-- Last week's half marathon --
Start of Marathon Training, Pipeline (7.91 Miles) -- 10/02/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/02/18 -- Pipeline (Gandhi Jayanti)
Police Station - Saki Vihar (left side) - Aarey - Pipeline -
Marol Maroshi - Aarey - Back.
Mileage: 7.91 Miles - 12.73 Km
Time: 1:18:10
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weight: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbs
Weather: 28C - 35C, humidity 64%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/03/18 --
Through SM Shetty - Hira Pana - Powai Lake - Aarey - Old Laxmi Studio rd.
Time: 1:12:15
Mileage: 7.54 Miles - 12.14 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weight: 71 kg - 156.5 lbs (Damn, didn't see that coming!)
Read Surah Hijr till v. 45.
Official start of Marathon Training Season.
Yesterday, with sudden haste, I registered for the event,
which is very demanding,
requiring time certificates of recent race
(luckily IDBI was available). But then I
became very disappointed while registering Ruksanna,
as none of her race times
are sufficient to register even for the half marathon.
This completely took the wind
out of my sails, I miss her already through this
long training period and racing alone.
To add to that, looking at the training schedule
I had built, I realize that training
actually starts *NOW*, not in a few weeks,
a somewhat overwhelming thought.
But in the morning I still decide to proceed
with it, especially since Ruksanna
is supportive (she is already asking for
*other* 10ks, perhaps to prove herself),
and in beautiful weather, lengthen my commute
to work at a comfortable pace. Along Powai Lake, and for
a few days, are people who come to get ritually shaved.
At the small Aarey
Summit, even though the road is fairly free, a
motorcyclist comes and stops right in front of me
with no discernible reason, I protest a little in Hindi,
the guy gently gestures me too pass, not thinking much
of it.
I continue to work on my breathing, fighting
this strange bad habit of constricting
exhalation, which I believe contributes to
unnecessary tension (and is annoyingly
loud).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/04/18 -- Aarey Hill Repeats
New Zealand Rd. loop, back via main road: 0:31:17 (3.02M - 4.86K)
Hill Repeats Aarey Guest House: 0.53 Miles - 0.852 Km
Laps: 5'01" [5'19"] - 5'03" [5'32"] - 5'08" [5'38"] - 5'07" [5'35"]
Uphill Time: 0:20:19
Uphill Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.41 Km
Uphill Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Total Time: 1:13:47
Total Mileage: 7.26 Miles - 11.68 Km
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs
Finished reading Surah Hijr, then Surah Mulk in Namaaz.
I've meant to do this for some time, here we go:
I drive into Aarey, park at the start of NZ Hostel road, to run from there
before driving to work. I first warmup on the Hostel road itself, many
runners and walkers here, then for the first time cut to the right back
towards the main road, traversing small slums (no runners here).
Hill repeats are good. It's a good effort, two relatively steep sections
separated by a brief mild downhill, a little over a half mile. My legs
burn near the top, good controlled effort. On a descent, I hear a deep
somewhat devilish laugh. It's an imposing man wearing a turban who,
while walking up the hill, is practicing laughing Yoga. Then
I am surprised to see a
monkey, who fortunately will not bother me.
When I return, a small doukhan tenant nicely adivses me to park
a little further to not interfere with his shack, which I'll of course
do. This has worked well overall, although even early, the aggressive
traffic induces anxiety, first stuck behind buses on the way out, then
difficult to get back on the road on the way back.
I am wearing for the first time the silver ring that Ruksanna has had
made for both of us.
Long Run 1: Aarey Lake (15.1 Miles) -- 10/06/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/06/18 -- LSD 1: Aarey Lake
Through Aarey - Lotus Lake - New Zealand Hostel - Down & Straight to
Aarey Rd - East than North to Aarey Lake (Chota Kashmir) - Back same way.
Mileage: 15.07 Miles - 24.24 Km [7.69M - 12.37K + 7.38M - 11.87K]
Time: 2:36:05
Pace: 10'21"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 28C - 26C, Humidity 43%.
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Here we go, first solo long run of Marathon training, first in Mumbai, first in
October heat.
This has made me a little nervous. I have elected Saturday's as long
run day, to be able to spend Sunday freely with Ruksanna. We went to bed
a little late though, but I still wake up at 4:30, ok but not great. I have
made a dream where in the US, with night coming, I would not be able to
complete my Long Run, sign of my preoccupation. I read Surah Nah'l till v. 50
(prostration), pray Surah Baqarah in Namaaz. But strangely Ruksanna wanted
to get up early too, thinks we might go together to Aarey, but I hold to
my plan, asking her to wait till Sunday. So here we go, at 6:10, at the
break of day. The plan is simply to extend my normal Aarey route to the
Northern End of the area.
Along Lake Powai, people are shaving, as they have been for the
last few days. I don't feel particularly good, still aching and tired,
but not so bad either. Strangely, I am unable to use this time to properly
rehearse Surah An'aam. I make it at an easy pace past the New Zealand Hostel,
finding relief from trafic on the smaller roads, and run past the intersection
into the unknown. My target is roughly 15 Miles, which actually requires more
navigation than I would have thought. The road passes through small farms
and slummy areas, a river, reaches eventually Aarey Road at the Northern
End. Wanting to also practice drinking (critically lacking at the IDBI
race) and eating, so I've packed a Nature Valley bar which I eat in pieces
while running, accompanied by a bottle of Gatorade and one of pure water
(water actually tastes wonderful under the circumstances, more refreshing).
I turn right on the road as planned, setting from what I remember of the
map the Aarey Lake boating area as a target. I eventually reach it in
relative comfort.
The way back isn't bad, although the hills in this direction present
a harder challenge (and I must be tiring), which I pass with patience and
poise. Once back on the main road, it's just about finishing the run in
familiar territory, which I do still not able to rehearse the Qur'an much,
and only struggle a little near Lake Powai, still a manageable effort.
This concludes a 6h20 running time, 38 miles week, right on track with
Coach Glover's recommendation.
But later that evening, around 6:00, I'll just about collapse, tired
and weary, wanting the day to end, wondering if I'll be able to handle
the demands of training after all. I wake up at 4:00 with a tenacious
headache, take Advil to fortunately sleep again till 5. My weight, which
I expected to shoot up after overeating and overdrinking the whole day,
has dropped again to 69.1, within range of my cycling days, and I actually
feel surprisingly fine. I read Surah Nah'l till verse 76, then long Namaaz
to catch up last night's missed Ishaa. Ruksanna and I then go for a long
walk in Aarey, on the same roads that I ran, where a kids race is being
held.
And then we sit for some time at our place, at the top
of Aarey Hill, overlooking the forest frames by distant buildings,
a slight breeze in the October heat.
Royal Palms Slums, Dog Friend (7.25 Miles) -- 10/09/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/08/18 -- Training Run
Time: 1:01:47
Mileage: 6.44 Miles - 10.38 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Weather: 28C - 36C, humidity 74%
It is very hot. I have woken up multiple times from
mosquitoes and heat, and finally slept one last time
into an intricate dream mixing different people, places
and time periods all into one.
I read Surah Hah'l till v.100, Namaaz, then stretch,
for which Ruksanna joins me with her Chai. Morning
conversation, for some reason about menopause,
she somehow thinks she would pass away soon after,
I explain that not at all, and she laments how no-one
was there to ask about the things of life, even during
pregnancy, she feared how the baby would come, through
the mouth, by cutting the belly? My life was bekar,
she adds, I didn't want to live, so we review how her life
is no longer bekar.
The run is excellent in spite of the heat, and a particularly
heavy load last week. I feel completely relaxed, easily finding
a good relaxed training pace, fluid. Today the crowd of shaving
people has greatly swelled by Lake Powai, forming a long line.
I feel so good that, in my cursed eternally pessimistic nature,
it ends up worrying me, that such a blessed state may not
last forever!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/09/18 -- Training Run Royal Palms Slums
Lake Powai - Aarey - Royal Palms Rd, to entrance & back -
Continue to Marol Maroshi - 88 Pictures.
Mileage: 7.25 Miles - 11.66 Km (perhaps a little longer than actual?)
Time: 1:06:16
Pace: 9'08"/mile - 5'41"/km
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs
Weather: 28C - 34C, humidity: 88%
I am running a half marathon inside a large hotel. But as I run, my pajama
pants are coming loose, so I have to stop to tie them up, but that causes
me to lose sight of other runners. I can't find my way any more in the many
rooms and suites, and why are we running inside a hotel anyway? At some
point, I accidentally exit outside where there is a beautiful running track,
thickening the mystery. Why again are we running inside this
damn hotel? And still no-one in sight, this mishap
is sure to throw off my training
regimen. But then I wake up from this silly dream.
I am again in excellent shape. Read Surah Nah'l till v. 120, then Surah
Mulk in Namaaz, and set off to run to work. Like yesterday, the landscape
is muffled by fog, hopefully a heat haze, or sadly pollution. It is very hot,
October Heat, and heavy. Hilariously, my dream partially comes true,
as I have forgotten to tie my shorts so have to stop briefly.
By the lake, like yesterday, much activity of people getting ritually shaved,
which causes extra traffic. I am wondering whether I feel adventurous
again, or whether the stress of training will cause me to run conservatively
on known safe roads. Well, at the top of "Aarey Pass", I do veer to the right
into Royal Palms rd. (I've run here only once before) which traverses
impressive slums on the way to Royal Palms. I witness the morning
life of the slum, but all is quiet, mostly good-natured (some people
salute me), and dogs and cows let me pass nearly unheeded. Entering
Royal Palms, it would be very tempting to go on, but reason makes me
turn back, sticking to my one hour'ish plan. Along the way, there are
several trails which probably reach the old Laxmi studio, but I'll explore
only once confirmed through Google. Enough adventure for one day, and
I'm very happy I opted for this, as exploration is a key
constituent of my running mantra, and should remain that way.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/10/18 -- Tempo Run
Tempo Time: 0:31:07
Tempo Mileage: 3.54 Miles - 5.68 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'47"/mile - 5'28"/km
Warmup/Cooldown Mileage: 2.7 Miles - 4.36 Km
Total Time: 0:58:35
Total Mileage: 6.24 Miles - 10.04 Km
Weather: 27C - 34C, humidity 88%.
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs
Woke up at 4:30, feeling fine. Finished reading Surah Nahl, then start
of Al Isra, then because of early hour, stretching before Namaaz, which
constituted of well-felt excerpts of Surah Baqarah, in spite of annoying
work distractions.
It's another hot, humid, hazy, heavy, day. I leave early at 6:00, a little
before daybreak, which makes for a rocky start. But by the time I reach
the Lake Powai platform, light is enough, and the place has been
deserted now, no more ritual shaving. I conduct the Tempo Run
very much on expectation, nicely managed effort, not much to report,
all so far according to plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/11/18 -- Training Run
Commute Aarey - Old Laxmi rd.
Time: 1:06:37
Mileage: 6.73 Miles - 10.84 Km
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbs
Weather: 27C - 34C, Humidity: 83%.
Read Surah al'Isra till v. 52.
Having left a little later (closer to 7:00) makes today's
run a particularly annoying obstacle course, with things
seemingly always coming in my way, which unfortunately
throws me in random bouts of furor. Funnily, this continues
when I reach work, where a group of morning shift
employees exit the studio in front of me, nonchalantly
not letting me pass. They have absolutely no ill intention,
but I could eat them!
The run is otherwise ok, similarly Hot, Hazy, Humid, Heavy.
Relaxed comfortable pace.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/12/18 -- Training Run "Dog Friend"
Lake Homes - Orchard - Padmavati Marg Small Streets - Hiranandani
Hospital - Harukone Back Road - JVLR - Hira Panna - SM Shetty - Back.
Mileage: 5.4 Miles - 8.69 Km
Time: 0:49:13
Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'40"/km
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Weather: 27C - 35C, Humidity 83%
Read Surah Al Isra till v. 77.
Smaller run, mostly to meet my weekly mileage goal.
Similar heat, easy run, lengthened the pace, pleasant.
For a while, a dog runs with me, actually getting a little in the way,
as if escorting me, and he frightens people out of my way.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
October Heat (13.01 Miles) -- 10/13/18
Saturday 10/13/18 -- October Heat!
Lake Powai - IIT - Eastern Express Highway - N to Mulund
Airoli Rd. - Back other side of the HWY- Back same way.
Mileage: 13.01 Miles - 20.94 Km
Time: 2:20:02
Pace: 10'46"/mile - 6'41"/km
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs
Weather: 27C - 36C, Humidity: 83%
Finished reading Surah Al-Isra, which has particularly
struck me in this reading. Plan to learn it, perhaps
stopping work on Surah An'aam.
I woke up at 4:00, roughly ok, although the decision of
running long on Saturdays is mixed: Not only is the traffic
heavier, but also I don't feel rested from the week, and for
some reason tend to not be able to sleep early on Fridays.
So far, I've started my long runs fatigued and tensed, unable
to find the soothing relaxation that this implies.
It is particularly hot! Unbelievably hot!
As last year, October ends up being
the most difficult month, more so than summer, when the climate
is not only hot, but also phenomenally humid, heavy. I woke
up in sweat, and for once kept the AC while reading Quran, Namaaz
and stretching. I leave before six in semi-darkness, always
treacherous. For some reason, my right bottle keeps dislodging
itself and falling, which infuriates me so much, in addition
to the challenge of navigating in the dark, that if further
prevents me from finding my peaceful rhythm. I would nearly
throw away the whole water belt in anger, but embarking on
such a run without water would be ludicrous! I eventually
stop to tie the bottle somehow, and do my best to find my pace, and
rehearse a few more lines from Surah An'aam.
I eventually settle into some sort of rhythm, starting to
feel somewhat comfortable only at the highway, about 40 minutes
into the run. I used to gawk at people running on highways, but
here I am, this is at least a flat stretch, this section near
nature, and the zooming traffic does not come here along the
service road. In fact, there are other runners here, some like me
wearing the green IDBI jersey, as well as a whole group,
and cyclists as well. I run exactly according to plan,
making it to the first large intersection where I turn
back to the other side of the highway. I train myself
to drink and eat, trying for the first time a "yoga bar",
which seems to work fine, a little less crumbly than Nature
Valley.
But again, what incredible heat!! I start to wonder whether it's
even possible to run in such weather. Amusingly, Sofia is being taught
in school that Mumbai enjoys a moderate climate. Seriously?
So all along, I am very careful to control
the pace and effort to not overheat, completely drenched in
sweat, to the point where my shoes feel like boots that have
been immersed in a river. I do manage all that, keeping the pace
reasonable, and finish tired but in relative control. It's
been a big week (over 45 Miles in about 7h22), and I'm looking
forward to tomorrow's rest day! So far, all according to plan...
-- Parrot on my balcony --
The Parrot (8.75 Miles) -- 10/17/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/15/18 -- Contrary to expectation
Powai Police - To Saki Vihar - Back along Lake Powai - IIT -
Down to LBS: 4.34M - 6.98K
Back Lake Powai - Police Station: 3.08M - 4.96K
Mileage: 7.42 Miles - 11.94 Km
Time: 1:12:57
Pace: 9'50"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Weather: 26C - 36C, Humidity: 45%
Another bad night, mosquitoes and heat! And a mysterious pain
in my penis bothers me since yesterday, what could it be?
Their sting wakes me on feet then hands, so I try to disappear under
the cover, which drenches me in sweat in this heat, so a hand must
have come out, and the cycle starts again. Finally, a mosquito buzzes
right into my ear. Enough! I start beating the bed in frustrated rage!
This abruptly wakes up Ruksanna, who tries to put me back to sleep,
fortunately, I manage to capture vague dreamy visions for just a few
minutes.
I thought this would all set me up very badly for today's run, but
incredibly, the opposite happens. I read back Surah An'aam under
the AC then Namaaz, and the run, after warmup, starts to feel
unexpectedly fantastic, legs flowing as by themselves. I was fearing
if I could withstand again the oppressive heat like Saturday (and
through the night), but thankfully, the morning has brought a slight
breeze which, especially on the way back, make things almost
pleasant.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/16/18 -- The Parrot
Powai Lake, to IIT Main Gate - Back to Saki Vihar - Aarey Pipeline.
Mileage: 6.49 Miles - 10.45 Km
Time: 1:04:40
Pace: 9'58"/mile - 6'11"/km
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Slept well, turned on the AC in the middle of the night,
followed by a wonderful
dream of a village entirely decorated with bananas for Dusserah, where I try
to take photos like in the old days, only with my dysfunctional phone camera.
I read Surah Kahf till v. 32, then Surah Baqarah Namaaz.
During stretching, a bird voice from outside.
It's a green parrot who, for some
reason, has come on the netting of my balcony, as if to come in. I call everyone.
Ruksanna attends to feed it a banana. She eventually manages to let him in
by lifting the netting from the bottom, but then immediately closes it, capturing
the bird! I protest to let it free, but she seems determined to adopt it.
I set on the run around 7:00. In a last minute inspiration,
I've decided to try a
slightly new commute via the Pipeline rd. I first head out to IIT to guarantee
mileage (i've not scout this so I'm not sure how much is appropriate for
my goals), then head back, relaxing into the run, learning Surah An'aam
along the way. I feel a little hungry and weak at first, but this stabilizes
as I drink Gatorade and warmup into the run. I have started reconnecting
with forgotten sensations of my peak training days. Something tells me
my weight is about to drop dramatically (like it used to), but let's see. I'll
be happy with 150lbs, then my magic number, but not much lower -
at least for now. I take the left in Aarey, quickly passing the impressive
border of the hill slum (which is very active but not feeling threatening)
and finish along the pipeline, a particularly pleasant road with virtually
no traffic, many walkers or yoga/exercise people, dogs, and a few
fighting pigs. The weather is confirmed to be cooler, a very pleasant
breeze has started, particularly by the lake. This ends up being a truly
excellent commute route, a little quieter, and not as hilly as the standard
Aarey route.
When I reach work, Ruksanna has sent me a picture of the parrot now
inside my room. I guess we have a new pet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/17/18 -- Mile Intervals
Warmup: Lake Powai to IIT main Gate: 0:24:27, 2.32M - 3.74K
Intervals, IIT Main Gate to Lake Homes Overpass: 1.06 Miles - 1.71 Km
Interval I: 8'50".11 [Pace: 8'20"/mile - 5'10"/km]
Interval II: 8'22".51 [Pace: 7'53"/mile - 4'53"/km]
Interval III: 8'28".90 [Pace: 8'00"/mile - 4'57"/km]
Interval IV: 8'28".93 [Pace: 8'00"/mile - 4'57"/km]
Interval V: 8'56".05 [Pace: 8'25"/mile - 5'13'/km]
Total Interval Mileage: 5.3 Miles - 8.55 Km
Total Interval Time: 0:43:06
Total Interval Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'02"/km
Cooldown: 0:11:11, 1.12M - 1.80K
Total Time: 1:18:44
Total Mileage: 8.74 Miles - 14.1 Km
Age Graded Time: 0:37:17 (7'02"/mile), best interval: 7'12" (6'47"/mile)
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs
Weather: 27C - 32C, Humidity: 65%.
Hard session. As it should be.
We have adopted the parrot, whom Ruksanna calls "jumping jumping"
because of his constant bouncing.
I get up after usual multiple wake-ups, but fairly energized. Read Surah
Kahf till v.54, then Namaaz Surah Al-i-Imraan.
A big hesitation: Should I, or should I not,
bring water on this speed session?
I first consider taking the lighter single water belt,
but unsatisfied, empty its
water into a smaller bottle which I plan to hand carry and drop somewhere
along the road (hoping nobody will tamper with it), finally unsatisfied with
that too I go out empty handed! Is this a mistake? I half regret it on the run.
It's quite hot, and my warmup has already left me sweating. Reaching IIT,
I definitely think I could have left a bottle here, what is there to lose, at
least I could have drunk after my warmup. Oh well, I put a good effort
into the session, focused on pushing a constant pace while staying
as relaxed as possible, keeping enough energy to complete five intervals.
A good session, that I feel well in my legs, I drink abundantly once home,
the anticipation of which has kept me going. I am not unfortunately noticing
any particular improvement in speed. But probably my endurance has
toughened, this is more intervals than I've run before.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Run 2: "Flamingoes" (18.1 Miles) -- 10/19/18
Friday 10/19/18 -- LSD2 "Flamingoes"
Khairani Rd - Andheri Ghatkopar - Eastern Express Highway -
Mulund Airoli Rd. - Past Toll Booth - Far Bank of the Water:
[10.15M - 16.34K]
Back, via JVLR - IIT - Lake Powai: [7.97M - 12.82K]
Mileage: 18.12 Miles - 29.16 Km
Time: 3:13:56
Pace: 10'42"/mile - 6'39"/km
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs
Weather: 25C - 35C, Humidity: 65%
The heat of the last few hard runs has beaten me down.
So much so that I approach this run with tension,
almost fear, wondering if I will be able to complete
the planned 18 miles under such harsh conditions, or
even if I do, how will it leave me. In the night, I make
another series of dreams where for whatever silly reasons,
I am unable to run or complete a race. I still wake up at
4:30 after multiple episodes of sleep, actually feeling
fine. I read Surah Kahf till v. 102, followed by an
extraordinady Surah Yaseen in Jummah Namaaz, whose third
Rakhat moves me greatly. Today is a holiday for Dusserah,
hence I've decided to run long this Friday,
I start around 6:10, right around day break, reluctant to
start before first light.
An unusual evening storm has brought the temperatures down.
What difference that makes!!!
I soon realize that I'm in great
shape today, running very comfortably, finally finding a
relaxed hopeful pace on these long runs, and enjoy the
early morning, as well as rehearsing further into Surah
An'aam. I stick exactly to my plan (I've scouted this
18 mile route on Google), run on the right side of the
Expressway service road, which borders swamps and forests.
A runner follows me at some point, I accelerate slightly
to stay alone, realizing how comfortably I can push the
pace. The weather continues to be great, pleasant breeze.
I have packed two bottles and three Yoga Bars, which I
eat at regular intervals (the orange flavor is best),
practicing ravitaillement en vol. At Airoli Jct, I
venture to the right for the first time. It's more or
less a freeway, in fact, I soon cross a toll booth.
There is less of a path on the side, but I manage.
Soon comes the bridge, luckily, it has a pedestrian
path which I take. Overlooking the water, I see large
flocks of flamingoes sitting on its banks. I extend
slightly to the other side, continuing to feel excellent.
