-- Murugumalla, after a night at the Dargah --
To Belathur (8.7 Miles) -- 08/15/16
Hoodi - Kodigehalli road - Belathur Rd, to Kadugodi / Hoskote rd
(4.9 Miles - 7.9 Km): 0:51:07
Back same way through Kodigehalli - Hoodi - Sadarmangala -
to the trail underpass (3.8 Miles - 6.1 Km): 0:44:34
Mileage: 8.7 Miles
Time: 1:35:40
Pace: 10'59"/mile (surprising, felt faster...)
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
A later start on this independance day, and after our return
yesterday from the Murugumalla Dargah.
I've been projecting this run for some time, and here it is!
I reach the Hoskote / Kadugodi main road through Belathur exactly
as I planned, very easily. In fact, it's not that exciting a run
after all, the unknown portion ending up quite small, as soon
after the usual turnout, I reach the area of the Hazrat's alley,
Nina's house, etc. Still, I'm happy to have filled in this question
mark, and perhaps there are more opportunities beyond the main
road. But that will wait...
It's a very beautiful morning, windy and sunny, almost hot,
to the point where I start to regret not having taken water.
Run feels easy, and I use the time to completely rehearse Surah
Mulk, which I still haven't been able to padh in Namaaz after
finishing its learning.
Many flags, many children dressed up, governement schools
getting ready for Independance Day...
-- Independance Day in Kodigehalli --
-- Along the Highway --
Along the Highway, to KRPuram Bazaar (10 Miles) -- 08/21/16
Shantiniketan Gate 3 - Down to the Rail Tracks - Kodigehalli -
Belathur Road W. - Along the Lake - To the Highway (Old
Madras Road): 0:48:23
Along the Highway to the West, to the cut back
to Ayappa Nagar: 0:09:30
Continuing along the Highway, to KRPuram Market: 0:12:15
Back through Devasandra rd. - Ayappa Nagar - Sadarmangala -
Shantiniketan, back gate: 0:29:46
Time: 1:39:54
Mileage: 10 Miles - 16 Km
Pace: 10'00" / mile
Wght: 70.9 kg / 156.3 lbs
Not a good night. Can't sleep after four, get up around 4:30
to read and Namaaz. Since Friday, I have for the first time
been reciting all three big Surah's through the days
prayers, Yaseen at dawn, Mulk at mid-day, and Waqi'ah in the
evening. And precisely, I received a long awaited call from the
FRRO, they want to come meet me again on Monday. Not sure what
this is exactly, but I assume it represents some progress
in obtaining my OCI card, which has been pending for about
seven months.
So after another good rendition of Surah Yaseen (which
often carries its dedication), I call Madeleine, and
start crying a lot over her situation. With all this, my goal
of leaving at 6 has gone by, but I leave at 6:30 nonetheless
skipping any stretching. Ruksanna is still sound asleep and
I don't wake her.
I'm resolved to pursue the exploration, but haven't made
any particular plan. After reaching the lake and the highway,
I imagine I can continue to the North, where it should be rural.
But after crossing under the freeway, the road doesn't look
particularly promising, (and I haven't looked at a map), so
I decide to run along the side roads of the Highway to the
West, thinking I'll find a better road. Luckily, the traffic
is very light early on a Sunday morning, this would be completely
unthinkable during the week! But no good road appears (the road
to Budigere must be behind), in fact, I soon reach the cut to
Ayappa Nagar. I briefly start heading there thinking this may
have been enough for the day, but luckily change my mind,
retrace my steps to Old Madras Road to head further West,
wondering how long it will take to reach the Market.
The run continues comfortably although there is no more
side road, but luckily, still not much traffic. I see promising
signs for KRPuram then ITPL, and in not too much time, the
market, and its telltale overpass over the road.
I decide to take the time to explore. Ruksanna and I
were precisely wondering yesterday when this market would
be open, so breaking the run, I venture among its muddy
crowded alleys. I ask someone, but speaking only Kannada,
he directs to some other merchant, who doesn't seem to speak
any Hindi either. I somehow manage, in Kannada-Hindi,
like this, Aaj, banavara... Kal? Khola hai?. Someone
finally understands, and guarantees that the place is open
24 hours. The merchant asks me if I have a phone,
then proceeds to take a very careful picture of his small
pile of vegetables, which holds in a towel. He returns
the phone to me without even looking at the photo.
I climb the overpass thinking I can get a good view
of the market from there, and indeed, take a few pictures.
From there, into the familiar Devasandra road, and back.
It seemed like I was headed for two hours or so, but the
run ends up clocking around 1:40.
