-- Evening in Belagavi, about halfway between Bangalore
and Bombay --
Hiranandani (4.5 Miles) -- 09/03/17
Sunday 09/03/17 -- First Mumbai Run
Nahar - Past Powai Public School - S.M. Shetty - HFS -
Hirandani Gardens - Return loop along the hill by Deloitte -
Lake Homes - Back near Powai Public School.
Time: 0:42:45
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.5 Miles
Weight unknown - My scale has been delayed in shipment.
It's been a fantastic first few days in Mumbai.
I'll admit I felt accomplished to have driven the whole road by myself,
in two days, and take great satisfaction in reaching Mumbai, the road,
while not exceptional, offers nonetheless a variety of visions which
will stick with us for a few days.
The first days and night were inexplicably depressed, but on Friday,
the day opens by a call from Madeleine, and is wonderful from then
on. We go out a few times, finding some local markets, all this in
the middle of the Ganapati and Bakreid festivities - we went to a
local masjid on Saturday morning, nestled in the middle of fascinating
narrow alleys. It is difficult to not notice the great vibe of the city,
a good-willingness and humor that is hard to describe but permeates
the streets, of wonderful varied crowds - what a welcome change from
Bangalore! We've already started adjusting the Mumbai Time,
and even I feel energized till past 10pm, consciously waking up
later. This is probably good, I don't think the 4am rhythm that I had
is sustainable.
Back to running, I have resolved with great anticipation to schedule
my first run for Sunday morning (a moment of truth, my ability
to run here will be key...), but the night is uncomfortable with many
dreams and wake-ups, perhaps a slight fever. We might have been
sickened by the water along the way, as Ruksanna, Nazia and I have
developped a cough. But with Coffee and Advil, I manage to wake-up
and stick to my plan, but I'm stopped again by a persistant rain
- famous Mumbai rain, which actually caused some severe flooding
while we were still on the road. I wait till it feel like it has
subsided enough, not wanting to abandon my plan.
This will be a first exploratory run of course, nothing big. Not
having internet yet, I'm not able to scout the area well, so I'll
just improvise my way. It actually continues to rain on and off,
and streets are of course wet and muddy, but it's warm enough that
it doesn't preclude running at all, in fact, it's
rather pleasant, and I feel that my pace is rather brisk, probably
by the novelty of the place and the lower altitude
from Bangalore (I'll guess it at 9'30").
I pass by the familiar Powai Public
Schools, postponing the exploration of the adjoining slums for
some later date, and reach (unplanned) Sofia's Hiranandani school.
In the posh Hiranandani area, there are actually plenty of runners!
In fact, I meet a significant gathering of some running club, talk
briefly to the coach, although I doubt that I would join.
I run back along the hills, not sure if some semi-abandonned roads would
be ok to run - but we'll find all that later. Along the way back,
also by chance, I find the charming little lake by the Lake Homes
buildings.
Satisfied that this went through, a new beginning.
-- Nahar Amrit Shakti, our new home, from the back --
In the Heat (6.8 Miles) -- 09/12/17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/04/17 --
Finished reading Surah Fatir (reaching Yaseen).
Been feeling sick the last few days, especially at night, perhaps
from water along the way.
First day at work !!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/05/17 --
Got sicker yesterday evening and through the night, strong cough,
feverish. In the morning, after Advil, profuse profuse sweating!
Skipped work and stayed home. Re-read Le Garage Hermetique after
so many years, still stricken by the mind-blowing virtuosity.
Read Surah Yaseen before Namaaz.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/06/17 --
Home Gym: 0:15:00
Sequence: Push-ups - Abs - Punches.
A bad night of insomnia. Things appearing particularly dark at night,
I convince myself that I won't make it. My worst fears have
come true, yesterday was overcome by this debilitating feeling
of exhaustion which incapacitates me. I don't see how I'll be able
to work in those circumstances.
But in the morning, I fight back nonetheless, waking up unexpectedly
better, try to kick-start with anger the flailing system into action,
clear the brain somehow, through Namaaz and this short gym session.
This miraculously seems to work, and the day won't be so
bad after all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/08/17 --
Similar to last run: Schools route to HFS - A little farther
in Hiranandani -
Back somehow to the Lake Highway - Powai Police Station - ICICI Bank and
D-Mart.
Time: 0:40:23
Estimated Pace: 10'00"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.0 Miles
Wght: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbs (My scale is back,
revealing quite a weight loss!)
Let's face it, this is not very good.
Is it just the heat, or am I still sick?
I sweat incredibly, gluing clothes to my skin. And the route isn't great,
too much trafic, especially morning school buses.
Actually, the quietest part is the Glendale-like
Hiranandani area, but it's really not that interesting. I do pass
several small slums along the way, particularly on the other side
of the artificial lake, where I'm stricken by some of the inhabitants.
This ends up being a laborious run, but patience, patience.
Finished Surah Saffat, a distinctly inferior Surah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/09/17 --
Wght: 70.1 kg - 154.5 lbs
Let's face it, things are not going well.
A bad start to the day. Still somewhat sick, depressed.
Weight loss of unknown cause.
Ruksanna and I take a walk by the Lake Homes, then Gopal Sharma School Park,
after which I sleep again, no courage for anything.
And still no internet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 09/10/17 --
Wght: 70.1 kg - 154.5 lbs
Utterly disastrous day.
Stay in bed most of the day, unable to leave the confine of the room,
hardly getting up to pee, a complete collapse. Ruksanna and
I went for a morning walk which drenched me in sweat, followed
by an immediate
retreat back to the bed, which I won't leave before 4pm. I cannot
rise to confront the world, not even the children in the living room.
I have no idea how life will resume tomorrow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/11/17 --
Home Gym: 0:48:00
Sequence: Dumbbell Press - Abs - Punches.
Wght: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs
Slept on and off through the night, in spite of having slept most of
the day yesterday. Wake up still dizzy,
but force myself into this gym session, hoping again to kick-start
the machine somehow. This works to some extent, in spite of this
debilitating heat. I have been presumptuous in thinking that i would
adapt easily, when in fact I am suffocated by the heat, each gesture
causing abundant sweat (or even without any gesture!),
and a sensation of not being able to breath.
In spite of this, this workout reveals
itself positive, restoring a minimum level of energy. I am
starting to make plans for future runs (based on our walks with Ruksanna)
which is a good sign.
The weight loss continues... Would like to control it.
And still no internet...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/12/17 --
Nahar - Lake Homes - Hiranandani - Hiranandani Hospital - Podar School -
Small alleys, to Uniform Shop - IIT Market area - Vidya - IIT: 0:40:43
Back in a straighter way: 0:27:44
Time: 1:08:27
Estimated Pace: 10'00"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.8 Miles
Wght: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbs
Feeling distinctly better yesterday, I decided to run this morning. Hope
I'm not rushing it.
But what heat !!!!!! Unbelievable heat !
Even not doing anything, it's suffocating, so imagine running. Not a breath
of air, and a heavy haze, aggravated by morning trafic (unfortunately
a lot of school buses even at 6:30).
I'm nonetheless happy to be out, and adopt a
maximum energy conversation
pace. Curious to explore past Hiranandani today, and hopeful to reach the
Vidya school, I pass the Hospital to engage in small alleys, where it
immediately gets more interesting, in sharp contrast with the Glendale
like Galleria area. Not sure how welcome it is to run here, or if Mumbai
dogs react differently from Bangalore, but it all appears fine, and I imagine
I will get bolder and bolder with this. I get lost in the whole IIT market
area, and somewhat to my surprise, stumble on the School Uniform Shop
where we walked last Saturday. I've missed Vidya, but on the way back,
recognizing those small streets, take that detour. It's busy here with
several schools and many children in uniform, one of which runs with me
for a little. He turns into the Vidya alley.