On the way back, the traffic has gotten much worse
along the expressway, even on the service road where
now speeds aggressive traffic (what difference from
the peaceful morning). This is the only painful part
of this wonderful run, but I manage, patiently waiting
for the Powai intersection. In retrospect, I should
have run the other side of the road (outbound from
Mumbai), which appears calmer. I manage the IIT hill
fine at an easy pace, and from then, an easy return
home in very familiar territory.
What an exemplary run!
-- Moving Day --
From Yarrow (11.1 Miles) -- 10/24/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/22/18 -- First Night in Yarrow
Yarrow Building - Powai Platform Overpass - Lake Powai Promenade -
To IIT Far Gate - Back same way.
Time: 1:00:23
Mileage: 6.22 Miles - 10 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.7 lbs
We slept for the first time in Yarrow, on the hard floor,
but very well. Yesterday, Ruksanna (with Sofia) and I got
lost in the crowded pipeline market (I had left my phone
as I like to do),
I eventually walked back home in the unbelievable chaos.
One bathroom is still broken, all 8 of us have to squeeze
through a single bathroom this morning, but we manage.
This is a very average run, feeling a little sore, but ok.
I have aggressively tried to bring my weight back down,
with some small result. But it is again incredibly hot,
uncomfortable, heavy, hazy and polluted. I hope this
weather will soon stop, so more pleasant training can
resume.
Read Surah Mariama till v. 82. Ecclectic Namaaz, excerpts
from Yaseen, Muzzammil, An'aam and A'la.
Today, the final move actually happens.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/23/18 --
Yarrow - Khairani Rd. - Ramchandra B Kadam - Andheri Ghatkopar -
LBS Rd - R City - Hirandani Hill - Orchard - Lake Homes -
D-Mart - Jain Mandir.
Time: 1:02:06
Mileage: 6.66 Miles - 10.72 Km
Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'53/km
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Second night in Yarrow. Again sleeping on the hard floor, but
well. Woke up at 4:30 after several sticky dreams. Ruksanna
has left me the unique pillow during the night.
I sit again on the ground for Qur'an reading (finishing Surah
Mariama and starting Ta Ha), but lament that this is starting
to cause knee and back pain.
But once outside, I feel extraordinarily well, right at the
break of day, in the waking slums of Khairani road. The air
is surprisingly fresher, and I enjoy the Ramchandra loop,
busy with activity and school children, borderning the hill
slums, and nevertheless peaceful, charming neighborhood.
In fact, I pick up the pace gradually, feeling remarkably
comfortable, rehearsing Surah An'aam. I wish this could
become my normal training pace.
And, through rigorous dieting, I have made back my weight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/24/18 -- Aarey Guest House Hill Repeats.
Warmup: 88 Pictures - Aarey - Lotus Pond short loop: 0:31:31 [2.88M - 4.64K]
Hill Repeats [850 Meters - 0.53 Miles]
4'56".50 [5'36"] - 4'42".66 [5'36"] - 4'48".26 [6'00"] -
4'56".80 [5'51"] - 4'59".39 [6'05"] - 5'03".93
Uphill Time: 0:29:26
Uphill Mileage: 3.18 Miles - 5.1 Km
Uphill Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'46"/km
Cooldown, return to 88: 0:24:29 [1.83M - 2.95K]
Total Time: 1:54:38
Total Mileage: 11.07 Miles - 17.79 Km
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Weather: 26C - 35C; Humidity: 39%.
The day starts very poorly.
Overwhelmed by problems from all directions, I have not been able to sleep
past 4am, finally get up, wondering why we've moved, why taxes are harassing
me, how can I survive at work, how will the children do, etc. etc. etc. It's an
angry wake-up, a dreadful punch myself in the head mood, which extends into
a dizzying Namaaz (after reading Taha till v. 77).
I nevertheless stick adamantly to today's original plan: Drive to 88, and run
hill intervals from there in Aarey (about 2 miles away, perfect for warmup/
cooldown). The mood for the Marathon is decidedly stubborn, unbendable,
if it's the last thing I do.. So I leave without much ceremony,
walking to the car still parked in the old Callalily building.
Once out running, a pleasant surprise, the climate feels good, almost cool
through Aarey. I am tired though and wondered if I'll be able to complete
the session, but try to relax. I extend the warmup slightly to about 1/2 hour.
And so here we go, using the phone unfortunately, as my watch does not
record laps, I push the pace up the now familiar hill, feeling a good effort.
There are a few people here, many walkers, some who encourage while
blocking most of the road, but all in good spirit. The climb is split by a
slight descent in the middle, than peaks in grade at the end. I feel I am
pushing the pace more that last time (and I am, all intervals *under* 5
minutes), yet managing the effort to complete 6 to 8 reps. This time,
I have finally brought a small bottle of water which I leave at the bottom,
drinking from it after every 2 reps, a definite improvement.
I do not slacken the pace, nor do I take any extra rest, comfortably running
back to the bottom before re-starting. I bravely push the pace, driving
myself dizzy with the effort, performing one of my hardest workouts so far.
At the end of 6 though, it seems like plenty (and I've hardly slowed down),
so it is enough. I run back casually to the studio, but my total time is a
huge surprise: Nearly two hours!! I did not see that coming at all! It is
far beyond my mileage goal (about 7), and I hope this session, as good
as it is, will not punish me by its excess. I feel dizzy from the effort, but
recover nevertheless at work, which leads to a similarly intense Zohar
ki Namaaz in my office.
Ruksanna calls me a little later, alarmed by the morning's foul mood.
I reassure her that all is fine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/25/18 -- Recovery Easy Run
Lake Powai - IIT Near Gate Overpass - Orchard - Lake Homes.
Time: 0:40:58
Mileage: 4.11 Miles - 6.61 Km
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Surah Taha till v. 104.
I feel miraculous after yesterday's miraculous run.
Incredibly energized.
This is an attempt to not screw up though, resting
before Sunday's race. I hope I don't pay this all
later, or peak too early.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/26/18 -- Aarey Pipeline Commute
Mileage: 4.02 Miles - 6.46 Km
Time: 0:38:49
Pace: 9'39"/mile - 6'00"/mile
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs (within cycling weight range)
Weather: 26C - 36C, Humidity: 54%
Finished reading Surah Ta-Ha.
I fear the onset of over-training, and hesitate whether
I should run today, as initially planned.
Making matters worse, there is a 6am call at home,
followed by an 8am one at 88, so this seems to seal
the deal of not running, especially on a Friday. Yesterday
evening, I felt tired, weak, and under-nourished, and this
morning, I luckily still wake up around 5:10, as Ruksanna
had forgotten the alarm. Which not much time, I finish
reading Surah Ta-Ha, then an abbreviated Surah Yaseen
in Namaaz, just in time (slightly late actually) for the call.
But after the call, it still feels like I could fit stretching and
running, so I do set out after all, showing adamant will.
And it is surprisingly good. It's a little fresh again this morning,
and I head out through the impressive Pipeline route, which
starts by going through the bottom of the hill slum, where I
only get a few quizzical look. It's as ever peaceful later on
the road, and this ends up being a perfectly fine relaxed
run.
This is a case of more is more over less is more,
and I still fear the backlash of this highly increased intense
training. But looks like I got off good for today.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBI Green Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) -- 10/28/18
Time: 2:00:39 (Official)
Mileage: 13.1 Miles - 21.1 Km
Pace: 9'12"/mile - 5'43"/km
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
This seems a perfect setup for a break-out performance.
I am coming off an excellent month of traning, particularly this
week. Temperatures are cooler, I feel reasonably rested, weight
is right on target, I've
decided to drink while running, apply smart pacing, and even
the strong tensions regarding taxes, home or work have put me
in a perfect do or die revengeful attitude.
But no, it wasn't meant to be. My performance never changes much,
I am stuck at roughly the same timing.
This, like the previous Half Marathon, starts in Jio Gardens, but
is a little smaller attendance. I start the run at a cautious pace, not
afraid to let others charge ahead (perhaps have I gone too
slow?). This time, I take water along the way, which unfortunately
is distributed in cups rather than bottles, making it harder
to drink. At the onset, I sort of pray Namaaz mentally in the
darkness, as resonate the various Adhaans. As the day timidly
emerges, I feel I'm in a great shape, and start running at
a faster pace, although well aware of the long road ahead.
This time, the course meanders more making it somehow less
intimidating, and miraculously, there are KM markers at
every kilometer. This should help me monitor my pace for
once, except that I have not learned my min/km pace, nor
can I read my watch in the dark. As light comes, I settle
on thinking that anything faster than 6'00"/km will be
great, which I am achieving.
I feel good at the half mark, in fact, push the pace slightly,
still wary though of the road ahead. The run continues as
I start to believe I could be on the verge of a great
performance. The only thing that could tip me off is that
I've seen the 2h15 pacer, have I been actually running
slower than felt, but I decide to ignore that. I continue
to feel good till the last 4 or 5 kilometers, where the
usual hardship starts (later than usual though), but I
hang on, resist the urge to quit, and trying to not slow
down much (certainly not like last time). I see not far
ahead two 2h00 pacers who I try to stay in contact with,
the last kilometers go by still hanging on, and finally
the last, in the last stretch I actually manage to catch
up with the pacers, and push the pace to the finish. But
by now my watch has told me that my performance dream
will not happen today. I arrive in my frustrating usual time around
2h00, it doesn't seem to matter whether I'm well trained
or not, light or heavy, or in weather hot or cool.
Slightly disappointed and actually very tired (struggling
to stay standing), I wait for Ruksanna, who arrives some
time later, among large groups who've walked the 10K (among
them an old woman in Saree, Bib pinned to the cloth!).
Ruksanna also has run similarly, in spite of having
not trained at all since the last Marathon. But in spite
of that, she just broke 3 hours, running about 5 minutes
faster that last time! Finding this out later will make
her very happy.
Another hard week with 45 miles and nearly 7h20 of running...
Post Race (8.12 Miles) -- 11/01/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/30/18 --
Yarrow - Lake Homes - Heera Pana - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar -
Aarey - Old Laxmi Rd. - Marol - 88.
Mileage: 7.52 Miles - 12.10 Km
Time: 1:10:19
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Weather: 24C - 35C; Humidity: 39%
Finished reading Surah Al-Anbiyaa.
In the law of alternating contrast, this, following yesterday's meltdown,
is a fantastic run.
I fell apart yesterday, caving to pressure from all sides and a assault
of exhaustion, till I eventually sat supervisors at work in front of a
movie while I laid down, vainly looking to sleep, just enough to
conjure dreamy visions to get me through the afternoon.
In the night, I wake up multiple times, but this time succesfully
conjure the visions, pushing like a ball to deeper recesses of
the mind, which blesses me with several episodes of peaceful
dreamy sleep. I wake up at 4:30 feeling energized, and after
Namaaz decide to run to work. Rohit has repaired my laptop
yesterday, which indeed now works.
Not sure how I'll be after Sunday's hard (but disappointing)
effort. But once out, another morning of cooler breezy
sunshine, I quickly realize I'm feeling great, really great.
And I relax the pace throughout, loosening and lengthening
the stride, wondering whether I could raise up overall my
training pace. Works wonderfully today, and after yesterday's
low point, I feel I'm back on track.
I will analyze Sunday's half marathon in more detail to try to
understand, and start scouting a 20 mile route for the weekend.
It reveals that I have indeed run negative splits, like this:
1st half 9.3 Km in 0:54:32, ie. 9'26"/mile.
2nd half 11.8 Km in 1:06:07, ie. 9'01"/mile (even that is slower
than my target pace by the way).
If the marathon was held now, my goal time would have to be
4:15:00, which is a roughly 9'45"/mile pace, or 6'02"/km.
Feels slow, but that is the reality as of today.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/31/18 -- Quasi Tempo Run
Yarrow - Chandivali Rd. - SM Shetty - Orchard Av. - IIT Main Gate -
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Aarey - Pipeline - 88.
Mileage: 6.82 Miles - 10.98 Km
Time: 1:00:33
Pace: 8'53"/mile - 5'31"/km
Weight: 69.1 kg -- 152.3 lbs
After a night of deep sleep (last night Ruksanna fell fast fast asleep
then woke up for dinner around 9:30), wake up around 4:45. Read
Surah Hajj till v. 33 then Namaaz, including catch-up for yesterday's
missed Ishaa. Feeling quite good, on another fresh morning, I run
to work again, setting out around 6:40, streets already fairly busy.
I push the pace a bit, especially as the run progresses, lengthening
my stride, picking up the rhythm, at a controlled effort. But this time
I later realize that my pace has been faster than expected, roughly
what it should have been on the half marathon, which puts me
involuntarily in Tempo Run territory.
Things are falling in place. Tax people are satisfied with whatever
documents I've provided and don't seem particularly worried, the
Buda has nearly acquiesced to my proposal for the deposit
reimbursement (but not without squeezing another 5,000 roupies!),
and I feel more caught up with work.
Next big challenge: Sofia's vaccinations...
And, I am fearful of people being sick at work. There is a strong
epidemic of people coughing their lungs out at the office, really
hope I do not catch it! For once, I feel like a germ freak American! Do
not want this stupid illness to get in the way of training.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/01/18 -- Fartlek
JVLR - To Easter Express Highway.
Time: 1:12:07
Mileage: 8.12 Miles - 13.06 Km
Pace: 8'53"/mile - 5'31"/km
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs
Weather: 26C - 35C; Humidity: 50%
Good wake-up at 4:30, read Surah Hajj till v. 65, which inspired me
to spend Namaaz on Surah al-Imraan.
This ends up being an enjoyable run, picking up the pace for several
segments along the way, a good but controlled effort, at times reveling
in the looseness and imagined fullness of the motion.
Overall good.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/02/18 -- Morning Meetings
Lake Powai Promenade - IIT Main Gate: 2.37 Miles - 3.82 Km
Back to Saki Vihar - Aarey Commute: 5:18 Miles - 8.33 Km
Mileage: 7.55 Miles - 12.15 Km
Time: 1:13:41
Pace: 9'45"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weight: 69.5 kg = 153.2 lbs
Weather: 26C - 35C; Humidity: 61%
A somewhat stressful morning, as there are supposed to be two work meetings,
one at 7am and the other at 8am, and I still cling on to the idea that
I'll complete my 7 Mile Training Run somehow.
I wake up at 4:00, and immediately
inquire about the first meeting. No response,
so after finishing reading of Surah Hajj, I pray Surah Yaseen, a little rushed.
Ruksanna has come sit with me and listens to the beginning. I then find out
that the 7am meeting has been cancelled, which allows me to start around
6:10, at very first light, in once again mild temperature. I lengthen the Aarey
commute by first reaching ITT, running peacefully along the lake, and soon
relax into an effortless pace, which carries me through Aarey Hills. I reach
work perfectly fine, not even particularly sweaty, with time to spare before
the 8am meeting. But no-one seems to be there!
It too has been cancelled. Oh well, in the end,
I did all the things I wanted the way I wanted to do them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/03/18 -- Rest
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Woke up at 4:30, read Surah Mou'minoun till v. 50, prayed Muzzammil and An'aam, was going to do gym but realizing I am feeling very tired try to go back to bed. In spite of having drunk coffee, I "miraculously" manage to put myself back to sleep by pushing the consciousness back into the further recesses of the mind (I need to write more about this). Ruksanna has now also fallen to this bad cold that seems to prey on everyone, but we spend a great moment together before getting up again around 7:30. A great start to the day.
Long Run 3: "Aarey Colony" (19.25 Miles) -- 11/04/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 11/04/18 -- Aarey Long Run
Powai Lake - Saki Vihar - Aarey Pipeline - Marol -
to New Zealand Hostel Rd [5.01 Miles - 8.06 Km]
1st Loop: NZ Hostel Rd. - N. to Aarey Intersection - Aarey Lake -
Royal Palms rd., to right turn & back - Side road towards Aarey
Gardens - Lotus Lake Loop - Back to NZ rd Intersection
[5.37 Miles - 8.65 Km]
2nd Loop: NZ Hostel Rd. - Down the Hill and Left - To Western
Express Hwy - North to Aarey Rd - Aarey Lake - Aarey Market -
Royal Palms Rd - Same side road - Lotus
Loop - Back to Intersection [6.14 Miles - 9.88 Km]
Back via Aarey Road - Marol - Pipeline - Stop in Aarey
[2.74 Miles - 4.42 Km]
Mileage: 19.26 Miles - 31.01 Km
Time: 3:30:59
Pace: 10'57"/mile - 6'48"/km
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Weather: 27C - 36C; Humidity: 43%
Yesterday, I felt some signs of this illness which has seemingly
affected everyone in Mumbai, and now has gotten hold of Ruksanna
and the children. I feel a fatality in this, that cannot be resisted.
My case is till mild, heaviness in the chest, tickly nose and head-ache,
and I slept three times during the day. I'm not sure
if I'll be able to complete this long run as planned.
But this morning, I wake up on the dot at 4:30am, reasonably
fit, read Surah Mouminoune
till v. 93, then Baqarah Namaaz. I feel I'll go out extra early, but with
all preparations eventually do not leave before 6:20.
I have scouted a 20 Miles Aarey route (with two loops), but funnily,
waking up, I am firmly convinced I should rather run on the Expressway,
pushing the exploration further. Yet later again, I become equally
convinced that I should run Aarey after all!
This is what I do.
But once out, surprise, the weather has gotten very hot
again even this early, hot,
heavy, humid, and very sweaty. I nevertheless feel relatively
comfortable at first,
relax into my stride, eating and drinking at certain points. End
of loop 1, on mostly familiar roads.
For loop 2, I decide to introduce an unplanned
exploratory variant, running
an attractive road to the left which heads towards the highway.
This ends up being peaceful, enjoyable and pretty. But the road
seems to dead-end before reaching the highway, and I have to find
my way through small country alleys, asking along the way,
eventually traversing small village
houses to reach the service road of the freeway. I'll run along this
to re-connect with Aarey, tracing a larger loop.
But this is where I start to struggle. I feel very dehydrated, in spite
of drinking from Gatorade and Water, which no longer appease my thirst.
I eventually stop a little at the Boating Area to finish whatever I
have left, and then again at the Aarey Market, where I buy a fresh
Coca, which I drink partly, keep partly in my bottles. From there the
return should be straightforward, I relax at first at a slow pace, but
start struggling again on Marol, still adamantly heading towards the Pipeline,
where I pause again at the entrance, feeling particularly
dehydrated. I complete the run along the
Pipeline in near exhaustion, at a slow pace, drinking the last drops
of the Coke, the effort is strangely bringing me close to tears,
and I miss Ruksanna like a child would, a bizzare version of despair.
My eyes cross with some local walker, I stare at him consciously
looking particularly depleted.
At the slum entrance, seeing a stopped Rickshaw
as if waiting for me, decide to call it a day, and finish in
the vehicle.
The run started well, but exhaustion severely took over in the
last part, in fact, I can barely walk upstairs, and feel almost sick
when I can finally drink and eat at home. As it turns out, I have
fallen just short of my 20 mile goal, which I'll regret later, but
what to do? Should I really have continued under such
exhaustion? Was it too many hills, too much heat? Or this mysterious
illness?
The run has left me despondent for the rest of
the day, not able to sleep yet wanting to lie
motionless, unable to respond to Ruksanna's
sollicitations, a stare at the ceiling fan kind
of mood that she does not understand at first.
I don't even muster the courage to pray evening
Namaaz, finally disappear into uncomfortable
sleep, the mind producing half visions. This is
a bit much. I fear the fear of future runs, will I
now refer back to this in distress, scared to live
it again? I feel I must get back on the horse
very soon, to overcome this disastrous impression.
Tomorrow may be different.
Still, this wraps another big week of over 49 Miles in more than
8 hours
of running. Looking forward to the next long run to set it right.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Half Miles (10 Miles) -- 11/07/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/05/18 -- Recovery
Home Gym: 0:33:00
Sequence: Bar Press - Abs - Punches - Shoulder Flies - Biceps.
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
After yesterday's run, the day continued in a strange state of
complete despondency, from which Ruksanna is unable to
take me out. I can't sleep, and yet I lay motionless, skipping
Namaaz, skipping everything, and not responding to her.
I eventually wake up at 5:00 a little fearful of my state,
finish Surah Mouminoune and read Surah Nur till v. 20,
then Namaaz Baqarah and last night's missed Ishaa with
Surah Muzzammil. I then decide for a light gym session,
as I am feeling better and better, starting to recover from
yesterday's oversized effort. In fact, I give Ruksanna the
attention that she was seeking yesterday, and the day
starts well after all.
Already I am planning future runs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/06/18 -- Long Aarey Commute
Lake Powai - To IIT Far Gate & Back - Saki Vihar -
Aarey - Old Lakshmi Rd. - Marol - 88.
Mileage: 9.58 Miles - 15.41 Km
Time: 1:33:00
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Weather: 26C - 35C; Humidity: 74%
Frequent wake-ups during the night with dreams, and finally
get up at 4:30, generally ok. Today is a meeting at 8:00, and
I want to squeeze in an 8 mile'ish run. Read Surah Nur till
v. 40, then Surah Baqarah which starts well till some mosquito
starts butchering my feet as if to take me away.
I leave at 6:10. It is again disappointingly hot and heavy this
morning, the freshness that had come for a few days completely
gone (hopefully, this is the last of this oppressive October Heat).
I endure it though with poise, in some ways, this run a revenge
over the harsh punishment of Sunday's long run.
In fact, I start pushing the pace a bit, putting aside further Qur'an
learning to concentrate on my stride, breathing, etc. This feels
like a good effort, although in the end not as fast as I thought.
Unsure of the time or distance, I still opt for the Old Lakshmi
detour, when I arrive, it turns out that I have overshot my
goal, and am barely in time to get ready for the meeting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/07/18 -- 1/2 Miles Intervals
Warmup: Lake Homes - Orchard - IIT Far Gate then Main Gate: 0:31:12
[3.02 Miles - 4.86 Km]
Intervals: Far Gate to Wall Break [826.05 Meters - 0.512 Miles]
- Wall Break to Lake Homes Overpass [884.89 Meters - 0.55 Miles]
Interval I: 3:47.02 [826.05 M]; Pace: 7'22"/mile - 4'35"/km
Interval II: 4:08.50 [884.89 M]; Pace: 7'31"/mile - 4'40"/km
Interval III: 4:01.72 [884.89 M]; Pace: 7'20"/mile - 4'33"/km
Interval IV: 3:43.60 [826.05 M]; Pace: 7'14"/mile - 4'30"/km
Interval V: 3:44:23 [826.05 M]; Pace: 7'16"/mile - 4'31"/km
Interval VI: 4:09.99 [884.89 M]; Pace: 7'34"/mile - 4'42"/km
Interval VII: 4:03.99 [884.89 M]; Pace: 7'23"/mile - 4'35"/km
Interval VIII: 3:46.63 [826.05 M]; Pace: 7'20"/mile - 4'33"/km
Overall Intervals Time: 0:31:24
Overall Intervals Mileage: 4.25 Miles - 6.84 Km
Overall Intervals Pace: 7'23"/mile - 4'35"/km
Age Adjusted Time: 0:27:05 ie. 6'22"/mile pace.