-- KRPuram Market --
To the East and to the West (9.9 Miles) -- 08/28/16
PSN Gate 3 - Down Sadarmangala - Along the rail track to Kadugodi: 0:30:59
Hoskote Road - Belathur Road - To the bifurcation at the lake: 0:33:46
Back left via Seegehalli road - Bethel Nagar - Hoodi - Sadarmangala -
PSN back gate: 0:32:02
Mileage: 9.9 Miles / 15.9 Km
Time: 1:36:47
Pace: 9'46"/mile
Wght: 70.7 kg / 155.9 lbs
I woke up at 4:30, but not feeling rested. Nevertheless, I finish
the reading of the entire Qur'an, which I had started shortly before
Ramzan. But following that, my Namaaz, in which I attempt to recite
all of Surah Yaseen for the 3rd consecutive day, is no good. At time,
the weight of reciting the Big Three during the day proves
a little overwhelming, it is best to take occasional breaks from
the bigger Surahs. We'll see tomorrow... I resist the idea of learning
something new, and will rehearse the Moussibat Verses along
the run, which I've put aside for some time, and would now seem
very appropriate in Namaaz.
This is one of those days where I'm really undecisive as to
where to run. I'm more or less set on one hour, especially since
Ruksanna has woken up and I'd like to join her on her morning walk,
but I really hesitate where to go, contemplating various options.
The trafic at the main road, even so early on a Sunday morning,
sends me back into the Kodigehalli area.
On a whim, I continue along the rail tracks all the way
to Kadugodi, following one of the old roads to Ruksanna's
slum, a way reputed dangerous by the slumdwellers.
I make it to Kadugodi and its fateful memories, the govt school
that we used to cross, the ration ki doukan where I would
buy a week's ration with the women of the slums - among them
Ruksanna. Here in the early morning, quite a few people assemble
with luggage, seemingly waiting for passenger cars. This is the
travel of the poor, but I have no idea where they go from here.
I'll ask RUksanna later, but she has strangely never witnessed
this here.
I run the Hoskote road near the Sai Baba Ashram and soon
reach the Belathur turn off. From there, it's a repeat of
last week to the lake. This road is being considerably widened,
alas soon to become a major thoroughfare, and in the chhota
gaon near the Montfort schools, several houses have been half
destroyed, only the back colorful remaining.
From the lake is the exploration of the day. I plan to return
to the left, an unknown and uncertain stretch of road. I'll say it
again, exploring new territory, and the question of being lost,
invariably brings a new dimension to running, no matter where
it is, a deep feeling ingrained from childhood, where I would
wander aimlessly in the streets of Paris. The road meanders
and hesitates, and I realize it's taking me too far West,
so I eventually turn left in one of the smaller alleys. This
ends up quite interesting, passing nice village plazas, and
eventually becomes strangely posh, passing several churches
in an area called Bethel Nagar. Several false arrivals
and I start to wonder whether I am indeed lost, but finally
reach the Kodigehalli road as planned. This has been longer
than expected, and I find myself struggling a bit with my
breath, as has happened once this week. The last stretch
along the rail track is really muddy, and in a way, this
natural obstacle course distracts me from the struggle.
As I am about to reach, I call Ruksanna. She has started
her daily walk around Shantiniketan. In spite of being tired,
sweaty and cold, and very thirsty, I still want to join her,
in what has become a small tradition. She is Gulzar. She is
my love.
-- Ceremony for Shazia --
BasavanaNagar Night Route -- 08/30/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/30/16 -- BasavanaNagar Night Route
Hoodi Main Road - BasavaNagar - Petrol Pump - Sai Baba - ITPL.
Mileage: 4.65 Miles - 7.5 Km
Time: 0:44:11
Pace: 9'30"/mile
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs
A swarm of mosquitoes has somewhow taken possession of our house. And
we feel completely helpless. This makes for another bad night's sleep.
I get up at 4, set out around 5:30 due to a 6:30 meeting. It's still
dark, necessitating the establishment of a new "night route" (like
the Imadihalli/Chansadra route used to be from Ozone). Well, this one
works fine. The main road is a little tricky, but the small road
through BasavanaNagar provides adequate lighting, and dogs are fine.
Daylight peeks around the lake, as the public lighting shuts off,
in spite of still being fairly dark. I reach office a little rushed
for my first meeting, the sweat taking too long to dissipate, but
it's fine.
Feeling pretty confident about the big Surahs, and starting to crave
for renewed progress, I have started learning Surah Dhu'ha, which I
anticipate to go quick. Its theme is very helpful for this period.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/01/16 --
Hoodi - Petrol Bank via Main Road - Sai Baba - ITPL
Mileage: 4.75 Miles (7.65 Km)
Time: 0:45:00 ??? (forgot to stop my watch).
Pace: 9'28"/mile (could have been slower though)
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
A variation on the BasavaNagar route which... avoids BasavanaNagar.
Instead, stays on the main road from Hoodi. This is roughly equivalent
in length. I forgot to stop my watch, so not sure exactly about the time,
I suspect it could have been longer, as I kept the pace slow and very
comfortable. Surprised by so much traffic so early, which I believe
is all the "company cabs" rushing to the tech parks for morning shift.
