-- "... And establish the prayer and give Zakah
and bow down with those who bow down ..." --
RAMADHAN
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Friday 03/24/23, 01 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 1, TARAVEEH
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 60,
Dhuhr till v 122, Asr till v 177.
Yesterday evening, I am in a meeting from 7 to 8, I hear Gulzar
exclaiming "dikh rahi hai!" and run to the balcony. The new moon is
visible! Stressed out about reaching Masjid on time for Ishaa (and
finding proper seating), I leave the meeting in haste at 8pm (I cannot
remember exactly what time I used to go last year). Outside,
indeed, the thin moon crescent smiles at us, perfectly horizontal, low in
the sky, feeling unusually large. I pass several Masjids on Khairani
road as the Adhaan starts here and there, memories of last year. I
actually reach Masjid al-Husainya early, "my Masjid", and the room
is nearly empty, I should leave about 10 minutes later. I am surprised
at how well I remember the ritual, as if it had never stopped, quickly
find back my finger play to keep track of the various rakaat
and associated positions. Like last year, the Imaam starts the first 10,
followed
by the teacher with tinted hair, who recites a little slower
and more intelligibly than last year. Minor impediment in my form,
occasional foot cramps occur in the later Rakaat, preventing
me to properly sit on my heels, but that too has become a habit,
and I handle it gracefully. I recognize several passages of
Surat al-Baqarah, but do not feel quite as
focused as I'd like. When I come back (after 10pm), Gulzar is fast
asleep.
Alas, another bad insomnia in the night, around 2am. But pushing
myself as usual to the visions, I do manage to eventually fall
asleep, woken up by the alarm at 4am, with ample time till Fajr.
Let's admit it, this is a rough start. I am not finding
proper devotion. Even the 1st Taraveeh last night was mixed,
almost too familiar in a way (after last year's wonder), I
immediately recall all my habits and techniques, execute the
Namaaz flawlessly, but without enough soul.
And today is similar. I hang on, but am unable to find
proper devotion in Namaaz. But the month is still long. Again,
probably sheer exhaustion, I have started the month already
sleep deprived.
After Iftaar though, the effect of nutrition spreading through
body and mind like a fluid, I feel greatly energized,
walking along the Khairani
road chaos, and the second Taraweeh feels much better.
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Saturday 03/25/23, 02 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 2, TARAVEEH
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 228, Dhuhr till v 260,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till end, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 20.
Today is better than yesterday, but unfortunately, a persistent
headache develops and will increase steadily till Iftaar. Still,
Namaaz and reading are better. We go to the mall to the Mall in
the afternoon, which surprisingly pauses my headache, before
it resumes with renewed strength. As it turns out, this will
be my customary one Ramzaan headache, and this year
not quite a migraine.
A better day in spite of unfortunate headache, strangely caused
by sleeping, and aggravated by lying position. It increases till
Iftaar, but as I hoped I feel much relieved after, and later
at the Masjid. In Taraweeh the second Imaam struggles with memory
for some time, and a bouda on the left raises a brief dispute.
But I feel better and better. We finish Surat ali-Imraan.
On the walk back, a man on a motorbike offers to take me home.
I decline this nice offer, enjoying the walking transition from
different worlds.
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Sunday 03/26/23, 03 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 3, TARAVEEH
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 80,
Dhuhr till v 172, Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till end,
Maghrib Surat An-Nisaa till v 25.
I Wake up well. We walk together in Oxygen park, feeling good.
An excellent day actually, feeling sharp, no headache, not much
fatigue, optimisim restored.
In the evening we walk all of Khairani road to the fish
market, watching the wonderful Ramzaan stalls along the way.
At Iftaar, the "orange thing" (a sweet mixture
that I liked last year) leaves me feeling heavy, and I won't
eat it again. Still,
a good Taraweeh, especially throught the 1st Imaam's recitation.
I am Not completely
sure where we left off, but managed to catch part of a verse,
which was also last year's technique. (For the first several
days, they recite in excess of the Juz, in an effort to finish
by the 27th night, which makes it harder to follow). The
Imaam and I briefly meet as we walk out, I am happy to now know him.
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Monday 03/27/23, 04 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 4, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat An-Nisaah till v 96,
Dhuhr till v 147 (Juz 6), Asr Surat An-Nisaah till end.
A little more difficult today, sitting in front of the computer,
which tires body and mind. But not a bad day.
Taraweeh. Again, in the street on the way back, the Imaam
salutes me. I compliment him on the excellence of his recitation,
but wonder (and will continue to wonder) whether that is a
misstep.
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Tuesday 03/28/23, 05 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 5, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Maidah till v 56,
Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till end.
Not a bad day, although tired (and sometimes angry)
of sitting in front of the computer,
which numbs the mind and hurts the body (mostly back pain). I take
a few short naps lying on the ground. Still though, get through a
particularly busy day with many meetings, and still manage to read
Surat al-Maidah.
Evening Taraweeh, a little tired at first (Khairani road food
for Iftaar). Surat al-An'aam is read in its entirety, allowing me to
follow well the first half (my Imaam). The 2nd Imaam unfortunately
is impossible to follow, even through passages I know well. Very
unfortunate, it's like getting half of Taraweeh. Should I change
Masjid next year? Would it be any different?
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Wednesday 03/29/23, 06 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 6, TARAWEEH
Walk: 1:06:00 (to Lake Blvd overpass & back)
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-An'aam till v 82,
Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till end.
A difficult wake-up at first, but soon recover and have a very
good morning. Revisions of Surat al-An'aam (which was recited last
night in Taraweeh) and the same in Namaaz, and again in reading, a
very spirited read. In a good mood and energy, both for work and
Ibaadat, I go out for a pleasant morning walk, excellent idea. I witness
a minor altercation between a driver and an auto, rodeo style.
Good day overall, busy.
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Thursday 03/30/23, 07 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 7, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-A'raf till v 94,
Dhuhr Surat al-A'raaf till end,
Asr Surat al-Anfal till v 40 (Juz 10),
Maghrib Surat al-Anfal till end.
Funnily, I catch myself always in Namaaz with clothing thoughts
(what should I wear in Masjid),
and those probably always occur at the same place! For some reason no matter
how much I try to avoid it, it appears unavoidable. I let it go amused.
Yesterday Tarawee. A surprise foot cramp hits me on
the last rakaat, but otherwise very good.
I'll admit to feeling a little pride as I flawlessly execute the Sajdah at the
end of Surah al-A'raaf, which last year had caught me by surprise. I don't
know why they only announce the places of Sajdah in the second part of the
month.
In the night, a violent cramp in the left calf
startles me awake, then a typical dream of a race which
does not go at all according to plan, and huge ocean waves,
both fascinating, and threatening.
In the morning my calf is still quite painful from the unusual violence
of that cramp. I feel a bit tired, but good reading
and Namaaz nonetheless.
Lots to do, both personal and work.
Evening walk to Taraweeh, "visions of Khairani road". The madman,
a bulky man walking or sitting half-naked, very dark, looking
dangerous (but seems to be isolated in his remote world). While walking,
in the inextricable chaos of the road, a "human torso" crawling
by swerving his body, as in Tod Browning's Freaks,
barely to the side of the extraordinarily busy road, in the dirt, singing
for alms. How is he not trampled???
Near the Masjid, Navaratri celebrations have ended at the Mandir,
which were going strong every night till now.
The second Imaam struggles again tonight, in contrast
with the perfection of "my" imaam, struck by a few difficult memory losses,
and precipitated delivery which is very hard to follow.
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Friday 03/31/23, 08 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 8, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat at-Taubah till v 80,
Dhuhr till v 119, Asr Surat at-Taubah till end,
Surat Yunus till v 20.
Actually a good energetic day, almost opposite from yesterday.
Surprisingly good day at work.
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Saturday 04/01/23, 09 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 9, TARAWEEH
Walk: Khairani E. - Bhatwadi & Back - Mohili Pipeline -
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir - Khairani W.
Time: 1:00:27
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Yunus till v 60,
Dhuhr Surat Yunus till end, Surat Hud till v 8, Asr Surat Hud till end.
A good walk, back into the slums. But alas, eventually the urge
to urinate makes the last part nearly unbearable.
After Asr ki Namaaz, we walk to Mhada, and into the
extraordinary slum galli to the "hidden" market where we buy chicken. What
a sight! Today, we make a small detour to avoid a large cow, then part
of the galli is being dug up by a big piece of machinery, people squeezing
for passage to the side. The market, the vibrant crowd (many black clad muslim
women, but also many colors), the many small commerces, tailors, people
sitting in narrow clothes shops, dark rooms with heavy machinery...
In Tarawee, the 2nd Imaam again takes
us further than I would have imagined (past all of Surah Yusuf) and I almost
miss the prostration in Surah Ra'd, which I had not planned for,
not thinking we would reach this far. Back home, we
happily eat the slum chicken.
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Sunday 04/02/23, 10 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 10, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Yusuf till v 69, Dhuhr till end,
Asr Surat ar-Ra'd, Surat Ibrahim till end (Juz 14).
Meanwhile, I have been preparing for our French visas,
conquering one obstacle after the other, a combat in
which I've put disproportionate energy. Today, I worry that
the new printer I've ordered essentially for this will not
arrive in time, and spend a lot of energy devising backup
plans. After exploring in the area, I settle on printing
at a local shop from a pen drive, hopefully with no confidentiality
risk, in case the printer does not arrive. I can put this
issue to rest.
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Monday 04/03/23, 11 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 11, TARAWEEH
Walk, to "Powai Sunrise Park" and back.
Time: 1:18:16
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Hijr, Surat an-Nahl till v 35,
Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15),
Asr Surat al-Isra till v 39.
Struggle to sleep back around 2am, but somehow reach half sleep,
wake up at 4 relatively well. Good Namaaz, reading, and
this walk. My Ramzaan is less passionate so far than last
year, but not bad.
Alhamdulillah, granted a few good hours in the afternoon where
I can advance a presentation that was worrying me greatly.
Evening, Taraweeh. Today will be Surat al-Isra, this is the night
I had to miss last year, to my great dismay.
The main Imaam first finishes surat an-Nahl (longer than I thought)
then after about 6 rakhaat starts al-Isra. I have quickly read it
today to bring
it back in memory (surprisingly faded), I am reassured and delighted
that I do follow his recitation. For the first time he makes a mistake,
sitting down after a single Rakhaat, which creates a rumble in the
Masjid. He patiently rolls back his recitation, repeats the same
and continues onto the 2nd. But then, as often, the recitation of
the second Imaam, ridiculously precipitated, loses me, even on a
text that is so familiar, impossible to follow!! I get caught in
showing off my observance (encouraged by the fact that I had
spotted the error earlier), and focused on properly executing the
Sajdah at the end of the Surah. I am punished by an unusual hesitation
resulting in a foot cramp, feeling that I've wasted this night after all.
The Hazrat continues onto Surat al-Kahf, also incomprehensible, I am not
even able to identify its stories, much to my frustration. Tonight's
Taraweeh goes steadily downhill, leaving me alas doubtful and frustrated.
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Tuesday 04/04/23, 12 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 12, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Isra till end,
Dhuhr Surat al-Kahf till end, Asr Surat Maryam till v 66.
I wake up at 2:30 to a loud explosion (???), from where insomnia does
not allow me to sleep! Very worried about my ability to continue
holding the Ramzaan, and to work. After getting up at 4, deciding
to fight back, realizing this is a form of Jihaad, combat against
oneself, I do wake up better actually, helped by Advil. I hesitate
to switch to revising Surat al-Isra for the 2nd part of the month,
but do stick to Surat al-An'aam, at least for now. Good Namaaz, and
mostly, good reading of the entirety of Surat al-Isra (I've rolled
back to the start from yesterday's reading). Good start to the day
after all, alhamdulillah, and after all these dawn efforts, I do
find some form of half-dream sleep. All is not lost after all.
Evening, Taraweeh, all well. Seems like we have landed on the Juz
from now on (which will be easier to follow). Thoughts about how much dikhavat
versus true ibaadat, constant vigilance. No excesses this year,
so far. When I return, like yesterday, I startle Gulzar awake from
deep sleep.
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Wednesday 04/05/23, 13 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 13, TARAWEEH
Walk: Shangarsh Nagar - SM Shetty - Oxygen Park - Orchard - Raambagh.
Time: 1:16:51
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Maryam till end, Surat Ta-Ha till v 77,
Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17), Asr Surat al-Anbiya till v 76.
Wake up very well at 3:45, before alarm!
In this good spirit, and following yesterday's feeling
of sakinah, I decide for this
walk, to our classic Oxygen park, peeing along the way, every half hour
(this is a strange feature of this year's fast, I pee abundantly
throughout the day).
Back to learning the 11th ruku.
In the afternoon, news of a massive water cut in Mumbai, due to damage
to the Pipeline. I worry about how to get around that, look up
Tayammum ka tarika (how to cleanse oneself ritually
in the absence of water), and perform Wudhu on minimum amount of water.
But by evening water comes back, supplied from private tankers. It
will be restricted
to morning and evening only, and repair could take a full month!
Fallen deeply asleep after Iftaar, woken up by alarm, I walk to
Masjid a little disoriented through Khairani road. In the Masjid water
is back also. Recovering slowly from the daze, I try to refocus
my Ramadhan, which has been adequate but not great, the eternal
combat of Ibadaat, which constantly erodes. I am successful to
some extent, better focused on Zikr, less on my surroundings
and appearance.
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Thursday 04/06/23, 14 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 14, TARAWEEH
Walk: Lakehomes - Orchard Round Park - Heera Pana - Raambagh
Time: 1:09:54
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Anbiya till end, Surat al-Hajj till v 34,
Dhuhr Surat al-Hajj till end, Surat al-Mu'minun till v 33.
Woke up at 4 with the alarm, a little slower than usual. The
moment of my wake-up is often to discouragement, but that then dissipates,
as I re-gather energy towards life. Today ends up being good, the
solitary morning bird is back singing Adhaan for us well before
dawn, and I go out for another walk, figuring out
by now my regular urge to pee, which does put contraints on the
route. It's relatively fresh in the morning, not excessively hot
even during the day, and very dry.
A very busy day otherwise, which is many ways is good.
Evening, Taraweeh. Focus, although it is difficult to keep that
through the precipitated recitation of the 2nd Hazrat. Today, he
mistakenly rises back up after a 2nd Rakaat, drawing a sort of
collective growl from the assembly which sits him back down.
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Friday 04/07/23, 15 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 15, TARAWEEH
Walk: Raheja Vihar
Time: 0:56:34
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Mu'minun till end, Surat an-Nur till v 35,
After Jummah Surat an-Nur till end, Surat al-Furqan till end.
This is a good route for a shorter walk, very peaceful and quiet, although
largely because schools are off on thie Good Friday. I check on the way
that banks are closed (for 3 days), another small flaw in my Visa prep.
Taraweeh. The tall "friendly" guy from last year, sitting next to him,
he is tall, turning to the right, staring into his chest, then turning to the
left, where I where in constrast I tower over the
cranium a gidda javaan. The hawk-faced buda,
the elephant corpulent man, next to him. The small stout man, assertively
making a place for
himself (these, and more, can go into last year's writings). The
quiet benevolent large man, with marks on his feet. The man ahead
with a wedgy through his white Kurta.
Reassurance to see same faces, more or less same
place. Poetry of what they are doing, like an artistic communion,
isn't this superior to the Western intellectual art scene? The
attention of the assembly, its obedience to gesture, like a unit.
I continue to fight for my own devotion. Do not yield to discouragement
when I lapse. I stand to lose on all sides if I fail. Obstination is
my only proven quality, my last refuge of freedom, "Sabr".
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Saturday 04/08/23, 16 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 16, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat ash-Shuara till end,
Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till end, Asr Surat al-Qasas till v 43.
Good reading. Shifted revisions and Namaaz to middle Rukus of Surat
al-An'aam. Good reading. No walk after all, decide to sleep instead.
Oppressive weather, oppressive heat. Thirst.
Much time printing all the documents for our Visa
appointement on Monday (yes, the new printer has finally come
on time). Good reading, good Namaaz.
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Sunday 04/09/23, 17 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 17, TARAWEEH
Walk: Lake Powai - "Sunrise" Park
Time: 1:22:33
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Qasas till end,
Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21),
Dhuhr Surat al-Ankabut till end, Surat ar-Rum,
Surat Luqman, Asr Surat as-Sajdah.
Wake-up is often difficult, great disrouragement.
But I actively get back
on track, coffee helping, to good reading and Namaaz. And then this
longer walk. Urinating is no longer such a problem (I do once on
the way, in that place where I had once seen a huge snake). Better
clearer weather this morning, more breathable.
Reflection on the dénuement of the Masjid,
compared to other
places of worship. Continue to be fascinated by the assembly
of the Ummah in the Saffat, night after night. "... prostrate
among those who prostrate."
Taraweeh. A youth
next to me gets scolded at the end for holding his elbows too
far apart. I am finally able to talk to both Muezzin and Imaam,
ask them for
bank coordinates to make Zakaat donation. The Imaam thanks me for the
ration which Gulzar had sent a few days ago.
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Monday 04/10/23, 18 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 18, TARAWEEH
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Ahzab, Dhuhr Surat Saba, Asr Surat Fatir.
A good wake-up actually, good Namaaz and reading. Today,
is the visa appointment!
I have meticulousy prepared all documents, leaving nothing
to chance. I have decided to leave at 8:30, well ahead of
our 10am appointement, decided to drive (after much deliberation)
leaving the question of parking unanswered. But as Google is showing
me a time of about 35 minutes, I decide to wait a bit, not wanting
to overdo it as I normally do. Terrible mistake!
We set out shortly before 9. First alarm, the driving time now
has now extended to
45 minutes. Tighter, but still fits. Getting out of our area through Khairani
and to LBS proves a first challenge. The drive time has started to creep up,
in a fatal crescendo. We go through small pockets of traffic
remission, restoring hope, but as we approach,
things gets increasingly ominous, with a forecast 10' jam ahead on LBS.
Increasingly stuck,
I watch the drive estimate slowly pass 10! Google directs me to
a smaller street, which I stupidly follow (never never follow
Google "smart shortcuts" in India). Eventually, after a testy
drive through slum alleys, we end up trying to turn into
the most nightmarish
clog, everything and anything, absolutely stuck!! We are only
650 meters away, but impossible to move. This is where I lose it,
why oh why oh why have I not followed my initial plan? It was
so perfect, why not follow it? I fling into a rare rage, cursing,
crying, under the amused gaze of a group of muslim women in an
Eeco, stuck next to us, and Gulzar reprimands me with increasing
urgency, "you are Roza!". But the display of anger at myself is
perhaps unavoidable, and surely helps me deal with this nightmare.
Not only are we completely stuck, but the terrible parking problem ahead
is still unresolved.
We eventually squeeze through this unbelievable funnel.
As we are about
to take the last turn, I spot a few cars parked on the side of the road.
Without hesitation I stop the car right behind them, refusing
to worry whether this is legal or not. I really
don't know if we'll find the car back here, but that's not
the problem right now. It has taken us about 1h20, we are
over 20 minutes late!
We are stopped by the outside security.
I do not have appointement letters
but our names have been put on the list, as I had been told.
But it is a different story once inside. The woman cannot find our names.
I eventually call the VFS number, hand the phone over to her.
She refuses at first with a funny childish panic look,
"I am not allowed". Resolved after some conversation, things
are starting to look up. As I am frisked, the agent who has
asked me to empty my pockets, noticing my agitated state,
says "aram se", and just then I drop the whole content on
the floor - main aram se nahi kar sakta, I joke. Finally,
Gulzar and I decide to opt for the expensive "business class"
treatment, which should be much more comfortable and faster.
After all we've been through, we do need that relief.
