-- Thanaa --
Sonu Khan the old friend (7.3 Miles) -- 01/01/13
Imadihalli - Temple - Vijay Nagar Hill: 0:27:20
Holy Cross - ECC - Sonu Khan's: 0:11:47
Lake trail - Pattandur - Nellurahalli - PM Hamlet - Shortcut: 0:28:11
Time: 1:07:18
Mileage: 7.3 Miles
Finally met with Sonu Khan and gave him his photos from months ago.
He was washing his three children on the construction site.
Very happy when I announce him that I've become Muslim.
Shortly after, I meet Nina's family, talk there too.
And through Nellurahalli, I take the back trail, and for
the first time, jump over the ditch, barely making it actually.
I wouldn't want to fall in that filthy water!
Overall pretty good run, very pleasant warm'ish weather.
Numerous "happy new year" rangollis along the way.
Munni's Child -- 01/03/13
Imadihalli - Temple - Right around the Kabarsthan - Up the hill
via Upervalla Rasta: 0:28:58
Holy Cross - ECC - Lake Trail: 0:21:53
Time: 0:50:50
Mileage: 5.5 Miles
What a pleasant day to run. Bhabi had her baby last night, so
I was alone with Sophia (Ruksanna spent the night in Vanivilas).
After sending her to school, even though it's late, the weather
is so nice that I can't resist extending the run a little bit.
That evening, Ruksanna being stuck at Vanivilas with Bari Bhabi,
I decide to walk home, which takes about 50 minutes. I really
enjoy the walk.
-- Santoshamma --
Santoshamma's Flowers -- 01/04/13
Hagadur - Rama Statue route - GandhiPuram - Borewell rd. - Pattandur.
Time: 0:33:10
Mileage: 3.6 Miles
Wght: 73 kg / 161 lbs
Several interruptions during this run:
First, passing through Nellurahalli, I notice the silhouette of an
old woman stopped at a street vendor. I stop to inspect her: It is
SantoshAmma! I buy her some flowers (luckily, she sells both white
and yellow, so I can get the white that Ruksanna wants). One elbow
is 10 rs., but I give her 30 for 2. I take her picture. I try to get
the shopkeeper to translate for me, but he's pretty reluctant, not
understanding much Hindi anyway.
And then passing through the lower part of Pattandur. It's Narendra
calling from the States, to tell me he's just been fired.
-- By the stream --
Girls by the stream (10.9 Miles) -- 01/06/13
Hagdur - GandhiPuram - Outercircle - Borewell rd. - Nellurahalli -
Sai Baba - ITPL: 0:40:23
Pattandur - Lake Trail - To Vijay Nagar - North side of the hill -
Temple - Imadihalli - Trail back of Ozone: 1:00:27
Time: 1:40:51
Mileage: 10.9 Miles
Wght: 73 kg
Come across Praveen (Kiran's brother) on a bike, than Sonu Khan,
surprisingly on a motor bike, looking snug. Much later, I pass
two little girls on the Imadihalli trail washing laundry on the
stream. They say hi, and I stop a few meters later, wondering
why I have stopped talking to people like I used to. So I retrace
my steps and take their picture. They only speak Kannada, but
from a distance, I explain to a man in Hindi that I will give
them prints. They live in a neighboring tent community.
Looking for a Night Route -- 01/10/13
Wednesday 01/09/13 --
Imadihalli - Towards Whitefield - Gandhipuram, VijayNagar - Hill: 0:30:10
Holy Cross - ECC - Pattandur: 0:21:52
Time: 0:52:02
Mileage: 5.6 Miles
Wght: 73.3 kg
Thursday 01/10/13 --
Imadihalli - Naugondhalli (road) - Chansandra: 0:26:47
Hope Farm: 0:10:49
Prashanth Layout - ECC - Sonu Khan - Lake Trail - Pattandur: 0:17:59
Time: 0:55:36
Mileage: 6 Miles
Wght: 72.8 kg / 160.5 lbs
Here's something new: In order to get a longer run, I start even earlier
than usual (5:45). It's unfortunately still dark. Some public lighting
through Hagadur / Imadihalli, but the trail past that becomes a question.
I start on it, but soon change my mind as a threatening pack of dogs is
harassing a walking man before me. It's too dark and there's really no
one around.
Instead, I venture through the small alleys of Whitefield, probably passing
by or near Xavier's house. Dogs are definitely a bigger issue at this
early hour, as if they owned the night. I end up resorting to carrying
rocks like in the old days, and go by unscathed. Lack of visibility could
also be a problem, as expected bumps in the road could be bad on back
or legs.
But overall, this is really exciting! I happen to feel really good,
completing the run in really good comfortable shape, probably a bit
faster than usual.
Another earlier start (5:50). Trying a find a route that's practical
at night, lighting and newer dog packs. This works out well, the road
being illuminated the whole way to Chansandra. Like yesterday, I feel
very good, partially because of a very light evening meal. The route
is pretty good, the main road section from Chansandra to Hope Farm
being the least pleasant, already busy with trucks in spite of the
early hour. Pace felt pretty good, could have been faster than this.
Morning meeting cancelled (8.9 Miles) -- 01/11/13
Varthur - Low road - Ajgondanahalli intersection: 0:31:23
Imadihalli - Naugondahalli (trail) - VijayNagar Hill: 0:28:37 (1:00:00)
Holy Cross - Elim / ECC - Pattandur: 0:21:59
Time: 1:21:59
Mileage: 8.9 Miles
Wght: 72 kg / 158.7 lbs
Great run! 7am meeting cancelled, so I have an hour more. Departure
at day break at 6:30. Dense fog, especially through the Varthur area.
Feeling generally good. Training and weight loss apparently back on track.
I suspect my pace is faster, but wouldn't know by how much.
