INDIA 2016


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-- Madeleine, Tyler and Terra --



Los Angeles (8.7 Miles) -- 04/27/16

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Tuesday 04/26/16 -- Griffith Park
Time: 0:52:23
Estimated Pace: 10'00" / mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.25 Miles


Tried something new and mellower, not climbing too much, staying on the East side of the mountain, which eventually leads me through the horse trails towards the LA Zoo. It's a chilly but beautiful morning. I woke up at 4:30 feeling fine, since it's actually no different from what I do in Bangalore. From the Zoo, I return staying down on the road, finding a wide dirt trail that actually parallels the freeway, a bit too noisy for my taste. But many small rabbits in this section. Overall, a slow stiff run, but good.
NEW SHOES, a pair of Asics that I bought yesterday. I'll revert to that whenever possible, rather than trying to buy directly in India.






-- Griffith Park, Early Morning --


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Wednesday 04/27/16 -- Griffith Park
Same start as yesterday - up to the "pass": 0:50:04
Back down, following the tar road: 0:36:43
Time: 1:26:47
Estimated Pace: 10'00"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 8.7 Miles

I woke up at 3:30, and after breakfast, calling Ruksanna, Namaaz, and a long conversation with Damien, set out around 6.
I take the route I had taken on the last trip, which starts at the base of the mountain. It's quite deserted at first, and a bit chilly, but nice sunrise, and with the effort, the temperature soon feels fine. I see a group of deers then a large coyote disappearing into the brush. Slow climb, peaceful, rehearsing Surah Mulk like yesterday. One Ayaat has been particularly difficult, but as it finally starts to synch in, I add another one, which proves much easier. The descent is relaxing, and I'm starting to cross cyclists coming up. This time, I stay on the tar road, not sure if it'll lead me back to the start. At one point, a film shoot is being set up along the road, after all, this is Hollywood. The road ends up comfortably joining back and is in fact shorter than my way up. Overall good run, although very slow.









-- Crescent City, the Lighthouse --



Crescent City (10.35 Miles) -- 04/30/16

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Friday 04/29/16 -- Crescent City
Along the Coast, passing Harbor, Lighthouse, Pebble Beach
Time: 0:56:40

First run in Crescent City, exploring from the motel along the coast. First run into the lighthouse, than continue along in an area called Pebble beach. Beautiful rocks in the water. The fog lifts to a beautiful crisp sunshine, a headwind keeps it cool on the way out, but it actually gets surprisingly warm on the way back, with the air accompanying me as a tail wind.
I plan to come back tomorrow to continue the exploration up the coast.

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Saturday 04/30/16 -- Crescent City, to Point Saint George
Similar start to yesterday, but further up the coast to Pt St George: 0:50:24
Back inland via Washington Blvd / 101: 0:48:00
Time: 1:38:25
Estimated Pace: 9'30" / mile
Estimated Mileage: 10.35 Miles

Start towards Pebble Beach like yesterday, but plan to continue the road. A stronger headwind than yesterday keeps the temperature quite chilly, but I feel ok. Past the last house I had reached yesterday gets wilder. I take a left on a road to stay near the ocean, which leads me to a place called Point St George. The place is now completely deserted, no traffic or people. Promising trails open to the left, and I eventually take one of them, which leads me along the cliff to little mounds overlooking the Pacific. On one of them is a man doing some sort of hand signals. Coming to him, he explains he's just been taking the picture of his shadow on the tumultuous water way down below. I continue to run along these cliffs, on a small unkempt trail, opening various views of the coves and rocks, until I reach some sort of antenna next to an isolated house. There is still no one in sight, the place looks almost abandonned, and from here, the view opens to a extensive stretch of the North Coast. I turn back, this time back on the tar road, pushed now by a tail wind, which like yesterday quickly warms me up. At the small airport, instead of following the coast like I came, I turn inland towards 101, a debatable choice as the road isn't as nice, but I'm still in the mood for discovery, and manage the end of the run very well. I have been rehearsing Surah Mulk, adding another two verses, progressing more rapidly.








-- Further up the Coast to Point Saint George --












-- The road along the Smith River --


Up the River (12 Miles) -- 05/02/16

Monday 05/02/16 -- Smith River
North Along Hwy 199, from South Fork to French Hill: 0:57:06
Back: 0:57:01
Time: 1:54:07
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 12 Miles

Started at South Fork Road, where Tyler Madeleine and I had gone yesterday. It's still early, and I'm not sure where to run, somewhat apprehensive of hitting the deeper forest trails this early by myself - I guess I'm growing older. So I settle for the road, choosing to run North along Hwy 199, hoping it'll follow beautiful Smith River. The road first seems to veer away through the woods, but it soon returns to the banks of the spectacular river, offering new views at every turn. The water is incredibly green and transparent, increasing in color as sunlight starts to reach down. It's hard to stop on such a run, forever curious as to what the next turn will bring. On a couple occasions, I take a side trail to the bank of the river. I doubt I'll be able to reach another village on the road, as it's indicated at about 7 miles out. But I eventually reach a few houses after a bridge, and decide to turn back there. I feel great actually, not overly tired or dehydrated, in spite of not carrying water. I perform Wudhu in a small stream after peeing, to allow myself to continue to rehearse Surah Mulk on the way back.
One of those memorable runs...









-- Clear Water --












-- Along the South Fork --


Along the South Fork (13 Miles) -- 05/04/16

Wednesday 05/04/16 -- Smith River South Fork
Same start as last time, but ran along South Fork Road: 1:01:44
Back: 1:01:24
Time: 2:03:08
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 13 Miles

I start in the same spot as the last run, but this time embark along the South Fork of the river, which I imagine to be more spectacularly remote. It is indeed far less traveled, but perhaps not as magic as the previous run, not offering as frequent views of the green waters of the river. This time, I do not take the time to descend to its banks, staying on the road, which after a while diverges from the river for a moderate climb into the forest. Unlike yesterday, there is virtually no trafic, not a soul in sight. The weather is cloudy and humid, with occasional slight drizzle, some low clouds torn by the flanks of the mountains. In the deeper forest, I set a majestic bird into flight, but struggle to get a complete view. I eventually reach the top of the hill, from where the road descends back to the river, the best view of the day, and my turning point. (As usual, it would have been tempting to go explore what's behind the next turn...) I eventually pee, which gives me a great second wind, after which I run light and careless, easy. Like yesterday, I perform Wudhu in a small mountain stream so I can resume my rehearsing of Surah Mulk. At the same spot, the large bird takes flight again, and I can get a better view of its black robe. Like last time, my breathing is particularly good, relaxed, perhaps the effect of running in altitude in Bangalore. But I realize how better suited for running this chilly weather is, in spite of the occasional light showers, much better than the heavy heat, the over-abundant sweating. This will be my last run in Crescent City, although I dearly hope to come back often to visit Madeleine, Tyler and baby Terra.









-- Near the final hill --







Hollywood Sign (11.8 Miles) -- 05/07/16

Saturday 05/07/16 -- Hollywood Sign
Travel Town - to the "pass": 0:43:42
To Hollywood Sign: 0:25:33
Back down to the pass: 0:20:50
Back down to the start: 0:32:11
Time: 2:02:16
Mileage: 11.8 Miles
Pace: 10'21"/mile

Back in LA after Crescent city, for a day of meetings.
I have gotten up at 4:30, knowing I won't sleep again, and after lengthy Surah Yaseen Namaaz (with many memory lapses), I want to go out try something new for my last day in the US. John Wake has told me he was mountain biking in the Eastern Hills, "where those antennas are", so I've scouted Google maps to see where the likely trails could be. It turns out Hollywood Way looks like it's headed straight East towards promising hills. But as I set out, I finally notice a heavy rain! Oh well, I still drive there, hoping it will die down.
I explore in the car a few side streets along GlenOak boulevard that indeed climb into the hills, but all dead-end with a no access - in fact, the wilderness is barred by a sturdy steel fence with stern warning signs for Mountain Lions and Rattlesnakes. After exploring a few such avenues, I renounce, especially since the unusual rain hasn't abated anyway, and make my way West through city streets towards the usual Griffith Park. As previously, I park at the base at Travel Town. My goal for the day is a two hour run, the third this week.
The rain has finally subsided, making place to a nearly constant drizzle. Fearing that I'll overheat on the climb, I make the last minute decision to remove my inner t-shirt, which I'll regret a little later. I make it up the road I explored last time, staying entirely on the paved surface. The clouds have brought new views on this landscape, surprisingly wild in this urban environment. Meanders of the road offer repeated views of the backside of Hollywood hill, my goal for the day.
Gently climbing while rehearsing Surah Mulk, I arrive at the "pass", which opens to the West side of the mountain. I am surprised at the number of people here - runners, walkers - and realize that I've never come here on a weekend, usually flying back to India, and on week days, the place is just about deserted. The activity continues on the steep narrow road leading up to the sign. After the first climb and a short downhill rest, I find here a wonderful second wind which makes this steep section particularly pleasant, and I'm reminded that this used to be the case on the bike, the second part of a climb, after a reprieve, would would feel light and easy, flowing smoothly. So like in the days, I accelerate a little, passing walkers or slow runners as if they were other riders. Ah, the days long gone of cycling...
I barely stop at the top. I've taken this photo too many times, and the dense clouds have rendered it uninteresting anyway, blocking the basin under us. On to the descent, which starts fast. The drizzle has finally stopped now, and after the pass, the Eastern road is peaceful again, passing just occasional cyclists. I resume my learning of Surah Mulk, quite satisfied with the progress, and from my phone add another Aayat, which I'll later discover has taken me to the end of the Ruku. I reach the car feeling good, and immediately call Ruksanna before it's too late. Next time, I'll call her from Dubai, as I'm leaving tonight.
I have fulfilled my goal of running six hours in three runs this week. And it has been surprisingly good. My breathing has been exemplary - granted, at a slow pace - and body aches seem ok for now. Now the long journey back to India...










