-- Snow in Tahoe --
Crissey Field / Golden Gate Bridge (7.9 Miles) -- 01/02/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/26/15 --
Days Inn Lombard - Divisadero - Crissy Fields
Time: 0:42:14
Estimated Pace: 10'00" / mile
Mileage: 4.2 Miles
I start from the Days Inn on Lombard, and soon find out that I'm right next to Crissy Fields. Very cold but sunny, especially in the wind (from the East), but my clothing works out just fine. It's a small gamble to run, as knee is unfortunately still not good, in spite of the rest. We'll see what the future brings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/29/15 --
Similar: Days Inn - Scott - Crissy Fields to Fort Point.
Time: 0:56:43
Estimated Pace: 10'00" / mile
Mileage: 5.7 Miles
Almost a repeat of the last run, but prolonged it to the end of Fort Point, just at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. I stopped there for a time watching surfers take waves against the backdrop of the City. Weather is still freezing, but no wind (which makes a big difference). My left knee is still tentative, especially early in the run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/02/16 --
Days Inn - Crissy Fields - Golden Gate Bridge, to the midway point: 0:39:31
Back: 0:39:43
Time: 1:19:14
Estimated Pace: 10'00" / mile
Mileage: 7.9 Miles
On this last day in the US, I set out like in the other days towards
Crissy Fields, but hoping to prolong the run yet again, and perhaps
get on the bridge itself.
My knee doesn't bother me at the start this time,
so at Fort Point I indeed climb the trail
up to the plaza, then engage on the structure. The weather
is slightly warmer today, wind is ok. It's early enough that I hardly see
anyone, or encounter much trafic. I was worried that this might be
too long, but I reach the midway point on the bridge in less than
45 minutes, which should be great for my first decent run
in at least a month. I feel for once comfortable on the run, easy breathing,
and still no particular pain. On the descent back, I attempt to rehearse
the Surah's again, which I've partially forgotten on this trip.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Surfers at Fort Point --
Xavier -- 01/05/16
Home Gym: 0:38:00 -- Chest & Knees
Run: Citilights - Through Inner Circle - Borewell - Nellurahalli - Sai Baba.
Mileage: 3.7 Miles - 5.9 Km
Time: 0:34:26
Pace: 9'18" / mile
Wght: 72.6 kg / 160 lbs
Got back yesterday from US. My weight is baffling. I was
expecting a significant increase from eating with no restraint
in the US, but my weight is strangely back on target, which I can
only explain by a), I've lost muscle mass and replaced it by fat,
and b), this is the good old "slingshot effect" (meaning that
weight changes with a delay), so I should expect an increase
in the next few days.
Run was good, Pleasantly cool and dry, the mud gone.
On Borewell Road, meet Xavier. He stops his car, brief exchange,
happy new year. He works for a judge he says. I say something to
the effect of, we've forgotten whatever was bad, will remember
only what was good. Or whatever. I see him later sitting by the
Whitefield Police Station, absorbed in his phone. Hope he's not
up to no good.
Reacquainting with last Ruku of Surah Waqiah, which
I've partially forgotten. We'll see how the knee goes. It seemed
completely pain free for a few days, but the pain is very subtly
back, perhaps from sitting in namaaz, from which I'm now trying
to employ a pillow to kneel on.
-- To Elaruvi, for the first time driving the Nano --
Ayappa Nagar Temple (10.25 Miles) -- 01/31/16
ECC - Main Road - ITPL - Down along Shantiniketan - Under
and along the rail tracks - Hoodi Jct - Out to Kodigehalli rd: 0:37:33
To Ayappa Nagar - Devasandra rd. - To Sri Krishna Rukmini
Temple: 0:14:34 (5.3 Miles - 8.5 Km)
Back Same Way - ITPL - Pattandur Agrahara - Lake Trail - Worker's
Trail: 0:50:59 (4.95 Miles - 7.95 Km)
Time: 1:42:56
Mileage: 10.25 Miles - 16.45 Km
Pace: 10'02"/mile
Wght: 73.2 kg / 161.4 lbs
There are days where the stars lign up (often unexpectedly) to deliver
a perfect run. Well, this is one of those.