-- Govinda, from Elaruvi --
Elaruvi, the seven waterfalls -- 01/14/13
-- Elaruvi --
Estimated time: 3 hours
Estimated Mileage: 9 Miles
Amazing hike with Ruksanna and her father, Jayanthi and two boys,
climbing up to a waterfall (that we won't quite reach). The old Husan
Basha surprises us all, refinding his youth in the dense jungle.
Ruksanna's father in the bus to Tirupattur
-- On the Hike --
-- At the top --
Establishment of the Chansandra Night Route -- 01/16/13
Wednesday 01/16/13 --
Imadihalli - Naugondahalli - Chansandra (road): 0:25:52
Hope Farm - Prashanth Layout - ECC - Lake Trail - Pattandur: 0:31:06
Time: 0:56:59
Mileage: 6.2 Miles
Wght: 72.7 kg / 160.3 lbs
Friday 01/18/13 -- Chansandra / Hope Farm / Prashanth layout route
Time: 0:56:44
Mileage: 6.1 Miles
Wght: 71.9 kg / 158.5 lbs
Start at 5:45, in darkness for at least 1/2 hour. This road is perfect
for that, relatively well illuminated, low on traffic, not too many
dogs. Reaching IPTL, I help a young man haul back up a bag of milk
packets on his bike.
Ruksanna is coming back from Tirupattur today. Spend some time on the
phone with the US dealing with Cecile's loan issues.
Feeling good neverthless.
This road is decidedly perfect at night. Daylight comes in around
ECC, about 45 minutes into the run. I feel better and better overall,
in spite of the earlier starts.
Long Walk -- 01/20/13
Ajgondanahalli - Timandahalli - Harohalli - Kotur - Muthsandra -
Nerige - Katiregupe - Tippasandra - MadhuraNagar - Vartur.
Total time: 4h30 (approx)
Running time: 1:01:09
Running Mileage: 6.6 Miles
Walking Mileage (approx): 11.7 Miles
Wght: 71.5 kg / 157.6 lbs
Long walk with Parimal, Adi, Rohit, Jeffrey
I take the group on a training walk ahead of their 100k walk next week,
which I've pulled out of judging preparation insufficient.
We set off at day break around 6:30. We run in spurts, but
it will soon become apparent that except Parimal, no-one is fit
for running. The first part through Harohalli is in dense fog,
which unfortunately takes away from the beauty I had promised them,
and feels quite cold at this slow pace. Not a bad day, yet I feel
a little frustrated by their slowness, and the tenure of their
conversation. I definitely feel that they are *not* ready, and
really happy I pulled out (as it turns out, they will complete
the walk easily). On top of that, Ruksanna is waiting
at home to leave for the Nizbat in KRPuram with Vahida, so I
gently try to hurry everyone a little. I eventually leave them
all once we're all safely in Varthur, and run back home, just
crossing Ruksanna and Vahida on their way out in front of Ozone.
President's Day (7.4 Miles) -- 01/22/13
Hagadur / Imadihalli trail - shortcut trail to Naugondanahalli: 0:32:00
Vijay Nagar Hill Northern Side - Main road: 0:16:17
Holy Cross - Elim - ECC - Lake Trail - Pattandur: 0:19:59
Time: 1:08:15
Mileage: 7.4 Miles
Wght: 72 kg / 158.7 lbs
Not as early, as there is no morning meeting due to president's day
in the US. The trail is beautiful this morning, no excessive fog,
fresh temperatures. Arriving in Pattandur, I find Sonu Khan in
conversation where he used to live. They offer me Chai, only 2
minutes lagega. We talk a bit. He never goes back by the lake,
the new community riddled with alcohol and endless strife. The tea
stall presents garlands of Gutkha, I tell them about Ruksanna and
my addiction to the stuff, how we've successfully dropped it. Sonu
would like to take me on tour to Hyderabad once, he's particularly
liked the Tippu Sultan Palace there.
-- In the mountains, above Elaruvi --
The village in the mountains -- 01/26/13
Estimated time: 2h30
Estimated Mileage: 7.5 Miles
-- The woman in the mountain and her children --
Hike from Elaruvi to village in the mountains.
Wonderful, but Ruksanna is sick, and will fall sicker still.
We eat Himlis of the trees.
Near the top, we go into a small mountain farm, greeted
with water by a woman and her two children. We could push up
to the mountain village, but the road back via auto and bus
could be very long, so we descend the trail, at sunset before
the purnima, accompanied by a young man going down for his
studies.
-- Descent back to Elaruvi, by the setting sun --
-- Sourah Fati'ha --
Chansandra Night Route -- 01/29/13
Tuesday 01/29/13 --
Imadihalli - Chansandra (road): 0:25:59
Main Road - Vijay Nagar Hill from the North - Main Road: 0:13:17
Holy Cross - Elim - Pattandur: 0:21:31
Time: 1:00:47
Mileage: 6.6 Miles
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158 lbs
Wednesday 01/30/13 -- Chansandra "night" route
Hope Farm: 0:36:39 - ITPL: 0:21:59
Time: 0:58:38
Mileage: 6.3 Miles
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158 lbs
Thursday 01/31/13 -- Chansandra night route
Small tweaks to the route from yesterday, slightly longer.
Time: 0:59:02
Mileage: 6.4 Miles
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158 lbs
Friday 02/01/13 -- Chansandra Night Route
With an interesting detour through the "slum by the lake".
Time: 1:01:39
Mileage: 6.7 Miles
Wght: 71.7 kg / 158 lbs
Later start (6:30) therefore at semi daylight, hence tried the trail
leading to "medan" (where I used to meet Ruksanna when she lived
in Chansandra) to join the Vijay Nagar rasta. Hardly slept, largely
because of a 11pm phone call to Paula Lawhon, but still a pretty
good run at a measured pace.