The road is wet from the rains, even here muddy in places (other routes
probably impractical).
Continue to learn Surah Dhou'ha.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/02/16 --
Same route as yesterday.
Mileage: 4.75 Miles (7.65 Km)
Time: 0:46:04
Pace: 09'42"/mile
Wght: 70.2 kg / 154.8 lbs
Another severe case of total exhaustion yesterday. And
aggravated by a particular bad review that morning.
This morning, I get up at 3:45, which is probably not
going to solve my exhaustion! But I have a 6:30 meeting
to try to repair yesterday's mess, and take that opportunity
to run the same route as yesterday, but earlier. I set out
around 5:25, running in darkness for half the route, with
some tricky patches that the lighting doesn't reach, and
of course a pretty uneven road. Still, as pointed out,
this probably consitutes the best "night route", which
will be useful in winter.
All in all, the run is pretty good. I am again advancing
in Surah Dhu'haa, although after some time, the preparation
for the meeting inevitably overtakes my thoughts. To my
surprise, I cross occasional runners running like me in
the dark, one holding his cell phone flash light, and later
an unusual group of three women.
I have at last entered my desired weight range, but let's
see how it evolves.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ring Road (8.35 Miles) -- 09/04/16
Hoodi - RxDx - Left, reaching outer ring road near Marathahalli: 0:40:46
(4.25 Miles / 6.8 Km)
Back via EPIP - Sai Baba: 0:39:14 (4.1 Miles / 6.6 Km)
Time: 1:20:01
Mileage: 8.35 Miles
Pace: 9'35"/mile
Wght: 69.9 kg / 154.1 lbs
It's not that I have slept any more, but I do wake
up wonderfully rested, fresh, sharp and energetic. This
continues to be a mystery, as to what constitutes a
successful night, the mastery of which would be such a boon!
Martin is staying with us these three days, so I've
resolved to be back by 7am, before he's likely to wake up.
With no particular plan in mind, as usual to fight monotony,
I settle for something a little odd, returning towards the little
roads leading to the main artery Outer Ring Road near
Marathahalli (essentially heading South into town rather
than the usual North). This would be unthinkable on a
week-day, as so much traffic presses itself through
these small roads trying to avoid the main ones, but on
a Sunday morning, it's quiet. I usually came through here
the other way which throws my navigation a little off,
but if anything I reach the Outer Ring road faster than
anticipated, probably opening a new route. On the way
back, in the EPIP area, I come across a few runners,
probably from the nearby up-scale communities.
I finish learning Surah Dhu'haa on the run,
at least as a first tentative pass which will need to
be firmed up over the next several days. Not sure
what I'll move on to next.
The Bigger Loop, Surah Dhu'haa (8.75 Miles) -- 09/06/16
Hoodi - Ayappa Nagar - Kodigehalli - Belathur - Kadugodi
rail road overpass: 1:04:56 (6.4 Miles - 10.3 Km)
Kadugodi, BhaiMaa's stall - Dinnur -
ITPL: 0:24:10 (2.35 Miles - 3.75Km)
Mileage: 8.75 Miles
Time: 1:29:07
Pace: 10'11"/mile
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs
Up again at 4:30. This allows to recite all of Surah
Yaseen in some time.
Because of a catchup morning after last Friday's
bundh (where everyone had to be at work by
7am), there are no meetings this morning, which gives
me time to run. I put this time to good use, trying this
idea of the longest Kodigehalli Loop which I'd
been thinking for some time, which will take from Hoodi
all the way to Kadugodi, via Kodigehalli and Belathur.
This all works fine, and I reach the Hoskote
main road in about an hour. From there, I turn towards
Kadugodi, full of course of memories, like in the old
days. There is now an pedestrian overpass which
would oversee Ruksanna's former slum community,
if the view wasn't blocked by the vehicle bridge to that
side (that same bridge that was under construction
during my days visiting the slum). Some men are
going through seemingly disproportionate efforts,
climbing the structures and walls, to avoid walking
the stairs and crossing the rail tracks instead.
On the other side, at the entrance of the
former tent community (now vacated
as the slumdwellers have been offered quarters
in Chansandra), I recognize Bhai Maa's Tea stall,
as if nothing had changed, where we would always
take small cups of tea that we would carry into the
slum on metallic lids from the cookie jars. I stop
to say hi, and of course, she offers me tea which
I have to refuse pretexting my hurry. Through the
narrow muddy entrance of the former community,
nowadays used as a passageway to the tracks,
I guess at the silhouettes of some new tents?...
I doubt it, and anyways don't enter to check.