Cooldown: Hanukone - Hiranandani - SM Shetty - Shangarsh Nagar: 0:25:19
[2.76 Miles - 4.45 Km]
Total Time: 1:27:55
Total Mileage: 10.03 Miles - 16.15 Km
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.6 lbs
Weather: 25C - 36C; Humidity: 42%
Finished reading Surah Nur, then Surah Mulk in Namaaz.
I start the day still sore, but this ends up being an excellent session.
In fact, this might be a turning point.
It is Diwali holiday, so all is calm, and I have time.
The weather is hot, but slightly less so. This time, I finally
bring along a bottle of water which I leave at the IIT gate, a good decision,
allowing me to drink at regular intervals during the workout.
I focus on relax, relax, relax, working both on stride length
and rhythm. I have re-read Coach Glover's chapter on running form,
which seems to influence me much more than I would have thought.
I am careful to not overstretch my stride towards the front, focusing
on a fluid motion at the rear, and at times sort of run on my toes.
Also, I have realized that arms should move
mostly by bending the elbows, hardly from the shoulders - a small
adjustement which makes a big difference.
Taking good rests between laps, I am able to maintain a strong
effort throughout, actually finding relaxation (and some pleasure for
once) in the motion, and complete the session feeling a healthy pleasant
fatigue. The half mile format is particularly good.
This may have been my most successful speed session yet (although
still not particularly fast).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/08/18 -- Peace
D-Mart - Chandivali Rd - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Dead End & Back -
Seepz - 88 - Aarey Pipeline - Back.
Mileage: 8.52 Miles - 13.72 Km
Time: 1:19:11
Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'46"/km
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs
Weather: 26C - 35C; Humidity: 35%
Stopped reading after Surah Nur, to give time to catch-up
on the commentaries (which are over-abundant, in the matters
of sex!). Surah An'aam and A'raaf in Namaaz.
I am quite sore from yesterday's standout speed session, and
wonder if I should run or rest. But outside I'm greeted by
a pleasant surprise: A cool chill in the air!
The run ends up being very pleasant, Like yesterday,
because of the Diwali Holiday, roads are
unusually quiet, the ground littered with exploded patakes.
So I innovate a road on the JVLR, trying
(in vain) to reach Mahakali Caves (this is another instance
where I've left the phone at home, but for once regret it).
I continue the run at a very comfortable loose pace through
Pipeline, alive with pigs and dogs, two dogs chasing a fat pig
(they win). As I go through the slum at the entrance of
Pipeline, a man gestures smiling to his children, showing
me, takalle takalle. Does it mean running in Marathi?
Excellent run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/09/18 --
To Lake Platform then Overpass - Along Lake Powai - past IIT -
LBS Road - R-City Mall - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd.
Mileage: 8.38 miles - 13.48 Km
Time: 1:19:29
Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs
Weather: 26C - 36C; Humidity: 51%.
Re-started reading Surah Nur (till v. 27), waiting for catch up
with the comments. Then Friday Surah Yaseen Namaaz.
I was planning to run easy today, perhaps only 5 miles,
or certainly no more than an hour, but somehow
let myself into this, perhaps a mistake, as my legs and back
are still sore.
But the run is again very pleasant. I have perhaps broken the plateau
where I was stuck, it feels like my pace has finally evolved,
more comfortable, efficient, loose and pleasant, very easily
able to run a 9'30"/mile pace, and most importantly, the stride
feels natural and good. Once again, I'm amazed how much Glover's
book seems to make a difference.
I do however wonder if I've stretched this out too long, and
start regretting that in the last quarter, but still finish
well. We'll see.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Run 4: "Strava" (17.76 Miles) -- 11/10/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 11/10/18 -- LSD #4, first time with Strava
Powai Police - Saki Vihar Overpass - Along Lake Powai - IIT -
Eastern Express Highway (N) - Past Mulund Airoli Rd. -
To Navghar Rd.
Back along Eastern Express Highway - Past JVLR - Link Rd -
Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd - Yarrow.
Time: 2:55:46
Mileage: 17.76 Miles - 28.58 Km
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'09"/km
Strava Time: 2:56:12
Strava Mileage: 28.57 Km
Strava Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs
Weather: 25C - 36C; Humidity: 37%
A big day today: I finally yield to technology!
Yes, disappointed by my pacing in the last few races,
dreading the upcoming Marathon, I have decided to defect
to the ennemy. Yesterday, we bought a new phone, in the
evening, I installed a few apps, among which, STRAVA!
This will be my first ever App Run.
But I have waken up too early at 4:20, not feeling
particularly well. I read Surah Nur till v. 50, followed
by Namaaz including Surah Muzzammil (which I've re-learned).
Still not feeling so good though, I go out around 6:10 (still
somewhat dark), a little apprehensive. Another innovation
today: I have not taken Gatorade, both my bottles are filled
with water. The last (despairing) long run has made me sick
of Gatorade I think!
I start the app, not sure exactly how it works. It displays
large numbers which seem to be my pace, which is basically all
I'm interested in. But then the new phone is too big to enter
my back pouch, I keep it in my short pocket but the swinging
motion soon annoys me, so I resign myself to carry it in hand,
and one kerchief on each side. It's a rather difficult start,
feeling tense and somewhat dizzy, which by the lake is made
worse by a group of slum kids who start running with me
calling names, one "I am Manny", and I remember
Manny from Bangalore, and how much times have changed since.
A little later by IIT, a motorbike has strangely stopped
in the middle of the road. I realize upon approaching that
it's a young man trying to lift an unconscious dog in his
arms, to clear it off the road, something touching about the scene.
But along the Lake, as light peeks through, I do manage
to relax, and once on the Expressway, I feel great!
I occasionally (rarely) check my pace on the phone,
which seems to hold slightly over 6 min/km. I am even caught
by a pleasant wind, a slight coolness by the marsh that borders
the road, where a man, holding a paper, is praying to the rising
sun. I see other runners and cyclists, some encourage me. I feel
so good that I'm surprised to reach the Mulund Airoli intersection,
from where I continue straight into the unknown, according to plan.
Here too, the service road borders marshlands, where there might
be trails, and then a large temple surrounded by a garden.
Undeniably, (and surprisingly), this stretch of freeway feels
the best for these long runs.
The return continues to feel good, on the other side of
the road. I have been rehearsing Surah An'aam all along the way,
successfully adding another verse after having been halted
for some time. I have by now decided to lengthen the run by returning
via Ghatkopar, running past the JVLR junction. I strain slightly
on the last freeway section, but still manage well, and finish
quite comfortably on Khairani Road (like yesterday) where a man
on a motorbike talks to me, thinking I'm thirsty and want tea.
I reach back with some elation. This has been a great
success, longer than planned, but feeling just about perfect,
a great response to last week's difficult run. This again wraps
an impressive week: nearly 55 Miles of running in 8h30...
-- Progress learning Surah Anaam --
Imperial Grand Palace, État de Grâce (8.8 Miles) -- 11/13/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/12/18 --
Powai Promenade - IIT - To Eastern Expressway: 4.08 Miles - 6.56 Km
Back IIT Main Gate - Hare Krishna - Padmavati Devi - Hiranandani Hospital -
Galleria - Orchard - Lake Homes - Shangarsh Nagar - Yarrow: 4.73 Miles - 7.62 Km
Time (Watch): 1:22:45
Mileage (Google): 8.81 Miles - 14.18 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Strava Time: 1:22:53
Strava Distance: 13.92 km
Strava Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.7 lbs
Weather: 24C - 35C; Humidity: 48%.
Woke up a little late at 5:15, read Surah Furqan till v. 45,
followed by Baqarah Namaaz.
The first 15 minutes of the run feel weird, cotton legs,
uncertain how much I should
run after Saturday's long run. But by the lake, I find a
fantastic pace. Something seems
to have clearly changed last week, my running has become
fluid and so much easier,
it feels miraculous. Something in my form and breathing
is now airy and smooth, a
drastically different impression, which makes me feel
I'm running effortlessly, almost
carelessly, and could pick up the pace at any moment.
Is this the mythical breakthrough
I was calling for? Time will tell ...
I continue the run in this blissful state, now determined
to fulfill or exceed my daily
8 miles goal. I even choose to return through the
Vidya route, still feeling great,
and peacefully back home.
This is my second run using Strava.
I have kept today the phone in a waist belt,
do not consult it at all on the way, but am happy to record the data.
For now still keeping duplicate record.
Later on the drive to work, I see a youth take a
wild swinging punch at someone
following some minor accident.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/13/18 -- Aarey Royal Palms, "Etat de Grace"
Lake Powai - Aarey - Royal Palms Rd. - through the Slum -
Through Royal Palms - "Imperial Grand Palace" - Northern
Entrance - Aarey Garden Rd - Aarey Rd. - Marol - 88.
Time (Watch): 1:27:14
Mileage (Google): 8.68 Miles - 13.97 Km
Pace: 10'03"/mile - 6'14"/km
Strava Time: 1:27:25
Strava Mileage: 13.81 Km
Strava Pace: 6'20"/km
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Finished reading Surah Furqan. Namaaz, Surah al-Imraan.
I hardly wake up Ruksanna as I leave (still no school), there
have been mosquitoes through the night.
The hot days are definitely over, finally. Consistent pleasant freshness
in the morning. What a difference it makes, what relief.
Again, a slum boy hails my by the lake, could it be the same
one as Saturday? Could this eventually become a problem, not allowing
me to run in some areas? His face seems difformed, swollen perhaps, the
tough face of poverty. I ponder as often upon people's different
circumstances, and how their outlook might be so profoundly affected.
I have no particular plan along the run, except perhaps to attain
an 8 mile goal again. I decide to take the slum road to Royal Palms,
perhaps push further from there, or explore a trail back towards
Old Laxmi Road. Through the slum a dog runs to me so I slow down
to tame him, then a man greets me nicely in English. At the entrance
of Royal Palms, I indeed decide to explore what might be ahead.
The road, just about deserted, climbs up the hill, meandering.
Eventually, I reach the surreal sight of a large structure, preceded
by an open tunnel than a rococo fountain. I've heard of this abandonned
hotel, throning at the top of the hill, overlooking Aarey. It's an
incredible sight on this clear morning, which has attracted a few
walkers, and a group of laughing Yoga. The place, sort of a tropical
weather version of the Shining, is covered with "No Photography" signs,
as if there was some secret to protect. It could be that I am near the
closed perimeter of Film City.
I feel so good that I start the descent on the other side, following
signs to Goregoan, not sure how long this might take (perhaps two hours?),
but perhaps this would be shorter anyway than turning back. I descend into
the rather dilapidated buildings of Royal Palms, finding now some activity,
asking my way, and soon indeed reach the Northern Entrance, incredibly
satisfied. There, I buy a small bottle of water which I cradle under
my left arm, and finish the run feeling like flying through the beautiful
road (which reminds me of cycling), finish as ever relaxed, easy,
thoroughly delighted.
An exceptional run, opening a new way. Training, an every day
endeavour, take what you can get, as if there were no tomorrow, a highly
spiritual spirit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/14/18 -- Mile Intervals
IRB rd. - SM Shetty - Orchard - IIT Main Gate
[2.42M - 3.9K]: 0:26:18
Intervals, IIT Main Gate to Lake Homes Overpass [1.06M - 1.71K]
Interval I: 8'08".57 [7'40"/mile - 4'45"/km]
Interval II: 8'05".39 [7'37"/mile - 4'43"/km]
Interval III: 8'15".11 [7'46"/mile - 4'49"/km]
Interval IV: 8'07".96 [7'40"/mile - 4'45"/km]
Interval V: 8'29".20 [8'00"/mile - 4'57"/km]
Total Interval Mileage: 5.3 Miles - 8.55 Km
Total Interval Time: 0:41:05
Total Interval Pace: 7'45"/mile - 4'48"/km
Age Adjusted Pace: 6'57"/mile (best interval)
Return via Powai Police [1.27M - 2.05K]: 0:12:51
Total Time: 1:20:14
Total Mileage: 8.99 Miles - 14.5 Km
Strava Mileage: 15.37 Km (to be ignored, failed to discard rest time)
Strava Time: 1:50:50 (to be ignored, failed to discard rest time)
Strava Pace: 4'44"/km fastest Kilometer, peak at 4'26"/km
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs (was expecting
significant weight loss this morning, but no, not today).
Weather: 22C - 32C; Humidity: 69%
Surah Shuaarah till v. 51.
I head out for the scheduled speed session, today, the all-important
mile intervals. Like last week, I carry a small bottle of water that I
leave at the IIT gate, to drink between intervals. But the heat is now
tolerable.
There is a large unexplained pooja at the middle park along
the lake, drawing some crowd of people and vehicles, which I'll
negotiate at each interval. I have high hopes for this session,
hoping to see materialize the progress from last week, which in
some ways makes me nervous to disappoint. I try to find a fluid
pace that I can sustain a mile at a time.
As usual, I feel a little disappointed. This does not quite
feel like the miracle I had been counting on. I do focus on points
of form, although forget to "run on my toes", and don't feel that
my times are that much faster (this not being exact miles makes that
estimation harder). When I return to IIT for the second time, somewhat
has drunk whatever paani was left in my bottle! Oh well, luckily, it's
not too hot. I do have energy for a fifth mile, which I complete with
heart, but with an inevitable slow-down, starting to feel my muscles
tense up. I struggle somewhat with the new phone, continue to record each
interval manually, which is good as Strava does very poorly with the
stops and go's.
It's only in retrospect that I'll gradually realize the marked
improvement of this session: my last average pace was 8'08"/mile, with
a best of 7'53", versus today's 7'45" and 7'37", which all greatly
increases my potential for the next race. The break-through then
continues.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Flamingoes, from the Airoli Bridge --
Long Run 5: "Airoli" (20.8 Miles) -- 11/17/18
Along Lake Powai - IIT - Eastern Express Highway - Mulund Airoli Rd -
Airoli Circle - Diva Nagar Rd. [10.48M - 16.86K]
Back similar way. [10.33M - 16.63K]
Time (Watch): 3:30:45
Mileage (Google): 20.81 Miles - 33.49 Km
Pace: 10'07"/mile - 6'17"/km
Strava Time: 3:33:40
Strava Mileage: 33.59 Km
Strava Pace: 6'22"/km
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (Was waiting for this to happen)
Weather: 25C - 35C; Humidity: 29%
A Fantastic run!!
I wake up at 3:00, feeling very tentative. For once, Ruksanna
has waken up too, and her slight movements prevent me from sliding
back successfully into slumber, in spite of my best attempts. I
barely manage to capture some half visions before giving up and
rising around 4:30, not feeling so well, in one of those constant
angry moods, which I try to fight back through Namaaz. I am hoping
though that the run will make things right.
This indeed happens: I start around 6:00 still in darkness
(easier from Yarrow than from Callalily), with timid daylight
breaking around IIT. As usual, I slowly find my comfort, a relaxed
pace, even my awkward water belt settling in position, and after
about 40 minutes, reaching the highway, I feel perfectly fine.
This stretch of road again delivers a wonderful running experience.
The traffic is light, and the sunrise over the marshlands offers
a sense of peace and ease of running, the perpetual pace.
As often, I am periodically saluted by very good greetings
from cyclists, as if they gave a seal of approval, or occasionally
a thumbs up from some serious runner.
Another innovation today (by which I continue to yield to
modern times), I've ordered through Amazon running gels
(which are otherwise not found in India), carrying three in
my pouch, along with water only (again no Gatorade). This seems
to work great, much much easier to ingest than the energy bars,
so this will now be the way - except I need more of them.
I feel like I reach the Mulund Airoli intersection in nearly no
time, feeling very comfortable.
I head out the now familiar road, passing the tool booth then
knowing to take the pathway along the bridge, where stays the same
homeless guy isolated, who doesn't seem to mind my passing. Below,
like last time, spectacular groups of flamingos on the water shore,
some of which fly over the road in small flocks. I pass a group of
three young photographers, other than that, no one. My stride is
incredible, easy, springy, inspired by videos I've watched of
Eliud Kipuchoge (yes, of course, nowhere near as fast!). In fact,
it feels so good that I dare not interrupt it to myself take a photo
of the birds.
This time, I continue forward into the unknown, in Airoli. I have
scouted on Google maps what seems to be a pedestrian overpass which
I indeed find, and head North. I do get somewhat lost here though,
inadvertently heading back South instead of continuing further
North, but this turns out to be a great walking area which attracts
a small leisurely crowd of runners, walkers, etc, along the marsh
lands. It eventually (to my surprise) circles back under the freeway,
at which point I finally consult Strava to guarantee that I'll run
a little over 20 miles. I decide to turn back approaching 17 Km.
The return feels equally good, although I start to strain
slightly. This time, I do take a quick break to photograph the
flamingos, and do start feeling a little hungry and thirsty,
as an unveiled sunshine has now taken over. I nevertheless keep
going, eventually reaching back the JVLR intersection, from which
after having eaten my last gel proceed to climb the IIT hill, at
a slower but manageable effort. From there, it's the all too familiar
roads back home, determined to see this through, and I finish
dizzy from the effort (a sensation that will continue after the run),
shaking my head and screaming like semi-mad to complete the last
kilometer, completely elated!
This is a great success, my first bona-fide 20+ miler, which
I've accomplished in good control, and capping another big week where
I've overshot Coach Glover's mileage with over 58 Miles in
about 9h30.
Insh'allah may nothing happen
to me in the long weeks still remaining till the Marathon!
Vikhroli Station, Up's and Down's (9.26 Miles) -- 11/22/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 11/19/18 --
Lake Powai, Platform to IIT far gate - Back without platform detour.
Time (Watch): 0:56:26
Mileage (Google): 5.88 Miles - 9.45 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'58"/km
Strava Time: 0:55:56
Strava Mileage: 9.25 Km
Strava Pace: 6'03"/km - Fastest: 5'18"/km (8'32"/mile)
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (stuck at this weight again, but I anticipate
dipping to the 68's and staying there).
Finished reading Surah Nahl, then a portion of Surah Yaseen. I have
been concentrating on not letting running invade all my thoughts,
otherwise, I threaten myself to call off the whole thing!
I have slept a lot, between yesterday and last night. But I do wake up
still impacted by the long run, particularly in the left knee, and wonder
if this is the turning point where things get impaired by injuries. I do
plan to take it easy on this run, and not run too long. At first, my body
seems to only gradually be put in motion, but it actually feels relaxing.
And on the way back, I pick up the pace to easily follow some guy
who has passed me, and when the time is right, comfortably overtake
him. This small race has caused to forget the detour to the Platform,
hence shortening the run! Maybe just as well...
Importantly, I am wearing NEW SHOES today, finally relenting to the
fact that the pair of Asics have been too beaten up. It's the first time
I'm somewhat disappointed by Asics, although it could be that they
got too mistreated during the monsoon. Anyway, I am now running
in Brooks, hoping they will last me till the Marathon. It makes a huge
difference in comfort, probably the right decision to change now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/20/18 -- New Zealand Hostel
Aarey - to New Zealand Hostel [5.26M - 8.47K]
Back - Marol Maroshi - 88 [2.75M - 4.42K]
Time (Watch): 1:19:24
Mileage (Google): 8.01 Miles - 12.89 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'09"/km
Strava Time: 1:19:26
Strava Distance: 12.86 Km
Strava Pace: 6'10"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (on target!)
Weather: 25C - 34C; Humidity: 74%
This week is more challenging than the previous.
I hope I have not reached some peak, to fall downhill from here.
Today, I am tired, after waking at 4:00 and not really falling back
asleep (I seem to have lost some of my ability to push myself
into dream, mostly by being too conscious of it, not able to
repress the "conscious voice"). Also, for the first time since
beginning of Marathon training, I feel on the verge of injury,
particularly concerned about my left knee (I have started
ankle weight exercises). Either way, I stick to today's plan,
which is an 8 mile training run.
I read Surah Qasas till v.29, followed by Namaaz of great
intensity, near paroxism at times, which causes the body
to shake.
I nevertheless start the run tired, lower in energy, and to make
things worse, the weather feels hot and heavy again, very sweaty.
But I keep to it, at a seemingly slower pace, rehearsing Surah
An'aam, and feel a bit better on the quiet road to NZ Hostel
(by contrast, the traffic on the main road enrages me, pushing
me at times off the road, provoking screaming fits).
All in all, not so bad though, and I've attained my weight. Once
I reach work, I realize that today's meeting has been pushed to
tomorrow. Oh well, we'll repeat this again then. And once at
work, I send the urgent tax documents that I couldn't send last
night as my computer has been failing again.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/21/18 -- 2 Miles Intervals "Back on Form"
Warmup, to Powai Lake "Small Bay": 16'08".69 [1.53M - 2.47K]
Intervals, "Small Bay" to IIT Far Gate [1.98M - 3.19K]
Interval I: 16'23".05; Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
Interval II: 16'30".69; Pace: 8'20"/mile - 5'10"/km
(Transition, to JVLR: 02'51" [0.29M - 0.47K])
Interval III, JVLR Saki Vihar to Seepz [1.07M - 1.73K]:
8'23".35; Pace: 7'50"/mile - 4'51"/km
Overall Intervals Mileage: 5.03 Miles - 8.11 Km
Overall Intervals Time: 0:41:16
Overall Intervals Pace: 8'12"/mile - 5'05"/km
Cooldown, JVLR to 88: 9'30".78 [1M - 1.61K]
Total Time (Watch): 1:09:47
Total Mileage (Google): 7.85 Miles - 12.66 Km
Strava Time: 1:11:32
Strava Distance: 12.81 Km
Strava Pace: 5'35"/km
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Weather: 26C - 34C; Humidity: 65%
Today, after last two rather shitty days, a spectacular return to form!
Is it the T´l that Ruksanna applied to my knees (and hair) yesterday?
Is it that we stayed like
that lovingly together? I wake up around 4:45, completely
rested, in sharp contrast with yesterday.