Slight cough, have I inherited Ruksanna's illness?
Good run though. Practicing Namaaz.
Another 6:40 start, unfortunately after a bad night's sleep.
Again practicing Namaaz.
Had gotten up particularly early (4:20), thankfully woken up by
Ruksanna's persistent cough, as I had otherwise forgotten my
alarm. I'm getting more and more used to the activity of this
road, which interestingly includes a few night runners, and
familiar early risers (such as the "sitters of Chansandra").
In a last minute inspiration, I cut out towards the Nellurahalli
Lake, an area that has changed quite a bit, find my way to the
road by asking to a young man, one of many men come out here
to shit. This is a good detour.
-- Surah Ikhlaas --
-- Along the trail in Imadihalli --
Morning Mist, the trails to the River (7.3 Miles) -- 02/03/13
Imadihalli trail - Exploration of side trails to the river -
Naugondanahalli - Vijay Nagar Hill - Back through
Whitefield / GandhiPuram / Hagadur.
Time: 1:07:19
Mileage: 7.3 Miles
Additional 30' on the elliptical trainer in the evening.
ER Mileage: 3.2 Miles
Wght: 71.3 kg / 157.2 lbs
-- Bridge across the river --
This crowns a particularly good week of running, where I
feel in business again, overall feeling much better, much
less tired.
A superb clear morning, with low lying mist. This makes me
want to explore the various side trails which all dead-end
at the river, with the exception of one where a wooden bridge
leads into the fields (but not much further). It's so
beautiful that I take many pictures, stopping often through
the first half. I also give their pictures to the two girls
in the tent community along the trail, at Ruksanna's
suggestion whose first words waking up were those!
Samethanahalli (10 Miles) -- 02/10/13
Imadihalli - Naugondahalli - Samethnahalli: 0:37:46
Chansandra road: 0:14:26
North route - Imadihalli trail - Detour via Vartur Lake: 0:40:52
Time: 1:33:03
Mileage: 10 Miles
Then 45' cyclotrainer in the gym.
ER Mileage: 4.9 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
A perfect run, after a day of exhaustion yesterday. Perfect
temperatures, pleasant hazy sunshine, very easy running.
Chansandra Night Route -- 02/12/13
Tuesday 02/12/13 -- Chansandra Night Route
Time: 1:00:44
Mileage: 6.6 Miles
Wght: 71.2 kg / 157 lbs
Wednesday 02/13/13 -- Chansandra Night Route
Time: 0:58:08
Mileage: 6.3 Miles
Wght: 70.9 kg / 156.3 lbs
Thursday 02/14/13 -- Chansandra Night Route (Sonu Khan, Lake Trail)
Time: 0:56:46
Mileage: 6.1 Miles
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs
Slow easy pace, actually felt pretty good in spite of a 4.20 wake-up,
and going to bed relatively late after Ruksanna came back from KRPuram.
Ate a little carelessly this weekend, so happy to have reached my
goal of 70kg. Too early to call it done!
Nothing special to report. Am pissed off and worried about the whole
driver situation. No Kalima or Namaaz practice today.
Low-energy pace, probably due to aggressive dieting (which is bearing
its fruit).
Uppervalla Rasta (7.7 Miles) -- 02/18/13
Imadihalli trail - Naugondahalli: 0:32:34
Upervalla Rasta (literally, from the back): 0:15:34
Holy Cross - Elim - ECC - Lake Trail: 0:23:21
Time: 1:11:30
Mileage: 7.7 Miles
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs
After a first challenging 10 minutes, an excellent perfect run,
easy comfortable pace. I feel the waves of the run
invading my brain, allaying my worries.
I literally take the "Upervalla Rasta", this alley that Ruksanna
would climb to Vijay Nagar Hill, where indeed dogs are the worst, as
she had said then.
Will I be able to stay? (9 Miles) -- 02/19/13
Varthur - Low Road - Ajgondanahalli - Naugondahalli: 0:44:26
Vijay Nagar Hill, via Upervalla Rasta: 0:14:14
Sachin's House - Holy Cross - Elim - ECC - Worker's camp route: 0:24:35
Time: 1:23:15
Mileage: 9 miles
Wght: 71 kg / 156.5 lbs
Likes yesterday, excellent run. I have renewed worries about possibly
not being able to stay in India past 5 years (which would be this July),
but in spite of that, stay positive. I love Ruksanna more than ever.
There must be a way.
Panjum Kalima (6.8 Miles) -- 02/25/13
Ozone Shortcut - PM Hamlet - Borewell Road - EM Ghose - Circle: 0:15:51
Circle, 3*3: 9'25" - 9'22" - 9'14"
Back to Nellurahalli - Pattandur - ITPL: 0:18:41
Time: 1:02:34
Mileage: 6.8 Miles
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs
This seems to confirm my current base pace of 9'15". This best represents
my slowest pace. Walked Shahida to the Ozone gate, then ran rehearsing
Panjum Kalima along the way. Yesterday, long day in City Market then
Shivajinagar with Philippe and Dave.
-- Surah Kauthar --
Perfection of Chansandra Night Route -- 02/28/13
Tuesday 02/26/13 --
Chansandra Night Route - Detour to Sachin's house / Holy Cross - Lake Trail
Time: 1:00:33
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155.2 lbs
Wednesday 02/27/13 --
Chansandra - Vijay Nagar Hill from the North - Main Road -
Sachin's house - Elim - Pattandur
Time: 1:00:08
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Wght: 70.6 kg / 155.6 lbs
Thursday 02/28/13 --
Similar to yesterday, but slightly longer:
Chansandra - Vijay Nagar Hill FROM THE FRONT -
Sachin's house - ECC - Lake Trail - Pattandur
Time: 1:04:19
Mileage: 7 Miles
A little tired (got up at 4:30) but not too bad. Still Panjum Kalima.
