42nd Reading, Monsoon Rains (7.73 Miles) -- 07/04/26
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Monday 06/29/2026, 13 Muharram 1448 -- Miracle Monday
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate - Down IIT Hill - LBS Marg (past Vikhroli Stn, RCity Mall, Dargah) - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd - Nahar.
Time: 1:23:06
Mileage: 7.73 Miles - 12.45 Km
Pace: 10'44"/mile - 6'40"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbs (surprisingly high)This is a case of the Miracle Mondays on steroids!
The jet-lag seems to have finally hit tonight: I wake up around 2am, unable to fall back asleep. A storm is bringing heavy rain, and I wonder if I'll be able to run today. But strangely, I feel good and alert, and get up around 3:45, well awake. I continue to advance in relearning Surat al-An'aam, and pray the same in Namaaz. By the time I get out around 6am, the rain has stopped, leaving drenched streets but pleasant humid blustery air.
I immediately realize that I am feeling great today. In spite of the lack of sleep, I feel perfectly alert, my breathing is impeccable and easy, and my body feels fluid (or as fluid as it can feel at my age). This extraordinary fortune, which carries throughout, leads me to lengthen the course in stages, achieving a surprisingly long run, in spite of having already run long on Saturday.
I first set out along the familiar Lake / IIT route, thinking I'll turn back at LBS for an hour+ run. But once there, I decide to take advantage of my miraculous disposition today, and turn onto LBS Marg, thinking that I'll return through Kailash Hill. But there too, with my good form not weakening, I decide to extend again, and staying on LBS return via Andheri Ghatkopar and Khairani road. Unbelievable! This excellent form is completely unexpected! Enjoy it while it lasts...
42nd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat ash-Shura, Surat az-Zukhruf till v 57; Asr Surat az-Zukhruf till end, Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26); Ishaa Surat al-Ahqaf.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/01/2026, 15 Muharram 1448 -- Through the Chawl
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - to Westin & Back - Solaris Complex, to the Chawl: 0:30m [2.7M, 4.34K]
Running Track - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd - Nahar [2.31M, 3.71K]
Time: 0:53:43
Mileage: 5.01 Miles - 8.05 Km
Pace: 10'43"/mile - 6'40"/km
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs (good)42nd Tilaavat Tuesday Morning Surat Muhammad, Surat al-Fath; Dhuhr Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf, Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27), till end; Asr Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm; Ishaa Surat al-Qamar.
Another challenging night, I wake up several times, and fear not being able to sleep after 3am, but through excellent discipline do manage to push myself first to the visions then to actual dreams and sleep. I get up around 4:30 feeling very good.
I get out around 6am. It has been raining heavily at night, roads are drenched, but only a light to moderate rain on the run itself. I again feel very good, which has been the case since our return from the US, my breath is easy, my body relatively fluid. With this, I again get gradually more ambitious on the run, and end up exploring a new route: From the chawl along Saki Vihar, I find my way through narrow passages (and asking) to the running track that parallels Marwah. Along this quest, I surprisingly come across the Imaam with the red hair who used to pray Tarawee, whom I salute (to his surprise no doubt) with "Assalam Waleikum"! This route is a great find, which I'll be sure to revisit in the future. The environment is very distinctive, the jogging track traversing impressive sections of the Chawl.
The rain resumes after the run, and I drive to work in Film City under a heavy monsoon downpour.
42nd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah, Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28); Asr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr, Surat al-Mumtahanah;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/03/2026, 17 Muharram 1448 -- Heavy Rain
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:56:11
Mileage: 5.29 Miles - 8.51 Km
Pace: 10'37"/mile - 6.36"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs (excellent)42nd Tilaavat Thursday Morning Surat as-Saff, Surat al-Jumu'ah; Dhuhr Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29), Surat al-Mulk; Asr Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah, Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh;
Again multiple wake-ups, but I still manage well, and get up around 4:30 feeling good. Good Tilaavat Qur'an at dawn, and good Fajr ki Namaaz, fueled by my anguish over the relentless oppression of new government rules, now around citizenship (could Gulzar lose Citizenship? Could she lose her passport???). I go out around 6:30 under a strong steady monsoon rain, which will not relent throughout the run. But, armed with my cap, I feel good in the rain, as often, and the run is quite good. I am aiming for a large mileage week, marveling that I feel physically particularly good since returning from the US. No trace of wariness, no dizziness or exhaustion, etc., a blessed state that I realize should really be the norm. Difficult to understand what causes this. Enjoy while it lasts...
Later, it is still under a steady rain that I go to Masjid for Jummah ki Namaaz, for once wearing Western clothes to protect from rain and mud.
42nd Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil; Afternoon Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr; Asr Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30), Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/04/2026, 18 Muharram 1448 -- Heavy Rain
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Pipeline WB - Marol Maroshi - Aarey Rd (Up & Down the Hill) - Passpoli - Saki Vihar - Lake Powai - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 1:25:34
Mileage: 7.72 Miles - 12.43 Km
Pace: 11'05"/mile - 6'53"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs (excellent)Yesterday, I finally did manage to pray Maghrib ki Namaaz, but still fell asleep before Ishaa (which is at 8:45 pm these days). I wake up as usual several times in the night, listening to the relentless rain, fall back more or less asleep with my usual mind tricks, and eventually get up at 4:18, feeling fine, although a bit stiff and sore. As planned though, in spite of the incessant rain, I go out on a semi-long run, at about 6:18.
Like yesterday, a steady rain throughout, very heavy at times, and I wear my cap most of the run. I am as often very hesitant as to the route, but feel inclined towards the Pipeline, longing to escape from the traffic. But there, on a sudden inspiration, I veer left (West Bound) towards Marol, rather than the usual Bhandup. This part is less leasurely, traversing first the impressive Passpoli Slum, then a quiet way used mostly by workers, slumdwellers and laborers - and dogs, very quiet at this early hour. I feel fine although a little stiffer than yesterday, still, my breath well under control.
Once in Marol, a second inspiration, as I contemplate several options to return. I eventually choose the toughest, which is to climb up and down Aarey Hill, under a now torrential rain. This goes well, stimulated by the climb and the downpour, if not for a bus which nearly pushes me into the ditch! I shout and eye the driver with determination, but refrain from a fight. A little further, a fire truck which has passed me has stopped by a fallen tree which is being cleared off the road. I pass the hill fine, and into the descent through Passpoli, and back home passing by Lake Powai, managing the effort fine, and still under this incessant rain. Here for a second time, a bus zooms past within inches of me, without even slowing down!
