continued progress
on Surat ar-Ra'd, as well as in Namaaz.
In Royal Palms, I am projecting a low intensity run,
not too long before leaving for Bangalore. But deterred by
the activity on the main access road, longing for the solitude
of the hills, I head out for the arduous climb up to the Imperial
Palace Hotel, greeted by a warm sunrise on the descent. Here
too actually, there are more people than usual, but still, a
sense of peace dominates, and I adapt well to the steep slopes,
even choosing to return via the difficult back-side, the hardest
climb of the area. Overall, a little tired, but still feeling good.
Temperatures feel very fresh.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21),
till end, Surat ar-Rum v 28;
Asr Surat ar-Rum till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/11/2025, 19 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Seegehalli
Aloft Hotel - Across train tracks - Sadarmangala Rd - Kodigehalli Rd -
Belathur Rd - Medahalli Kadugodi Rd - Lake Montfort - Seegehalli -
1st Main - Kodigehalli Rd - Hoodi Kodigehalli - Sadarmangala Rd -
Across Tracks - Aloft.
Time: 1:10:40
Mileage: 7.31 Miles - 11.76 Km
Pace: 9'40"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weather: 17C
36th reading Wednesday Maghrib Surat Luqman;
Ishaa Surat as-Sajdah,
Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till v 35.
I arrived in Bangalore yesterday.
From the Aloft Hotel, up around 4:30, feeling good (better than yesterday!).
Out usual 6:30. Along Shantiniketan, over the tracks. Kodigehalli. Cool
weather, distinctly colder than Mumbai. Feeling good, decide for long
loop, explore back. Find my way. It has been built up all along the road,
mostly small houses, but most fields are gone. Still I find my way. Decide
to loop back via Seegehalli. Struggle with my breath a little at first, but
find excellent comfort as time goes. Through Seegehalli, I find my way,
memories coming back in spite of such changes in landscape.
The little road, the village place, I recognize. A group of dogs that
I discipline, like in the old days.
I find my way back to Sadarmangala, again over the tracks, and
finish in excellent shape.
36th reading Maghrib Surat al-Ahzab till end;
Ishaa Surat Saba.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/12/2025, 20 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Nellurahalli
Aloft - Pattandur Agrahara - Around Nellurahalli Lake -
Nellurahalli Siddhapura Rd - Shortcut 11th Cross - Vartur Rd -
Ramagondanahalli - Palm Meadows Hamlet - Borewell Rd -
Nelluharalli - Pattandur Agrahara - Aloft.
Time: 1:09:19
Mileage: 6.98 Miles - 11.23 Km
Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 17C;
Up around 4:20, a bit tired. Tilaavat Qur'an, and Surat Yaseen
in Namaaz. Out at 6:30 as usual, chilly temperature. Today,
decide other direction: Pattandur Agrahara, then Nellurahalli.
Decide a lap around the newly outfitted lake. Clear sunshine.
Perhaps to Siddhapura. So much has been built! But still
recognize the small shortcut alley (now paved), to main
road, past Palm Meadows. The next road I had forgotten,
Palm Meadows Hamlet, this too now fully constructed,
although hamlet by the lake still there miraculously,
isolated among villas and buildings.
Many school buses annoyance. Borewell road, loop
back to Nellurahalli and back. Not feeling quite as good
as yesterday, but still manage well, and fulfill my goal
of 2 longer runs in a row while in Bangalore, revisiting
my old grounds.
Later, I return to the Masjid in the Mall for Jummah,
which I again enjoy immensily.
I have adamantly managed to not drop a single Namaaz during this trip
(praying several together at the end of the day), and continued
progress in Tilaavat Qur'an.
36th reading Fajr Surat Fatir;
Maghrib Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23), till end;
Ishaa Surat as-Saffat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 12/14/2025, 22 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Powai Run
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi -
Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Central - SM Shetty -
Chandivali.
Time: 0:51:08
Mileage: 5.31 Miles - 8.54 Km
Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'59"/km
Weather: 16C; Humidity 60%
Weight: 70.1 kg - 154.5 lbs
36th reading Saturday Asr Surat Saad.
Back in Mumbai. I feel good, after yesterday return, cold.
Dream confused village
Masjid, mess up the Namaaz. I let Gulzar sleep. I get out she
is still asleep. Still dark. Feel very good after Bangalore runs.