And thoughts about advocating for Arin's removal.
Same early start, but feel wonderfully energized, which is all the more
remarkable that the night has been agitated by Zameer and Shahida fighting.
I'm very happy with this new route, rendered possible by the fact
that day breaks a little earlier. Dogs are a risk though this early in
the morning through Vijay Nagar, so I might have to revert back to
carrying rocks.
Woke up at 3:30, unable to go back to sleep! But run is ok, and I take
a brief nap after the early morning meetings.
Today too, a brief dog episode in Vijay Nagar, but overall very good.
Love this route, and it can be further perfected so as to avoid the
main road entirely, as daylight will continue to lengthen.
Tees minute late (14.8 Miles) -- 03/03/13
Vartur - Right - Road on the left: 0:28:17
Roads to Gunjur (long way): 0:26:41
Katiregupa - Neriga: 0:29:48
Back via Muthsandra: 0:52:21
Time: 2:17:06
Mileage: 14.8 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
Perfect run. Relaxed and comfortable. Finished learning Panjum Kalima.
But Ruksanna greets me with "pura tis minute late", as I had promised
to run up to 9 am. She laughs about it though.
-- Walk along the Imadihalli trail with Ruksanna --
New Variants -- 03/07/13
Tuesday 03/05/13 --
Chansandra - Trail to Midway Temple - VijayNagar Hill: 0:40:04
Sachin house - Sonu house - Lake trail: 0:20:00
Time: 1:00:02
Mileage: 6.5 Miles
Wght: 70.9 kg / 156.3 kg
Wednesday 03/06/13 --
Chansandra - Left at the temple, small alleys - Trail to the Midway Temple -
VijayNagar Hill: 0:40:18
Holy Cross - Elim - ECC - Pattandur: 0:22:35
Time: 1:02:53
Mileage: 6.8 Miles
Wght: 70.6 kg / 155.6 lbs
Thursday 03/07/13 -- Chansandra Night Route (new variants)
After Chansandra, from the main road, left into the alleys at the bus
stop opposite the College - Medam - Vijay Nagar Hill North side -
Holy Cross - Elim - Pattandur.
Time: 1:00:56
Mileage: 6.6 Miles
Wght: 70.5 kg / 155.4 lbs
Woke up too early at 4. But good run overall, new route, made possible
by the earlier daylight. Very good with all 5 Kalimas this morning,
ready to move on to something else.
Recovering from various leg / foot pains from Sunday's long run.
This route confirms its popularity, circumventing entirely the unpleasant
main road segment from Chansandra to Hope Farm. I further tweak it by
venturing into the small alleys at the entrance of Chansandra, which
works great. Today, an overcast sky (and even a subtle drizzle) delays
the break of daylight, rendering the trail a little treacherous. But
overall a great run.
A wonderful new twist to the route. I finally venture into the small
alleys in Chansandra where Ruksanna used to live. Perhaps this could
be risky (this takes me very close to Nikita ki Ma), but it's an
exciting option. I also end up on the "Medam", where Ruksanna use
to wait for me, particularly on the day where she moved out.
Today's run is particularly good, easy, comfortable. Free mind, left
to thought. I enjoy every day the miracle of day rise, like a birth,
and marvel at the perceptible difference between light and dark.
Dogs are more of a problem at this hour, but I'm ready for a fight.
-- Tashahud --
Passage to the West! (10 Miles) -- 03/10/13
Naugondanahalli (via road) - Samethnahalli: 0:31:30
Exploration of 3 trails through the rice fields, all dead-ends: 0:24:07
Back via North route - Imadihalli trail - Straight along to Ozone,
to finally find the "passage to the West": 0:36:28
Time: 1:32:06
Mileage: 10 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
Start with a heavy stomach, but as often warm up into a smooth
pace that could seemingly carry me forever. Exploration of the
Samethnahalli area (to the South), but all trails dead-end, some
traversing open fields and rice plantations.
On the way back, I decide to try once again to find a shortcut
to the Ozone West Gate. I first try staying along the stream
(and the Ozone Perimeter), but the terrain is treacherous and
dead-ends right into a worker's camp, I retrace my steps,
cross through the broad open field, try a couple half-baked
trails to the right, one of which leads by a house to the
Ozone entrance, along that same worker's camp. Victory at last!!!
To the Rail Tracks -- 03/12/13
Main road - Siddapura - Nellurahalli - Pattandur - ITPL: 0:35:56
Down to the railroad - Left for some time - back: 0:21:05
Time: 0:57:01
Mileage: 6.2 Miles
Wght: 70.6 kg / 155.6 lbs
I've been wanting to try this for a while, although the real goal
would be to reach that lake by KRPuram highway. But today, actually
because I have less time, I try to venture that side to get a feeling
for the time involved, and the lighting situation in early morning.
The Main Road really sucks as usual, one because sections of it
are actually dark, but also because traffic and hazardous terrain
create tension. But past that, it's rather nice. With more time,
this could be a really nice alternative. I cross the railroad
by the little tunnel (which happens to be dark and wet), come
back climbing over the railtracks. I've tried crossing the
rail track sooner on the way back, but that doesn't lead anywhere.
Wading through the Rice Fields-- 03/17/13
W. passage - Imadihalli trail - Wooden bridge - Rice fields - return.
North route - Naugondanahalli - Vijay Nagar - Gandhipuram - Hagadur.
Time: 1:01:22
Mileage: 6.6 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
Wanted to open a new route through the rice fields, leading from the back
of Ozone to the Varthur Low Road, but this ends up failing, as wading
through the rice cultures proves impossible. I am forced
to retreat, feet wet and disappointed.