I work my way back up to the Hospital, but the heat is now taking its toll.
I slow down again without stopping, not so happy with the traffic here,
but make it back nonetheless with no problem, a faster way without getting
lost. Thank God I have carried my water bottle.
At least, I am told this heat is unusual for this time of the year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up a Hill (5.3 Miles) -- 09/14/17
Hiranandani - up some Hill - Back via Park.
Time: 0:53:19
Estimated Pace: 10'00"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.3 Miles
Wght: 71 kg - 157 lbs
Violent nightly storms have cooled down the atmosphere somewhat,
it is much more breathable.
I set out on this run determined to push past Hirandani Hospital
along the small unbuilt hills, but I come across a shortcut road
devoid of traffic which I decide to try out. To my surprise, this
leads to a wide dirt road climbing up one of the hills. There are
a few pedestrians (mostly labourers) and I decide to venture up.
The road continues at a steep slope up the wooded hill, revealing
a few views of the metropole. I pass a few labourers going to the
bathroom here, a small trail seems to go descent to the city, but
I continue my way up. Eventually, there is a small shack with a few
dogs that come out barking, and I wonder if they would react like
in Bangalore. Kuch nahi karega?, I ask two men sitting there
as if guarding the place. A little higher, the road is barred by
a metal gate. On the left is a trail full of trash that plunges
into a slum below. I ask someone if this is practical, the guy
lives below, I only venture a few meters down to get a view
of the place. Perhaps at some point I'll venture through the slums,
but this is enough for today.
I cross the much different Hiranandani area on the way back,
making a detour through a small park where many people are walking
or exercising, but that leads nowhere.
After I return, Ruksanna is alarmed at seeing my pictures.
Don't go in those areas, she warns tempering my enthusiasm,
chor log haat per pakarke
maar sakte, unke paas zyaada nahi hai, gusse me rehte hai.
To reassure her, I tell her also about the rich park...
The Way to Work (6.4 Miles) -- 09/17/17
to 88 Pictures, via back roads: 0:29:46 (2.95 Miles - 4.75 Km)
Back, but got lost in the small alleys near D-Mart: 0:34:52
Time: 1:04:38
Pace (first half): 10'03"/mile
Mileage: 6.4 Miles
Wght: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbs
SUnday morning. Good wake-up, after another difficult day yesterday.
Experiment, running to work. Satisfied to find the back way with
no problem. Life of the neighborhoods. This is ok on a Sunday morning,
and I left early enough (6:15), but would be questionable on a weekday.
The slums. The pipeline. The river. Reached!
On the way back, I try to cut a shortcut through the small alleys,
it's actually a complete maze, and I get lost several times, dead-ends, etc.
In a way, first experience through semi-slums. Ask my way around, and people
respond nicely. I slow down for a few dogs, but they seem more playful then
harmful. Dead-end again in a wasteland, ask a little boy, indicates the narrow
alleys, find the Eid ka Masjid, and finally in the mud come out near the
little market street.
Satisfied with this. A little tired by the heat, but slowly adjusting.
There is lots more to explore, and the smaller roads hold promise.
-- Other side of the hill over Hiranandani --
Over the Hill (7.2 Miles) -- 09/19/17
Schools - Hirandanani - Hiranandani Hospital: 0:27:27
Detour near the hospital to Dead End - Then Hiranandani Link Rd.
up and over the hill - Past a Park to Mayfair Hillcrest rd.: 0:14:33
Back up & over - Hirandandani - Through Powai Public School
(Jama Masjid Road): 0:27:56
Time: 1:09:58
Mileage: 7.2 Miles - 11.55 Km (uncertain)
Pace: 9'43"/mile
Wght: 70.7 kg - 155.9 lbs
Explore past Hirandani Hospital other side of the hill.
Better to leave before 6:30.
First way, dead ends, other side of the hill from the other day.
Then bigger road, climbs up alongside the hill covered with the little
house slums in rising sun, then down past a hillside park. At the first
intersection, I ask my way back, but am advised to return same way.
On the way back, I've done enough now that
I muster the courage to run through
Juma Masjid Road, which leads to Powai Public School. This is a poor area
quite impressive, run down "kotress", stained with black seepage Mumbai
style, all balconies full of clothes. I get looked at, but it seems ok
to run through here, which actually avoids a little trafic and is slightly
shorter.
Along Lake Powai (7.35 Miles) -- 09/24/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/21/17 --
D-Mart - Powai Police Station - W. along Powai Lake -
Saki Vihar Rd. - Past Larsen & Toubro - Under Pipeline -
Road to the right - Past Ramada Convention Centre -
NITIE - Dead-end at a Dargah: 0:28:30
Return same way: 0:27:23
Time: 0:55:53
Mileage: 5.75 Miles - 9.25 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile
Wght: 71.3 kg - 157.2 lbs
Decided to start exploring the Aarey Colony Area, which
seems very promising. This is just a start. Not sure what
best way to reach, along the lake, and actually, this is much
ligther in trafic than I would have imagined (left at 6:30,
shortening stretching). There are many roads to explore,
but from what I vaguely remember from the map, I turn
right after a large pipeline. This leads me past the Ramada
Convention Centre than the large NITIE grounds, along a
road that gets smaller and more rural, small Mumbai-style
slummy houses and woods, then seems to end at a Muslim
site. I'm not quite sure how to behave with people and dogs,
but it all seems to be more or less fine. There seems to be
a large park along the way which is probably public, will have
to try. Along the lake promenade, many human hair on the ground,
probably left-overs of some religious ritual.
There are definitely many more options in this area,
which could open to great long runs. The relatively light trafic
is definitely a great surprise, I will return.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/23/17 --
Home Gym: 0:47:00
Sequence: Dumbbell Chest Press - Abs - Barbell Biceps,
Shoulder, Lift, Squats.
Wght: 71.1 kg - 156.7 lbs
Read Surah ad-Dukhaan. Then walked to work, which took 45 minutes. The traffic lately (probably because of Navaratri) has been horrendous, taking nearly an hour of tense driving, so I'm exploring this alternative. This is reassuring, as whether I find an Auto or not, I can no matter what still reach walking. But even on a Saturday, traffic and heat are an issue, and I arrived at work my shirt drenched with sweat ! On top of that, my chapal unfit for walking are bruising my feet. Will have to refine all this.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 09/24/17 --
Powai Police Station - W. along Powai Lake - In the various parks -
Up the Ramada road (dead-end): 0:29:56
Back again through the Park - Along Powai Eastward - Through the
various parks - Along IIT boundary - 1st pedestrian overpass: 0:24:39
Back through Hiranandani - Lake Homes: 0:18:52
Time: 1:13:28
Estimated Pace: 10'00"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 7.35 Miles
Wght: 72 kg - 158.7 lbs (I've reached back my desired weight
quickly, but now need to not bounce past that)
On this Sunday, wake up at 5, but feeling quite tired. Hard to focus
on reading (Surah al-Jathiya) or Namaaz.
I stick to my plan nevertheless, and get out shortly before 6:30.
My plan is to explore further into the Aarey Colony area past
last Thursday's run, which holds
a lot of promise, but for some reason this intimidates me today. Besides,
I don't want to explore too far too quickly, exhausting the thrill of
novelty in a rush. So on the way, I decide to explore the parks I had
spotted last time, which may lead to the banks of the lake.
Indeed, this is open to the public, and a popular destination on a Sunday.
The views of the lake at sun rise are wonderful. Further, I explore
a second park, after having asked my way to two guys at the entrance.
The guy responds, jitna tak per chal sakte, itna dur rasta jata hai,
and he repeats this again with humour as I ask him how far it would go.
He then indicates that there are magarmarch in the talaab
(crocodiles in the lake),
which I've heard before. This road quickly dead-ends at another
nice view of the lake, I return.