I haven't run any decent distance since returning from US, still
impaired by knee and back problems (not to mention insomnia), but have
been patiently building back up, alternating shorter runs and gym.
During the night, I looked at the Box Office estimates for KFP - and
immediately regretted it! The relatively poor performance of the film
bodes ill for the future, and I know it will be difficult to fall back
asleep. On top of that, Ruksanna woke up too, obsessed with the fate
of the children, so here we are at 2am
bustling around the house. I fortunately eventually sleep again, waking
up for Namaaz, to find her sewing frantically in Sofia's room!
In spite of all this, I feel great this morning, and quickly
settle in a perfect everlasting pace. It's a beautiful sunny haze this
morning, just the right amount of chill, and running feels completely
effortless. I have set 1h30 as a soft target, and decide to explore
Ayappa Nagar in direction of KRPuram, where I've gone only once before.
Reaching the temple as before, I'd be very tempted to push further
finally into the unknown, but reason sets in for once, and I carefully
turn back about 50 minutes into the run. This area would be rendered
impossible by trafic on a weekday, but is relatively pleasant on a Sunday
morning. I promise to come back to continue the road.
I have continued to learn Surah Ghashiyah, only three verses from
the end.
Surah Ghashiyah -- 02/04/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 02/02/16 --
Home Gym: 0:42:30 -- Mostly Back & Abs.
Run: ECC - Main Rd. - ITPL.
Time: 0:18:11
Mileage: 1.85 Miles - 3 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile
Wght: 73.6 kg / 162.3 lbs
Up at 4, Ruksanna wakes up too. It's been mosquito night, (been a long time), and she's been chasing them since two!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/03/16 --
Home Gym: 0:54:00 -- Chest, Knees & Shoulders.
Run: Dodsworth - Borewell rd. - Nellurahalli - Sai Baba.
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.6 Km
Time: 0:31:48
Pace: 9'05"/mile
Wght: 74 kg / 163.1 lbs
Up at 4. Qur'an reading, than this good gym session.
Ruksanna just wakes up as I'm getting ready for Namaaz, so I spend
time with her, shortening the Surahs. She has slept better last
night, after having just about collapsed yesterday evening, like
I would normally do. Sometimes wonder whether we'll be able to
endure her passion, or both fall.
I decide to let this heavier weight be, see how it feels for
some time. Ruksanna seems to like it :)
In spite of little time, I complete Surah Ghashiyah, learning the
remaining two verses with surprising ease.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 02/04/16 --
Dodsworth Enclave - Borewell rd - Nellurahalli - Accenture - Windmills -
Basavananagar - Hoodi - Along rail tracks - Shantinikethan - ITPL.
Mileage: 6.15 Miles - 9.9 Km
Time: 0:58:20
Pace: 9'29"/mile
Wght: 73.1 kg / 161.1 lbs
Another pleasantly chilly morning, set out around 6am.
Ruksanna woke up with me this morning, once again changing my routine,
but we wake up beautifully in some other way, pushing away for a
moment the unbearable gravity of these times.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Surah Ghashiyah --
-- KRPuram Railway Station --
KRPuram (11.6 Miles) -- 02/07/16
Main Road - Hoodi: 0:29:14
Main Road - Brigade Metropolis - Decathlon - Phoenix Mall -
KRPuram Railway Station: 0:26:13
Back same way: 0:58:37
Time: 1:53:58
Mileage: 11.6 Miles - 18.6 Km
Pace: 9'49" / mile
Wght: 73.2 kg / 161.4 lbs
Was going to lengthen last week's route, but opted for this
unorthodox road instead, curious to see what it would take
to reach KRPUram via the main road (which we drive often).
On a Sunday morning, the traffic is approximately ok, but
it should definitely be no more than that (completely
impractical during the week). I pass by the locations of
Western life, Brigade Metropolis, Decathlon (where I bought
my knee band), Phoenix Mall (where I bought my running
shoes), and finally reach the KRPuram railway station,
where we've taken the train often, and near where Ruksanna's
brothers live. No problem. On the way back, I pass a young
man walking on all fours on the side like a dog, with back
legs atrophied and oddly shaped in a triangle.
