INDIA 2019

8th reading Surah Nisaah till v 153, followed by long Namaaz.
Uneventful run, taken at an easy pace, shorter route, recovering from yesterday's session, and an underlying illness that has been eroding me for the last few weeks, mild cough and chest pain (but still far less than people around me).
But the interest of the day happens later:
Around noon, as I get ready for Masjid, hits a torrential rain, loud against the windows. This abruptly clears up as I'm about to leave, for some reason, I debate over the idea of taking an umbrella or not, unsure where exactly to keep it there, realizing that I am putting too much importance into a very small issue. I take the umbrella, but the timid sunshine continues to fuel my silly doubts, I somehow wished it would rain to justify the thing, and spy other Masjid goers to see if they too would carry an umbrella. Once there, I very simply keep it by my shoes on the 1st floor terrace, noticing that a few people have kept theirs on the inside half wall, or by the windows. An excellent Namaaz, moving, in the middle of which the rain starts again, thundering against the windows, and I am satisfied to return under this torrent, saved by the umbrella by a sudden gush of tree fruits, still arriving partially drenched and in need of a change of clothes before the next meeting. Happy with this.
But this is a mere apetizer to what follows:
A new more powerful torrential storm hits towards the end of the day, as I prepare to go home. Having waited a little to see if it would subside, I decide to brave the elements, walk back home. The rain is formidable, dense and heavy, with spectacular gusts that nearly yank the umbrella off my hand. Soon, I am wading in semi-flooded areas, along with a small crowd of people, splashing hesitantly but with habit, pants half pulled up, a funny feeling of togetherness facing the elements. This time, this accompanied by violent lighting and thunder, close at times, and the flow of the street picks up in current. This culminates on Marol CHS street, which over its whole length is up to knee deep in water, we progress patiently dragging our feet in the current, buttresses by the waves of the vehicles as if they were boats, careful to not fall into some hidden hole. The Mithi river is flowing forcefully, fed by a thousand filthy streams, and so is the gutter river in Khairani road which threatens to overflow. Completely fascinated by the spectacle, I reach home slowly, drenched, but extraordinarily happy.

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Sunday 07/28/19 -- 3 Miles Tempo Run
Warmup: Rajeha Vihar (long) - Saki Vihar - Lake Platform: [3.26M - 5.25K]
Tempo Run: Lake Platform to IIT Main Gate & Back.
Tempo Mileage: 3.06 Miles - 4.92 Km
Tempo Time: 0:26:46
Tempo Pace: 8'44"/mile - 5'26"/km
Age Adjusted: 0:22:50, ie. 7'27"/mile
Cooldown: Back via Police Station [1.25M - 2K]
Total Time (Strava): 1:11:15
Total Mileage: 7.57 Miles - 12.17 Km (Strava 11.83 Km)
Total Pace (Strava): 6'01"/km
Weather: 27C - 30C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs

8th Reading Surah Maidah till v 6.
I had registered us for the Mangrove 10K this Sunday, but with Ruksanna not wanting to go, monsoon stormy weather these few days, and my feeling slightly sick, I've decided to leave it to fate whether I would go or not. I do not set the alarm.
And eventually, after episodes of sleep, I wake up around 4:30, shortly before Adhaan, too late to go, and feeling anyway rather tired and heavy chest. I will run around here instead.
But as I stretch, I hear again the battering rains outside, pounding the windows. As often, I obstinately stay the course, refusing to take the day off. Not sure if this is a wise decision, chest still heavy with cough, but here we go, I venture out into the Toufaan.
I settle for a relatively short easy course along Lake Powai, rather than venturing farther to the highway. I warm up extensively though through Rajeha Vihar, under torrential rains and occasional high winds. But this is fine, in fact, as often running feels good under such conditions, perhaps the elements offering an exhilerating distraction. But all this miraculously stops as I reach Lake Powai, just in time for the dedicated tempo portion of the run.
I start well, lengthening my stride, not pushing it too hard, and try not to weaken much as the run progresses (although I'm sure I do), and resist random ideas to cut the return short. Perseverance is one of the lessons of such runs, which needs to be experienced. I make it back to the platform at a good but reasonable effort, then turn slowly back home.
But I will be later disappointed by my lack of speed. Perhaps I get an excuse being a bit sick, but this still shows the long long arduous way ahead to recover my pre-Ramzaan performances.

In the Gutter (8.99 Miles) -- 07/31/19

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Monday 07/29/19 --
Home Gym: 0:44:30
Sequence: Bar Press - Abs - Ankle Weights - Shoulders - Squats - Calves.
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs

8th reading Surah Maidah till v 78, followed by Surah Baqarah good Namaaz, bracing against adversity. Still feeling somewhat diminished, somewhat ill, throat ache through the night, today, slept several times to many dreams till 5:30. Weight lifting actually feels good.
Waiting at Fort Point Garage where I've taken the Eeco for maintenance, I gaze at the floor, the walls, the logo decoration, I conclude that this too is some alternate reality, the creation of man, and that none should qualify as real other than the creation of Allah. My alienation deepens further.
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Tuesday 07/30/19 -- Pipeline
Lake Powai - Pipeline E, to IIT Bridge (end of the pavement) - Back, Pipeline W to Marol.
Time: 0:50:46
Mileage: 5.55 Miles - 8.94 Km
Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Strava Time: 0:50:52
Strava Distance: 8.76 Km
Strava Pace: 5'48"/km
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Weather: 27C - 29C; Humidity 83%

8th reading Surah Maidah till v 109, followed by an excellent Namaaz Surah Baqarah / Surah An'aam.
Tax hell continues, thickens.
Yesterday, negotiations with Mahesh, finally call in Milind, he yields. But then I have to run get my car, rain has started, no umbrella!, it must have fallen off my bag in the morning. I venture out in the deluge anyway, reach the garage drenched. Then stuck in Marwah / Chandivali paralized traffic for how long, still wet. Home, tension, do we now have all the funds to pay the taxes Wednesday, it has increased again to about 31 Lakhs, and I've transferred from US a little short. Ruksanna pauses, recommends that I eat and pray Namaaz, which I manage to concentrate on, after which I add all our accounts. I turn back to Ruksanna satisfied. We will barely make it.
Another night of many wake-ups and throat pain, but I manage to sleep again and dream, wake around 4:45. Namaaz this morning is particularly good, an opening to a different world, which alone extracts me off the situation, readying me for anything, anything is possible. I somewhat randomly tell Ruksanna of the "Army Men Con" which I've read about yesterday, she seems very impressed.
In spite of this continued small illness, a good run. It is stormy, occasional bursts of wind and brief torrential rains, the plastic pouches in which I try to protect my phone are worthless, tearing like toilet paper. I take part of the E. Pipeline, where I almost get caught by a silent chasing dog (luckily one of the slumdwellers calls it just in time). The run is fine, at an ok pace, unphased by the sporadic flurries.