I then try the road to the right that climbs towards some Marriot, but
this soon deads-end as well at the entrance of the hotel. Nothing to
see here unfortunately, so I turn back.
I now decide to head East along the lake towards IIT, especially since
the trafic is light on a Sunday. To my surprise, there are several small
parks along the lake, and I explore each one of them. This all constitutes
a perfectly pleasant morning run, even for week-days, better actually then
the bizzare Hiranandani area. I eventually reach the wall of IIT, and
decide to cross the first overpass into Hiranandani, rather than
continuing to IIT market. This is probably a wise decision, as I
finish the run in complete control, comfortable. It's been a bit hotter
today but I adjust well. However, for longer runs, I would definitely
need a second bottle of water, and should carry some money, like in the
old days. As often, many runners through the Hiranandani area, in fact,
there seems to be some organised race taking place.
The exploration continues...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Navaratri altar in a small alley --
From the East and from the West (7.4 Miles) -- 09/26/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/26/17 --
Hiranandani - Up & Over the Hill - to R City Mall: 0:36:33 [3.7 Miles]
Back same way: 0:37:30
Time: 1:14:03
Mileage: 7.4 Miles - 11.9 Km
Pace: 10'00" / mile
Wght: 70.8 kg - 156 lbs
A rather poor night, caught between divorce worries and difficulties
with the children's settlement here. I've been reading la Chartreuse
de Parme at night with difficulty, tempted many times to abandon it.
I wake up again around 4:40 and decide to get up. The morning brings
an excellent reading of Surah Muhammad and Baqara/Imraan Namaaz,
which I perform dutifully before reading any response mail. That, as if
a result of the prayer, turns out to be quite positive.
I set out at 6:20 which is a good time. It's now clear,
hot but not unbearable,
and the traffic is fine early morning. I have set as a very arbitrary goal the
R City Mall where we went last Sunday, a little further on the road over
the hill. I reach that surprisingly easy, and imagine other options in that
area, although it's quite urban. There are many parks along the way,
a nice feature of Mumbai I guess. The "pass" over the hill, where the
road narrows pressed by small adobes, traversing a semi-slum attached
to the hillside favella-style, is definitely the highlight of this route, and
increases my familiarity with such places, completely different from
Bangalore. The other day in the car, some mad man almost hit our
car with his fist here. Today, no such incident thankfully! I probably
need this exposure before I venture further on Aarey Road, which
feels more intimidating.
As I'm about to reach back home, someone stops me. He wants
me to deliver a small card back in our lobby. I hesitate, wondering
if there could be some foul play, but the guy gives his name, says
he's noticed me since he works there, and we chat in good humour
in Hindi, so I accept.
It turns out this was the night watchman, who had forgotten to drop
his card on his way out ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/27/17 -- From the other side
Khairani Rd, E. - Jangleshwar Mahadev N. - Andheri Gatkopar -
Lal Bahadur Shastri, to R City Mall: 0:26:17
Back same way, but cutting through the Shangarsh Nagar
slums near Nahar: 0:26:52
Time: 0:53:09
Mileage: 5.65 Miles - 9.1 Km
Pace: 9'24"/mile
Wght: 70.7 kg - 155.9 lbs
Up early again, so decide to run, even though second day
in a row. Impatient, decide to complete the loop to R City,
that I've scouted on the map. Through small neighborhoods. Navaratri temples.
The main road, metro. The airplanes, over the slum hills.
Recognize the road, some places impressive. Pass a Dargah that I hadn't
noticed driving. Soon reach the mall as planned.
On the way back, I stop at the intersection and wait to photograph one of those
over the slum, but the photo will disappoint.
Approaching Nahar, I bravely decide to take the shortcut way.
It is indeed a
narrow dirt alley, very poor, among sewers, but but people do pass there. As
it seems to plunge deeper into the slum, I ask my way and am answered nicely.
Make my way through a narrow unkempt passage, suddenly back in the
different world of Nahar Amrit Shakti.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Landing airplane over the slums --
-- Remains of Durgah Pooja --
Navaratri (7.15 Miles) -- 10/02/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/29/17 -- Along Powai Lake (or excellent mood)
Powai Police Station - W. along the Lake - Around the W. Park -
Back along the Lake - IIT 2nd gate - Back through Hiranandani -
Lake Homes.
Time: 1:03:01
Estimated Pace: 10'00"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.3 Miles
Wght: 70.9 kg - 156.3 lbs
Later start, after an excellent Surah Yaseen, and reading Surah Qaf.
To the and around the park. Pooja on the lake side. Towards IIT, a little
farther than last time, but wisely decided to not prolong into IIT market,
will complete that route soon. It's hot, but tolerable. The road is closed,
jhukke jana hai. People in Mumbai are nice.
Runners, exercise, women here are different, accepted.
Later, I take as often an auto to work, but the trafic through Chandivali
is such that we are stuck a good 20 minutes.
We've finally made it to the highway when, in the Seepz area, we run
out of gas, and I finish by foot.
But nothing alters my excellent mood today !!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/30/17 --
Home Gym: 0:50:00
Sequence: Abs - Combo Punches - Prone Lift - Biceps.
Wght: 70.9 kg - 156.3 lbs
Decided to rest today, spend "grasse matinee" with Ruksanna,
which ends up deliciously. Then this excellent session, feeling rested.
Yesterday evening, came back on foot again. About halfway, one drop,
two drops, oh shit, a full-on deluge!! I continue nevertheless, drenched
and wading through streams of water, actually exhilarated by the event.
Feeling every day better in Mumbai, charmed by the spirit of the city.
Only Worried about the effects of pollution, heaviness in the lungs,
sensation in the lower abdomen, as if sequel from operation.
But what to do ? Impossible to wear kerchief while running in this heat,
which even while walking or even sitting in an auto gets drenched in sweat, and
anyway provides imperfect protection. We'll see ....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 10/01/17 --
Wght: 70.9 kg - 156.3 lbs
Woke up at 6:00 (and with a slight throat ache) so cancelled any running
plans. Besides, we hit the road and spend a fantastic day in Lonavala /
Khandara. This is only two hours away, wanting to ween myself of the phone,
I have learned the road and not without pride reach without problem,
in Lonavala the small Ambey Valley Road takes us to great views of the
valley at Lion's point. We start on a small hike when, being in front
with Zoia, I hear rustling in the brush. It continues in front, betraying
some rather large animal, and then OH SHIT, a HUGE dark snake traverses
the trail a few meters ahead. That is the end of our hike !! But
what a great day it has been, so much to do here, compared to dull
Bangalore.
I make it back home again without getting lost. We witness muharram
celebrations in the slums.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/02/17 -- Dusserah
To Chandivali road, West - Saki Vihar North - JVLR,
East along Powai Lake - Past IIT Main Gate - IIT
last gate (pedestrian bridge): 0:43:43 [4.46m - 7.18km]
Through IIT Market area - Chaitanya Nagar - Hiranandani
Hospital - Usual route back: 0:26:43 [2.68m - 4.32km]
Time: 1:10:27
Mileage: 7.15 Miles - 11.5 Km
Pace: 9'51"/mile
Wght: 71.5 kg - 157.6 lbs
Happy day yesterday in Lovanala. I have now fallen in love
with the oversize metropole, so much livelier than Bangalore!
I postpone today again the "big run" through Aarey Road, which
continues to intimidate me. I have braved slums in Bangalore, but this
for now feels foreboding, very different from Bangalore,
nestled on a hill like Brazilian Favellas. I know I will go though,
just in due time. Instead, I opt to complete the route that I had
started last Thursday, describing a wider loop.
Besides, I want to test the equipment, double bottle belt
that I just bought at Decathlon (as a replacement for the
bottle in the short pocket). Unnecessary detour, but just to see.