An organized run along Lake Powai, youths, yellow jerzeys. Some direct me
towards the finish line. COntinue my way, feeling great, through
Padmavati, a group of dogs. Finish very well, excellent pace at
no effort. Cool temperature.
A week marked of course by the return to Bangalore, and
two excellent runs through my old areas: Seegehalli and Nellurahalli,
both which have changed considerably (but I still find some familiar
sites, and remember as I go small routes to get through).
With all this, an unusual five-days-running week, resulting
in my second highest weekly mileage this season. Overall, feeling
great, my pace has magically improved, with no special effort.
And of course, the weather has been near perfect, in both cities.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24), till end;
Asr Surat al-Mu'min till v 28.
-- 4th Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd --
4th Ruku, Adarsh Nagar, Mahakali Caves (7.85 Miles) -- 12/20/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/16/2025, 24 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Cross Aarey Rd - Straight -
Right - Cross the river - to Goregaon Side - Back - Road to the left -
Aarey Rd - Royal Palms - Piccadilly I - Mall - Dneg.
Time: 0:47:52
Mileage: 4.87 Miles - 7.84 Km
Pace: 9'50"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 18C; Humidity 50%
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs
36th reading Monday Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'min till end;
Asr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25), till end.
I am up too early. Yesterday, I have completed learning
the 4th Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd, and I recite the same in Namaaz.
I go "office madeh" early as usual, and set out on this run,
this time taking the main road, intending for a mostly flat easier
route. I had an intense runny nose yesterday after coming back
from Bangalore, but luckily this has mostly dissipated. The weather
is still clear and very fresh, and this run works out great.
Having reached the Goregaon side of Aarey road, I loop back
through an inside road that I haven't taken in a long time.
It too has been freshly paved, and works out perfectly,
connecting back to only a small section of busy Aarey road
before the Royal Palms turn.
My weight has dropped (closer to my former performance weight),
I don't know whether that is good or bad.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat ash-Shura, Surat az-Zukhruf till v 46;
After Dhuhr Surat az-Zukhruf till end;
Asr Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/17/2025, 25 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 -- Adarsh Nagar
Dneg - Royal Palms - Aarey Dairy, to Aarey Rd & Back -
Adarsh Nagar, right road - to Trail, left in the Chawl - Back -
Adarsh Nagar, left road - to Shree Samarth Baithak Mandir & Back -
Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms - Dneg Climb.
Time: 0:43:59
Mileage: 4.37 Miles - 7.03 Km
Pace: 10'04"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 56%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Wake up at 4am, vaguely push myself to visions, but not sufficiently
to find rest. I run again from Royal Palms, but feeling tired and quite
sore, it's not coming together today, so I decide to cut the run short,
turning back at Aarey road, after less than 15 minutes.
But on the way back, as I start to feel slightly better, I am
struck by
inspiration: I decide to head up to Adarsh Nagar, another long
postponed exploration (I actually have been here before,
in the pre-Dneg days). Today, I decide to explore the area more
methodically: it's a small road that climbs through villages and
chawls. I soon find a fork in the road, decide to explore both branches.
First the right one (which is the one I had taken before), which
climbs continuously till the steep trail descent towards Lakshmi
road. This time, I prolong to the left into a steep climb, which as
often narrows gradually as it finds it way through the shawl,
down to single person alleys, where I eventually turn back.
A fat slumdweller with a round face illuminates in appreciative
laughter at my unusual appearance!
I then return to explore the second road, lower, a dirt
road which descends into a sort of valley, a vast chawl area at the
bottom of which is a temple. The road dissolves into narrower
alleys that climb onto the other side, towards the higher hills
where I see perched the Royal Palms buildings, quite close,
but uncertain whether this is a way through, I turn back,
at least for today, and return the way I came.
This thrilling exploration has improved my run considerably,
and images from this will stick with me for days.
I do still feel tired, and am later rewarded with a deep
episode of sleep on the office couch.