Fewer miles this week, but this is wise, as I'm starting to develop
minor knee pains.
Chansandra Night Route, More Variations -- 03/20/13
Tuesday 03/19/13 -- Chansandra Night Route
Left at the temple - Back alleys, trail, avoiding the main road -
Vijay Nagar Hill (North) - Holy Cross - Sonu Khan - Lake Trail
Time: 0:55:27
Mileage: 6 Miles
Wght: 70.3 / 155 lbs
Wednesday 03/20/13 --
Imadihalli - Trail to Chansandra - Trail to the base of Vijay Nagar Hill -
Uppervalla Rasta: 0:31:00
Sachin's - Holy Cross - ECC - Pattandur: 0:22:29
Time: 0:53:29
Mileage: 5.8 Miles
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
I open yet another good route! Even though I don't have much
time, I risk exploring that back ways of Chansandra, by
continuing straight from the alley at the temple, progressing
essentially parallel to the main road. This works great, and
completely circumvents the unpleasant stretch to Hope Farm.
There is a risk portions of this route could get closed in
the future, as there is some construction, and as it is
I had to pass a barbed wired fence. But it's a pretty exciting,
somewhat intense, new option.
Near ITPL in Pattandur, there's a monstrous dog, all black, who's
back skin is largely torn revealing a gaping wound. Today, that
dog is fighting with others, a scary sight that impresses some
pedestrians, but I am left alone.
Yet another variation! Daylight breaks just early enough to take the
trail from Imadihalli itself. And then I do a variation from yesterday,
turning earlier towards Vijay Nagar, through a large much easier trail,
but not quite as exciting. I take the left most road up the hill,
(literally the "Upervalla rasta" that Ruksanna used to take), but the
dogs there are a big problem, so I might not do this again. I actually
carried rocks as a precaution, and gestured with them quite a bit,
stirring quite a raucous in the steep little alleys, right around
day break. Amused smiles to the few locals who are already up...
-- Near the river temple --
Illness and River Temple -- 03/24/13
Imadihalli - N. Trail - River Temple: 0:26:13
Imadihalli / Ozone Trail - West Passage: 0:29:40
Time: 0:55:54
Mileage: 6.5 Miles (8'40" / mile pace)
Wght: 70.6 lbs / 155.6 lbs
Gale Dard in the morning. This seems to be a repeated
cycle of a strange benign illness:
First, a day of complete lethargy (last Monday),
then stomach cramps with semi-diarrhea,
then throat pain, followed by cough and runny nose.
The cycle takes about two weeks.
This is a great run. Stopped to take photos of a
family washing clothes by the temple.
Really forced the pace on the way back, to keep my
promise of being back by eight.
-- Along the "northern route" at sunrise --
Nights Outside -- 03/27/13
Tuesday 03/26/13 --
Imadihalli - trail to North Route - Alley - Chansandra: 0:30:28
Chansandra trail to Vijay Nagar - Holy Cross - Sonu's house -
Lake Trail - IPTL: 0:31:07
Time: 1:01:35
Mileage: 6.7 Miles
Wght: 70.5 kg / 155.4 lbs
Wednesday 03/27/13 --
West Passage - Imadihalli Trail - North Route - Naugondahalli -
Vijay Nagar Hill: 0:42:14
Sachin house - Holy Cross - Elim - Pattandur: 0:22:30
Time: 1:04:44
Mileage: 7 Miles
Wght: 70.6 kg / 155.6 lbs
First night in the tent that Ruksanna built on the balcony! Awesome...
An excellent run. 1/2 hour later, rising sun, hence this route.
Take pictures of the rising sun on the fields. Meet Monika's
father driving a Rickshaw near Ajgondanahalli. Aggressive dogs
on the way to Naugondanahalli, have to really gesture with a rock.
Before reaching the main road to Chansandra, I turn left into a
long alley which takes me straight to the intersection to the
trail, perfect route.
After Holi at Sachin's, later run, after a 6:30am call from home.
Weather getting hot. We've wonderfully slept outside again.
I stop by Sachin's house on the way, propose to pay our share of
yesterday's celebration, which normally he doesn't ask from expats,
but I'm no longer considered an expat!
Narrow Gate -- 03/28/13
Imadihalli - Trail to Chansandra - Trail to Hope Farm - ECC - Pattandur
Time: 0:54:30
Mileage: 5.9 Miles
Wght: 70.4 kg / 155.2 lbs
Another variation. I try to go join the Chansandra back alleys instead
of staying on the open field. I have to squeeze through the side of
an iron gate (encouraged by an old man carrying banana leaves). I then
once again make the mistake of taking the left alley which leads up to
a wall, rather than the seemingly more direct one to the right. This
works well though...
Changing Landscape (9.6 Miles) -- 03/29/13
W. Passage - Fields to Varthur - Low Road - Ajgondanahalli -
North Route - Back alley to Chansandra - Back trail to Vijay Nagar Hill
(through the narrow gate) - Holy Cross - Elim - Lake Trail - Pattandur.
Time: 1:28:43
Mileage: 9.6 Miles
Wght: 70.7 kg / 155.9 lbs
Long one! We slept outside again, and woke up wonderfully. No morning
meeting today, but still wake up pretty early. Perform stretching
outside next to Ruksanna still sleeping under the tent, at dawn.
I finally find a path to Varthur which avoids most of the busy and
unpleasant road along the lake. But it's because the landscape here
too is changing. Where there were beautiful rice fields, now has
been partially flattened and dried up, seemingly getting ready for
yet another building, another tragic excess of rabid urban sprawl.
Approaching Naugondanahalli, I pick up a rock in readiness for the
bad dogs, which sure enough come out aggressive. Noticing an old
man sitting at a nearby house, I discipline him in Hindi to keep
his dogs better. He yells back in Kannada, friendly or not.