An excellent Yaseen Namaaz this morning, which brought
back the Surah in memory. On that strength, I've started
learning Surah Fajr immediately after completing Ghashiyah,
both of which I rehearse constantly on the run.
Too many obstacles (8.15 Miles) -- 02/10/16
Outer Circle - Borewell - Main Road - Kodi - Siddapura -
BEML Layout - Brookefield - Hoodi - ITPL.
Mileage: 8.15 Miles - 13.1 Km
Time: 1:18:33
Pace: 9'38" / mile
Wght: 73.9 kg / 162.9 lbs
Not the best idea, running this busy route. Oh well....
Ruksanna woke up before me for once around 4. When I get up
in turn around 4:40, I find her ironing in the Namaaz room.
She puts aside her chores and practices reading children
stories in English while I stretch. "Henny Penny, Lucky
Ducky, Loosey Goosey", so goes Chicken Little, and they
all get eaten in the end.
I opt for a longer run, but for diversity, choose to stay
on the busy roads through Hoodi. Big mistake!
Even in normally peaceful BEML layout, aggressive trucks
with excruciatingly loud horns shrill me off the road,
and the rest is like a constant obstacle course. The sides
of the roads are a horrible mess of holes, wires, everything,
and people and trafic, running here requires the same kind
of exhausting video-game alertness that it takes to drive
in India. On top of that, even at this early hour, pollution
is too much (especially after Sunday's run). I try to wear
the scarf, but it repeatedly clogs my mouth, forcing me
to finish through the worst part without it. I yell at
the top of my lungs at the events!!
(Probably causing some very strange stares).
There's a Leopard in Town -- 02/12/16
Friday 02/12/16 -- There's a Leopard in the Streets
Inner Circle - Borewell Rd - Nellurahalli - Sai Baba.
Mileage: 3.75 Miles - 6.05 Km
Time: 0:33:10
Pace: 8'50" / mile
Wght: 73.4 kg / 161.8 lbs
Leopard Video at Vigbyor.
I've been warned of sightings on Borewell road. But frankly,
people are freaking out! I'm much more scared of crazy drivers.
Wanted one hour, but on Friday, take the time for Surah Yaseen.
Dark at 6am, very insufficient light. Little traffic, but
still, the center of Nellurahalli got congested by some trucks,
someone is trying to untangle them!
Unexpected tempo run.
And no sign of the leopard.
Wrath (8.25 Miles) -- 02/16/16
Tuesday 02/16/16 -- Wrath
Inner Circle - Borewell rd. - PM Hamlet - Ramagondanahalli - W. Trail -
Dunmore House - Accenture - EPIP - Windmills - Basavananagar - Hoodi -
Along the Rail Tracks - Along Shantinikethan.
Mileage: 8.25 Miles - 13.25 Km
Time: 1:19:33
Pace: 9'38" / mile
Wght: 72.6 kg / 160 lbs
Not feeling well at first this morning, in spite of a relatively
late wake-up at 4:45. A persistent headache continues to bother
me. I prepare somewhat slowly, especially since Ruksanna got up
too, but still taking the time for Surah Waqi'ah. It's already
seven so my plans for a semi-long-run seem out the window, and
it feels I need the rest. But letting myself being carried by
events, I take confidence in the run, at a conservative pace,
finding a route that attemps to avoid the horrible trafic (which
has been draining me more than I realize). It feels like spring
this morning, still a little cool, but pleasantly sunny. The
Palm Meadows Hamlet road too is being widened, who knows what's
coming here. Problems with dogs at the usual shortcut to Basavana
Nagar, but I know them enough to anticipate firmly. The run ends
up being pleasant, contributing to restore my spirit. Yesterday's
events have renewed the Jhagra with the peope in Nagawar, I finish
the run in great anger in an imaginary battle with them. Not sure
how people might be looking at me, as this interior battle emerges
on my face! I probably look like a mad man ...