Indeed, we are ushered into a nice room, sofas, restauration
and AC like an airport lounge,
and from there on the process happens smoothly. Perhaps
as a counterweight to my earlier agitation, I now feel incredibly light,
the weight and fatigue of the Roza gone. All the documents
are fine, we pay INR 7,500, they get fingerprinted, and we
are done (in about 1h30). The lady from the reception has taken
us in friendship, she likes my Hindi, and likes that I am
fasting (Gulzar has told her for some reason).
And finally, even though I was not betting on it, our car
is still there intact, where we had left it. The drive
back is direct and uneventful.
Evening Taraweeh. For some reason, a lesser session tonight,
less focused from me (after all the events today?) and lesser
focus from both Imaams as well (a few mistakes and memory
losses). I regret this, not wanting to waste any of these
precious Taraweeh nights. We have reached Surah Yaseen at the end,
but the second Imaam as usual recites so fast that it is
barely intelligible. My Imaam will complete it tomorrow, I look
forward to.
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Tuesday 04/11/23, 19 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 19, TARAWEEH
Walk: Shangarsh Nagar - SM Shetty - Cliff - Castle Rock Hill - South Hill
Time: 1:16:00
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Yasin, Dhuhr Surat as-Saffat,
Asr Surat Saad till v 40.
A good day actually, in spite of the heavy oppressive heat. I do
reconnect with better Ibadaat, and work as well, quite busy.
Evening Taraweeh as well, follow very well "my" hazrat through
Surah Yaseen, and even Saffat, having read it earlier in
the day. I however start to drift as often with the 2nd hazrat,
who again recites ridiculously fast, and often stumbles, to the
point where I wonder if he'll make it to the end. Overall better today.
I have refocused on relearning Rukus 11 to 13 of Surat al-An'aam,
as they were fading, which postpones any other learning plans. This is
good. The large Islamic Clock in the Masjid shows Ramadhan 20, we have
entered the last 10 days of the Ramadhan.
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Wednesday 04/12/23, 20 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 20, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Sad till end, Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24),
Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till end, Surat al-Mu'min.
Woke up at 2:30 unfortunately, work thoughts keeping me awake!
Luckily, I make the most of it, and manage good learning,
Namaaz, and reading, rewarded by a good nap (no walking) before
starting the day. I then find a message from the Imaam, he has
sent me the Madrasa bank details that I had asked for. Good
start of the day then.
Good in Taraweeh, other than a
particularly high intensity obstacle course walking
along Khairani road. I am recognized in the street by some of the Masjid
beggars, saluted without asking for alms. I like this, and wonder
how many people recognize me here. Have I become part of the
landscape, as I had in Kadugodi, member of la Cour des Miracles?
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Thursday 04/13/23, 21 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 21, TARAWEEH
Walk: Lake Powai, to middle jettie and back
Time: 1:10:47
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat Ha Mim Sajdah, Surat ash-Shura till v 20,
Dhuhr Surat ash-Shura, Surat az-Zukhruf,
Asr Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26).
At night, a freak thunderstorm around 2am, violent wind
shaking our windows and loud
thunder, but brief. Perhaps it will mitigate the summer heat.
I then wake up before
alarm around 3:45 feeling uncharacteristically clear, great! Good
Namaaz, and many work thoughts, which is not a bad thing, let it
happen. Same on this peaceful walk along Lake Powai, and I let the
work thoughts run, imaginary meetings and such, where I for once
make a lot of sense.
A good day actually, taking action at work, confronting problems,
opening some relief. Several deep naps, feeling good. Evening
overeat a bit at Iftaar, still get through Taraweeh, to good
results, especially through the 1st half. Standing next to
my new "friend" the gentle
giant in the Saffat. The second Imaam struggles as often, and
leaves one verse out of the Surah (and Juz). Also, at the end
of Wajib Witr, two prostrations are added, which I do not
understand, probably to correct some mistake.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 04/14/23, 22 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 22, TARAWEEH
Walk: Raheja Vihar - Tunga Village Slum - Saki Vihar - Back short way.
Time: 1:07:47
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Ahqaf, Surat Muhammad,
Dhuhr Surat al-Fath till v 27,
Asr Surat al-Fath till end, Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf.
It was a peaceful walk, away from traffic, focused on rehearsing
verses from Surat al-An'aam with phone in hand. But in one of
those sudden inspirations, at the end of Raheja Vihar, I abruptly
decide to turn into the slum (as often cutting any inner debate
or hesitation short),
encouraged (as often) by young men walking there with backpacks.
This is a brief but very impressive incursion, which actually makes
my heart pound today. A small alley reduces in stages as it climbs
gently for a short time, then turns into a somewhat bigger way
descending gently to Saki Vihar.
Strangely, I see a couple men with striking
bright eyes here. As usual, no particular attention is paid to me,
and I am granted to witness the life of the slum. This kind of
exploration enabled by walking, I would not run here,
finding it disrespectful for whatever reason, perhaps too close.
Short but fascinating incursion, abrupt transition between the
worlds.
A good day actually. Peaceful and optimistic (which surprises me,
can I deal with optimistic?). A feeling that Ramadhan has peaked,
as if it was over already, from which I need to regroup for the
last week. Crowd in the Masjid for Jummah, another Imaam, same
as last year. And Taraweeh peaceful, although I am not able to
recognize these smaller Surah, in spite of having read them
earlier in the day. Still, good attention overall, but again,
devoid of last year's excesses.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 04/15/23, 23 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 23, TARAWEEH
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat adh-Dhariyat, Surat at-Tur,
Dhuhr Surat an-Najm, Surat al-Qamar, Surat ar-Rahman,
Surat al-Waqi'ah, Asr Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28).
A striking nightmare shakes me up around 3am! Gulzar and I have been
separated, a temporary but volontary separation on some trip, which
now throws me in a frenzy, realizing I should never have let that
happen. I call Cecile (apparently she is
staying with her), luckily, she is peacefully sleeping there. But
here it goes again,
I think, as renewed panic causes me to curl up and cry on the floor
like a child's tantrum!! I am startled awake with a violent headache,
luckily, after an Advil, I do sleep back till the alarm (3:50), and
wake up fine, still shaken though by this vivid dream. I hug her in
love.
Operation Zakaat again, this time with a spreadsheet for each year,
and including Gold calculation.
A good day though, although indoors the roza proves challenging.
We do go out on Khairani road in the evening. Moments of quiet
satisfaction in Namaaz, like yesterday. But in the evening, watching
a presentation about AI restores my pessimistic outlook, a mood
that fuels my Taraweeh prayers. The poetic repetitions of some
of these smaller Surahs (which fortunately I've read at home,
and have somewhat neglected in years past)
work well, and hearing my Imaam on his last Rakaat start Surat
al-Rahman brings tears to my eyes. The 2nd finishes the Surah,
but then fumbles on Waq'iah, taking a "wrong turn" at some point,
branching mechanically into some other text (for once I realize this), and
is made by his souffleur in the audience
to start over again. It is a good Taraweeh, standing next
to my friend the gentle giant.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 04/16/23, 24 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 24, TARAWEEH
Walk: Oxygen Park, with Gulzar
Time: 1:07:30
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr,
Dhuhr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff, Surat al-Jumu'ah,
Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun,
Asr Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29).
Excellent wake-up actually. And this walk with Gulzar, listening
to the birds.
Good day overall, although Roza becomes difficult in the afternoon.
We go out on Khairani road around 5 or 6, bustling with extraordinary
Iftaar activity. In Taraweeh, quite moved like yesterday, as the
ritual is coming to an end, and I know I will miss it, the community of
brothers, the recitation. Today, as I wait sitting, a youth places
two small scent flasks on the carpet for me, I ask quizzically,
"laga do" he opines, and I rub it on my wrists. "Mein kissi aur
ko de doun?" I ask, his friend gestures to hand it back to him,
from where he passes it in front. Then, after Ishaa, while
waiting for Taraweeh to start, the electricity goes off, stopping
fans, lights and AC, suddendly trapping us in darkness and
a rapidly growing
heavy heat. But the Muezzin exits to restore current, and
Taraweeh can proceed. Moved by the recitation and the gestures
with my companions among the saffat, especially the 1st Imaam.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 04/17/23, 25 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 25, TARAWEEH
Walk: SM Shetty - Central - Lake Blvd and OP - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 1:13:37
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah,
Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh,
Dhuhr Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil, Surat al-Muddaththir,
Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30).
Good wake up, good peaceful walk, learning the Qur'an.
I reach another "peak" in my Ramadhan today, building on yesterday's
sentiment, feeling a powerful nostalgia (and pleasant) at the idea
that the month is coming to an end, wondering whether it should go
on, and to some extent fearing the "after". I enjoy the language of
these last Surah's (actually early Surah's), which further fuel this
mood. I anticipate a peak of emotion for Taraweeh that night, but
that actually does not happen, rather, my emotions have come one
level down. Small incident, my Hazrat comes slighty late, causing
the 2nd one to lead Ishaa ki Namaaz, which he does quite well actually.
Later though, when he comes back for Taraweeh, his precipitated diction
renders Surah Jinn (which I had so enjoyed earlier in the day) virtually
unrecognizable. Still though, these last days of Ramadhan are emotional,
peaceful and fulfilled (a rare state).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 04/18/23, 26 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 26, TARAWEEH, LAYLATUL QADR
Walk: Inside Nahar
Time: 0:32:22
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
19th reading Fajr Surat an-Naba', Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat 'Abasa,
Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar, Surat Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq,
Dhuhr Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq, Surat al-A'la, Surat al-Ghashiyah,
Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad, Surat ash-Shams, Surat al-Lail,
Surat ad-Duha, Surat ash-Sharh, Surat at-Tin, Surat al-Alaq, Surat al-Qadr,
Surat al-Bayyinah, Surat az-Zalzalah, Surat al-'Adiyat, Surat al-Qari'ah,
Surat at-Takathur, Surat al-'Asr, Surat al-Humazah,
After Dhuhr Surat al-Fil, Surat Quraish, Surat al-Ma'un, Surat al-Kauthar,
Surat al-Kafirun, Surat an-Nasr, Surat al-Lahab, Surat al-Ikhlas,
Surat al-Falaq, Surat an-Nas.
Good wake-up, slept in one go for once. Not much time before a meeting
hence this walk inside the property, getting ready to resume learning
Surah al-An'aam.
In the evening, the last Taraweeh.
A good concentrated session, but again, without the passion of last
year. The shuffling of the Saffat does not allow me to stand next
to my "friend", but I do end up with another habitual. The recitation
proceeds well, my hazrat completes till Surah Tariq before handing
over. In spite of the 2nd Hazrat's precipitated diction, I am able
to follow these last Surah's which are so well known. As last year,
after completing Surat al-Naas, he resumes the book with the opening
verses of Surat al-Baqarah, which I have just learned is the proper
way to complete the reading of the Qur'an.
I have been gladly anticipating that we would be distributed Tabruk
at the end, like last year, which had made Gulzar so incredibly happy.
But it doesn't happen this year. An ehlan
is made that the night will continue on, "Aaj Ibaadat ki raat hai",
and khana ka intazaam will
be made later at the Masjid, but I am among those who do not stay, walking out
in the alley as every day, without having been able to exchange
glances with those whom I've been sharing Taraweeh all month.
I walk back on chaotic Khairani road like every night, but this
time largely devoid of white clad devotees like myself, they must
have staid in the many Masjid's for Layatul Qadr. I feel regret, as if
leaving behind this extraordinary journey without proper conclusion.
Next year I resolve, I will stay on that night, Laylatul Qadr, insha allah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 04/19/23, 27 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 27
Walk: Lakehomes - Heera Pana - Lake Promenade - Orchard - SM Shetty -
Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 1:13:13
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
I wake up well with the alarm. With no Juz to read, start to cross-dissolve
to my former habits, stretching session before I go on a peaceful pleasant
walk. Resumed learning Surat al-An'aam.
An inevitable loss of intensity after the completion of Taraweeh
yesterday, and completion of Qur'an reading. Still a good day
though, in line with this year's Ramazaan, good, but devoid of
excess. Without Taraweeh, we end up in bed near our normal time,
around 9:15pm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 04/20/23, 28 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 28
Walk: Lake Powai - "Sunrise" park
Time: 1:16:07
Weight: 67.8 kg - 149.5 lbs
I gather back strength today, putting more into Namaaz and learning,
switching back to Surat al-Baqarah in Namaaz, and resuming progress
in learning Surat al-An'aam. This peaceful walk, in very warm
conditions even in the morning, luckily this has only come in the
last few days. News report several casualties from heatstroke
at a BJP political rally in Khargad.
Today indeed a very hot day, overwhelming at times (good thing it
hasn't been like this all month). Occasional AC provides temporary
relief, which I use mostly for Namaaz, and indeed clears up my mind.
Good Namaaz, and continued learning. After Iftaari, without having
to walk to the Masjid, we both sort of collapse into sleep, and
the Ishaa prayer is a bit laborious, but not missed.
Eid has been declared in Arabia for tomorrow, ours should then fall
on Saturday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 04/21/23, 29 Ramadhan 1444 -- ROZA 29
Walk: Lake Powai - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 1:14:04
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
A good wake-up actually, after several episodes of sleep.
Eid has been declared today in Saudi Arabia and several countries,
ours will be tomorrow Saturday.
As often, a mixture of satisfaction that the
month is coming to an end and was fulfilled, but a feeling of sorrow
and advanced nostalgia for its ritual and devotion, and a certain
fear of plunging back into the world. In some ways eager to resume
normal life, in some ways scared of it. I already look forward to
the next Ramadhan, insha allah.
Jummah ki Namaaz. I leave very early around 12:15, still not early
enough though, the room is already mostly full! I do find a small place
far from my usual, in the middle back, at least I made it inside.
As usual, latecomers still manage to squeeze in, disturbing at times.
Again, moved by the Namaaz, repressing tears, the perspective of the
whole month in mind. I had so feared that it would be perturbed, but no, none
of that happened, in fact, it was peaceful and satisfying, free of
obstacles, even small ones, and this year I was able to attend the
entire Taraweeh prayers, tranquil and satisfying, largely devoid
of the anguishes of passion.
Gulzar has
managed to keep 22 Roza, seems happy, and motivated by tomorrow's Eid.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 04/22/23, 01 Shawwal 1444 -- EID-UL-FITR
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
Today is Eid, the coronation of the Holy Month.
We still wake up at the usual 4am, feeling good.
My plan is to go early at 6:30 to the Masjid (even though Namaaz
has been announced for 8am), to avoid being crowded out like
yesterday. I do well to follow that plan! In front of the Masjid,
I acquit myself of Fitra for 11 people (us and all our children!)
which amounts to INR 770, and I am just able to sit at my usual
place, as the Masjid is filling up quickly, well in advance,
and people wait in silence. My Imaam comes for an extended Bayaan,
while 5 cholle (bags) are circulated for donations. He then
explains Eid ki Namaaz ka tarika. Namaaz starts, and I try to not
get distracted by getting the form right. I am again moved by the
recitation, the perspective and conclusion of the month. Once out,
I try to give with measure to the many beggars, including as I
walk back on Khairani road, till my pockets are empty, and yet
a couple children continue to escort me for some time.
Once home, all our 6 children have come, and Gulzar is happily
cooking Biryani, like in the old days, and later, Apurva
will visit us to share the meal, that too, like in the old
days. More than any other year, this feels like Khushian
or Salaam ka din, a profound happiness and peace which will carry me
for the days to come.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restart, and Illness (4.58 Miles) -- 04/29/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 04/24/23, 03 Shawwal 1444 -- First Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade to Mid Jetty and Back
Time: 0:35:00
Mileage: 3.38 Miles - 5.44 Km
Pace: 10'21"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 67.1 kg - 147.9 lbs
Surprisingly good first run, in spite of waking up at 3:50, and
a strong throat ache. But Namaaz is good, and once out, my breathing
is surprisingly comfortable (at slow pace of course), and body aches
less than anticipated. I was planning on a Hybrid Run with walk breaks,
but comfortably manage to run continuously throughout. Funnily, my
weight, which has been hovering around during the fast, suddenly
takes a nosedive. I do not doubt it will rise back up.
Warning though, do not get over-enthusiastic. Try to stick to the
"every other day" plan for this week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 04/26/23, 05 Shawwal 1444 -- Second Run
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Lake Blvd - Lake Promenade -
Raambagh
Time: 0:32:15
Mileage: 3.19 Miles - 5.13 Km
Pace: 10'06"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (good weight)
This second run is clearly harder than the first. Three main reasons
to this: 1) After two days, soreness has eventually set in, particularly
in the hamstrings; 2) I am a bit sick, persistent throat ache descending
into the chest; and 3) it is phenomenally hot!
But all in all, a good run, right on target. Breathing is more
laborious than Monday, but still manageable. As I said, there is not
a particle of fresh air even in the morning, about as hot as it gets.
My pace is surprisingly a little better (in fact 10'/mile would be a
good target for now), and my weight has recovered from its late Ramzaan
dip, hoping to stabilize it there.
A good period actually, of unusual peace and optimism alhamdulillah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 04/28/23, 07 Shawwal 1444 -- Third Run
Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar short - Chandivali -
Mhada - Nahar
Time: 0:33:51
Mileage: 3.48 Miles - 5.61 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs (surprise!)
Feeling increasingly sick, in fact, had to sleep multiple times
yesterday, and took Advil in the night. But I do wake up well
just before 5am, and after some deliberation, obstinately stick
with the plan of running today. This serves me well, at least
for now. A pleasant controlled run in spite of illness and heat,
just about the right length and effort, and at a somewhat better
pace (6'/km could be a good training pace for now). Continue to
learn Surat al-An'aam, nearing "the Junction".
At the Masjid for Jummah. To my surprise, it is quite crowded
(I was anticipating a post-Ramzaan lull). Funny incident, as I leave
I realize I've taken two different chapals. Luckily, a young man
is right behind me with the same mis-matched chapals, we laugh,
"acchi baat hai, tumko ehsaas hua"... It has been a good
Namaaz, my Imaam, who I thought would be absent, did not give
the Bayaan but still lead the Namaaz with his habitual nostalgic
intonation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 04/29/23, 08 Shawwal 1444 -- Fourth Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Powai Central -
SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:45:19
Mileage: 4.58 Miles - 7.37 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs
Woke up around 4am, still under "ramadhan-lag".
Illness is a little better, but still groggy after getting up.
I follow my plan though, and this run is ok, quite early (6am), in quiet
streets, and under the same heavy heat (around 8 ominous clouds have
gathered foreshadowing a storm that won't burst!).
I am moderately sore, and moderately out of breath, but all this still in
good control. Feels like the right effort for today.
All that said, it has been
an extraordinary post-Ramzaan. For once, I feel peaceful
and confident, and a particularly good sequence at work, on it,
like I haven't been in a long time.
Unexpected, welcome, alhamdulillah, as a reward for
the striving of the Holy Month.
-- Running on Morbe Dam --
Morbe Dam, Twice (6.45 Miles) -- 05/07/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 05/01/23, 10 Shawwal 1444 -- MORBE DAM
Morbe Dam, West to East (2.03M, 3.26K): 0:20:23
East to West (4.06M, 6.52K): 0:40:30 -- Pace: 10'02"/mile
Back East, till I meet Gulzar: 0:52:43 -- Pace: 9'58"/mile
Time: 0:52:43
Pace: 9'58"/mile - 6'12"/km
Mileage: 5.29 Miles - 8.51 Km
In Panvel, we go to Morbe Dam in the early morning, sunrise.
Like last time, I run while she walks. I feel overall good,
this reprise seeming easier than after last
year's Ramzaan. Good pace,
at a reasonable effort. I run the whole dam back and forth,
and turn back again till I meet her.