I read Surah Qasas till v. 50. Mitou the parrot has slept in the Namaaz
ka Kamra, I hear him wiggle, call him mitou, he answers perfectly in
a small voice, which starts an awesome conversation, inventive variations
on the word. For Namaaz, I carry him in the room to wake up Ruksanna,
but there in the dark he goes quiet. A Surah Baqarah Namaaz ...
I set out a little before 6:30 as planned, this time, the 8:30 meeting will
happen, but I've had this is innovative idea of still performing my long
intervals, on the way to work. This ends working out perfectly.
The run is very smooth, pleasant in spite of the speed, kept a little
over target pace, which I monitor occasionally on Strava. I take only
brief pauses between intervals, the time to photograph my chrono.
The Strava display does gets messed up at times, which causes
unnecessary delays as I fiddle with the f**ing phone, something to
solve before the race. But in all other aspects, this is a perfect run,
and having energy left, I execute one last shorter interval along the
JVLR to work, where I reach with plenty of time before the meeting.
A complete reversal from yesterday, and I feel relaunched!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/22/18 --
Khairani Rd. - Andheri Ghatkopar - LBS Rd. - Past R City Mall -
Loop to Vikhroli Station - JVLR E, to Tagore Nagar rd and back -
Padmavati Devi - Vidya - Hiranandani - Orchard - Nature Basket -
JVLR - Powai Police Station - Yarrow.
Time (Watch): 1:28:46
Mileage (Google): 9.26 Miles - 14.9 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km
Strava Time: 1:28:36
Strava Mileage: 14.98 Km
Strava Pace: 5'55"/km
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (almost!)
I am running a 10K race, still before day break, but at the first turn,
the course is not properly marked, and we halt in frustration: Shit,
how am I now going to run a PR if we don't know the road? When running
resumes, making matters worse, my legs don't seem to function properly,
I've lost my stride from these past weeks, unable to get my legs to
flow, at which point I wake up from this (another) silly race dream.
I'm actually feeling fine around 4:40,
read Surah Qasas till v 75, Namaaz Surah Al-Imraan
but a little disturbed by Ruksanna then Mitou, who seems to be laughing at me.
I had scouted an 8 mile run yesterday taking me on
Tagore Nagar Rd, but a last
minute inspiration leads me to reach there via Khairani Rd, to describe a loop.
I feared coming through here in semi-darkness, but actually, the remains of
yesterday's Milaad un-Nabi, empty stages surrounded with many empty water
plastic pouches littered in heaps, provide pockets of overbright light.
On the way, another inspiration calls me to go explore near Vikhroli Station, but
as I don't find a clear way through, I turn back. Once on the JVLR,
I luckily renounce
Tagore Nagar road, good thing, as this turns out to be already beyond my planned
distance, especially coming back through Padmavati Marg. But I'm happy to have
tried something somewhat new, and the run felt comfortable throughout.
Decathlon Thane Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) -- 11/25/18
Time (Watch): 1:51:08; Official: 1:51:05 [** INDIA PR]
Mileage (Theoritical): 13.1 Miles - 21.1 Km
Pace: 8'29"/mile - 5'16"/km
Strava Time: 1:51:19
Strava Distance: 21.04 Km
Strava Pace: 5'19"/km
Age Adjusted: 1:37:00, Pace: 7'24"/mile
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Weather: 23C - 34C
I felt good yesterday, for once quite confident
ahead of today's race.
But at night,
Ruksanna cannot sleep and her phone music wakes me up
around 12, in an angry mood. I later wake up fine at 3:45, but
still in a foul mood, and feeling uncharacteristically heavy in the stomach
(I have made my target weight for the last couple days though).
For once, I go to the toilet several times this early (which should be good),
but with slight loose motion. Is this going to compromise
the run? For some reason, last evening, I started
worrying that this might be a run where everyone walks,
making it impossible for runners to pass by. This stupid
thought even compromised Ishaa ki Namaaz!
We drive to Thane which at this hour takes no more than
1/2 hr. This is a later start at 6:00, and is actually delayed
even beyond that. The beginning of the run is quite
awful, along the service road of the highway, with
obstacles and vehicles, further souring my mood. Will this
run of truth turn into a complete waste? I have for once
decided to run with phone in hand to monitor my pace at
least at the start, careful to hit it right, as determined
by my last mile intervals. But this
start is not pleasant at all, and I don't feel particularly good.
But later, a turn veers from the main road, revealing a
hill ahead, which strangely encourages me, and remembering
my climbing form I pass it economically, then let myself
loose in the descent. Here I grab my first drink, luckily
a plastic bottle far easier to drink than a plastic glass,
which I'll keep in hand drinking progressively
for some time. After some time the U-Turn of this first loop arrives,
we turn back to the main road.
The second loop eventually turns into a wide open road,
the sun rising over fields, coloring the sky. By now feeling
excellent, I'm finally able to find my stride from the past
two weeks, progressing loosely and efficiently. The air
is pleasantly fresh, the rising sun a hopeful sign. I feel
easy and able to push the pace, although know I should be
careful. The
road narrows through a small village/slum adding interest,
then widens again to the beautiful morning, before a U-turn
by a bigger thoroughfare. A man who has been running by me
talks briefly, but soon drops progressively behind.
I feel better and better on the
return, now feeling bursts of moving enthusiasm which give
me chills, in this state I complete the first half.
By now, I have pretty much abandonned my phone (which I
haven't consulted that often anyway), and try vainly to
put it away in my belt, eventually give up the effort as I fear
losing concentration, and tuck it in my pocket instead, where
it luckily doesn't swing too much, and will now stay till the
end (I have used it like a pacer of sorts through the beginning,
perhaps a worthwhile strategy, to guarantee good pacing at first,
but then decide fate follow its course).
I wonder if I've run too fast and will crash later (as
often), but feel well determined to strongly hang on.
People who were running with me before have now disappeared
behind, also, I've passed the 2h00 pacer, and there
don't seem to be other pacers in front. I repeat the hill
from the morning, finding again a good form which does
not exhaust me, look forward to the second loop which
I've enjoyed before.
There is indeed more of a crowd
now (a 10K is also run), and through the little village
I struggle to weave by, ducking at one point under the roof
of a small house to avoid traffic and people. I have drunk
three bottles and decide now to focus on the ending with
no further distraction, I
do start to struggle a bit, but push myself to stay on
pace, finding at times that a faster looser pace actually
eases up the effort (this encourages me greatly).
I reach the second U-Turn again and
head back, now feeling the finish, pushing myself harder and harder, hoping the
approaching goal will provide renewed energy. I scream
at myself at times, as I pass many people, getting
encouraged frequently. Finally the main road. By now,
eying my watch, I really push to hang on, even switching
to a faster breathing rhythm, eventually turning to all-out
uncoordinated breathing, which hopefully I have not adopted
too early and can maintain till the end. Finally, the turn
into Decathlon, narrow and tricky, and after another turn the Finish
Line, I've been on overdrive for too long to muster
much of a sprint, but do my best, pass the line. I have shattered
my previous time by about nine minutes!!!
There it is, the anticipated breakthrough has indeed
happened. I recover, at first so out of breath that
a woman asks me if I need help, then repeatedly drink water for
some time before eating, and sit with increasing
emotion as I wait for Ruksanna. I bask in the glory
of the moment, still the morning is not hot, and
pray a rough Surah, eyes welling a little.
Today for some reason
people are talking to me, some co-runners from the
course who congratulate me, some couple who have seen
us on several runs wondering if I am Indian or Foreigner.
I sit wondering when Ruksanna will arrive, as she was
not feeling well and has done no training. I finally
see her pushing a last sprint, she too has broken her
best time, running in about 3h07! As usual I'm so happy
to see her. This one is definitely worth a Selfie.
This is a great success. Not only have I run much faster,
but I actually felt far better throughout, never overtaken
by overwhelming discouragement. Me who was lamenting that
my training was producing no results, it has finally come
about two weeks ago, with patience and dedication, and it
feels like I'm now on a different orbit. Will it continue
to progress till the Marathon?
For now, this performance puts me in theory on target
for a 4h00 Marathon, perhaps less...
This week again, I have overshot Coach Glover's weekly mileage
goal with 51 Miles in nearly 8 hours.
Tagore Nagar, to the Dargah (10.06 Miles) -- 11/28/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 11/27/18 --
Lake Homes - Aarey Commute - Old Laxmi to the end, near slum wall -
Back - Marol Maroshi - 88.
Time (Watch): 1:24:15
Mileage (Google, untrusted): 8.17 Miles - 13.15 Km
Pace (untrusted): 10'19"/mile - 6'24"/km
Strava Time: 1:24:16
Strava Distance: 8.2 Miles - 13.21 Km
Strava Pace: 10'16"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs (surprised by this, but not overly concerned)
Weather: 24C - 34C; Humidity: 41%
Came back late yesterday from work, then busy with chores skipped
Namaaz, and didn't go to bed till after 10. Woke up several times to
nice dreams, got up around 4:30 fine at first, but later feeling tired.
Finished reading Surah Ankabout, followed by long Namaaz, Surah
Baqarah then Surah Muzzammil to catch-up yesterday's missed
Ishaa. In spite of all this, I set out shortly after 6:30, with the goal
of exceeding my daily goal of 8 miles.
It's nice out. I start the run slow, a little heavy from Sunday's race.
But as often I relax into the run, and really enjoy beautiful Laxmi
road, this time pushing to the end of the trail, turning back at the
large cows, near the wall limiting the Royal Palms Road slum. It's
a very beautiful morning, and this is one of the nicest roads to run,
rural and quiet. Feeling overall good, good recovery, but hopefully
I'll be able to nap during the day.
Yesterday, I got the certificate from the Thane Marathon. Just in time,
it turns out, I had till 11/30 to send it to the Marathon if my starting
position is going to be changed. I did it right away.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 11/28/18 -- Tagore Nagar Road.
Lake Powai - IIT - Tagore Nagar Rd. - to Eastern Express Hwy [4.98M - 8.01K]
Eastern Express Hwy - JVLR - Back [5.08M - 8.18K]
Time (Watch): 1:34:03
Mileage (Google): 10.06 Miles - 16.19 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Strava Time: 1:35:27
Strava Distance: 16.09 Km
Strava Pace: 5'56"/km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Weather: 23C - 34C; Humidity: 39%
Another wake-up too early at 4:00, not really able
to fall back asleep, I seem to have
lost part of my ability to push myself into dream, sadly.
So I get up at 5:00, a bit tired, similar to yesterday.
I decide to stick to today's plan
which was to explore a new route parallel to the
Eastern Express Highway, near
the registrar office, which I failed to explore last week.
Like yesterday, the run starts
a little laborious, half sleepy and stiff, but
little by little relaxes into one of the best
runs! By the time I reach the turn into Tagore
Nagar, into new territory, I feel
completely loose, the running motion coming fluid and easy,
in fact, good sustained
form relaxes me rather than exerts me!
This feels miraculous, a pace that I carry
through the interesting exploration of this half
slum neighborhood. Things being
so well, I continue forward till I reach an intersection
leading back to the highway,
and decide to return that way.
A truly fantastic run
again, amazingly fluid, measuring
the fantastic progress over the last few weeks.
But unfortunately news at work are
again horribly frustrating, so I can't dwell
on this success for too long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 11/29/18 -- Aarey Commute, Old Laxmi Rd., Lengthened.
Lake Powai, to IIT near gate & back - Aarey Rd. - Old Laxmi Rd,
till the big cows - Back, Marol Maroshi - 88.
Time (Watch): 1:34:19
Mileage (Google): 9.58 Miles - 15.42 Km
Pace: 9'51"/mile - 6'07"/km
Strava Duration: 1:34:09
Strava Distance: 15.39 Km
Strava Pace: 6'07"/km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Weather: 23C - 34C; Humidity: 44%.
Today, kind of a perfect day.
As I finish my long run, I realize that I've run it in skinny flat
tennis shoes. How is it that I've not noticed it? I feel fine,
but hope this will not cause an injury! What a silly mistake.
Then I have an appointment with our old dentist, who has
moved office again. As I wait, I poop in a newspaper which
I carefully wrap, but soon it reeks of a strong embarassing
stench. How can I dispose of it, the toilet has been closed?
I wake up at 5:00 with Ruksanna's alarm. Unlike previous
two days, I have slept well.
I continue my plan to overshoot a little my mileage goals,
like an insurance policy. I intend to repeat Tuesday's beautiful
run, lengthening it slightly for mileage, and still reach work for
an 8:30 meeting. I've started reading Surah Rum till v 40, then
Baqarah Namaaz, and set out at 6:30, again to pleasant
temperatures. Today too, I let the body gently warm-up into
the rhythm as the sun rises over Lake Powai, feeling the
rhythm progressively gaining all parts of the body, like a
fluid spreading. Eventually, as I reach beautiful Old Laxmi,
I am so fully relaxed, easy beautiful stride, thoughtless. One
could not understand without experiencing it the magical
feeling of training, when at some point the motion feels so
perfectly natural, elementary and fundamental, like flying.
A wonderful run!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 11/30/18 -- To the Dargah
Aarey - to the Dargah & back - Pipeline - Marol Maroshi,
towards Aarey & back - 88.
Time (Watch): 1:03:08
Mileage (Google): 6.6 Miles - 10.62 Km
Pace: 9'34"/mile - 5'57"/km
Strava Time: 1:02:50
Strava Distance: 10.34 Km
Strava Pace: 6'04"/km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Weather: 23C - 34C; Humidity: 44%
Another great day!
Finished reading Surah Rum, then revised Surah A'raaf which
continues to be among my favorites in Namaaz, then Surah
Yaseen in Namaaz, inconsistent, but intense at times.
I set out much later around 7, no pressure today. My time goal
is of only about 1 hour, which would allow me to easily reach
mileage goal. I take this relaxed opportunity to explore the road
to the Dargah, on this beautiful fresh morning.
I have been here only once before, during my earliest runs in
Mumbai, but for some reason never returned, vaguely intimidated.
It is in fact somewhat intimidating these slums, and the road,
gradually narrower, after passing a large university complex,
dead ends at the piazza of the Dargah, preceded by an arch.
This time, I push a little forward beyond in the alley, asking a
young man whether I could access the lake that way. But no,
it is band he responds, people have jumped there to
their death so it was closed. I return through the pipeline road,
today busy with donkeys rather than the usual pigs,
completing a relatively impressive run through the slums.
Running is as natural, easy and pleasant as it has been lately,
and approaching 88, I lengthen the run slightly to guarantee
reaching my hour goal. All is very well, feel ready for tomorrow's
long run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Run 6: "Knowledge Park" (22.39 Miles) -- 12/01/18
Lake Powai - IIT - Eastern Express Hwy - Road & Bridge to Airoli -
Overpass - Airoli Knowledge Park Rd. - Past Accenture, Mindspace,
Capgemini - Airoli Knowledge Park [11.29M - 18.17K]
Back Same Way (to Callalily Back Rd) [11.10M - 17.87K]
Time (Watch): 3:59:42
Distance (Google): 22.39 Miles - 36.04 Km
Pace: 10'42"/mile - 6'39"/km
Strava Time: 4:00:11
Strava Distance: 36.28 Km
Strava Pace: 6'37"/km
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs
Weather: 23C - 33C; Humidity: 29%
An excellent run, but a dispassionate run, lacking the marvel
of these last days.
I wake up before 5, read Surah Luqman till v. 20, then revise
Surah An'aam, and for Namaaz go back to the "classic"
Buruj-Tariq-A'ala-Ghashiyah group.
I leave around 6:15, still dark, which poses small problems at
first, given the state of the roads and lack of proper lighting.
I felt quite good and ready for this, but for some reason this
morning am not finding the same magical ease in running.
First light around IIT, and I reach the EEH with no problem,
not feeling the usual long-run tension, but not feeling particularly
great either. The same somewhat neutral mood continues along
the marshes, and even over the flamingo bridge,
perhaps with the novelty gone I'm starting to tire
from this course (but not sure where else I could run these
long runs...) Once in Airoli, I apply exactly my plan as figured
out on Google Maps, continuing straight North to a place
called Knowledge Park. This at least is new, a wide street
luckily pretty quiet, but not at all as beautiful as the
map made me imagine. It is following the marshes and water-line,
but actually leads to large Tech Parks (I somehow had thought
these would be amusement Parks!). As planned, I turn around
at the last sharp left turn of the road near the end, without
once looking at Strava, confident that this will give me
the 22 Miles or more that I've set as today's goal.
I don't feel great, but I definitely don't feel bad either.
In fact, I'm surprised how easy the run continues after
the halfway mark. I've been eating the gels regularly (five
of them in total) and drinking water. Strangely, these long
runs turn out to not favor Qur'an learning, rather, I mostly
stay focused on the stride and environment, content to spend
like that the long minutes. I comfortably
retrace my steps to the highway, this time cross one of the
overpasses to end up on the other side. For some reason the
idea that I could change my Facebook picture to old cycling
and running photos keeps my mind busy for some time, and I
pass this segment easily. Eventually, I will not do it though,
not wanting to give training undue importance, and preferring
for Ruksanna (and all that goes with our relationship) to
stay at the center of my life.
Remains the climb back to IIT, which I pass at a slow but
steady pace, although I am inevitably starting to tire. In
fact, I yell at myself, and at the congestion of vehicles,
at the IIT gate, which some man imitates in jest (I don't
blame him, I must have sounded like a madman!). I finish
the run in familiar territory, yearning ahead for the Gatorade
I'll drink, feeling generally ok. I only cut the return by
a few meters by stopping at the Callalily Building back
way.
For some reason though, only after stopping do I realize
that I am completely utterly spent!!
I am barely able to make it up the stairs back home, where
I indeed savour Gatorade, and try to ingest food, in spite
of a somewhat nauseous feeling. Ruksanna will later admit
that she got scared at my sight as I came back.
But I have perfectly executed my plan, met my objective
for the day, and have slightly overshot Bob Glover's weekly
target with almost 57 miles, in a little over 9h30.
All continues to go well ...
Parks and Jetties of Lake Powai (10.24 Miles) -- 12/03/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/03/18 -- Recovery Run: Parks and Jetties of Powai
Saki Vihar Powai Park - Two Jetties along the Lake - IIT Main Gate -
Back via Orchard Av. - Hiranandani Garden - Chandivali Rd. -
Through Inside Nahar Complex.
Time (Watch): 1:17:20
Mileage (Strava): 7.94 Miles - 12.78 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'03"/km
Strava Time: 1:17:40
Strava Distance: 12.78 Km
Strava Pace: 6'05"/mile
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Weather: 24C - 32C; Humidity: 47%
Slept well, up with the alarm after many dreams. Read Surah Sajdah.
This is another recovery run, which starts with legs of lead, but evolves
to flying like a bird. For this, a somewhat original idea of visiting most
parks and jetties of Powai. Because of this, I will have to rely on Strava
for distance. As I said, the run gets easier and easier as it goes, in
fact my pace starts at 6'53"/km (11'04"/M) to finish at 5'12"/km (8'22"/M).
Overall recovery Ok. About 8 miles per day would be a good goal for
this week, and this is a pleasant relaxed way to do it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/04/18 -- IIT Dargah Pipeline.
Lake Homes - IIT Main Gate - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar -
To the Dargah & Back - Pipeline - 88.
Time (Watch): 1:15:24
Mileage (Google): 7.91 Miles - 12.73 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Strava Duration: 1:15:42
Strava Distance: 12.78 Km
Strava Pace: 5'55"/km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Weather: 23C - 33C; Humidity: 53%
Up at 4:30 feeling good. Pause Qur'an reading (largely to catch up
with commentaries), and revise Surah An'aam, which has been
lacking some focus.
I leave later than usual around 7:00, with no particular goal other
than peacefully making my 8 miles goal, if possible avoiding too
many hills. After the long run a slight pain has appeared in the left
upper ankle, not very serious but something to watch for.
I head first towards IIT, stopping at the main gate fearing that the
run might get too long, which will prove quite a miscalculation.
Approaching Aarey, realizing that my miles will come short, I
repeat the detour to the Dargah, then head back straight through
Pipeline, traversing once again the slums, where I feel more
hostile (or at least weird) looks than usual (and donkeys and pigs).
But the run is as usual very pleasant, I quickly settle into a good
springy pace, which relaxes rather than tenses, feeling easy
and energetic.
Like yesterday, I barely met my mileage objective, coming
slightly short, but very satisfied with this run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/05/18 -- 1.5 Miles Intervals
Warmup, To Saki Vihar & back to Platform
[1.98M - 3.19K]: 0:20:39
Intervals, Lake Platform to IIT Main Gate: 1.52 Miles - 2.45 Km
Interval I: 12'14".72 - Pace: 8'03"/mile - 5'00"/km
Interval II: 12'11".26 - Pace: 8'00"/mile - 4'58"/km
Interval III: 12'09".14 - Pace: 7'59"/mile - 4'57"/km
Interval IV: 12'52".20 - Pace: 8'29"/mile - 5'15"/km
Overall Interval Mileage: 6.08 Miles - 9.8 Km
Overall Interval Time: 0:49:27
Overall Interval Pace: 8'08"/mile - 5'03"/km
Age Adjusted, fastest interval: 10'27", ie. 6'58"/mile
Cooldown, to 88 via JVLR [2.18M - 3.51K]: 0:21:31
Total Time: 1:31:37
Total Mileage: 10.24 Miles - 16.5 Km
Strava Time: 1:33:57
Strava Distance: 17 Km
Strava Pace: 5'31"/km, fastest 4'47"/km
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Weather: 23C - 33C; Humidity: 53%
Another hard session, but slightly disappointing result, falling on
the low end of my expectation.
Up around 4:30, feeling ok in spite of another bout of work crisis,
I read Surah Ahzab till v. 27, then Namaaz with Surah Baqarah
and An'aam (which is firming up). I need to squeeze this workout
early to reach work by 8:30 for an (unpleasant) call, so I leave
before 6:30, still in semi-darkness.
All goes according to plan. I feel I'm running at a good pace, holding
back slightly yet putting a good effort. I am not recording my rest
times, but for sure these are much shorter than usual.
At the midway point, some guy
asks me my age, than shakes my hand. I run the second set of
intervals, but on the last, my body seems to have lost fuel, no longer
able to produce much motion, and that ending will be significantly
slower, in spite of a good sprint. From there I run easily along the
busy freeway to work, trying to recover. I have not carried any drink
and am delighted to gulp down a Gatorade once arrived!