Nazia (7.6 Miles) -- 02/18/16
Thursday 02/18/16 -- The Old Chansandra Route
Inner Circle - Whitefield - (Small error detour) - Hagadur Shortcut -
Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra - Hope Farm - Main rd.
towards Kadugodi - Dinur - ITPL Main Road.
Mileage: 7.6 Miles - 12.2 Km
Time: 1:14:08
Pace: 9'45" / mile
Wght: 73.4 kg / 161.8 lbs
Nazia, Ruksanna's oldest daughter, arrived with us yesterday.
It's particularly moving to see them together. A small anecdote
happened yesterday which sticks with me: Sofia, Nazia and I were
outside playing, but she somehow hurt her foot, to the point
where she was really limping. I naturally asked her, would she
be able to walk, should I carry her back?
No no, she laughed, and added with devastating simplicity, you
show me more love than my father did.
I hardly know her, and this small statement opened poignantly
to her drama. I don't think we can understand.
In spite of going to bed later, I got up around 3:30
I think! I was getting ready for some Gym routine, when
Ruksanna woke up too. This is just as well, I was feeling
too tired anyway, and distracted by the extraordinary events.
I unexpectedly set out on this old route, taking me near Ozone
and from there along the classic Chansandra route which I haven't
visited in a long time. It feels really good to be back actually,
and for once, things haven't changed too much. I have grown
completely sick of the Nellurahalli area unfortunately, and
it's oppressive morning trafic.
I add another detour which takes me back further in time:
Towards Kadugodi, near the slum, and through the village
of Dinur, where sometimes I would walk Nazia and the children to school.
-- Nazia and Sofia --
-- Nazia in Elaruvi --
BasavanaNagar (7.1 Miles) -- 03/04/16
Through Inner Circle - Borewell Road - Nellurahalli - EPIP - Petrol
Station - Basavanagar - Hoodi crossing - Along the tracks - Along
Shantinikethan.
Mileage: 7.1 Miles - 11.4 Km
Time: 1:07:42
Pace: 9'32" / mile
Wght: 71.9 kg / 158.5 lbs
At last a good running day!
I have felt every unmotivated lately, which isn't necessary bad
by the way, but most of my runs have been in the 1/2 hr range.
I also feel good about my weight, which has been in the
desired 72 kg range this week.
This morning, in spite of a 4am wake-up, (and in keeping with
the rule of alternance between exhaustion and exhileration), I
wake up very energized. I refused last night to play Badminton
with Nazia and Shabaash, allowing a little more sleep.
Like all of this week, I wake up Ruksanna
at 5 who in turns wakes up Shabaash to send him to Masjid. After
Surah Waqi'ah in Namaaz, I set out at 5:45. It's still dark.
It's nice to be forced out so early actually, as it largely
avoids the horrendous traffic. The center for Nellurahalli
has been completely dug up (are they trying to build an overpass
in the small village??!!?) which further reduces vehicles.
I take the longer way through BasavaNagar, and even though it's
getting late for the 7am meeting, keep going to the rail tracks,
further avoiding traffic. I feel comfortable and easy throughout,
continuing to learn Surah Fajr.
I indeed reach too late for a shower, go straight into Trolls
Dailies in sweaty running gear!
-- Near the Lake, BasavanaNagar --
Around the Lake (8.65 Miles) -- 03/08/16
Dodsworth - Nellurhalli - Accenture - Epip - Petrol Pump -
Basavanagar - twice around the Lake - Hoodi - Rail Tracks -
Shantinikethan - ITPL.
1 Lake Revolution = 4,400 ft (1.34km)
Mileage: 7 + 8,800 ft = 7 + 1.65 = 8.65 Miles
Km: 11.3 + (1.34 * 2) = 11.3 + 2.68 = 13.98 Km
Time: 1:22:35
Pace: 9'33" / mile
Woke up sick coughing during the night + evil mosquitoes.
But woke up at 5 with Ruksanna's alarm. No time for gym,
but go for this semi-long run instead, actually very
pleasant on a foggy relatively quiet morning, without
excessive traffic. A new underpass has been built at
the Hoodi crossing, in addition to the bridge.
Feeling surprisingly good, I run around the little lake
in BasavanaNagar, where several others are running, walking
or exercising.