Yesterday, as we were taking gas near Panvel, she notices
a particular plant, asks the pumpist. He confirms, this is
Mehendi. She asks him, and while pumping gas,
he gives several branches to us,
till he gives us whole plants so we can grow them ourselves.
Later, after having prepared the leaves into a mixture, she
applies it with Nazia. Indeed, it creates a distinct reddish
tattoo.
Azmat has talked us about a boumi near Karjat,
yesterday evening, we go see it with Sameer, about a 40km
drive. Gulzar loves it, while I am at first somewhat
reticent, as usual. But after the run, I propose to go back to
see it again. With some pride, I manage to remember the
country roads
and find the place. We explore further out on a small village
road, then spend some time at "our" property. By now I too
have warmed up to the idea. Perhaps this will happen.
This was an excellent weekend, and we resolve to come
back next week to perhaps conclude the deal.
-- Homemade Mehendi --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/03/23, 12 Shawwal 1444 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Central - SM SHetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:39:02
Mileage: 4.01 Miles - 6.46 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'02"/km (target pace)
Weather: 26C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (target weight)
Good, essentially, everything is on target today.
Feeling a little stiffer than I'd like, but good run,
right distance, right pace, right weight.
New Watch, bought (and exchanged because of malfunction)
at Decathlon. Till I familiarize myself fully with its use,
I carry the old one too, as a redundancy, one on each hand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/05/23, 14 Shawwal 1444 --
Nahar Dmart [Rickshaw] -- Hiranandani Hosp - Nana Palshikar -
Padmavati Devi - IIT Far Gate - Lake Promenade - to Saki Vihar -
Back JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:44:52
Mileage: 4.59 miles - 7.39 Km
Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs (perfect)
Up at 4am again, unfortunately, feeling too tired.
This after a shitty day yesterday at work,
our industry has taken an abrupt unexpected bad turn.
The run is actually pretty lousy. Tired, a little stiff, a
bit out of breath, and heat and humidity have notably increased
again. Things being complicated enough as it is, I use the old
watch. Still, I make the most of it, choose a middle way between
the options I had planned, and keep this relaxed as best I can.
All in all not so bad. Times are tough, but I feel generally
shielded from its direst effects, insha allah, alhamdulillah!
Jummah ki Namaaz in the Masjid. For some reason, the Imaam's
Khutbah starts in a sort of tragic undertone. I wonder about this
man's circumstances, wonder at his perhaps hidden tragedies. For
some reason I've felt sympathy towards him, he whose voice
I can understand....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 05/07/23, 16 Shawwal 1444 -- MORBE DAM
Morbe Dam, West to East: 0:20:40 [2.03M, 3.27K] - Pace: 10'10"/mile
East to West: 0:41:10 [4.06M, 6.53K] - Pace: 10'08"/mile
West to East: 1:02:20 [6.09M, 9.8K] - Pace: 10'14"/mile
Back to last bend: 1:05:49 [6.45M, 10.38K]
Time: 1:05:49
Mileage: 6.45 Miles - 10.38 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
In Panvel again, as planned.
In the early morning, we return to Morbe dam.
Warm and humid weather, hazy and somewhat overcast,
concealing the rising sun.
A good run though, which I had been looking forward to all week,
a little stiff perhaps, but I relax into an acceptable pace,
which I am able to hold throughout. I run a little longer than Monday.
Then we return to the property again, this time with the owners,
a couple with whom we soon feel a great connection.
They are also from the creative field, and he speaks Tamil with Gulzar.
Surprisingly, she tells early on her life story, how we met, etc.
Once there, we marvel at the old trees, and meander in the many alleys
of the society, where people have arranged their plots in
different ways. We make it to their own land, a bit bigger with a view
of the Pune mountain range, and eat raw mangoes from
their tree. We are all warmed by our blossoming entente and friendship,
which will influence their desire to sell to us.
So back in Hiranandani, after a short negotiation, we conclude
the deal!! Gulzar insists on giving something to close, first insists
on wearing her Bangles on Vandita, then rummages through her purse for
cash (dropping all coins to the ground). The deal is done, the plot
of land will be ours!!
-- "Our Property" --
-- Surat al-An'aam, the 11th Ruku --
Eleventh Ruku, Phenomenal Heat (5.28 Miles) -- 05/13/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/09/23, 18 Shawwal 1444 -- 11th Ruku
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:36:33
Mileage: 3.68 Miles - 5.92 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
I finished learning 11th Ruku yesterday, and prayed it successfully
in Asr ki Namaaz, and again this morning in Fajr. This completes
the "junction" between different Rukus of Surat al-An'aam,
now mastering the text in continuity
till the first verses of the 13th Ruku.
I should now pause learning new verses for some time.
Our otherwise near perfect weekend was somewhat tarnished by traffic
on the way back, and a rare belly ache, which takes me down in the
evening. In the night, this turns to loose motion, but not abundant.
This is probably caused by the acidity of a raw mango eaten straight
off a tree (?).
I get gradually better this morning,
in fact, I finally feel hunger and can eat with some pleasure,
which had been totally missing since Sunday. But my
"functions" are still not fully restored. Still, this
uncharacteristic indigestion feels like it'll soon be over,
a matter of patience. Did not take any medicine, but drank
nariel paani, best treatment in those cases.
The run is tentative, but manageable. My stomach is better,
but still a little vulnerable. Also, it is phenomenally hot
this morning, like running in a Sauna. At a cautious controlled
pace, I get through it, and this proves like just the adequate
distance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/10/23, 19 Shawwal 1444 -- Heat
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana
Palshikar - Hiranandani Hosp - Main - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:52:24
Mileage: 5.28 Miles - 8.49 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Today is a good average run, in spite of phenomenal heat, which has increased another increment! I nevertheless keep this under relative control, cautiously keeping on pace while managing the effort, and coming in exactly on target.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/12/23, 21 Shawwal 1444 -- Heat
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes
Time: 0:38:18
Mileage: 3.99 Miles - 6.42 Km
Pace: 9'35"/mile - 5'57"/km (good pace)
Weather: 30C; Humidity 81% (even hotter)
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs (surprise, lower than expected)
It is even hotter today, probably as hot as it gets!
I make the most of it. The run starts a bit stiff and awkward, but
soon relaxes into an acceptable form, in fact, I push the pace gently,
while controling my breath. Overall a good run, but I finish as drenched
as if I had jumped in the Lake!!
Jumm'ah Namaaz feeling a strange nostalgy, as I know I will be
away for two weeks, and miss in advance the Masjid (fascinating the
importance it has taken on me). I form elaborate plans to attend
Masjid while in London, insha allah (there is however no Masjid
in Roquebrune...)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 05/13/23, 22 Shawwal 1444 -- Lousy Run
Lake Promenade, to IIT Far Gate & Back
Time: 0:50:57
Mileage: 4.98 Miles - 8 Km
Pace: 10'13"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
A really lousy run, no other way to call it.
I wanted a somewhat longer run, over an hour, thinking to go to
Pipeline, but waking up way too early, and this damn heat, thwart my
plans. I feel tired, out of breath, a day out. I still proceed
with whatever I can, looking for an amelioration,
but as things don't improve enough, I cut it relatively
short. This should be of no consequence, just an ordinary bad day.
Tonight, we leave for France.
-- Trip to France, first travel since Covid --
Runs in Roquebrune (6.58 Miles) -- 05/20/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 05/15/23 -- Statue D'Ulysse
Roquebrune Rue Debussy to Menton Ulysse Sculpture & Back
Time: 0:34:25
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 3.53 Miles - 5.68 Km
We've arrived only yesterday, but I decide to run this morning, without finding time to stretch. It is quite cold in the morning, but I am greeted by a beautiful clear dawn, a thin moon crescent well featured over the Méditerranée's pure waters, then the sunrise over Italy. The run is so-so, as one should expect, but I do make it to Menton and back, along the Sea.
-- Monaco --
Later, we visit Monaco. The day is perfectly sunny. A tour of the harbour and its rich yachts, then the palace and the aquarium, Gulzar in a most excellent mood, taking many pictures, and suggests trying playing at the Casino.
-- Roquebrune --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/17/23 -- Les Sablettes
Rue Debussy - Bord de mer - Plage des Sablettes - Retour par
Menton Zone Pietonne
Time: 0:41:32
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.26 Miles - 6.85 Km
We went for a quick swim yesterday at the plage des Sablettes in Menton, which is much gentler than the beach under our balcony. This morning, I run there, and return via the pedestrian streets of Menton.
-- Village de Saorge --
Later, we venture into the mountains of the Arrière-Pays, along the Vallée de la Roya, still recovering from devastating floods from a year ago. We stop in the village of Saorge, perched among the mountains, and do a beautiful hike from there. It is cloudy and somewhat cold, draping the mountains beautifully, we are fascinated by the landscape. Gulzar repeats hum Jannat dekh rahe hain. Followed by a simple excellent lunch in the village. Wonderful day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 05/18/23 -- Chemin Côtier
Coastal Trail
Time: 0:37:42
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 3.87 Miles - 6.22 Km
Today, I venture in the other direction, along the Coastal trail,
stopping after getting a good view of Monaco, but without reaching
the plage de Cabbé. Some fishermen, a few runners,
this early in the morning. The weather is mixed, but no rain.
We later go to Ventimiglia in Italy where we visit the market.
But an attempt to explore further along the coast fails, as we
end up stuck in dense traffic, and there isn't much to see.
On the way back, we visit the beautiful Hanbury Garden, which
descends from the hills to the Sea. I am carrying their passports,
but as expected, no questions at all at the frontier.
-- Hanbury Garden --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 05/20/23 -- Plage de Cabbé
Coastal Trail, to Plage de Cabbé
Time: 1:04:10
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.58 Miles - 10.59 Km
It is again unusually cloudy, in fact, soon after a clear start, rain starts. Today, I continue along the Coastal Trail, reaching Plage de Cabbé. Like last time, a few joggers along the trail, which meanders up and down along the coast, and fishermen. I end up feeling too hot, remove my inside banyan halfway through. On the way back, I nearly get attacked by some pet dog! This is not the first time this happens in the West, after having no problems with the stray dogs of India.
-- On the beach in Roquebrune --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 05/21/23 -- Menton Fort
Rue Debussy to Menton Fort & Back
Time: 0:34:49
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 3.57 Miles - 5.75 Km
Last run, the day of their departure. Again, the weather
is overcast.
We take them to the airport in the afternoon, no
incident. I have briefed them well on the trip, particularly
how to connect planes in Dubai (the next morning, before we
ourselves leave, I will get confirmation that they've reached).
As we return after dropping them, the weather magically clears!
Too bad they could not enjoy another beautiful sunny day, but
no regrets, our stay could not have been better!
-- London --
Runs in London (9.31 Miles) -- 05/26/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 05/22/23 -- TRIP TO LONDON
Poor sleep last night, and too much food. A door bangs in the night, waking us up. As we get ready around 4:30, I hear that Gulzar and Sofia have reached Mumbai, relief, all is well. I take my own plane very easily, reach London. Drive is long from Heathrow, which I enjoy, in no hurry at all to reach. The driver advises me to plan for plenty of time when leaving back on Friday, which I will wisely follow.
-- Buckingham Palace --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/23/23 -- Buckingham Palace
Marble Arch - Hyde Park - Buckingham - around St James Park -
Serpentine
Time: 0:48:13
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 4.95 Miles - 7.96 Km
The weather is sunny, very early light (Fajr is around 3:15am here!). I have opted to run in my usual clothes, but the weather is quite cold, particularly when I'm caught by a chilly wind. I explore along the edge of Hyde Park, finding Buckingham palace, and around St James Park. On the way back, a regiment of horses. For once I take several photos along the way, sending some to Gulzar.
-- Big Ben and Westminster --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/24/23 -- Big Ben
Hyde Park - Buckingham - St James Park - Big Ben -
Westminster Bridge - Lambeth Bridge - Back
Time: 0:59:18
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 6.08 Miles - 9.79 Km
Again, sunny weather, this time not too cold, with no wind. I am told
I am incredibly lucky to find such good weather.
The run feels better than yesterday. I have set seeing Big Ben
as a goal, which I find very easily (I was actually very close yesterday),
and from there, head briefly along the river Thames, finding a nice path
along its banks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 05/25/23 -- Kensington Gardens
Hyde Park - Kensington Gardens - Royal Albert Hall -
Kensington Palace - Italian Garden - Long Water - West Carriage - Back
Time: 0:51:39
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 5.3 Miles - 8.52 Km
In the night, around 3am, I was awake reading Jean Barois
when a fire alarm went off. After slight hesitation, the whole
hotel was evacuated in the cold dark streets, some ladies in bathrobes,
and we are gathered in a nearby large bar. After some time, we
are called to return, must have been some false alarm. This reminds
me of a similar incident in Burbank.
I nevertheless manage to sleep back, and still embark on this
run, in spite of growing soreness. But I intend to stick to a
4 days in a row plan, possibly achieving my largest mileage
since Ramadhan. Today, I circle around all of Hyde Park, including
Kensington Gardens. This works well, under an increasingly clear
sky, but ends up being longer than I would have thought.
-- The "City", and the Tower Bridge --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 05/26/23 -- Along the Thames, Tower Bridge
Hyde Park - Buckingham - St James - Big Ben - River Thames -
Tower Bridge - Back
Time: 1:30:48
Estimated Pace: 9'45"/mile
Estimated Mileage: 9.31 Miles - 14.98 Km
Today, for my last day in London, I decide to follow the Thames
river in the other direction, in search of the Tower Bridge.
I have no idea how far this might take me...
The run starts as usual along Hyde Park, past Buckingham
Palace and Big Ben. The weather is quite overcast, will later
clear to the sunniest day yet. As planned, I follow the banks
of the river, well fit for running, passing various buildings
which I don't know. The "City" comes into view, but the Bridge
seems still farther away, and the path leaves the banks of the
river, taking me through narrow meandering alleys. I follow
a couple but soon realize that they are also French, and
equally lost! Just as I was about to renounce and turn back,
they call me, we've found an access to the river which opens
to a view on the Tower Bridge!
It has been about 45 minutes, the maximum limit I've
set for myself. I return in relative comfort, completing
my longest run since Ramadhan, my first mid-long run
of the season - a memorable way to end this otherwise dull
stay.
Later, I execute my plan of attending Masjid on today
Jumu'ah, as I had hoped for, shortly before leaving for
the airport. I have scouted a nearby Masjid on Google Maps,
but without my phone functioning outside, I struggle to
find the place. With obstination though, and exploring
several small streets, I do make it. The ritual is quite
different from India. It is a small room with a thick
carpet, several people sitting on foldable chairs, most
people wearing socks but no hat. The Imaam delivers the
Khutbah in Arabic, remotely on a large screen, with an
excessive echo setting which sounds ridiculous, and makes
it even harder to follow. The Namaaz itself is very short,
and people disperse quickly without Du'ah, as another
"batch" is waiting to enter. I miss the close Saffat,
praying shoulder against shoulder in Mumbai.
Still though, I am extremely satisfied to have fulfilled this
goal. I then return to the Hotel,
luckily, I have followed the advice to leave early,
and in spite of unbearable traffic, reach Heathrow well
in time, the flight back to India will be uneventful.
Stepping out of the plane, taking in the heat and chaos
of Mumbai,
I am very happy to be back. In spite of the good running,
I cannot say that I have enjoyed London much.
Back in the Heat (6.36 Miles) -- 06/03/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 05/29/23, 08 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Recovery, Heat
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - SM Shetty Shortcut -
Orchard - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:42:37
Mileage: 4.38 Miles - 7.06 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 76%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone time: 2h09m
Laborious, feeling out-of-breath, heavy and hot.
Strive to find an acceptable effort, but struggle to do that.
Still, complete the run, knowing (or hoping) tomorrow will be better.
Up at 5:40, with the alarm. Revisions of Surat al-Baqarah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05/30/23, 09 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Recovery, Heat
-----------------
Home Gym: 0:26:00
Sequence: Dumbbell Press - Cycle Abs - Ankle Weights -
Flies - Toe Raises
-----------------
Run: Raambagh - Lake Promenade to IIT Near Gate & Back
Time: 0:35:21
Mileage: 3.7 Miles - 5.96 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km (good pace)
Weather: 29C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone time: 1h19m
Woke up at 5:15, before alarm, just before day-break, and in time
to hear the song of the Bird of Fajr, "Papa-Paa-Pa-Pa-Pa-Pa".
There is renewed strife around the Adhaan, (and around the Khairani
road slums), I believe Fajr ki Adhaan has been stopped again, which
is probably a good thing. But some want to suppress all
five Adhaan.
It is again phenomenally hot. After the trip, I feel like firming
up my body, and opt for a hybrid morning, half-gym, half-run. This works
quite well, the run is a little better than yesterday, although still
somewhat out-of-breath, and phenomenally hot! But I manage it
better, and come back quite satisfied. Through Raambagh, dogs barking
at two men riding horses. Is this a new thing?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 05/31/23, 10 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Recovery, Heat
Nahar - Raheja Vihar - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:42:09
Mileage: 4.27 Miles - 6.87 Km
Pace: 9'52"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 79%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs (not surprising)
Phone time: 2h25m
Get up at 4:38, after a night of multiple wake-up's, where I
finish Jean Barois by Roger Martin du Gard, an unusual
and thought-provoking novel about faith, almost an essay.
I start the run around 6:30, again, it is incredibly hot, and
again, with mixed sensations, a bit tired and laborious, still
trying to find my pace. The weight gain was expected
after the trip to France.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/02/23, 12 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Bhatwadi
Khairani E. (via Shangarsh Nagar) - Bhatwadi (long) - Jogger's
Park - Bhatwadi (short) - Khairani E. (via Jain Mandir)
Time: 0:44:00
Mileage: 4.54 Miles - 7.3 Km
Pace: 9'41"/mile - 6'01"/km (good training pace)
Weather: 30C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone time: 2h50m
Thursday: 20th reading Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 62
Bad wake-up, after multiple uncomfortable dreams, in which I've
seen a very large "camel-size" tiger. Gulzar, taking this as an excellent
omen, feeds me a spoonful of sugar.
Regain of 'Ibaadat. Quite pessimistic again, renewed strength in
Namaaz, have switched back to the beginning of Surat al-An'aam, and
yesterday embarked on another Qur'an reading.
In this relative daze, and in continuing heat, I fear this run will be
quite awful. But no, not at all. In a few steps, I realize that I feel
better than yesterday, and in a quest for renewal, on a whim I head through
Shangarsh Nagar to the Bhatwadi area, feeling surprisingly good. The
return is still somewhat laborious, like all this week a bit out-of-breath
and legs tiring, but still, better than previous days.
Later, back in the Masjid for Jumu'ah, very comforted to be back.
20th reading Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 104,
Maghrib till v 141 (Juz 2).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 06/03/23, 13 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Asalfa
Jain Mandir - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi - Jogger's Park - LBS -
Nari Seva Sadan - Asalfa - Saki Naka - Saki Vihar - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 1:03:30
Mileage: 6.36 Miles - 10.24 Km
Pace: 9'59"/mile - 6'12"/km
Weather: 31C; Humidity 72%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone time: 1h42m
I wake up again with the alarm at 5, pulled away from deep dreams
(I wanted to run the Stevens Creek Trail in Sunnyvale, but I couldn't
find proper socks!). In real life, I proceed with my initial plan,
extending yesterday's run to return by the Asalfa slums, in spite
of very hot morning temperature. Since I am somewhat out of shape,
or because it's so phenomenally hot, or both, this ends up being
around my limit, I would not venture much past an hour for now.
Still, it's a pleasant run, revisiting Asalfa after some time,
in a mood for renewed explorations. Along Khairani road, a surprise
dog attack from behind, easily contained, and with the help
of local labourers. Again, the heat affects the effort, no sign of
the Monsoon yet, rains will be welcome!
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 182,
Ishaa till v 210.