Pooja remains by the lake, people feeding kabouttar. I love the photo,
but won't post it to FB, for fear of offending Hindu people at the
remains of their idols.
At the last IIT gate (which leads to the IIT market area),
I ask a guard if I could run inside. He responds that here no,
but they would let me in through the main gate. Great news,
if this is true, this surely will be my next destination.
Now that I'm not getting lost in these small streets, the
runs get shorter. I traverse Chaitanya Nagar for the second time
(where Vidya is) small alleys, neighobourhood schools, shops, etc.
Last time, a couple school kids had started running with me while
we conversed in Hindi. Could it be that I have been remembered ?
This time too, some slum children run with me in the same way,
speaking directly in Hindi as if they knew, and even try to teach
me some Maharati, which I do not repeat not sure what they might
be saying. Coincidence, or have I already been recognized ?
As I hoped, moving to Mumbai has definitely reignited
the thrill of exploration. In spite of the pollution and heat,
I am fascinated by the urban decor of the giant city,
and here, like in a jungle, or like in Paris in my youth,
I seek the strange pleasure of feeling lost alone in a foreign
landscape. Lots to explore here ...
It has become very hot again, and I finish so drenched in sweat
that it looks like I've been entirely dipped in water, my clothes
ridiculously heavy with sweat, sticking clumsily to my skin.
The water belt has worked great, not too
conspicuous as to attract even more looks, and relatively
comfortable. It will become a must for running even moderate
routes in this extraordinary climate. I clock around 1:09 rather
than the projected 1:30, but it's just as well, finishing
well within my limits, very very careful to not overexhaust in the
heat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- A wonderful day in the Lonavala Ghats --
Towards Bhandup (8.75 Miles) -- 10/05/17
Powai Police Stn - Powai Lake, W. along JVLR - out and back on jetty -
ITT main gate: 0:25:33
Continue on JVLR - North on Lal Bahadur Shasti Marg - Along Army
Lands - D-Mart - to Quarry Road, Bhandup: 0:17:55
Back to JVLR - Hiranandani Gardens - Galleria - Powai Vihar -
Lake Homes: 0:45:07
Time: 1:28:35
Mileage: 8.75 Miles - 14.1 Km
Pace: 10'07"/mile
Wght: 71.2 kg - 157 lbs
I want to try the "inside IIT" option, since I've been told that I might
get allowed through the main gate. This unfortunately proves untrue,
which actually makes sense to me.
So I continue West on the JVLR, which paradoxically is not that
busy in the morning. Past Powai are three choices, straight (towards
E. Expressway), right (towards Ghatkopar) or left (towards Mulund /
Bhandup). I opt for the latter, circling along military grounds with greenery.
It's a busy road (but still ok in the morning) and I'm surprised to cross
occasional runners. It's as usual very hot, but I've found the right
pacing and relaxation for this (I'm carrying a single bottle which
will prove enough). I return through Hiranandani without any particular
problem, having opened a new area with many more options to
explore. As in the early days in Bangalore, I am mostly staying
with larger roads even if it means more traffic, not quite ready yet
to venture in the smaller mazes of alleys. But I'm sure that will
come.
-- The "foreboding" slum, at the start of Aarey Road --
Venturing onto Aarey Road (7.15 Miles) -- 10/08/17
Sunday 10/08/17 -- Venturing onto Aarey Road
Powai Police Stn - W. along Powai Lake - Saki Vihar, along Larsen Toubro -
Aarey Road - To intersection: 0:38:40
Back same way 0:38:29
Time: 1:17:09
Mileage: 7.75 Miles - 12.5 Km
Pace: 9'57" / mile
Wght: 71.3 kg - 157.2 lbs
I have been hesitant for several weeks now to venture onto Aarey
Road, even though I suspect it could be the best running area. I am
intimidated by the favella-style hill slums that I've seen in
that direction, and have kept postponing the day where I would
try it out. Well, today is it.
But even this morning, I still hesitate, thinking I might instead
go towards
the Eastern Expressway to further explore last Thursday's area. What
a ridiculous idea ! And furthermore, because this has already been
a really big week, I think I should run less than an hour, sufficient
to complete a four hour weekly time.
But once outside, I am charmed by the relatively fresh air, caused by
last night's storm. I've waken up early before Namaaz (read Surah
Waqi'ah), and enjoy being out. The lake is quiet and beautiful. Along
Saki Vihar, I cross a young couple running, which further encourages
me. So here we go. Past the bridge under the pipeline and into the
slum...
Turns out this feels surprisingly innocuous. I first pass one
of those many small dwellings busy area, then the road opens to an
impressive view of the "hill slum" to the left, but it doesn't feel
foreboding after all, in fact, I am greeted nicely in English
by a young man. Very soon, I pass the area to find myself on rolling
hills, traversing beautiful fields in the morning light,
and wondering what the big tension was all about. In fact,
there are actually quite a few cyclists here, and more and more
runners as I go. Decided to reach some landmark before turning
back, thereby extending beyond my one hour goal, I reach an intersection,
surprised to find a small crowd of cyclists, walkers and runners, many
of them turning to the right. I ask where this goes, don't really get
an answer, but am reassured that it would be perfectly safe to run
there.
This all turns out to be wonderful. As I had suspected, the Aarey
area is perfect for running, sure to become my terrain of choice.
In fact, I am so enthused by the scenery that I don't feel fatigue
or heat at all, and comfortably make it back home.
I will surely be back.
This concludes my biggest week in Mumbai so far, with over 4:30
of running, and a total exercise time of 6:15.
In fact, I have to go all the way back to last November, before
surgery, to find a bigger running week!
But yesterday, I went for the first time to Kolikenaben Hospital
to start planning further treatment for the cancer, which unfortunately
has not been completely eradicated.
-- Along the fields on Aarey Road --
-- The way to the Eastern Expressway ... --
Eastern Expressway (8.1 Miles) -- 10/12/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/11/17 --
Shangarsh Nagar - Lake Homes - Powai - Larsen & Toubro -
Aarey Rd. - To Royal Palms Intersection: 0:35:10 [3.44m - 5.54k]
Back, via Powai Police - D-Mart: 0:28:32 [2.79m - 4.48k]
Time: 1:03:42
Mileage: 6.25 Miles - 10 Km
Pace: 10'11"/mile
Wght: 70.1 kg - 154.5 lbs
Yesterday Kokilaben hospital. Water, and the unbearable pain!
The difficult way back. End up on the metro, but walk a long way
from Sakinaka, taking a long detour through my running route,
under a moderate rain. It turns out I embarked on a journey
on the busy Andheri Ghatkopar axis, two metro stations further
(till Jagruti Nagar), trying to rejoin my running route, in perpetual
doubt as the road kept lengthening. I finally reached traversing
the tough Shandarsh Nagar slum passage in the dark. Had
I taken the right way through the other end of Khailani rd.,
it would have been a 4th of the way !! I reach home wet and
exhausted, but I have it completely figured out for next time,
Metro is the way to go!
The incident has left me tired and somewhat worried. I feel
like a permanent sensation in the lower abdomen,
and perhaps something is wrong. In addition a bad night,
our electrical switch has caved in, condemning the fan. We
try to survive the night on AC, but that takes adjustments, freezing
or too hot, and mosquitoes have returned to sting my feet !
I nevertheless wake up around 4:45 surprisingly good, good Namaaz Surah
Muzzammil and Baqara. The run is slow, ok at first, temperatures
a little freshened by yesterday's rain. Aarey colony now attracts me,
but my force today is less. I complete it ok, but still, this amazing
dehydration which tints my urine deep orange, imposes an
unquenchable thirst.
If this is now, how will it be to run in summer ???