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Wednesday 07/31/19 -- In the Gutter
Chandivali Rd - SM Shetty - Cliff Av - South Av - Hiranandani Hosp. - Vidya - Devi Padmavati - IIT far - Back via Lake Powai.
Time: 0:55:29
Mileage: 6.12 Miles - 9.85 Km
Pace: 9'04"/mile - 5'38"/km
Strava Time: 0:56:15
Strava Distance: 9.64 Km
Strava Pace: 5'50"/km
Weather: 27C - 29C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs

Last night, facing another bout of rain, I decide to walk again home, armed with a new umbrella, but unfortunately in my running shoes.
It is not as bad as Friday, but still, strong showers, and minor flooding, and of course, abominable traffic.
It is on Marol CHS that I make the mistake.
Although not as bad, it appears flooded in places. Wanting to preserve my new running shoes, I decide to avoid such standing water by walking on a narrow sidewalk. There is a reason why Indian people never use sidewalks. In half darkness, I take a first step on a rock slab, then a second, and splash, disappear into the water! I have fallen into the gutter, luckily not very deep, as my feet soon touch the bottom, not quite waist deep in the filthy water, which happens to be perfectly level with the sidewalk. I hoist myself up, dizzied by the incident, and from the pain in my right foot, resume the walk as if in a groggy trance, swallowing the pain and humiliation.
I do complete the way, in a similar state, wide eyed through the chaos of the crowd, wondering whether my plight would be noticeable. The pain has subsided but shoots up at times, I shudder at the idea of the filth I plunged in, one of my fears come true. For some reason, most of all, I feel terrible ashamed, and wonder if I'll hide the incident from Ruksanna.
Finally home, I curtly ask for disinfectant without explaining why. Ruksanna finally finds some old bottle of Betadine given to us by Jonathan Harman a few years ago, that'll do. She doesn't ask. My worst fear comes true, this is not a simple bruise, but actually exposed small wound. I do my best to disinfect profusely.
Later, I sit in front of the computer. I have managed to assemble the funds, very tight. I pay the taxes of INR 30,75,640, I turn back to Ruksanna almost proud, we still have about 1.5 Lakh back for this month. She who was thinking to loan her gold ...
I finally tell her more or less about this night's incident, without exactly revealing that I fell into a gutter. We comfort ourselves in our love.
During the night, as I get up to drink, I am dismayed to see that one of the wounds is letting out blood, and go back to bed in some pain. In the morning, it doesn't feel like this was enough sleep. I nevertheless get up, complete Surah Maidah and Surah An'aam till v 30 followed by Namaaz (Surah Isra), then obstinately get ready to run. The only concession I make is to postpone today's speed session, and not run directly to work.
So I come up with this old / new route instead.
I haven't run this way since our first days in Powai, I am reminded of the slum hill that I had explored in the very beginning, and not returned to since. Perhaps this could be a Hill Repeat option. The run actually feels good, only a few intermittent showers, after the hills the small slum alleys of Padmavati, passing the Vidya Center where we had tried to place the girls, and finally the familiar Lake Powai. I'm pushing a relatively strong pace, but controlled, and my right foot is perfectly acceptable.
Let's see now if I have managed to escape infection.

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Thursday 08/01/19 -- Aarey Guest House Hill Repeats
Warmup: Picnic Point - NZ Hostel - Lotus Pond [2.54 M - 4.08K]: 0:26:27
Aarey Guest House Hill Repeats [846.8 mtr - 0.526 M]
Interval I: 5'07".26 [9'43"/mile - 6'02"km]
Interval II: 5'04".87 [9'39"/mile - 6'00"/km]
Interval III: 5'19".72 [10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km]
Interval IV: 5'11".90 [9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km]
Cooldown: Marol Maroshi - Seepz [2.24M - 3.60K]: 0:21:46
Overall Interval Time: 0:20:44
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.1 Miles - 3.387 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 9'52"/mile - 6'07"/km
Total Mileage: 8.99 Miles - 14.45 Km
Total Time (excluding descents): 1:08:57
Total Time (Strava): 1:31:08
Total Mileage (Strava): 13.37 Km
Weather: 27C - 30C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs

8th reading Surah An'aam till v 50.
A good sustained hill session.
Yesterday evening, rain again, although not quite as strong. Again walk back home, with agitation and anger at the thousand obstacles, the same way as Tuesday, and I take a good threatening look at the place where I fell. Incredible, after a slab or two, the other ones are indeed missing, revealing the open gutter, how could I possibly have ventured there? Incomprehensible.
This morning, I wake up fresh!
And decide on an innovation today: convinced that the Aarey Guest House climb is the best hill around here, remembering fondly its great effect last year, I choose it again, but decide to take a Rickshaw into Aarey to cut down on the extra useless mileage. This works out great. A calm warm-up from the Picnic Spot and around the Hostel and here we go.
I am running today with light water belt, push a good pace, slower than last year but not atrocious, and most important maintain a sustained effort throughout. I finish the run tired but satisfied.
Only problem is I've now left the umbrella at home. What if it rains tonight?
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Torrential Rain (14.30 Miles) -- 08/03/19

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Saturday 08/03/19 -- Torrential Rain
Powai - EEH to Airoli - Back, via Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd.
Time: 2:25:33
Mileage: 14.30 Miles - 23.01 Km
Pace: 10'10"/mile - 6'19"/km
Strava Time: 2:25:54
Strava Distance: 22.98 Km
Strava Pace: 6'21"/km
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Weather: 28C - 26C; Humidity 98%

8th reading Surah An'aam till v 100.
Treacherous start around 6:10, in partial darkness, heavy rain, negotiating the many obstacles (including a particularly low bamboo scaffolding on JVLR), traffic, puddles, slippery pavement, etc. This makes for a slow start, which perhaps is a good thing. I nevertheless peacefully reach the Easter Express Highway, now in light, but still under heavy rain, which will not abate throughout the run.
There, I'm surprised to find an organized race, Navy Something Half Marathon, whose flow I follow, passing the late runners, a fun distraction. The mangroves are now flooded with water, at a much higher level, the rising sun invisible in the rain. The race arrives somewhere before the Airoli Junction, I amusingly get encouraged as a participant, pass the timing mat, find my way through the resting crowd. Past that the road becomes deserted again in this deluge, which has picked up even more, in strong gusts. I turn back at the Airoli intersection.
I pass again the race, this time in reverse, only crossing the last stragglers. I have packed a gel which I eat, determined to not weaken like last week. This indeed seems to carry my energy, I've been feeling great so far, stride easy, which makes me decide to attempt a longer course: coming back through Ghatkopar. This ends up being a good choice. Today, I have what it takes. I am able to complete the course without too much struggle, patiently finishing the highway, then the moderate assent through Ghatkopar and Khairani road, which hopefully erases the dreadful impression created on the return last week.
Where Khairani turns, it is partially flooded, and the traffic is completely blocked, one of those inextricable knots that people have gotten down to try to entangle. This is then a perfect spot to end the run, completely drenched but very satisfied with how it went.
In retrospect, I realize ki alhamdoulillah I have run long today, uncharacteristically on a Saturday, as the Toufaan continues throughout the day, paralysing the city in a state of Red Alert, and Sunday morning sees even higher winds and torrential rains.