Delayed Monsoon (8.1 Miles) -- 06/10/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/05/23, 15 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Goribar Road
(DMart --) Hiranandani Hospital - Kailash Hill - LBS - RCity Mall -
Amruth Nagar - Golibar Rd - Andheri Ghatkopar - Bhatwadi (short) -
Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:52:36
Mileage: 5.42 Miles - 8.73 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 31C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone time: 2h32m
Sunday: 20th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 222,
Maghrib till v 252 (Juz 3).
Both up at 4:17, quite well. Jet lag seems to be over.
Leave around 6am, to the same heat.
Running continues to improve. I feel quite good in spite
of the heat, more and more in control. Still need to be very
careful not to overheat. Yesterday a brief shower, but monsoon
has not started, and the heat does not abate.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 274,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till end, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 06/06/23, 16 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 --
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - JVLR - Raambagh
Time: 0:34:46
Mileage: 3.76 Miles - 6.06 Km
Pace: 9'14"/mile - 5'44"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone time: 1h51m
Shorter distance, faster pace.
A bad wake-up, another access of doubt. But through coffee,
tilaavat Qur'an and Namaaz, I reverse that, as often to a more
optimistic outlook, and this run confirms this daily transformation.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 72,
Asr till Juz 4, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 110.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/07/23, 17 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 --
Raambagh - Lakeside Promenade - Saki Vihar - Pipeline -
to "Runner's Spot" - Back same way
Time: 1:15:18
Mileage: 7.56 Miles - 12.18 Km
Pace: 9'57"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs (Upper Limit!)
Phone time: 2h10m
Longer distance, slower pace.
Night of many wake-ups. I have resolved to stay at 69kg for now,
but this new uptick frustrates me. I had tentatively planned for
a first speed session today, an easy fartlek, but feeling heavy,
fat and slow, I decide for the exact opposite, a semi-long run.
I head out to the Pipeline, it's been a while. It's as usual
very warm and humid, with gathering threatening clouds but no
rain. I am as usual saluted here, "bahut din ke baad". I am
as usual trying to find my pace, struggling somewhat on
the way out, but gradually managing the effort better, to finish
in control, mission accomplished. I have however neglected to carry
water, come back very dehydrated.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 156,
Maghrib Surat Ali-Imraan till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/09/23, 19 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 --
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard -
Time: 0:34:56
Mileage: 3.63 Miles - 5.84 Km
Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 77%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone time: 2h06m
Thursday: 20th reading Surat An-Nisaah Juz 5, till v 50,
Asr till v 113.
Up at 4 like yesterday, impossible to sleep back, and not feeling
well! Yesterday, with spirits sinking, a long Tilaavat Qur'an.
An easy short run, which starts sore and tired, but I do find
something of a pace, in spite of the abominable heat, which again leaves
me drenched and drained. Monsoon is being delayed says the news. Tired.
Jumah ki Namaaz, today, the Imaam gives a detailed description of
Hajj during Bayaan, including what to do at the airport, in the plane,
etc.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 147 (Juz 6),
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till end, Surat al-Maidah till v 12.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 06/10/23, 20 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Pipeline again
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Saki Vihar - Aarey Pipeline,
to Triangle Bridge - Back
Time: 1:22:12
Mileage: 8.1 Miles - 13.04 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs
Phone time: 2h16m
At last a good wake-up, with the alarm at five, after multiple
episodes of sleep, but finally with a clear mind. Hurry a little
through Tilaavat Qur'an and Namaaz, to get out early before the
heat, feeling sharp.
But unexpectedly, the run starts poorly. I struggle to find
my breath and my body motion. This is generally a repeat of
Wednesday's run, just a little longer. And similarly, I struggle
to find my pace on the way out, patiently trying to establish
proper rhythm and effort. It is again phenomenally hot, but
this time I've brought water, and do my best to control all
bodily functions. With a slight downhill, a gentle tailwind,
the sun now at my back, things improve on the return, but
still, tight focus on keeping it under control.
The monsoon is delayed we're told. Impatient for this
heat to abate.
This concludes a high mileage week, the highest
since Ramadhan. Next week, would like to do just the opposite,
far fewers miles, but start speed training, insha Allah.
20th reading Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 57.
-- Jumma ka din --
58 Years (5.34 Miles) -- 06/17/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/12/23, 22 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Light Rain
Raambagh - Lake Promenade, to Powai Plaza & Back
Time: 0:37:41
Mileage: 3.88 Miles - 6.26 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone time: 1h58m
Sunday: 20th reading Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 82 (Juz 7),
till v 86, Maghrib till v 100.
A violent wind startles us awake around 11pm, rattling our windows.
In the morning, it is still cloudy, but the ground is mostly
dry. I get out around 6:20, some winds, and a drizzle which
evolves to a light rain. Finally the monsoon? This brings
much needed relief to the weather, making the run much more
pleasant. Recovering from Saturday's run, but I relax into
this, feeling a little stiff but rather good.
My weight is stable. I'm fine with it where it is (this
could be my new target), but do not want it to increase further.
Gulzar's weight is doing well, she is quite motivated, going
out every morning in the Nahar Park.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till end,
Surat al-An'aam till v 42, Asr till v 70,
Maghrib Surat al-An'aam till v 110 (Juz 8), till v 118.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 06/13/23, 23 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Bhatwadi
Jain Mandir - Khairani E - Bhatwadi - To Andheri/Ghatkopar - Back
Time: 0:39:10
Mileage: 4.26 Miles - 6.84 Km
Pace: 9'11"/mile - 5'43"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone time: 1h40m
Strangely, a good wake-up just before the alarm at 5am. Feeling
unusually sharp, I wonder if I should try my speed session today
rather than waiting for tomorrow. But I opt for a run to the
Bhatwadi area instead, through Khairani road, trying to establish
a better training pace. It is cloudy and a little windy, but no
rain, still, a relief from last week's super heat.
I do try to push the pace gently, mostly trying to find a
better stride, but I feel more out-of-breath than I'd like. After
doing the stats, I understand: I've run faster than intended. I
should try to stabilize my training pace around 9'30" for now.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till end,
Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 59.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/14/23, 24 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Easy Fartlek
Raambagh - Lake Promenade, to Powai Plaza - Back
Time: 0:36:14
Mileage: 3.88 Miles - 6.24 Km
Pace: 9'20"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone time: 1h40m
Unfortunately, a 3:30 wake-up, and no real sleep.
I nevertheless proceed with the idea of a Fartlek, as a way
to ease into speed training. But I am tired, and the run starts
very poorly, to the point where I take a break at the Lake before
really starting. A succession of small moderate accelerations, not
feeling so bad, but at a very low effort. The rains have started at
last, no actual rain on the run, but the ground is still wet with
mud and puddles from last night. This seems to have brought the
heat a notch down, although it feels even more uncomfortably
humid to me, but that could be because I'm tired. I pass
two horse riders on the way back on Raambagh.
All in all, a mediocre run, one to forget, but it is a
timid start to speed training.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9),
till v 126, Asr till v 142.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 06/15/23, 25 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Fartlek, again
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes -
Chandivali
Time: 0:36:08
Mileage: 3.91 Miles - 6.3 Km
Pace: 9'14"/mile - 5'44"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 80%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone time: 1h04m
Similar to yesterday, but much much better.
I wake up again around 3am, but unlike yesterday, I manage
to fall back asleep to a deep dream. What a difference this short
sleep makes! I wake up clear minded, which also wields an amazing
effect on my body, relaxed and flexible, and no heaviness in the
chest. Again, again, again, O the misteries of sleep! If I could
only conquer them!
So this leads to a quandary. I ponder whether I should try
to repeat yesterday's run rather than the planned gym session, as if
to avenge yesterday's failure. After much mental back-and-forth,
I do go out.
And I do well. The feeling is like night and day. I am
much more comfortable, easier in breath, and proceed with Fartlek
intervals along the way, prudently dosing the effort.
What a difference good sleep makes!!
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 172,
Asr Surat al-A'raf till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 06/17/23, 27 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- 5K Tempo Run
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:12:45 [3'06"] [1.22M, 1.97K]
5K Tempo Run along Orchard Avenue
Lap 1: 0:08:16 -- 1.5 Km, Pace: 8'52"/mile - 5'30"/km
Lap 2: 0:08:38 -- 1.5 Km, Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Lap 3: 0:05:45 -- 1 Km, Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Lap 4: 0:05:42 -- 1 Km, Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'52"/km
Tempo Time: 0:28:21
Tempo Mileage: 3.1 Miles - 5 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'40"/km
Age Adjusted: 5K in 0:23:21, ie. 7'30"/mile pace
Raambagh - Nahar: [3'05"] 0:09:51 [1.02M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 0:50:57 (Total Session: 0:57:10)
Total Mileage: 5.34 Miles - 8.6 Km
Total Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 30C; humidity 79%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone time: 0h44m
Friday: 20th reading
Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till v 40 (Juz 10), till v 45,
Asr Surat al-Anfal till end, Surat at-Taubah till v 67.
Yesterday, my terribly somber mood radically turns around after
going to Masjid for Jumu'ah (The Imaam has continued to give a detailed
explanation of the Hajj rituals, as he himself is about to go).
I feel transformed after that, and proceed with excellent
tilaavat Qur'an.
This morning, I wake up with the alarm (for once) at 5am.
First tempo run of the season, which will now serve as this
year's yardstick.
Weather is overcast and windy, but no rain, and still very
humid, very sweaty. I start this quite well, but tire a bit along
the way. My laps will reveal that I have indeed started at an
appropriate pace, but soon weakened, and managed to maintain that.
A sub-9'00"/mile pace would have been preferable, but still, this
is a satisfactory start. I have fufilled my goal this week of
running lesser mileage, but at a faster pace. This healthy alternance
is a definite goal for this year.
Tomorrow is my birthday, I turn 68 years old. Gulzar insists
on celebrating today, fearing tomorrow's amawaaz, and the work of
the Shaytan.
Speaking of Birthdays, I have looked up (finally) our
Islamic birth dates, and found out that both Gulzar and Sofia
were born in the month of Ramadhan (I will call them Ramzaah
ke bacche), while I in the month of Safar, the month of
travels. It goes like this:
Gulzar: 26 Ramzaan 1400
-- Me: 18 Safar 1385
-- Sofia: 11 Ramzaan 1430.
20th reading Asr Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11),
Surat At-Taubah till end.
-- Birthday Lunch --
-- Haji Ali, on my Birthday --
Rain, at last (8.95 Miles) -- 06/24/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/19/23, 29 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1444 -- Training Run
Lake Promenade - IIT Far Gate - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar -
Hiranandani - Main - Central - High - South Hill - SM SHetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:57:10
Mileage: 5.88 Miles - 9.46 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs (Aaargh!!)
Phone time: 1h22m
Yesterday, on my birthday, we went to Haji Ali. The monstruous
construction is still in progress, defacing the site, and the
entire shore. It just opened after high tide, the jetee is still
washed with waves, splashing a dense colorful crowd, and past
the Dargah, rogue waves occasionally chasing men and women
who've ventured on the rocks. Here too, a dense crowd, greeted
by the rhythms of Kawali. Unfortunately, the driving has revived
my ankle pain, quite sensitive that evening, and I revert to
pray the seated portions of the Namaaz in a chair.
This morning, I wake up at 3:40, but alhamdulillah, I am
able to fall back to a deep dream. Crap, my weight has increased,
this is enough now! My ankle feels a little better, I decide to
run on it, which fortunately will be ok. It's again the same
weather, overcast and blustery, but still no rain, perhaps a
little less warm. This ends up being a perfect training run
actually, finding my breath very comfortably, and
no noticeable ankle pain.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till v 30,
Asr Surat Yunus till v 71.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 06/20/23, 01 Dhul_Hijjah 1444 -- Marwah
Nahar - Raheja Vihar Short - Marwah - Back via Mahindra Alcove
Time: 0:44:07
Mileage: 4.53 Miles - 7.28 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'03"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone time: 1h20m
Good training run, very similar in effort to yesterday.
Woke up around 3, but again back to sleep to a profound amusing
dream, and woke up very well around 4:30. Weather is less cloudy and
no wind, and absolutely no sign of rain! I find a relatively comfortable
pace, head out through Marwah to break the monotony. The road is still
closed to traffic, unbelievable, how many years has it been?
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till end,
Asr Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 50,
Maghrib Surat Hud till v 84.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/21/23, 02 Dhul_Hijjah 1444 -- 1K Intervals
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:12:35 [4'18"] [1.22M, 1.96K]
1K Intervals on Orchard, JVLR to Lake Blvd: 1 Km (0.62 Mile)
Interval 1: 5'05".06 [3'03"] -- Pace: 8'10"/mile - 5'05"/km
Interval 2: 5'09".99 [3'58"] -- Pace: 8'18"/mile - 5'10"/km
Interval 3: 5'05".49 [4'54"] -- Pace: 8'10"/mile - 5'05"/km
Interval 4: 5'04".36 [2'48"] -- Pace: 8'09"/mile - 5'04"/km
Interval Time: 0:20:24
Interval Mileage: 2.48 Miles - 4 Km
Interval Pace: 8'12"/mile - 5'06"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1 Km in 4'11", ie. 6'43"/mile pace
Raambagh - Nahar: 0:09:15 [1.01M, 1.63K]
Total Time: 0:42:14
Total Mileage: 4.71 Miles - 7.59 Km
Total Pace: 8'58"/mile - 5'33"/km
Weather: 30C; Humidity 74%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs (better)
Phone time: 1h22m
Another wake-up at 3, advanced in les Thibault, which is
a surprisingly easy read, and fortunately fell back asleep to
a dream to get up around 4:30. I proceed with my plan of 1K
intervals, first intervals of the season. This works quite
well, the effort feels sustained but controlled, and I enjoy
the satisfaction of running my best time on the last interval.
It's a start...
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till end, Surat Yusuf till v 30,
Asr Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13), Surat Yusuf till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/23/23, 04 Dhul_Hijjah 1444 -- Tired run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Orchard -
Overpass - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:43:17
Mileage: 4.36 Miles - 7.01 Km
Pace: 9'55"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone time: 1h17m
Thursday: 20th reading Dhuhr Surat ar-Ra'd,
Asr Surat Ibrahim till v 22.
An unfortunate wake-up around 3:50 leads to a tired run.
I try to make the best out of it, but this is still quite slow,
one of those runs to forget (should I have stayed home). And still
no rain, and feeling hot.
Traffic incidents in our neighbourhood have made headlines:
Yesterday, with SM Shetty road still closed for repairs,
the Lakehomes society has decided to close its own internal road to outside
traffic, causing a super-jam which paralyzed Chandivali for several
hours! This lead to endless debate, arguing, and actual fight (literally).
20th reading Jummah Surat Ibrahim till end (Juz 14),
Surat al-Hijr, Asr Surat an-Nahl till v 84.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 06/24/23, 05 Dhul_Hijjah 1444 -- RAIN !!!
Raambagh - Lake - Saki Vihar - Pipeline, to Bhandup Gate -
Back via JVLR
Time: 1:29:29
Mileage: 8.95 Miles - 14.41 Km
Pace: 9'59"/mile - 6'12"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone time: 1h55m
Other than some sparse showers earlier this month, June
has been dry, heavy and hot, prolonging the oppressive summer.
This morning, as I wake up well to some dreams, I hear rain
at last, together with the call of the Fajr ki Chiriya.
I have decided for a Pipeline run today, like two weeks back.
I arm myself with a cap for what should be the first true
monsoon run. Outside, I find threatening dark clouds, wet
grounds, but just a light rain that soon stops, leaving the
atmosphere still hot and humid (I have to carry
the cap in hand). Along the lake, I pause
briefly to talk with "he whose friend has gone to Hajj",
insha allah, du'ah karo, ham bhi jaenge. I struggle somewhat
on the gradual uphill, greeted by familiar faces,
patiently find my effort, prolonging to the Bhandup Gate.
As I return, clouds deepen still, and finally burst into this
season's first monsoon deluge! an exhilerating
effect that makes the return much easier, dodging numerous
puddles and streams that have suddenly formed. All in all,
I accomplished exactly what I had planned, and celebrate
the late onset of the Monsoon.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15).
-- Drenched and satisfied --
-- Eid Mubarak --
Eid-al-Adha (6.46 Miles) -- 07/01/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 06/26/23, 07 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 --
Raambagh - Orchard - Powai Plaza - IIT - Lake Promenade - Raambagh
Time: 0:39:25
Mileage: 4.05 Miles - 6.51 Km
Pace: 9'43"/mile - 6'03"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone time: 1h41m
Moderate rain throughout. Unfortunately, all the driving yesterday
has revived my ankle pain. Still, running is ok, trying to find
a good training pace. Temperature is more bearable with the rain.
20th reading Asr Surat al-Isra till v 60.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 06/27/23, 08 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 --
Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Back
Time: 0:42:42
Mileage: 4.4 Miles - 7.08 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'01"/km (good training pace)
Weather: 27C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbs (OH FUCK)
Phone time: 1h41m
Another terrible wake-up at 3:30, and in spite of valiant concentrated
efforts, unable to sleep back. The curse! Also, I am caught in
complete surprise by an abrupt weight gain that I really did
not see coming. But applying myself to my daily toil, I continue
to revise Surat al-An'aam (rukus 9, 10 and 11), and successfully
pray them in Namaaz.
I contemplate skipping the run, but do go out after all. Actually,
I feel better than expected, finding a good breath. Conditions are
very wet (after a strong shower during Namaaz), but no more than a
light rain on the run. Surprisingly good run actually, under the
circumstances.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Isra till end,
Surat al-Kahf till v 50, Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 74 (Juz 16),
Surat al-Kahf till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 06/28/23, 09 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Hill Repeats
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Forest/Central:
0:16:06 [r.3'32"] [1.56M, 2.51K]
Hill Repeats, South Hill West Side: 542 Meters
Interval 1: 3'12".10 [d.3'52", r.1'14"] -- Pace: 9'29"/mile
Interval ABORTED: 4'05".27 [d.3'11", r.1'41"] [E. 656m]
Interval 2: 3'11".21 [d.3'21", r.1'42"] -- Pace: 9'27"/mile
Interval 3: 3'13".44 [d.3'27", r.2'07"] -- Pace: 9'32"/mile
Interval 4: 3'13".81 -- Pace: 9'35"/mile
Hill Repeats Time: 0:12:50
Hill Repeats Mileage: 1.35 Miles - 2.17 Km
Hill Repeats Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Ridge - SM Shetty - Chandivali: 0:17:13 [1.72M, 2.76K]
Total Time: 1:04:05 (Total Session: 1:14:24)
Total Mileage: 6.46 Miles - 10.38 Km
Total Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs (better)
Phone time: 1h49m
Up at 4:30, but feeling much better, dreams.
I have decided for hill repeats on South Hill. I feel better,
but still strangely sleepy, body and mind not coming to action. Still,
I proceed with the plan. Today, wet roads, but no rain during the
run. In my sleepy state, I still provide a good consistent effort
up the hill. I run the East Side as well, but am hampered by
several chasing dogs, so proceed only on the East side. All
intervals end up in the same range, which is good.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat Maryam, Asr Surat Ta-Ha (Juz 17).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 06/30/23, 11 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Rain
Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military -
Makwana - Marol CHS - Saki Naka - Khairani Rd
Time: 0:43:36
Mileage: 4.57 Miles - 7.36 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone time: 0h37m
Eid-al-Adha yesterday: 20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anbiya till v 50,
Asr Surat al-Anbiya till end, Surat al-Hajj till v 25.
Another evil wake-up at 3:20, but alhamdulillah, this time
I am able to push myself to somnolent visions (although no actual
sleep). I get up quite well around 4:30. Surah Yaseen in Namaaz.
The run is fine. Darkening clouds and a couple strong
monsoon showers along the way. Halted for a beat
by a very playful dog in Marol.