I have felt good though. In spite of all this water, I still drink from the small flask that I have carried. This wraps up a strong week, in fact my largest mileage since Ramadhan. After returning from the US, I have felt unusually fit, feeling very little of the habitual fatigue which normally plagues me. I wish I could understand (and master) the reason for this.
And later, I complete my 42nd Tilaavat Qu'ran, one that I feared might be impaired by the US trip, but which actually progressed well, particularly during air travel and airport, alhamdulillah!
42nd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq, Surat al-A'la, Surat al-Ghashiyah, Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad, Surat ash-Shams, Surat al-Lail, Surat 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.
Smaller Week (6.02 Miles) -- 07/11/26
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Tuesday 07/07/2026, 21 Muharram 1448 -- After the Storm
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar.
Time: 0:46:31
Mileage: 4.37 Miles - 7.03 Km
Pace: 10'39"/mile - 6'37"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs (excellent)43rd Tilaavat Sunday Dhuhr Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 72; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 121; Monday Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 152 (Juz 2), till v 188; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 217; till v 243; Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till v 253 (Juz 3), till v 258.
On Sunday night, I again fell asleep inadvertently after dinner, missing Marghrib and Ishaa. But woken at 10pm, I react this time, get up to pray both, to good effect.
That night was full of storms, high winds that rattle our windows. A red alert is in effect Monday morning, schools are closed, I decide not to run, which is just as well, I feel a little fragile from Saturday's run, and perform an excellent gym session instead, from which my body feels hardened.
Last night, similar sleep pattern: I fall asleep inadvertently around 8pm, after Maghrib, wake up at 10pm but do not feel the strength to make up for Ishaa. I wake up another 3 or 4 times during the night, with strong need to pee, but luckily, fall back asleep fairly easily, advancing steadily in the "Mémorial de Saint-Hélène". This has been my sleep pattern since returning from the US, although annoying, I typically wake up well rested.
The monsoon storm has calmed a bit this morning, although the city is still under alert and schools remain closed. I do go out to run, which I intend to be shorter and low-key. The rain has indeed stopped, it is still blustery, but nothing like the crazy winds of the previous days. Many downed trees or branches along the road - we saw a smashed rickshaw under a tree over the weekend - sometimes blocking the way. But I complete this run as intended, at a moderate effort, slightly longer than intended, and continuing to rehearse Surat al-An'aam.
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till end; Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4); Surat Ali-Imraan till v 121.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/08/2026, 22 Muharram 1448 --
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - IIT near gate - Lake Powai - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:40:24
Mileage: 3.89 Miles - 6.26 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbsYesterday, the SIR process comes to our complex. Gulzar goes, leaves with the officer saying "tumko hearing pakka milega". At least we would have done our best. Also yesterday, a video of a large crocodile being captured and rescued near Powai has been making the rounds.
Yet again this same sleep pattern, which I detail here, as it has repeated regularly since returning from the US: I wake up around 10 or 11pm, with a strong urge to pee, then again around 1:30 or 2:00, again to the toilet, and again around 3am, and luckily am able to sleep back till sometime after 4am, feeling actually quite rested. Today, I take advantage of the early start to continue learning Surat al-An'aam, pray Namaaz, and get out on an early run before trying to reach office by 8am!
The run is fine. It is still blustery and overcast, but the rain has stopped. Aiming for a shorter run, I push the pace a little, which could be the theme for this week. I actually enjoy these shorter brisker runs, yet I too rarely perform them.
And then I drive to office as planned, rushing through my preparations. Skies are darkening ominously, and sure enough, an impressive torrential downpour erupts, transforming the road to Film City into a literal river, leaving to drive cautiously against the current, with streams rushing downhill from the side streets on the left. But I reach with no problem.
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 181; After Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till end; Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5), till v 33; Maghrib Surat An-Nisaah till v 71.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/10/2026, 24 Muharram 1448 -- Lousy Run
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Lake Blvd - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:32:23
Mileage: 3.04 Miles - 4.9 Km
Pace: 10'38"/mile - 6'36"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs43rd Tilaavat Thursday Morning Surat An-Nisaah till v 92; Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6); After Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till end; Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 51; After Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till v 87.
A very lousy run!
That odd sleep pattern that had taken hold of me since returning from US has finally been disrupted, I wake up around 3am, and more or less sleep till 4:30. But strangely, like yesterday, that leaves me in a bizzare state, somewhat dizzy. Good Namaaz though, and I am reaching the end of my Surat al-An'aam revision.
And the run confirms my strange state! The rain has completely stopped, clear skies, but my first steps are miserable, like those dreams trying to run from danger but the body just won't move! Today, this bad impression does not dissipate, and I cut the route short, returning feeling rather dizzy and nearly nauseous.
A little later, I get an explanation for this, as the dizziness continues. I have simply fallen a little sick, and sleep deeply part of the morning. This does not prevent me from going to Masjid for Jummah at mid-day, and completing my Tilaavat of the day.
43rd Tilaavat before Jummah Surat al-Maidah till end; After Jummah Surat al-An'aam till v 71; Asr Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8), till v 122; Surat al-An'aam till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/11/2026, 25 Muharram 1448 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT - Down IIT Hill to LBS - Back same way.
Time: 1:06:41
Mileage: 6.02 Miles - 9.68 Km
Pace: 11'04"/mile - 6'53"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbsI get up around 4:15, probably too early, feeling a bit tired like yesterday, and fearing another sick morning. But I gradually emerge at dawn through my usual rituals, and am relieved to find the run more comfortable than yesterday. I take this to little over an hour on very familiar roads, starting to tire again on the way back, but managing the effort, albeit at a very slow pace. I confirm my knowledge of the last ruku of Surat al-An'aam (before the concluding two that I know well), which I pray in Namaaz, and continue to rehearse along the run. Tentative run, but better than yesterday at least.