-- On the way up to the Hollywood sign --







Last of the Citilights Runs (7.5 Miles) -- 05/12/16



Thursday 05/12/16 -- Last of the Citilights Runs
Home Gym: 0:10:00
Run: Citilights - Whitefield - Hagadur - Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra - Hope Farm - Dinur - Main Rd - ITPL.
Mileage: 7.5 Miles - 12.1 Km
Time: 1:11:04
Pace: 9'28" / mile
Wght: 73.7 kg / 162.5 lbs

Last run from Citilights -

Jet lag not too bad last night. Woke up many times, but went back to sleep, and finally got up at 4 to recite in Namaaz full Surah Yaseen as in the last couple days.
Decide to run a little long for this last day in Citilights, and opt for one of the old routes, the Chansandra route which I used to take before dawn from Ozone. Back in India, the temperature is in stark contrast with the US, although a bit cooler than before I left (35 vs 40), but still not very fit for running, and indeed, I soon find myself completely drenched in sweat. Even in LA, I could run 2 hours without any water, here, even a single hour proves quite a stretch!
Chasing street dogs welcome me back, but are handled ok. The Hagadur road has been completely excavated near the Shiva Mandir, but is luckily still (barely) passable to pedestrians. A man spits a long thick red liquid of Gutkha. After Hope Farm, I run the old road through Dinur, relatively quiet before the IPTL trafic jams through the small country way.
As I'm about to arrive, an overloud horn of a truck, honking for no apparent reason right into my ear, startles me to one of those accesses of rage, making me yell briefly. I wonder if such an incident could one day throw me into an uncontrolled access of rage, lifting the lid that has been sealed over violence for my whole life.

I am mastering the first Ruku of Surah Mulk better and better. Starting to recite it in Namaaz.























-- Surah Mulk, first Ruku --











-- Near KRPuram Vegetable Market --



M.B.T. Road (8.75 Miles) -- 05/15/16



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Friday 05/13/16 -- 1st Shantiniketan Run
Home Gym: 0:10:00
Shantiniketan - Main Entrance - Hoodi: 0:12:29
Back to ITPL: 0:11:54
Time: 0:24:23
Mileage: 2.65 Miles - 4.25 Km
Pace: 9'12"/mile
Wght: 74.1 kg / 163.4 lbs

Our first night in Shantiniketan.
Like when we had moved to Citilights, we came a couple days before the furniture, slept in the empty house, enjoying the quiet. Ruksanna overboiled milk, prepared sweets, etc.
Again multiple wake-ups throughout the night due to jet lag. I finally get up at 4, tired of these constant interruptions, but luckily feeling fresh. For the fourth day in a row, I recite Surah Yaseen in long Namaaz, of particular intensity.
Ruksanna has planned things well. We've devoted a room for me to Namaaz and Gym. We love the new house, realizing that Citilights had not been very fit for us after all. I come out at 5:30, and already people are walking at dawn within the oversized property. For a first run, having to rediscover the routes and their lengths, I take no risk running straight through the main road to Hoodi, which already features a little too much trafic even this early. I tie the scarf over my mouth, and easily reach ITPL on time for a 6:30 meeting.
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-- Prestige Shantiniketan, from the main road --

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Sunday 05/15/16 --
Shantiniketan Main Gate - Hoodi - Under the tracks to Ayappa Nagar - Devasandra Main Road - past Krishna temple - M.B.T Road / KRPuram Vegetable Market (3.72 Miles): 0:35:04
Back via kodigehalli loop - rail track - side gate: 0:48:51
Time: 1:23:55
Mileage: 8.75 Miles / 14.1 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile
Wght: 73.7 kg / 162.5 lbs

Yesterday was one of those deflated exhaustion days, where I ended sleeping most of the day, and again through the night. I get up at 4, a little dizzy from all this slumber, as if waking from a semi-coma. The adhaan from my phone feels too early, in fact, I hear it from the distant Hoodi masjid about a 1/2 hr later. Has it been confused by the US trip? As a last minute inspiration, I decide for Surah Waq'iah, but having not recited it in a long time, it's an utter disaster! The verses slip away from memory more and more as I progress, to the point where I renounce the last Ruku. I feel abandonned just when I needed Salah the most.
I am getting in the habit of starting my runs by descending the whole flight of stairs all the way from the 18th floor, kind of as a warm-up (and avoiding the wait for the clautrophobic elevator). Starting tomorrow, I'll count that as part of my time.
Being in Shantiniketan opens new horizons towards the North. I realize that Citilights was sort of in between things, not really far enough from Ozone to open such great new routes. Here in Shantiniketan finally feels ripe with new possilibilities!
And so today, as a first, I decide to prolonge the "Ayappa Nagar" run, wondering whether I'll reach the big intersection with the main road that leads to KRPuram. The rail track crossing at Hoodi has been completely closed, replaced by both a bridge and an underpass, which I take. Past Hoodi, even on a Sunday morning, there is just a little too much dust and traffic, but the run is nonetheless pleasant, and at last, past the Krishna Temple, I'm exploring new territory! Quicker than I thought, I reach the major thoroughfare that leads into town, at the KRPuram Vegetable Market. Perfect place to turn back...
It is definitely still hot, and I've made the mistake of not taking any water, not finding my water flask amongst all the boxes. I manage at a pace that tries to avoid overheating, taking on the way back the more pleasant Kodigehalli loop. I have noticed promising roads opening to the North for future explorations.
Back along the tracks, I look at the view of Shantiniketan with a different eye, trying to spot our balcony from a distance on the high towers that dominate the landscape. We haven't received yet our resident's passes, so I negotiate my way at the side gate, which avoids a significant detour, leading almost directly to our tower 16.
Great run, but what thirst after this! I'll drink throughout the day without feeling satiated, wondering whether I'll fall into the hyper-water-syndrome that has taken a few runners!







-- Prestige Shantiniketan, from the rail tracks --











-- Evening view from our balcony in Shantiniketan --



Inside Shantiniketan - Surah Inshira'h (6.5 Miles) -- 05/22/16



Down Stairs: 0:03:10
Around Shantiniketan (Vehicular Loop: 1.08 Miles / 1.74 Km):
0:10:19 -- 0:10:20 -- 0:10:32 -- 0:10:41 -- 0:10:24 -- 0:09:29.
Fastest Lap: 08'46" / mile pace
Time: 1:04:56
Mileage: 6.5 Miles / 10.45 Km
Pace: 9'30" / mile
Wght: 73.9 kg / 162.9 lbs

Wake up in the night with a very strong throat ache, can hardly swallow. These occurences are strangely frequent. I wake up again "late" at 6:00, for once in daylight. The throat is a little better, but my mind is particularly foggy, an excruciating state that usually nothing can dissipate, except perhaps running. Ruksanna has woken up too, but as my mind continues to be heavy and swollen, she finally sends me to run outside. For once, I decide to run inside Shantiniketan, curious as to how long the perimeter of the property might be, and whether it could be used for intervals. One can speak of an addiction to running, as it's become difficult to wake up without it, as drinking coffee. Indeed, the run clears things a little bit (not entirely), the mind is a little clearer. It's a bit late (around 8), and the northern side is exposed to the sun with a tail wind, increasing the heat. Nevertheless, all is well, and I recite Surah Mulk then finish learning Surah Inshira'h, which has suddenly sprung among my favorites. I feel sick and slow, easing gently into the run among people walking their dogs, and pick up the pace slightly on the last lap. This is definitely a possibility for intervals.













-- Surah Inshira'h --










-- Sunrise over Kadugodi --



The Sadaramangala Route -- 05/27/16



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Tuesday 05/24/16 -- Nice people.
Downstairs: 0:02:43
Hoodi - Sadaramangala route: 0:33:21
Mileage: 3.45 Miles - 5.55 Km
Pace: 9'40"/mile
Time: 0:36:04
Wght: 73.7 kg / 162.5 lbs

Up at 4:45 (after Adhan) Feeling better. Namaaz Tari'q, A'ala, Fajr & Alam Yashra'h (for the 1st time).
Sunrise over Kadugodi. Man with a scarf like me, exchange a sign. A man on a motorbike along the rail tracks, singing loudly while weaving, another friendly sign. Funnily, the same exact things climbing back up along Shantiniketan.

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Wednesday 05/25/16 --
Downstairs: 0:02:45
Hoodi - Sadaramangala route: 0:32:45
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.6 Km (this should be considered the official distance)
Pace: 9'21" / mile
Time: 0:35:29
Wght: 73.6 kg / 162.3 kg

Very relaxed pleasant run, all is quiet. I still run with the kerchief over the mouth until the rail tracks, taking it off on the dirt road along the rail tracks (Sadaramangala road). Because of dogs on this section, I carry rocks for a time, but the dogs are cool, letting me pass.
Having quickly firmed up Surah Alam Yashra'h, I'm continuing onto Surah Teen, which seems equally fast to learn. Namaaz this morning consisted of Tari'q, A'ala, Ghashiyah and Fajr.
Feeling good.