Week of Weakness (10.54 Miles) -- 08/10/19

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Wednesday 08/07/19 -- Mile Intervals, Infection
Warmup, Powai Jetties: 0:27:16 [2.72M - 4.37K]
Mile Intervals, Lake Homes OP to IIT Main Gate [1.05M - 1.70K]
Interval I: 8'43".27; Pace: 8'18"/mile - 5'07"/km
Interval II: 9'01".69; Pace: 8'35"/mile - 5'18"/km
Interval III: 8'54".84; Pace: 8'29"/mile - 5'15"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:36:39
Overall Interval Distance: 3.15 Miles - 5.1 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 8'27"/mile - 5'13"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 7'26", ie. 7'02"/mile
Cooldown, JVLR - Slum Short Cut: 0:21:43 [2.19M - 3.53K]
Total Time: 1:15:38
Total Mileage: 8.06 Miles - 13 Km
Strava Time: 1:18:27
Strava Distance: 13.06 Km
Strava Pace: 6'00"/km
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs

8th Reading Surah A'raaf till v 65.
I am now worried that my foot might be getting infected, and have decided to show it to a doctor. I don't think it's major, but the increasing pain and redness around it raise the question of a spreading infection.
But before that, I run these interval miles, yard-stick of performance.
It starts again under brief but heavy torrential downpours, I take care to warm up slowly around Lake Powai. Along the Promenade, I cross a woman in Saree whose breast, drenched by the rain, are fully visible through her white brassiere, as if under transparent plastic, I divert my gaze hoping she'll cover herself with her Duppatta. Later, at the Jettie Park, I stop for the first time to shake hands and talk with this group of Muslims who salute me often on the run. Living in the slums near the Powai Police Station, they are happy to hear my Hindi, and my coming into Islam, Allah'afiz, we shake hands again before I resume the run.
I have decided to run the intervals at a reasonable effort. Somehow, I would love to make this light and pleasant, free. But today again, I struggle, nevertheless try not to tense up or excessively push through the miles.
My speed disappoints greatly.
I am decidedly far from my pre-ramzaan levels, and it will take longer to get back - if I can get back. Still, I don't quite give up, particularly insist on running a third mile, and in the end feel rather good after the whole thing. It's just that I am so damn slow!
Back home, after a strange breakfast of eggs and potatoes experimented by Ruksanna, I head out to the hospital, walking most of the way as I struggle to find a Rickshaw. The doctor doesn't hesitate, the wound is healing, there is minor infection, but not any big cause of concerns, and no antibiotics. The doctor adds to try to avoid water, making me scoff.
I am reassured.

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Saturday 08/10/19 -- Weak Tempo Run
Hiranandani - Padmavati Devi - JVLR to EEH [4.33M - 6.97K]
Tempo Run: Eastern Express Highway, JVLR to Ghatkopar River.
Tempo Time: 0:30:32
Tempo Mileage: 3.37 Miles - 5.43 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'03"/mile - 5'37"/km
Back via Ghatkopar - Khairani rd [2.84M - 4.57K]
Total Mileage: 10.54 Miles - 16.97 Km
Total Time (Strava): 1:44:13
Total Distace (Strava): 16.95 Km
Total Pace (Strava): 6'09"/km
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs

8th Reading Surah A'raaf till verse 158.
This continues a theme of general weakness, which has marked this week.
Yesterday, I continued to feel half sick, not horrible, but tired, slight cough, aches in the body, diffuse headache. It was a poorly started day, a weak weight session interrupted by some recurring phantasm which further spoiled the poor wake-up, and at noon, still feeling dizzy and ready to throw away the day altogether, I nearly opt for sleep, abandonning going to Masjid.
But I don't.
I eventually do go to Masjid, and feel sort of ressucitated after that, much better, the weariness mostly gone.
This morning, even though I've slept well, still some headache, mild body pains. The foot infection is recovering well though. I have planned to run a 10K tempo run along the EEH today, and I stick to that plan, but with the intention of not pushing too hard.
Once out, I opt for a different warmup route, through the slum alleys near Vidya. At a slow pace, I feel ok. Having reached the highway, I start my watch for the tempo segment itself. I adopt a cautious pace, against the wind, careful to not lose a relaxed stride, which works at first, but even this proves challenging after some miles. I eventually modify my plans, settling for half the projected distance, basically ending the run at the slum river without turning back, roughly half a 10K. Feeling ok, but unsure whether I could have returned at an acceptable pace.
From here, feeling the run is over and wanting to save on Junk Miles, I for once decide to take an Auto back. But no Auto comes, and eventually, I resume the run, up Ghatkopar and Khairani road, finding a relatively relaxed pace, ending it walking through the impressive slum in Shangarsh Nagar.
Once home, I realize that once again my pace has been dismal! I have struggled to maintain a near 9'00"/mile pace, which normally should be my training pace.
Never mind, it is crucial to accept and integrate my current weakness, run by effort and not by performance, and realistically re-define my expectations. Hopefully I will be able to patiently work my way back up, but for now, I have to accept that I cannot produce much effort.
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-- Eid Mubarak --

Back to the Start (8.17 Miles) -- 08/15/19

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Tuesday 08/13/19 -- Back to Square One
To Rajeha Vihar: 1.54 Km
4 X Rajeha Vihar Loop: 5.8 Km (1.45K x 4)
From Rajeha Vihar: 1.54 Km
Time: 0:54:46
Mileage: 5.52 Miles - 8.88 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Strava Time: 0:54:31
Strava Distance: 8.69 Km
Strava Pace: 6'16"/km
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs

8th reading Surah Taubah till v 30.
Even after two rest days, still not feeling right. Short of breath, little endurance, even at this slow pace. Not sure exactly what has caused this, but I feel like I'm back at the start. Completely throw away all plans and start over.
As I get ready to leave, the depressing sound of rain makes me hesitate. The monsoon seems to rot everything, the pollution feels heavy and oppressive, green mold deposits grow wherever, important papers stick together as if they could be erased by the humidity, and I wonder if I am rotting inside, too. My foot seems to hesitate to heal, still red around the wound, perhaps it is going bad after all.
Ignoring all this, I go out. It was a mere shower, the rain stops for the run.

Later, we go to the MIDC passport office to renew Sofia's passport. We've not exactly been able to obtain all documents, but the day nevertheless seems to start well, and then settles into an interminable wait, much of it standing up as insufficient seating is available (in spite of which people periodically get yelled at for standing there). We do pass the A and B counters, although not without questions about our bank statement that should serve as address proof, threatening to derail us completely off tracks, but I am temporarily saved by my Aadhaar card which displays the current address (for no apparent reason I was never able to change Ruksanna's as well).
Until the C counters that is.
That should have been the last step, a formality perhaps, but the lady refuses my Aadhaar as proof arguing it should come from Gulzar (she being the Indian Citizen), start scrutinizing again that bank statement. Because Gulzar's name doesn't not appear by default as joint owner in these documents, we've asked the banker this morning to handwrite it and stamp (as we've done many times before), but the lady starts to make fun of us, showing to her colleagues that we must have written this ourselves, that this could not be a banker's writing! I control my growing rage. We'll need to come back Monday with some other documents. Ruksanna is furious at these Malus (from Kerala), who sue argues are everywhere kept in such roles, remembering the humiliating day where at Deepak's insistence she had attempted to get passports made for the children. Horrible memory.
Azhmat later sums up the day, "normal in India..."