-- Philippe and Shabaz in the mountain over Elaruvi --
With Philippe Denis (8.15 Miles) -- 03/12/16
Harohalli with Philippe Denis
Whitefield - Hagadur - Ajdondanahalli - Timandhalli - Beautiful Trail -
Harohalli - Small trail - Back same way.
Mileage: 8.15 Miles - 13.1 Km
Time: 1:14:51
Pace: 9'12"/mile
Wght: 71.6 kg / 157.8 lbs
I take Philippe on the beautiful trails through Ajgondanahalli,
Timandahalli and Harohalli. The landscape is in continuous
transformation, but luckily, no new constructions or paved
roads in that area.
We later all leave to Elaruvi, and on Sunday hike up
the mountain in direction of the upper village after having
seen several wild peacocks in the usual fields.
It's very hot though, in fact, this feels like the arrival
of summer where the temperature doesn't abate much at night,
and we have taken a relatively late start. Still, Philippe,
Sofia, Shabaz and I make it to the farms up there that
we had reached previously, but renounce pursuing to the
village which is another kilometer away. It's amazing
how past the jungle the view opens to a completely
different landscape up there, on a sort of plateau isolated
from the world.
Surah Fajr (9 Miles) -- 03/20/16
Outer Circle - Borewell - Main Road - Kodi - Vartur: 0:27:36
Balagere road, to Balagere: 0:14:35 (4.4 Miles - 7.05 Km)
Back to Vartur, Kodi - PM Hamlet - Dodsworth Layout: 0:47:54
(4.6 Miles - 7.45 Km)
Time: 1:30:05
Mileage: 9 Miles - 14.5 Km
Pace: 10'00" / mile
Wght: 72.3 kg / 159.4 lbs
I have finished learning Surah Fajr, and recite it repeatedly
in its entirety over the whole run. I plan to take another
pause now, to revise in depths all the Surahs learned so far.
The run feels comfortable at this particularly slow
pace. Summer heat has stared since last week, but I still find
it bearable, well in control, and tempered by the light Bangalore
morning wind. My breathing is perfect, but my body is still heavy
and sore from last week, particularly my hamstrings, which I have
not been able to loosen. Still though, this is a perfectly pleasant
run.
I haven't been to Balagere in some time. As elsewhere, this
previously calm rural road is now flanked in both sides by apartments,
most already occupied, others still in construction. The absurd
massacre of the Whitefield area continues, unstoppable.
NH207 (10 Miles) -- 04/03/16
Elim - Hope Farm - Chansandra - to NH207 Crossing: 0:32:11
NH207 to Samethanahalli - Ayurvedagram crossing: 0:16:37
Back to Samethanahalli: 0:10:45
Samethanahalli - through the fields to Naugondanahali: 0:15:02
Vijay Nagar Hill - Amberkar Nagar - Main road - Ganapathi
temple - back: 0:39:37
Mileage: 10 miles - 16.1 Km
Time: 1:39:23
Pace: 9'56" / mile
Wght: 72.1 kg / 158.9 lbs
Not particularly enthusastic about running today, was going to
do a few revs at the Circle, but changed my mind at the very
last minute, like often. So set out in the Chansandra area,
and thinking the main road won't be too bad early on Sunday
morning, decide to pursue that way, in an area that I haven't
visited in a long time. Indeed, traffic is tolerable, and I'm
starting to wonder if I can explore further than I have in the
past. But I've been in relatively poor running form lately,
so I cautiously stop a little beyond the 45 minute mark, as
I've reached the familiar turn towards Ayurvedagram. Further
exploration will have to be postponed. Along the way, a tension
line is burning at an electric pole, projecting fireworks-like
projectiles, seemingly ready to explode.
On the way back, I decide to venture through Samethanahalli
and the fields like in the old days. Only a couple dogs that
I suprised sleeping
on the trail bother me for a time, but I repel them firmly.
It's a hot summer morning, in fact, today hotter than
previous days. But I feel good. I've kept a flask of water
in my pocket which proves sufficient, and in the other hand
I use my phone to continue learning SUrah Mulk, which I've
started a couple days ago. I go straight back to Deens
School to join RUksanna who's waiting for Sofia's swimming
lesson to end.