Later, plotting the course on Google
Map, I realize I had reached within a mere 100m from Dneg,
although I'm not sure I would have found an access through the
maze of Chawl alleys. Either way, this opens new thrilling
possibilities for the future. Again, a run to remember.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahqaf, Surat Muhammad;
Asr Surat al-Fath, Surat al-Hujurat till v 11;
Surat al-Hujurat till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/19/2025, 27 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Marwah -
Military - Makwana - Marol CHS - Saki Naka - Saki Vihar - Raheja
Vihar Short - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 0:50:11
Mileage: 5.22 Miles - 8.39 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weather: 15C; Humidity 49%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
36th reading Thursday Morning Surat Qaf,
Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27);
Dhuhr Surat adh-Dhariyat till end, Surat at-Tur;
Surat an-Najm, Surat al-Qamar;
Asr Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah.
I have slept well, multiple times and to
multipe dreams, yet I feel strangely tired and sore.
I intend to keep this short, but little by little get drawn into
the rhythm, and end up with a decent run, at a good pace. Without
any particular effort, I seem to have reached a training pace
of nearly 9'30"/mile. The weather continues to be nicely cool, and
largely clear of pollution.
At the Masjid for Jummah ki Namaaz, the beggars have returned
(they had been chased away by the police two weeks ago, for
some unknown reason). I am nearing completion of my 36th reading
of the Qur'an, which I intend to finish by the end of the Islamic
month, which should also coincide with our trip to Sawale.
36th reading Fajr Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28);
After Jummah Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr till v 11;
Surat al-Hashr till end, Surat al-Mumtahanah till v 7;
Asr Surat al-Mumtahanah till end, Surat As-Saff,
Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun,
Maghrib Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/20/2025, 28 Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 --
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Marwah -
Military - Marol Maroshi - Vijay Nagar Bridge - Seepz - Subhash Nagar -
Mahakali Caves - JVLR - Vallabhai Patel - Mahakali Caves Rd -
Andheri Ghatkopar - Sanichar Bazaar (Marol Pipeline).
Time: 1:18:13
Mileage: 7.85 Miles - 12.63 Km
Pace: 9'57"/mile - 6'11"/km
Weight: 69.7 kg - 153.6 lbs
I have again slept well, and feel better than yesterday, although
still slightly sick. I plan on a relatively short run today (about
1 hour perhaps). Gulzar is heading again to Sanichar Bazaar, which
gives me a perfect goal for the day: I decide to meet her there
again (this time hopefully without getting lost).
I start the run easy, quite slow, still feeling a bit sore,
but managing my breath well. The idea is to climb to Mahakali caves,
then descend back through MIDC to the Marol Pipeline, although I
don't know how long that will end up being. From Mahakali caves,
I descend on the other side, returning by the now familiar
Vallabhai Patel, wondering whether I should explore some of these
roads further out (luckily I don't), and make it in relative comfort
to Sanichar Bazaar, which ends up all being longer than I had
anticipated. Still, this is a good run, and I find Gulzar there
easily this time, very happy with my morning, and with our upcoming
vacation.
36th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam,
Surat al-Haqqah, Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh;
Sunday Fajr Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil,
Surat al-Muddaththir; Morning Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr,
Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30).
-- Another trip to Haji Ali --
36th Reading, The Road to Kashele (7.62 Miles) -- 12/27/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/22/2025, 01 Rajab 1447 -- 36th Reading
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Overpass - Orchard -
Powai Vihar Complex - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:37:32
Mileage: 3.75 Miles - 6.04 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'12"/km
Weather: 15C; Humidity 45%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
36th Reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at,
Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin,
Surat al-Inshiqaq;
A non remarkable run. Slept well, up early, while waiting for
day break, performed Tilaavat Qur'an after Namaaz, then got out
around 7am. A low-key run, actually feeling a bit sore on the
right side.
36th 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;
Dhuhr 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.
37th reading Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 47;
Ishaa Surat Al-Baqarah till v 97.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/25/2025, 04 Rajab 1447 -- To Kadav Entrance and Back
Jambulwadi - Main road to Kadav Entrance - Back via Sawale Rd /
Sunita Farm.
Time: 0:56:29
Mileage: 5.52 Miles - 8.89 Km
Pace: 10'13"/mile - 6'21"/km
37th reading Wednesday Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2);
Surat Al-Baqarah till v 189.
On Tuesday, we drive to Sawale. But I am not feeling well,
a constant headache and dizziness, which do not lift. That said,
I am happy to go, even we get stuck right away on Khairani road,
then again in Mankhurd. Once in Sawale, I settle down to sleep
on the property, but am disturbed by frequent visits. One of
them is Narayan, although feeling groggy and unwell, I participate
in the talk: We will start building our house, on top of the
foundation that Yogesh had started, using about half the space.