Comparison of recent interval sessions:
12/05: 1.5 Miles, pace 8'00"/mile
11/21: 2 Miles, pace 8'12"/mile
11/14: 1 Miles, pace 7'45"/mile
11/07: 1/2 Miles, 7'23"/mile
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/06/18 --
Chandivali Rd - SM Shetty - Heera Pana - Lake Powai -
Aarey - Old Laxmi Studio, to the big Cows - To 88.
Mileage (Google): 8.75 Miles - 14.07 Km
Time (Watch): 1:20:06
Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Strava Time: 1:20:12
Strava Distance: 14.12 Km
Strava Pace: 5'41"/km
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Weather: 23C - 32C; Humidity: 53%
Wake up tired around 4:25, unfortunately unable to fall
back asleep, I seem to have somehow lost the ability to
put myself to dream, unsure what to do to get that
precious talent back. In spite of some discouragement,
I read Surah Ah'zab till about v. 50, then Namaaz
including again Surah An'aam, still in progress. I
set out on the run later than usual.
I feel tired and a little beat up from all the training,
wondering whether I have peaked in Thane and
if it will be all downhill from here. But I decide to brush
all that aside, treat these doubts by obstinately trying
harder, and pursue a 8 plus mile run today.
Not only that, but in spite of all, I push the pace somewhat,
almost as a revenge from yesterday. Like then,
I resent carrying the damn phone in hand, but cannot
stand it swinging around in my pocket, and the damn
thing won't fit in my pouch! Must find a solution!
In retrospect, my pace
yesterday was stiff and laborious, I had partially lost the
loose elegance that I had sometimes found, which feels
so good, and that is what I'm trying to re-capture today.
You can feel it when it happens, a loose springy
stride which falls when in place, a relaxed state that is
critical to running, but often hard to achieve. Today, my
pace does feel better, it's a beautiful sunny morning, and
I enjoy nature around the Old Laxmi Studio.
News at work however continue to be disastrous. How
much further will this go?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/07/18 -- The Bad Email
Lake Powai, To Eastern Express Highway & back.
Time (Watch): 1:21:29
Mileage: 8.14 Miles - 13.1 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'13"/km
Strava Time: 1:21:47
Strava Distance: 13.02 Km
Strava Pace: 6'17"/km
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs
A long terrible email arrived last night, which I closed purposefully,
not to be read until after Namaaz this morning.
Wake up at 4:00, but tonight, in spite of the deepening crisis, I
manage to fall back asleep, that talent that was evading me. So
I wake up well again shortly before 5:00. Finish reading Surah
Ahzab, followed by Surah Yaseen. And only then do I read the
horrible email. Things are thoroughly falling apart, my name
tarnished, and I am more than ever completely incapable of
setting things right. There is no telling what the future holds.
Under the circumstances, this is a perfect run. Strangely,
all the aches and pains from the training excess seem to
have disappeared, and in a few spots I feel that I hit an
optimal posture, allowing for a near perfect flow. At this slow
training pace, it feels very easy and comfortable, and I use
the time to continue to learn Surah An'aam. I have cried briefly
in front of Ruksanna after returning, she has assured me that
we will support each other no matter what, perhaps we should
abandon all this, she does not want to see me cry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Simili 10K (11.46 Miles) -- 12/08/18
Saturday 12/08/18 -- Simili 10K
Khairani Rd. - Andheri Ghatkopar - to Eastern Express Hwy:
0:27:11 [2.78M - 4.48Km]
Fast Tempo Run, Eastern Express Highway, to JVLR & Back:
Mileage: 5.9 Miles - 9.5 Km
Time: 0:47:53 (Halfway, 0:24:12)
Pace: 8'07"/miles - 5'02"/km
Age Graded Time: 0:41:29, ie. 7'01"/mile pace.
Back same way (time not measured).
Strava Time: 1:45:04
Strava Distance: 18.45 Km
Strava Pace: 5'42"/km
Total Time: 1:45:04
Total Mileage: 11.46 Miles - 18.46 Km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
I had registered Ruksanna and I for a 10K run tomorrow in BKC,
but then found out that this is a so-called "independant run",
meaning that one can run the distance at any time and just
send Strava records for a medal! WTF!???!?
So I've changed strategy, and planned for my own independant
10K, for which I've scouted a distance on Google Maps, along the
Highway. Yesterday, I felt miraculously good running, so right on
the tail of it, I decide to go for it, instead of waiting for
Sunday.
The weather is pleasantly fresh, this being by far the best
month for running. I reach the Highway via the shorter (but
more adventurous) Khairani road, to shorten warmup/cooldown
distance. I am carrying a plastic water of bottle, luckily,
reaching the freeway, I find a very convenient place on a wall
to keep the bottle. After a brief pause, here we go.
I am determined to do well, at the same time, I'm not sure how
being by myself unsupported will affect my race motivation. I
settle into a challenging but manageable pace, well aware of
the distance ahead of me. Strangely, a cyclist talks to me
briefly, having noticed my educate young minds T-Shirt, but
he drops the conversation at my determined look.
This is an excellent stretch of road for this. I have kept
the phone (and Strava) in my back pouch, solving the phone
in the hand annoyance, therefore running by feel only,
not checking my pace. I push it pretty well, at times finding
a relaxation and body posture that is crucial to fluid running.
I eventually reach the JVLR, look at my watch (24'12", seemingly
on track), and resist the idea of stopping here for a 5K, or
even a brief rest.
I tough it out through the return, actually, finding at times
a great relaxation through my stride. I realize how crucial it
is to avoid tension in the stomach, and to let the legs
completely loosen out on the kick, a fraction of relaxation
that seems to do wonders. When done right, sustaining this
pace becomes much easier, a pleasant relaxation seems to take
hold in spite of the effort of not letting speed relapse.
I focus on staying on pace the whole way, and eventually,
at the sight of the overpass, push a small sprint, switching
to a rapid breathing cadence that I am able to hold. I have
surpringly run negative splits, a little faster on the return,
perhaps due to a subtle tail wind or imperceptible differences
in elevation, or simply because I have focused harder on staying
on pace.
Luckily, my bottle of water is still there, and I start my
slow way back home, drinking along the way, very satisfied
with this effort. After all, who needs an organized race?
This is how I trained for my first marathon, so it can
probably work here too.
Looking at the data later, I realize that, while very good,
I still haven't run quite as fast as I wished, hovering
a little over my targeted range. And the course has come
slightly short of a full 10K.
Still an excellent result though, after all, I've run this 9.5K
at roughly the same pace as I had run 1.5 Miles Intervals earlier
in the week. Had this been a true 10K, I could have finished
in 0:50:26, close to breaking the coveted 50 minute bar.
This concludes another big week, nearly 55 Miles in about
8h30, exceeding once again coach Glover's target.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Pooja for the new 88 Pictures office --
Dust (12.76 Miles) -- 12/11/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/10/18 -- Kanjurmarg
Lake Powai - IIT - Tagore Nagar Jct - Seth Govindram Jolly Marg -
Kanjur Village - Veer Savarkar, to sharp turn [4.58M - 7.38K]
Back Same Way.
Time (Watch): 1:32:53
Mileage: 9.16 Miles - 14.76 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'17"/km
Strava Time: 1:32:09
Strava Distance: 14.94 Km
Strava Pace: 6'10"/km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Weather: 20C - 31C; Humidity: 47%
Today 88 has just moved to the new building, so no work in the
morning. Take the opportunity to do this relatively long run,
at a very relaxed pleasant pace.
I read Surah Fatir in a single seating, followed by Namaaz
al-An'aam and Muzzammil.
This is another wonderful run. Temperatures are pleasantly
cool now, a little smoky due to people lighting fires, but
very suited for running. I am wearing Ruksanna's water belt
for the first time (which she has insisted on giving me at
the door), lightweight and containing two small water flasks,
and a back pocket big enough for my stupid phone.
I try something new today, turning left at Tagore Nagar Jct
into Kanjur Village, a road that eventually meanders in
populated areas, and seems ripe with other possibilities.
I think I might be able to join the expressway, but eventually
turn back at a sharp turn. After the fact, I realize that a)
I wasn't going towards the freeway at all, and b) this
actually opens to long run possibilities that are definitely
worth exploring. I will be back ...
The run is comfortable and pleasant, and I continue to learn
Surah An'aam, reaching some particularly important verses.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/11/18 -- Long Tempo Run
Warmup/Cooldown, to Lake Powai: 1.08 Miles - 1.73 Km
Tempo Run: JVLR - IIT - Eastern Expressway S -
to Godrej 2nd Gate [5.3 Miles - 8.52 Km]: 0:47:26
And back same way (with no stop).
Tempo Time: 1:33:33 (halfway: 0:47:26)
Tempo Distance: 10.6 Miles - 17.04 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'49"/mile - 5'29"/km
Strava Time: 1:56:28
Strava Distance: 20.68 Km
Strava Pace (overall): 5'38"/km
Overall Time: 1:56:28
Overall Mileage: 12.76 Miles - 20.5 Km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
My goal today is, still following Coach Glover, to
run 8 to 10 miles at projected Marathon Pace (I do
this on Tuesday as tomorrow a morning meeting prevents
such time commitment).
I wake up early after a bad night sleep. Things continue
to fall apart at work. On top of that, much to our surprise,
yesterday officers rang our doorbell (I happened to be
unusually at home) to ask me to report to the FRRO to
declare our address change. I did not know we had to do
that after obtention of the OCI card, and beyond that,
how did they track us here? Hopefully this is just a
formality, but this revives the vivid anguish of the
threat of ever being separated from Ruksanna, which
is intolerable (and shows how our love has not tarnished).
Anyway, I get up and read Surah Yaseen till v. 50,
followed by Namaaz, needing to get out early to fit
in this run before a 8:30 call.
I start in semi-darkness and warm-up till the Lake,
where I start my chrono. I carry my phone in hand
to keep live track of my pace, but the run doesn't
start well, feeling tired from lack of sleep, and
slower than I'd like. Strava actually seems to have
issues with GPS, further irritating me, and I wonder
if it'll end up doing me any good. Later it seems
to have recovered, but my pace, despite a good effort,
seems slower than desired. This is not a good day.
But a little later on the expressway, things seem
to fall magically in place. It's a beautiful cool
(yes, cool) morning, and I find a better enjoyable
stride. Now Strava, all nice again, tells me I'm
exceeding pace a bit, but I let myself go without
slowing, feeling better and better. I turn around
at the second Godrej entrance, which should give
me the desired distance, head back picking up the
pace slightly, running negative splits in spite
of the IIT hill. Post-run analysis reveals that I've
actually overshot my projected pace (which may or may
not be good). All in all, I end the run very
satisfied, the effort leaving strangely energetic
for the rest of the day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/12/18 --
To Saki Vihar - Lake Powai - IIT - Padamavati Devi - Hiranandani -
Lake Homes - Chandivali Rd.
Time (Watch): 1:04:43
Mileage (Google): 6.87 Miles - 11.06 Km
Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Strava Time: 1:04:39
Strava Distance: 10.88 Km
Strava Pace: 5'56"/km
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
Not much to report. Woke up several times, but seem
to have found again the ability to induce dream, and
wake up well at 4:45. Finished reading Surah Yaseen,
and recited parts of it in Namaaz as well. I set out at
6:30, a bit dark and treacherous in december, but I
need to be back and ready for an 8am call.
Not sure if I'm exaggerating this, but I fear that the
dust in the new building is really affecting my breathing,
will wear the kapda tomorrow, regardless of how it looks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/13/18 -- Aarey Sunrise
Aarey Commute - Old Laxmi Rd. - Marol Maroshi - to New Building.
Time (Watch): 1:20:52
Mileage (Google): 8 Miles - 12.88 Km
Pace: 10'06"/mile - 6'17"/km
Strava time: 1:21:03
Strava Distance: 12.95 Km
Strava Pace: 6'15"/km
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Weather: 23C - 32C; Humidity 42%
The crisis at work continues.
I am feeling sick, a heaviness in the chest and mild coughing,
which I attribute (perhaps wrongly) to the atmosphere in the
new building. Yesterday I wore the kerchief across my mouth,
almost to make a point.
I wake up at 4:20, unfortunately not enough time to fall back
asleep, and I don't want to yield and cut from Namaaz or running.
Since I've been stuck reading commentaries, I stop reading further,
instead revising Surah An'aam, and praying it too. Yesterday, we
were supposed to go to a wedding near work, Ruksanna came for
it, but standing on the road, among the atrocious traffic
aggressively chasing us off the road, we try in vain to find
a Rickshaw that will go in that direction - none of them will,
the road being helplessly jammed over there. We eventually
renounce, and are driven back home.
I fear I may not be able to run with all that's piling up, but as
often in such circumstance, this translates to a wonderful
healing run!
The air is cool, smoky from the many fires lit by locals to
warm up (even along Aarey as children wait for the bus),
as usual vehicles or people come right in my way in a
constant aggression. But it's a beautiful morning nevertheless,
and the pace gets easier and easier, fading all the problems
away. And on beautiful Laxmi road, as the trail ventures into
the fields of Aarey, I am greeted by the superb rising sun
through the haze, in fact, a group of people stand on the road
joining hands to it. Later, as the trail gets deserted, I pass
a couple huge impressive dark cows who fortunately don't
seem to mind me.
For the first time, I run to the new office, a little worried about
the logistics of that, but it all works out ok, and I am ready well
in time for the meeting. Insh'allah this will be a better day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/14/18 --
Aarey Commute - Detour Pipeline to JVLR & back.
Time (Watch): 1:01:14
Mileage (Google): 6.34 Miles - 10.21 Km
Pace: 9'39"/mile - 6'00"/km
Strava Time: 1:01:37
Strava Distance: 10.32 Km
Strava Pace: 5'58"/km
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
Weather: 23C - 33C; Humidity: 35%
For the first time, it actually feels cold outside!
I leave around 6:30, greeted by a blustery cold breeze,
needing to reach for an 8am meeting.
I continue to be very preoccupied by air quality in office.
Yesterday, I talked to Milind and Siddhie about it, Milind
proposed opening all windows for some time. This morning, I send an email re-iterating
the urgency of this, especially as others are complaining too.
Late in the day, we'll finally meet, and the only solution found
is to open the windows for an hour or two in the morning.
All that said, my running is amazingly good today. It could
not feel any easier, natural, flowing, than this. The chest
pain is there but alhamdoulillah does not seem to impair
me much while running. In fact, I'm feeling so good that
I extend the run to a full hour (in spite of being well ahead
of my mileage target), by a quick detour along the Pipeline.
Great morning, but as soon as I sit again in office, the
breathing pain starts again.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/15/18 --
Home Gym: 0:49:00
Sequence: Bar Press - Abs - Ankle Weights - Shoulders - Biceps.
Weight: 66.9 kg - 147.5 lbs
"Air quality crisis in office" at its worst!!
Yesterday, as we were sitting on the lighting floor for a review,
one coughing into a kerchief the other wearing a blue face mask,
a man comes and starts dabbing the glass panes by us with some
chemical atrocity. That does it! I dump everyone, interrupting
the review, go back to my office and call Milind. Finally the
windows are open on the 1st floor, whose low ceilings make the
toxic entrampment even worse. I later sit completely discouraged
in the Rickshaw, contemplating the dense whiff of dust and smoke
swirled by the traffic, my chest heavy and painful, with no relief
in sight. I feel completely defeated, in a way not energetic enough
for anger, damning this unexpected man-made ennemy, cursing the
criminal negligence so often found here, wondering how the poor
survive their worse conditions. Unfortunately, these thoughts
obsess me, in spite of my best efforts, to the expense of Namaaz,
to the expense of everything.
Saturday morning, not much relief at first. I recover some
of my Namaaz, reading then praying from Surah An'aam (where near
the end I've reached fundamental verses). Things feel a little
better from there, through a longer gym session. And then we
go to the FRRO convocation, where I get an explanation of
what is actually happening.
It turns out that the address verification which is
part of the OCI process, hadn't happened in Bangalore. Only now,
about two years later, has the Bangalore FRRO sent someone to
our old address, to find out we were gone! They somehow traced
our move to Mumbai, which is why they notified the office
here. This actually seems like a formality, but unfortunately
the officer hasn't told me all the documents to bring, so we
have to come again on Wednesday.
This seems light compared to the plight of a man
who has overstayed his visa and been denied departure
at the airport, now pleading here with
heart to be allowed back home, having nowhere
to stay. "But I have nowhere to go," he pleads several
time in a low foreign apologetic accent. Looks like the officers
will help him out, in spite of this being Saturday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Today's exceptional Long Run, Aarey / Goregaon --
Long Run 7: "Beyond Aarey, Goregaon" (21.69 Miles) -- 12/16/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 12/16/18 -- Aarey Goregaon Long Run
Khairani Rd - Saki Vihar - Military Rd - Marol - Aarey Jct -
Lotus Pond - NZ hostel - To Expressway via Veterinary College -
Western Expressway - Mohan Gokhale Rd - Krishna Vatika Marg -
Film City Rd - Towards Infinity Tech Park & back -
North - Trails towards Hanuman Temple - Into the Hills (unclear
where exactly I stopped) [11.03 Miles - 17.75 Km]
Back Same way, to Expressway - Doodh Sagar Rd - Aarey Rd -
Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Gardens Rd - Adarsh Nagar - Trail -
Railway Station Laxmi Studio - Aarey Jct - Marol -
Pipeline - Saki Vihar - back [10.66 Miles - 17.16 Km]
Time (Watch): 3:41:12
Distance (Google, slightly uncertain): 21.69 Miles - 34.91 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
Strava Time: 3:41:46
Strava Distance: 34.55 Km
Strava Pace: 6'25"/km
Weight: 66.9 kg - 147.5 lbs
Weather: 22C - 32C; Humidity: 36%
I was fearing a disaster today. In the eternal law of contrasts,
this turns into a most exceptional near-perfect run.
The week has been exhausting, and marred by the fear of
the toxic air at work, which has left me with a painful chest
and a semi-depression. But after seeing the doctor
who didn't seem to think much of it, I wake up well at 5:00,
feeling very fresh. I continue to learn Surah An'aam then
pray part of Surah Yaseen.
For some reason, as often, the morning brings me clarity
about where I should run, and I resolve last minute plans
to push past Aarey into Goregaon, heading out into the unknown,
and not certain of the distance. I have also decided to leave
before daylight through Khairani road and the car commute road
to Marol for a change,
although not quite sure how that will be in semi-darkness.
But during Namaaz, I hear a voice calling "Jaan", so faint
at first that it could be have been my imagination or something
outside, but the voice repeats, till I eventually stop the prayer
to see. It is indeed Ruksanna who has woken up early. I
therefore leave later than planned around 7, perhaps just as well,
with darkness no longer a worry. Khairani road is barely waking
up, mostly Namaazé returning from Masjid and the few churches
holding mass, doors open to the slum street.
It is again cool today, and windy, has it has been this week.
I am soon reassured that my breathing is fine. I reach the Aarey
Junction surprised that this way is actually no longer than the classic
route. Past New Zealand Hostel, I descend into the fields, and
take a left on the small rural road which I've explored once
before (where today a whole line of Rickshaws have gathered
for cleaning), a beautiful peaceful road which eventually
shrinks into small alleys traversing a hamlet, before
coming out at the freeway. After about an hour of running,
I swallow my first Cliff Gel, which we have obtained from
videsh through Amazon. As will be seen, those may have
worked better than the Runn local ones.
Past Aarey Junction is where the true exploration begins.
I have vaguely scouted a possible route on Google which I try
my best to remember (the phone will stay in my pocket the whole
run, only for Strava Recording purposes). I turn right into
Goregaon towards Film City avenue, where the blustery wind
has gotten stronger. Here is where I don't quite remember the
way, and I first head towards the hill on a road which leads
me to the Tech Park where Prana is! I turn back.
Then I choose to explore a smaller road heading further
North, which is probably what I had seen on Google. This
indeed after bordering the slums passes an open area,
with kids playing cricket on one side of the road, and
eventually dead-ends at a gate. It reveals the start of
a trail with some passage, but I am unsure at first. Luckily,
I ask someone, who nicely responds that it is perfectly
fine to go. So here we go, up the trail.
This progresses through low vegetation, climbing gently,
among the regular passage of humble people, some apparent
devotees, some groups of young cricketeers, and occasional
humble shacks on the sides, nestled in the forest. The
trail is wonderful, full of the wonder of exploration.
I pass a sign to a possible temple, then shortly after
a man, among a group of workers descending carrying charges on their
heads, advises me nicely to not continue any further,
"Udhar Jungle hai, mat jao". Following his advice,
I head back into the descent, retracing the road back to
the Highway, this time running a small parallel road
bordered by grilled slum houses, where the image of a child
peeking through would make a great photo. But I seldom
take photos now.
I feared that I would weaken after the first half,
and also fear the Aarey return where I had almost collapsed
a few long runs ago. But amazingly, the opposite happens!
I feel incredibly comfortable, legs easy and flowing, painless!
In fact I feel so miraculous that I decide for a new improvised
exploration: I will finally run the road that should connect
to Old Laxmi Studio from Royal Palms, a long-standing
subject of curiosity which I've not had yet the courage
to explore. The road starts on the left, in Hindi signs
to Adarsh Nagar, climbs to soon reach the little
village, where a group of dogs briefly bothers me. It
then continues through the beautiful hills, before reaching
a second hamlet, where I ask for the way. As usual in Mumbai,
someone takes the time to answer very nicely, directs me to continue
straight into a dirt trail which steeply descends the hill.
I cross someone walking his bike up the climb, aram se
aram se he smiles at me, the dirt trail soons become
paved with blocks before crossing other tiny hamlets, hidden in
the jungle. Finally, the familiar sight of the abandonned
Railway Station Studio peeks ahead, I am so happy to have succeeded
at this route I could cry!
And I continue to feel miraculously good. In fact, running
feels so easy and loose that I start wondering whether I've
somehow missed my training today by some mysterious mistake
as if in a dream, it should not feel so comfortable!
So I decide to return via the pipeline, in a way a
revenge for that painful long October run which I had not
been able to complete. Today, it continues to be amazing,
free flowing, and my legs feeling no tension buildup
whatsoever, helped by the pleasant winter temperature.
I finish gulping my five Cliff Gels which perhaps have
also contributed to this miraculous energy, finish my
water, and return home in a state of total elation, which
at time sends chills through my body, making it light,
airy and painless.
A miraculous run. It feels I could have run the Marathon today.
With 65 Miles in over 10h30, I have exceeded Bob
Glover's target by 10 Miles this week.