Later, we drive to Sawale (a long drive unfortunately). There is no electricity at first (and I wonder how we can sleep without a fan!), but after painfully paying the bill on the phone (which we hadn't received till then), it comes back! The next morning, we drive to the end of Jamburg Valley, which describes a striking cirque de montagne, a bowl shaped expanse surrounded by lush green mountains, steep cliffs and occasional rock minarets. Asking for permission here and there, Gulzar takes us through seemingly private roads to a Talaab opening to impressive views of the cliffs. What a marvelous place!
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 73; Maghrib Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9), till v 127 (in Sawale); 43rd Tilaavat Sunday Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till end.
-- Jamburg Valley --
Marol Customs Colony (6.61 Miles) -- 07/18/26
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Monday 07/13/2026, 27 Muharram 1448 --
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - JVLR - Padmavati Devi - Hiranandani Hospital - Techno - Main St - Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:50:41
Mileage: 4.88 Miles - 7.85 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 69.7 kg - 153.6 lbsWake up at 4:45, but again feeling slighly dizzy and unmotivated. I get ready slowly, and still go out on this run. Luckily, in spite of feeling warm, I feel better than expected, although still slightly dizzy, and end up pushing the pace slightly.
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10), till end; Asr Surat at-Taubah till v 38; Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till v 73.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/15/2026, 29 Muharram 1448 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - to Pipeline - Back Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar Short - Nahar
Time: 0:46:49
Mileage: 4.62 Miles - 7.44 Km
Pace: 10'07"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.7 lbs43rd Tilaavat Tuesday Morning Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11), till v 100; Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till end; Surat Yunus till v 31; Maghrib Surat Yusuf till v 93; Ishaa Surat Yunus till end.
I wake up at 3:30, unfortunately unable to really fall back asleep, just vague visions that I push myself to. I get around 4:15, to the usual coffee, Tilaavat and Namaaz (I am nearing the end of Surat al-An'aam). Like before, I postpone reading the news till after Namaaz, in spite of the Football Semi-Final Match last night. Good thing, as France has suffered a humiliating loss!
The weather is again dry, although heavily overcast, with sparse scattered drops. I am bothered by a "very friendly" young dog on Raambagh, which I struggle to shoo away, in fact, he follows me to the Lake where he is attacked by a pack of bigger dogs (luckily fine). In spite of being relatively tired, the run is ok, and I again push the pace gently today, which is again a theme for this week. In office, following yesterday's successful Namaaz in spite of the presence of VIPs across the corridor, I feel quite confident in today's Namaaz as well, repeating again those verses from Surat al-An'aam.
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 69; Asr Surat Hud till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/17/2026, 02 Safar 1448 -- Short
Nahar - Raheja Vihar (full) - Saki Vihar - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 0:32:45
Mileage: 3.24 Miles - 5.21 Km
Pace: 10'06"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs43rd Tilaavat Thursday Morning Surat Yusuf till v 36; Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13), till end; Asr Surat ar-Ra'd, Surat Ibrahim.
Yesterday, again a bad wake up around 3am, which has left me exhausted. I drive to office nonetheless, on the way, the vision of a young dog peacefully sitting on the road at a busy intersection, then on the approach to Film City, a Muslim man on a bike escorting a tiny kitten bravely crossing the large road. I read and pray the usual Namaaz in office, but overcome by terrible exhaustion, decide to drive back home right after that, under a sudden heavy rain. On the Film City road, this time, a man is laid down across the road, face first, as if unconscious under the battering rain, and cars - including me - simply drive around him. One car does prepare to stop, but I am ashamed that I do not. The animals earlier were garnering more sollicitude than this man.
After two nights of terrible sleep, and yesterday's semi-collapse, I sleep well tonight, and for once wake up with the alarm at 5am. But strangely, this run doesn't feel good, I can't establish my breath properly, and it seizes my stomach, making for a fairly unpleasant experience. I therefore cut the run short. Perhaps this is explained by an unusually fast pace today, without taking proper time to warm up.
43rd Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end; Surat an-Nahl till v 61; Afternoon Surat an-Nahl till v 111; Asr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15); Surat al-Isra.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/18/2026, 03 Safar 1448 -- Customs Colony
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Bamandayapada - Customs Colony - Marol Maroshi - Pipeline - Seepz Cross Rd C - Road N 16 - Kondivita - Andheri Ghakopar - Saki Naka - Khairani Rd - to Noor-e-Mustapha Masjid.
Time: 1:12:08
Mileage: 6.61 Miles - 10.63 Km
Pace: 10'55"/mile - 6'47"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbsSimilar to yesterday, I sleep well, and sleep back till just before the alarm at 5am. In spite of that, I still feel, well, strange, slightly off. I approach this run with caution, warned by yesterday's mis-form.
I start slow, careful to warm up into the rhythm, and to combat monotony, eventually head out via Marwah to the Customs Colony passage in Marol, planning to return through Seepz. This all proceeds well, until I seem to run out abruptly around the 45min mark, as I reach the main Andheri Ghatkopar road. I take two breaks during that last leg, and finish the run trying to keep things under control on Khairani road, achieving a pace excessively slow, and do stop for good at the Noor-e-Mustafa Masjid, finishing by walk.
This ends up being another challenging run, showing a drop of form this week, which I would have better kept shorter (45 minutes would have been best). My excellent form after returning from US has clearly evaded me...
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Kahf till v 54; Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till end; Maghrib Surat Maryam.
-- First three verses of Surat az-Zumar --
Five Days, Surat az-Zumar (6.93 Miles) -- 07/25/26
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Monday 07/20/2026, 05 Safar 1448 -- Heavy Rain
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT Main Gate & Back - Powai Plaza - Suverna Temple - JVLR - Lake Blvd - Orchard - Powai Vihar Complex - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:49:45
Mileage: 4.75 Miles - 7.64 Km
Pace: 10'28"/mile - 6'30"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs43rd Tilaavat Sunday Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha (Juz 17); Asr Surat al-Anbiya till v 76; Maghrib Surat al-Anbiya till end.
Yesterday (Sunday) was a miserable day. I felt dizzy and tired throughout, taking multiple sleep breaks, from morning to evening, with episodes of dizziness and cold. Very unsettling, and doubting that I should ever run again...
This morning, I have slept well, but fear another terrible day like that. On top of that, I hear a strong rain outside, battering the windows, during Fajr. I resolve not to run today, as my mind still doesn't feel clear. I have completed my revisions of Surat al-An'aam, and tentatively start to learn Surat az-Zumar.