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Thursday 05/26/16 --
Home Gym: 0:40:00 -- Mostly Chest.
Downstairs: 0:02:51
Hoodi - Sadaramangala route: 0:33:33
Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.6 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile
Time: 0:36:24
Wght: 73.8 kg / 162.7 lbs

Up too early around 3:45. Time to advance reading SUrah Baqarah before Namaaz, which constitutes of Surah Ansha'h, Tin (partial), then Mulk and Fajr, all in an intense rendition. I follow that with a gym session, then the run after gently waking up Ruksanna with Chai. The sun is rising over Kadugodi where we met, warming her bed. The run is good, as the last few days, easy and particularly relaxing. I'm sure I'll soon get tired of this route, but for now, it's particularly peaceful and pleasant at this hour.

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Friday 05/27/16 --
Downstairs: 0:02:41
Hoodi - Kodigehalli Loop - Sadaramangala: 0:47:44
Mileage: 5.2 Miles - 8.4 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile
Time: 0:50:25
Wght: 73.8 kg / 162.7 lbs

Have the time to try this longer loop. Takes a little longer than I thought, but great. Still figuring out my morning commutes route, and really enjoying this new starting point, much more than Citilights.
Up at 4 again, verging on exhaustion. Surah Yaseen in Namaaz on this Jumah ka din.
I finish learning Surah Tin this morning, already, rehearsing it along the run. Learning these short Surah's offers a nice break from the longer ones, but I will soon return to completing Surah Mulk.
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Before Ramadhan (Ayappa Nagar Route) -- 05/31/16



Tuesday 05/31/16 --
Downstairs: 0:02:51
Hoodi (shortcut) - Ayappa Nagar - Kodigehalli: 0:55:15
Mileage: 5.75 Miles - 9.25 Km
Pace: 9'36" / mile
Time: 0:58:06
Wght: 73.4 kg / 161.8 lbs

The Ramadhan fast starts next week, and for various reasons, this ends up being the last significant run before the start of the Rosa (I won't be able to run on the weekend like I planned to). This time, I plan to be much more cautious with the fast, and completely stop running at least at first. Last year, encouraged by the success of my first full Rosa the previous year, I had faulted by an excess of presumption, starting the fast with a 2 hour long run in Los Angeles! What a mistake! That, plus the jet lag, made that second fast a near disaster, putting me at the verge of abandonning. This year I intend to make it right. I probably need an annual rest anyway, especially as the stupid pain in my right foot keeps lingering. Anyway...
Today, up at 5:00, feeling well rested. Because of Memorial Day in the US, there is no morning meeting, so I have a little time for exploration.
I use this to try the slightly longer loop through Ayappa Nagar, lengthening again the usual Hoodi route. Near Shantiniketan, a car and a motorcyclist have stopped in an argument that looks like it will end up in a fight. This continues to feed my endless inner debate about violence. Yesterday, I heard that the children's teacher hit them with a stick because they couldn't recite their ABCs, whereas I'm desperately trying to teach them not to fight! I have to call that teacher...
I finally take the "middle shortcut" from the main road, which bypasses the Hoodi intersection and its trafic. This will become a must from now on, until I try the third shortcut, which bypasses even more of the main road.
I run at an easy effortless pace, and soon enjoy the morning. I keep the cloth tied on the face even past the underpass, through Ayappa Nagar, as there is some trafic. I remove it on Kodigehalli road, although sadly, even on this quieter stretch, there are passing constructions trucks raising smoke and dust. One of the truck drivers yells at me with agitation, although I don't know if it's anger or encouragement. I take the trail through the Maidam back to the tracks, although there are probably too many dogs and people shitting to run this way. Seeing our tower in the distance, I form this idea of phoning Ruksanna to call her out on the balcony from where we could see each other from afar. But she must be about to accompany Sofia to the school bus, so I save this idea for another day. Because of water on the road, I elect to go over the rail tracks, joining a long slow line of workers who are cautiously negotiating the steps down to the back entry of Shantiniketan. I hear the train stops right here on the tracks only to allow the many Shantiniketan Kaamkarnevalle to descend.
I had rushed learning Surah Tin way too much, forgetting the last few verses, so I use today to re-learn the Surah. This, and the preceding Surah (Alam Yashra'h) will soon become among my favorites in Namaaz.
Before the upcoming interruption, I realize how good the move to Shantiniketan has been for us. As far as running goes, it definitely opens new roads to the North, rekindling some of the thrill of exploration that has otherwise critically dwindled. In a way, this break will allow me not to rush too much, there is time to explore these new roads, and it's probably best to not exhaust all the possibilities all at once.
Let's see what the month break brings. I don't think I've done this in a long long time...









-- Surah Tin --






Last before Roza (6.55 Miles) -- 06/06/16



Monday 06/06/16 -- Last before Roza
Home Gym: 0:34:00 -- Back, Biceps.
Hoodi rail crossing, via 1st Shortcut - Ayappa Nagar -
Kodigehalli rd. - To Belthur Rd. - Village road to Kodigehalli - Maidam - Over the tracks - Along Shantiniketan.
Mileage: 6.55 Miles - 10.55 Km
Time: 1:04:26
Pace: 9'50"/mile
Wght: 73.3 kg / 161.6 lbs


Last day before Roza. I've spoken too soon last time, I manage to squeeze in this last run, even though I had no kapde left at work, for which I send Prithvi.
It's a little later than usual on this meeting-less Monday, and I walk with Sofia and Ruksanna to the school bus, start from there. Once out, I take the longer shortcut for the first time, which turns out to work perfectly, avoiding a longer stretch of the busy main road (this will become the norm I'm sure).
I have started around 7, which is too late for the trafic. Even on the quieter Kodigehalli road, and the small road beyond leading towards Belthur, there are way too many trucks and school buses, raising clouds of oppressive dust, causing me to keep the kerchief for longer, which as usual quickly becomes drenched in sweat, rendering breathing harder. Only on the tiny village road to Kodigehalli do I finally find Sukun - and a few dogs, which are fine, but I still carry rocks in my hands.
All in all, a great peaceful run. Now for an extended rest, hoping for a successful Roza. I have resumed learning Surah Mulk after the interruption of Ashra'h and Tin, starting the second Ruku.
Later that day though, I find out that this should have been the first day of fast! I guess it must have been announced at the last minute! Oh well, what to do? There was no way for me to know... I look forward to start my Roza tomorrow, with greater humility than last year.








-- Main roze ki niyet karta houn, mera roza kaboul kijiye --



Ramadhan, Days 1 to 6 -- 06/12/16



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Tuesday 06/07/16 -- 1st Roza (day 2)
Wght: 73.3 kg / 161.6 lbs

Yes, I have missed yesterday the first Roza, which was probably declared too late for me to find out. I'm a little dismayed at this unfortunate false start to my good Ramadhan but try to put this aside and stay focused.
In the morning, Ruksanna and I are still eating, when we suddenly realize we've past the time for Roza! I'm not sure how to handle this situation, whether to finish our plate before starting the fast would be appropriate, or perhaps all is lost, but a growing sense of urgency compels me to spit whatever I have in my mouth, which comes out in a thick grown paste which isn't easy to extract from my mouth (could it be from the cookies?).
The alarm rings to wake me at 3:45, interrupting this strangely realistic dream.

Ruksanna wakes up with me, we eat together and like last year, I repeat dutifully after her the Du'ah, and then we pray Namaaz together, which I shorten to the Surah's she would know. She lies down on the Janimaaz while I read Surah Yaseen. I interrupt to explain to her the houm va azvaajouhoum verse ("they and their spouses") which always evokes to me her and I still united in Jannat, finally in peace.
I eventually lay down at her side, on the floor for some time, but neither of us sleep. I propose the bed but she convinces me that the floor is better, we shouldn't lose the habit.

I have entirely closed running, but do I walk. Shantiniketan is close enough that I can walk to and from work, no longer requiring the car at all, which satisfies me greatly. It's not ideal, as the main road is sometimes both difficult and unpleasant to cross, but I still try to keep the trafic to a minimum. This morning though, I make the mistake of trying the main road, thinking it will be relatively free around 6. But the side of the road is a complete mess, as if it had exploded or something, and aggravated by the night's rain, pushing pedestrians into the trafic. I'll have to return to my usual road, even this early.


Later in the day, I am greatly perturbed by the news about Richard Huckle.
I just happen to catch a brief headline buried Yahoo with the name, "Richard Huckle". The name sounds vaguely familiar. The headline announces that this young man has just been condemned for the worst pedophile crimes. Could this be the same guy whom I was corresponding with through Flickr? I had kind of forgotten about him, but at some point, given similarities in our photos of poor children, we were about to meet in person. As I read more about the story, it becomes increasingly clear. His stay in Malaisya, where posing as a young Christian missionary, he would molest children after gaining their trust. I even read about a trip he made in Bangalore to visit an orphanage, vaguely remembering that he had planned to come. I search through my emails and indeed find his messages, including relating his trip to Bangalore where I had even offered to meet him! I click on some of the old links to his photographs which have all been disabled. One news article publishes his email exchanges with the Bangalore priest, and there it is, the same telltale signature, "Huckool", now sinister. No mistake, this is indeed the guy!
I re-read his emails several times in disbelief. The cynicism of the case is baffling. He was writing a manual for pedophiles while performing his missionary work (and writing to me things like for example how ..."It is great, the work that we do for our respective poorer communities, taking and giving photos to families, and also visiting and spending quality time with them; it's like our social service duty to these people, even if we can't lift them out of poverty, we can still lift their spirits through our presence and our photography.") Now only do I notice small details that could have alluded to his sinister darkness, like ..."the parents happily let them go off without them to the church (obviously being escorted with other adults)"...
There are crimes or perversions that we can perhaps understand, but THIS? Incomprehensible. No fiber of being can relate to such abject behaviour. How is it possible that man was created with the propensity for such depravity? It defies understanding.