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Wednesday 08/14/19 -- At last a good run
Aarey Commute - Old Laxmi Road.
Time: 1:08:42
Mileage: 7.03 Miles - 11.32 Km
Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Strava Time: 1:09:08
Strava Distance: 11.34 Km
Strava Pace: 6'06"/km
Weather: 27C - 30C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs (stubbornly stuck over 69, in spite of valiant efforts to bring it down)

8th reading Surah Tauba till v 67 (see trans v 40, 41, 51)
At last, a great feeling run. Can't quite remember when that last happened.
After yesterday's excruciating (and unsuccessful) day at the Passport Office, woke up at 4:15, not really falling back asleep, perhaps a mere drift into sleepy thoughts. But al'hamdulillah, after reading from Surah Taubah and reciting part of Yaseen in Namaaz, I feel surprisingly fine. I approach today's run with the thought of completely resetting things, not pay attention to pace at all, find an effort that is pleasant, find back the joy, joy, that is the key.
This morning no rain, although roads still wet. I decide for the Aarey commute through beautiful Laxmi road, a little apprehensive that I might feel as out of breath as I have been. But no, at a very conservative effort, I relax into a comfortable pace that does not let out, climb the Aarey hill easily, and even better into the descent. Once on Laxmi road, I realize how much I have missed the near silence of the forest, away from the constant assault of Mumbai traffic, the noise, the aggression, who can tell how much this has been killing me.
I should come here every day.

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Thursday 08/15/19 -- Independance Day
Pyramid Intervals along Lake Powai / IIT
Warmup: 0:16:34 [1.72M - 2.77K]
2 Miles Interval [2.1M - 3.4K]: 17'27".60 -- Pace: 8'18"/mile - 5'08"/km
1 Mile Interval [1.05M - 1.70K]: 8'45".69 -- Pace: 8'20"/mile - 5'09"/km
1 Mile Interval [1.05M - 1.70K]: 8'42".05 -- Pace: 8'17"/mile - 5'07"/km
1/2 Mile Interval [0.55M - 882 mt]: 4'12".23 -- Pace: 7'40"/mile - 4'48"/km
1/2 Mile Interval [0.55M - 882 mt]: 4'27".08 -- Pace: 8'07"/mile - 5'03"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:43:33
Overall Interval Mileage: 5.30 Miles - 8.56 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 8'13"/mile - 5'05"/km
Cooldown: 0:10:42 [1.15M - 1.85K]
Total Time: 1:10:49
Total Mileage: 8.17 Miles - 13.18 Km
Age Graded 2 Miles: 0:14:53, ie 7'02"/mile
Age Graded 1 Mile: 0:07:25, ie 7'01"/mile
Age Graded 1/2 Mile: 0:03:35, ie 6'32"/mile
Strava Time: 1:11:58
Strava Distance: 13.17 Km
Strava Pace: 5'28"/km
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbs (WTF??!!?!!!)

Surah Tauba till v 90
Woke up at 4:30, decided to get up anyway and proceed with running plans.
But unfortunately don't feel that well, a bit tired, mind a little hazy. I thought Ruksanna would sleep on this Independance Day but she has woken up and catches me, a delay that might cause me to fall back in a hazy state. But no, I still decide to proceed, so much for taking an easy week off, I've felt great yesterday, and want to see if it can confirm today.
As often these days, my phone does not pick GPS for some time, further delaying me outside. And then, me who thought the weather was finally dry, I am greeted by a good downpour, drenched, and worried that I haven't even planned to shield my phone in the usual plastic pouch. Yet I still proceed.
After a relatively brief warmup, and as the rain has stopped, I get into the intervals, the plan today is to run two 2 miles intervals along the JVLR. I feel pretty good on the first segment, not pushing excessively, but seemingly maintaining an even pace. I am still tired though, and the rest period brings back the brain fog, and a slight discouragement, which then makes me struggle a bit to find pace on the second interval. As I start to tire mid-way, I form the idea that I could run this as a pyramid of shortening segments, and stop at the IIT gate for roughly a mile. Then surprise, the mile going back feels great, finding a good sensation in my stride, and for once completing the mile in the West-bound direction a little faster. This encourages me to complete the last two half milers, which feel good as well, although I do eventually slow down on the last.
This is not my fastest, but I do feel reinvigorated by this relatively strong session. Has the tide turned compared to last week's set-back?

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Sunday 08/18/19 -- Aarey
Lake Powai - Aarey - NZ Hostel - Down to Aarey Rd North End - Back - E. through Aarey - Aarey Road - Back to foot of the Hill.
Time: 1:51:18
Mileage: 11.09 Miles - 17.85 Km
Pace: 10'02"/mile - 6'14"/km
Strava Time: 1:51:38
Strava Distance: 17.05 Km
Strava Pace: 6'33"/km
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Weather: 27C - 31C; Humidity 78%

For some reason, I was really really anticipating this run, imagining it for the couple last days. But it ends up in quite a disappointment.
Up at 4:18, I read Surah Hud (v 35) then Namaaz, set off relatively early. In what is now an unfortunate daily occurrence, I have to manually reset my phone to catch the Airtel Network before it can find the GPS signal, causing me a good 5 minutes of inaction at the start. It has just rained, but the run will be dry. All is very quiet through Aarey on this Sunday morning, and on the descent, I cross Satpam on his bike, we salute each other. I am not feeling particularly good, in fact surprisingly heavy legs, but waiting to relax into the run, find the good sensations.
But this will not happen.
I pursue past New Zealand Hostel, down the hill to the Northern End of Aarey. I've noticed a promising road on the right, which I take on the way back. This offers a great quiet cut through Aarey Forest (rather than the busy main road), which connects with the previous shortcut I know, and ends up being the highlight of the day.
But I'm still not feeling good.
I struggle somewhat to return home, a bit discouraged, fearing the hills ahead, and opt to stay on the main road as the shortest way. I contemplate stopping the run somewhere to hop into a Rickshaw, mark a quick stop at the NZ intersection, wonder if I should run back on the JVLR as a flatter alternative, but at the last minute embark on Aarey Hill like this morning, which I pass slowly but ok. But that's it.
I surrender after the descent, still not feeling it, and return in an Auto. After a week of a seemingly great rebound, this is another setback, which I hope to swallow and move on. Fair or not, I blame this continuous lack of shape on our semi-broken water filter, which has been spraying water under too much pressure, perhaps by-passing the filter. Janu, I exclaim once home, mujhe aaj se Bisleri paani pilao...
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-- Against Mumbai Pollution --

Half Marathon DNF (11.2 Miles) -- 08/25/19

-- This photo -the only one taken of me- so perfectly reflects the mood of the day! --

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Wednesday 08/21/19 -- Tempo Run
Warmup, to Orchard via Lake Homes [1.45M - 2.33K]
Tempo Run: Orchard Av. - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - Vijay Nagar Bridge.
Tempo Time: 0:36:19
Tempo Mileage: 4.29 Miles - 6.9 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'28"/mile - 5'18"/km
Age Graded: 0:31:04, ie. 7'14"/mile
Cooldown, to Seepz: 0.41 Miles - 0.664 Km
Total Time (Strava): 0:54:28
Total Mileage: 6.15 Miles - 9.89 Km
Total Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'20"/km
Strava Time: 0:54:28
Strava Distance: 9.57 Km
Strava Pace: 5'41"/km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

8th reading Surah Yusuf till v 35.
Better sleep, although still piecemeal. Still woke well with morning Adhaan.
Yesterday, second trip to the passport office, this time no rain, and we're on the right day. And the passport is easily granted, without much wait. Now police verification and we should be done. This puts me in a good mood.
Decided on a tempo run today. Once outside, the same irritating struggle with the phone signal, even though I've tried to forestall it from home. I began the run in easy warm-up mode, thinking it's a beautiful day outside, for once dry, patches of sunshine and relatively pleasant temperatures - and just then, I get soaked by an unexpected shower! I reset my watch to start the tempo section after Lake Homes.
I try to find the right pace, struggle a little but manage the struggle, and manage to stick to the planned distance. After the run, I am for once pleasantly surprised by my pace, a bit better than I feared.
Still, Sunday's Half Marathon will need to be run very conservatively, a sort of in the sand for this year.