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/12/17 -- Eastern Expressway
Powai Police - JVLR, along Powai Lake, IIT,
to Eastern Expressway: 0:38:51 [4.06m - 6.54k]
Back: 0:42:19
Time: 1:21:10
Mileage: 8.1 Miles - 13.1 Km
Pace: 10'01"/mile
Wght: 71.3 kg - 157.2 lbs
Not feeling so well wake up at 4:40 Ruksanna's alarm,
immediately followed by Madeleine call.
Go out to run nevertheless, miss a superb group of clouds
in the morning sun, reach the lake a little too late. From there
decide to push to Eastern Expressway, for variety, and just
"to see". Here I am then, running along the expressway
(JVLR) as I've often made fun of others. It's actually not so
bad except for the noise of the trafic, and I am running into
the sun, overlooking railway, little slums, and some open
land. There is even a small lost and found sidewalk along
the highway, in the bushes. I am not alone running here,
in fact, there is even a guy doing short intervals on the
highway !
I continue to be amazed (and perphaps worried) at the
effect of the heat on running. My pee is again dark
and very scarce, and this sensation continues in the
lower abdomen. Hope it will resorb, and that this heavy
air will not do away with me.
But the other big news is that
feeling more comfortable with the environment, I resume learning,
which had been completely on hold (also because the bulk of
knowledge is starting to be hard to maintain). But today, I resume,
taking on the verses around Ayatul Kursi, so that it can be prayed
in Namaaz. I will therefore resume my "writing", filling those
diary pages that have been deliberately left blank, waiting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- ... and the way back --
Further into Aarey (9.95 Miles) -- 10/16/17
Powai Police - Powai Lake - Larsen Toubro - Aarey Road,
to intersection: 0:36:44 [3.74m - 6.02k]
Out to the left, past Railway Station Laxmi Studio:
0:14:46 [1.23m - 1.98k ??]
Back: 0:14:48
Back: 0:40:59
Time: 1:47:17
Mileage: 9.95 Miles - 16 Km (uncertain)
Pace: 10'47" / mile (uncertain)
Wght: 71.3 kg - 157.2 lbs
Sunday's run on a Monday, having not run yesterday as planned,
carry it out today instead.
But it's a later start, around 6:48, having shortened Namaaz
to smaller Surah's, and hastened stretching. The morning is full
of a hazy heat, as often, which I hope is not pollution!
It is paramount to run in maximum energy conservation mode.
All focus is on keeping breathing comfortable and heating under control.
I am carrying my two-bottle belt (even though the gearing makes
me a little uncomfortable through the slum areas), but there is
no choice. And today, as an innovation, one bottle contains
Gatorade, which seems to really help.
Once settled into pace, this turns out into a fantastic run.
I carry out my plan to explore the road to the right
past the Aarey Junction, at the Picnic Spot. It
is beautiful, quiet and rural,
in fact, I meet a few runners along the way. The landscape is still
shrouded in this mysterious warm vapor, and I stop for a few pictures
of the sun attempting to pierce through. Dense vegetation and fields.
I pass a few farms, and a building around which food is being catered
outside, like on a movie set. It turns out, looking later at Google,
that this is indeed a movie facility. More farmlands, and cow
stables. I occasionally talk to some of the runners, who reassure
me that the road ahead is fine. In the foggy distance looms a great
building, seemingly isolated in the jungle. I eventually stop
as I am approaching another one of those favella-type hilly
slums, and return the same way, but pause some time to let
pass a group of sturdy black cows, some of whom have long
straight horns pointing down. I talk to another runner
who informs me how to reach the lake (not on this road),
and declares he's seen me running on Military Road. I switch
the conversation midway from English to Hindi, fluent and
pleasant, I enjoy when people embrace it naturally, without
question.
It's always harder to return, especially approaching
the heavy atmosphere of Chandivali as the morning trafic
progresses, but I manage it nevertheless. I drink my two
bottles entirely, which marks an improvement over previous
runs. This has been my longest run yet in Mumbai, and continues
to open many possibilities in the area. Later, I realize looking
at Google that I could have continued to return via a great loop
through the Royal Palms area. I continue to worry about the
mysterious sensation in the lower abdomen, but the run
itself was great, one of the best. In fact, in spite of being
the longest so far, it has kept energized for the whole day,
till uncharacteristically late at night.
-- Along Basavanapura Road --
In Bangalore I (10.9 Miles) -- 10/20/17
Lemon Tree Hotel - Basavananagar - Hoodi - Ayappa Nagar - Basavanapura -
Seegehalli rd: 0:56:26
Belathur rd - Through the Maidam - Sadarmangala - Hoodi -
Graphite India - back: 0:57:35
Time: 1:54:01
Mileage: 10.9 Miles - 17.6 Km
Pace: 10'27" / mile
We are back in Bangalore for Diwali weekend.
Famous for its mild weather, the city indeed delivers.
The morning air is pleasantly cool, feeling much crisper than
in Mumbai, almost like the Bay Area. Because of this, I've
stupidly not brought water, but I'll actually be fine, which
of course would have been impossible in Mumbai.
I am back dealing with the street dogs, who appear particularly
aggressive at this early hour, angered perhaps by the incessant
firecrackers of the night, whose remains litter the roads.
The run is pleasant nonetheless, without being exceptional,
and as usual in those situations, after a few minutes it feels
like having never left. It's particularly quiet on this holiday
morning, and I enjoy the relatively rural portion of Belathur
road. Luckily though, I decide to cut back through the vast
Maidam, unknowingly shortening a run that would have otherwise
been too long. There, I meet a large pack of pigs which actually
scares me a little, but no incident.
When I return, Ruksanna is still asleep in the hotel room,
so I'm happy to still wake her up with a gentle back massage.
In Bangalore II (9.15 Miles) -- 10/23/17
Lemon Tree Hotel - Sai Baba - ITPL - along PSN to rail tracks: 0:26:24
Sadarmangala East - Cognitio school - Belathur rd - Kodigehalli -
Hoodi station: 0:41:25
Shortcut - Basavananagar - shortcut Windmills - EPIP - Lemon Tree: 0:25:39
Time: 1:33:28
Mileage: 9.15 Miles - 14.7 Km
Pace: 10'13" / mile
I miss the Nano! It's been a particularly difficult return from
Elaruvi, as our bus broke down mid-way, and we had to finish the
journey standing, with an interminable stop in Hosur.
But I have slept over-abundantly in the village, and wake up feeling
fully rested.
Again nice Bangalore, crisp and sunny. It's a quiet run.
Again, I haven't taken water, which will be fine.
I take advantage of the familiar roads to further progress learning
the Ayatul Kursi ruku.
Later today, we leave back to Mumbai.
-- In Elaruvi --
-- Aayat 254 from Surah Baqara --
Radiations -- 10/24/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/18/17 --
Home Gym: 0:18:00
Sequence: Dumbbell Press - Combo Punches.
Wght: 71.5 kg - 157.6 lbs
Late night, early morning. Nevertheless feel ok.
I reach Surah Burooj in Qur'an reading, virtually finishing
the book (4th time?), and pray Surah Waqi'ah in Namaaz,
uncharacteristically in the morning, but fueled by the
new health news.
Hurried gym session before a 6:30am call. Was going to resume it,
but Ruksanna stays with me, and then I anyway realize that I've forgotten
my !!(@$^ medical file at work, and rush out to get it before
heading to Kokilaben (rushed in vain as it turns out, the doctor arrives
late). This is the prep for radiation therapy, which I decided to
proceed with yesterday.
In the traffic on the way back,
a few scooters than a man running on the opposite side of the road.
They are trying to clear the way for an ambulance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/24/17 -- Radiation Day 1
Home Gym: 0:36:20
Sequence: Dumbbell Press - Abs - Bar Shoulders - Bar Biceps.
Wght: 72 kg - 158.7 lbs
Lighter, but high reps, exhausted on the last set.