-- Surah Dhu'haa --
-- A walk to the lake with Ruksanna, on Bandh Day --
-- The streets are eerily empty --
After the Bandh (7.5 Miles) -- 09/10/16
Hoodi - Ayappa Nagar - Lourdu Nagar - Lake: 0:29:22
Kaccha Rasta - To Seegehalli Main Road - Intersection by
the big lake: 0:13:41
Back via Medahalli Kadugodi road - Kodigehalli - Sadarmangala -
Rail Tracks: 0:32:44
Time: 1:15:47
Mileage: 7.5 Miles - 12.1 Km
Pace: 10'06"/mile
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs
Bad night's sleep. Around 1am, woken up by the School Bus App, which
has decided to tell us that your bus has reached its destination!.
Then around 4:20, it's the pesky night mosquito, giving just enough sound
by the ear to wake up. After that, frustrated and angry at Nazia's antics,
I cannot find sleep again.
Yesterday was a major Bundh day, all closed, and people advised to
stay in for fear of unrest. But Ruksanna insists on going outside to see.
It's to the point where most exits from Shantiniketan are closed, and we can
only go out through the main gate. Indeed, the roads are eerily deserted,
but completely peaceful. We drink coconut water at a lone street merchant,
and make our way down under the trail tracks to Kodigehalli lake from where
we get a good view of our towers. Ruksanna is looking for the kotress
(living quarters) that had been considered for the Kadugodi slumdwellers
before being moved to Chansandra. In spite of having run here many times,
I've never noticed the building, but we finally spot it a little away
from the road, by the Maidam. We're not quite sure if we'll be able
to drive into Tamil Nadu tomorrow giving the water dispute between the
two states, but again, today all is wonderfully peaceful.
Anyway, this morning I have another plan for running, which is
to reach small lake and find my way towards the familiar Seegehalli
through the alleys of Ayappa Nagar. But I haven't consulted a map,
leaving it to haphazard exploration. This works out quite well, and
I soon reach the lake in question and a big college call SEA, through
an area that I'll later find out is called Lourdu Nagar for
a Notre Dame de Lourdes church. I continue along the lake through
a dirt muddy trail, reaching smaller village alleys still where dogs
and cattle are luckily peaceful, some playful even, to eventually
reach in between roads I've explored before. I see a runner in the distance,
and will later realize that there is yet another lake here that has been
fitted for running - yet another thing to explore in the future. For today,
turning to the East, I soon find back the familiar Belathur road that takes
me back towards Kodigehalli. It's a beautiful day with light trafic,
with the sun peaking more and more through the clouds, almost hot (and
I haven't taken water). But this is definitely one of those days where
the run has completely repaired me.
-- New lake in Lourdu Nagar --
70 KG -- 09/15/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/15/16 -- Longer Hoodi Route
Hoodi - Near Brigade Metropolis - Left to RxDx - EPIP - Sai Baba.
Mileage: 5.3 Miles (8.5 Km)
Time: 0:49:40
Pace: 9'22"/mile
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs
Wake-up with a strong headache, but it dissipates nicely.
Feeling pretty energized, decide to try this slightly longer route,
uncertain how long it might take, sort of estimating it at one hour.
But it ends up being a bit shorter, a good suitable option, which
is just as well so I have ample time to get ready for morning meeting.
It's muddy in places, but still practical, unlike the Sadarmangala route.
Reached my perfect weight, always a small morale boost :)
A pause in learning, mostly because I haven't decided what I should
learn next. I've renounced the idea of learning Surahs Shams and Lail,
not finding them as evocative as some others. So until I settle this
question, I'll will revising those that I know (today: Dhuha, Inshirah,
Tin and Mulk...)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/16/16 -- Same exact route as yesterday.
Mileage: 5.3 Miles (8.5 Km)
Time: 0:50:47
Pace: 9'35"/mile
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lb
Couldn't fall back asleep after 3:20, but miraculously "napped"
for 15 minutes or so before alarm at 4:30. Perfect!
On this Jumah ka din, return to Yaseen and the Big Three, with
approximate memory but appropriate intensity. Not sure though
what to learn next, have narrowed down to five Surahs, which
I'll evaluate over the next few days before choosing.
Run is good. Feel energetic. Surprised actually to be slower
than yesterday.
Perfect Weight! Will take it another notch down, to stay
comfortably in range. (A couple days later, I reach 69.6 kg...)
The all-important wait for OCI card continues. It will be
a month on 09/22 since the visit for the Home Ministry people.
As much as I try to stay calm, this continues to wear me down.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
With Priyaa and Damien (8.5 Miles) -- 09/24/16
To ITPL back gate through CapGemini: 0:07:51
Down Sadarmangala - Along the tracks to Hoodi - Kodidehalli -
Left towards Ayappa Nagar - Small streets Seegehalli - to
the Lake: 0:47:40 (4.95 Miles / 7.95 Km till here)
Lake Montfort - Belathur Road - Kadugodi Shorcut - Stops - Along the tracks
to Kodigehalli: 0:33:42 (3.5 Miles / 5.6 Km)
Mileage (may have been a little less): 8.45 Miles / 13.55 Km
Time: 1:29:13
Pace: 10'33"/mile (may have been slower...)