The story fuels the day's Namaaz. I have resolved to pray all five this month, adding Asr (before leaving office) and Maghrib to my usual routine.

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Wednesday 06/08/16 -- 2nd Roza
Wght: 72.8 kg / 160.5 lbs

I wake up today seeing another dream, this time about Richard Huckle.
Although this involves a woman, apparently completely unrelated (Richard is not even in the dream at all), but I know perfectly well waking up that it is about him, showing how this story has seized my mind since yesterday.


Like yesterday. Ruksanna struggles to attach her Oudni around her head for Namaaz. "Hamara kitna complicated" she laughs, as she attemps it again, wrapping the cloth several times around her head and chest. There, she shows satisfied, as she can comfortably hide her hands under the cloth.
Likes yesterday, we recite Namaaz together, and then I recite all of Surah Yaseen by heart, holding the booklet in my hand for support (I've learned it so much that I still know when to turn the pages even without looking at the text.) I wonder if this will become a new thing, where instead of lengthening so much Namaaz with long Surah's, I read them right after the more habitual prayer.
Meanwhile, Ruksanna has been performing Zikr with a necklace that she has kept from the Kadugodi days. We then lay down again on the floor, Ruksanna refusing the bed, but we are unable to sleep. She doesn't let me kiss her on the lips, "side, she says, French Style", before offering her cheek.

I plan to exit Shantiniketan through the back gate (the gate of workers and Naukhrani, which leads directly to the rail tracks), but find that it doesn't open before 6:30am. Too bad, that road would have been so quiet...

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Thursday 06/09/16 -- 3rd Roza
Wght: 72.4 kg / 159.6 lbs

I'll admit I find it difficult to perform Namaaz alongside Ruksanna. I should break from the habit of reciting only in strict solitude, and rejoice from her presence at my side, that she has chosen to observe the Roza with me. Yet part of me is waiting for her to drop out (like I imagine she will) so I can be returned to my ascetic solitude - yet I feel guilt at the thought. During Ishaa ki Namaaz, I let her lead the recitation. We were both tired and she rushed a bit, using "Surah Ikhlaas" for every Rakat, having not learned many others. This is considerably shorter than I normally would do, and I am unable to muster the same intensity. In the morning, I tried to padh longer alongside her, letting our two Namaaz separate, but the attempt failed completely, as the Surah's inexplicably slipped from my memory, worse and worse until I could recite no further, a very poor Namaaz in the end. I read waqi'ah immediately following, in a day where clearly my memory is faltering.

Is it the effect of food and sleep deprivation? Can I still achieve excellence? I struggle, but will continue to press for the best. Unlike last year, I have decided to not grow a beard during the Ramadhan, rejecting that as an outward sign, in an ever growing quest for sincerity. I have stripped my practice from any action that I consider for show, the only sign that I value is the mark on the forehead, which happens on me to be conveniently concealed behind my hair.

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Friday 06/10/16 -- 4th Roza
Wght: 72.4 kg / 159.6 lbs

After dinner, I went up to the namaaz ka kamra ahead of Ruksanna, which allowed me to recite longer Farz and Sunnat (Ala'q, Qadr, Bayyinah and Zilzal). I repeat the Namaaz once she arrives, with the Surah's that she knows. She exclaims in pains every time she raises from Ruku, and yet obstinately raises keeping her hands on her knees, rather than pushing on the ground. She explains that his is sahi tarika, which launches us into a debate over what's important and what's not. Not commiting crimes is more important than the exact way in which we raise from prostration, or if we show our index while eating, but I see how much people get attached to these details of implementation. To each their own...
Namaaz is much better with her today. I take strength in our couple side by side. But soon, the betterment becomes a distraction in itself, as I reflect upon it. Thoughts of how to narrate the event, what to make of every instant, start to take my mind away. I beat myself for being no better than all those selfie heads, a constant need to narcissically expose oneself to the world, through the safety of a computer screen. It reminds me of my cycling days, where at times, I would suffer through the Double Centuries with the main goal of writing them in my journal, the thought of it interfering with the immediate reality of the event, defeating my quest. I try to shake it off, but even that thought stands now between me and the perfect Namaaz. I do manage to catch glimpses of a good Salah, and conclude that it will be good enough for now. Every day the effort is renewed...

Ruksanna muses about faith. We don't really know, why does Allah give no proof, she asks echoing a central theme from the Qur'an. Yes, indeed, we do not know. And yet, Salah provides Sukun - peace and solace.
That's exactly it, I feel, it's that simple, and she has expressed it perfectly.

I continue to not run (wondering how long it has been since I haven't taken such an extended break) and it looks increasingly likely that I won't run at all for the whole month, giving it this time the respect and dedication it deserves. But it also shows how strangely dependant I am on my stretching/running routine to learn new verses from the Qur'an. I am completely stuck on Surah Mulk, unable to advance! Is it just the time spent in running, rehearsing along the way, or is it also that running puts the brain in a particular cognitive state that facilitates learning?

This day, Jumah ka Din, will be the best so far.
I feel particularly aware, like on heightened alert, my mind clean as if refreshed by the fast. I manage one of my very best Namaaz for Zohar, during lunchtime in the relative solitude of my office.

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Saturday 06/11/16 -- 5th Roza
Wght: 72.4 kg / 159.6 lbs

It is Saturday, and I take the opportunity to sleep a little after Fajr ki Namaaz. I see exactly two dreams, of no particular importance.

Somewhat in passing, I've explained to Ruksanna the meaning of the last verse of Surah Fala'q, Min Sharril h'asidin izaa h'asad ("...from the evil of the envier when he envies..."). She likes the verse and wants to learn it. If we read it, will we be protected from all the envious? She perceives everyone as taking behind her back, sometimes openly and without shame, Nazaar buri baat hai. From now on, I will always recite this particular Surah when we are in Namaaz together.
In the evening, she throws her hands up on the wall, in a weird sudden gesture. She laughs as I look at her in an odd way. It's just that she was too tired to perform Wudhu with water... As we start Namaaz, she quickly mumbles "wastaghfiroulla, toba toba toba...." touching her cheeks rapidly in an insect-like gesture, causing me a quizzical look which makes her laugh. As we get ready again, she repeats the gesture, toba toba toba... and it looks like we won't be able to stop laughing together today.

We later went to Gulshan in shivajinagar for Ramadhan shopping. We bought outfits for all the children, including Shazia and Zoia, Ruksanna hoping they would soon join us as well. It all started very well, but three hours later, as the girls were stuck in the bengals section, I finally lost patience.
But back home, Nazia immediately tried on her beautiful red dress, and then Shazia's. How happy she is, rejoices Ruksanna, she has never worn such expensive clothes.

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Sunday 06/12/16 -- 6th Roza
Wght: 72.4 kg / 159.6 lbs

On Sunday morning, I have slept again like yesterday after Namaaz. And strangely, have also seen exactly two dreams - but just as irrelevant.
The children remember that I had proposed yesterday to take photos of them in our Ramadan clothes. Without even asking, they all start dressing up, staying barefeet since we haven't bought shoes yet, and so I call them on the balcony after Asr ki Namaaz for photos. They look very serious at first, Indian Style, so I dance around to make them laugh. Nazia has chosen to wear Nazia's dress instead of her own, the sumptuous red one that she chose herself, which she assures me she is saving for the Eid itself. Ruksanna joins us eventually, wearing a rather odd combination of clothes.
But later she comes with a superb green dress, very simple, which suits her admirably. I had it made from the Saree I wore when I first came to meet you, she says, opening another abyss of memories. She remembers the Saree she wore that fateful day...
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Ramadhan, Days 7 to 13 -- 06/19/16



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Monday 06/13/16 -- 7th Roza
Wght: 72 kg / 158.7 lbs

Last night, the Boudi (the children's grandmother) has called through Nazia and Shazia (the two sisters are now talking regularly on the phone). The old woman proposed to meet Ruksanna today in Nagawar.
This morning, I've asked Ruksanna to choose with Surah's to recite. She continues to favor Surah Falaq, because of the H'asidin verse, so the four Qoul Surahs were chosen. After Namaaz, I exhort her to caution. What if the old woman was trying to trap her? What if she plotted an group of man to coerce her?
But in characteristic courage, Ruksanna brushes all that aside. She cannot be stopped. They know me over there, she argues, even if fifteen people came, I could send them away.
Another day, another driver. Today will be the end of Prithvi.

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Tuesday 06/14/16 -- 8th Roza
Wght: 72 kg / 158.7 lbs

Ruksanna's Ishaa ki Namaaz (last evening prayer) is precipitated. Tired and impatient to sleep, she reads it in such haste that I compare it to an express train. My imitation makes her laugh to tears, and the next day, she'll recite Ishaa slower.
In a loving wink, she now always turns to me before starting as she taps her cheeks toba toba knowing that we'll laugh. Ham sath padhte hain. I master better and better this Namaaz side by side, the way she carefully aligns our two Janimaaz, always asking me to confirm the exact orientation (it's crooked in our house), I take strength in our union. She is still wearing that moving green dress, and the Oudhni circles so beautifully her face, sort of isolating her features, giving her expression a renewed value. Ham sath padhte hain. Paradoxically, her imaginary presence while reciting in solitude had thus far been more potent than her physical presence at my side, but that has now turned.
In the morning, we eat somewhat reluctantly left over meat balls of chicken, which curiously have turned rather hard. At least it's filling!
After Fajr ki Namaaz, I leave aside my Qur'an reading to lay at her side. We've been promoted now to the bed, as Ruksanna has left the floor. This morning too, she love in that green dress, a face circled by the yellow Oudhni.