But somehow after Namaaz, during stretching, my mood changes, as the rain has stopped. I do go out after all, around the usual 6:30. The rain has actually resumed, but my cap solidly on the head, I set out. I am quickly relieved to find out that I feel fine, my breath unexpectedly comfortable, none of that terrible heaviness in the chest and stomach, and energized by the rain. I make the most of it, running along the Lake and IIT, dodging between large puddles and traffic. Heavy rain continues throughout the run, at times torrential, but I return in persistent comfort through Hiranandani.
These abrupt swings of form are truly incomprehensible, but confirm my method of "going out to try it out"...
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Hajj till v 49; Asr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18), Surat al-Mu'minun till v 23; Surat al-Mu'minun till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/21/2026, 06 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Raheja Vihar (full) - Saki Vihar -
Time: 0:45:45
Mileage: 4.34 Miles - 6.99 Km
Pace: 10'32"/mile - 6'33"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70.8 kg - 156 lbsUp around 4:20, but feeling quite good, decide to run again. After some hesitation, I start learning in earnest Surat az-Zumar, which had been in my mind for some time, embarking on another journey. Later in the day, I recite its first three verses in Dhuhr ki Namaaz, and start writing them. Again, a long journey...
The run is fine, relatively good pace and breath. Rain has stopped. I have a soft goal to run 5 days this week, but without pushing the distance. My weight, which I didn't want to believe on Sunday, has definitely gone up! But I take that with grace. It appears increasingly unrealistic at my age to keep it down, as it generally makes me feel more dizzy and exhausted than sharp and energized. (The 69kg weight that I was gravitating towards on the US trip seems ill-advised).
Today, a second dentist appointment causes me to miss office. And I far prefer the dentist to going to office!!
Dhuhr Surat an-Nur till v 51; Asr Surat an-Nur till end, Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19), till end;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 07/23/2026, 08 Safar 1448 --
Raambagh - JVLR - Powai Plaza - IIT Main Gate - Padmavati Devi - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:48:57
Mileage: 4.69 Miles - 7.54 Km
Pace: 10'26"/mile - 6'29"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs43rd Tilaavat Wednesday Morning Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 141; Dhuhr Surat ash-Shu'ara till end, Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20); Asr Surat an-Naml till end, Surat al-Qasas till v 43.
It has been raining violently last night, and during Fajr. But by the time I go out, it has stabilized into a more moderate steady rain. I feel quite good actually, in spite of a very early wake-up, and achieve my regular pace, as well as a better weight. After much hesitation back and forth, I decide not not go to office, as the rain continues, and as a retribution for yesterday's painful 1h15 return commute!
43rd Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Qasas till end; Dhuhr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21), till end; Asr Surat Ar-Rum, Surat Luqman.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/24/2026, 09 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Lake Blvd - Main St - Central - High St - Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:37:37
Mileage: 3.62 Miles - 5.83 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbsUp around 4:20, feeling good. Continue to learn Surat az-Zumar, before Surat Yaseen in Namaaz. A deliberately shorter run, pursuing my goal of five days this week, but I don't feel quite as good as I hoped, a little short of breath. Still, this is ok, wet streets and blustery winds, but no rain on the run.
43rd Tilaavat Morning Surat as-Sajdah, Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till v 41; Asr Surat al-Ahzab till end, Surat Saba; Surat Fatir.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/25/2026, 10 Safar 1448 -- Pipeline
Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - to Runner's area [3.72M, 5.99K]
Back same way - to Nahar Entrance [3.21M, 5.16K]
Time: 1:16:50
Mileage: 6.93 Miles - 11.15 Km
Pace: 11'05"/mile - 6'53"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbsThings have taken a downturn again, due to renewed tax alert (always tax alerts!!) which preoccupies me greatly. I have waken up to some half nightmare around midnight, luckily managed to sleep back, woke up around 4am, and incredibly slept again to several dreams till nearly 5am. My mood though continues to be sulky, which I combat in Tilaavat and Namaaz. As planned, I go out for running today - my fifth run this week - hoping it will further clarify my mind. It doesn't much.
I plan for about an hour today, which would be sufficient to achieve a 4 hour running week, but perhaps stupidly, I let myself dragged into something longer. It is again overcast and blustery, but no actual rain on the run. I return to the peaceful Pipeline, which works out at first, but like last week - although less so -, I start to tire on the way back, and wish I hadn't run as far. I actually decide to end it at the end of Raambagh, and finish walking home through Nahar, extremely thirsty (I should always take water on such runs, regardless of the weather).
I am praying the first three Aayats of Surat az-Zumar in Namaaz, and this morning start learning the next two, insha allah.
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23), till end; Surat as-Saffat till v 114; Asr Surat as-Saffat till end; Maghrib Surat Saad.
Sunday Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24), till end; Maghrib Surat al-Mu'min till v 61; Ishaa Surat al-Mu'min till end.
43rd Reading (3.86 Miles) -- 08/01/26
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Monday 07/27/2026, 12 Safar 1448 -- Hills
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - South Hill - Castle Rock Climb - High St - Orchard - Heera Pana - JVLR - Rambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:46:20
Mileage: 4.39 Miles - 7.07 Km
Pace: 10'33"/mile - 6'33"/km (good pace given the steep climbs)
Weather: 26C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 70.1 kg - 154.5 lbsUp around 4:20, tired at first, and still very affected by the latest woes. But through Tilaavat and Namaaz, I regain courage. I have completed six verses of Surat az-Zumar, which successfully cover the two Fardh Rakaat of Fajr ki Namaaz. This is a small victory.
I set out on the run around 6:30, feeling better than I thought. On an inspiration, feeling a little spring in my pace, I embark on a couple steep climbs in the Hiranandani area, both of which I manage well. A pleasant drizzle / light rain throughout the run.
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25), till end; Asr Surat ash-Shura, Surat az-Zukhruf, Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26).------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/29/2026, 14 Safar 1448 -- Shorter & Faster
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Lake Blvd - Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar
Time: 0:31:34
Mileage: 3.18 Miles - 5.12 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Age Graded: 5.12 Km in 25'16", ie. 7'56"/mile - 4.56"/km
Weight: 70.7 kg - 155.9 lbs43rd Tilaavat Tuesday Morning Surat al-Ahqaf, Surat Muhammad till v 20; Dhuhr Surat Muhammad till end, Surat al-Fath, Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf; Asr Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27), till end, Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm.