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs
An exceptionally intense Surah Yaseen in Namaaz this morning,
perhaps fueled by the fact that I lazily omitted Ishaa ki Namaaz
last night, and continued disappointement of not hearing anything
from the OCI card (for some reason, I had assumed that yesterday
would be THE DAY, exactly a month after the visit of the Home
Ministry and on Jumah ka din - but nothing happened).
We start at 6:00 from ITPL back gate with Priyaa and Damien.
I was planning to do a "tour of the Lakes",
but coming this time from the Kodigehalli side, I turn too soon
and miss both Loudu Nagar and Seegehalli Lake. We still find
our way through the streets, running into that charming little
plaza that I discovered in my first run through the area.
It's drizzly and cool, almost Parisian weather. The run is
fine, but unfortunately Priyaa is not quite able to follow,
so the pace is particularly slow (to the point where it barely
feels like running) with frequent stops, and we finish walking
after Kodigehalli.
That said, it's a pleasant morning, pleasant
conversation along the way. We are working on this Saturday
to make up for the Bandh.
-- Around the lake in BasavanaNagar --
A Conspiration of Obstacles (the BasavanaNagar Lake) -- 09/30/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/27/16 --
Basavanagar route, to the lake: 0:24:36
2 x around the lake: 08'05" - 07'53"
Continuation to ITPL: 0:21:18
Mileage: 4.65 miles + (2 x 0.83 miles) = 4.65 + 1.66 = 6.3 Miles
KM: 7.5 Km + (2 x 1.35 km) = 7.5 + 2.7 = 10.2 Km
Time: 1:01:53
Pace: 9'49"/mile
Wght: 69.9 kg / 154.1 lbs (aaaah, relief, after yesterday's
unexpected rebound at 70.8, this is more in line...)
Woke up at 4, but feeling great!
It's early enough that I can read the Qur'an, pray Namaaz,
stretch, and still have time left to experiment with a new idea:
Along the BasavanaNagar route, I run a couple laps along the lake
that has been fit for recreation. First light peaks somewhere
in BasavanaNagar, making the first leg along the main road
a little treacherous, but overall, this is great! These lake
loops would be perfectly fit for speed training. An idea
to explore...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/28/16 --
Same exact as yesterday.
To Basavananagar lake: 0:24:03
2 x around the lake: 08'34" - 08'22"
To ITPL, via Sai Baba: 0:22:08
Mileage: 6.35 Miles - 10.2 Km
Time: 1:03:08
Pace: 9'56"/mile
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs
Like yesterday, I woke up at 4, but not feeling nearly as "great".
I pray the classic sequence of Burooj, Tariq, A'ala, Ghashiyah in
Namaaz, then continue to learn Surah Muzzammil (which I've picked
as a result of my recent readings) along the way. I am particularly
happy with those first few verses.
The start on the main road, in semi-darkness, is treacherous
as usual. I am getting though to know all the obstacles by heart.
Sometimes, these seem to collude together, as by some bizzare
conspiracy. Last week for example, I swerved to avoid a dog
on the left, threatened by a vehicle in the back, which made
me hit a hanging wire in the face (luckily without electric
shock!), which sent me into a fit of random yelling. But now,
I've learned even those wires that sometimes spring out of
nowhere. That said, even at this early hour (about 5:40),
the road is busy with a hurried stream of these white company
cars rushing towards the tech parks. Once I turn into BasavanaNagar
things are fine, and all I have to worry about is the dogs, quiet
and friendly at this hour. I always pass the chicken ki doukan,
alone to open so early, with its cacophony and smell.
On the main road, I've also been crossing a couple of young
women running together, dressed in classic Chouridar. Are they
actual runners, or just every morning late for work?
I confirm by further measurements the distance of this route.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/29/16 --
Same again, but only 1 lap across the lake.
Mileage: 5.5 Miles - 8.85 Km
Time: 0:54:04
Pace: 9'50"/mile
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs
Up this time at 4:30, which feels much more comfortable!
I feel much better rested...
A good Namaaz, consisting this time of Tariq, A'ala, Ghashiya and Fajr.
But the later start presses me a little for time, which I compensate
by bypassing stretching entirely (probably not such a great idea).
But I've formed the loose plan of running four hours in four days,
and I intend to stick to it.
The run is pleasant. I feel like I meet some of the same people
on the road, the two running girls for example, an exclusive crowd
of early risers, before daylight. I continue to progress on Surah
Muzzammil, whose first will soon be ready for Namaaz.
I am increasingly bothered by the traffic of those company white
vans. Have they increased recently, or did I just not notice
them before? Luckily, the stretch through BasavanaNagar offers
some respite. It's wet and quite muddy today, so the Sadarmangala
route wouldn't have been a good alternative anyway...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/30/16 --
Same again, two laps around the lake.