Yesterday was Eid-al-Adha, and I went to Masjid in the morning,
leaving the house at 6:30am, just in time to be able to sit with
the main assembly. My Imaam being at the Hajj, another Imaam does the
Qutba, and as usual, I only understand in parts, and my attention
gradually drifts off (why is it that only my Imaam's Urdu I can
fully understand??). After Namaaz, a relatively quiet day, we meet
our neighbors, who offer us goat meat (we haven't arranged for
Qurbani).
Today again to the Masjid on Jummah. It has been raining, so
I decide for darker clothes instead of the customary white (which
can turn transparent if wet). The weather clears when I go out,
causing me to stupidly leave the umbrella. At the Masjid, like
yesterday, carpets have been removed due to rain, and today I
find it painful to sit so long on the hard floor. On the way
back, a strong monsoon shower which I brave through Khairani
road, regretting the missed umbrella. The turn of our galli
is partially flooded, the water tinted with pink / purple color.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hajj till v 49,
Surat al-Hajj till end, Asr Surat al-Mu'minun,
Maghrib Surat an-Nur till v 27, Surat an-Nur till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/01/23, 12 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- 5K Tempo Run
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:13:25 [r.6'05"] [1.28M, 2.07K]
5K Tempo Run Orchard Avenue
Lap1 (3K): 0:16:48 -- Pace: 9'00"/mile - 5'36"/km
Lap2 (2K): 0:11:01 -- Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'30"/km
Tempo Time: 0:27:49
Tempo Mileage: 5 Km - 3.1 Miles
Tempo Pace: 8'57"/mile - 5'33"/km
Age Graded: 5K in 0:22:54, ie. 7'22"/mile pace
Rambaagh - Nahar: [r.3'31"] 0:09:37 [1.02M, 1.64K]
Total Time: 0:50:51
Total Mileage: 5.4 Miles - 8.71 Km
Total Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone time: 1h23m
Yesterday evening, I fell into a particularly somber mood,
which wakes me up in the middle of the night, to a terrible
insomnia, a nightly attack of despair! I eventually do fall
asleep, and wake with the alarm at 5, to a nice complex dream
(of an imaginary masjid again, and a far away land to return
from, this is becoming a new classic). I feel better at dawn,
the despair of the night now seeming incomprehensible. I have
started since yesterday, after hearing it at the Masjid, to
recite Takbeer-e-Tashreeq after each Fardh ki Namaaz,
which normally is recited from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Insha allah I will get it right next year.
I follow the plan, a 5K Tempo run. Roads are wet, but no rain.
I do feel a little tired though again, body and mind straining
to put themselves in motion, but the run is ok. As usual,
I focus intently on finding
a sustainable pace, and do find some improvement since last time.
20th reading Asr Surat al-Furqan till v 20 (Juz 19),
Surat al-Furqan till end.
-- Takbeer-e-Tashreeq --
-- View from the 30th floor, Hiranandani Fortune City,
Panvel --
Our Jannat (8.7 Miles) -- 07/08/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 07/03/23, 14 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Back.
Time: 0:42:30
Mileage: 4.42 Miles - 7.1 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'59"/km
NEW SHOES -- Asics Cumulus
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone time: 1h03
Sunday: 20th reading Asr Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 123,
Maghrib Surat ash-Shu'ara till end.
The dreadful attacks of insomnia that plagued me last week seemed
to have receded, alhamdulillah! I am sleeping well again, and to long
complex dreams. I feel rested, yet still tired, still recovering.
This is objectively a good run. Grounds are still wet, but no
rain, and even some intermittent sunshine, a break in the relentless
monsoon since over a week. My weight seems in better control (in fact
this is my target for this year, slightly higher than previous), and
my pace is right on target. But I feel a little more tired than I'd
like, not finding perfect ease, a little laborious breathing, and
hampered by my stomach. Still, this counts as a successful run.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20),
Surat an-Naml till end, Asr Surat al-Qasas till v 61,
Maghrib Surat al-Qasas till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/04/23, 15 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Hybrid
-----------------
Home Gym: 0:23:45
Sequence: Push-ups - Ankle Weights - Bar Shoulders, Lifts and Squats
- Toe Raises
-----------------
Run: Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar short - Chandivali
Time: 0:32:47
Mileage: 3.46 Miles - 5.57 Km
Pace: 9'28"/mile - 5'53"/km (excellent pace)
Weather: 28C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (good)
Phone time: 1h28m
I continue to sleep well, alhamdulillah!!
I wake up shortly before 5 (after a first 3am wake-up), feeling
quite good. The rain which paused yesterday is back this morning,
moderate rain throughout the run, but it is very muddy
through Raambagh. Today, I try something semi-new,
which could perhaps become routine, sharing my time between a gym
session and a run. I do believe I need to better balance musculation
and running, so this is an attempt at that, let's see... The run is
fine, on target pace, but again feeling somewhat out of breath, and
this strange impression that my stomach is holding me back.
I try to find the cause: Is it perhaps that I am drinking too much
coffee before the run?
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21),
Surat al-Ankabut till end, Asr Surat ar-Rum,
Maghrib Surat Luqman, Surat as-Sajdah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/05/23, 16 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Tempo Run
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:12:38 [1.22M, 1.96K] [r.3'14"]
Tempo Run, 2 Loops Orchard / Hiranandani Central / Ridge
1st Lap: 0:19:13 [2.08M, 3.34K] -- Pace: 9'14"/mile
2nd Lap: 0:19:06 [2.08M, 3.34K] -- Pace: 9'10"/mile
Tempo Time: 0:38:19
Tempo Mileage: 4.16 Miles - 6.68 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'12"/mile - 5'44"/km
Age Graded: 4.16 Miles in 0:31:38, ie. 7'36"/mile pace
Raambagh - Nahar: [r.2'54"] 0:09:45 [1.02M, 1.64K]
Total Time: 1:00:42 (total session: 1:06:51)
Total Mileage: 6.4 Miles - 10.28 Km
Total Pace: 9'29"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbs
Phone time: 1h31m
Strong rain during Namaaz, and even some thunder, but down to
a drizzle or moderate rain on the run. Not in the mood for a
violent effort, I opt for a tempo run, trying a somewhat new
course. I have implemented the less coffee strategy,
but the start of the run still feels laborious, I take it very
easy on the warmup, and observe a good pause before starting
tempo pace.
This ends up being good. The good news is, I keep a steady
controlled pace throughout, even slightly better on the second
lap. The bad news, this pace is slower than I would
have liked, 9'00" miles was the target. Still,
an overall satisfactory effort.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahzab till v 30 (Juz 22),
till v 53; Asr Surat al-Ahzab till end, Maghrib Surat Saba.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/07/23, 18 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Easy Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:36:39
Mileage: 3.67 Miles - 5.91 Km
Pace: 9'59"/mile - 6'12"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone time: 1h05
Thursday: 20th reading Dhuhr Surat Fatir,
Asr Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23),
Surat Yaseen till end, Surat as-Saffat till v 113.
As every day this week, strong rain during Fajr, which stops
by the time I get out. A much easier run, trying to make it
comfortable, and not too long. Moderately successful in this,
but still, something feels a little off.
Later, to the Masjid. I have this time taken the umbrella,
then of course, it doesn't rain at all. Again, the hard floor,
and the replacement Imaam, but I handle the former much
better, and for once, I am able to understand this Hazrat's
Bayaan quite well.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat as-Saffat, Asr Surat Saad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/08/23, 19 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- EEH
Lake Promenade - IIT - JVLR - EEH N., to Kanjurmarg OP: 0:44:00
[4.39M, 7.07K] - Pace: 10'01"/mile
EEH S., to Ghatkopar: 1:19:50 [7.86M, 12.65K] - Pace: 10'09"/mile
to LBS signal: 1:28:50 [8.7M, 14K]
Time: 1:28:50
Mileage: 8.7 Miles - 14 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs
Phone time: 56m
A mediocre run, unfortunately. Damn...
Wake up at 4, too early, tired. The announced deluge has
not materialized, no rain at dawn, I even catch a half-moon
through a clearing as I go out (haven't spotted the moon in
several weeks...) I decide to venture out to the Expressway,
but unfortunately, I am afflicted by the same out-of-breath
feeling, and inner discomfort, that have plagued me all week.
I try to make the best of it, hoping to find my pace, but
that doesn't really happen. Hesitant on what course to follow,
I pause at the Kanjurmarg Overpass.
I decide for the longer (but flat) return through Ghatkopar,
knowing that I can always jump into a Rickshaw if needed. For
a moment, on the long flat stretches along the highway, running
does feel a bit better, but my strength wanes again. As I reach
Ghatkopar link road, a strong Monsoon shower finally breaks out,
I take a second pause under the overpass, wondering what to do
next. A Rickshaw having refused to take me to Nahar, I try to
resume the run home, but that feels unpleasant and unproductive.
At the LBS signal, I try another Rickshaw, succesfully this time,
so the run ends there.
I've tried to control my nutrition tightly after that,
but in the evening, fall to one of my collapses, and to
a lot of questions! Why is this happening? Why can I not
rely on my training the way I used to? Inevitable questions
about my age, and whether I should overhaul my training regimen
and goals. Perhaps this year should be devoted to 10Ks? Or
drop races altogether? Leaving many questions unanswered for
now, I at least decide to make next week easy and light.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24),
Maghrib Surat az-Zumar till end.
Sunday, we drive to Panvel, and spend the day finalizing
details for the land transaction, as well as moving into a
new appartment on the 30th floor, facing West towards
the fields (and towards Qibla).
On Monday morning, we visit an advocate in Karjat with the
former owners and the Society Manager,
where we complete formalities, sign documents, etc. The deal
is finalised!
In a light mood, Gulzar insists on visiting
the property to plant paude that we buy on the road.
We find Dhaneshwar the caretaker in the neighboring hamlet
(he hadn't been answering his phone). His wife and son
help us with the plants, the son climbs up a tree to cut
fruits and leaves that Gulzar wants to cook. Contrary to
the forecast storms, the rain has stopped entirely, and
we are greeted at our bagicha by highlights of
sunshine, our Jannat (garden) as Gulzar calls it
with such satisfaction.
-- First tree planted on our Land --
La Semaine de Quatre Jours (7.4 Miles) -- 07/15/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/11/23, 22 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Bhatwadi
Khairani Rd E - Bhatwadi long & back - Jain Mandir
Time: 0:38:12
Pace: 4 Miles - 6.44 Km
Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 90%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (Totally Unexpected!!!)
Phone Time: 2h17m
After two days off, and abundant sleep, this starts very well.
But doesn't last. I succumb yet again to this "out-of-breath"
feeling, and a sensation in the stomach, which makes the run
laborious. This fuels again my questioning since Saturday,
am I still fit for this? Is it time to fundamentally change
my training regimen? Postponing that big question, I decide
to focus building back up my base training for now, a restart
of sorts, and then evaluate.
20th reading Asr Surat al-Mu'min.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/12/23, 23 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Bhatwadi
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi (long) - Jogger's Park - Back same way.
Time: 0:45:38
Mileage: 4.86 Miles - 7.82 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km (excellent pace!)
Weather: 26C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone Time: 1h10
Much much better than yesterday. At last, a run that feels good.
It's overcast and heavy this morning, but no rain, in fact
roads have dried up. I woke up in the night feeling hot, read
far into Les Thibault before finally falling asleep,
wake up just before 5 with some headache. The scale must have
had a hiccup yesterday, as both our weights were unnaturally
low, today Gulzar's is disappointingly back up.
I do fear another shitty run this morning, but after some
hesitation, I decide to tentatively repeat
yesterday's route.
But I am quickly reassured: I finally find my breath,
finally!, and
a comfortable stride, and manage the effort well. I struggle
subtly on the uphills, but I don't weaken like yesterday, no
stomach unease, feel much much better. I will be actually very
surprised by my good pace, at this managed effort. At last,
the joy of running has returned. Still, I'll stick to the cautious
plan
for this week, and carefully evaluate what's next.
20th reading Asr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 46 (Juz 25),
till end, Surat ash-Shura.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/14/23, 25 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Torrential Rain
Nahar - Chandivali - Saki Vihar - Andheri Ghatkopar
(Saki Naka, Asalfa, Jagruti Nagar) - Khairani rd - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:38:23
Mileage: 3.91 Miles - 6.29 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 69.3 kg - 152.8 lbs (FUUUCKKK!!!!!)
Phone time: 1h03m
Thursday: 20th reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zukhruf,
Asr Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26),
Maghrib Surat al-Ahqaf.
Today: 20th reading Fajr Surat Muhammad
Since yesterday, my weight has escaped my control,
showing an inexplicable high! It's
not the end of the world, but it is frustrating,
I don't understand it, and
definitely do not want it to creep any further up. Patience...
Woken up at 4:15 by the wind slamming some door. Unable
to sleep back (and Gulzar as well), fearing another challenging
morning. But no. The run actually proves quite pleasant, after
a slow start under threatening skies, I opt randomly towards
the Metro Line. At about mid-course, the skies break into a
torrential monsoon rain - the second one I get caught into
this season -, causing its exhilerating effect, and further
beautifying this run. I finish well, dodging puddles and
small streams that have littered the streets. A good start
to the day after all.
Jummah Masjid: Mats are back on the floor (but not the
ornate carpet), making it more comfortable to sit. I again follow
quite well this Imaam's Bayaan. Today, a special Ehlan, regarding
the imminent passing of the Unified Civil Code in India, which
threatens to abolish the separate civil laws for Muslim. After
Namaaz, the exit is jammed as people scan a poster on their
phones detailing how to take action (which I of course do not
do, besides, I don't even have my phone). It rains on the way
back, justifying that I have been carrying my umbrella to Masjid.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Fath,
Asr Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/15/23, 26 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Emmanuelle
Khairani E - Bhatwadi Long - Jogger's Park - LBS Marg - Naupada
Vidhyavihar - Don Bosco IT - Premier Rd - LBS - Magan Nathuram Rd -
Saki Naka - Khairani Rd.
Time: 1:12:02
Mileage: 7.4 Miles - 11.91 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (a little better, after disciplined diet)
Phone time: 1h26m
A couple of long insomniac wake-ups in the night, during which I
again advance in Les Thibault. The matter is that, I have
learned the passing away of Emmanuelle Boetsch, a girl from my
class at the Ecole Alsacienne (till 1983), whom even though
I barely knew at the time, who represented some sort of
unreachable ideal in my adolescent mind, keeps turning in my mind
in the night, as a person who should have never vanished. And to
pile things up, I have reached the La Mort du Père
book in Les Thibault, among the deepest accounts of death I know
in literature. Strange mood in the morning, while I fittingly
recite excerpts from Surat al-Baqarah in Namaaz.
But actually, the run is quite good.
No rain at first, in fact, some timid breaks of sunshine. I
head out again, like all this week, to the Bhatwadi area, as if
to bring adventure back into my runs, and from there head onto
LBS, unsure exactly how far I'll go. This route ends up being
perfect, the right length, the right effort, and the right pace,
which I cautiously ease into, and keep under control as I can.
Rain breaks again in the last third, but nowhere near yesterday's
deluge.
This week marks a good cautious recovery from last week's dire
questioning, I will insha Allah continue on this track. I may
adopt this "4 runs a week" regimen, at least for some time.
-- Further work at the Property --
20th Reading, Deluge on Khairani Road (9.56 Miles) -- 07/22/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 07/17/23, 28 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 --
Chandivali - Raheja Vihar long - Saki Vihar - Lake - Raambagh
Time: 0:46:07
Mileage: 4.76 Miles - 7.66 Km
Pace: 9'41"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 93%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone time: 1h30m
Very frustrating pattern of multiple wake-ups again in the
night, at least 4 or 5, and again I advance much in Les
Thibault, but fear exhaustion. Gulzar wakes me again around
3:30 to my dismay, but I fortunately do sleep again, getting up
a little late at 5:30, actually feeling quite good. A late start
to the run around 7:10.
I seek my breath at first, but it gradually settles in to
a good comfortable pace, the exact right effort for a training
run. It starts under a steady drizzle, which breaks in to a
solid rain at Raambagh.
Later in the morning though, another collapse, so
bad that I have to quit a meeting and take a second nap. This
unfortunately leads to another attack of despair, mitigated only
by Namaaz and advancing in Tilavaat Qur'an later in the day,
imposing itself again as the only solution.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 30 (Juz 27),
till end, Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm,
Asr Surat al-Qamar, Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/18/23, 29 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- Chhota Rasta
Rambaagh - Lake Promenade - Middle Jetty & Back
Time: 0:32:49
Mileage: 3.36 Miles - 5.42 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'03"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 94%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone time: 1h39m
A better night sleep! Strong rain around 3am, continuing into Fajr.
I have decided not to run today (gym instead), but change my mind
at the last minute, the call of the wild, preferring a short run
instead. And I do well. Under a constant but moderate rain (wearing a
cap for once), I find a very pleasant comfortable pace, ideal for this
kind of short relaxing run. Feeling much better, and more optimistic.
Both our weights show improvement today.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat Hashr,
Asr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff, Surat al-Jumu'ah,
Maghrib Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq,
Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 07/19/23, 30 Dhul-Hijjah 1444 -- 1.5K Intervals
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:13:19 [1.29M, 2.07K] [r.3'22"]
Intervals Orchard Avenue: 1.5 Km (0.93 Mile)
Interval 1: 7'57".11 [r.4'07"] -- Pace: 8'31"/mile - 5'18"/km
Interval 2: 8'03".59 [r.4'42"] -- Pace: 8'38"/mile - 5'22"/km
Interval 3: 7'53".44 [r.3'29"] -- Pace: 8'27"/mile - 5'15"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.5K in 6'31", ie. 6'59"/mile pace
Intervals Time: 0:23:53
Intervals Mileage: 2.79 Miles - 4.5 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'32"/mile - 5'18"/km
Overpass - Lake Promenade - Raambagh: 0:17:27 [1.83M, 2.95K]
Total Time: 0:54:39 (Total session: 1:10:21)
Total Mileage: 5.91 Miles - 9.52 Km
Total Pace: 9'14"/mile - 5'44"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 96%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone time: 2h20m (Tour de France)
Heavy rain in the night, but more or less stops during the run.
It is so humid that my clothes have not fully dried since
yesterday's run.
Feeling well rested,
a very good session actually, producing a good controlled
effort. Only thing, slightly disappointed by my pace, but still,
this is very satisfactory, especially as recovery from all
recent setbacks.
20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam,
Surat al-Haqqah, Asr Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh,
Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/21/23, 02 Muharram 1445 -- Hiranandani
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Hiranandani Hosp [2.05M, 3.3K]
Down IIT Market - Main Gate - Lake - Raambagh [2.57M, 4.13K]
Time: 0:45:12
Mileage: 4.62 Miles - 7.43 Km
Pace: 9'47"/mile - 6'05"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 96%
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbs (Meeeerrde!!)
Phone time: 1h32m
Thursday: 20th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah,
Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30);
Asr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat 'Abasa, Surat at-Takwir,
Surat al-Infitar, Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq;
Maghrib Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq, Surat al-A'la,
Surat al-Ghashiyah, Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad.
Wake-up around 4:30, too early, and quite frustrated. I feel again
a little sick, my weight has unexpectedly sprung up again (and Gulzar's
too, could it be the scale?), and the ankle pain is subtly back, and
even yesterday's punches exercises have left my upper body
very sore! I
nevertheless proceed with the running plan today. Yesterday
schools were closed for fear of rains, although they turned out not so
bad. The atmosphere though is so humid that my shorts are still
damp from Wednesday's run!
This morning, very wet grounds, but only a drizzle when I go out.
I warm up into this slowly (as usual, dodging
SM Shetty school traffic is a challenge at this hour), and start feeling
quite good in the descent through Powai, as the rain picks up a bit.