Later, I build the large tent with some difficulty, overcome
again by strong dizziness. We sleep there, unfortunately a bad
night, feeling excessively cold, and disturbed through the night
by the noise of the nearby road. It's a bad start to our stay.
But on Wednesday, as often, things start to feel better
at dawn. It is freezing before sunrise, but I perform my usual
rituals outside, gradually feeling better, and in spite of
yesterday's challenges, determined to stay. We decide to build
the smaller tent as well, in the lower part of the grounds,
right to the side of the future house, hoping to keep warmer
in its enclosed space (and with additional bedsheets), and
further away from the road (this is how we have slept on
previous years). I have brought my small Qur'an and do not
interrupt the Tilaavat, as well as pray Namaaz in the large
tent (2 rakats for travel), which works well. We pay Narayan
1 Lakh and write a signed agreement. The work will start
tomorrow.
Wednesday morning, as we hoped,
we have slept much better in the small tent, in the lower
portion of the plot, further from the noise of the road, and
adapting much better to the cold. I get up before dawn, perform
the usual Wudu in the dark in spite of the cold, prepare coffee
etc. Still not feeling great, plagued by headaches and dizziness,
I wait for sunshine to break before setting on this run around 8:30,
an unambitious run along the main road to Kadav - not the best,
but I do not yet have the courage to venture out on the smaller
roads. For once, I carry phone and money in my pocket, which
actually proves less cumbersome than I feared (I will do the same
on all these Sawale runs). I actually feel quite sore,
especially still in the right
hamstring. The run is a little tentative, but generally fine.
Strangely, after the run, I am seized by an unusually
sharp back pain, which nearly prevents me from walking! Not sure
what this is, and I hope it will diminish quickly.
Later, the construction of the house begins.
Gulzar orders an Adivasi man to cut coconuts from one of our
trees. He climbs with incredible agility (and no accessories)
and drops several Nariel, cutting also the lower leaves. Later,
Komal will tell us that he is a terrible drinker, and his wife
has run away from him. The coconuts are delicious.
37th reading Surat Al-Baqarah till v 217;
Surat Al-Baqarah till v 243; till v 253 (Juz 3).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/27/2025, 06 Rajab 1447 -- The Road to Kashele
Jambulwadi - Jamburg Valley rd - 1st Village - Left road to
Kashele - Past Welder - To small Temple & Back
Time: 1:20:12
Mileage: 7.62 Miles - 12.26 Km
Pace: 10'31"/mile - 6'32"/km
37th reading Friday Surat Al-Baqarah till v 282;
Surat Al-Baqarah till end; Surat Ali-Imraan till v 64.
On Friday, a similar wake-up, adjusting better and better
to the cold. I find that the freezing water of the Wudhu,
performed vigorously before dawn, actually warms me up.
For some reason, I have gone back to revise the early
Rukus of Surat ar-Ra'd, which I am pleased to remember
(and will pursue this during the entire stay). Later,
I go to the small Masjid in Kadav for the Jummah prayers.
A couple of policemen in uniform appear at the
property to ask for donation
money, which they claim to distribute to the Adivasis (they
they ask one of the adivasi to confirm...) Stupidly perhaps, swayed
by the view of their list with signed names, I eventually
give rs 5000 as well. Later, there will be much doubt as
to the authenticity of this, and I fault myself for having
fallen into yet another of these traps! Gulzar serves them two of
our coconuts. They give us a number to call in case of
trouble. We'll never know how legitimate this was.
Thursday morning, I feel better. The dizziness has largely subsided.
I get up as usual while it is still dark (hardly any moonlight),
and perform Wudhu with the freezing water, which I adapt to
surprisingly well. I am a little fearful of my back pain, but
decide to try it out on the run. Again, I set out once the sun
has started to warm the atmosphere (around 8am), very tentative
at first. The first few steps are sore and awkward (to the point
where I consider quitting), but I soon warm up to a comfortable
feeling, and beyond that, it will be a wonderful run!!