Today will be 1st day of radiotherapy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/25/17 -- Radiation Day 2
Shangarsh Nagar - Lake Homes - Along Powai Lake - IIT main Gate -
Loop through IIT Market area - Back along Powai Lake - to Platform -
Back via Powai Police - D-Mart.
Time: 0:55:56
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.9 Miles
Wght: 72.2 kg - 159.2 lbs
Up early, and finished reading the Qur'an (4th time?). Started
back right away, this time with Saudi translation.
Weather much better. Through Lake Homes, was going to
meander towards Hiranandani, but surprised to find myself
along the Lake, so proceed to IIT. Here, by another navigation
mistake, I end up doing a worthless loop through IIT market,
and so come back. I don't have much time anyway, so this
is all just as well. Feeling very good on the way back, and
feeling no after effect from radiation, I feel like i'm picking
up the pace, light and easy.
The weather is definitely cooler than before we left, and the
sky is clear. I come back sweaty, but not drenched.
And then I leave at 8:00 to Kokilaben for radiation treatment
number 2.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/26/17 -- Radiation Day 3
Tempo Run
Nahar rd. - Chandivali Rd W. - Saki Vihar N. -
to Powai Lake: 0:21:43
Along Lake E. - Gopal Sharma - Lake Homes - Chandivali Rd. -
Shangarsh Nagar: 0:16:57
Time: 0:38:41
Mileage: 4.52 Miles - 7.28 Km
Pace: 8'33"/mile
Wght: 71.7 kg - 158.1 lbs
A hypothetical meeting at 7:00 leads me to hurry.
Up around 4:40, started reading again from start of Surah Baqara,
in the new translation, followed by Namaaz Muzzammil.
I'm ready by 6 so decide to head out. Problem, not much light,
so at first stick to bigger roads (luckily not too busy at this
hour). Feeling very energized (strangely), I settle for a semi
tempo run, focused on pushing the pace throughout while staying
very relaxed. This works well, and I complete the run in full
control, as if I could have done more. The weather continues
to be favorable.
When I return well before 7am, the meeting has been cancelled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/28/17 -- Radiation Day 5
Home Gym: 0:44:00
Sequence: Barbell Press - Abs - Jabs - Hooks.
Lift up to (2x5)+(2x2.5)+(4x2)+(2x1)= 25 kg (55lbs) Pyramid.
Wght: 71.8 kg - 158.3 lbs
Woke up at 6 rested. Long reading of Surah Baqara. Exceptionnaly
have to go for radiation on a Saturday, and this times Ruksanna
comes with me which makes me very happy. As I'm showing her (proudly)
how much I've learned the Metro, I first take it in the wrong direction!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- By a small lake in Aarey --
Further into Aarey (9.7 Miles) -- 10/29/17
Powai Police - Lake - Larsen Toubro - Aarey -
to Intersection: 0:38:00
Straight on Dinkarrao Desai - Loop by a small lake - back to
Intersection: 0:22:30
Back same way: 0:36:51
Time: 1:37:21
Mileage: 9.7 Miles - 15.6 Km
Pace: 10'02"/mile
Wght: 71.8 kg - 158.3 lbs
Woke up unnecessarily early this Sunday morning around 4:30.
Read a good portion of Surah Baqara before Namaaz, which was
a little tired. I set out on the run around 6:15.
Although hesitant, I settle for another Aarey run, continuing
to explore on every run. Near D-Mart, an small crowd of colorful
people (Sardar's I think) are coming out of trucks for some
ritual. The lake is calm, and I cross Aarey peacefully, running
at a very manageable pace, slowly feeling better and better.
Near the intersection is an increasing number of runners and
walkers, who also spill on the side roads. I decide to push
further ahead into unknown territory. After an uphill, I come
across another intersection similarly busy with runners. For
once I look at Google maps, and decide to run a loop from
here and go back. It takes me by a small beautiful pond,
filled with Lotus (someone is selling them actually), revealing
many promising side roads to explore. I stick to my plan though,
not wanting to lengthen the run too much, worried about the
possible effect on the radiation therapy, or that the sticker
they have kept for measurement might peel off under so much
sweat. The weather continues to be much more mild, and my
new strategy of two bottles (Gatorade and Water) seems to keep
me perfectly hydrated throughout. I feel great, and even though
I am for the first time carrying money for a possible Rickshaw
(a plan that I will act on some day), I decide to run all the
way home. As I become more familiar,
I have resumed learning on the run, studying the ruku that
contains Ayatul Kursi.
Through the Passpoli slum on the way back, a man hails me
in English "Where are you going man?", and I'm not sure
whether that's friendly or some sort of warning. I respond
in Hindi, but without stopping. Back near D-Mart, the group
from the morning is precisely leaving now, the colorful
people getting back into the trucks. But then a
couple youths start running loudly behind me, which eventually annoys me
so I turn to talk to them (they recoil slightly as if I was
going to hit them). I hope I won't be bothered. We are not
in Bangalore any more, could it be different here ?
Overall great comfortable run though. My breathing has been
particularly excellent, nearly effortless.
-- View from Saki Naka Metro Station --
Saki Naka to Jagruti Nagar, Saki Naka to Varsova (12.35 Miles) -- 11/05/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/31/17 -- Radiation Day 7
Saki Naka to Jagruti Nagar
Khairani Rd W. - Sahi Vikar - Rickshaw Shortcut - Saki Naka: 0:11:07
Andheri Ghatkopar rd, to Jagruti Nagar: 0:10:07
Back via other side of Khairani Rd: 0:11:33
Time: 0:32:47
Mileage: 3.7 Miles - 5.95 Km
Pace: 8'51"/mile
Wght: 72 kg - 159.2 lbs
Reading Baqara, good Namaaz (Baqara & Imraam), but then call urgently the US for Cobra information (looks like I'm still covered till today). I nevertheless still find time to run, going on the current trend of more frequent shorter faster runs. Even though these are busy roads, it's ok at this hour, and continues my circular exploration of the area.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/01/17 -- Radiation Day 8
Powai Police - Powai Lake - IIT Main Gate - IIT Market -
By Vidya - Hiranandani Hospital - Hiranandani - Shetty School -
Lake Homes - D-Mart way.
Mileage: 5.6 Miles - 9.05 Km
Time: 0:52:59
Pace: 9'27" / mile
Wght: 71.9 kg - 158.5 kg
In spite of not sleeping well, I am miraculously energized these days,
no trace of the old fatigue. Not sure how to explain this.
Had the really weird idea to run to Marol Naka (continuing yesterday's
theme along the Metro Line), but last minute switched back to this
more traditional route.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/02/17 -- Radiation Day 9
Similar to yesterday.
Lake Homes - JVLR - IIT far gate - IIT Market - Vidya -
Hiranandani - Galleria - Straight to JVLR - Back via
Powai Police.
Time: 0:55:17
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.8 Miles
Wght: 72 kg - 159.2 lbs
The Metro every day. Starting to recognize people.
The treatment, painless, or diffuse pain. Is it really doing something?
The other patients. Someone more gambhir. The doctor. Lassitude.
Are they doing this right? Half-way. Losing that nonchalance. What
if this did nothing? The buzz of the machine. This stupid sticker
on my body, that sweat nicklta hai.
I have gotten very tired, and wonder if the fatigue will compromise
the treatment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/04/17 --
Home Gym: 0:37:40
Sequence: Bar Press - Abs - Shoulder Flies.
Lift up to (2x5)+(2x2.5)+(4x2)+(2x1)= 25 kg (55lbs), 6 sets of 7 reps.
Wght: 71.7 kg - 158.1 lbs
Feeling tired yesterday, and somewhat depressed by the idea that
perhaps this could impair treatment.
Today reached Ayatul Kursi in reading.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 11/05/17 -- Along the Metro Line to Varsova
D-Mart - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka.