Whitefield Circle, in the Heat (6.8 Miles) -- 04/10/16
To Whitefield Inner Circle: 0:06:19
3 warmup laps: 0:10:12
4 Semi-intervals, 1 lap fast [2 laps recovery]:
0:02:27 [0:06:52] -- 0:02:24 [0:07:03] --
0:02:25 [0:07:32] -- 0:02:30 [0:07:31] -
Back via Outer Circle: 0:08:59
Time: 1:04:18
Mileage: 6.8 Miles ((5*1.06) + 1.5)
Ovearll Pace: 9'27" / mile
Fastest interval pace: 6'51"/mile
Slowest interval pace: 7'08"/mile
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158.1 lbs
Every week, it has felt that summer heat has arrived, but
yet, it gets hotter still. People are saying this year is
abnormally hot, but I'm pretty sure they've been saying
this every year. I do relatively well in the heat, but yes,
it is definitely hot and muggy even in the early morning,
we're all calling for the liberation of thunderous rain,
the night offering little respite. I am of course drenched
in sweat, but otherwise ok.
Yesterday was another exhaustion day, which caused
me to nap four or five times during the day (!) and
again throughout the night, till Fajr ki Namaaz (today
Burooj, Taariq, A'laa and Ghaashiya, which I follow up
later by Fajr, Balad...) I am now slowly learning Surah
Mulk. I've also felt a subtle but unpleasant "oppression
of the chest", which impairs my breathing a little bit,
but hopefully does not denote anything serious.
Unlike last week, I stick to my plan of running
at the circle, where there is always a pleasant crowd
of runners, walkers, etc. (In fact, Ruksanna and I went
there to walk yesterday morning). I even sometimes see
women in full Burkha running laps (how do they do it in
this heat??) It's been a very long time that I haven't
tried running faster, and I take pleasure at relaxing
my body through these shorter intervals, finding at times
a form that I like. Overall, a good session, in spite
of the heat.
-- Madeleine and Tyler, with Terra --
Terra's Birth (8.65 Miles) -- 04/14/16
3 laps at the Circle - Whitefield - Main Road - BEML Layout -
Brookefield - RxDx - Windmills - Sai Baba.
Mileage: 8.65 Miles (7.58 + 1.06)
Time: 1:24:07
Pace: 9'43"/mile
Madeleine's was scheduled for delivering her baby by C-Section
in the US morning. In contact with Tyler, but unable to have
news in the evening, I fall asleep more or less as normal. When
I wake up at 2am, a photo of the Baby from Tyler awaits me. All
is well!
I talk briefly to Madeleine, but she can't hear me,
and unable as usual to use the mobile inside, I go out in the
middle of the night in front of the residence, where a watchman
sitting on a plastic chair is fast asleep in spite of the loud
music he has kept on his phone. Madeleine's phone now does not
answer, until finally Tyler picks up. All is well, but she's
currently talking to the nurse, if I could call back in ten or
so minutes. I decide to wait outside, soon devoured by unescapable
mosquitoes. The guard has meanwhile vaguely woken up. I call
again but still no answer, and unable to shield myself from the
constant sting of the pests, I retreat to bed.
I have woken up Ruksanna with the picture of Terra, teary
eyed. When I wake up at 4:30, I find her still awake, keeping
busy around the house, and she finally finds some rest, leaving
me to my morning ritual. I continue reading the Qur'an as every
morning, wondering whether I'll finish it before leaving to the
US, followed by Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
I finally talk to Madeleine as I head out in the early
morning. All is great, the baby has started feeding and even
pooed once. I head out on this somewhat long run in celebration.
At the Whitefield Circle, I run precisely into the Deens
School Accountant whom I wanted to meet about Sofia's tuition.
It turns out he has made a mistake with the Cheque, and invites
me later that morning to solve. One less worry in my head...
(He walks every morning here, he says). This is a much better
day than yesterday!