-- Vihar Lake --
FRRO, Passage, Lake Vihar (10.15 Miles) -- 12/19/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/18/18 --
Aarey Commute - Old Laxmi Rd, to the end.
Time (Watch): 1:22:54
Mileage (Google): 8.07 Miles - 13 Km
Pace: 10'16"/mile - 6'22"/km
Strava Time: 1:23:26
Strava Distance: 13.04 Km
Strava Pace: 6'24"/km
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Weather: 19C - 30C; Humidity: 38%
Read Surah Saffat till v. 74.
Not much to report today, a normal somewhat lazy run.
It feels actually cold in the morning, yes, cold,
to the point where
I regret wearing a light jerzey. As usual, the sunrise through
Aarey is beautiful, saluted by a few practicers of Yoga or meditation.
This is undoubtedly one of the best runs, rural, peaceful.
Although a little better, I am still very frustrated with the air
situation in office, and wear the pollution mask shamelessly,
even in meetings. For no apparent reason, today my nipples
are painful after the run, adding to the chest heaviness.
But today too, the run has felt so effortless that again I start
wondering if I'm training at all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/19/18 -- 2 Mile Intervals
Warmup, to Saki Vihar & back to Overpass: 0:26:15 [2.5M - 4.03K]
Two Mile Intervals, Lake Homes Overpass to IIT Main Gate & back.
[2.12 Miles - 3.4 Km]
Interval I: 17'08".33; Pace: 8'05"/mile - 5'02"/km
Interval II: 17'01".84; Pace: 8'01"/mile - 5'00"/km
Interval III: 17'19".71; Pace: 8'10"/mile - 5'06"/km
Cooldown: 0:12:55 [1.29M - 2.08K]
Overall Interval Time: 0:51:30
Overall Interval Mileage: 6.36 Miles - 10.2 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 8'06"/mile - 5'03"/km
Age Graded (fastest interval): 0:14:39, ie. 6'54"/mile
Total Time: 1:30:40
Total Mileage: 10.15 Miles - 16.31 Km
Strava Time: 1:31:43
Strava Distance: 16.42 Km
Strava Pace: 5'35"/km
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs
Weather: 20C - 30C; Humidity: 42%
Finished reading Surah Saffat. But commentaries are lagging.
This morning, we will go to the FRRO directly from home.
I run this speed session on the usual JVLR, choosing this time a back
and forth course for the intervals. But it's a frustrating start to the
day: First, I find that the bandage box is surprisingly empty, so I am
not able to protect my nipples which have been painful since yesterday.
Then, once out, my phone really struggles to find a GPS signal, frequently
thrown off the Airtel network for no reason. I fix that and go.
I feel I am running at a good effort,
but eventually will be a little disappointed by my pace, which still seems
stuck a little above target (it would be great to consistently run under
8'00"/mile or 5'00"/km). I feel glimpses of what good form might be like.
For brief periods, my body posture and springiness sort of falls in
place, seeming to produce a more energetic stride at a more relaxed
effort level, which feels just about perfect. If I could only fully understand
and capture this "perfect" stride, no doubt my running would improve
by leaps. But as it is, imbalances or tensions always manage to
creep into my form, likely slowing me down and hampering the
fundamental elegance of motion that running implies.
Keep working on this ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/20/18 -- The Passage
Route through Aarey - Old Laxmi Road - Passage to Royal Palms rd -
Loop back to Aarey Jct - Marol - Near Seepz Signal.
Time (Watch): 1:21:38
Mileage (Google): 8.13 Miles - 13.09 Km
Pace: 10'02"/mile - 6'14"/km
Strava Time: 1:22:43
Strava Distance: 13.23 Km
Strava Pace: 6'15"/km
Weight: 67.3 lbs - 148.4 lbs
Weather: 21C - 30C; Humidity: 40%
Not sure where to begin. Maybe with the beginning.
Yesterday, we went to the FRRO convocation. It took
us over two hours to reach there, a major chunk of
that just trying to get out of Powai. When we reached
at 11h30, officer Shinde, who had called us today, was
not there. But someone else helps us.
Luckily, I have brought again all documents and print-outs,
because whatever we've given on Saturday is not there.
But the officer, even though this would seem like a fairly
routine address check, starts questioning all over again,
the dead husband, the six children, as my heart is sinking.
He asks for yet other documents, notably the death
certificate, which of course we don't have. I gently ask
why are we re-opening the case like this, since all
this has already been thoroughly verified and the OCI
card granted, "don't worry, your papers are in order",
responds the officer, although it feels that he struggles
to keep track of why exactly we're here. Then, after
waiting for some time, we sit at an old computer with two
employees, laboriously typing a statement that tries to
summarize the case. It takes forever to get through the
intricate details of our many moves, but also broadening
the statement beyond our address, as if the whole case
was to be re-opened all over again. In spite of seeing our
lives potentially unravel yet again, I eventually see humour
in the situation, and gently joke with them as they painfully
get through the letter. This has taken extraordinarily long
time, so the officer has gone for lunch, and so do we. It's
around 2 o'clock, luckily, I didn't faint from the run this
morning.
Eventually, I sign the document in his presence. He eyes
Ruksanna again in a strange way, "so you have six children
from your first husband?", he asks again, but has forgotten
to ask again for the Death Certificate. Later in the corridor, I tell her
she shouldn't forget that Sofia is ours, at which she wants
to go clarify right away, ("Mera dill kehta hai"..., an expression
she uses in these difficult moments), but I hold her back, just
answer whatever is asked.
Finally, we are let go, it is around 3pm, and the return trafic
is equally atrocious.
Perhaps there is nothing to worry about, but between this
and the constant persecution of the tax authorities, not to
mention tremendous problems at work, I come to the feeling that India
has had enough of me, and is now trying to vomit me out,
an impression that will be confirmed during the run as I
hopelessly try to dodge traffic and obstacles. It feels that
I can endure anything, except for the thought of being
separated from Ruksanna. This thought unexpectedly
triggers a burst of sobbing tears during Namaaz - a long
Namaaz, as I had skipped Ishaa yesterday evening. I
haven't cried in a long time, perhaps this will do some
good. I hug her for some time, perhaps she understands
all that is in my mind. SHe doesn't worry though, these
people ask all this to protect us ...
With all this (and more), I set out on the run around 7am.
It's another wonderful clear chilly morning. As I said, the
morning traffic, particularly the buses, force me to stop
a few times. A man on the way has grossly imitated my run,
with large wild gestures, and I don't know to take in
humour or hostility. But I reach Aarey Jct very relaxed,
having found a perfect effortless pace.
I have planned a new exploration today, which is to finally
search a possible passage to Royal Palms road, which
would describe a very elegant loop.
So I run the usual road to "Old Laxmi Railway Station",
beautiful as usual, a perfect vantage point for the rising
sun (I plan to take Ruksanna here some day),
with hardly any traffic. Past the farms the road
veers right becoming a dirt trail, where I cross a few
usual morning walkers. One of them always salutes
me in English, so today I salute him back in Hindi,
"Aap yahan roz ghoumte hain?", yes, for thirty years!
I continue the trail increasingly alone, till I reach
the place of the large cows, not here today, and for
the first time take a sharp left on the trail. Somewhat
to my surprise, this is a wide well kept trail, and soon
I cross a man washing there, I ask him in Hindi "Udhar
rasta hai?" - "Hai, hai...", he responds, and then as if
surprised with a delay, "what is your name?" I stop for
once, Philippe, mujhe Hindi aati. This news seems to
delight him, and I resume the run. Indeed, just
a few meters later, I reach the road. It was that simple!
It's a little funny now to realize that the passage was
so obvious and easy. Why has it taken me so long
to find it? Anyway, this furthers my knowledge of the
Aarey area, and opens up new possibilities.
I return via the impressive slum. Two dogs erupt at
my passage causing yet another quick stop, but I
calm them without a problem, from there complete
the loop then into Marol and to work, running at a
completely effortless, extremely pleasant, relaxed
pace. As I near the Seepz signal, the traffic has become
so dense it's impossible to pass, causing me to quit
running, the final stop of the day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/21/18 -- Vihar Lake
Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Vihar Lake & back -
Pipeline Road - 88 Pictures.
Time (Watch): 1:00:34
Mileage (Google): 6.39 Miles - 10.29 Km
Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'53"/km
Strava Time: 1:02:07
Strava Distance: 10.13 Km
Strava Pace: 6'08"/km
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
Weather: 21C - 31C; Humidity: 52%
Read Surah Saad will v. 40.
Not much pressure today, as I'm certain to overshoot
my weekly miles, and I need to take it easy before tomorrow's
challenging run. I have therefore decided to explore another
long outstanding road: is it possible to acces Vihar Lake from
Dargah Road?
The road climbs gently on the hill, clearing small houses
then offering views of the nearby hill slums. It then widens
to a place with small hotels, eating and lodging, and the entrance
of a park. I pass the open gate, to find Vihar Lake, run down a jetty
on its bank. Me who was imagining an isolated somewhat foreboding access
to the lake, it's actually a park! Not at all what I expected, I run
to the end of the jetty, ask someone what's ahead: "Udhar
Jungle hai" comes the now familiar response.
As I exit, I am this time stopped at the gate. Apparently the place
was closed, although perhaps the guard is just trying to collect
a fee from me, but we talk in good humour, and he even offers
me chai (which I decline). Then to work through the usual Pipeline
road.
This is another one, the access to the lake is so straightforward
that I wonder why it took me so long to get here. But in the end,
there is not much, as it doesn't open any further, so I doubt I'll
be back much.
My lower abdomen has been vaguely painful since the last long
run, and I've also observed my urine being very dense after running,
which I've attributed to dehydration. But today, it comes out particularly
strongly tainted, as if mixed with blood. Not sure what to make of this,
adding to the seemingly constant inflow of worries that is assaulting
us lately.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- The Small River by the Highway, start of the Tempo Run --
13 Miles Tempo Run "Gate to Thane" (16.76 Miles) -- 12/22/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/22/18 -- 21K Tempo Run, Gate to Thane
Warmup: Khairani rd - Andheri Ghatkopar - Eastern Expressway,
S. to river: Approx 0:30"00 [3.2 Miles - 5.15 Km]
Tempo Run: Eastern Express Highway, From River (Ramabai Colony) -
Vikhroli - JVLR Xing - Mulund Airoli Xing - Thane Toll Plaza:
Approx 1:00:00 [6.97 Miles - 11.21 Km]
Back same way - Cross the Highway at Tagore Nagar - Last
Godrej Entrance Overpass: Approx 0:52:00 [5.94 Miles - 9.56 Km]
Tempo Run Time: 1:51:59
Tempo Run Mileage: 12.91 Miles - 20.77 Km
Tempo Run Pace: 8'40"/mile - 5'23"/km
(approx pace 1st half: 8'36"/mile; 2nd half: 8'45"/mile)
Age Graded Time: 1:37:43; pace: 7'34"/mile
Cooldown, back to Link Rd Intersection: 0.65 Miles - 1.04 Km
Strava Time: 2:30:38
Strava Distance: 27.01 Km
Strava Pace: 5'35"/km
Total Time: 2:30:38 (Strava)
Total Mileage (Google): 16.76 Miles - 26.96 Km
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
Weather: 22C - 32C; Humidity: 41%.
I have registered for another ridiculous "virtual run" half
marathon for tomorrow, which I cancel for this instead. I
have scouted a course which should cover approximately the
half marathon distance along the Eastern Express Highway.
In the morning, I finish reading Surah Saad, then a relatively
long Namaaz as I catch up with yesterday's missed Ishaa (this
is becoming too frequent, but the traffic has become atrocious
again in Powai, I arrive home late and tired).
I leave around 7:00 after some careful preparations: I have
adapted Ruksanna's running belt to my size, and secured the
straps with safety pins so they don't flap around. This allows
me to take some water and put away the phone.
Arrived at the expressway, I keep an extra bottle of water
on the wall like last time. But this time, I cross the road
to head a little East to a small river which will be my
starting point, and offers a powerful sight in the morning
light, bordered by a small slum. Here we go.
But I have counted without some congested traffic created
here by work on the road, so I have to weave my way through
the first stretch. This soon empties out to the much quieter
road, along the marshlands and occasional villages. I am not
the only runner here, in fact, I cross a group of militarymen
running while holding a sort of log in their hands and a bag
on their backs. We exchange mutual glances.
Later the road empties even more. I feel that I'm finding
a good movement, about the right level of effort (although
I'm not checking my speed), and reach the Airoli Junction
in about 50 minutes, unfortunately stopped by the traffic
(this will be the only pause). I continue beyond that, passing
my previous furthest point, still along the freeway, soon
reaching the Thane Toll Plaza, where I turn back. It's been
about one hour so far.
Strangely, rather than the mid-course blues,
this is where I feel the best, finding a very
efficient relaxed form it seems, and realize how I may go
in and out of form on these runs, learning patience, relaxation,
and not to panic. It is of utmost importance to minimize
stress and tension, both physical and mental, and very
satisfying when effectively able to relax through the
struggle. Sometimes, you find a surprising new wind,
and the stride improves in quality.
I have decided to cross to the other side near Tagore Nagar
(an easy crossing under the freeway bridge) to avoid this
morning's traffic. I am tiring a bit, and unfortunately let my mind trick
me into thinking that I should stop at the Godrej entrance,
since the overall mileage is likely to exceed a half marathon,
and there would be very little left. The overpass slowly
growing in the distance seems like a perfect finish line,
and so I yield to this, stopping the run there.
I feel I've put in a good effort, but realize there is a
little more left than I would have thought till the intersection
(turns out it's about 1 kilometer). My bottle this time
has disappeared from the wall, no wonder after nearly
two hours. Also, I really don't seen any point in running
the garbage miles back home, which could take another 30
minutes, especially since I've stupidly not packed any gels.
So I decide to return home in a Rickshaw from here, and
Sofia will meet me with money (and a towel to swipe the
embarassing sweat) at the bottom of the building.
All in all, this is a good run, but not a great run. A
slight counterperformance from the Thane Marathon, perhaps
because it's harder to keep pace outside of the race
contest, not falling back too much, but not increasing
speed either. I will eventually regret not having finished
the last kilometer, as the distance has come slightly
short of a true half marathon, and it's good to train
running in a state of struggle. Still though, an overall
satisfying performance, had it been a true half marathon,
the time would have been 1:53:32.
This wraps another big week of nearly 50 miles in about
7h45, once again exceeding by about 10 miles Coach Glover's
mileage target (although is that a good thing? Is that why
my speed has reached a plateau?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kurla (9.62 Miles) -- 12/26/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/24/18 -- Tagore Nagar
Lake Homes - Orchard Av. - IIT - JVLR - Tagore Nagar Rd -
Eastern Express Highway - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd.
Time (Watch): 1:37:15
Mileage (Google): 9.46 Miles - 15.23 Km
Pace: 10'17"/mile - 6'23"/km
Strava Time: 1:36:42
Strava Distance: 15.43 Km
Strava Pace: 6'16"/km
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
Weather: 23C - 33C; Humidity: 47%
Read Surah Zumar till v. 52.
I wake up weary, unmotivated, somewhat discouraged by
these bladder problems, which while not exactly serious,
weigh me down.
Yesterday, we met Apurva on Khar Linking Rd (very posh
area of Mumbai) where, oh surprise!, we find an Asics
store! So I buy a pair of shoes here, for the first time
in India, which I'll probably wear after the Marathon
(don't think the current Brooks will run out).
I am as ever hesitant as to where to run, but eventually
let myself embark on this fairly long run, taking for the
second time the way into Tagore Nagar. This ends up longer
than expected, but the run actually feels very good, as
I peacefully rehearse Surah An'aam (one verse from the end).
Returning to the highway section that I didn't properly
complete on Saturday, I semi joke to myself that I might
miraculously find my bottle sitting on the wall. Well,
that is exactly what happens! I must have looked at the
wrong place, the bottle is still there where I had left
it. Funny.
Coming back, my urine is clear, relief.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12/25/18 -- Kurla Station
Khairani Road - Saki Naka - Magan Nathuran rd, past backside airport -
LBS Rd - Along SantaCruz Chembur Link Rd - Small streets Kurla,
towards Kurla Railway Station.
Back - LBS - Ghatkopar - Other side of Khairani Rd.
Time (Watch): 1:19:20 (no Google measure, I got lost)
Strava Time: 1:19:00
Strava Distance: 8.55 Miles - 13.76 Km
Strava Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'44"/km
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
Christmas day, off.
I'm still somewhat frustrated with my running, partially brought
down by the diffuse worry over bladder problems (stupid radiations),
partially that I judge my pace too slow and start to wonder if
I'm overdoing my mileage at the expense of speed and relaxation.
Anyway, this is the last big (biggest) mileage week, before the
start of the taper, not too much left to adjust at this point.
Up early, I finish reading Surah Zumar (among the best middle
Surah's) then Baqarah introducing Surah Al-i-Imraan in Namaaz.
It turns out I'm in the mood for something original, but Ruksanna
has unexpectedly woke up as well. I'll admit that I don't let
anything interfere with my plans (my trademark get it done
no matter what attitude, which has always carried me through
training), so she lets me leave and goes back to bed. I leave
early around 6:15, dark outside.
I start on Khairani road, which is fortunately mostly illuminated,
to Saki Naka, not sure whether I'll veer towards the airport or
towards the Expressway. Through the slums behind the airport,
in semi-darkness, the incoming planes just about to land are
that much more impressive. I pass the Talab, the slum areas,
and a young lone runner, surprising. By the time I reach the
main road, light has barely set.
I opt for the Eastern Expressway, hoping to connect to Ghatkopar.
But the service road soon stops under an underpass, making
me turn right into some Kurla neighborhood, many muslims
in this area, and this eventually leads me to a half constructed
pedestrian bridge over the railway. I hesitantly cross, but
a muslim man sitting there alone nicely informs me that there
is no way ahead. I am close to Kurla Station, but decide
to retrace my steps more or less. I run on the other side
under the highway where it's even more impressive, a whole
colorful population of homeless community living there, lively in
the morning, and I run as if through their lives. Some dogs
briefly erupt, but no problem, and I make it back to LBS.
From here I run past Phoenix Mall (what contrast), then
the way we usually drive back to Khairani road. I actually
feel much better today, find a more springy pace than
yesterday which I push in a relaxed way, determined to
not let my pace fall back or tense up like yesterday.
I come home satisfied, Ruksanna has fallen back asleep.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 12/26/18 -- JVLR @ Marathon Pace
Warmup, to JVLR: 1.10 Miles - 1.77 Km
Marathon Pace Tempo Run:
To Saki Vihar, then back to IIT Main Gate: 2.42 Miles - 3.9 Km
Main Gate to LakeHomes Overpass & back: 2.12 Miles - 3.42 Km
[4.54 Miles - 7.32 Km]
Main Gate - back to Saki Vihar: 1.85 Miles - 2.98 Km
[6.39 Miles - 10.3 Km]
JVLR (freeway section) - Marol - Vijay Nagar: 1.71 Miles - 2.76 Km
[8.1 Miles - 13.06 Km]
Tempo Mileage: 8.1 Miles - 13.06 Km
Tempo Time: 1:10:18
Tempo Pace: 8'41"/mile - 5'23"/km
Lap @ Saki Vihar: 0:56:32, pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'29"/km
Age Graded Time: 1:01:05; Pace: 7'32"/mile (amazingly, my 2000 Marathon Pace)
Cooldown, to 88 Pictures: 0.42 Miles - 0.67 Km
Strava Time: 1:26:06
Strava Distance: 15.6 Km
Strava Pace: 5'31"/km
Total Time: 1:26:06
Total Mileage: 9.62 Miles - 15.5 Km
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs
Weather: 19C - 30C; Humidity: 37%.
Clear and simple goal today: To do a semi long-run at Marathon pace, which
I've set at 9'00"/mile, or 5'35"/km.
I read Surah Al-Mu'min till v. 38, followed by Namaaz
with Surah Ali-Imraan and An'aam.
I leave relatively late after 7:00.
I have greatly hesitated about the course to do this,
turning several options in my head,
balancing traffic, obstacles, hills, etc. Ideally
of course a flat route with few obstacles.
As often, I finalize this at the very last minute,
opting to perform almost the entire run
on the JVLR, choosing to repeat my usual mile interval
section to IIT & back. I feel stiff
at first, but after a brief warmup to the lake, here we go.
For once, I'll run with phone in hand, trying to monitor
my pace often. This is somewhat
deceiving, and the phone sometimes gets into
some weird mode where pace is no
longer displayed. I do think it is useful at first, to at
least start more or less on target,
but later in the run, irritated by the device and preferring
to run hands-free, I tuck it
in my pocket for good, run by feel.
I struggle a little to establish pace, but then settle
into it nicely, although the effort
is just a little harder than I would like. Would I be
able to sustain this for 4 hours?
Unclear ...
I complete the run like this, fortunately not blocked
at the Saki Vihar crossing,
not letting down the effort but trying not to accelerate
either, even pacing is
the key today.
But after the run, I realize I've actually overshot my
pace quite a bit: 8'41"/mile
instead of the projected 9'00". This is both good and
bad I guess, but interestingly,
this used to be my old training pace, and once age
adjusted, matches my
actual Marathon Pace from 2000! This may help brush
aside the doubts that
have been developing over the last few days.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 12/27/18 --
Aarey Commute - Laxmi rd - to Royal Palms rd through the Trail,
back through the Field - Marol - Seepz Signal.
Time (Watch): 1:20:41
Mileage (Google): 8.31 Miles - 13.37 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'02"/km
Strava Time: 1:21:12
Strava Distance: 13.49 Km
Strava Pace: 6'01"/km
Weight: 67.2 kg - 148.1 lbs
Weather: 19C - 30C; Humidity: 28%
Things continue to fall apart at work, crisis after crisis.
I am nevertheless blessed today with better Namaaz,
lacking privacy in the office (the glass walls won't be
privacy protected for some time), I came up yesterday
with another of my eccentric schemes to get my way
no matter what: I placed a large cardboard box in the
middle of the room, sufficient to partly block the view,
and prayed Namaaz behind it sitting on the ground,
mostly concealed, enabling me to at least go in proper
Sajdah. As awkward as this might seem, I led to a much
better Namaaz than sitting on my chair, as I have been
since we moved.
In spite of the slow sinking at work, I am also blessed with
good sleep, these days able to invariably sleep back after
waking up at various points in the night. Ruksanna, whom
I've given Netflix to, has spent a large part of the night
watching some scary film, and we laugh. I read Surah
Mu'min till v. 69, and take a first pass at learning the
last verse of Surah An'aam. Surah Mu'min and Zumar,
along with Al-Isra, have been the biggest revelation of
this particular Qur'an reading.