Today, letting go of my earlier prudence, I head out to
beautiful Jamburg Valley road. I pass the military (or Police?)
training, which happens loudly every morning on an open
ground by the road. From there, the
road is marvelously quiet, and the absence of dogs continues
to reassure me. Through small woods, gentle rolling hills, I
reach the first village, where I decide to explore the road
to the right, which leads to Kashele. (This had intimated me
last year, and I had postponed its exploration). I find that
to be equally marvelous, equally peaceful, little traveled
but not deserted, leading through small ups and downs to
the village, and hardly any dog encounter. I reach the outskirts
of Kashele (where we had bought our gate) then the small market,
with immense joy, very satisfied with this. Again, the weather
is beautifully clear, dry, but not too hot. In fact, I have
enjoyed this so much that I decide to return the same way,
rather than cutting back via the main road.
37th reading Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4), till v 121;
Surat Ali-Imraan till v172, till end.
-- Start to our House --
-- Inside our Future House --
On the Way to Jamburg Valley (9.86 Miles) -- 12/31/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/29/2025, 08 Rajab 1447 -- Road to Kashele
Same run as Saturday, complete to Kashele intersection
Time: 1:22:06
Mileage: 7.94 Miles - 12.78 Km
Pace: 10'20"/mile - 6'25"/km
37th reading Sunday Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5), till v 26;
Surat An-Nisaah till v 43, till v 77.
I enjoyed the last run to Kashele so much, that I repeat it
again today. I feel slightly less perfect than Saturday, but still,
this is a great run, and confirms my love of this route, beautifully
peaceful (in fact, this time I encounter no dogs at all). As last
time, the police is training on the side of the road, with regular
shouting. But beyond that, it is marvelously quiet, and I enjoy the
superb morning. This time I complete the run to the Main Road
intersection in Kashele, but still return the same way, sort
of falling in love with this course.
37th reading Surat An-Nisaah till v 113;
Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/31/2025, 10 Rajab 1447 -- To the River
Jambulwadi - Jamburg Valley Rd - Past 1st Village - Past
the Well - 2nd Village - To the River - Back to 1st Village -
Road to Kashele - Back via Main Road.
Time: 1:41:40
Mileage: 9.86 Miles - 15.87 Km
Pace: 10'18"/mile - 6.24/km
37th reading Tuesday Surat al-Maidah till v 44;
Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till v 94.
Work on the house advances rapidly. The workers cook their own
nashta with ration we have bought in Kashele. They always offer
us some portion, which is actually delicious!
Because of my repeated headaches, Gulzar insists on Nazar utarna,
she calls the lady from the Chauhaan house, makes me sit, and everyone marvels
at how big that Nazar is, as it continues to bubble for some time.
I comply, though mildly irritated.
Wednesday morning, last day of December.
I conclude the year by this exceptional run!
Rarely have I felt so good out there, easily flowing, in
perpetuem mobile motion, without tiring at any point.
Another very cold start to the day, I decide to head out
again on Jamburb Valley road, this time to continue straight out,
hoping to explore beyond the well that I reached last year.
The road intimidates me somewhat, mostly for fear of dogs, but
not a single incident happens. It is actually marvelously quiet,
crisp sunshine through a low morning haze, little traffic.
Beyong the first village, the road rolls through nature,
along a river, passing an outside crematorium, and sparse properties,
till I reach the second village (very small), and shortly after,
the well we had found last year (now with an artificial Talaab
next to it). It draws women from the neighboring villages, some
rolling their plastic cans on the road with a handle.
Some distance past the village, I reach a small bridge
over a river, which opens a beautiful view towards the mountains.
The road continues with a small climb through a wood, but I decide
to stop here, for once, taking a photo (I have uncharacteristically
been carrying my phone on all my runs here). This might have been
the perfect day to explore further, but I opt for reason, and head
back.
But I continue to feel wonderful!! Not tiring
at all, "it runs by itself", a state of bliss that we
runners strive for. So I decide to lengthen the return by the
now familiar road to Kashele, the leitmotiv of this year,
this time returning through the
main road, which in spite of some traffic is still pleasant
to run. I return feeling just about perfect, again, a rare
excellence that contrasts with my struggles earlier this season.
What a way to end the year !!!
37th reading Surat al-Maidah till end; Surat al-An'aam till v 91;
Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8), till v 141.
-- Exceptional Run along Jamburg Valley Road --