Mileage: 6.35 Miles - 10.2 Km
Time: 1:02:35
Pace: 9'51"/mile
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs
I am up again at 4, but feeling very good. Hard to understand
what governs those erratic jumps in shape.
On this Jumah, I perform Surah Yaseen in Namaaz, with
particular intensity. I plan to follow it through the day with
Surah Mulk and Waqi'ah, but will later find out that my concentration
has misteriously vanished, able only to go through the motions. I feel
used by the endless wait for the OCI card. Today a phone call came
which greatly accelerated my heart, but it turned out to be Tata Sky!
The run feels great, relaxed, with a little less traffic on this Friday.
I continue to progress steadily on Surah Muzzammil.
In reading, I completed Surah Najm, of which the last Ruku
feels very appropriate for learning.
I have completed my goal of running 4 hours in 4 days, which I probably
hadn't done in some time (in fact, I haven't run much 4 hours in a week
since Ramzan). This means that I will not need to
run during the weekend, planning to spend my mornings with Ruksanna
my love.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naïgullu! (9.3 Miles) -- 10/03/16
Monday 10/03/16 -- Naigullu!
Hoodi - Ayappa Nagar - Lourdu Nagar Lake - To the W. end and back -
Along the E. Shore - Alleys to Seegehalli Lake: 0:37:55
Along the Lake's West Bank - Back via Alleys to Seegehalli Rd. -
Lake Junction: 0:14:51
Belathur rd. - Kodigehalli - Tracks - Sadarmangala - ITPL: 0:39:39
Mileage: 9.3 Miles - 15 Km
Time: 1:32:25
Pace: 9'56"/mile
Wght: 69.6 kg / 153.4 lbs
What's up with the dogs today!!!?
I wake up at 4:30 with relatively low energy, and start the run that way,
around 6:30, at a slow pace. It's Monday (no morning meeting) and
because I deliberately haven't run over the weekend, I let myself
run long and exploratory today, if my shape allows it, confirming
what I've learned so far of Surah Muzzammil along the way.
Right away, even here on the familiar Hoodi shortcut, I get bothered
by a dog, who comes close barking. I don't know yet that this will be
the theme of the day.
It's a beautiful summer-like day (typical of October for some reason)
and I find myself in an exploratory mood, in spite of having not taken
any water. I reach the Lourdu Nagar Lake fine, and decide to push to
the left to find a road there, but turn back in the end (although
it would be most likely passable) to proceed along the East Shore
into Seegehalli. I soon reach the Seegehalli Lake which I had
promised myself to run one day. Indeed, there's a nice path around
it for recreation, one of the nicest of such lakes so far. I plan
to run around it, but leaving a small bridge, I end up having to
leave its shore and come back via the streets and alleys to Seegehalli
road. Here too, some dogs erupt suddenly at me, and then a couple
other start a loud fight right at my feet.
I soon reach the bigger lake junction, proceed on Belathur road,
where once more a dog comes chasing, dangerously close (but still
kept at bay). Bhagao usse, I tell an onlooking construction worker
but he just stands and smile (the dog has backed down). And hesitate
for the Kadugodi loop, but wisely settle for coming back through
Kodigehalli. But even here, out of a field comes a loud pack of
about eight dogs, running and barking at me (but they too stop at
a little distance).
What's up with the dogs today?
This is nevertheless an excellent run, somewhat new roads, on a
beautiful summer-like morning.
-- In Arakkonam --
-- Elaruvi at Sunset --
-- Back from the Old Temple --
Dusserah Long Run (11.8 Miles) -- 10/11/16
Hoodi (no shortcut) - Ayappa Nagar - BasavanaPura Rd. - to
Seegehalli Main Rd.: 0:35:30
To Seegehalli Lake: 0:01:32
Around the Lake: 0:09:11
Seegehalli Rd, Cont. - to the Big Lake: 0:09:05
Medahalli Kadugodi rd - Belathur Rd - Belathur, Hoskote Jct: 0:31:25
Back through Kadugodi - Jr College Rd. - The old school - Along the
Tracks - Sadaramangala - ITPL: 0:34:34
Time: 2:01:17
Mileage: 11.8 Miles - 19 Km
Pace: 10'16"/mile
Wght: 69.4 kg / 153 lbs
Spent the weekend in Arakkonam / Tirupattur.
Woke up at 4. Many wake ups. Is it again Donald Trump who's keeping
me awake at night? Or all this driving?
After reading Surah ash Shura, I take the time for Surah Yaseen
in Namaaz, but with completely unexpected memory losses where I
have not struggled before. I pursue nevertheless, trying to be
unperturbed. I have reached in learning the 12th verse of Muzzammil,
and decide to leave it there for now, as the passage feels perfectly
good for Namaaz, a good completement to the Dhuha/Ashrah/Tin trio.