On my walk to work, a woman (among the constant flow of workers that comes into Shantiniketan) is caught by the sun, her face momentarily blinded by the morning sun. She stops to mutter some rapid prayer to the star.

I reflect that our human body and mind always works to normalize our circumstances, probably in an effort to make it acceptable to us, thereby survive. But this also makes us a poor judge of our times. We perceive our world through the filter of this normalisation, readily willing to brush aside its anomalies while we would be much more critical of other eras. For example, would a more objective mind not judge consumerism harshly, or the impact of science and technology on our world?

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Wednesday 06/15/16 -- 9th Roza
Wght: 71.4 kg / 157.4 lbs

Ruksanna wakes up with me as usual at 3:45, and traditionally faster than her in the morning, I warm up the meal and prepare chai. But she doesn't eat after all, and declares her intention to not keep Roza today, because of her cycle. She has still gotten up to keep me company, but lets me go upstairs alone for Namaaz, allowing me a longer routine of Surah Burooj, Tariq, A'ala and Ghashiya (the latter having started to slip away from my memory, a problem I'll remedy at zohar). But I now find that I miss her at my side...
I come back down to continue reading Surah Nishaa. At my side, she has decided to practice her handwriting, copying words from a children's book. I correct her like I would with Sofia, explaining now how to write between the lines and not randomly mix capital letters with cursive.
Today I've finally remembered to keep some money in my pockets, but no bikhari on the way to work...

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Thursday 06/16/16 -- 10th Roza
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs

Ruksanna still joins me for Sehri. In solitude, long Surah Yaseen. I fold the janimaaz as she has taught me, in three's. (I had noticed the Hazrat doing that way also).
Today is not good. I feel exhausted and somewhat disengaged.
I am eating only two meals a day (no extra snack at night) and even that in great moderation, as I have to force myself especially in the morning. But it could be that I'm simply not eating enough, as I feel particulary weak, and my body weight is plunging too rapidly compared to other years. It could also be that the privation of running ia leading to a state of semi-depression or despondency, like it normally does, running being its own kind of drug. In any case, I resolve to eat more abundantly, starting from this Iftaar, where I even indulge in several fried things that Ruksanna has prepared for the children.

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Friday 06/17/16 -- 11th Roza
Wght: 71.3 kg / 157.2 lbs

Yesterday's exhaustion. Have I not been eating enough? Semi discouragement. The relentless antisemitic verses.
Morning, before alarm, not wake her up for once. I realize I miss her presence. But I dropped on the floor, she came. Anyway, she wanted to hear news from Shankar. (Yesterday I had fallen asleep before telling her).
Namaaz Surah Waqi'ah imposes itself, another very dedicated recitation, annuling yesterday's tiredness. But as often, the realisation of the event gets in the way. I have to shut up the writer's voice, constantly trying to formulate the event, creating a distance by this objectivisation or dramatisation. Why is it that we can't live events in themselves? I am no better than a Facebook junky. But I more or less regain the upper hand, and finish the Surah strong, particularly absorbed by certain verses. The recitation often feels like a combat against oneself.

Today, like last Friday, was a good day.

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Saturday 06/18/16 -- 12th Roza
Wght: 71.3 kg / 157.2 lbs

Taken some of the intensity down, as I find it unsustainable, and to some extent forced. It could be another sin of pride, always trying to take things to an extraordinary limit, as if attempting to lift myself above others. I enjoy my Surah Yaseen this morning, more relaxed, pleasantly concentrated but without excess.
As I progress through my second reading of the Qur'an, reveal some of the worst antisemitic verses, which I rationalize in various ways. I am also busy bringing a counterpoint to the Stanford Rape Case, reflecting about responsibility.

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Sunday 06/19/16 -- 13th Roza
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs

We went yesterday to see Dori, unfortunately in disastrous conditions, the projection being so dim that it was hard to distinguish anything (and aggravated by the cell phone lights of late-comers!) I hated the film.

After the Roza, we celebrated my birthday with a cake, after a copious Biryani. I have eaten too much for the first time this Ramadan, and have to force myself to eat the Biryani again in the morning at 4am. I get up alone in the night, and after a good Surah Waq'iah Namaaz (under the new rule which consists of not forcing concentration with excess), I read a good chunk of Surah An'aam, which I find very satisfying, especially following the difficulties of the preceding Surah. But Ruksanna comes up during the reading, and like yesterday, I fall asleep for some time, definitely feeling much better rested than during the week when there is no time to sleep.





Ramadhan, Days 14 to 20 -- 06/26/16



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Monday 06/20/16 -- 14th Roza
Wght: 71.6 kg / 157.8 lbs

I continue to eat more, and in fact, my weight loss has stabilized or even started to bounce back, and during the day, I hardly feel the marked weakness of the first two weeks.
The breast feeding dream. Is it Terra? The maid's baccha?
tout remove. reconstruire. remplacer. Plus safe? Mais ne vaut pas le reel. Pas loin le jour ou nous aimerons l'artificiel, preserve de la subjectivite de l'autre.

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Tuesday 06/21/16 -- 15th Roza
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs

The train at 3:15. Drums in the night. Patake in the morning. Festival? Ruksanna corrects me, someone must have passed away. I offer her the choice of Surah Yaseen or Waqi'ah, but she won't choose. She continues to love the H'asidin verse, and wants to learn it. Padhne se kya laab hai?
To my surprise, she'd like me to stay at a lower weight of 70.
I adopt my weekend strategy of taking a brief nap around 9:30, which works fantastically well, leaving me remarkably clear for the whole day.

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Wednesday 06/22/16 -- 16th Roza
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs

Un reveil plus difficile. This time, I've made a strange dream where my *** had become infected, and to makes matters worse, I've accidentally touched some strange live thing rolled into a ball, which turns out to be a Siplak, which Ruksanna hates. I wake up realizing that this evokes the silly discomfort I have with my foot, where I've developped a dry patch of skin which I must admit worries me at the back of my mind, as if it could become cancerous.
After hesitation, settle for A'ala, Ghashiyah, Fajr and Balad. But Ruksanna walks in onto my Namaaz! All is wasted, although I still proceed with the plan. Seeming asleep, I proceed to read Surah ***, but she interrupts me again out of nowhere, a theft happened yesterday on the 16th floor, the children have reported. I give up and lie at her side. Miraculously manage to sleep 5 minutes before Suraj ki Azaan. Resume my reading, but she seizes me again. I resent her intrusions in my privacy, but feel bad about it.

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Thursday 06/23/16 -- 17th Roza
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs

Ruksanna woke up this morning, resuming Roza.
I have to get used to Namaaz with her again. I catch up from yesterday, devote the morning to her. More than anything, she has taught me altruism. I plan to always recite the Surah's she knows, with particular insistance on Surah Fala'q which she wants to learn. I expose the plan: Sunnat Ashra'h and Tin (which she can listen to), Farz Ikhlaas and Falaq. She agrees, a little surprised that I would plan the recitation ahead of time, which she never does. I explain that otherwise, the thought of what to recite in the Rakhaat can get in the way.
After Namaaz, she practices reading Arabia in Nourani Qaidah, which she had left aside for some years. I help her read. She is frustrated that she has forgotten a bit. Hijra karo, I tell her, and she bursts out laughing! I meant to say hije padho (reading while enunciating the letters and vowels), but what I said would translate to read trans-sexuel! We know we'll now always laugh from this.
Later, I follow her downstairs to sit at her side and read the Qur'an, while she resumes counting (she is decidely in a studious mood this morning!). She has carefully written all the numbers up to 1,500, planning to reach 2,000. Previously, she struggled to read numbers over a thousand, and wants to better understand prices in the doukan.

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Friday 06/24/16 -- 18th Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs

Ruksanna said to wake her up in the morning, so she could keep me company, but I let her sleep instead. I thought she was tired and irritable with the children yesterday. I too get somewhat distracted as I wake up by compulsively reading my phone, either for email or news. But I soon let it down, prefering to wake up to the Qur'an rather than the bagvas of the world, and keep my mind pure till Namaaz.
This morning's solitude leads to a vertiginous recitation of Surah Yaseen in Namaaz, of particular intensity, although this provokes the common interference of my writer's voice, already plotting how to relate the event. It irritates me though, this delusion that I might some day be read, and today my momentum is strong enough to brush this recurring interrogation to the side, and the Namaaz continues powerful. What happens to my legacy I leave in the hands of Allah.

After reading some of Surah Anfaal, its verses dealing with courage, I wake up Ruksanna to a glorious sunshine over Kadugodi which colors her room, run to the balcony to take a picture, she soon exclaims...



-- Sunrise over Kadugodi --

But later in the day, I am overcome by a powerful headache that has been lingering since morning. Not quite a migraine, but not far. I nevertheless push through the day, feeling otherwise fine.