Failure, reminiscent of the Mumbai Marathon.
Not feeling well in the lead-in to the race, I've tried a new strategy: two days of rest. Obviously this hasn't really worked out, although that should not be seen as the cause of this failure.
Yesterday, as we went to get the bibs, Ruksanna had a change of heart: she wants to register at the last minute, insisting on the half marathon, in spite of having not trained at all (not even walking), and suffering from some back pain. I am so happy that she will come with me, and we both get up early in the night, I drive to the event in the near deserted streets.
I soon realize it is hot and humid, even a simple easy warmup has drenched me in sweat before the start. We are made to line-up, luckily near the front, a huge crowd today of 18,000 we're told, ushered by Sachin Tendulkar.
The rest seems to have paid off at first: good comfortable start, finding an easy, loose, careful pacing. After a short while running in near darkness, the morning Adhaan resonates. Parts of the course, wet from recent rain, feel quite slippery, cautioning my stride. Visioning the distance of the day, I keep to a patient pacing, complete the first loop in comfort.
The second loop starts now in timid daylight. I start to weaken a bit. Not particularly entertained by the run itself, and committed to a somewhat easy pace, I start rehearsing Surah Isra. But like on Marathon Day, I start to lose motivation and resolve, feeling bored and mentally tired. A sudden monsoon shower wakes me up, making certain runners yell in glee. But the tedium of my struggle seizes me back. It has become increasingly difficult to run amongst this crowd too big, finding a path weaving through. And the site of these many walkers further erodes motivation. Here is the slippery bridge again, opening to a loop that had seemed a little long earlier. Now in the same state as the Marathon, drained physically and mentally, I feel a sort of sleepiness which completely takes the combat out of me, almost angry at being here, do I want to hold on? No pleasure. I want to drop as a slap in the face, to manifest my frustration.
Before the run turns into a couple loops, I deliberately move aside, meticulously un-clip my bib to signify abandon. I even try to tear it up but it is too solid, crumple it instead, stop just short of throwing it away, realizing that I will need it to get food back at the start. Now I'm one of those walkers on the side, against which true runners pest. I walk for some time, looking for Ruksanna who I do not spot in the flow. Finally, turning back into BKC, I decide to resume running after all, to the finish. I consciously avoid medal distribution but go for the drinks.
And then, a long long wait for Ruksanna.
A new sporadic shower drenches me, as I stand here against the barriers. I finally call her, Assalam Walaikum warahmatoullahi wabarakatu she enunciates joyous, but she still sounds very far. Waiting continues. An old man shakes my hand to congratulate me, I object that I haven't completed the course, kuch to kiya he replies still cheerful.
Ruksanna finally does arrive, in spite of no training at all, she has managed to complete the whole course, but in nearly three and a half hours. She seems very concerned that I have abandoned, proposes to reform my diet.
This is obviously a failure, although I don't care that much - at least not yet. Perhaps not surprising in view of these last few weeks of strange loss of stamina. and perhaps just as well, time to focus better on other things. Or reset back to a more free style of running, as before, careless, find back the joy. In fact, this confirms the decision that was pending lately: From tomorrow onwards, I am ditching Strava.
On the drive back, I spot a man sleeping in the middle divider in a large white garbage bag, only legs apparent. Ruksanna laughs, my father used to sleep like this ...

No Strava, Insomnia, Combat, Hypnotic (8.7 Miles) -- 08/27/19

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Monday 08/26/19 --
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs

8th reading Surah Ibrahim till v 34
Woke up at 3:45, unable to sleep.
After Namaaz, go back to bed, in my brain, I see pandemonium images of traffic, so many absurd obstacles in the way, I do achieve some brief vague somnolence, enough to take the edge off. On the way to work, despite leaving at 8, the auto gets completely stuck as a large Ganapati has blocked Chandivali road.

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Tuesday 08/27/19 -- Without Strava
Lake Homes - Lake Powai - Saki Vihar - Aarey - Old Laxmi Rd - Fields - Royal Palms rd Loop - Marol - Seepz.
Mileage: 8.7 Miles - 14.01 Km
Time: 1:22:57
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 27C - 30C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs

8th reading finished Surah Ibrahim then Surah Hijr till v 25.
A second night in a row of severe insomnia!
I do my very best to not despair. This time, it is Shahid's phone alarm that has one off at 2:30, and they continue sleeping right next to it, waking me from a profound dream. So scared of exhaustion that I despair to sleep, this awful helpless feeling, but nevertheless I adamantly pursue dreams from the back of my mind, as I can, and perhaps I've succeeded for a short time. I finally get up at 4:45, a little of the brain paralysis that comes with sleeplessness has worn off. I isolate myself in Qur'an reading then Namaaz, a strong effort to recapture my devotion, then I let Ruksanna come by me for stretching.
Under the circumstances, a great run!
I keep my promise to take myself of Strava. The stupid phone will stay in the pouch, without recording anything. Ruksanna supports this, rightfully feeling that I should not let my each movement be tracked like this. Good riddance, back to running by feel, which is how it should be. Also, my running has always been a solitary endeavor, I have no need for this online audience.
It is now dry and sunny, although starting to get hot (this no doubt will dramatically increase in October). I leave early, although even at that time dodge many obstacles at first. Yesterday, I had been so so happy to leave work around 6, and the traffic had been fine at first, till arriving in Chandivali, where we got unbelievably stuck in the 500 meters of Rambaag, so close to home! Used the time to rehearse Surah Isra while distractedly contemplating the life of the small slums.
Back here on the run, a dog surprises me by erupting at my feet, then later a crow does the same, barely missing me, but no harm done. The crowd clears into beautiful Aarey, I feel good and comfortable, so much that I prolong the run into the Royal Palms loop, gingerly passing impressive black cows, and saluting my friend after long.
An excellent run, welcome after Sunday's set-back, which, rather than discouraging me, seems to have motivated me further. And Ruksanna too. Yesterday, I registered us both at her insistence for the Tata Mumbai Half Marathon.

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Wednesday 08/28/19 -- Pipeline
Lake Homes - Lake Powai - Pipeline - Marol.
Time: 0:42:50
Mileage: 4.67 Miles - 7.51 Km
Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'42"/km
Weather: 27C - 31C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs

Another night (3rd) of terrible insomnia.
But reinforced by better Namaaz, I stay serene, resist panic, pursue the dreams, even when I find it hard to penetrate the mind, or that the faintest feeling of the body pops me back to the surface. Miraculously, with only 1/2 hour left before Adhaan, I have fallen asleep into deep dreams!
I read Surah Hijr followed by Namaaz.
It looks like Sunday's defeat has actually kicked me back in action. Perhaps I needed this self-slap in the face to shock me out of this morose running period, well, after yesterday's great run, and in spite of the terrible attacks of insomnia, I feel good, and stick today to a shorter perfectly relaxed run, at an acceptable pace.
Yesterday evening, coming back in a Rickshaw, we get stuck once again in Rambaag, this time by a giant Ganapati being hauled in the narrow way. The driver agrees to drop me there so I can finish on foot, soon drenched by an unexpected monsoon downpour!