I leave again past 7:00, feeling good but sore from
yesterday's run, a feeling that gradually subsides. It's
actually almost cold this morning, to the point where my
breath steams up through Aarey. It's as usual peaceful
crisp and beautiful there, although I am mildly bothered
by a group of children mocking the running foreigner
(foreigner always feels like an insult to me for some
reason).
I complete a small loop on Royal Palms road, using the
field trail that we found the other day with Ruksanna,
from there complete this near ideal run, trying to run
a steady training pace, not too slow not too fast. This ends
up clocking at around 9'40"/mile, just about perfect.
Things are recovering, I am less concerned now about my
speed, continue to run relaxed, and most importantly my
bladder pains are gradually subsiding.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 12/28/18 -- Chhota Rasta
Commute via Aarey Pipeline.
Time (Watch): 0:42:50
Mileage (Google): 4.28 Miles - 6.89 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'13"/km
Strava Time: 0:43:01
Strava Distance: 6.98 Km
Strava Pace: 6'10"/km
Weight: 67.1 kg - 147.9 lbs
Weather: 19C - 31C; Humidity: 30%
Finished reading Surah Mu'min. Caught up from yesterday's
missed Ishaa ki Namaaz (due to exhaustion) then Surah
Yaseen.
This is a very easy, lazy run, almost like a rest day, sliced
between giants, in anticipation of tomorrow's planned
monster long run. It's chilly and breezy outside. I start a
little dizzy and sore, but relax into the run, without pushing
anything. Body aches seem in check, bladder continues
to improve, in fact my urine is clear as water after the run.
Funnily, because my bread has gone moldy at work yesterday,
I am carrying slices of bread in hand, wrapped in plastic and
cloth, in my good tradition of bizarre eccentricity, the get it
done no matter what mentality.
Now get ready for tomorrow's run.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Run 8: "Surah An'aam" (23.62 Miles) -- 12/29/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 12/29/18 -- Long Run Airoli
Khairani Rd. - Andheri Ghatkopar - Eastern Express Highway -
Airoli - Shri Ayappa Mandir Marg - Onto Trail.
Back same way, stop at the start of Khairani Rd.
Time (Watch): 4:14:38
Strava Time: 4:14:15
Strava Distance: 23.62 Miles - 38.01 km
Strava Pace: 10'46"/mile - 6'41"/km
Weight: 67.1 kg - 147.9 lbs
The last long run before the Marathon.
But I start it a little beaten up. Yesterday, and through the
night, I did not feel so well, slight stomach pains and body
aches, general tiredness, as if getting sick or overtrained,
to the point where I consider postponing the run till Sunday.
But no, in spite of waking up with a headache, I still judge
it good enough to go, I can always catch up tomorrow if
something goes wrong. I read further into Surah Ha-Mim Sajadah,
then Namaaz. I leave later than usual, around 6:45, although
that at least guarantees some light outside.
I have made elaborate plans to run small roads through Kanjur
and Bhandup villages, parallelling the highway, but feeling
low in confidence I abandon all that to run again on the
highway itself, preferring its predictable tedium and obstacle
free straightline to the uncertainty of exploration. I will
regret that decision later though.
In Airoli itself will be the only exploration of the day.
At the end of the loop, it too a popular destination for
morning walkers, I engage after asking onto a trail that
enters a sort of peninsula. But the trail eventually sort
of dissolves, not allowing the kind of loop that I had
seen on the maps, and I am hearing packs of wild dogs.
Finally consulting Strava, I realize it's been exactly
20 Kilometers, perfect point to turn back (if I repeat
the same road on the way back, it will surpass my mileage
goal to an even 40k, probably too much actually).
As often now, and somewhat paradoxically, I feel best at
the beginning of the return, running easily at a manageable
effort. I have been eating gels and drinking water
from my usual two bottles. I consider
again taking the exploratory route, but with so much
distance at stake, do not want to take any risk. So back
on the highway, for once in a long time, I am able to
rehearse the Qur'an as I run, a habit that has greatly
diminished as training has increased. Today, I have learned
the last verse of Surah An'aam, and rehearse those two
last Rukus a few times throughout the run.
All is well then, until the last stretch of the run.
Turning into Ghatkopar's busier streets, and a slight
uphill, I weaken quite a bit, and find little motivation
to push through. I know that by stubbornly running all
the way back, I'll exceed my mileage to 40 Km, which is
probably unwise, and my form is completely deteriorating.
Approaching the base of Khairani road, I consult again Strava,
which tells me I've reached 38 Km. So I call it a day
there, and hope into a Rickshaw. I don't doubt this
was the right decision (especially since Khairani Road
ends up being completely clogged with traffic), but still,
there is always some disappointement about not finishing
the entire course. I have completed the desired mileage,
but deprived myself from the irreplaceable enthusiastic burst of
reaching back home.
So all in all, a good run, but which leaves me strangely
frustrated and unsatisfied.
I have immediately published
the Strava result on Facebook, a decision which I'll
regret, preferring relative secrecy. Also,
I wish I had explored the new road, it would have
been a more suitable option to coronate this intense
training cycle. Finally, even though I've completed
the run in relative comfort, I am once again disappointed
once I discover my pace. The Strava Analysis shows me
gradually slowing down, peaking around 6'00"/km, but
ending at a crawl of about 7'30"/km!
Whatever it is, it is what it is. Another big week
of about 64 Miles in 10h40, exceeding target again.
And most importantly, I have completed all
eight long runs, with relative success. Now the start of taper
(which I know inevitably brings much anxiety), and a focus on
shorter faster runs. I am very satisfied that I've finished
learning Surah An'aam, and the next morning, I am able
to focus on praying it in Namaaz (the first time in its
entirety), after finishing reading Surah Ha-Mim Sajadah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Last Two Rukus of Surah An'aam --
Saki Naka, Airport, MIDC (9 Miles) -- 01/01/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 12/31/18 -- IIT Market
IRB rd - SM Shetty - Hiranandani - Hospital - IIT Market - to JVLR.
Back through Vidya - Hospital - Hakone Garden - Orchard -
Nature Basket - Lake Homes.
Time (Watch): 1:07:47
Strava Time: 1:07:35
Strava Distance: 6.8 Miles - 10.95 Km
Strava Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs (surprised by this moderate gain)
Weather: 19C - 30C; Humidity: 27%
Got up a little late around 5:15, rehearsed last verses of Surah An'aam rather than reading further ahead, than recited it in Namaaz. Still feeling beat up and rather unmotivated after Saturday's long run, I force myself a little out the door planning on something short. But after a sore heavy start, the frequent small miracle happens again, I soon settle in a very pleasant relaxed pace, running feels like it's happening by itself, carried by the wind, and my confidence is restored,so I end up meandering along the route. This is further encouraged by the near empty streets today, New Year's eve.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/01/19 -- Saki Naka - Airport - MIDC
Khairani Rd - Saki Naka - Andheri Kurla Rd - Towards Airport -
Under Sahar Airport Rd, past the Luxury Hotels - Sahar Rd -
Along WEH - Guru Hargovindji rd - Chakala Metro - MIDC rd -
Old 88 Office - Military Rd - Saki Vihar - Nahar.
Time (Watch): 1:21:05
Mileage (Google): 8.99 Miles - 14.47 Km
Pace: 9'01"/mile - 5'36"/km
Strava Time: 1:21:30
Strava Distance: 14.49 Km
Strava Pace: 5'37"/km
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
Weather: 19C - 31C; Humidity: 29%
Read Surah Shurah till v. 44, followed by Namaaz Surah al-i-Imraan.
I have bravely slept through New Year's Eve (much to my
satisfaction), but struggle to sleep after 4am, although
barely manage some half dreams, enough to get me going.
I leave early after Namaaz, around 6:30, in darkness.
Like on Christmas day, I plan on taking advantage of the
light holiday traffic for an urban-side exploration, today
executing this old idea of running in the airport area.
It is very dark, but luckily parts of Khairani road are
well lit, the slums, commerces and masjids starting to
wake up. I pass Saki Naka and turn towards the airport
as day light is starting to peek, where I witness a strangely
silent fist fight, three men seemingly grasping some
object while hitting each other. The sunrise over the airport,
seen from the bridge over the Mithi river, some locals perched
on its railings like birds, would make a beautiful picture.
I proceed with the run under the Airport elevated highway,
past the several luxury hotels, at the end of which I turn
right into unknown territory. I do soon reach the Western
Express Highway whose side road I follow, imagining I'll
find the Metro line. But on the way, I turn into an inviting
large avenue, boarded with companies, which eventually leads
me to Chakala Metro Station. Continuing straight through
smaller roads, I reach MIDC, now in familiar territory,
but cutting through the alleys, I get bothered by a
bad looking dog, who does not back off at my usual
signs, I pass slowly but fine.
From the old 88 office it's familiar territory. I have
been running a good pace so far it seems, relaxed and
more springy, and I now strive to maintain that back
home. I plan on a last small detour through Mahara
but at the sight of another group of aggressive dogs
(is it last night's New Year's celebration that makes
them so bad this morning?) I retreat to the safer
Nahar route.
An excellent run! Relaxed, better pacing, loving the
quietness of the holiday. And back home by 8 to wake
up Ruksanna.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/01/19 -- Half Mile Intervals
Warmup, to Maritime OP then LakeHomes OP: 0:18:07 [1.72 M - 2.77K]
Intervals: LakeHomes OP to Wall Break [ 0.55M - 886m]
- Wall Break to IIT Gate [0.51M - 820m ]
Interval I: 4'05'.60 [0.55M 0.886K] - Pace: 7'25"/mile - 4'36"/km
Interval II: 3'44".69 [0.51M 0.820K] - Pace: 7'19"/mile - 4'33"/km
Interval III: 3'49".17 [0.51M 0.820K] - Pace: 7'29"/mile - 4'39"/km
Interval IV: 4'17".02 [0.55M 0.886K] - Pace: 7'47"/mile - 4'50"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:15:55
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.12 Miles - 3.41 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 7'30"/mile - 4'40"/km
Age Graded Pace (fastest interval): 0.51 M in 03'12".6; Pace: 6'14"/mile.
Cooldown: 0:12:16 [1.28M - 2.07K]
Total Time: 0:46:18
Total Mileage: 5.12 Miles - 8.25 Km
Strava Time: 0:47:45
Strava Distance: 8.59 Km
Strava Pace: 5'33"/km
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
Weather: 20C - 32C; Humidity: 33%.
Finished reading Surah Shura, then Surah Zukhruf till v. 25.
Woke up at 4:30, but quite tired, and somewhat sore. Probably ran
too much yesterday, perhaps hampering today's speed session. But
I decide to proceed nevertheless.
I indeed don't feel very good once outside. I put a good effort into the
half miles, but do notice stiffness in my legs, as if bordering on injury,
particularly in the right hamstring, which seems to pull slightly a few
times. I have planned for 6 half miles, but with the wisdom of adjusting
if necessary. Which is precisely what I do: I decide to call it at the end
of the 4th interval, as I start to slow down, and my weariness concerns
me. In these remaining three weeks of training, I need to imperatively
choose the conservative path, in all circumstances, a marked break
from what it has been so far.
So I head back home -
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/03/19 --
Saki Vihar - JVLR to IIT Far Gate - Back same way.
Time (Watch): 1:10:57
Mileage (Google): 7.6 Miles - 12.24 Km
Pace: 9'20"/mile - 5'47"/km
Strava Time: 1:10:54
Strava Mileage: 12.27 Km
Strava Pace: 5'47"/km
Weight: 67.4 kg - 148.6 lbs
Read Surah Zukhruf till v. 68, followed by Namaaz
Surah Baqarah and An'aam.
Feeling much better than yesterday.
It looks like a regular alternance of good and bad days.
But we have to admit that my fitness has been deteriorating
some over these last weeks of training, from a peak around
the Thane Half Marathon and the Goregaon Long Run. Everything
since has been on a slight downhill, not overly dramatic, but
a relapse nonetheless. I attribute this to mileage greed,
which has led me to foolishly exceed training targets, packing
on excessive hours at the expense sometimes
of quality running. I should have
better followed Coach Glover's calls for moderation.
Not much to do about it now though, the priority is all
taper and rest, which may or may not restore my best
form. I'm trying to run in a way to re-capture fun and pleasure
(it's been too tense lately), and above all, relax, reconnect
with the pleasant flowing motion, regardless of exact speed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/04/19 -- Aarey Commute
Lake Homes - Aarey.
Time (Watch): 0:54:23
Mileage (Google): 5.8 Miles - 9.33 Km
Pace: 9'22"/mile - 5'50"/km
Strava Time: 0:54:27
Strava Distance: 9.4 Km
Strava Pace: 5'47"/km
Weight: 67.2 kg - 148.1 lbs
Weather: 20C - 32C; Humidity: 46%
Up at 4:30 but feeling well, finished Surah Zukhruf then read
Surah Dukhan till v 30, caught with Ishaa ki Namaaz, and then
the traditional Surah Yaseen (well devoted) on today, Jummah.
As I was getting ready though, Madeleine calls, happy to spend
a little time with her and Terra (and the parrot).
So I set out a little late, non-consequential.
This is definitely the taper period, which I intend to get right.
With it comes the normal loss of motivation and interest, but
I want to focus on running very relaxed, rested, pleasant,
not pushing too fast but not too slow or sloppy.
Climbing the Aarey hill, a car honks at me: It's SeshaPrasad,
going to work in Royal Palms. We had already met in the same
circumstances in Bangalore, him in his car, me running.
I complete the run with nothing noteworthy. But after the fact,
I'm surprised by my pace, for once much faster than anticipated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swacch Bharat 10K (8.2 Miles) -- 01/06/19
Sunday 01/06/19 -- Kisna Swachh Bharat BKC 10K
Time: 0:50:57 (Official) [** INDIA PR]
Mileage: 6.21 Miles - 10 Km
Pace: 8'12"/mile - 5'05"/km
Strava Time: 0:51:29
Strava Distance: 10 Km
Strava Pace: 5'09"/km
Age Graded: 0:44:10, ie. Pace: 7'06"/mile - 4'25"/km
Warmup: Approx 20 minutes, 2 Miles - 3.2 Km
Total Time: 1:10:57
Total Mileage: 8.2 Miles - 13.2 Km
Weight: 66.5 kg - 146.6 lbs
This is one of those pissy mood days.
For some reason since yesterday, I've been in a particularly
bad disposition, thoroughly unmotivated, discouraged, no apetite
at all for running, anger even at the disproportionate time spent
in training these last few months. At least, my strength has
focused back on Namaaz which has been excellent these last days,
and often, this strange angry mood leads to unexpected breakthrough
performance. Well, today is at its worse, waiting at the start among
a large crowd, I feel like going back home!
But I know this might improve while running. I leave Ruksanna
to the Zumba to warm-up running back and forth, than maneuver to
the start to try to move in place. It's a huge crowd (5,500 runners
for the 10/5k, and more have already left for the half marathon),
people are ridiculously jostling in position, families, fat people,
all in the hope of some selfies. When the gun starts, pressed together,
we're not able to run at first.
But I do settle into some pace, weaving till I find a little
place on the wide road. The phone will stay in the pouch for the
whole run, I am back
to running by feeling, which after all I really enjoy.
I feel I'm achieving a good pace, but not an exceptional pace,
today not letting down, and at no point feeling despair, able
to maintain even effort till the end (in fact Strava will show that
I have been accelerating slightly). I do feel some soreness especially
in the quads, which do limit my motion somewhat, but I focus as ever
on optimal relaxation. The brave runners of the
start slow down, some people run awkwardly, loudly, and I think
of Coach Glover's description of the beautiful, silent, efficient pace,
"pretty soon the only one you will hear". Indeed, most people
drop back.
But since this consists of two loops, I have also caught up with
the many many walkers, selfie takers, who clog the road, and
the last kilometers are distracted by weaving through this
totally ignorant crowd. Some poor runner like me hails these walkers
to stay to the side, but he is mocked at with affected deference.
I too tell a group of fat women in Hindi to move to the side,
as they are occupying the entire width of the timing mat. As the
finish nears, and the crowd becomes even denser, I resort to
swearing in French, which hopefully no-one really hears.
Nevertheless, I manage to complete the run with
heart, no feel of abandonment today, and keeping on pace. I finally
check my watch in the last kilometers, to find out that I've mistakenly
stopped it at the start. Whatever, confident that I'm doing well,
I push a good controlled pace towards the finish, still not
letting down. The effort
of the last 500 meters have led to an unusual bout of incontinence.
Not exceptional, but not at all bad. As expected, this will be
my India PR, although still not breaking 50 (which preserves a goal
for the future).
For once I am on target with Mileage Goals (42 Miles), which
I really intend to follow robotically through this crucial
but challenging taper phase.
-- Mitou has become friendly! --
Taper (5.78 Miles) -- 01/09/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 01/08/19 -- Lost Key?
Time (Watch): 0:49:13
Mileage (Google): 5.28 Miles - 8.49 Km
Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'48"/km
Strava Time: 0:49:03
Strava Distance: 8.52 Km
Strava Pace: 5'45"/km
Weight: 66.2 kg - 145.9 lbs (did not expect this)
Weather: 19C - 31C; Humidity: 35%
Read Surah Ahqaf till v 27.
Woke up a few times as usual, notably around 3:30, where I read
further into L'Education Sentimentale, which I find much lesser than
the other two Flaubert novels, and struggle to finish. Luckily, I
manage to fall back asleep for a quick dream: After stomach surgery,
I worry that the doctor may have closed some loose end of my
intestine with a simple clip, which might fall of while running the
Marathon! This after another Marathon dream a few nights ago,
where the organizers made us pause in a hotel half-way through
the course, I thought, why pause now, I am doing so well, how
will I re-capture my pace? And sure enough, after we re-start,
some old PDI acquaintance insists on talking to me on the run,
further distracting me from pacing.
Yesterday, I came out of the Rickshaw without my house keys,
very fearful that it might have fallen off my pocket, although I
might also have forgotten it in office. The Powai Police Station
road has been dug up again right at the intersection, further
compromising the already atrocious Chandivali traffic, making
it almost impossible to come home in the evenings. Yesterday,
I directed the Rickshaw towards Lake Homes instead, where we
got stuck as well, so after a U-Turn, we finally reached through
the Shangarsh Nagar way! Not sure how it will be tonight.
Anyway.
I actually wake up from this dream feeling amazingly fresh.
Somewhat surprisingly, my weight is at its lowest it's ever
been (including old training weights), and I don't know if
I should rejoice or worry.
I read further into the Qur'an in spite of being behind in the
commentaries, followed by Namaaz Baqarah and An'aam,
then head out around 6:45 for a 8am meeting at work.
Since I don't have my key, not sure whether I'll be able
to access my clothes, I carry a chaddi in pocket and a
Polo Shirt in hand, just in case, and a bar in the pouch.
I am determined to follow the mileage guidelines literally
through this taper period, so opt for the classic Aarey commute
route. Today, with hardly any warmup, I realize that I'm running
amazingly well, very fluid and relaxed, pleasant. I take this
freshness all the way to work, one of my best runs in some time.
And once I reach the office, I find my keys where I had forgotten
them last night: on the cupboard door to my clothes.
All is truly excellent today, al'hamdoulillah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/09/19 -- 10K Pace Mile Intervals
Warmup: 0:13:24 [1.28M - 2.07K]
Interval I, Lake Homes OP to IIT Gate [1.06M - 1.70K]:
8'24".05 -- Pace: 7'55"/mile - 4'56"/km
Interval II, IIT Gate to Lake Homes OP [1.06M - 1.70K]:
8'35".35 -- Pace: 8'06"/mile - 5'03"/km
Interval III, Lake Homes OP to Wall Break & Back [1.10M - 1.76K]:
8'55".45 -- Pace: 8'06"/mile - 5'04"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:25:54
Overall Interval Mileage: 3.22 Miles - 5.16 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 8'02"/mile - 5'01"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.06 Miles in 7'13", ie. 6'48"/mile - 4'14"/km
Cooldown: 0:11:34 [1.28M - 2.07K]
Total Time: 0:50:52
Total Mileage: 5.78 Miles - 9.3 Km
Strava Time: 0:51:48
Strava Distance: 9.27 Km
Strava Pace: 5'35"/km
Weather: 20C - 30C; Humidity: 49%
Weight: 66.7 kg - 147 lbs
Finished reading Surah Ahqaf, then Surah Muhammad till v. 20 (am now
caught up with commentaries).
I intend to follow coach Glover's schedule quite literally this week, so
embark on these mile intervals, although I do question the wisdom of
it, so soon after the 10K. I settle on three miles, (one of which is back
and forth to not add unnecessary mileage running back), at a relaxed
pace, similar to the 10K, trying to not take on any pressure. The first
mile actually feels great, loose and pleasant, well within my limits. But
beyond that I tense up a little, and without a strong goal in mind, start
to lose concentration, especially in the last lap where some work thoughts
start to interfere (!). Also, I do feel some small pains, most notably in the
right hamstring / calf, which hampers my motion slightly. The last thing
to do now would be to incur an injury, so I do not push it.
All in all a good run though. If anything, I'm a little surprised that my
pace lands around 8'00", rather better than I expected.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/10/19 -- Obstacles
To IIT near Jettie & back - Aarey Pipeline.
Time (watch): 0:51:54
Mileage: 5.6 Miles - 9.01 Km
Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'45"/km
Strava Time: 0:52:29
Strava Mileage: 9 Km
Strava Pace: 5'50"/km
Weight: 66.7 lbs - 147 lbs
Finished reading Surah Muhammad, then revised Buruj
and Tariq, to pray the classic Buruj - Tariq - A'ala - Ghashiyah
in Namaaz, followed by Ishaa catch-up (which is unfortunately
becoming the norm as I cannot avoid coming home before
8:30pm).
This is another run of many obstacles.
I am once again determined to not exceed mileage, but
would rather not repeat the same route, so try Pipeline
with a small detour. Near the lake Platform, a motorcyclist
asks me for directions, which in true Mumbai fashion I spend
time giving him in great detail. Then an unusual compact
traffic jam paralyses Saki Vihar making it impossible to
run freely. Luckily, quite Pipeline road if free of traffic,
belonging to walkers, toilet goers, dogs and pigs.
And finally reaching work, a dog does not let me go,
jumping over me. He is harmless, and the guard and I
laugh at this young playful dog.