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Saturday 06/25/16 -- 19th Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs

I have kept the alarm 10 minutes earlier (at 3:35) to allow me to make Pasta, as we've decided to not cook anything in advance yesterday evening. But Ruksanna has nevertheless kept a pan of water ready on the stove, and a pack of Spaghetti nearby.
She wakes up to my surprise, and I admit I recoil at first to see my solitude interrupted. She eats whatever leftover Pasta and egg, even giving me more from her plate. Very animated, I explain to her the historical events unfolding, the Brexit that happened yesterday, which in true Gluckman fasion, I paint in the most catastrophic light. I truly see this as another milestone step in the change of world order, and welcome it to a large extent. But who knows what will come next?
It's a fine morning after all, in fact, we're so busy talking that we let time go by before settling for Namaaz. As before, I padh with her what she knows, today, the four Qul Surah's. A little later, finding some opportunity to be alone, I sit to read the Qur'an, but RUksanna brings a chair and her English book to sit right by me. So instead of Surah Tauba, we end up reading the Fox and the Crow...

But later, I am unfortunately overcome by the same headache as yesterday, perhaps worse, and come very close to make an exception to the Roza - yet stand fast. I'm not sure though I'll be able to withstand another day like this...
Luckily, the headache peaks around 3pm, curiously as I try to sleep, and comes back down to a more manageable level. I finally find a moment of isolation to read Surah Tauba, which I complete in a single reading, a hard Surah, that deals with courage and battle, addressing harsh words towards the arabs who stayed behind (at least, it's not at the Jews!).
I am still a Jew. Even if I wanted to, it could not be extracted from me, and I'd like to remind that according to the Qur'an, reading the Torah should be perfectly honorable. So I am particularly sensitive to the language of the first few Surah's (in compilation order, not chronological order). I understand that the Qur'an faults the Jews for having betrayed the faith. But in Surah Maidaah the language crosses the line towards slander. This could be largely historical, as the peak of it happens in the Madinati Surah's, where the Ummah felt betrayed by the Madinan Jewish communities if the time. Reading further into Tauba, we find equally harsh language against factions of the Arabs. Which poses the question, ok, so the jews have been unworthy of the faith, but have the Christians or Muslims done any better?
I answer no, without doubt.
The Christians carry some of the worst crimes of humanity, under the hypocrisy of love, and as horrible as they might be, the modern terrorists have cast but tiny drops in the oceans of blood cast by Christianity. In fact, look at the US. The rich are now playing King of Hill, but their land was acquired by a bona fide genocide, far more successful than even the Nazis were ever able to muster. If you're going to be barbaric, at least do it with an open face, not under the self-righteous hypocrisy that is so prevalent in the West. As for the Muslims, they are nowadays as divided, bellicose, greedy and errant as the Qur'an critcises the Jews of the time to be. The Qur'an actually often warns: We disavowed the Jews, and the other civilsations before you, but we will replace you as well just as easily, if you don't prove worthy of the faith. Let it be a warning to all people and all powers.

After Iftaar, Ruksanna doesn't have the strength to come pray Ishaa, so I head back up alone. But from downstairs, I hear her laughing very loud in front of a film from master Charlie Chaplin, and it makes me happy.

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Sunday 06/26/16 -- 20th Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs

I finally wake up with a clean mind, before the alarm (around 3:30), after a couple challenging days. I let Ruksanna sleep, and enjoy the morning solitude, which I do not waste in reading world events (nothing new anyway).
Surah Yaseen in Namaaz. Then read about half of Surah Yunus - a great Surah in contrast with the sinister war tone of the last two - before I hear Ruksanna waking up downstairs. I manage to sleep shortly at her side, which finishes putting me in the best of dispositions (and realize how bad yesterday was). She would like to do a little exception to the Roza but I refuse. So she jokingly calls me a Hazrat, for my strictness, a reproach that I had feared, and that has accompanied me all my life. But she lets me to it.

I see the Brexit as another step towards the downfall of the West's dominance, something that I imagine will end up in story books, perhaps started on September 11. In books, historical events happen a certain way, but I often wondered what it can be like to actually live through them, and how much time elapses between the pages, confusing the overall picture.
I am a child of the Siècle des Lumiè're and the industrial positivism which have shaped our world. It's perhaps sad to see our society based on such noble ideals come to an end, as if consummed by disease. But there it is, everything inevitably ages, rots, then is no more. I welcome the upcoming revolution, with no idea what our world should be replaced with.
Islam is a gesture of submission. It's the admission that we don't know. Fundamentally, we do not know, and those that do are poisoned by arrogance. Islam is an open confession of ignorance, trusting that the supreme is impenetrable to us, and we should not attempt to conquer it. And in last resort, it actually doesn't matter whether this is true or not. Faith might be a need, embedded in humans just like hunger and desire, and we cling to it just as intensily as a grown child chooses to believe in Santa Claus. In that sense, it is one of the higher forms of Nihilism.

We drove the Nano for the first time in a long time. The fast has brought me the usual mind clarity, but the battery doesn't start. I was going to abandon it, but a car cleaner helps us push it to a start. I realize that this is yet another thing where I'm worthless, and let him drive to start the car, which he does by engaging the clutch more violently than I had. We go to the Madhuranagar Madrasa after one of our usual small arguments about Zakat, but Ruksanna holds the line and categorically refuses to give more than 5000 rs. I yield, after all, my Zakat is of doing my best to provide for her and the children, in which I hope there is honour.





Ramadhan, Days 21 to 27 -- 07/03/16



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Monday 06/27/16 -- 21st Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs

Complete Surah Yunus. Sleep 15 minutes, blessed!
Still stuck on the first 4 Aayats of the second Ruku. But I force myself to recite them in Namaaz, hopefully I'll be ready to move on (I've jumped the gun by writing another verse before the weekend...)

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Tuesday 06/28/16 -- 22nd Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs

This morning, I committed an exception to the Roza.
I somehow feel that the dissonance it casts on my plan to perfection might actually reinforce my practice. That proves true to some extent, but I still dearly regret this transgression. As if a direct retribution, Ruksanna reports that, after a period of peace, there has been another violent incident with Nazia during the day.

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Wednesday 06/29/16 -- 23rd Roza
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs

I have finished reading Surah Yusuf, which sort of stands apart in the Qur'an as a distinct complete narration (why this particular biblical episode?).
For the first time, I have recited in a single day, Yaseen in the morning, Mulk (or what I know of it) at mid-day, and Surah Waqi'ah in the evening. After yesterday, my Namaaz seems to have taken new value, and I finish Surah Waqi'ah in Ishaa with a sense of being surrounded by warmth through my closed eyes, perhaps akin to being in the womb.

Later, I teach the children how to read "my way". I have written a few pages of 3 letter words, methodically exploring the sounds of the vowels, as simple as possible at first. This proves far better than Shilpa's education, who continues to feed them random lessons by heart for which they have no understanding. The children really take on to my exercises, showing all their potential, if we could only give them proper opportunities. I am convinced they could learn to read in days if only taught properly.

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Thursday 06/30/16 -- 24th Roza
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs

Approaching my cycling weight!
But this probably will come back running after Ramadan. To my surprise, Ruksanna prefers me this way. Me who was trying to stay at 72 ...
I have felt fantastically energized these days, and that marvelous "clarity" that the fast brings (which I remembered from the first year, but how somehow completely failed on last year). I am not even tired any more, in spite of still getting up no later than 3:45, rather wake up with remarkable presence.

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Friday 07/01/16 -- 25th Roza
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs

Ruksanna up. About Hazrat.
Surah Yaseen.
The état de grâce continues, in fact, I've had one of my best weeks at work in a long time, feeling so acute with everything. If it only could be like that all the time!

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Saturday 07/02/16 -- 26th Roza (Laylatul Qadr)
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs

Ruksanna keeping this Bada Roza. Tonight is Lailatul Qadr.
The day starts in hilarity as I follow her around Janimaaz in hand as she is slowly getting ready for Namaaz. I wait for her like a waiter, resorting to singing Ah les filles, ah les filles!. She laughing to tears to the point that it doesn't looks like we'll be able to Padh Namaaz. We finally get settled and stand side by side, I wait for her to finish her Niyet (which is always lengthy!) but eventually turn towards her as she's remains silent. Bhoul gayi, she bursts out laughing again. We finally manage to recite the Qoul Surah's, especially for her.
But this great prelude unfortunately leads to another dreadful Saturday. Like last week, I feel stifled by the immobility of staying at home, and would rather be alone. Ruksanna doesn't really let me study, nor does she propose anything else other than laying in bed. On top of that, there is renewed tension with the children (particularly with Nazia), and Ruksanna appears determined to fight with everyone, the children, and of course the new driver. Only I escape her sour mood. She seems listless, changing plans every minute, but we finally stay home, only briefly walking out within Shantiniketan. I eventually encourage to note observe that fast if she's going to be in such a mood, although I fear bigger things are going on.
And my motivation deserts me as well. The Namaaz is much shorter with her at my side, not to mention the lack of solitude, and gets worst throughout the day, to the point where Asr ki Namaaz will feel thoroughly uninspired. I fear missing out on big occasions, as I often do, which would have crowned this month, but it's just escapes me. On top of that, another relentless headache has taken hold of me (the third this month). I'd rather disappear.
Like last Saturday, in spite of the had pain, I get an opportunity to read towards the end of the day as Ruksanna cooks in the kitchen, advancing in the Surahs. I have been called at the Madhuranagar Madrasa at 10pm to recite with them, but I opt for solitude again. The courage coming back, I resolve to save the night after all. After Iftaar, Ruksanna has eaten too quickly and lies on the bed despondent (although I've eaten exactly like her). She suddenly runs to the bathroom to throw up. This could throw my plan, but after Ishaa (which she's decided to skip), when I come back by her, she has fallen asleep. So I close the door of the Namaaz ka Kamra and start my alternance of reading and namaaz. I have decided to read forward in the book, taking breaks to recite whatever I know by heart in Namaaz. In Ishaa, I've only repeated Surah Alaq' and Qadr' for every Rakhat.
I'm relieved to find my inspiration returning, perhaps with solitude, and the headache finally dissipated by Advil (how did people do before painkiller?). I read Surah Maryam and Ta Ha, slicing it with all the Surah's I know divided in two-by-two rakhats, that is, the Mousibat verses from Surah Baqarah, Surah Yaseen, Waqi'ah, Mulk (1st Ruku), Burooj, Taariq, A'alaa, Ghaashiya, Fajr, Balad, Sharh, Tin, Alaq, Qadr, Bayyina, Zalzala, Aadiyaat, Qaari'a, Takaathur, Asr, Humaza, Fil, Quraish, Maa'oun, Kauthar, Kaafiroun, Nasr, Masad, Ikhlaas, Falaq and Naas, and even a few verses from Surah Ibrahim in Du'ah and finally Ayatul Kursi.
My recitation through the first long Surah's flows well, in fact, much faster than usual, but I start to feel I am too precipitated, wondering if this will really be of any use, as if I expected the night to deliver a small miracle of sorts in my reading. But as I reach Surah Qadr for at least the fourth time tonight, I get overwhelmed by the faster rhythm of the shorter last Surah's, going vertiginously through the motions and recitation, without interruption or distraction, and the mirage of an eye staring at me confusingly starts to appear through my shut eyes. I return to Ruksanna satisfied, having perhaps saved the day after all. It is 12:30 and she's still asleep, the whole exercise has perhaps taken three hours.