All in all satisfactory, after a rocky start.
Later to the Masjid, for Jummah, under a good rain. I have
completed the 10th reading of the Qur'an before leaving.
I have
decided to wear darker clothes (veering from the traditional white)
and luckily carry an umbrella. And the rain does not stop during
the Bayaan or Namaaz. When we come out, what a deluge!!! The entire
stretch of Khairani road is flooded, a fantastic sight! I
wade carefully through the waters, eventually imitate some
people who walk near the center of the road where the
water is less deep. What a sight, some like me treading carefully
lifting their feet,
other youths running half naked in the water, in exhuberant splashes!
Waterfalls gushing from the roof tops, strong currents streaming
from the side alleys, feeding the road's river!
This flash flood continues towards Nahar surprisingly, and I
come back drenched in spite of the umbrella, to a warm shower.
Exhilerating, Subhanallah!
20th reading Dhuhr Surat ash-Shams, Surat al-Lail, Surat ad-Duha,
Surat ash-Sharh, Surat at-Tin, Surat al-Alaq, Surat al-Qadr,
Surat al-Bayyinah, Surat az-Zalzalah, Surat al-'Adiyat, Surat al-Qari'ah,
Surat at-Takathur, Surat al-'Asr, Surat al-Humazah, Surat al-Fil,
Surat Quraish, Surat al-Ma'un, Surat al-Kauthar, Surat al-Kafirun,
Surat an-Nasr, Surat al-Lahab, Surat al-Ikhlaas, Surat al-Falaq,
Surat an-Naas.
Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 5
[end of the 20th reading].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/22/23, 03 Muharram 1445 -- Exploration
Chandivali - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka -
Magan Nathuram - to LBS: 0:38:50 [3.99M, 6.42K]
New Mill Rd - Over Santacruz Chembur Hwy - to Jama Masjid
after Kurla Police Station: 0:50:08 [5.15M, 8.3Km]
Back on New Mill Rd - Halav Pool Rd - Abdul Bari Farooqi -
Kohinoor City rd - to LBS: 1:08:00 [6.95M, 11.18K]
Kajupada Pipeline - 90 ft Rd - Saki Naka - Khairani Rd -
Nahar Jain Mandir 1:33:59 [9.56M, 15.39K]
Time: 1:33:59
Mileage: 9.56 Miles - 15.39 Km
Pace: 9'49"/mile - 6'06"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 97%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs
Phone time: 2h10m (News of Spire Animation's demise)
Good sleep, several episodes with dreams. Very heavy rain at Fajr,
following yesterday's deluge, wonder if the streets will be flooded
today too, but this only increases my resolve to go out, funnily. I have
completed reading the book yesterday, and putting aside Surat al-An'aam,
start re-learning Surat al-Isra, surprised at how much it has slipped
from memory. In spite of disciplined nutrition, my weight is still
stuck at 69 (my new target is mid 68s), frustrating, but patience...
When I go out, a little late around 7, it is very wet,
but the rain is down to a drizzle.
In one of these sudden improvisations (I was headed for the
classic Pipeline), I head out towards Saki Naka and beyond,
repeating at first in reverse last week's route. A few areas of
minor flooding, but hardly any rain, I am carrying cap in hand
for no reason. The impressive sight of an airplane landing
right across the road, just over my head! I make it to LBS, by then
a new idea has emerged: I decide to explore the way straight
ahead, that small slum road where we had gotten hopelessly
stuck the day of the Visa appointment. I recognize the way,
the bridge over the highway, here is the turn to BKC that
was so completely clogged that day. It's another Mumbai Chawl
neighborhood, gentle activity, small houses and shops, dogs.
I eventually stop at a large Masjid just after Kurla Police
Station, not sure how far this will go. I'll later realize
on the map that I am right at the back of Kurla Railway Station.
I have taken Nature Valley bars (no other option at home)
which I stop to eat (too crunchy to eat on the run). On the
way back, I am inspired by another galli to the right. This
turns slowly till it takes me back to LBS, near the familiar
Kajupada Pipeline. It had been a long time that I hadn't
opened a new route like this, great exploration.
The return is peaceful, just about long enough, and
determined to keep the effort under control, which I manage.
Finally, it has started raining heavily, and I can wear the cap that
I've been carrying all morning.
An excellent run, me who had decided to reduce mileage,
at almost 10 miles, this ends up being my longest this season.
But I have handled it well, feel good afterwards, back on
track, a good spirit that will carry me through another
beautiful weekend at our property near Karjat (there too,
the exploration continues...).
Incessant Rain (6.18 Miles) -- 07/29/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 07/24/23, 05 Muharram 1445 -- Easy Training Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes -
Chandivali.
Time: 0:40:37
Mileage: 3.96 Miles - 6.38 Km
Pace: 10'15"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 96%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (finally, on target)
Phone time: 1h39m
Heavy rain during Fajr, but drizzle on the run. Very easy and comfortable,
I later see that my pace is indeed very slow. But all good, feeling quite
good after the weekend, and finally on weight.
Somewhat obsessed with Spire's demise.
21st reading Asr Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 30.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 07/25/23, 06 Muharram 1445 -- Good Run
Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar to Aarey Pipeline - Back
Time: 0:38:52
Mileage: 4.12 Miles - 6.64 Km
Pace: 9'26"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 96%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (Excellent)
Phone time: 3h09m (!!!, many calls re. Spire)
Many wake-ups during the night, but wake up well around 4:45 to
good dreams, feeling good. As usual, heavy rain during Fajr,
which then dies down. I continue to revise Surat al-Isra in
Fajr ka Tilaavat, and recite the first two rukus in Namaaz.
A good shower at the start of run, and again
at the very end, but otherwise no rain while running. Feeling quite
good, navigating the unbelievable disrepair of DP Road 9
(Raambagh) - there has even been a video about it -, I get
into a better pace which I try to hold consistently, while
staying in the training zone. A good run. Weight is excellent,
now, the trick is to not let it dip further down!
21st reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 82.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 07/27/23, 08 Muharram 1445 -- Hill Repeats
CHandivali - SM Shetty - Forest: 0:14:26 [r.2'31"] [1.39M, 2.24K]
South Hill Repeats: 544 Meters (0.34 Mile)
Interval 1: 3'12".98 [d.3'20"; r.1'32"] -- Pace: 9'30"/mile
Interval 2: 3'12".73 [d.3'24"; r.2'23"] -- Pace: 9'30"/mile
Interval 3: 3'13".06 [d.3'28"; r.2'17"] -- Pace: 9'30"/mile
Interval 4: 3'10".45 [d.3'31"; r.3'02"] -- Pace: 9'21"/mile
Interval 5: 3'15".51 [d.3'29"; r.0'48"] -- Pace: 9'36"/mile
Intervals Time: 0:16:04
Intervals Mileage: 1.7 Miles - 2.72 Km
Intervals Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Back same way: 0:13:28 [1.39M, 2.24K]
Total Time: 1:01:10 (Total session: 1:13:46)
Total Mileage: 6.18 Miles - 9.92 Km
Total Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 96%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (excellent)
Phone time: 1h02m (Yesterday 0h48m)
Wednesday: 21st reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 104.
Yesterday's decision to postpone the run seems to pay off,
I feel better this morning, after multiple episodes of sleep
and dreams. The rain however is incessant, in fact, schools
have been closed today. After another Surat al-Isra Namaaz,
I go out around 6:30, under a constant steady rain (but never
crazy), wearing my cap.
I stick to the original idea of performing Hill Repeats,
in spite of the conditions. Passing SM Shetty is pleasant with
the school closed, no traffic. I feel quite good up the intervals,
keeping a remarkably steady pace and effort. Similar
pace to a month ago, slightly better, and feeling pleasantly
challenged. Things are definitely better than two weeks ago,
in retrospect, I must have been slightly sick then.
21st reading Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 07/28/23, 09 Muharram 1445 -- Short Easy Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Middle Jettie and back
Time: 0:33:41
Mileage: 3.36 Miles - 5.42 Km
Pace: 10'01"/mile - 6'12"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 97%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone time: 0h51m
I continue to sleep with great ease, subhanallah, easily
falling back asleep several times, waking up today from a dream
where I had forgotten to put coffee powder and found myself
giving hot water to Gulzar for her morning coffee. Funny.
My ankle has been sore again, I revert to performing the
sitting portions of Namaaz in a chair (except of course
in Masjid, where it fortunately feels fine).
Yesterday it rained relentlessly without a break, at Fajr,
the rain has finally stopped, and the run is under a drizzle
or light rain. As often this season, clothes and shoes
are still damp in the morning, not a great feeling to wear.
This is deliberately a very easy run, in between
two harder efforts.
As I come back, the heavy rain resumes, amazing.
And it is still raining later when I head out to Masjid, in
fact, I get drenched (but very happy) on the way back (no
flooding though this week).
21st reading Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 177.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 07/29/23, 10 Muharram 1445 (Ashura) -- 6K Tempo Run
Raambagh - Orchard: 0:10:47 [r.4'25"] [1.03M, 1.66K]
Tempo Run 2X Orchard Avenue: 6 KM
Lap 1: 0:16:54 [3K] -- Pace: 9'03"/mile
Lap 2: 0:16:59 [3K] -- Pace: 9'06"/mile
Tempo Time: 0:33:53
Tempo Mileage: 6 Km - 3.73 Miles
Tempo Pace: 9'05"/mile - 5'38"/km
Age Graded: 6K in 0:27:57, ie. 7'29"/mile pace
Lakehomes - Chandivali: [r.2'12"] 0:12:15 [1.23M, 1.98K]
Total Time: 0:56:55 (total session: 1:03:32)
Total Mileage: 5.99 Miles - 9.64 Km
Total Pace: 9'30"/mile - 5'54"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone time: 1h13m
Somewhat tired this morning, and a bit sore. Perhaps today's goal
is too ambitious so soon after the hill repeats, but I still
stick with it, at a moderate effort.
The rain has finally stopped, although it is still overcast
and very wet. After several hesitations, I stick to the plan of
a tempo run, wondering even if I should extend it to a 10K (foolish).
I cannot quite shake off tiredness or soreness, but I still make the
best of it, as usual striving to find a balance between pushing
and staying relaxed, in essence finding a challenging yet sustainable
pace. I do manage this over a 6K. My pace disappoints somewhat, but all
in all, under the circumstances, not such a bad run. At least my
weight is exactly on target.
My ankle though is alarmingly sore
after the run, and I take a particularly long nap from which I
emerge very groggy. Silly detail, I realize I've been running in
my old shoes (since when) by mistake, which accentuates my
frustration (can this have aggravated my pain?). And later,
and the next day, I feel exhausted and
dizzy yet again. What is this, what is this? Am I suffering
from some chronic underlying illness? Or is it simply old
age? Or just mental burnout? Again, assaulted by doubt...
21st reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 210,
Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 243.
Aarey Lakshmi Road (9.62 Miles) -- 08/05/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 07/31/23, 12 Muharram 1445 -- Miracle Monday
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff Ave - Central - Hiranandani Hosp -
IIT Market - Main Gate - Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:49:56
Mileage: 5.05 Miles - 8.12 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone time: 1h08m (yesterday 0h43m)
Yesterday again I was unwell, dizzy and exhausted in our morning
walk, and not finding rest even in sleep. What is this, what can
it be ??? These repeated assaults of exhaustion are terribly
discouraging. In the afternoon though, we bought a tent and two
outdoor chairs, for the property.
I have slept again to multiple good episodes, yet in the
morning, I fear being unwell again, and fear the run. But the
exact opposite happens. This is an amazingly comfortable run
(granted, at a slower pace), my breathing is impeccable, no
stiffness or soreness, and even my ankle is holding up. Windy
weather, with brief rain showers, and incredibly muddy
through Raambagh. It
had been a while that I had not experienced the Miracle
Mondays...
21st reading Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 252 (Juz 3),
till v 267, Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/01/23, 13 Muharram 1445 -- Chhota Rasta
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Middle Jettie
Time: 0:32:51
Mileage: 3.4 Miles - 5.46 Km
Pace: 9'39"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbs
Phone time: 0h55m
Another excellent run, actually, relaxed and appropriate. Purposefully
kept it short. Continued progress revising Surat al-Isra, and praying
it in Namaaz.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 30,
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 80.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/02/23, 14 Muharram 1445 -- 1K Intervals
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:12:20 [r.4'15"] [1.22M, 1.96K]
1K Intervals, Orchard to Lake Blvd: 1 Km - 0.62 Mile
Interval 1: 4'55".62 [r.3'40"] -- Pace: 7'54"/mile
Interval 2: 4'54".16 [r.5'09"] -- Pace: 7'53"/mile
Interval 3: 4'56".09 [r.5'38"] -- Pace: 7'56"/mile
Interval 4: 5'01".51 [r.2'05"] -- Pace: 8'04"/mile
Total Interval Time: 0:19:46
Total Interval Mileage: 2.48 Miles - 4 Km
Total Interval Pace: 7'57"/mile - 4'56"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1 Km in 04'03", ie. 6'30"/mile pace
Back same way: 0:11:27 [1.22M, 1.96K]
Total Time: 0:43:33
Total Mileage: 4.92 Miles - 7.92 Km
Total Pace: 8'51"/mile - 5'29"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbs (Frustrating, and hard to understand)
Phone time: 1h06m
An insomnia in the middle of the night, which allows me to advance
further into Les Thibault, different from the "waking up too
early" type of insomnia. It is a little better actually, I wake up
shortly before 5am, but still, feeling a bit tired. But no brain
fog. The rains have finally stopped, it is still a bit windy, but
roads are less wet.
I still proceed with speed work on this Wednesday. I had penciled
in another tempo run to avenge Saturday's run, but at the
last minute, switch to short intervals instead. I do well. This
turns out to be an excellent session, good effort, pushing the
pace a bit harder yet managing to keep it under control. The
last interval feels surprisingly easier, but perhaps because
I've run it a little slower. The
resulting times are honorable (for this point), one of my best
sessions so far this season.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4),
till v 110.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/04/23, 16 Muharram 1445 -- Easy Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Middle Jettie - Lake Blvd - Main -
Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:40:50
Mileage: 4.03 Miles - 6.48 Km
Pace: 10'07"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs (some progress)
Phone time: 1h14m (yesterday 1h03m)
Thursday: 21st reading Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 149,
Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 190.
A deliberately very easy short run. Somewhat sleepy,
but overall ok. No rain, but very muddy in places, my legs
return filthy!
At the Masjid, the Imaam has returned, I am happy to find
his voice, his expression. In Bayaan, he recalls some of his
impressions of the Hajj, at times yielding to tears.
21st reading before Jummah Surat Ali-Imraan till end,
Surat An-Nisaah till v 10;
after Jummah Surat An-Nisaah till v 23 (Juz 5), till v 25;
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 50.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/05/23, 17 Muharram 1445 -- Laxmi Road Aarey
Raheja Vihar (mid) - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Military -
Marol Maroshi - Aarey - Laxmi Road: 0:50:14 [5.07M, 8.16K]
Back Laxmi Rd - Aarey Hill - Saki Vihar - Lake Powai -
Raambagh - Nahar: 0:45:31 [9.62M, 15.48K]
Time: 1:35:55
Mileage: 9.62 Miles - 15.48 Km
Pace: 9'58"/mile - 6'11"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone time: 0h34m
Crap, the insomnia is back!! I wake up around 2:45, impossible
to sleep back!!! Today's plan of a semi-long run seems very
compromised.
But I don't feel that bad after all, continue to rehearse
Surat al-Isra. There is no rain and the roads have dried up somewhat,
although very muddy in places (my running shoes are beyond filthy!).
Running soon reassures me that I am more or less fine, no brain fog,
and no excessive soreness. I am headed towards the familiar pipeline,
but soon have a radical change of heart: Why not run past 88 Pictures
towards Mahakali Caves (which I've reached only once?). So I opt
for Marwah road, still under construction (has it been 3 years??)
which makes it nearly deserted on this early Saturday morning. But
once in Marol, a second change of heart: Why not continue straight
into Aarey, along beautiful Laxmi road, where walkers salute the
sunrise? I haven't visited this area for so long, the bottom portion
has changed quite a bit since the battle against the Metro Shed was
lost, and construction has defaced the area. But Laxmi road itself,
other than being mostly paved now, remainds unspoiled, peaceful
and pure. I am hoping to meet some of my old "friends" here, indeed,
I do recognize a Muslim man who always performs tasbeeh as he walks
in nature, Waleikum Salam Warahmatullahi wa Barakatu I
respond in full form to his salute.
My running is surprisingly good today. I am in good control of
the effort, holding back subtly when it gets harder, and relaxing
where is eases out, always keeping the effort within a manageable
range. Not having Kajur at home, I eat a Nature Valley bar, which,
in spite of being a little dry and crumbly, I manage to not choke
on, but no stops today.
Feeling quite confident by now, I decide to return via Aarey
road, not only adding a good hill (which I manage fine), but also
the passage of the intimidating slum. A man whose face is marked
by poverty encourages me "shabaash" as I pass. No incident
here.
I return home still in full control, up and down the slight
hill leading to Lake Powai. In the last few 100 meters, a strong
monsoon shower pushes me back home, very satisfied with this run.
-- A day at our Property --
Dand Apta Road, 10K Tempo (8.86 Miles) -- 08/12/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/07/23, 19 Muharram 1445 -- Dand Apta Road
Mellona - AH47 - Dand Apta Rd - Over Mumbai HWY -
Wasambe / Mohpada - To river crossing & Temple - Back.
Time: 0:56:09
Mileage: 5.84 Miles - 9.4 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'58"/km
Phone time: 1h04m (Sunday: 0h36m)
From Panvel, yesterday, we spent the day at the Sawale Property
with the children, in anticipation of Gulzar's birthday. For
the first time, we install the tent, camping chairs, and long
walks on the plateau, covered with green grass and isolated
trees, birds... On the way back, Gulzar bathes in a stream,
like she loves. She is aux anges, but will return
slightly sick.
This morning, before working for the 1st time from Panvel,
I embark on this run, decide to explore the road to the
right at the chicken shop, which I refrained from before,
thinking it too busy and leading to a highway entrance. Not at
all! The road is rather wide and quiet, gently descends then
passes over the highway, to lead to a small town. Pleasantly
surprised, and wondering why I haven't tried this before, I
turn back at a river, knowing there would be plenty more to
explore ahead on future runs. I feel a bit fat, but
otherwise quite good on the run. The weather is mostly dry,
which just one good shower on the way. For some mysterious
reason, I have decided to wear old watch and old shoes on
this trip.
The next day, Gulzar has prepared a large Mutton Biryani
for her birthday. It is a great success! Many people come at
home one after the other, and the Biryani turns out to be
one of her best!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/09/23, 21 Muharram 1445 -- Castle Rock Hill Repeats
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard - Forest/Cliff:
0:15:58 [1.63M, 2.63K] [r.4'15"]
Hill Repeats, Cliff / Castle Rock: 720 Mtrs (0.45M) [d.700m]
Interval 1: 4'08".77 [d.4'11"; r.2'53"] -- Pace: 9'16"/mile
Interval 2: 4'05".86 [d.4'14"; r.4'28"] -- Pace: 9'09"/mile
Interval 3: 4'12".22 -- Pace: 9'23"/mile
Intervals Time: 0:12:27
Intervals Mileage: 2.16 Km (1.34 Miles) [Descent: 1.4K, 0.87M]
Intervals Pace: 9'16"/mile - 5'45"/km
High St - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali: 0:18:22 [1.9M, 3.06K]
Total Time: 0:55:12 (Total session: 1:06:48)
Total Mileage: 5.74 Miles - 9.25 Km
Total Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs (surprisingly excellent)
Phone Time: 0h54m
After returning from Panvel yesterday. Weights (both) are miraculously
light, but I still feel bloated and a bit out of breath, I suspect the
scale might be wrong. I go for Hill repeats, trying out Castle Rock,
a new course in the Hiranandani area. It starts mild, then abruptly
climbs quite steeply without letting down, requiring a strong effort.