I feel particularly good today, having spent a few delightful moments
with Ruksanna before leaving, but eventually really struggle from
Chansandra to VijayNagar, although I tough it out enough to survive
to the descent. This time, after squeezing again through the narrow
gate, I appropriately take the alley to the right, which leads straight
to the Temple at the edge of the Medam (exactly where Ruksanna used to
wait for us). A brief short uphill takes it further out of me.
Later, I meet Sonu Khan by the tea stall. Today is "leave" (pronounced
Leaw), for Holi. His hands still bear the colors of playing for the
festival.
Heat (12 Miles) -- 03/31/13
Vartur - Right - Pattanur: 0:42:46
Left - Gunjur: 0:22:12 + 0:03:28
Cross the main road - Back via Trail - Varthur - W. Passage: 0:42:46
Time: 1:51:12
Mileage: 12 Miles
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
Leave a bit late at 7.30, hot temperatures. (85 at 10am, forecast 95).
Trying to loop back to the Vartur road, but
completely miss it. I think I've reached,
but I somehow landed in Gunjur! So I opt
for the familiar trail from there.
In spite of the heat, I manage pretty well
(although there wouldn't be much more).
I'm carrying only one bottle of Gatorade,
which is barely enough to get me
through this. RUksanna has sewn her T-Shirt
Birthday gift (which was too
large), which now fits me perfectly!
Back to the Dunmore House settlements -- 04/04/13
Hagadur - Whitefield - Inner Circle - EM Ghose - Nellurahalli -
Dunmore House (FULL) - Sai Baba
Time: 0:47:13
Mileage: 5.1 Miles
Wght: 70.6 kg / 155.6 lbs
I run into Akhbar's older brother in Nellurahalli, stop to shake hands.
The tents have shifted to the other side of the road, leaving the old
site mostly empty. I don't have time to talk much, but promise to
come back.
At last, feeling somewhat aventurous in spite of not having too much
time to spare, I venture again through the Dunmore House area, where
Giryamma and family used to be, my first encounter witht he slums.
The area has changed a little, in particular, the passage by Simon's
worker camp has been blocked, and one has to go through the shacks
to find a way out. I politely ask if I can come through, rousing
many barking dogs. I generally don't meet anyone I know (no sign
of Madhevamma, Anthony or Simon for example), but can guess at
some familiar faces from a distance.
Needless to say I'll repeat this, and resume exploring options
in the area.
-- Kundalahalli Lake --
The slums by the Lake (12 Miles) -- 04/07/13
T-Zed - PM Hamlet - Nellurahalli - Kundahalli Lake - EPIP - Brookfield -
Bassavana Nagar - Hoodi: 0:55:12
Along the track - To ITPL: 0:18:55 (1:14:07)
Pattandur - Lake Trail - ECC - PM Hamlet -
Detour around Lake - T-Zed: 0:37:01
Time: 1:51:09
Mileage: 12 Miles
Wght: 70.8 kg / 156.1 lbs
Trying to explore a new way to work. This ends up being
a little too long, although it could be shortened by
cutting straighter through the EPIP area (and bypassing the lake).
Discovering the beautiful Kundahalli Lake through a dirt trail
is a wonderful surprise. There, the slums, and the small poor
urban neighbourhood, are impressive. Activity around the lake,
stop to take photos of women washing laundry.
Hot weather (86 at 9, projected 97 later), but I manage fine
on a single flask of water (better than Gatorade).
The Hoodi Route (7.8 Miles) -- 04/09/13
Hagadur - Whitefield - Borewell rd. - Nellurahalli - Accenture: 0:27:36
EPIP area - Bassavana Nagar - Hoodi: 0:25:58
Along the tracks - ITPL: 0:18:24
Time: 1:11:58
Mileage: 7.8 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
Woke up at 4:30, but feeling good. Feeling "greedy", in spite of 5:45
start, I repeat right away Sunday's route, hoping that I can shorten
it some by avoiding Kundalahalli lake. But this doesn't quite work
out, perhaps because the road through Hagadur is slightly longer.
In any case, I feel really good on the run. This has a little too much
wide roads and occasional traffic, but it's still exciting to experiment
with something new. I reach ITPL just on time, just change T-Shirt and
walk straight into Dailies - luckily a light agenda.
A new trail through Madhuranagar (11.1 Miles) -- 04/12/13
W. Passage - Vartur - MadhuraNagar - Trail at the Temple - Valepura -
Low Road - Adjgondanahalli Junction: 0:46:09
N. Route - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra: 0:21:08
Trail - Narrow Gate - Vijay Nagar Hill (N.) - Holy Cross -
Sonu Khan - Lake Trail - ITPL: 0:35:02
Time: 1:42:19
Mileage: 11.1 Miles
Wght: 69.7 kg / 153.6 kg
Great long run to work.
Find a wonderful new trail in Madhuranagar, which leads
down to the Ajgondanahalli area. I see two large snakes scampering
on the side of the trail, the first one saturated brown, the second
with diamond patterned skin. They must be coming out in this heat,
a cautionary sighting.
Yesterday was off for Ugadi, a somewhat boring day where my morale
plummeted a bit...
The Eid-ga in Vartur (11 Miles) -- 04/14/13
West Passage - Varthur - Right before the Masjid -
past the Eid-ga- Through Fields -
Balagere road - Balagere: 0:29:57
Straight through road / trail to Gunjur Palya: 0:13:42
Gunjur Palya - Left back to Balagere: 0:23:50
Balagere Road - Fields again - Detour in Varthur through Govt School
Back Road (doesn't go through) - West Passage: 0:33:57
Time: 1:41:26
Mileage: 11 Miles
Wght: 70.2 kg / 154.8 lbs
Very hot again, but manage well. Finally find the upper
straight road to Gunjur Paliya. It's no wonder I missed
it before, it reaches as a mere dirt trail.