A difficult night, I wake up around 1am, struggle to sleep back, advance in Le Mémorial de Ste Hélène, till Gulzar eventually puts me back to sleep. I get up around 4:40, a little tired, but roughly ok. I again rehearse and recite the first six Aayats of Surat az-Zumar. As often the problems of the night seem nearly trivial in the morning.
I get out to run fairly quickly, after having made my lunch, and embark on a faster shorter run. I feel that I am gently pushing the effort, and indeed, this pays off. For the first time this season (I think), I achieve a sub-10'/mile pace.
Yesterday, during the chaotic commute back home, I had a small incident where I "touched" another vehicle's mirror. We stopped briefly and had a few words (luckily no damage), but this has shaken my confidence a little. Still, I drive to work with no incident, just more "defensive". Later, the commute back (for once through Aarey) is very painful again: 1h15!
43rd Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Qamar, Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah, Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28); Asr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/31/2026, 16 Safar 1448 -- Very Bad Run
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Suverna Temple - JVLR - Lake Blvd - Orchard - Heera Pana - JVLR - Raambagh - Dmart.
Time: 0:38:33
Mileage: 3.69 Miles - 5.94 Km
Pace: 10'26"/mile - 6'29"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs43rd Tilaavat Thursday Morning Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff; Dhuhr Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29); Asr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah, Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh.
A very bad run! I feel heavy and out-of-breath, getting dizzy as the run progresses! This is intended as a short low-key relaxing run, but even that, I cannot achieve. Not sure what this is, it is starting to occur regularly, and takes enjoyment or benefit entirely out of running. As ever, the pressing question is, should I stop?
Later in the day, I complete my 43rd Reading of the Holy Qur'an, which was completed in less than a month.
43rd Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil; Before Jummah Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30); Asr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq; Maghrib 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.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/01/2026, 17 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT - to Powai Plaza & Back
Time: 0:39:33
Mileage: 3.86 Miles - 6.2 Km
Pace: 10'15"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbsUp at 4am, and Gulzar too. After morning Tilaavat, it is too early for Namaaz, so I stretch first. Feeling still subtly unwell, I very much fear a terrible run like yesterday, I am very close to staying home today. But no, I finally do go out, early around 6:10am, at first light, determined to keep this short regardless of how I feel.
I am quickly relieved that I feel better, none of that odd stomach sensation, which encumbered my breath yesterday. I still stick to the plan, and perform a short out-and-back run on very familiar roads, but feeling better I push the pace gently, achieving a good 10'15"/mile pace. I set this as a goal for this period, shorter runs, with an emphasis on gently improving my speed. This "horrible run on a Friday, but better on Saturday" pattern is becoming repetitive. I wonder what is causing it...
Either way I am experiencing a marked loss of form, I am hoping this change of regimen will interrupt it.
44th Tilaavat Asr Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 47 (in Sawale); Sunday Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 122 (in Sawale);
-- 1st Ruku of Surat az-Zumar --
1st Ruku, Hon'ble Chief Minister (5.17 Miles) -- 08/08/26
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Monday 08/03/2026, 19 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:41:52
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.47 Km
Pace: 10'25"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbsI wake up from deep sleep at 5am, after several episodes in the night. We were in Sawale this weekend, marked by sporadic heavy showers which hit our roof with deafening noise, but we enjoy the moment, wading in the stream, etc. Gulzar picks up leaves on the side of the road which she serves for lunch. But unfortunately, the return drive is horrendous: Stuck in jam after jam, it takes us 4 hours and 15 minutes!
I am still feeling strangely unmotivated by running, and "not quite there". Today's run starts again tentative, but I gradually do find some sort of pace, while rehearsing the new verses. Still, uncharacteristically, not much enthusiasm in running.
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2), till v 177; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 211; Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till v 243.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/05/2026, 21 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT - Powai Plaza - Central - Main St - Lake Blvd - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:41:28
Mileage: 4.06 Miles - 6.54 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs44th Tilaavat Tuesday Morning Surat Al-Baqarah till v 253 (Juz 3), till v 284; Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till end, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 72; Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4); Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 156;
Up at 4:10, but much better than yesterday's 3:30. Only one Aayat is left to complete the first Ruku of Surat az-Zumar.
I go out on this run before leaving for office, another short but faster paced run. Today feels a little better, my breath comes more comfortably, and I gently push the pace while staying in control. A light pleasant rain starts in the last kilometer or so. Most importantly, I feel better during the run, and after the run, finding back some pleasure perhaps.
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till end, Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5); Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 71.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 08/06/2026, 22 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Central - SM Shetty - Powai Vihar - Lake Rd - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:44:35
Mileage: 4.44 Miles - 7.15 Km
Pace: 10'02"/mile - 6'14"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbsI wake up with the alarm from a particularly long, detailed dream, about the Hon'ble Chief Minister's visit today:
Having missed the event (it has happened earlier than planned), I decide to go out for a run, in some version of Kodigehalli in Bangalore, but a sort of flood blocks the way, turning the road into a flowing stream, so deep that I eventually have to turn back, I will surely be late back to office, but I find that an unexpected bridge leads to a row of houses, why not?, but once on the other side, how do I get back, I think, I am lost, I do find strange rickshaws which strangely resemble small merry-go-rounds, I have no money but I hail them, but no, they refuse, only accepting children, finally, once I do finally reach back office, Damien (how is he here?) tells me "you have missed rounds", the CM visit must have happened after all, I try to change quickly into better clothes in my room, but while bare-chest a long-hair man is introduced inside who knows me but I do not, he stays while I am changing talking it as if this was perfectly normal, finally, Namit Malhotra himself enters, he is fatter and older than I remember, wearing a pompous army uniform with decorations (undoubtedly to receive the CM), I wonder if I should pretext a migraine for my earlier absence, but I stay quiet, he eventually turns pointedly to me, insits that "you will be here to meet the CM again at 5:30pm", I accept with assurance, thinking, shit, how will I get back home after that?
I wake up very disoriented by all this!! I have stupidly been worried about this CM visit all week, largely wondering how will I still be able to perform Tilavaat and Namaaz in office, with all these VIPs walking right outside my door...