Along the Metro Line: Saki Naka - Marol Naka - Airport Road -
Chakala - Western Express Hwy - Andheri Western Railway -
Azad Nagar - DN Nagar - Varsova: 0:59:52
Back to Saki Naka - Khairani Rd. - Nahar Jain Temple: 0:57:40
Mileage: 12.35 Miles - 19.9 Km
Time: 1:57:32
Pace: 9'31"/mile
Wght: 71.9 kg - 158.5 lbs
Stupid plan. The familiar stations.
The way to the hospital. Crossing the famous Western
Railway. The hospital. The usual people. On the way back, no
detour through Marol.
When I come back, the sticker has fallen off my pelvis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Over the Western Railway --
-- Morning view of Lake Powai --
Parks and Jetties of Lake Powai (6.25 Miles) -- 11/07/17
Tuesday 11/07/17 -- Radiation Day 12
Along the Parks and Jetties of Lake Powai
Time: 0:59:31
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.25 Miles
Wght: 72.3 kg - 159.4 lbs
Up early. A clear morning, mild temperatures. After warmup, I feel
great. Views of the rising sun on the Lake. A man returning from
the mini-dam, udhar rasta hai, I ask? But no.
All the parks and jetties along the lake.
Wonderful run. Excellent mood.
-- Morning view of Lake Powai --
Ghatkopar (8.6 Miles) -- 11/09/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/08/17 -- Radiation Day 13
Ghatkopar --
Khairani rd. - Jagruti Nagar - Ghatkopar Station: 0:20:49
R City - Hiranandani Hill - Hiranandani - Shetty College - Back: 0:46:11
Time: 1:07:01
Mileage: 6.95 Miles - 11.15 km
Wght: 72.4 kg - 159.6 lbs
Didn't sleep well. In spite of waking up at 4, couldn't go back to sleep.
Fear a day of exhaustion, decide to run nonetheless. Down the Khairani
road, one of these small "local" roads, a huge airplane over the slum.
To Ghatkopar metro station, now, I've run the whole metro line. The road
here is closed and being dug up, just line of pedestrians.
I consider going straight towards the Lake, into the unknown, but luckily
decide to save that for another run, as this will turn out long enough.
The morning sunlight up there, on the slum on the hills.
The run has cleared the cobwebs, I feel good. And later, waiting
for radiation therapy, I miraculously fall asleep for a few minutes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/09/17 -- Radiation Day 14
School way to Hiranandani - Cliff road (unwanted detour) -
Hiranandani Link Road - Over the Hill: 0:35:30
Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg N.: 0:15:34
JVLR W. - Orchard Av. - Lake Homes: 0:31:55
Mileage: 8.6 Miles - 13.8 Km
Time: 1:22:59
Pace: 9'39"/mile
Wght: 72.1 kg - 158.9
Late night (call till 11, during which I was falling asleep).
But luckily wake up fresh at 5:30, and decide to "complete"
yesterday's run. Nice up the hill, morning light on the slums
perched up, some sitting guys salute me from a distance.
From the intersection is new territory for which I have high
hopes, as it proceeds along the other side of the hills. But
disappointingly, it offers very few views, blocked by
construction, and the traffic is picking up. Perhaps some
side alleys would be worth exploring in the future.
I am nevertheless very happy to complete this loop as
planned, and feeling again very good in running. My pace
has increased a little, the weather is much milder, and my
breathing is great. However, this route is longer than expected
and I need to rush to Kokilaben for treatment. AND the sticker
has fallen off again!
The nurse explains to me in more detail that this is really
not such a concern. The pain has subsided a bit, but I often
feel compelled to the bathroom yet little comes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another step in Aarey (10.95 Miles) -- 11/12/17
Powai Police - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Aarey Rd. -
1st intersection: 0:38:28
Cont. Aarey Rd. - Royal Palms Intersection: 0:17:27 [5.47m.-8.8km.]
Back to 1st intersection: 0:17:36
Back to Nahar Amrit Shakti: 0:41:22
Time: 1:54:53
Mileage: 10.95 Miles - 17.6 Km
Pace: 10'29"/mile
Wght: 71.8 kg - 158.3 lbs
Uneventful. Low energy, and doesn't really pick up this time.
Many runners in Aarey area. Determined to push another step further.
Next intersection, to my surprise, says "Royal Palms". Is this it?
I've reached about 54 minutes, could have gone beyond 2 hours, but
wisely decide to turn back, it's a lukewarm run anyway.
On the way back, study, further into the Ayatul Kursi ruku, which
I should complete soon (in fact, I deliberately take it slow). Along
the Passpoli slum, I get hailed as often, which I assume is friendly?
Many side roads, many explorations to come, some could be adventurous,
all in due time. So far, on almost each single run have I explored
some new section.
In spite of radiation therapy, this ends up being my biggest week
since before surgery, with 5:24:24 running, and 6:21:44 including
gym time. Not sure if this is wise actually, but seems to feel good.
Ayatul Kursi - The end of Radiotherapy -- 11/17/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/15/17 -- Radiation Day 18
Powai Police - Powai Lake - IIT - Padmavati Devi Marg (Vidya) -
Hiranandani - Lake Homes.
Mileage: 5.8 Miles - 9.35 Km
Time: 0:54:22
Pace: 9'22"/mile
Wght: 71.9 kg - 158.5 lbs
As often these days, warm up into the run only after about a 1/2 hour.
Felt rested. Cool air. Subtle pain in the outer left knee, but probably
not worth worrying. Kundi dard though, from the radiation. Only
three days left!
Have finished learning Ayatul Kursi Ruku on this run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/16/17 -- Radiation Day 19
Quasi Tempo run.
Same exact route as yesterday.
Mileage: 5.8 Miles - 9.35 Km (confirmation: 5.77 Miles...)
Time: 0:51:49
Pace: 8'56"/mile
Wght: 71.1 kg - 156.7 lbs
Energetic, in spite of 4:30 wake-up, but slight somnolence.
Morning air is actually cool, and for once I do not carry water.
Confirm my knowledge of Aayat 257 of Surah Baqara, which concludes
the Ayatul Kursi Ruku.
(include before the difficulty of reciting Ayatul Kursi in Namaaz...)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/17/17 -- Radiation Day 20 (Last Day)
D-Mart - Lake Homes - JVLR - Winding Circuitous route through
Hiranandani - Back through Shangarsh Nagar itself.
Time: 0:44:13
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.65 Miles
Wght: 71.1 kg - 156.7 lbs
Improvised route, exploring smaller roads through Hiranandani etc.
In spite of little sleep (late meeting last night), feeling good,
especially after the usual warmup. In fact, I feel so good that
courageously run through Shangarsh Nagar on the way back (second
time I think) which is actually very quiet. I should probably
always run back through here, quieter and less dusty than the
main road.
A long dedicated Surah Yaseen in Namaaz on this Jummah, last
day of radiotherapy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/18/17 --
Wght: 71.8 kg - 158.3 lbs
Doctor's orders: Complete rest today !!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- The entire Ruku containing Ayatul Kursi
(Surah Baqara verses 254 to 257) --
-- Slum on the Hill --
Along the Pipeline (7.7 Miles) -- 11/23/17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/20/17 --
Larsen Toubro, to far lake access - Back to third overpass -
Back through Lake Homes.
Time: 0:53:07
Estimated Pace: 9'30"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.6 Miles
Wght: 71.3 kg - 157.2 lbs
Finished reading Surah Nisaah.
After a weekend of rest, especially abundant sleep yesterday.
Still some pelvic pain, particularly after passing motion, quite
unpleasant. I've gone three times this morning, at wake-up,
after Namaaz, after running, yet I've decided to interrupt Dr
Pranav's medicines, as I don't think I have diarrhea per se.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/21/17 -- Difficult recovery
Lake Homes - JVLR - IIT Far Gate - Vidya - Looped back towards JVLR -
New Road into Hiranandani - SM Shetty School - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:00:49
Mileage: 6. 15 Miles - 9.9 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile
Wght: 71.7 kg - 158.1 lbs
Not feeling well, continued issues post radio-therapy.