But as the run goes on, what a challenge!!! I feel unbearably hot,
completely drenched in sweat,
have not taken water, and the fatigue catches up with me. Today is another
39C forecast. I finish
slow, in energy conservation mode, but feeling roughly ok,
rehearsing Surah MUlk along the way, adding even
another verse that I learn from my phone, as has been the norm
lately while interest in running itself has waned.
The End of the Reading -- 04/23/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 04/18/16 --
Dodsworth - 5th Cross - Borewell - Nellurahalli - Dunmore House - Sai Baba.
Time: 0:42:17
Mileage: 4.35 Miles - 7 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile
It continues to be very hot. Conservative "energy saving" pace.
Gradual progress on Surah Mulk.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 04/19/16 --
Home Gym: 0:36:00 -- "focused" session, pyramid of chest press x20
alternated with Abs x 30.
Run: Dodsworth - 5th Cross - Borewell - Nellurahalli - Sai Baba.
Time: 0:33:06
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.7 Km
Pace: 9'27"/mile
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 lbs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 04/20/16 --
Home Gym: 0:35:00 -- "focused" session, pyramid of prone row x25
Run: Same as yesterday, but *through* Nellurahalli alleys.
Time: 0:32:53
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.7 Km
Pace: 9'24"/mile
Wght: 72.9 kg / 160.7 lbs
The extraordinary heat continues. Every day measures up to 39C, with no
reprieve (everyone is talking about it). We sleep under a full
force fan (no AC) but strangely the air chills my damp skin, making me
take cover under the bedsheet (not to mention mosquitoes), drenching
in more sweat.
But I manage the run fine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 04/21/16 --
ELIM - Main Rd.
Mileage: 1.85 Miles - 3 Km
Time: 0:17:49
Pace: 9'38"/mile
Wght: 73 kg / 160.9 lbs
I feel exhausted, after getting up at 3:45.
But I've taken that opportunity to advance
in reading the Qur'an, still wondering
whether I might finish it before leaving to USA. Although I don't
want to read it mechanically, the increasingly shorter rhythm
of the last Surah's puts the end in sight. I follow it by reciting
full surah Yaseen in Namaaz,
then, having accidentally waken up Ruksanna, stay
with her in good time.
I feel no particular interest in running, especially as this
relentless heat (every day at 39C) may be wearing me down a bit.
Luckily, the daily lunchtime nap, after Dhahar ki Namaaz,
restores me somewhat, this time a particularly deep slumber.
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Friday 04/22/16 --
Ganapathi Temple - Main Rd. - Holy Cross - ITPL road (right side)
Mileage: 2.9 Miles - 4.65 Km
Time: 0:27:38
Pace: 9'32"/mile
Wght: 73 kg / 160.9 lbs
Like yesterday, I wake up at 3:45.
I again use that opportunity to advance in reading the final Surah's
of the Qur'an, and actually reach Surah Burooj, now certain
that I will indeed complete the reading before leaving to the US tomorrow night.
From here are mostly Surah's that I already recite by heart.
I then recite Surah Yaseen in full like yesterday, and I'm getting my
weights discreetly ready for exercise, when Ruksanna turns on the light, waking
up unexepectedly this. So we do a different kind of exercise...
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Saturday 04/23/16 --
Home Gym: 1:00:00 -- Pull ups / Push ups, then shoulders and biceps.
Wght: 73 kg / 160.9 lbs
I woke up at 4:30, still quite early, but much better than 3:45!
This leaves me finally with a great clear mind,
no headache, none of that mental fog that exhaustion
brings, a feeling which sometimes scares me, as if I were about
to collapse. I appreciate immensily those clear days.
So I read the remainder Surah's of the Qur'an, from Surah Burooj
onwards, mostly familiar texts now, that I've learned by heart. I stop
at Surah Alaq, leaving the small remainder for later in the day. As in
the past two days, I follow this in Namaaz with a full rendition of
Surah Yaseen.
Tonight, I leave for the US to see Madeleine. In the late
afternoon, before going to the airport that night, I complete the
reading of the book, with Ruksanna silently listening, recognizing
some of the last most familiar Surahs.
-- Progress so far on Surah Mulk --