All in all, a great run actually, in fact, I am quite surprised
by my relatively fast pace, obtained with little effort. Continue
like this till the race.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/11/19 --
Lake Homes - IIT Main Gate - JVLR.
Time (Watch): 0:45:38
Mileage: 4.94 Miles - 7.95 Km
Pace: 9'14"/mile - 5'44"/km
Strava Time: 0:46:29
Strava Distance: 8.02 Km
Strava Pace: 5'48"/km
Weight: 66.7 lbs - 147 lbs
Read Surah Fath, then Surah Yaseen in Namaaz, followed by
Ishaa catchup. Again, this is becoming a bad habit which
needs to stop, as I come back late and tired from work
(having walked halfway through the atrocious traffic,
not finding a Rickshaw willing to go to Chandivali,
which has been hopelessly clogged lately).
But this is an excellent run, like yesterday relaxed and
pleasant, achieving a good pace at nearly no effort.
Only to report some back and IT band pain, but nothing
too alarming. Abundant stretching, continue to hold back
and reduce mileage, relax and enjoy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vikhroli (10.59 Miles) -- 01/12/19
Khairani Rd - Ramachandra Kadam - Link rd - Eastern Express Hwy -
Past Godrej - Tagore Nagar - Vikhroli Registrar Office - IIT -
Padmavati Devi - Vidya - Hiranandani - Orchard - Lake Homes.
Time (Watch): 1:35:51
Mileage (Google): 10.59 Miles - 17.05 Km
Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'37"/km
Strava Time: 1:35:57
Strava Distance: 16.97 Km
Strava Pace: 5'39"/km
Weight: 66.6 kg - 146.8 lbs
Weather: 20C - 30C; Humidity: 60%.
Last night, the Powai area was so hopelessly stuck that
I left the Rickshaw stranded at the lake, to finish on
foot through the chaos, reaching home after 9pm. But this
time I adamantly pray a devoted Ishaa ki Namaaz on arrival,
consisting of Surah Waqi'ah (achieving throughout this Jummah
the trio of Yaseen - Mulk - Waqi'ah).
Not sure though if I'll be too tired after sleeping
relatively late (we've also been watching Mitou's antics on
the table), I consider postponing this last mid-distance run
to Sunday, but in the morning, waking up at 5 in approximate
good shape, the call decides me to proceed with initial plan.
I read Surah Hujuraat and part of Qaf, Namaaz, stretching,
and ready to go by around 6:45.
I had vaguely planned to see through the missed exploration
further into Kanjur Village today, but once again, sort of
chicken out of this, not wanting to take any risk on the last
week before the Marathon. But I still settle for a semi-exploration
course, or at least one that takes me through the neighbourhoods,
refusing the lazy comfortable tedium of the highway. Plus,
this will describe an elegant circle on Strava, for some reason
drawing a nice course becoming more a factor these days.
Khairani road and Ramachandra Kadam are very lively
at first light, causing a few obstacles, but beautiful and
vibrant, exciting. I reach the highway very comfortably,
very happy to find myself in good shape. It is hazy here,
from pollution or a morning mist, in fact, relatively cool,
perfect for running. As it has been this week, I effortlessly
find an amazing pace, fluid, easy, rarely has running felt
so pleasant, natural. As planned, I dive into Tagore Nagar,
this time parallelling the highway till I reach the Registrar's
office (where we've come sign our rental agreement). Here too
the morning activity is great, schools, walkers, in spite
of this being a slummy area many parks. I carry this wonderful
pace back to the JVLR and up the hill to IIT, then venture
through the small streets near Vidya to Hiranandani and
Lake Homes, concluding one of the best runs of this amazing
cycle.
I am definitely ready, insh'allah,
now utmost care to maintain this état de
grâce through the week till race day. So far the taper is
much much better than I had anticiapted, feeling light and airy.
With about 32 Miles in less than 5 hours, I am precisely
on target with Coach Glover's goal, which is exactly as
I want it to be. Next week, follow it just as rigorously,
hoping it'll take me to the start line in good shape.
-- First Verses of Surah Shams --
TAPER (5.3 Miles) -- 01/16/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 01/14/19 --
Lake Powai, to IIT near gate & back.
Time (Watch): 0:38:59
Mileage (Google): 4.06 Miles - 6.54 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'57"/km
Strava Time: 0:39:09
Strava Distance: 6.47 Km
Strava Pace: 6'03"/km
Weight: 66.8 kg - 147.3 lbs
Weather: 22C - 32C; Humidity: 38%
Read Surah Dhariyat, a somewhat minor Surah, then
on a sudden inspiration, contradicting my earlier decision
of a pause, I started learning Surah Shams,
deciding to finally fill the gap left in my knowledge of the
last Surahs. This provides a much needed goal for these
last days before Marathon, (now that all running
and learning goals have been met), and I actually
enjoy these first verses a lot.
Running is fine. It's hard not to feel some tension, that
something might go wrong at the eleventh hour, but I
manage that as best I can. I have carefully mapped out
the week to meet the mileage goals with no excess,
in a way, it's comforting to follow a pre-established plan
without thinking.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/16/19 -- Marathon Pace Tempo Run (Dressed Rehearsal)
Tempo Run: Lake Powai - To Nature Basket OP & Back - Saki Vihar -
Pipeline to Vijay Nagar Bridge.
Mileage (Google): 3.76 Miles - 6.05 Km
Time (Watch): 0:31:47
Pace: 8'27"/mile - 5'15"/km
Total Time (Strava): 0:46:51
Total Mileage (Strava): 5.3 Miles - 8.54 Km
Total Pace (Strava): 8'49"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weight: 66.1 kg - 145.7 lbs
Weather: 22C - 32C; Humidity: 56%
I have carefully planned today's run, but as usual, change it
at the last minute. The idea was to run an even 5 miles along
Powai Lake to practice Marathon pacing & back, but yesterday
evening, the traffic was so abominable that it took me a good
1h15 to drive back home! So today, allergic to the idea of the
car, I decide to scout a 5 Mile commute to work instead, and
come up with this.
I am actually feeling pretty good today, with the exception of
a pesky headache that has been nearly a daily occurrence
lately (hope not the prelude to some illness). I read Surah
Naml back from the start, one that stands out among this
group, then an excellent Surah Al-i-Imraan in Namaaz, and
feel quite comfortable through stretching. Since yesterday,
I have taken the unexpected decision to learn Surah Shams,
finally filling the two surah gap that was left in my knowledge
of the last part of the Qur'an.
I decide to use this last run for a dress rehearsal, to answer
the question of how I will carry whatever I need to carry on
race day. So I stuff my short pockets with 6 gels wrapped
in cloth, and keep phone and key in the waist pouch. This
will work perfectly (no chafing or discomfort), so that puts
that question to rest. Good.
I feel good at the start, but in a sort of contrary pattern, feel
that my pace is more laborious than I would like. I have
decided to run by feeling, thinking I'll naturally settle into
Marathon Pace by effort, so keep the phone tucked away.
I had intended this to be relaxed and light,
natural and magical, like it has been
earlier in the week, but it's not happening today. My pace feels
forced, stomach heavy, breathing laborious.
I complete the run though trying to "find the pace", which
I do over brief sections, but still not to my satisfaction. But
this is all probably inconsequential, besides, not much to
do about it at this point.
Later doing the stats, I realize why: I've been running way
too fast! I've pushed to about 8'30"/mile, instead of the
intended 9'00" (or no faster than 8'50"). Perhaps this teaches
me a valuable lesson: I should not rely on feeling only for
pacing on Race Day. This is far too deceptive, especially
with the excitement and anxiety of the race. So as I did in
Thane, I should use Strava to ensure that I get started at
the appropriate pace. Please stick to this plan...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/17/19 -- 3 Miles
Chhota Rasta: Khairani Rd - Saki Vihar - Marwah -
Military Rd - Marol Maroshi - Seepz.
Mileage (Google): 3.03 Miles - 4.88 Km
Time (Watch): 0:27:47
Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'41"/km
Strava Time: 0:28:02
Strava Distance: 4.9 Km
Strava Pace: 5'43"/km
Weight: 66.1 kg - 145.7 lbs
Woke up at 3:45, anxiously struggling to fall back asleep,
which I fortunately do manage briefly by the usual dreamy
technique. This allhamdoulillah puts me in an excellent
state (after the early morning fright). I read Surah Qamar,
then Namaaz Baqarah / An'aam.
I will stick rigorously to the 3 mile goal!
But I am out of bread at work, and only one change of
clothes. But not to be stopped, Ruksanna packs for me
five slices of bed which I'll hand-carry through the run.
It's a little busy on Khairani road before 7am, but the run
unfolds perfectly. In some way I nearly succeed where
I failed yesterday, quickly finding a very relaxed natural
pace, like flying, which comes at no effort, and unwittingly
almost achieving my marathon pace!
Insh'allah, may I find such a pleasant pace on race day!
One single run left till then ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/18/19 -- Mitou Gone
Mileage (Google): 3.27 Miles - 5.27 Km
Time (Watch): 0:31:13
Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'55"/km
Strava Time: 0:31:12
Strava Distance: 5.1 Km
Strava Pace: 6'07"/km
Weight: 66.6 kg - 146.8 lbs
Sad news yesterday as I return home: Mitou has flown away!
Distracted by another conflict with her sister regarding her re-marriage,
Ruksanna has by error left the cage open on the balcony. When she
returned from D-Mart an hour later, the parrot was gone.
This totally sinks my heart! The bird was such a dear friend to her,
following her wherever she went, coming by her at the exclusion
of others, kissing her, tickling her. But actually, she is more wise
about it than I am, uska nasib me tha, now, he must be free with
his friends, kuch doukhi thi, but I am happy for him, she smiles.
This reassures me, but Shazia tells me she has spent a good
hour on the balcony, calling him, Mitou, Mitou ...
I feel good this morning, on this Jummah, get up early to read
Surah Rahman, then Surah Yaseen Namaaz. I have left the
door slightly open to perhaps hear Mitou's cry, but to no avail.
Ruksanna sits with me through stretching, I am repeatedly
annoyed by a pesky mosquito, which she at great effort
victoriously manages to kill. But it starts again, and I end up
killing another three!
This is the last run before the Marathon. I've planned an easy
known course, exactly 3 miles, and run it in great comfort,
without pushing anything. But when I come back, I do make
a small detour through our old appartment in Callalily, scrutinizing
the trees, the tall buildings. No sight of Mitou, and there are too
many people for me to call him. Here is the balcony where he
first flew into our life, and here is how he flew back away.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- The last night with Mitou --
-- Near the start of the Mumbai Marathon --
Tata Mumbai Marathon DNF (21.5 miles) -- 01/20/19
Sunday 01/20/19 -- Tata Mumbai Marathon DNF
Time (Watch): 3:23:32
Mileage (Likely, based on Strava): 21.5 Miles - 34.7 Km
Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'52"/km
Strava Time: 3:25:49
Strava Distance: 21.8 Miles - 35.09 Km
Strava Pace: 5'52"/km
Weight: 66.4 kg - 146.4 lbs
Halfway Mark (21.1K): 1:57:20
Halfway Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'33"/km
Not the coronating triumph I had been imagining these last months.
Of all the scenarios I had played in my head, one I had not at all considered
was me failing to complete the distance. Yet here it is, I dropped out.
Hard to understand, hard to digest.
Yesterday (Saturday) was a painful day.
Nervousness about logistics has given me a tenacious anxiety,
like before going to the airport in an unknown land. After having
stayed home all day, we take a dramatic evening walk through Callalily,
scrutinizing the trees on the hill, and indeed, we spot a parrot perfectly
silhouetted on a top branch, Ruksanna thinks it Mitou and starts to
call him, gathering attention from onlookers. The distant bird turns
his head but does not move, now convinced it's him, she calls again
and again Mitou, Mitou!, but the bird stays there perched high,
eventually joined by a whole flock, and they fly towards the buildings.
She tries to call again with emotion, but we've lost him among the
birds, who she says have too short a tail to be him. Another man
piqued by the incident has started calling too, in a gruff voice,
and children volunteer their opinion as to whether the parrot will
come. Finally, we are able to walk away.
The debate over whether Ruksanna should come with me
or not consumes us, one of my chief worries actually. It's unfortunate
that she was not able to register for the half marathon, although
I will later find out that it has a different starting point anyway.
She wants to come with me regardless, although
there doesn't seem to be any arrangement
for accompanying spouses or even spectators,
and she will not be able to enter
the start area. So what would she do there, at 4am in the morning,
waiting till at least 9:30 for my arrival? In spite of this, she insists
on coming, partially out of fear that she will not know how to
find the place later by herself. I finally convince her nonetheless,
explain on her phone how to call the Ola to a place near the start,
but I can sense that she has not been fully listening.
At night, I am unable to sleep. Mosquitoes are ganging up
on me, I soon wake up to a piercing pain in the hand. I must have
fallen back asleep at some point, as I wake up again with the alarm
at 2:45. I actually feel fine! Ruksanna has not moved, I eat my
normal breakfast and coffee, while revising Surah An'aam, then
realize there is no time for stretching. After some hesitation last
night, I have decided to wear the jersey for the event (a loud
orange sleeveless shirt), after having considered other options
like old Triple-Crown jerseys. I fear the cold at the start so take
an old sweater and a bag, which I plan to leave at the baggage
check, if any. Luckily, the Ola arrives almost right away, I wake
up and kiss Ruksanna goodbye, and am on my way.
The instructions were good. We reach the Metro Inox
Cinema, indeed near a closed road leading to the start. The
Ola driver wishes me good luck. I walk till the impressive
British Colonial Buildings, all lit up at night, luckily find a toilet,
then the baggage check, and immediately walk to the Staging
Area, at the far end of the open area. So far, everything has
gone according to plan, the logistics are cleared, I can finally
focus on the run.
People have started
gathering here, among whom I meet a French speaking couple
who are actually Swiss, who've run this before. The temperature
is warmer than I would have thought, feeling good in my light
orange Jersey. The Swiss man advises that last year, the
Half Marathoners had depleted water supplies halfway along
the course, so it is critical to drink. We are parked like cattle
in front of a wooden gate, no opportunity really to warm up
or even stretch. The gates open eventually, we jog till
we reach a second similar gate, then this is repeated till
we line up near the start line. I keep Strava and watch ready,
soon, the de-count starts, and here we go, we run into the
night.
I have decided to not let the phone bother me, keeping
it in the pouch without consulting it, relying mostly on feeling
for pacing. Luckily, as I suspected, there are regular Kilometer
markers, at which I try to figure out my pace (5'30 / km), to
soon find out that I seem to be right on track. The run seems
to meander in the dark large streets, sometimes along the
invisible ocean. But, even though all is lining up well so far,
quickly appears the theme of this ill-fated day: I am running
with no pleasure, no enthusiasm, and soon start to wonder
whether I'll abandon the run. I continue forward, but almost
as one would accomplish a chore. Really early for that!
I hope enthusiasm will come with the rising sun. For now,
it's the moon, almost full, which owns the sky over the
invisible ocean.
Here is the hill I predicted, which I clear pretty easily,
to descend on the other side to Haji Ali (although I'm surprised
how long it took to get here - about an hour - and wonder if
that will be a problem on the way back). Still devoid of much
emotion, we follow the shoreline, in semi-darkness. My pace
still seems roughly ok, although I get confused by multiple
KM markers, so let go of the calculation for some time (I will
later understand that the Elite Marathon has different signs
than the general one). We start to see people running back,
probably the half marathon, who it turns out with a different
start point is running the course in reverse. Good thing after
all that Ruksanna was unable to register for it, we would have
been separated in the morning anyway!
I have started eating the gels, drinking water. My shorts
start dropping a bit, as usual after some time on the run,
and getting annoyed by constantly trying to pull them up,
I end up tying them tighter on the run - so tight that later
I will not be able to open them! Light rises finally as we
reach the Sea Link.
Here at the start of the bridge is my sole moment of
emotion. I briefly sob silently as we head out towards the ocean.
It feels that my movement is freeing itself, and the enthusiasm
of the day, near our first day in Mumbai could finally define
the run.
But soon, the tedium takes over again, stifled by the
longer than expected monotony of the bridge. I seem to be on pace though,
running in relative comfort. The morning haze masks
the view to the Taj Land's End, our
first trip together to Mumbai, Ruksanna's first plane trip.
I still feel ok coming off the bridge, through the pay toll
and highway, get complimented on my clockwork pace,
turning back South to cross the halfway mark,
where a group of Dhol and Indian Dancers provide me the second
(and only) burst of emotion of the day. I pass the half marathon
mark in 1:57:20, almost perfectly on target.
Now the run returns through city streets, impressive here
to be running by occasional slums, kids and families lining
up the sides, some offering refreshments or food, some hi-five'ing
passing runners. A runner yells loudly patriotic slogans at the
Mumbai Police.
I have done everything right so far. I handled the start well,
have pacing right on target, not overcome by jubilation (to say the
least!). But here is where I start to slow down.
A 4-hour pacing group, which I had passed earlier on the bridge,
now passes me with ease. I keep them in sight for some time, then let
them drift in the distance, as I am gradually coming to terms that
today will not be the break-out performance I was yearning for. I
try to readjust my mind to merely complete the distance. Further into
the run, I yell at myself to this effect, showing a rare moment
of combativeness.
But I am still slowing down. And to my surprise, the route,
rather than continuing on towards Haji Ali, heads back up North
all the way past the Sea Link again, finally making a U-Turn back
along the coast. My pace continues to weaken, in fact, I've pulled
towards the center, opening for myself a slow corridor where
I can fail in peace, now getting passed by regularly (me who thought
I would be passing runners late in the race due to my very superior
training!). I have been taking gels and water regularly, but now,
disgusted by the gels, I can barely drink enough to staunch my
thirst. Now it is the 4:10 pacing group that passes me, burying
any hope of an honorable finish.
Finally, as I continue to slow down on the stretch to Haji Ali,
trying to tick one by one the kilometers, an unexpected pain
hits me in the higher back, suddenly cutting my breath.
This forces me to an abrupt stop, taken down by the unprecedented
hit, a sensation I've never felt. I walk till the next Elite Km
Marker (will forget what it says), setting as a target to restart.
There I make a feeble attempt at running again, the pain returns,
and without desire or combat left in me, I abandon right there.
I will not restart, close Strava, this is it.
I have stopped near Haji Ali. I call Ruksanna. She is still
on her way, so I tell her to come here instead. She advises me to
drink juice at the Haji Ali fruit stand, which I try to do, but
I am not allowed to cross the large road where the run is in progress.
Instead, I turn left, leaving the course for good, soon find a small
cane juice valla. He doesn't have change for my 100 rupees, so I
end up asking him for four (!) glasses. We chat in Hindi, and he finally
takes my photo. I then go sit at a bus stop, one of the benches still
in ok shape, Ruksanna is taking a long time. My short now feels
uncomfortable, but I've tied it so tight during the race that I am
unable to undo the knot. I settle there to wait, a driver waiting
there too asks me about the race. Finally, Ruksanna calls, after
much traffic, the Ola has left her at the Mahalaxmi Temple, from
where she is coming on foot.
She has brought me food, a change of clothes. We decide to
abandon my baggage at the start line, return directly home. I think
I am fine. You should not have gone without me, she says, and I agree.
But after some sleep, the dreadful regret sets in.
At first, I misjudge the distance, thinking I've abandoned only
3 miles from the end. Ruksanna thinks I should not have gone
without her, we should always stay together, and this feels right.
I have gotten too emaciated, she finally tells me. Perhaps I am
being punished for putting so much into this somewhat worthless
endeavour.
The night will be bad. I wake up in recurring dreamy scenes
of the Marathon, playing over and over like a semi-nightmare.
In the end, this defeat appears incomprehensible. It feels like
I have done everything right, four months of training without
any major setback, illness or injury. And even on race day,
all felt well handled, from details of going to the toilet at
the start, to on target pacing, resisting a fast jubilatory start.
How is it that such excellence in preparation has led to this
failure?
The only flaw I can think
of is perhaps of having run too much, regularly exceeding mileage
targets rather than focusing on a more fluid running, perhaps
falling victim to excess pounding on the roads. Also, the taper
period, while executed to the T, does not seem to have produced
any positive result. What was it, excess mileage? Excess weight
loss? Or on race day lack of warmup and stretching?
Perhaps, but none of these suffice to explain this dismal result.
I seem to have peaked at the Goregaon Long Run and Thane
1/2 marathon, 1 to 2 months before the race, after which
things started to degrade. Perhaps the excess mileage, especially
at my slow pace, has exhausted me rather than benefited.
Coach Glover's words once again turn in my ears,
not much benefit running in training over 4 hours...
Also, why have I presumptiously followed the Advanced Competitor
(and exceeding that), while clearly my pace does not come close?
And not further adjusting mileage down for extra recovery time due to age?
But perhaps most surprising was the complete lack of
enthusiasm on the run on race day. Gone was the magic of training,
the rhythm of the stride failed to clear the mind, and I was progressing like
toiling through an unnecessary chore. Retrospectively, I was defeated today
from the first few kilometers, and could only watch this outcome
grow and grow as the hours unfurled.
A source of regret of course it to not having toughed it out to
still reach the finish line. But in retrospect, it appears that those
last 4 miles would have been so miserable, and I would have fallen
so far short of my goals anyway, that I try to find peace in having
yielded to my impulse to quit.
I need to move on, would love to finally free my mind from running,
but alas, over the next few days, I will ponder and ponder over these questions,
not letting me free.
If anything, rather than subside the sinking sense of defeat will increase
as time passes,
haunting me particularly at night. Strangely, my partial results or photos
are nowhere to be found, as if this day had not existed for me.
But I live the race again and again
in semi-nightmares, cannot stop wanting to have that moment back
where I miserably quit.
Why of why did I quit? Even with my goals compromised,
should I not have finished in pain,
would I feel less shitty now? Would the sight of the finish line
allowed me to walk away with
some memory to cherish?
I have clearly put too much into this ,
as a way to restore my honor and esteem, and
perhaps this excess is what I've been punished for today.
I emphatically needed a success, but rather, dramatically backfiring
this capitulation adds
to the hard list of failures that burden me lately. At what point do
we give up?
I had placed excessive hope in this, in the same way
that Ruksanna has put so much in adopting Mitou.
We both lost this week.
-- A summary of these last 4 months of training,
as compared to Bob Glover's 'Advanced Competitor' schedule,
and my weight through the training cycle, at an all-time low --
-- Have I overdone it ? --
-- The sorry sight of my pace deteriorating during the Race,
till adandon --