This new way through varthur is very satisfying, offering
nice views of the fields leading to the lake, although
one has to find ones way through the plantations.
It passes the Eid-ga where Ikram and I had gone for
Ramzan, circumventing the busy center and market.
-- Temple Chariot, Madhuranagar --
The fading farmlands of Muthsandra (14.9 Miles) -- 04/21/13
W. Passage - Vartur - Madhuranagar - Muthsandra: 0:47:41
Road to the left - to Hanuman Temple at the cross-roads: 0:19:57
Back towards Muthsandra - Tippasandra road - Trail through
the barren land to Muthsandra rd. - Trail through fields to Harohalli
road - Ajgondanahalli - Trail to Imadihalli - Hagadur - Ozone: 1:10:13
Time: 2:17:51
Mileage: 14.9 Miles
Wght: 69.9 kg / 154.1 lbs
I haven't this side in a long time. At the entrance of Muthsandra is
now what looks like a very modern Ozone type compound. I take the
road slightly to the left in the village, causing a significant
detour. I end up on the Sarjapur / Chansandra road to the right,
and start to doubt whether I'll ever reach the small Hanuman temple,
going through an unexpected village. I do eventually, but the landscape
has changed quite a bit, to the point whether I'm not quite sure
if this is really it. The road back, which I thought was going to
lead me straight to Muthsandra, actually takes me to the Nerige /
Muthsandra road, and straight towards Tippasandra. But in a village
with a huge Banyan tree, I decide to take a small alley to the right,
which seems like the right direction. This eventually becomes a trail,
which crosses the large barren land towards Muthsandra, quite a site.
I run a bit of the Muthsandra road, but there again decide to try
out a new trail, seemingly leading to the Timandhalli area. This works
well at first, but the trail gradually disintegrates, until I have
no choice but to find my way throught he plantations, which eventually
leads to a field closed by a stone wall, right next to the Harohalli
road. I climb up one of the lower stones, jump on the other side,
scraping myself in the thorny growth. From there it's familiar
territory back home.
I've fortunately carried my belt with two water bottles, otherwise
would not have made it in this heat.
Douah-e-Masoura (8.3 Miles) -- 04/25/13
Main road - W. Trail - Dunmore Short - Accenture: 0:25:05
Kundallahalli Lake - BrookeField - RxDx - Bassawananagar - Hoodi: 0:32:72
Rail Tracks - Back to ITPL: 0:18:51
Time: 1:16:17
Mileage: 8.3 Miles
Wght: 70 kg / 154.3 lbs
This works very well, just enough light to go through the W Trail.
I take a peak at the "desolation" land over the Epip area, towards
the lake, heaps of garbage, a few particularly miserable shacks. But
there doesn't seem to be an obvious way out, and I don't have time
to explore, so I back down. Crossing the Lake area is exciting enough,
feeling some that old intimidation of passing through particularly
poverty stricken areas. At this early hour, many men shitting, women
already washing laundray beautifully on the lake banks. I look and
smile, but don't get many smile or waves back.
The main road section through BrookField is ok at this hour (little
traffic), and lasts about 9 minutes.
Overall, great run!
Still working on Douah e Masoura, great progress...
-- Surah Naas --
Exploring Loose Ends (7.8 Miles) -- 04/28/13
PM W. Trl - Dunmore House straight - through Gated Communities
- Sri Satya Sai House - Ryan International - Brookefields -
around Kundalahalli Lake - to Brookefields: 0:41:21
Back through EPIP - Nellurahalli - PM E. Trl - T-Zed: 0:30:35
Time: 1:11:55
Mileage: 7.8 Miles
Wght: 70.1 kg / 154.5 lbs
Not much time this morning, so decide to explore some loose ends.
I take the Dunmore House trail, but continue straight. A first
trail dead-ends by a house in the fields. Another one crosses a
worker's camp, to the back of a gated community. The workers
assure me that I'll be able to go through, which I do by a small
opening in the stone wall (not sure how long this will
remain open). It's like Palm Meadows
here, and I eventually exit by what seems like the main entrance,
the guards saluting me as if I was a resident, an advantage
of white skin. A small road meanders, passing first a richly
decorated Sai Baba house, then coming to Ryan International
School, and finally the classic red building in Brookefields.
But before reaching the main road, I turn to the right, a road
that then transforms into a dirt trail headed straight to the
Kundalahalli Lake, where I run along the full perimeter for the
first time. I exit at the usual poor village. I'm looking for
a road to the left that will lead me back into EPIP, but can't
find it (unlike what Google maps seems to indicate), so I retrace
my steps.
This opens great new possibilities for the morning commute.
Madhuranagar (11.3 Miles) -- 05/03/13
Vartur - Madhuranagar - Trail to Valepura - Junction: 0:46:09
Ajgondanahalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra (trail): 0:21:21
Trail through narrow gate - Hill N. side - Holy Cross -
Elim - Pattandur: 0:37:10
Time: 1:44:40
Mileage: 11.3 Miles
Wght: 69 kg / 152.1 kg
Woke up well this morning, eager to run, hence I embark on this long
route. This starts well, and I really enjoy the new trail connecting
Madhuranagar to Valepura, but I start seriously running out of steam
around Chansandra, further aggravated by the up-hills, to the point
where I have to pause a couple time, trying to keep a sudden weakness
in control.
Overall a good run though.
The continued weight loss is surprising, as I've been eating well
lately.