I do feel a little tired, somewhat out of breath, accentuated by
heavy warm humid weather, unmitigated by actual rain. I still get
through the session. I don't feel that I'm
doing too well, yet my pace turns out quite good (for hills).
21st reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 92.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/11/23, 23 Muharram 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Lakehomes.
Time: 0:39:15
Mileage: 3.96 Miles - 6.37 Km
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h40m (yesterday 0h49m)
Thursday 21st reading Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 127,
After Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 147 (Juz 6), till v 153
Asr Surat An-Nisaah till end.
Up too early at 3:18, unable to sleep back, partially because
I finish reading the main part of Les Thibault (leaving
only the epilogue). In spite of this, the run is quite good, tired,
but surprisingly good breath and pleasant pace.
21st reading Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 12,
Maghrib Surat al-Maidah till v 27.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/12/23, 24 Muharram 1445 -- 10K Tempo
Nahar - Lakehomes - Orchard: 0:12:47 [r.3'12"] [1.24M, 2K]
10K Tempo Run along Orchard Avenue (3X + to Lake Blvd)
1st Lap (5K, 3.1M): 0:28:27 -- Pace: 9'09"/mile
2nd Lap (5K, 3.1M): 0:29:04 -- Pace: 9'21"/mile
10k Tempo Time: 0:57:31
10k Tempo Mileage: 6.2 Miles - 10 Km
10k Tempo Pace: 9'15"/mile - 5'45"/km
Age Graded: 10K in 0:47:39, ie. 7'40"/mile pace
Lake Blvd OP - Lake - Raambagh: [r.7'15"] 0:14:26 [1.42M, 2.28K]
Total Time: 1:24:44
Total Mileage: 8.86 Miles - 14.28 Km
Total Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone Time: 2h16m (many phone conversations)
Another unfortunate wake-up around 3:40, but unlike yesterday, through
a successfull concentrated mind effort, I do fall back asleep,
alhamdulillah! I wake up again well shortly before 5am, elated by
this victory over insomnia.
I stick to the plan of a 10K tempo run, the first this season.
This seems to go well. No rain today except for a brief shower
in the last 2 km. I manage the effort well, deliberately
relaxing under strain, staying with it even as doubts creep up,
keeping the effort controlled and near constant, without letting
myself get overwhelmed.
The run has felt good, except that later, my
pace disappoints. Still, this is an honorable step, and concludes
another honorable week.
Sunday 21st reading Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 66.
-- Zam-Zam Paani and Kajur --
Zam-Zam Kajur (10.42 Miles) -- 08/19/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/14/23, 26 Muharram 1445 -- Bhatwadi / Asalfa
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi long - Jogger's Park - LBS -
Nari Seva Sadan - Asalfa - Mohili Village Pipeline - Khairani W.
Time: 0:53:11
Mileage: 5.66 Miles - 9.11 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'50"/km (excellent training pace)
Weather: 28C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h23m (Sunday: 0h34m)
Woke up very well around 4:45. Feeling good, I let myself go
during this run, longer than I had planned. The roads are now dry
(rain has virtually stopped) and I feel like venturing back into
the slums. Feeling quite good, comfortable breath and stride, I
extend this gradually, returning through Asalfa Hill then Mohili
Village Pipeline, and the other side of Khairani road, a good
incursion into the slums, particularly lively with school
children in uniforms.
Two things happened yesterday:
We went to see Oppenheimer at an 8am showing (quite full actually).
Gulzar bravely sat through the endless dialogue, as for me, I was
struck by the film, in a way I haven't in some time.
Then in the evening, I execute my plan (postponed the day before)
of going to Masjid for Asr to meet the Imaam, who has brought back
Zam-Zam kajur from Hajj. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I leave
home upon hearing the Adhaan (at 5:20), reach there and perform Wudhu
just at the time the Namaaz starts (5:40). I was expecting very little
attendance, but the saffat are actually full. As soon as Namaaz ends,
I meet the Imaam, he calls me to the side shop on the street, gives
me two small pouches containing Kajur and Zam-Zam water, invites me
to sit as we start chatting. I realize we are both eager to exchange
yet we are both equally shy, so I take the lead in the conversation,
while a man buys from him a new Topi. I walk back on Khairani road
very happy, share the Zam-Zam with Gulzar.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7),
till v 100, Asr Surat al-Maidah till end,
Maghrib Surat al-An'aam till v 70.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/15/23, 27 Muharram 1445 -- Bhatwadi
Shangarsh Nagar - Khairani E. Bhatwadi loop - Back
Time: 0:36:55
Mileage: 3.86 Miles - 6.21 Km
Pace: 9'33"/mile - 5'56"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbs
Phone Time: 0h49m
A purposefully shorter and pleasant run, feeling easy.
Today on Independance day, streets are much quieter, a lot of
Indian flags, school children in flag-colored clothing.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till v 110 (Juz 8),
till v 130; Asr Surat al-An'aam till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/16/23, 28 Muharram 1445 -- 1.5K Intervals
Raambagh - To Orchard: 0:10:31 [1M, 1.62K] [r.2'27"]
1.5K Intervals along Orchard Avenue: 1.5 Km - 0.93 Mile
Interval 1: 7'43".18 [r.5'03"] -- Pace: 8'16"/mile
Interval 2: 7'45".74 [r.3'20"] -- Pace: 8'18"/mile
Total Intervals Time: 0:15:28
Total Intervals Mileage: 1.86 Miles - 3 Km
Total Intervals Pace: 8'17"/mile - 5'09"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.5K in 6'22", ie. 6'49"/mile pace
Back same way: 0:09:27 [1M, 1.62K]
Total Time: 0:35:26 (total session: 0:46:19)
Total Mileage: 3.86 Miles - 6.24 Km
Total Pace: 9'10"/mile - 5'40"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone Time: 1h12m
Woke up not bad but a little tired around 4:45. Last night, I have
finished Les Thibault, a striking, profound, yet easy read,
especially after Proust. Several philosophical essays held
by the main characters, like in Jean Barois, profound yet easy
to follow and understand. Resulting in pondering over
the concept of "inevitability" of man-made catastrophies (WWI, the
Atomic Bomb, the Climate Crisis, war in general...)
I hesitate to run intervals today, but eventually proceed
as planned, only shorter. It is still mostly dry, the big rains
have paused for a few weeks now. The run actually feels good,
at a sustained yet controlled pace, pushing a bit more but
without breaking. Two intervals of this effort seems sufficient
for today.
And indeed, my pace is quite a bit better today, although
still short of an sub-8'00"/mile goal. Patience with my aging
body...
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 40,
Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 87 (Juz 9), till v 100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/18/23, 01 Safar 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT near gate & back
Time: 0:35:20
Mileage: 3.7 Miles - 5.94 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'56"/km (perfect training pace)
Weather: 27C; Humidity 86%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone Time: 0h33m (Thursday: 1h13m)
Thursday 21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 148,
Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 172, Maghrib Surat al-A'raf till end.
Many wake-up's during the night, till eventually 4:15 when I can
no longer sleep. Not ideal, but it will do. Surah Yaseen in Namaaz,
a good concentrated effort. Still pondering over the theory of
inevitability.
Good run in spite of being tired, purposefully short, but
at an appropriate pace. Very dry now, in spite of a brief sprinkle
along the way.
Gulzar hesitates to plan for the Hajj, as she thinks after
that she will have to wear the Burkha after returning,
whereas she loves her
freedom (and always has).
A bad day at work, increasingly somber mood. Namaaz of the
day excellent, particularly in the Masjid, and again for Ishaa
ki Namaaz, reciting the somber Surat al-Waqi'ah. I fear the night.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till v 40 (Juz 10),
Asr Surat al-Anfal till end, Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till v 43.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/19/23, 02 Safar 1445 -- Aarey Pipeline Semi-Long Run
Raambagh - Lake - Saki Vihar - Aarey Pipeline to Bhandup Gate -
back to Runner's Stop: 0:51:46 [5.21M, 8.38K]
Back Same Way: 0:52:04
Time: 1:43:50
Mileage: 10.42 Miles - 16.76 Km
Pace: 9'57"/mile - 6'11"/km (on target for this distance)
Weather: 27C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (back on target)
Phone Time: 0h51m
A difficult night at first, wake up twice fearing to not sleep again,
but no, actually do sleep, to comically nightmarish dreams, one in which
I start (and cannot help) crying in demented ways in Gulzar's arms,
a tantrum of sorts! And the other where we have been called to office
finally, much to my chagrin, but I get lost
in the unnaturally large building, end up outside not knowing
how to get back in, knowing this will surely be held against me!
Striking dreams, and very clearly related to yesterday's agitation,
but they have put me to sleep, and wake up quite well, with the alarm
for once, at 5am. I hasten my morning rituals a little to still be out
before 6:30. I have reached the "iqimi salaat" verses in my
revision of Surat al-Isra, opening its memorable conclusion, which
I continue to rehearse on the run.
Today I follow plan without hesitation, heading to the Pipeline,
wanting to lengthen it to reach about 10 Miles. I do just that. No
rain on the run, but grounds are wet. I take it easy at first, trying
to find the right sustainable pace on the long gradual uphill, keeping it
under good control. As usual, quite a few morning people here, and
many of my friends, who salute me and wonder why they haven't
seen me in some time ("kabhi idhar, kabhi udhar..." I smile
back at some point). All this in good spirit, polite, friendly.
I run exactly according to plan, running back to the runner's
spot then repeating, which hopefully will provide the right distance.
I am carrying the Imaam's Zam-Zam Kajur today, which I eat along
the way, along with some water. This fuels me on the return, resting
a little on the gentle downhill, and negotiating well the small climb
back to Lake Powai. Back home, I realize that I have exactly accomplished
what I wanted, a little more than 10 Miles (my first bona fide long
run since Ramzaan), at an honorable pace of about 10'00"/mile. And
I managed to reel my weight back, after a frustrating peak of 69 kg
on Thursday. My courage has returned, yesterday's clouds seem distant
and completely pointless.
-- First night camping on the property (and in India) --
Hill Repeats (8.49 Miles) -- 08/26/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/21/23, 04 Safar 1445 -- Recovery
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - High St - Orchard -
Heera Pana - JVLR - Raambagh.
Time: 0:42:18
Mileage: 4.34 Miles - 6.99 Km
Pace: 9'44"/mile - 6'02"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 93%
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs (expected, and fantastic)
Phone Time: 1h45m (Sunday: 0h54m)
Very successfull return from Weekend, our first camping in India.
We both slept a lot, and this is a low-key, relaxed recovery run,
in anticipation of a difficult week at work.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 93 (Juz 11),
Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/22/23, 05 Safar 1445 -- Short Run
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Vihar -
Mohili Pipeline - Khairani Rd E - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:35:28
Mileage: 3.72 Miles - 5.98 Km
Pace: 9'32"/mile - 5'55"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h56m
Up at 4am unfortunately. A low-key run, taking it easy, yet achieving
a decent training pace. Tired of the Powai area, take
this route instead, which ends up
giving the right mileage. Just after a rain shower, roads are wet
and very muddy (especially Pipeline), a lot of bustling around the
public schools. No rain till the last few 100 meters.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till v 40.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 08/23/23, 06 Safar 1445 -- 5K Tempo Run
Raambagh - Orchard: 0:10:23 [r.2'36"] [1M, 1.61K]
5K Tempo Run On Orchard
Lap 1 (3K): 16'13".85 (Pace: 8'42"/mile)
Lap 2 (2K): 10'44".52 (Pace: 8'38"/mile)
Tempo Mileage: 3.1 Miles - 5 Km
Tempo Time: 0:26:58
Tempo Pace: 8'40"/mile - 5'23"/km
Age Graded: 5K in 0:22:12, ie. 7'08"/mile pace
Lakehomes - Chandivali: [r.2'27"] 0:12:31 [1.26M, 2.03K]
Total Time: 0:49:52 (total session: 0:54:56)
Total Mileage: 5.36 Miles - 8.64 Km
Total Pace: 9'18"/mile - 5'46"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h20m
Woke up at the evil 3:16, really fearing I won't be able to sleep again
as my body and mind start to rev up!! But alhamdulillah, I gradually
discipline myself to pushing my focus to the inner recesses of
the mind, where its all images and no words, and alhamdulillah
slide into an excellent dream, with a beautiful unknown cycling path
(that I should visit again if I can only remember its location)
inhabited by strange, funny harmless animals. I wake up around 4:45
delighted
by this episode of sleep, alhamdulillah!
So I can follow my plan, a tempo run. This goes quite well.
Roads are wet, but no rain. I take on a good pace, which I very
carefully try to maintain, letting back just enough to not get
overwhelmed, or yield to discouragement, completing the whole
course. This is a marked progress from previous runs this
season. Now well deserved rest for tomorrow.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till end,
Ishaa Surat Hud till v 5 (Juz 12), till v 25.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 08/25/23, 08 Safar 1445 -- Short run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali
Time: 0:36:35
Mileage: 3.68 Miles - 5.92 Km
Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h29m (yesterday 1h11m)
Thursday: 21st reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 69,
Asr Surat Hud till end.
Like yesterday, not a great wake-up, the mind encumbered
by a dizzy fog. An easy low-key run.
Jummah at the Masjid, my neighbor hands me a flask of perfume
(as is customary), so for once I strike a conversation (he often
sits near me, performing Takbeer with a small electronic counter).
Just before Namaaz, I am handed perfume a second time, by my
neighbor on the other side.
21st reading Jummah Surat Yusuf till v 42,
Asr Surat Yusuf till v 52 (Juz 13), till v 94,
Maghrib Surat Yusuf till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 08/26/23, 09 Safar 1445 -- Kailash Hill Repeats
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Powai Mhada - Central - Hiranandani -
Main St - Kailash Hill Base Camp: 0:31:35 [r.3'17"] [3.05M, 4.9K]
Kailash Hill Repeats: 1.07 Km (0.66 Mile)
Interval 1: 6'37".70 [d.6'24", r.2'02"] -- Pace: 9'56"/mile
Interval 2: 6'42".24 [d.6'29", r.4'22"] -- Pace: 10'04"/mile
Interval 3: 6'45".01 [r.3'12"] -- Pace: 10'09"/mile
Intervals time: 0:20:04
Intervals Mileage: 3.21 Km (1.98 Miles)
Intervals Pace: 10'03"/mile - 6'15"/km
Hiranandani - SM Shetty - Chandivali: 0:21:09 [2.14M, 3.44K]
Total TIme: 1:25:41 (Total Session: 1:38:37)
Total Mileage: 8.49 Miles - 13.69 Km
Total Pace: 10'05"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 91%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h52m
The run starts under heavy rain, and ends under heavy rain, with milder
showers in between. For once, I wear my cap throughout.
I feel quite good after a much better wake-up, and head out
to the Kailash hill for the first time this season. This feels like
an excellent session, cautious but dosing the effort well, and
completing three intervals. Only later do I realize that my pace
disappoints a bit, but still, I feel this has been an excellent
effort. And on this, I sign us up for the Borivali National Park 25K
(which had been discontinued since Covid).
Sunday: 21st reading Dhuhr Surat Ar-Ra'd, Maghrib Surat Ibrahim.
Airoli Jct, Talaab, Kanjur Village (13.5 Miles) -- 09/02/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 08/28/23, 11 Safar 1445 -- Sleepy Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - IIT Main Gate - Gokhale Nagar -
Hiranandani Hospital - Main, Central, High, Cliff - SM Shetty
Time: 0:50:51
Mileage: 5.04 Miles - 8.11 Km
Pace: 10'05"/mile - 6'16"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone Time: 0h46m (Sunday 2h12m)
A good wake-up at first, but things quickly go downhill, as part
of my brain succumbs to an assault of brain fog, which impairs
my senses. I still go out on the run (a beautiful morning), very
tentative at first, feeling sleepy and almost nauseous, but
patiently wait for things to improve, which they eventually do
somewhat, in the second half of the run.
But after that, it's badly mixed. I end up feeling exhausted
through the morning, with both head and stomach discomfort, and
sleep twice, till finally feeling better around 3pm.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end;
Asr Surat an-Nahl till v 70.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 08/29/23, 12 Safar 1445 -- Short Run
Lake Promenade - Middle Jettie and Back
Time: 0:31:34
Mileage: 3.36 Miles - 5.42 Km
Pace: 9'23"/mile - 5'49"/km
Weather: 25C; Humidity 95%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h45m
Woke up just before 5, still somewhat groggy (but less than yesterday),
hesitate to take a day off, but eventually go out for this short run.
This goes quite well actually, a pleasant more spirited pace.
I have complered revisions of Surat al-Isra, and pray the last
rukus in Namaaz.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat an-Nahl till v 111,
Asr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 08/31/23, 14 Safar 1445 -- Fartlek Run
Warmup: Raambagh, to Lake Promenade: 0:11:12
Fartlek: Promenade - IIT Far Gate & Back - Raambagh - Nahar
Fartlek Time: 0:35:23
Fartlek Mileage: 3.87 Miles - 6.22 Km
Fartlek Pace: 9'08"/mile - 5'41"/km
Total time: 0:46:35
Total Mileage: 4.94 Miles - 7.96 Km
Total Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 1h07m (Wednesday 0h46m)
Wednesday: 21st reading Asr Surat al-Isra (in one sitting)
Feeling much much MUCH better than yesterday !!
Yesterday saw another terrible bout of exhaustion, postponing
any run, and taking me nearly out for a good part of the day, afflicted
by a strong brain fog, nausea, dizziness etc. What a terrible feeling
this is, and how terribly frustrating is its lack of explanation!
Then last night starts very poorly: A stubborn insomnia take holds
after 1:30am, completely unable to fall back asleep (and waking Gulzar
too). I use the time to finish Le Chevalier de Maison Rouge, a
gripping account of the last months of Marie-Antoinette by Alexandre
Dumas, which I've read rapidly. I get unbelievably frustrated at my
inability to sleep, drearily planning for another wasted day, perhaps a
wasted week. But gradually, I do manage to push to the deeper recesses
of the mind, and must somehow have fallen asleep (after over two hours).
I wake up again shortly before 5am, miraculously clear! Gulzar is asleep
too, and I go through extraordinary efforts to not wake her up, which
includes locking up the cat in Sofia's room!
What a miracle this wake-up! This confirms that the "middle-of-the-night"
insomnia is generally easier to deal with then the "wake-up-too-early" insomnia.
Whatever episode of sleep I was able to find, however short, seems to
have cleaned me, unlike yesterday, the mind is clear, and body feels fluid,
restored. Alhamdulillah!
So I do go out for a run, opting for a mild speed session with
a Fartlek, an exercise I do too rarely, which offers a less rigorous
alternative to other types of speed training. This actually proceeds
very well. The weather is again sunny, the rain has taried, which is
unfortunately another sign of the dangerously erratic patterns of
modern monsoons.
What a contrast with yesterday! What a good start to the day!
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Kahf till v 60,
Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/01/23, 15 Safar 1445 -- Short Run
Chandivali - Lakehomes - Gopal Sharma - Orchard - Lake Blvd -
Lake Promenade - Raambagh.
Time: 0:31:50
Mileage: 3.31 Miles - 5.33 Km
Pace: 9'37"/mile - 5'58"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 1h10m
Evil wake-up at 3:30! I vaguely push myself to half sleep visions,
but no actual sleep. Get up before 5am, not entirely bad, mixed.
An easy purposefully relaxed run. Still no rain, somewhat warm.
Brief detour to Gopal Sharma School, trying to find a passage
which I do not find, although it might exist, through a very narrow
alley.