In the morning, I discover a message sent last night, we are only allowed in office around 10:30 with strict security, etc. So I stay home and embark on this run. This is another faster paced run, which actually works quite well, achieving close to my target 10' Miles, at a challenging but controlled effort. Like every day this week, a light rain shower along the way.
Here is how the CM Visit actually unfolds:
We have been told to arrive at 10am, so I leave around 8:40, forced to endure morning traffic (which actually takes about 1h10, not so bad). We are made to park in a large Maidam in Film City, surrounded by forest hills, I walk down from there to office in spite of the mud, refusing a ride. Contrary to my fears, I do not get searched at all (I have lightened my bag for the occasion, keeping the Arabic Qur'an but not the English version, and removed Topi and Janimaaz, and kept my sandwich directly in the bag-pack.) But again, these precautions prove unnecessary, since I am sent inside without frisking. It also turns out that most people have come earlier, perhaps having not received the notification. I sit in my office, right across the theater.
A red carpet is being unfurled in the corridor outside, sitting poorly on the floor, till eventually a woman starts yelling at everybody, and the carpet is hastily removed, the soil cleaned again. The audio of the theater is tested with open door, so loud I cannot hear my own video calls. We have been instructed to stay at our desks during the whole visit, I indeed cross many policemen when going to the restroom. From my desk, I have first view at the door to the theater, still, when they finally enter, I am unable to make out the Chief Minister among the tight group, before the door closes on them, this time blocking any noise from inside. We have been instructed to wait till 2pm before eating lunch, but I eat my Sandwich at my desk, like every day, and even advance Tilaavat Qur'an. The door opens again, the same compact group exits without a glance in my direction, and then everything goes very quiet.
It is so quiet in fact after their passage that I am perfectly able to continue the Tilaavat, and even perform Namaaz in proper form, using my kerchief on the floor, the corridors remain completely empty, and I don't need to resort to whatever alternate plans I had elaborated. In fact, no-one tells anything, contrary to plan, and we end up missing the Chief Minister's address on the floor above, still confined to our desks. As life timidly resumes in the corridor, eventually realizing that the VIPs have left, I finally leave myself, walk back to Maidam, and drive back home, satisfied in the end with how it all went.
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 101, Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6); Asr Surat An-Nisaah till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/08/2026, 24 Safar 1448 -- Steep Hills
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - South Hill - Castle Rock - Hiranandani Powai Helipad (Gate) - Descent - High St - Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:58:12
Mileage: 5.17 Miles - 8.32 Km
Pace: 11'15"/mile - 6'59"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs44th Tilaavat Friday Morning Surat al-Maidah till v 44; Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till end.
I wake up with the alarm from some dream. It is Gulzar's birthday, which we will later spend in Haji Ali (she refuses any cake or celebration, etc). I have completed the first Ruku of Surat az-Zumar, which I recite with some success in Fajr ki Namaaz.
I go out on this run, which I intend relatively short. In an inspiration though, to break the monotony, I head out to the steep hills of Hiranandani. This proceeds well, the Helipad hill, which closed to traffic is only used by local slumdwellers, feels very remote, a wild area lost in the middle of Hiranandani. I cross a group of pigs, which luckily flee to the side without bothering me. The road, rarely traveled, is particularly steep, almost too steep to run, and even too steep for the descent, which I have to perform in little steps, especially in these wet conditions. I pass all this in control though, although it takes some toll as I head back home on flatter grounds, feeling the impact on my breath and legs. Still, a successfull run, I am doing better than last week overall, and the "Call of the Wild" has returned.
44th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8), till end (in a single reading); Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 48 (in Haji Ali); Sunday Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9), till v 100; Ishaa Surat al-A'raf till v 158.
Mahakali Caves (7.82 Miles) -- 08/15/26
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Monday 08/10/2026, 26 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - IIT Main Gate - Back.
Time: 0:44:38
Mileage: 4.36 Miles - 7.02 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbsI wake up around 3:20, but with great discipline and persistence, push myself to some half-dream visions. I get up around 4:40 roughly ok. I again revise and pray the 1st Ruku of Surat az-Zumar in Namaaz.
I first think I'll go towards different roads, but no, I end up returning to the routine Lake Powai route, similarly to last week, keeping it relatively short and pushing the pace. The start is clunky, that dream feeling of not being able to run, but I warm up into it, and push the effort, although eventually my pace disappoints slightly.
Strangely, later in the day, I succumb to an unexpected bout of exhaustion, am forced to sleep three times!
Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till end; Asr Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10), till end;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/12/2026, 28 Safar 1448 -- Vihar Lake
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Platform - Saki Vihar - Dargah Rd - Vihar Lake - Back - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:58:12
Mileage: 5.35 Miles - 8.61 Km
Pace: 10'52"/mile - 6'45"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs44th Tilaavat Tuesday Morning Surat at-Taubah till v 38; Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11); Asr Surat at-Taubah till end.
I unfortunately wake up at 3:48, and that too after a challenging night (I am nearing the end of Le Mémorial...), unable to fall back asleep, get up to practice Tilaavat Qur'an. I learn the first three Aayats of the 2nd Ruku and pray them in Namaaz, which marks the first time I devote Fajr ki Namaaz entirely to Surat az-Zumar. Since yesterday, exhausted and unmotivated, The idea of quitting running continues to lurk in my mind. Would I?
Given the night's insomnia, I decide to not go to office today, an act of small rebellion that I enjoy somewhat, especially as I hear heavy rain outside. I do however decide to run, knowing that I now can rely on the day to recover. I go out early at 6:15, at first light, it has rained heavily leaving roads drenched, but hardly a drizzle on the run.
I set for myself a contrary goal to this week's trend: A slower longer run, and a variation in route. I settle for the climb to Lake Vihar, finding that, as often when I'm exhausted, my breath is paradoxically excellent (the slow pace helps too...) I am chased by a barking white dog through Passpoli, both out and back, but discipline him at a distance. I manage the run quite well, again the slow pace helping, and taking solace in staying home for the day, which perhaps I'll do more and more. I have decided that, on exhaustion days, I simply won't go to office, no hesitation.
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Yunus till v 93; Asr Surat Yunus till end; Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 50; Maghrib Surat Hud till v 69.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/14/2026, 30 Safar 1448 --
Nahar - Raheja Vihar full - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd - Nahar.