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Thursday 08/29/19 -- Combat
Warmup, to LHOP: 0:11:44 [1.26M - 2.02K]
Half Mile Intervals ------------
Interval I, LHOP to Wall Break: 4'10".20 [890.44mt - 0.55M]; Pace: 7'32"/mile - 4'41"/km
Interval II, Wall Break to IIT: 3'46".87 [811.52mt - 0.50M]; Pace: 7'30"/mile - 4'40"/km
Interval III, IIT to Wall Break: 3'44".02 [811.52mt - 0.50M]; Pace: 7'24"/mile - 4'36"/km
Interval IV, Wall Break to LHOP: 4'07".12 [890.44mt - 0.55M]; Pace: 7'26"/mile - 4'37"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:15:48
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.1 Miles - 3.4 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 7'29"/mile - 4'39"/km
Age Graded Best Interval (811.5mt): 0:03:11, ie. Pace 6'19"/mile.
Cooldown, Pipeline to Seepz: 0:29:52 [3.31M - 5.33K]
Total Time: 0:57:24
Total Mileage: 6.67 Miles - 10.75 Km
Total Pace: 8'36"/mile - 5'20"/km
Weather: 26C - 31C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs

Surah Nahl till v 25, followed by Namaaz Baqarah / An'aam.
Another insomnia declares itself, this time at 1:00am! On top of that, around 2:00, Shahid's phone rings again! But I do not have the heart to see through my threat of destroying his phone, knowing that there is no way I'll sleep after such anger, so I cowardly dump this on Ruksanna. She tries to put me back to sleep, and I do eventually, as if drugged from exhaustion, waking up around 5:10. When I enter the kitchen, I find several phones torn apart by the trash can. It is Ruksanna who has destroyed all the bacchon ke phones, not objectionable as such to eradicate this self inflicted poison, but surely the prelude to more strife. Yesterday already, there was a horrible fight, Nazia losing it again and tearing the place down. It also happens to be the day where WDS, - as I had predicted - has decided to pull all work from us. Ruksanna seems fine when she wakes up though, and somewhat cowardly, I flee the house to execute my running plan.
I wanted to take an auto to the hills of Aarey Guest House, but none being available, I fall back on half miles on Lake Powai. It has just rained again, but luckily the run will be dry. After a short warmup, here we go.
And in spite of all the shit going on, this develops into an excellent session. I find a good relatively relaxed stride, better controlling my body and mind to not strain or panic, and run a comparatively faster cadence, which suits me well today. The effort is challenging, but not overwhelming like it has been since Ramzaan. I even seem to be picking up pace as the intervals go, for once, and wisely, seeing how well things are developing, decide to be satisfied with 4 intervals, no need for more.
I finish the run with a somewhat long cooldown along the pipeline, here too toiling to find relaxation, developing a strange hypnotic pace, where the distant trees start to mix, which in turn soothes my stride, perhaps the gate to something new.

Famous (11.72 Miles) -- 08/31/19

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Friday 08/30/19 -- Famous
Khairani rd - Saki Naka - Marol CHS
Time: 0:25:30
Mileage: 2.92 Miles - 4.7 Km
Pace: 8'44"/mile - 5'25"/km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

8th reading Surah Nahl till v 60.
A better night sleep, finally, from which I wake up a little groggy. On Friday, I take time not only to recite Surah Yaseen, but also write another learned verse of Surah Isra, hence a late start, around 7:30. Several obstacles cause pauses, a banner is being lifted across Khairani road (presumably for Ganesh Chaturti), a long truck blocks the street in a U-Turn, and later, again on Marol CHS, a dog barks and approaches me, I let him sniff me and calm down, very nicely helped by a guy on a motorbike who stops to shoo him away, then gestures me to run on. With all that, I am surprised at my good pace, at no particular effort.
But in all other ways, our burden is deepening.
Later, while walking to Masjid, somebody seeing me exclaims, "Chandivali", I turn to smile. Then coming out of Namaaz in the small galli, a man seems to hail me, he too knows me from seeing me running. As we exchange a few words a sudden stream of water splashes me, as if thrown carelessly from over a slum roof.
Masjid has become a central practice, even if sometimes I struggle to achieve the perfect Namaaz. I fear it less, and almost invariably feel appeased, lighter. My tradition is to call Ruksanna the minute I return in office.

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Saturday 08/31/19 -- Kanjurmarg
No Strava, insomnia, Combat, hypnotic.
Lake Powai - IIT - Kanjur village - to Fatar Bridge
Lap: 0:54:12; 5.81M - 9.35K; 9'20"/mile - 5'48"/km
Talaab - EEH - Back - IIT - D-Mart: 5.91M - 9.5K
Time: 1:52:59
Mileage: 11.72 Miles - 18.85 Km
Pace: 9'38"/mile - 5'59"/km
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs

8th reading Surah Nahl till v 90.
This run before leaving today for Igatpuri, for the Ganesha Chaturti long weekend.

Wet, change of plans, fearing a mud bath.
Indeed, soon torrential showers!
No strava.
Obstacles, a Rickshaw cut my road, but later, as if to make up, another one very nicely gives me the way, as I am getting splashed by a large bus, we smile at each other. Along yesterday's theme, encouraged by someone who seems to know me.
Again, cadence, comfortable.
Kanjurmarg loop, clockwise, find the road, under heavy rain.
I fear the IIT hill which I pass using that mysterious hypnotic pace, wide-eyed and unblinking, probably a strange sight but relaxes. I do weaken after that, but do not let go, till D-Mart, which is perfectly acceptable.
Good run, capping an excellent week.

-- Igatpuri --

Monsoon Strikes Back! (8.73 Miles) -- 09/05/19

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Wednesday 09/04/19 -- Heavy Rain
Lake Powai - Aarey - to Hostel Xing & back - Marol - Seepz.
Time: 1:06:48
Mileage: 6.8 Miles - 10.94 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 27C - 30C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs

Surah Bani Israeel till v 22
Since our weekend in Igatpuri, a new strong assault of the monsoon!
Yesterday evening, because of incessant rains and the Ganapati Festival, I decide to walk home, another epic trek through treacherous flooded streets (which I luckily know well), particularly the damn Marol CHS stretch where I had fallen in the filth, to the rhythm of occasional festival drums. Luckily, I am wearing my plastic monsoon shoes, make it home unharmed, and my cold paradoxically coming to an end. My phone however, although kept in a plastic bag, has not liked this, the audio is no longer functioning.
It has been another trying day. Ruksanna, for fear that I will relive it through the night, forbids me to read as I wake up around 3, insists on massaging me back to sleep. In spite of all, I do conjure the sleepy visions, to miraculously wake up with the morning Adhaan, feeling very good. Having completed Surah Nahl, I read the first two rukus of Surah Bani Israail, and recite most of it in Namaaz, and learn a new verse from it.
It looks wet outside, but the rain seems to have stopped. But once downstairs, I find that the downpour has started again, I rush back up to wear my mythical Seattle cap, for rainy weather. It is indeed a strong steady downpour, which will not let down.
The run proceeds well, strong rain, deep puddles, which have made the streets emptier than usual. I don't feel as light as I'd hope after two rest days, but the run is good enough that I prolong it to the NZ Hostel road and back, feeling more and more relaxed as it goes.
Let's see what today brings.