I go out on the run slowly, thinking I'll probably run long in spite
of early wake-up, but with no precise plan. The roads are actually
empty thanks to Dussera, encouraging me to venture out.
I end up describing a wide loop (the longest to the North short of
running on the Highway) connecting several known roads together.
I easily find the way from BasavanaPura rd to the Seegehalli lake,
completing my exploration of that area. From there, it's familiar
territory back, and I even prolong the run to Belathur, then back
through the so familiar Kadugodi back road that leads back to
Sadarmangala, where I had wandered so many times with the Kadugodi
slumdwellers, and Ruksanna.
Unlike last time, the dogs are perfectly quiet today.
I find a "perfect rhythm" in the middle section of the run, as if
running could continue forever, but eventually do struggle a bit
in the last stretch, which I complete bravely.
I actually haven't run this long in a long time.
-- Seegehalli Lake --
Rain -- 10/13/16
Thursday 10/13/16 -- Rain
BasavaNagar Route.
Mileage: 4.65 Miles - 7.5 Km
Time: 0:44:38
Pace: 9'35"/mile
Wght: 69.9 kg / 154.1 lbs
Yesterday evening, meeting with Dr. Sanjay.
There is indeed something abnormal with my prostate, and he orders
a biopsy which will have to be performed at Manipal.
All this time, I had been so worried about Ruksanna's health that
I neglected my own. I suddenly realize my demise would be equally
tragic, and try to not think about what would happen to her.
It's nevertheless hard to sleep, and she puts me to sleep like
in the dark days.
In the morning, I pray Surah Yaseen, which luckily has largely
come back to memory - a heartfelt rendition.
This leaves me feeling surprisingly good. As it was raining when
I woke up around 4:35, I considered cancelling this morning's run,
but it has stopped when I get ready to leave near 6, after having
spent a little time with Ruksanna.
It's very wet, but this road is generally ok. I feel strangely
comfortable, running at no effort at all, perfect breath, and
no soreness from Tuesday's long run. I take the opportunity
to reaffirm what I know of Surah Muzzammil. (I had decided to
stop at the 12th verse, but am now leaning towards completing
the Surah after all).
On the way, the rising sun peeks amongs the rainy clouds,
as if ushering a new chapter, a new trial. Will we be able to cope?
For this morning, I enjoy the feeling of living with such vulnerability,
as if a heightened conscience.
-- Morning sun peeking through rainy clouds --
-- Rail Crossing in Kadugodi --
Through the Old Slum (8,8 Miles) -- 10/15/16
Hoodi - Ayappa Nagar - Kodigehalli - Belathur - Kadugodi -
On the tracks, through Ruksanna's former community -
Dinur - ITPL.
Mileage: 8.8 Miles / 14.2 Km
Time: 1:29:01
Pace: 10'06"/mile
Wght: 69.3 kg / 152.8 lbs
Up at 4:10. Long Qur'an reading, Surah Mu'min.
Today is a working Saturday, so here we go, leaving around 7,
I project to run long, all the more so that I anticipate having
to take a break after next week's biopsy, so packing it up
this week.
No real plan in mind, don't want to repeat last Monday, and wouldn't
mind trying some small innovation. I first contemplate attempting
to come back through the railroad hangars, see if I can join back
the ITPL main road from there, one of the few unanswered questions.
But at some point, my inspiration changes, and seeing the mild
traffic on this Saturday, recide to return through the old Kadugodi
way, crossing the tracks on foot (rather than the overpass), and
walking straight through Ruksanna's old slum.
As it turns out, a train is just departing Whitefield station,
leaving a compact crowd on the tracks (most people prefer that
to using the overpass). The crowd squeezes through the bushes
to enter Ruksanna's old community, now just about deserted.
The stone work at the base of her tent is all that's left
of her former house. Other dwellings have all been dismantled,
the slumdwellers relocated in a Government "Kotress" (quarters)
in Chansandra. Only one tent is left, which I wonder if it still
belongs to Suresh after his separation from Sampa, or to Mary's
daughter, Mary the davani beti of the old Kupamma.
I then even take the dirt side alleys like in the old days, when
I walked the slum children to school, to Dinnur. From there,
an uneventful finish to ITPL.
I have been learning Surah Muzzammil all along the way, having
after some hesitation decided to complete it.
-- Through the Slum - Above, what's left of Ruksanna's house --
-- Hoodi Train Station --
Convalescence -- 10/21/16
Hoodi - Sadarmangala, with detours on the tracks.
Mileage: 3.4 Miles (5.45 Km)
Time: 0:35:36
Pace: 10'28"/mile (but this includes some stops or walking on the tracks)
Wght: 69.3 kg / 152.8 lbs
I have performed the Prostate Biopsy at Manipal last Monday.
Since then, trying to manage recovery, I've taken it easy.