Time: 0:37:12
Mileage: 3.59 Miles - 5.78 Km
Pace: 10'21"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 70.7 kg - 155.8 lbs44th Tilaavat Thursday Morning Surat Hud till end; Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13), till v 58; Asr Surat Yusuf till end.
Insomnia seems to strike on alternate days. After feeling much better yesterday, I am again unable to sleep back after around 3:45, in spite of determined efforts, where I can barely skirt visions, and don't find sleep. Anyway, for once, on this Jummah, I recite what I know of Surat az-Zumar in Namaaz instead of Surat Yaseen, to excellent effect. My first running steps are again miserable, sore and awkward, making me feel very old. But after warming up laboriously, I keep the run short and somewhat tired, but all in all not so bad. Once home, I cancel a meeting so I can sleep, and the day is saved!
44th Tilaavat Morning Surat ar-Ra'd; Surat Ibrahim till v 28; After Jummah Surat Ibrahim till end, Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till v 26; Asr Surat al-Hijr till end; Surat an-Nahl till v 84.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/15/2026, 01 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- Mahakali Caves
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol Maroshi - Vijay Nagar Bridge - Seepz - Subhash - Nagar - Mahakali Caves Climb - Descent - JVLR - Lake Powai - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 1:25:00
Mileage: 7.82 Miles - 12.58 Km
Pace: 10'52"/mile - 6'45"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70.7 kg - 155.8 lbsI wake up at 2:30, for some time dreading that I won't be able to sleep back, but I do, and get up around 4:30 feeling rested at last. Again, Namaaz, consists of Surat az-Zumar.
I am not quite sure what to expect on this run. Caution should be the word here, given my relative misform these last weeks, but I do head out with an open mind. It is raining quite heavily, but that doesn't discourage me, on the contrary. For once I am feeling fresh from the start, perhaps energized by the rain, and head out towards Marwah, from where, as my confidence continues to build, I decide to attempt the Mahakali Caves climb.
This goes quite well. The rain abates on the climb, but resumes just as strong on the descent. I wear my cap, and feel buoyed by the rain. I keep pace and effort well under control, today gone are all the recent struggles, and I return in reasonable comfort, finally finding solace in a bona-fide longer run. It has been quite some time that I haven't been blessed with a run of this kind, alhamdulillah! This confirms the theory of "take it as it comes", that has to guide me at my age...
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15); Surat al-Isra till v 41; Asr Surat al-Isra till end.
-- On the Beach, in Chennai --
Chennai, Kasmuru Dargah, Venadu Dargah (5.02 Miles) -- 08/22/26
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Monday 08/17/2026, 03 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- CHENNAI (Sholinganallur)
Vivanta Chennai - Sholinganallur Main Rd - Over the river - ECR North - To Wonder World & Back
Time: 0:53:12
Mileage: 5.2 Miles - 8.36 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 29C;
NEW SHOESYesterday, to the beach. Thin sand and clear, waves. But I am very tired, sleep multiple times.
This morning difficult wake up with strong headache. But gradually feel better after Advil and Coffee. Gulzar has fallen back asleep, opportunity for Tilavaat before Fajr. My mood improves, so I decide to run after all, repeating yesterday's road, this time on foot, leaving at the usual 6:30. It is hotter and more humid than Mumbai, but still runnable. I enjoy the first part, across that river, and at the main road, take a left (instead of continuing towards the Sea) as we had come back yesterday, till I reach Wonder World. This is slightly longer than I had planned, but when I return Gulzar is still asleep!
44th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Kahf till v 45; Dhuhr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till end;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/18/2026, 04 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- CHENNAI (Sholinganallur)
Vivanta - Rajiv Gandhi Salai - to UTurn and back - Sholinganallur rd - TNHB rd, along the river - back
Time: 0:45:08
Estimated Pace: 10'20"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.37 Miles - 7.03 Km
Weather: 28CUp late 5:30. Tilaavat during coffee. Wasn't going to run, but as Gulzar is still sleeping, and I finish Namaaz (after sunrise) around 6:45 I go out on this run after all, for once, without stretching.
This side of the road, horrible dust, to the turn and back, retreat to the same road. Before the river, on an inspiration, to the right, along the river, nice. But not finding a clear landmark then back. A little longer than planned.
She is still sleeping!
44th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Maryam; Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha till v 55;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/19/2026, 05 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- CHENNAI, to KASMURTo Salam ka Ghar in ???. Ola doesn't come, Auto. Changes mid-way. The housing board. The birds. We leave in his rickshaw around 5. Through Chennai. Then monotony of the road. Night. Brief rain. Eat at 7. Much longer than I imagined. Exit the highway, road to the left. Village. At night miss. Stop in Kasmuru village. Rooms. 11h30.
44th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Ta-Ha till v 105;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 08/20/2026, 06 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- KASMUR, to VENADChallenging night. Heat. Mosquitoes and insects. Power cuts, more heat. Somehow manage. Better disposition in the morning. Up the hill. The little mounds, the cairns. A beggar woman, Salam talks, will offer her breakfast. The rock like a bed, overlooking the plain. Back down. In the Dargah. I do not go inside. Sit for Dargah food. Dhuhr ki Namaaz. Still sitting for food, we eat here itself. Fish. We leave. Bird sanctuary. Town of Sullurpeta. Are we going back? But at a junction, off to the East. Buy food. "Urus". Again at night. The dirt road, much much longer than I thought. On the water? A long line of vehicles. A light in the distance. Finally we reach. "Urus", the festival. My despair. Parking, we will be stuck? We sleep there by the car.
44th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17) in Kasumuru Dargah;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/21/2026, 07 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- VENAD, back to CHENNAINight, I have fallen easily asleep. But rain wakes us up around 3:30. I am not feeling well, need to sleep more, but they are talking. Go for Fatiha. We wrap the tarp half above us, protecting from the rain. I have somehow slept till about 5. In much better disposition, after coffee we walk to the Dargah. Fajr ki Namaaz. The police prevents hearing. Surat ar-Rahman. I cannot find Gulzar, wait there. We shouldn't have left the Rickshaw. The Dargah, long tomb. With Bhabi. The two sisters's Mazar: "Banana Baba, Chocolate Baba" (chocolate as usual here means candy).