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Sunday 07/03/16 -- 27th Roza
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

I'm surprised to wake up perfectly fine, just before the alarm at 3:45. Ruksanna is still fast asleep. I was worried that yesterday's night effort might have created some sort of overdose that would enstrange me from the Qur'an, but not at all. I feel strangely fresh, and recite yet again the combination of Alaq and Qadr, followed by Burooj and Tariq. I then read Surah Anbiyaa which I find particularly pleasant, and join Ruksanna in the bed at sunrise to sleep again at her side. I am hoping for a much better day.





Ramadhan, Days 28 to 30 -- 07/06/16



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Monday 07/04/16 -- 28th Roza
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

As Ramzan is coming to an end, and after the peak of Laylatoul Qadr, it's hard not to lose focus. I slept like a log last night, for once not waking up at any point until the alarm. I start with the daily distractions, reading worthless news on my Iphone, but then I get particularly captured by a low recitation of Surah Yaseen in Namaaz. Just then though, an irresistible urge for the bathroom interrupts my flow, to which I eventually have to yield, cutting short the last Ruku. I then resume it by itself to complete the Surah. After a few lines of reading, I hear Ruksanna downstairs who has gotten up early without calling me.

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Tuesday 07/05/16 -- 29th Roza
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

Last day, in theory...
Wake up way before alarm, but feeling fresh.
In this last surah yaseen, ruksanna as an angel. Her then in the tent, her now... Take ne with you to paradise, she often says, and as often i weep at the "houm va azwajouhoum" verse. This last fajr ki namaaz ends up going to her.

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Wednesday 07/06/16 -- 30th Roza
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs

Well, the Eid has been moved one day later. Sofia's school has also adjusted at the last minute, will give Chhuti tomorrow instead of today. Our work though cannot.


But yesterday, on the last theoritical day of Roza, an extraordinary event occured.
Call from the FRRO. (The dossier has been pending for six months). Wait at home, they're lost in Shantiniketan. Two men. The questions, and I realize this will be more than a formality. Ruksanna in KRPuram, asks to call her as well. From childhood, parents, to America, and divorce. The dates match. How did you meet her? Kadugodi, the whole story. Documents, I had over Ruksanna's, Sofia's passport... And when she arrives, the same questions again, and luckily, because I've spoken the truth, and she chooses the truth as well, it all matches. It's hard not to cry. Indian people are emotional comments the man, while seemingly understanding our plight. I don't dare ask him, but we will grant the card he concludes, it has to go to our superiors. The interrogation has lasted three hours!

And they leave, while I mentally inscribe his name, which I ignore, in my virtual book of angels, the book of those who have helped us.







-- Ah Yallah, mene sara din ka roza rakha,
mere roze me kuch galti hote to, mujhe maaf kar dijiye --







Last Roza and Eid -- 07/07/16



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Wednesday 07/06/16 -- 30th Roza
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs


Ruksanna wakes up with me.
Once again, Surah Yaseen. Habit of "declaring" from the morning, I declare today a Surah Yaseen day (ie. Yaseen in Fajr, Mulk at Zohar, and Waqi'ah during Ishaa). She joins me a little later, and finishing before her I listen to her Du'a, a constant mumble into her cupped hands, from which peak out certain words, Eh Yallah... moussibat... bacche... dimaag...

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Thursday 07/07/16 -- EID
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs

In Shantiniketan. The speech.
KRPuram, Bashaa ka ghar. As usual she doesn't remember the way.
I have dropped Zohar for once.
Zameer, abba... Biryani. Bhavishiya vani.
Have eaten too much, but feel good.
We finally spent the whole afternoon there.
Zameer ka ghar, Khurshid.












-- At Bashaa's house, KRPuram --






The Resistant Verses -- 07/10/16


Downstairs: 0:02:26
Prestige Shantiniketan, 3 revs.: 0:38:02
Mileage: 3.25 Miles (1.08 * 3)
Pace: 11'42" / mile
Time: 0:41:27
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

Slowly ramping back up, after the conclusion of Ramdan.
I did a light home gym session yesterday to start off, and sure enough, I'm aching all over! This is obviously a very slow run, not only because of the month interruption, but also because I've developped a mild cold in the last days of the fast. Slowly, it feels like my breath is coming back, begins to invade my body, but my legs don't follow, in increasing stiffness. I am worried of possible knee pains after having sit so much in Namaaz (and attempting again the proper asymetric position). I prudently decide to stop after three revolutions, at a snail pace. The weather continues to be stormy and windy, as it has been the whole month.

For some reason, my learning has just about come to a halt during the Ramadan. I've remained stuck on verses from Surah Mulk, unable to retain them and continue forward. This seems to illustrate the notion that running has become a condition for learning, whether it simply allows me proper time to rehearse (between stretching and running), or perhaps because running puts the brain in a particular disposition for learning. Or is it that I've reached a critical mass of Surah's that it's no longer possible to retain them all?
In any case, having rehearsed those two verses again incessantly throughout the run, I feel finally ready to move on.






-- Those "resistant" verses from Surah Mulk --









-- Back in Elaruvi after too long --



The Hamlet in the Mountain -- 07/17/16



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 07/17/16 -- Hike up the mountain.
Time approx.: 4 hrs






-- Up the Trail --


We have returned to Elaruvi after some time.
And on Sunday morning, Shahid, Shabaz and I set up the mountain trail. Yesterday the annual village fair brought a surprisingly large crowd to the jungle temple, but it's all deserted now, leaving traces of the jhule, stage and itinerant shops. The trail starts steeply up the mountain, open in spite of the dense low vegetation, and I am surprised by the heat even at this season. Nonetheless, we proceed without stopping much, until eventually the trail plateaux a little, and civilisation returns, first in the form of impressive cows around whom we carefully negotiate our way! Then comes the farm that we had reached a few times before, and we proceed forward from there for the first time, hoping to reach the mythical village up the mountain. We cross some peasants, but our Tamil is insufficient, (although Shahid understands best, but doesn't know how to respond). We do get that the village is close, and indeed, we soon reach a hamlet (about 1:45 into the hike), which seems just about deserted, organized around a temple and a water well, but without a single commerce. Here also ends a small tar road, and a small group is gathered around a rickshaw, the driver sleeping with his feet out. We understand that the hamlet's names is Kilanur(?), and there is a bigger village about three kilometers up the road.






-- In Kilanur --


The boys are not tired at all in spite of the fairly strenuous climb, so we set up the road. It meanders through the bumpy landscape, I can't help but think how great a cycling route this would be, remote and tortuous. We cross another bigger temple fairly isolated on top of a hill, and make an tall antenna which seems to culminate our goal for the day. The landscape is completely different up here, beautiful crops and occasional farms, like a hidden world, and only through some openings in the landscape can we see that we left the plain far far below.
I decide that the antenna is far enough for today (got to save more for some other time), so we head back into the descent. Back on the small trail, a small goat, seemingly lost, starts to follow us, and a little later, by a water point, we meet the whole herd. But those start following up as well, occasionally running down the trail, and there is no way to frighten them back up. I wonder if we'll be accused of stealing the goats!
They eventually leave us to the last steepest part of the descent. I'm happy that my old agility has not completely left me, and I'm able to descend much faster than the kids, and without slipping.
I have not thought about sun screen, so I come back thoroughly burnt red-hot (the kerchief has even drawn a hard line on my forehead), but very very satisfied!





-- A different world up there --





Resume -- 07/21/16


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Saturday 07/09/16 --
Home gym: 0:45:00 -- general session, light weights. Feeling good.
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

Here we go, resume exercise. Light session, feels pretty good, but I will be sore in the next few days. I have developped a cold over the last days of the fast, so there is that too.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 07/10/16 --
Downstairs: 0:02:26
Prestige Shantiniketan, 3 revs.: 0:38:02
Mileage: 3.25 Miles (1.08 * 3)
Pace: 11'42" / mile
Time: 0:41:27
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

This initial run is ok (although very slow), but it will leave me sore as well. Strangely, (and frustratingly), the "side of the left foot" pain came right back!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 07/11/16 --
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

Nothing in particular, other than being a little sore from the weekend activities, so I peacefully walk to work, like in the days of the Roza. It is stormy and windy outside, especially at our 18th floor!
I would love to stay around this weight, but I wonder if it's going to hold.