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Thursday 09/05/19 -- Aarey Guest House Hills
Warmup, Picnic Spot to NZ & Back [2.28M - 3.66K]: 0:23:46
Hill Repeats: 846.6 Meters - 0.526 Miles
Interval I: 5'00".29; Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Interval II: 4'53".99; Pace: 9'19"/mile - 5'47"/km
Interval III: 4'59".90; Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Interval IV: 5'08".96; Pace: 9'47"/mile - 6'05"/km
Overall Interval Time: 0:20:02
Overall Interval Mileage: 2.1 Miles - 3.38 Km
Overall Interval Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Descents Time (approx): 4 x 4'55"
Cooldown, to Seepz [2.24M - 3.61K ]: 0:20:54
Total Time: 1:24:22
Total Mileage: 8.73 Miles - 14.04 Km
Total Pace: 9'40"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weather: 27C - 29C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs

Surah Bani Israel till v 52. And again Bani Israel in Namaaz.
A phenomenal episode of rain, basically a continuous loud downpour, has left the city paralyzed in a red alert yesterday. I ran right through it in the early morning, but some people stayed stuck on the roads for more than five hours - if they could reach at all. It's alarming enough that the city shuts down as the day progresses, and arrangements are made at work for those who might not be able to return home.
But fortunately, the rain finally stops in the middle of the afternoon, and the flood waters (including from my window in office) recede quickly. When I venture out back home, I am delightedly surprised to find nearly empty roads, and hardly any flooding. I even catch an auto mid-way, to khali streets.
This morning, woke up well around 4:45, insomnia and cold seemingly over.
I am flexible with my running plan, ready to fall back on a tempo run. But today, around 6:50, I do find an auto willing to drop me in Aarey, his vehicle was immersed in water yesterday in Saki Naka he says, and indeed, the seat still lets out water at every bump. He very nicely returns 30 roupees to me with a smile, losing 3 in change.
I warm up towards the New Zealand Hostel, the Lotus Pond full. As often, I apprehend the speed work, sort of defeated before the start, and have to relax myself into the mood. Here we go.
It is a good controlled effort. I do better than on 08/01 or even 10/04/18, but still slower than 10/24/18, my current record. Still this is a good session confirming my relative return to shape, and like last week, I wisely call it a day after 4 intervals, avoiding an unnecessary demoralizing struggle through too many iterations.
A relaxed run back to work, the road is paralysed in a long line of traffic till the JVLR underpass, where water still remains.

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Friday 09/06/19 -- Rain
Mahada - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military - Marol Maroshi - Seepz.
Time: 0:31:46
Mileage: 3.46 Miles - 5.56 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'43"/km
Weather: 27C - 30C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs

Surah Bani Israeel till v 84
Yesterday starts raining again as I get ready to leave office, and I don't have rain shoes or umbrella! The road seems hopelessly stuck, but I find an Auto. We embark along the inside road through Marwah. But traffic is paralyzed here too!! In fact, so stuck that I abandon him half-way, finish on foot through Khairani Road, luckily, it has more or less stopped raining.
This morning, I've woken up at 4, looking like it's going to be impossible to fall back asleep. I have found after the fact that our Police Address Verification has been rejected, for reasons completely unknown, and without a clear path to fix it. In spite of this, I succeed in pushing myself into dreams, wonderfully incredible, and wake up with Adhaan. An excellent Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
But then I fly into a rage after spotting Shabaz overtly deceiving us. I yell at him for once, so much that he recoils as if I were to strike him, which I would never ever do. I retreat back into the Namaaz ka Kamra, shut the door, concerning Ruksanna. I come back out ready to run, not much time till an early meeting. Once out, I curse the rain, it is raining again, a steady strong rain.
Later, again under the rain to Masjid, for a particularly hearfelt Namaaz. For some reason I visualize myself seeking the siraatil moustaq'een, blindly, sitting outside in the mud under the incessant rain, content, abandonned.
And then again in the evening, for no clear reason decide to walk home, at the passing clamor of the dhol for the festival, and for the third time today, get drenched.

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Sunday 09/08/19 -- Tempo Run
Warmup, to Saki Vihar then Maritime Overpass: 0:20:28 [2.04M - 3.28K]
Tempo Run, Maritime Overpass to IIT Far Gate: 0:14:55 [1.75M - 2.82K]
Back, Far Gate to Maritime Overpass (no rest): 0:14:59 [1.75M - 2.82K]
Tempo Run Time: 0:29:54
Tempo Run Mileage: 3.5 Miles - 5.64 Km
Tempo Run Pace: 8'32"/mile - 5'18"/km
Cooldown, same as Warmup: 0:20:28 [2.04M - 3.28K]
Time: 1:10:50
Mileage: 7.58 Miles - 12.2 Km
Pace: 9'20"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151 lbs

8th reading Surah Kahf till v 22
Yesterday, Sofia, who's has been progressing very well, reads with me for the first time from the big book, the Holy Qur'an, which she has been granted this week. We read together the first Ruku of Surah Baqarah with application, she is wonderful as she imitates so well the accents of the Hazrat, a great moment.
This morning, woke up before 5, distracted in Namaaz by my ambitious running plans (which irritates me). I planned to run a 10K on the EEH, but gradually reduce the scope of this, fearing too much distance, settling for nearby Lake Powai. Today, no phone, no bottles, belt, or nothing. I plan to run twice the same course, to IIT Far Gate and back, which I do at a seemingly good controlled pace, but ominous darkening clouds soon break out into another deluge, giving me an excuse to cut the workout short halfway. Damn this incessant rain! I do struggle still to keep on pace, (although today my pace will be even), noticing particularly a tightening of the stomach as the run progresses, as if from bad digestion, which seems to really hold me back in spite of efforts to relax. Also, strangely, I've often observed my ears getting plugged while running, although unclear whether that has any effect at all.
One home, actually, my pace disappoints.
I thought I was on the eve of a breakthrough, but no, clearly not today. This leaves me tired and somewhat gloomy, yearning for morning sunshine. When will the rain stop?
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Surah al-Isra (8.71 Miles) -- 09/11/19

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Tuesday 09/10/19 --
Aarey Commute - Old Laxmi.
Time: 1:06:02
Mileage: 6.71 Miles - 10.79 Km
Pace: 9'50"/mile - 6'07"/km
Weather: 26C - 30C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs (not so surprised by this)

Finished reading Surah Kahf.
Yesterday, to the RPO Office. Stuck 1h30 in the Rickshaw, among traffic jams and strong showers. There, we find that only one can go in, I wait outside among the showers. Soon, Ruksanna comes back, makes me fill a paper explaining the reason for the adverse police report. She goes back in, the wait continues. Finally, she returns again, they took the paper, asked file number and name of applicant, and sent her away without even glancing at any of the documentation! Anyway, apparently, it is done.
Another Rickshaw through traffic and rain to work, and indeed, messages confirm that the passport has been printed. What a waste of time. And in the evening, another nightmarish commute, falling to a strong attack of dizziness, unable to walk, I hop into another Rickshaw, which stays completely stuck at various points, atrocious traffic. Result: another hour and a half, and about 140 rupees. All in all, I have spent over four hours in rickshaws stuck in traffic today. This is a calamity, and I dream as often of a new world order where motor vehicles are not necessary. When will people make them their hated ennemies?
Just before I leave this morning, Ruksanna confesses that another bad incident happened with the children yesterday, so bad that she started hitting herself (which she didn't tell me last night as I seemd half dead). Our life in Mumbai is coming to failure, like before, the city pushes me to dark thoughts. I leave nonetheless, the run feels actually ok, although I'll later realize my pace is very slow. On the climb up Aarey road, the rain starts again, yet again, a few strong showers which drench me, yet again.