The operation, while highly unpleasant, was tolerable. As predicted,
I've had occasional blood in my urine, especially in the morning,
but nothing too alarming, and no strong pain. (I've walked to work,
and the other day, met this youth that I used to see running at the
Whitefield Circle. Today, he made it in this area, still running
barefoot, his thin silhouette as if made for running. He has run
his race (which he called a marathon but is actually a 10K) in a
fantastic time under 35:00).
This morning, my urine is perfectly clear, and the weather
looks crisp, so here we go for a run. After reciting Surah Yaseen,
I get out to a clear foggy morning. On the platforms of the new
Hoodi train station, I see a few people execising, some running
to and fro on the quay. The sun is rising along the tracks over
the buildings of Shantiniketan, red and gentle tempered by the
morning mist. I too get on the tracks as if to follow the vision.
Once at work, I'm relieved to see that my urine is still
perfectly clear, unaffected by the run.
-- Rising sun along the tracks, behind Shantiniketan --
-- The "Houm Wa Azwajouhoum" verse from prestigious Surah Yaseen --
-- "They and their spouses", in Namaaz often evokes to me
the image of Ruksanna and I grabbing each others hand
towards Jannat --
Illness (8.3 Miles) -- 10/23/16
Through Hoodi itself - Ayappa Nagar - BasavanaPura rd. - to
the Highway: 0:38:24
E. along the Highway - Past RTO Office: 0:09:49
Back via Seegehalli Main Road - Belathur Road - Kodigehalli -
Maidam - Sadarmangala rail tracks: 0:38:14
Mileage: 8.3 Miles
Time: 1:26:28
Pace: 10'25"/mile
Wght: 69 kg / 152.1 lbs
Yesterday, after the Trolls Premiere, we went to Manipal
to get the lab results. I had decided to not look at them
until I meet the doctor on Monday, but at night, Ishaa ki
Namaaz reveals me that it's a silly course of action. I had
prepared to find out today, so I call my mother and read
her the result. "We will have to treat this", she interrupts
pretty quickly. A part of the prostate biopsy has come back
cancerous.
I contemplate Ruksanna asleep for some time
and don't want to trouble her beautiful serenity with the news.
But she wakes up. "Kaun tha?, she asks having overheard
a little of the nocturnal phone call.
I explain. I don't cry. And she too, philosophical, declares:
"Jo bhi baki hai, ham sath jiyenge."
She could not have expressed it better.
I have not slept well, partly because Ruksanna is herself
sick and keeps coughing. I finally rise at 4, which is actually
quite typical. My ideal schedule puts my best hours from 4am
to perhaps 9, and ideally, I then sleep multiple times during
the rest, whenever I fancy, like one eats a snack.
After the usual Qur'an reading, I pray Surah Yaseen,
well concentrated by the news. Not sure if I'm in shape for running,
but I will, if for no other reason to allow me this all-important
entry into my training journal (this funny reason makes me smile...)
It's a beautiful morning actually, like yesterday, crisp weather
with the soft sun waking the morning mist. I told Ruksanna one
hour, but it soon becomes evident that I'll extend this. Running
over the years has become my cure to all problems, so let's see
how it deals with cancer.
I am learning Surah Muzzammil along the way. I get a bit
greedy in my learning, adding three full verses, reaching that
way the abnormally long verse that concludes the Surah. But I
know these will need a lot of confirmation, especially
since my mastery of the Surah to that point was still hesitant.
I get distracted by an explosion. It's the top of an
electric pole, the wires have thrown a small ball of fire,
shaking the quiet sunday morning street. I then notice a car
crashed into the pole at the bottom, it's hood mangled, which
I hadn't seen. The scene has risen a few onlookers, but I continue
my way.
I reach the Highway (Old Madras Road), turn right, pass
the RTO Office, which makes me smile with memories. I also remember
that day where, waiting outside for my turn, I had contemplated
a small field illuminated by the sun, which had triggered in me
a strong nostalgy of the outside. That is when I had decided,
in spite of my exclusive focus on Ruksanna, to start running
again. Shortly afterwards, I turn right again into familiar Seegehalli
road, by the big lake.
On the main road, in this unlikely setting, I am charmed
by the morning light, finding an unintuitive beauty by the
parked trucks.
I know this is a new era. I have been wondering how my
"Book Nine" would finish, and as the novel writes itself,
it is clearly brought to a conclusion by this unexpected turn.
The style will change from here forward, and I try to measure
its litterary effect.
I feel liberated - at least for now. The run makes me
incredibly serene, as if further freed from all constraints,
freed to pursue my own way. I hope I won't dissappoint in the
endeavour. I believe in the virtue of fear, and bask for a time
in this renewed sense of heightened existence.
-- The "Moussibat" verses from Surah Baqara (153 to 157) --
"... and we will surely test you with something of fear
and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits,
but give good tidings to the patient.
Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed,
we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return ..."