The Village down the Hill (16.3 Miles) -- 05/05/13
Vartur - Madhuranagar - Muthsandra: 0:47:44
Alley, trail, to village with the big tree (Janthagondahalli) -
Hanuman temple at the cross-roads: 0:18:38
To the village down the hill and back: 0:26:43
Back to Vartur - W. Passage: 0:57:21
Time: 2:30:26
Mileage: 16.3 Miles
Big run, but manage fine, in spite of the heat, on only two bottles and a
cereal bar.
I start feeling tired, slowly warm up into the run. I don't start
feeling comfortable until a good half hour into it.
Meet the Hazrat (ikram ka bhai) on the way to Madhuranagar, then anjan's
brother carrying chickens, both on motorbikes. This time, I correctly take
the road straight through Muthsandra, which eventually transforms into a
small interesting trail, leading to the village with the huge tree. The
road after the Hanuman temple has changed too, where it used to be wild
and abandonned have been flattened two large layouts, plots waiting to be
constructed. I make it to the village down the hill, which I haven't
visited in very long. But it's time to head back.
No problem on the way back. I try a shortcut to Madhuranagar, a great
trail through the plantations, but leads me back to the same road.
Vartur is busy with the voting polls. A couple man arrest me, as if
inviting me to vote. They wear topis, so I explain them I'm Muslim too.
Have they not seen me at the Masjid? Masha Allah, they shake my hand with
warmth, visibly happy.
-- Surah Lahab --
Sourah Lahab (9.7 Miles) -- 05/10/13
W.passage - Vartur - Low road - Valepura - Jct: 0:32:14
Ajgondanahalli - Naugondanahalli - Chansandra (N. route): 0:21:36
Trail - Narrow Gate - Hill (N. way) - Main Road: 0:14:27
Holy Cross - Elim - Labourer's trail - Lake Trail - ITPL: 0:21:48
Time: 1:30:05
Mileage: 9.7 Miles
Wght: 69.9 kg / 154.1 lbs
Beautiful morning. No meeting so more time. Slow but comfortable pace.
Just about finished learning Sourah Lahab, after having dropped it
for some time.
The sisters in Burkha (9 Miles) -- 05/16/13
Hoodi route (with slight variants)
Hagadur - Whitefield - Borewell rd - Nellurahalli - Accenture: 0:29:40
Kundalahalli Lake (S. Shore) - Brookefield (Cosmos Mall) -
RxDx - Bassavaranagar - Hoodi: 0:34:05
Along Rail Tracks - ITPL: 0:19:21
Time: 1:23:06
Mileage: 9 Miles
Wght: 70.3 kg / 155 lbs
Started earlier, after getting up around 3.30! Ruksanna and Vahida
left the house around 5.15 for Tirupattur to sign papers, both in
Burkha, I left shortly afterwards.
Good run. Experiment with slight variations to the route, which
lengthen it a little. The temperatures have been much milder lately,
making the run more pleasant. Heat has been tempered by occasional
rains.
The community by the stream (9.6 Miles) -- 05/17/13
Friday 05/17/13 -- Vartur / Ajgondanahalli / Chansandra route
W. Passage - Vartur - Low Road - Valupura - Ajgondanahalli -
Naugondanahalli - Chansandra - Trail - Medam - Upervalla Rasta -
Holy Cross - Elim - Lake Trail - Pattandur
Time: 1:29:07
Mileage: 9.6 Miles
Wght: 69.7 kg / 153.6 lbs
Saturday 05/18 --
Imadihalli - Naugondanahalli (road) - Samethnahalli,
to Chansandra rd: 0:33:13
Back to Naugondanahalli - Trail - Tent Community -
Back via Hagadur (road): 0:37:44
Time: 1:10:56
Mileage: 7.7 Miles
Wght: 69.7 kg / 153.6 lbs
I leave early, hoping to get back to wake up Ruksanna,
especially after her difficult night
due to Basha's reproaches. This road should be about
an hour, providing a fitting conclusion
to a good running week, before getting on the plane tonight.
On the way back, I stop at the tent community at the
temple to distribute the pictures
taken a few weeks ago. Only the little girl who can't
study is out, busy with a fire,
looking sullen and not paying attention to me at first.
Aka, I call her, and she lightens
up a bit at the sight of the photos, while another girl
and two women come out of
the tents. They don't speak Hindi so I babble whatever
Kannada. Bartini, I conclude
before leaving, trying to mean that I'll come back.
They laugh nicely at the word of Kannada.
-- Madeleine in Arches National Park --
Arches National Park (10.9 Miles) -- 05/21/13
Arches National Park, with Madeleine
Delicate Arch, environ 1h
Devil's Garden, to Double O, back via Primitive Trail, Private Arch.
Time: 2:15:51
Total time: 3:15:51
Est. Mileage: 10.9 Miles
First day in Moab, arrived in the afternoon, quickly went into the
park, Madeleine showing me what she had done on the previous trip.
The Devil's Garden hike particularly exciting, especially the return
route through the Primitive Trail, on which we're entirely alone,
in the waning afternoon.
-- Arches National Park, Utah --
-- Madeleine in Canyonlands National Park --
Canyonlands (16.6 Miles) -- 05/22/13
Canyonlands National Park, with Madeleine
Murphy trail, down canyon, wash to Hogwash Camp, back up the ridge, back.
Time: 4:58:36
Est. Mileage: 16.6 Miles
A wonderful, spectacular hike!! In fact, Madeleine and I will eventually
retain this as favorite.
Go down the Canyon to the vast valley, through a
seemingly impassable cliff where it turns out a practical trail
has been built. We then follow the bed of a wash into the vast
plain, rigorously alone the whole time, through fantastic landscape.
We join a larger dirt road, where we finally encounter a few people,
and take a trail back on the top of a rim, that leads us to
the ascent back. Madeleine has sunburns on her shoulders (no sunscreen)
which I cover with two bandanas, but we're otherwise marvelous.
Spectacular sites throughout.
-- Spectacular Canyonlands --