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Wednesday 09/11/19 -- Mile Intervals
Warmup, to LH Overpass: 0:12:37 [1.28M - 2.07K]
Intervals LH Overpass to IIT Main Gate [1.06M - 1.71K]
Interval I: 8'20".23 [7'51"/mile - 4'52"/km]
Interval II: 8'22".78 [7'54"/mile - 4'54"/km]
Interval III: 8'18".81 [7'50"/mile - 4'51"/km]
Interval IV: 8'47".02 [8'17"/mile - 5'08"/km]
Overall Intervals Time: 0:33:49
Overall Intervals Mileage: 4.24 Miles - 6.84 Km
Overal Intervals Pace: 7'58"/mile - 4'56"/km
Best Interval Age Graded: 0:07:06, ie 6'41"/mile
Cooldown, Pipeline to Seepz: 0:30:35 [3.19M - 5.13K]
Total Time: 1:17:01
Total Mileage: 8.71 Miles - 14.04 Km
Total Pace: 8'50"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (just within bounds)
Weather: 26C; Humidity 94%

At the opposite of last week's insomnia, in spite of all the shit, I am sleeping very easily this week, plunging into many deep dreams. This morning sees me waking up after several episodes well sharpened, al'hamdoulillah. Sofia has left for me little costume paper cutouts on my table last night. I read Surah Maryam till v 40, followed by an excellent Namaaz, including last night's missed Ishaa (a habit these days, I am too exhausted after sundown).
I stick to the idea of a speed session today.
As usual, no more Strava. But I do carry the phone in pouch (as well as mini-bottles) to photograph my timings on my watch. Pavement is still very wet, but luckily no rain during the run (it actually will start pouring right after I've reached office!).
This is a great run actually, good effort throughout. And leads to the following fundamental thought, an important adjustment to yesterday's gloom: If namaaz holds, and if running holds, then I hold...
I run the first lap at a good held-back effort, finding a free pleasant motion. This feels more sustainable than it has been these days. Today, I do not want to abandon, adamantly sticking to the agreed plan, to break the mind cycle of falling short. So I persist through all four intervals, with some effort, but still in relative control. In fact, the third interval ends up being the best, a good sign. I do slow down on the last, but still finish with a sense of accomplishment. What's more, I feel quite good around training pace along the pipeline, a rather long cooldown after this hard session.
A much needed very satisfying session. Not my fastest (7'30"/mile on 03/19/19), but good progress on this cycle (compared to 8'18"/mile on 08/07/19).
"If Namaaz holds, and if running holds, then I hold." Al'hamdoulillah.

-- Second Ruku of Surah al-Isra --

In One Piece (12.98 Miles) -- 09/14/19

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Saturday 09/14/19 -- Long Run "In Once Piece"
Lake Powai - IIT - Kanjur Village - Stay E. of the railway - Airoli Jct: 1:08:16 [6.87M - 11.05K]
Eastern Express Highway (E Side) - JVLR - IIT - DMart.
Time: 2:15:07
Mileage: 12.98 Miles - 20.88 Km
Pace: 10'24"/mile - 6'28"/km
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs

Surah Ta Ha till v. 68
The roads are wet again, but there will be no rain, and even intervals of timid sunshine, sliced with gusts of wind.
Like last week, I embark on the Kanjurmarg route, which has become a favorite. My stated goal today is to finish in one piece, complete a semi-long run in comfort, also completing a small exploration by staying on the Eastern side of the railway throughout, possibly traversing unknown slums.
I run at a well measured pace, focused on energy conservation. No phone at all today, which is a good thing. But actually I don't feel that great, a little tired, a little sore, patiently waiting to get into the rhythm of the run. Feel a bit better through Kanjur Village, liking the open field to the right, liking the lively slum tents to the left. I reach the bridge in control, where I follow-up on my innovation, heading straight rather than crossing the tracks, through a brief slum section which then leads me straight to Airoli road. This works perfectly well, likely to become the norm.
Return on the E. Side of the highway, by the mangroves, still in conversational pace. Back to tradition, I've been learning all along, and throughout the whole run, those last verses of the 2nd Ruku of Surah al-Isra, which I'll pray later in Zohar for the first time. I eat two gels, drink my small water flasks which are probably insufficient (I'll drink massively after the run), save energy for the IIT climb which I've been routinely dreading, and whose curse I need to invert. So I take the climb slowly, careful not to exert myself, and deliver on the goal of finishing this run all in one piece. No quitting today!
Satisfied, a little of Long Slow Distance should help me for next week's half marathon.

The Rain Never Stops (7.46 Miles) -- 09/19/19

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Wednesday 09/18/19 -- Tempo Run
To LakeHomes Overpass: 0:12:24 [1.28M - 2.05K]
Tempo Run: LakeHomes Overpass - To IIT Main Gate & Back - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - Seepz.
Tempo Time: 0:46:58
Tempo Mileage: 5.45 Miles - 8.77 Km
Tempo Pace: 8'37"/mile - 5'21"/km
Overall Time: 0:59:22
Overall Mileage: 6.73 Miles - 10.82 Km
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 (unable to control my weight)
Weather: 26C - 30C; Humidity 94%

8th reading Surah Anbiyah till v 75.
And still the rain doesn't stop, exhausting everything, rotting everything.
I embark on this Tempo Run with low confidence, but determined to see it through, regardless of pace. This is the best route I can come up with, even though it traverses the base of Aarey slum. I sustain a good effort, fighting discouragement and tension, thinking my pace must be slow. But for once, a good surprise after the run: My pace is faster than expected, now not sure if this should be my target for Sunday's Half Marathon.

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Thursday 09/19/19 -- The Rains Never Stop
Lake Homes - Aarey Road - Old Laxmi - Marol.
Time: 1:11:53
7.46 Miles - 12.01 Km
Pace: 9'38"/mile - 5'59"/km
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Weather: 25C - 30C; Humidity 88%

8th reading finished Surah Anbiyah.
This monsoon seems to never end, day after day, heavy clouds, oppressive humidity, everything rots.
Yesterday, a freak storm hit in the afternoon, lightning must have hit right by us as an explosive thunder strike made the building jump, the area instantly flooded in murky waters. Luckily, it had receded by evening by the time I walked home, walking past stalled traffic.
Today, again, after good sleep, good reading and good Namaaz. I have been somewhat randomly concerned about the fate of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and read much of what I can find, including Michelet's Histoire de la Révolution Fran&cced;aise. Unrelated, yesterday, in one of those morning inspirations, I resolved to write a letter in English to each of the children, so spur a conversation about their responsibilities. I need to follow through on that. Monday, Ruksanna was particularly gloomy, but today is better, and her voice is back.
The run is great. A very comfortable pace, spent rehearsing the last Ruku of Surah al-Isra, which I have been praying in Namaaz. Working on my tension during the run, I realize how much noise is horribly detrimental, particularly that of traffic, and enjoy the brief respite through the as of yet untouched greenery of Aarey.

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Friday 09/20/19 -- Classic Aarey Commute
Time: 0:49:56
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.49 Km
Pace: 9'27"/mile - 5'53"/km
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (back just in range, but I do feel better about nutrition)
Weather: 26C - 30C; Humidity 94%

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