To Ubbalamadugu Waterfall. As usual, longer than I imagined. The monkeys. The walk. Heat, but I adjust. Bathing in the river, separate. The monkeys inspect our clothes. We try to eat as we return, monkeys appear from nowhere to steal the food. A little further, in a pavillon, we take turns, while others protect with sticks. The road back. Salam stops to help. We reach Chennai at night, last portion in traffic. Perambur, near the train station. We struggle to find a lodge.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/22/2026, 08 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- CHENNAIWe "practice" the way to the airport, train to Central Station. Then straight to bhaya ka ghar, but we end up at ** for lunch. Gulzar's enthusiasm and humor. They won't let us leave, but we do. Long Rickshaw drive, as usual, much further than I thought. Things are not what they seem, I should not have invited them. Insect bites have turned into large swollen marks over my body. A small street doctor. Pills and cream.
44th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Anbiya; Morning Surat al-Hajj till v 23;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 08/23/2026, 09 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- CHENNAI, back to MUMBAIWe take the train like we have practiced yesterday, then the Metro, it all works perfectly, and an uneventful trip back home.
44th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Hajj till v 58; Morning Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18);
-- In Salaam Bhaya's Rickshaw --
Slum Exploration, Marwah Pipeline (5.54 Miles) -- 08/29/26
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Monday 08/24/2026, 10 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- Bhatwadi
Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka, Asalfa, Jagruti Nagar - Bhatwadi (full) - Khairani rd - Nahar.
Time: 0:58:37
Mileage: 5.54 Miles - 8.92 Km
Pace: 10'34"/mile - 6'34"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 71.3 kg - 157.2 lbs (Weight gain in Chennai!)Up around 4:30. Back to my daily ritual. Out around 6:20, expecting a challenging run, likely awkward and short. But I feel better than expected, in a way less sore in running than otherwise. Looking for something new, I head out to Andheri Ghatkopar, then through Bhatwadi, which I haven't visited in a very long time. I feel reasonably good, and my pace is acceptable. A steady rain starts through Bhatwadi, but stops before I return home. Yesterday to Noor-e-Mustapha Masjid for Maghrib, since I haven't been there in so long, everyone talks to me (eg. the Muezzin-Saab). Insect bites from Kasmur....
44th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Mu'minun till v 51; Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'minun till end; Asr Surat an-Nur.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/26/2026, 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- Faster
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar short - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 0:33:37
Mileage: 3.46 Miles - 5.57 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Age Graded: 3.46 Miles in 0:26:56, ie. 7'47"/mile pace
Weight: 70.7 kg - 155.8 lbs (Nice recovery)
Weather: 28C44th Tilaavat Tuesday Morning Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19), till v 61; Dhuhr Surat al-Furqan till end, Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 160; Surat ash-Shu'ara till end; Asr Surat an-Naml till v 26; Maghrib Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20), till end.
Up at 4am, too early. A fast shorter run, good pace. Maintain fast pace, and indeed does not disappoint. Later tired. Morning traffic Milad-un-Nabi. In office Namaaz, the AC trick, which dims outside noises, simple, but efficient. Later in the day, fall asleep in meetings.
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Qasas till v 51; Asr Surat al-Qasas till end; Maghrib Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21), till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 08/27/2026, 13 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- Slum Exploration
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - JVLR access - Left into the slum (near Chromium) - Alleys to Dead End & Back (near Canara Bank Quarters) - Other Alleys (near Cluster mumbai Suburban 446) - Running track - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd - Nahar.
Time: 0:47:24
Mileage: 4.56 Miles - 7.34 Km
Pace: 10'23"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 28%
Weight: 70.8 kg - 156 lbsUp at 4:20, feeling better than yesterday. Continued progress on Surat az-Zumar, which I also pray in Namaaz. Out at the usual time of 6:30. Weather is dry, but roads surprisingly muddy.
In contrast with yesterday, I plan for a milder longer run, not quite sure about the route. But after a period of monotony, I am unexpectedly called to resume my explorations (although new areas have become rare): I head out to the JVLR access, and turn left into the Chawl, to see if I can reach the running track that parallels Marwah. I explore a first set of alleys which as often gradually reduce in size, till I hit a dead-end. Retracing my steps, I try a different road, which similarly reduces down to a narrow passage, but I catch a glimpse of the track, as if through a tunnel: I have made it!
As usual, the slum is vibrant with morning activity, and my presence goes relatively unheeded, although I have to negotiate my way through tight passages at times. The run along the track, also through the slums, is pleasant, I keep my pace reasonable trying to manage my breath. Satisfied with all this.
Dhuhr ki Namaaz in Masjid Noor-e-Mustafa. The langra next to me, on one leg.
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat ar-Rum; After Namaaz Surat Luqman, Surat as-Sajdah till v 15; Surat as-Sajdah till end, Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till v 35; Surat al-Ahzab till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/29/2026, 15 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 -- Slum Exploration
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - To Aarey Pipeline & Back - JVLR - Through the Slum at Chromium - Marwah Pipeline Running Track - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd - Nahar.
Time: 0:57:41
Mileage: 5.46 Miles - 8.79 Km
Pace: 10'33"/mile - 6'33"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbs (Good recovery)44th Tilaavat Friday Fajr Surat Saba till v 37; Morning Surat Saba till end; Before Jummah Surat Fatir till v 38; After Jummah Surat Fatir till end, Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23), till end; Asr Surat as-Saffat.
Yesterday, I woke up at 3:30, luckily, after finishing the Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène, I managed to fall half-asleep. Today, I wake up at 4 unfortunately, after a somewhat agitated night, heat and sweat. But I feel relatively good, continued progress on Surat az-Zumar. Brillant full moon in the morning sky.
I am out around 6:15, to dry conditions. I intend for a moderate run, not too long, but very unsure of the route. In fact, I start for the Aarey Pipeline, but change my mind to return to Thursday's exploration, traversing the slum along the JVLR that leads to the Marwah running path. I find a shorter way this time, finishing through a one-man tunnel like alley, but reaching the track easily, from where I complete the run. I feel good but not great, gradually losing breath as I go, satisfied that I have not embarked on anything longer, which would have been too challenging today. Overall the right run for the day.
44th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Saad, Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24); Asr Surat az-Zumar till end; Ishaa Surat al-Mu'min till v 61.
44th Tilaavat Sunday Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'min till end, Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25), till end; Asr Surat ash-Shura; Surat az-Zukhruf; Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26).