Incoherence in taking medicine. I have resumed.
This morning, my stool was bloody for the first time,
and like yesterday, I had to go a second time right
after Namaaz.
In spite of that, feel generally ok, proceed with running.
Slow uneasy start, but past IIT (1/2 hr) I feel better.
Going up the familiar Vidya route, I'm inspired to try
something different, turning back down towards the lake
through new small streets. Once there, another surprise
road takes me back into Hiranandani, as it turns out very
quiet, behind the amusement park, passing by construction
camps slums. This ends up perfect, a great alternative
when returning through Hiranandani, and I pass through
Shangarsh Nagar again on the way back to cap it.
In spite of the discomfort, this has been a good run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/23/17 -- Along the Pipeline
Powai Police - Larsen Toubro - Right towards Ramada - Right dead-end
and back - Following the Pipeline, through the Hill Slum - Under the JVLR -
to NorthWestern Gate: 0:41:26
Back along the Pipeline - Larsen Toubro - Powai Police: 0:32:55
Time: 1:14:21
Mileage: 7.7 Miles - 12.4 Km
Pace: 9'39" / mile
Wght: 71.6 kg - 157.8 lbs
Exceptional run!
Yesterday was awful. So tired I quit work at 6, luckily brought back home
by Milind with no traffic, went to bed at 7:30!!
Morning up at 5. Clear day, a little fresher again. This morning pass motion
more normally, although blood in the stool for the 2nd time. After Namaaz
(aayats from Surah Baqara / Imraan) and stretching, set out to run.
First considered same Vidya road, but last minute change towards Aarey.
Beautiful morning, clear and slightly hazy, a little cooler again (this time,
I've brought a half bottle of water.) Approaching Aarey, new change of plans,
feeling good and ready for adventure, turn right, hoping to venture along
the pipeline towards the lake, but quickly run into a dead-end.
Going back, I try the other side, which I don't think much of, thinking
it'll be an urban nondescript road leading to the expressway. Not at all !!!
After clearing the impressive "slum on the hill", this turns out to be
a small road with little traffic, restricted at both ends by a barrier, following
the impressive pipes. It passes under the JVLR, and becomes more and
more frequented by public, including people doing exercise on the elevated
pipe. Not sure where this will go and how long, but curiosity takes over,
and I finally reach the northern gate, on an unindentified road. I'll later
find out that this is actually Marol, and by following the pipeline a little
more, I would have reached work! Fantastic route!...
I turn back, halting a few times to take pictures in the morning light,
a little hesitant as I approach the slum. One playful dog bounces briefly
with me, but otherwise no interruption. There are also pigs along the road.
The hill slum glistening in the morning light.
This is a breakthrough. Not only does this open a great route, but completely
reverses the bad fortunes of this week. I feel much better.
Still rehearsing the Ayatul Kursi ruku,
which I have started praying fully in Namaaz.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Along the Pipeline --
-- Ruksanna and I at the Finish Line --
IIT Bombay Half-Marathon (13.05 Miles) -- 11/26/17
Sunday 11/26/17 -- IIT Bombay Half Marathon
Mileage: 13.05 Miles - 21 Km
Time: 1:59:58 -- Official Time: 1:59:52
Pace: 9'11"/mile
Wght: 71.9 kg - 158.5 lbs
I'll admit I am frustrated with Ruksanna for insisting on coming to this.
She has not trained at all, and hopes to reproduce her success at
the Kaveri Trail Marathon, but she is in even much worse shape.
She however will not listen to me.
I'm stressed out to get there on time. I woke up before 4:00 and
managed to read a little of the Qur'an before waking up Ruksanna.
But somehow, my bib has gone missing! I lose patience, and my
irritation bodes poorly for the run to come. I'm very worried
that we will struggle to find a Rickshaw at 5am on a Sunday,
and wonder if we'll make it there on time. If I were by myself,
I could have easily run there as a warmup, in about 1/2 hour.
But a Rickshaw is sleeping in his vehicle right in front of
Nahar, the watchmen encourage us to wake him up, and we reach
there in no time.
We walk a while through the campus to the finish line. Ruksanna
and I are separated as I get into a long line for the bathroom.
Somehow, I feel sad about her, and about my frustration. Have I
lost all my capacity for improvisation?
When I come out, I look for her in the crowd, finally finding
her at the start line, in the front.
The run starts, and there she goes, running like a rabbit !!!
I can't believe it! I have told her to at least take it easy,
and there she goes, at the front of the line! I decide to stick
to my plan (she has encouraged to not worry about her at all),
but I can't quite get past worrying about her. I pass her a little
later, as she has broken into a walk, struggling to speak. There
are several cows roaming in the campus, who are getting agitated
by all this commotion. After a U-Turn, as I pass Ruksanna again,
she lets out a loud scream as once such cow has just about hit
her with her horns! This is not going well... I continue the run
trying to settle into a pace, but feel that her presence, and
the unavoidable worrying about her, might spoil the day.
I wonder if I'll get a call that she has met with some
accident along the way, stupid worry which makes
me keep my phone ring on.
But after a first lap mostly in the dark, I start to settle into
a good pace, and calm myself by reciting Ayatul Kursi Ruku.
There are more instances of wild cows, one who just about hit
a runner from the back. But on the second round, the early
daylight reveals the course a little more, a nice stretch
by the banks of Lake Powai, then continues towards the main
gate, concluded by a little hill, prelude to a great descent
towards the finish. I have completed this second round at
what seems like a brisk pace, surprisingly feeling good. I have
not looked at all at my watch, running by feeling only. It
becomes increasingly clear that I've
been too hard on Ruksanna, as it turns out many people are
simply walking the course, clearly not experienced runners.
On the third round, I start thinking about time, and the
thrill of the finish. I've now well mapped the road to know
what to expect: The nice stretch along the lake, the rather
long and tedious turns inside the campus, during which I try
very hard to not lose momentum or courage. As a carrot, I
start to realize how good it would feel to run this well
just after completing radiotherapy. The idea of the #runningwithcancer
hashtag has occurred to me, and I plan my Facebook post which
keeps me going. I still do not consult my watch, running
by feeling only, at what I think might be a decent pace,
but without precise idea. For some reason, I've been able
to relax in my stride lately, improving in my capacity to
control my effort, and running loose. Also, I've decided
to not stop at all for water to not lose my rhythm, a gamble
rendered possible by this month's more clement temperature
(this would have been impossible in October!!). I fear that I might
get discouraged under strain as I often do, but I am able
to keep this sustained pace, and my head cool.
Here finally comes that last hill, which for
some reason I've been clearing well, perhaps enticed by the
finish line. On to the descent, I pull out my phone for the
first time to look at the chrono. I am a little under two hours!!
This and the descent give a good burst of energy, I push the
pace in the final meters, and there, I have made it,
just under two hours!! Who could have told ? ...
I feel a brief exhileration at the completion, a feeling I'd
not experienced in a long long time. And it's all the more
satisfying that I've run entirely by feeling, a good
kick in the balls of stupid technology, faithful to my creed.
I am satisfied that I have mastered my pace with no help,
relaxing a into a longer gait. In fact, the post-race
photos will indeed reveal a much more elegant, which will
make Ruksanna admire, "Wow, tum lambe per daurte ho!..
I then settle there near the finish line wondering how long
it will take for Ruksanna to come. She finally appears, and
after all this, I am so so happy that she came with me after
all. She is a little confused as to how much she ran, probably
14k, and seems frustrated at first, but I'm so happy that she
managed to do this much.
I love her as ever.