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Tuesday 07/12/16 --
Home Gym: 0:26:00 -- Punches, Chest, Knees (light)
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs

Still angry from last night's crisis.
The anger has pervaded my Namaaz as well, where I uncharacteristically pray Mousibat, Ikhlaas, and Surah Mulk, but it falls apart on the second Ruku. No matter though, as I seek refuge in spite of my agitation.

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Wednesday 07/13/16 --
Downstairs: 0:02:50
Hoodi / Sadarmangala route (through shortcut): 0:35:07
Mileage: 3.4 Miles / 5.5 Km
Pace: 10'20" / mile
Time: 0:37:57
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs

After yesterday's crisis, I try to focus on reading the Qur'an first, which proves elusive, then on Namaaz (Tari'q, A'ala, Ghashiya and Fajr) where I gain a little more traction. It's often in those heightened moments of agitation that faith proves the most challenging, in spite of being most critically needed.
The run itself feels ok. It's a moderate morning, not as intensely blustery as the last few days, but still cool and overcast. My breathing gradually comes into place, but my body aches, in particular, my right hamstring, my knees (perhaps from sitting in Namaaz so much), and most frustrating the pain in the left foot, which I'd hoped would be cured by the month break, has come back instantly!

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Thursday 07/14/16 --
Home Gym: 0:45:00 -- Punches - Knees - Back - Biceps.
Wght: 70.6 kg / 155.6 lbs

Woken up at 4, I miraculously sleep back profoundly till 4:30, wake up again very fresh. How the quality of sleep influences life! My Qur'an reading and Namaaz are much better again, and I get back to Surah Yaseen for Fajr.

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Tuesday 07/19/16 --
Downstairs: 0:02:58
PSN East Gate - to Hope Farm: 0:18:06
Back to ITPL: 0:12:49 (0:30:54)
Mileage: 3.3 Miles (5.3 Km)
Pace: 9'22" / mile
Total Time: 0:33:53
Wght: 71.1 kg / 156.7 lbs

Got up at 4. Good for Qur'an and Surah Yaseen Namaaz, but too early otherwise, and my energy level will go down to a crisis, especially since f***ing dailies extends till 10am!
Not happy to see my weight pass the 70's, although I expected it. Not sure how best to control my weight when I'm getting these alarming attacks of dizziness at certain times (typically, 11am, 17pm, although today also has 10am!)
I've run out of time for the usual route, so try this instead. On the way, I witness another altercation, where the men of a school bus assault the cabin of a truck, probably following some small trafic incident.
With running and stretching, I have finally resumed my advance in Surah Mulk, and the next verses feel easier than the previous.

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Wednesday 07/20/16 --
Home Gym: 0:32:00 -- Push-ups, punches, knees, abs.
Wght: 70.7 kg / 155.9 lbs

Ruksanna at the hospital all last night, at the bedside of her dying mother-in-law.

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Thursday 07/21/16 --
Downstairs: 0:03:00
Hoodi (shortcut) - Kodigehalli loop: 0:52:07
Mileage: 5.1 Miles - 8.2 Km
Pace: 10'13"/ mile
Time: 0:55:06
Wght: 70.2 kg / 154.7 lbs

Wake up better with Adhan, around 4:45, much more comfortable than the usual 4am. Take the time for further reading of the Qur'an, then Namaaz from Surah Burooj to Surah Ghashiyah. I have a little more time due to a 7:30 meeting. So I take the time to run the Kodigehalli loop, taking the shortcut to Hoodi which has now become the norm. In spite of this damn pain in the left foot, everything is very slowly falling back into place, at a very slow pace, and my breathing feels nice. For some reason, I see pigs on the road in several places, a somewhat unusual site. It's been raining so I go over the rail tracks to avoid the mud in the tunnel.
Amazingly, after having been stuck on Surah Mulk for so long, I seem to now rush through the verses. One verse came for free yesterday when I realized it was shared with Surah Yaseen, and then today, I am again able to add another one, progressing everyday.
Overall, a very satisfying run. I was aiming for about 45 minutes, and am surprised to realize I've approached an hour. And much happier about this weight too!
------------------------------------------------------------------------








-- Along Basavanapura Road --



Basavanapura Road (7.1 Miles) -- 07/23/16



Downstairs: 0:02:49
Hoodi (shortcut) - Ayappa Nagar - Right Basavanapura Rd. - (or Ayappa Nagar / Battarahalli rd.) - To Bangalore Tirupatti Hwy: 0:36:29
Back to Ayappa Nagar - Kodigehalli Rd. - Sadarmangala - to the Rail Track crossing (Shantiniketan back gate): 0:35:30 (1:11:59)
Mileage: 7.1 Miles - 11.4 Km
Pace: 10'08" / mile
Time: 1:14:49
Wght: 70.5 kg / 155.4 lbs

My first significant run in over a month. I have been slowly ramping back up after the full interruption of Ramzan (this year, unlike before, I have completely stopped any form of exercise during the fast), and am somewhat disappointed to see that the various aches and pains have immediately come back, particularly that pesky pain in the outside of the left foot, which perhaps come from sitting too much in Namaaz.
It's another beautiful morning, temperate and slightly windy. I should probably run in the 45 minute range, but I'm too impatient to postpone exploration of the "road to the right" from Ayappa Nagar, which I later find out is called "Basavanapura rd", and leads to the highway. This turns out to be very runnable, at least at this hour on a saturday. A large pack of dogs is fighting loudly along the road, but all to their inner strife don't seem to even notice me. Once again, I see a pigs along the road, and each time in a different place, what could be the reason for this? I stop to take photos from a Ganesha Murti factory, the idols wrapped in plastic. Finally, actually closer than I thought, I reach the big highway, from where there would be many possibilities. But enough for today.
Amazingly, with the return of running, I seem to be suddenly streaming through Surah Mulk, adding today yet another verse! Hope I'm not going too fast now, but it seems to hold in my memory.






-- Along Basavanapura Road --






Devasandra Road (7.4 Miles) -- 08/02/16


Hoodi - Ayappa Nagar - Devasandra Road, to KRPuram Market: 0:35:40
Back via Kodigehalli road - to Rail Tracks: 0:36:57
Mileage: 7.4 Miles - 12 Km
Time: 1:12:37
Pace: 9'49" / mile
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs

Pleasant weather, windy and relatively cool.
Leaving at 6:30 is a little too late. Ok at first, but traffic increases noticeably through the duration of the run. I had the vague plan to turn right on the highway in KRPuram to try to connect back to Basavanapura, but seeing the horrendous polluted chaos there, I retrace my steps! It's a little better on the country road near Kodigehalli, although even there trucks and school buses are a nuisance. Overall, a good well-needed run though! Still learning Surah Mulk, approaching the end.








-- Along the Lake --


To the North (8.3 Miles) -- 08/04/16



Downstairs: 0:03:04
PSN Gate 3 - Kodigehalli - Seegehalli Rd. - Along Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake - To the Highway: 0:48:59
Back same way, to the rail track (PSN back gate): 0:38:47
Time: 1:27:48
Mileage: 8.3 Miles - 13.4 Km
Pace: 10'35"/mile
Total Time: 1:30:52
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs

I'm happy to open a new road! The move to Shantiniketan definitely opens new possibilities to the North. It may not be as beautiful as the Vartur area (which has been largely spoiled by construction anyway), but it is new, a welcome change! Wherever it might be, I invariably feel a thrilling feeling at exploring new territory.
I have been thinking about this one for some time. In fact, the route is more or less visible from our balcony, the two lakes, the highway in the distance. Turning on Belathur road to the left, past the Monfort School, I am exploring new territory. Here too, the fields have been largely destroyed by construction, but it's still more pleasant and lower traffic than the urban roads. I soon reach the West side of the lake, the road right along it, and notice a sail boat in the distance, the first time I see this in India. The road, relatively wide, becomes on this last stretch entirely dirt, before reaching the big highway. I turn back here, knowing that there will be much more to explore further still to the North.
Fueled by this semi-long run, I progress decisively in Surah Mulk. Only one verse left!







-- Landscape along Seegehalli road, marred by construction --









-- Weekend in Elaruvi --


The Completion of Surah Mulk (7.6 Miles) -- 08/08/16


DownStairs: 0:02:59
Hoodi Shortcut - Ayappa Nagar - Kodigehalli Rd. - Belathur Rd. - Shortcut to the tracks (Shakti Fairmont) - Sadaramangala along the tracks - Along Shantiniketan - ITPL: 1:14:59
Mileage: 7.6 Miles / 12.2 Km
Pace: 9'52" / mile
Time: 1:17:58
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs

We returned yesterday from another week-end in Elaruvi. This morning, having not run all week-end and feeling pretty sharp, I go for a longer route. I start very slow, the body feeling encumbered and awkward by the run, but gradually get into the pace, helped by a beautiful sunny weather, slightly overcast, pleasantly windy. As things are coming together, I decide to prolong the run towards the old Kadugodi routes, effectively describing the longest version of the Kodigehalli loop (although I plan to some day take this further towards Belathur). The usual pigs on the side of the road near Kodigehalli. Madeleine calls me interrupting the run shortly, wanting to know when I'll visit her and Terra next.
Fueled by this good morning, I complete learning Surah Mulk. The last verse comes fairly easily, learning it from my phone while running. Learning the whole Surah has taken me over four months...








-- Surah Mulk, Complete --









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