While at the Masjid, I miss an important company meeting,
in which further bad news are discussed. Paradoxically though,
I feel very light.
21st reading Jummah Surat Maryam, Asr Surat Ta-Ha (Juz 17).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/02/23, 16 Safar 1445 -- Long Run Airoli Jct Kanjurmarg
Raambagh - Lake - IIT - JVLR - EEH : 0:41:23 [0:41:23]
[3.91M, 6.3K]
Eastern Express Highway - Airoli Junction: 0:25:18 [1:06:41]
[6.38M, 10.26K]
EEH - Talaab - Bhandup - Veer Savarkar - Kanjurmarg - JVLR:
0:39:28 [1:46:09] [10.04M, 16.16K]
JVLR - IIT - Lake - Raambagh - Nahar: 0:39:05 [2:25:14]
Time: 2:25:14
Mileage: 13.5 Miles - 21.72 Km
Pace: 10'45"/mile - 6'41"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 84%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h39m
Me who was complaining about lack of rain, I get unexpectedly
caught by a heavy downpour, which lasts through the first half,
creating local minor flooding!
It's another evil wake-up at 3:30, I manage to reach some
vague half visions, but no actual sleep. I feel good enough I
guess, and do not change my plans. Today, first long run!
As I said, this starts under heavy rain, with partial
flooding in several places, which I dodge as best I can.
And having not expected this, I have not taken my cap.
But I do feel great. My breathing is particularly well
controlled, nearly effortless. The first part leaves completely
drenched! I cross a group of good young runners on the Highway,
equally wet, at a good rhythm. I hesitate for the Flamingoes
Preserve, but choose instead to return via the Talaab and
Kanjurmarg, as the rain is starting to weaken. Today, I have
drinked one flask of Gatorade on the way out, and eat a Yoga
Bar on the way back (an experiment, rather than the usual Kajur).
I finish the run very well, still under good control, making my
way up IIT Hill without much trouble, then back along familiar
Powai Lake.
This is by far my longest run this season, very successfull.
Only slight shadow, my pace turns out slower than I would have
liked.
We then leave for the beach at Uttan, taking a break from
Panvel. That evening, a superb sunset over the Arabian Sea...
-- Sunset on the Arabian Sea (Uttan) --
Along IIT (6.24 Miles) -- 09/09/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/04/23, 18 Safar 1445 -- Hospital
Chandivali - SM SHetty - Central - Hospital:
0:21:43 [2.11M, 3.39K] -- Pace: 10'17"/mile
Nana Palshikar W. - Padmavati Devi W. - IIT Main Gate - Lake -
Raambagh: 0:24:53 [2.66M, 4.28K] -- Pace: 9'21"/mile
Time: 0:46:36
Mileage: 4.77 Miles - 7.67 Km
Pace: 9'46"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 82%
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (On No, Crap! Really ??!!!???)
Phone Time: 0h56m (Sunday: 0h49m)
A good night's sleep, many dreams.
Between frustration, anger, and a general downhill, I run the
second half of the run faster than the first! But still, my overall pace is
alarmingly slow. That said, I feel good. I hope this abnormal
weight gain is only temporary.
The weekend in Uttan was wonderful, but I have come back
with my feet devoured by insects! And bloody from irrepressible itching!
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Anbiya.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/05/23, 19 Safar 1445 -- Hospital
Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - IIT
far Gate - Lake Powai - Lake Blvd - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 0:32:41
Mileage: 3.49 Miles - 5.62 Km
Pace: 9'21"/mile - 5'48"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs (Disciplined diet!)
Phone Time: 1h26m
Wake up at 4:15, agitated by yesterday's failure, I decide to
get up.
I run back similarly to yesterday down Hiranandani Hill to
IIT and along the Lake, then through Orchard / Lakehomes. The run
is a bit tired this time, but I will achieve the same good pace
as yesterday. Passing through Lakehomes, I give the Budi 20 rupees
to celebrate today's success.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hajj till v 39,
Asr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/06/23, 20 Safar 1445 -- Mile Intervals
Rambaagh - Lake - Middle Jetty: 0:16:08 [r.4'19"] [1.59M, 2.55K]
Mile Intervals, Wall Break to IIT Main Gate & Back:
1.02 Mile - 1.64 Km
Interval 1: 8'26".17 [r.4'16"] -- Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
Interval 2: 8'23".20 [r.4'38"] -- Pace: 8'13"/mile - 5'06"/km
Interval 3: 8'31".14 [r.4'07"] -- Pace: 8'20"/mile - 5'11"/km
Intervals Time: 0:25:20
Intervals Mileage: 3.06 Miles - 4.92 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'16"/mile - 5'08"/km
Age Graded Best Interval: 1.02M in 6'55", ie. 6'46"/mile pace
Back same way: 0:15:26 [1.59M, 2.55K]
Total Time: 0:56:54 (Total Session: 1:14:14)
Total Mileage: 6.24 Miles - 10.02 Km
Total Pace: 9'07"/mile - 5'40"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 81%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs (back on target)
Phone Time: 0h51m
Wake up quite well around 5:45, after an insomnia scare around 1am.
Still dealing with my amazing feet insect bites, about 8 to 10 bites
per foot, looking quite bad, but a gradually less itchy.
I had planned on Mile intervals. At the last minute, I decide
to return to the JVLR, which based on the last couple days, should
be runnable, in spite of the Metro work (in the end I believe this
to be better than the Orchard Avenue course). Roads are wet from
recent showers, but no actual rain on the run.
In spite of feeling somewhat sore and out-of-breath at the start,
the session itself proceeds very well. I feel I am able to push a
controlled effort, doing my best to relax under stress, and thereby
able to not relent my pace much. The three intervals are well in
range, and will end up signing my best session for this season.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'minun,
Asr Surat an-Nur till v 27.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/08/23, 22 Safar 1445 --
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Orchard - Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 0:35:45
Mileage: 3.69 Miles - 5.94 Km
Pace: 9'41"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 87%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h52m (Thursday: 1h56m (long phone conversation))
Thursday: 21st reading Dhuhr Surat an-Nur till end,
Maghrib Surat al-Furqan till v 20 (Juz 19), till end.
Strange, a nightmare wakes me up at 1am screaming like
a madman, Haaah, Haaaah, Haaah!!! When I wake back up at 4am,
I'm not sure whether this actually happened, but Gulzar,
impressed by the incident, reminds me of it right away. I
unfortunately cannot recall what dream could have caused such
a manic reaction. She thinks from 12 to 1am, it is the work
of the Shaytan, and recited a powerful Kalima in the night to
free me from this.
4am is too early, but I unfortunately cannot find rest,
and Gulzar is wide awake. I go on this tranquil run, a little
tired, a little sore (esp. right hamstring), but trying to
relax. The rain has finally returned yesterday, all day, this
morning is very wet but no rain on the run.
Later I go to the Masjid under a heavy rain, managing
with the umbrella. An excellent Bayaan and Namaaz. I return
along Khairani road in one of those fascinated to be in
India enthrallments.
21st reading before Jummah Surat ash-Shu'ara,
Asr Surat an-Naml till v 32, Maghrib Surat an-Naml till v 45.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/09/23, 23 Safar 1445 -- Bad Tempo Run
Raambagh - Lake Promenade: 0:16:33 [r.4'49"] [1.59M, 2.55K]
3 Miles Tempo Run along IIT (1 Lap = 1.02M, 1.64K)
Lap 1: 9'09".82 -- Pace: 8'59"/mile - 5'35"/km
Lap 2: 9'18".78 -- Pace: 9'08"/mile - 5'40"/km
Lap 3: 9'20".52 -- Pace: 9'09"/mile - 5'41"/km
Tempo Time: 0:27:49
Tempo Mileage: 3.06 Miles - 4.92 Km
Tempo Pace: 9'05"/Mile - 5'39"/km
Age Graded: 3.06 Miles in 0:22:55, ie. 7'29"/mile pace
Back: [r.4'23"] 0:15:48 [1.59M, 2.55K]
Total Time: 1:00:10 (Total Session: 1:09:21)
Total Mileage: 6.24 Miles - 10.02 Km
Total Pace: 9'38"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weather: 29C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 1h03m
No screaming in the middle of the night this time, but still up
at 4am, able to push myself only to brief visions. Things feel quite
good this morning actually.
But the run turns out unexpectedly lousy.
I feel tired and sore,
hampered by heaviness in the belly, short of breath. I do my best to relax
and find my breath, but not quite able to. I nevertheless proceed
with the idea of a tempo run along the same course as my earlier
mile intervals, but this ends up being laborious and quite
unpleasant, and I lose pace as the run progresses (although still
barely within range).
A lousy unpleasant run, probably inconsequential, one to
forget.
21st reading Asr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20), till end.
Mahakali Caves, Aarey (12.75 Miles) -- 09/16/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/11/23, 25 Safar 1445 --
Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar N - To Aarey Pipeline - Back to
JVLR - Raambagh.
Time: 0:43:44
Mileage: 4.63 Miles - 7.45 Km
Pace: 9'26"/mile - 5'52"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 88%
Weight: 67.9 kg - 149.7 lbs
Phone Time: 1h05m (Sunday: 0h41m)
Feeling great after the weekend, a good run. Light rain at
the start, soon replaced by mild sunshine. Slightly
out-of-breath, but overall good. So worried by gaining weight this
weekend that I pushed my control a touch too far!
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Qasas,
Asr Surat al-Ankabut till v 44 (Juz 21),
Surat al-Ankabut till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/12/23, 26 Safar 1445 -- Bhatwadi
Jain Mandir - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi to Ram Joshi Marg & back -
Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:34:50
Mileage: 3.78 Miles - 6.08 Km
Pace: 9'12"/mile - 5'43"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 0h59m
Woke-up at 3:45, but succeeded in pushing my mind to vague dreamy visions.
Got up at 4:45 thankfully feeling fine.
This ends up being an excellent run in the Bhatwadi area, purposefully
short, but at a good pace, feeling better than yesterday.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat ar-Rum, Maghrib Surat Luqman.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/13/23, 27 Safar 1445 -- Kailash Hill Repeats
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Central - Main St - Hiranandani Hill -
Kailash Base Camp: 0:28:13 [r.3'53"] [2.82M, 4.54K]
Kailash Hill Repeats: 1.07 Km (0.66 Mile)
Interval 1: 6'16".82 [d.6'15", r.NA] -- Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Interval 2: Estimate 6'16" (mishandled watch)
Intervals Time (estimate): 0:12:32
Intervals Mileage: 1.32 Miles - 2.14 Km
Intervals Pace (estimate): 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Back same way: 0:20:15 [2.14M, 3.44K]
Total Time: 1:07:15
Total Mileage: 6.94 Miles - 11.19 Km
Total Pace: 9'41"/mile - 6'00"/km
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 0h38m
21st reading Fajr Surat Luqman (repeat), Surat as-Sajdah till v 12.
Woke up around 3:00, but today easily able to push the mind into
dreamy visions (why so easy today vs. other days?), and get up quite
clean around 4:45. Initially, was planning on repeating last Saturday's
tempo run to "avenge" that poor performance, but this in the end doesn't
appeal to me, and after hesitation, I head out for the hills, in spite
of the added mileage, and the relatively late hour (6:40). It's clear
and mildly sunny outside, roads are dry, I reach "Kailash Base Camp"
drenched in sweat in spite of a moderate run.
I dose my effort well. On the other side of the road, a whole
regiment of young men and women in uniform running up the
hill, to rhythmic chant (police? army?). I do pretty well, careful
to keep my effort under control, and end up with a chrono of 6'16",
which I think is much better than last time. I start the second
interval in the same fashion, there too keeping things just in
control range, and feel like I deliver a valiant extra push in the end.
Was this faster than the first? We'll never know...
I have mishandled my watch,
accidentally shut off the chrono, and stopped recording intervals (first
time this happens on this watch). This is as usual quite frustrating,
but will not matter much in the grand scheme of things. All in all,
a good session. It is indeed a big improvement from three weeks ago,
and would perhaps have been even better if the second lap had
been recorded.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat as-Sajdah, Surat al-Ahzab till v 28,
Asr Surat al-Ahzab till v 30 (Juz 22), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/15/23, 29 Safar 1445 -- Bhatwadi
Jain Mandir - Khairani E. - Bhatwadi to Ram Joshi Marg & back -
Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:35:39
Mileage: 3.78 Miles - 6.08 Km
Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 83%
Weight: 67.7 kg - 149.2 lbs
Phone Time: 0h53m (Thursday: 1h02m)
Thursday: 21st reading Dhuhr Surat Saba, Asr Surat Fatir.
Gulzar wakes up before 3am, softly singing! (She says this
was caused by some Shaytan in her dream). With great focus, in spite
of the challenge, I do succeed in reaching the inner visions, and push
myself to mild sleep, alhamdulillah! Get up feeling fine around 4:40.
A pleasant comfortable run, dry and mildly sunny, on the exact
same course as Tuesday.
In the Masjid, my "friend" calls me to sit by him (I am gradually
setting closer to the front), and offers me scent. An excellent
Namaaz.
21st reading before Jummah Surat Yaseen till v 21 (Juz 23),
till end, Surat As-Saffat; After Jummah Surat Saad till v 40;
Asr Surat Saad till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/16/23, 01 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Mahakali Caves / Aarey
Khairani rd. W - Andheri Gkatkopar: Saki Naka, Marol Naka,
Airport Rd, Chakala - Mahakali Caves Rd Jct:
0:30:44 [0:30:44] [3.13M, 5.04K]
to Mahakali Caves (top): 0:16:17 [0:47:01] [4.7M, 7.56K]
Down E. Side - JVLR - Seepz - Marol Naka - Aarey - Lakshmi Rd -
Trail, to Royal Palms rd: 0:30:40 [1:17:40] [7.61M, 12.25K]
Loop back to Lakshmi Rd - Aarey Hill - Saki Vihar - Lake Powai -
Raambagh - Nahar: 0:55:00 [2:12:40] [12.75M, 20.52K]
Time: 2:12:40
Mileage: 12.75 Miles - 20.52 Km
Pace: 10'24"/mile - 6'27"/km
Weight: 68.2 kg - 150.3 lbs
Phone Time: 0h30m
I had planned for a long run in Aarey, to train on the hills in
preparation for the BNP run in two weeks. But for some reason,
this feels daunting, and worries me more than it should (why
exactly?). So at the last minute, I opt for something different,
the Mahakali Caves, to where I've only run once before.
Although urban, it is a good interesting climb to the entrance of the
caves, on a road that gets narrower as it becomes bordered
with slums. Quite a bit of activity near a school,
but otherwise, the run is increasingly peaceful, and I am passed
by a local youth also running up the hill. I don't feel great,
but do relax as the slope increases, as often happens, and feel
better after that. I pass an impressive workhouse with very large
statues, which I remembered from last time.
After descending on the other side, I join the Aarey area,
opening a new route which works quite well (and simpler than I
would have thought). There, I progress on beautiful Lakshmi road,
running the full loop, passing an impressive herd of big black
cows bathing in a pond, their heads only emerged. As I loop back
through the fields, I find several of my old acquaintances who
continue to come here, whom I have hardly met since before Covid,
first, the Muslim man, who walks performing Tasbih, then the
nice man, who always used to salute me with effusion.
I stop by them for a brief eat and drink pause. He presents
me to a fat barechested man, introducing him as the Chief
Police Commissioner. I explain that I've come from Chandivali,
"I know" he replies to my surprise. He was at the Powai
Police Thane for some years, I guess I am more famous than
I think. What are you eating, he asks? Kajur, I reply, briefly
explaining its benefits on the run. My friend has suffered from
Dengue after Covid, but is now back to his daily walking routine
in Aarey, as far as I can tell, this same road every day, for
the last 30 years!
I resume the run, still loading on Kajur, Gatorade and
water, and pass the Aarey hill climb with relative comfort,
descending back through the slums that still give me a tinge
of apprehension for some reason. I again notice how an uphill
effort typically makes me feel better, and helps complete
these long runs. I reach back home in good control, very
satisfied with this run, as it starts to rain, increasing
my celebratory joy.
-- Surat al-Baqara, 127 to 130 --
Ibrahim ki Du'ah (6.85 Miles) -- 09/23/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/18/23, 03 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Recovery Run
Lakehomes - Orchard - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali
Time: 0:41:28
Mileage: 4.03 Miles - 6.48 Km
Pace: 10'17"/Mile - 6'23"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 93%
Weight: 68.6 kg - 151.2 lbs
Phone Time: 0h52m (Sunday 0h22m)
Very easy recovery run. Strong rain shower at the very end.
Feeling a bit stiff and tired, but overall not too bad, try
to really relax into this one after all the weekend efforts.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 31 (Juz 24),
till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/19/23, 04 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Asalfa Exploration
Khairani E. - Bhatwadi - Jogger's Lane - LBS Marg - through Asalfa:
Ganesh Maidan School Rd - Ganesh Maidan Rd - W. on Nameless Road - Down -
Nari Seva Sadan Rd - Asalfa Metro - Mohili Pipeline - Khairani W. - Nahar
Time: 0:54:20
Mileage: 5.75 Miles - 9.25 Km
Pace: 9'26"/mile - 5'52"/km (perfect pace)
Weather: 28C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h56m
Woke up several times in the night, but succeeded in conjuring multiple
episodes of dreams. Good wake-up around 4:45.
Today is Ganesha Chathurti, a major holiday. My initial intention
is for a very easy run, but this turns out into something very different!
I head out for Bhatwadi, then instead of a peaceful return, I get
bolder as the run progresses. Having opted for the LBS Marg, on a last
minute inspiration, I decide to explore new ways through the Asalfa
slums. I find my way through increasingly narrow alleys, revealing
hidden surprises (temples, Masjids...), and mild morning activity.
I get somewhat lost in this labyrinth, doubting if I'll be able
to pass through eventually opt to descend back,
which eventually takes me somewhere along
familiar Nari Seva Sadan road. What a fantastic trip it has been!
From there, in good comfort, the way back home. Perhaps because
the roads are so quiet on the festival, the dogs are actually quite
aggressive (I guess my presence stands out more). I am stopped five
times along the way! (but handle them fine).
An unexpectedly great run, and a new exploration, opening
possibilities through the Asalfa slums maze.
I have started to learn the "Ibrahim's Du'ah" verses
from Surat al-Baqarah, which are often recited in Du'ah. It had
been a while that I hadn't written any verses, and my line is
awkward at first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/20/23, 05 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Mile Intervals
Raambagh - Lake Promenade: 0:16:37 [r.4'12"] [1.58M, 2.54K]
Intervals, IIT Wall to Main Gate & Back: 1.01 Miles - 1.63 Km
Interval 1: 8'37".04 [r.4'23"] -- Pace: 8'30"/mile - 5'17"/km
Interval 2: 8'37".23 [r.4'51"] -- Pace: 8'30"/mile - 5'17"/km
Interval 3: 8'37".66 [r.3'43"] -- Pace: 8'30"/mile - 5'17"/km
Intervals Time: 0:25:51
Intervals Mileage: 3.03 Miles - 4.89 Km
Intervals Pace: 8'30"/mile - 5'17"/km
Age Graded: 1.63 Km in 7'07", ie. 7'01"/mile pace
Back same way: 0:15:55 [1.58M, 2.54K]
Total Time: 0:58:23 (total session: 1:15:34)
Total Mileage: 6.19 Miles - 9.97 Km
Total Pace: 9'25"/mile - 5'51"/km
Weather: 28C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 1h08m
Multiple episodes of dreamy sleep.
I have planned for mile intervals today, but in the morning,
imagine several alternate plans to "chicken out" of it. But as
I relax into the warmup run, feeling better than I thought,
I re=commit to the original plan.
This is a good session after all, remarkably consistant (is
this the first time that I've run all intervals in the same time?),
although a little slower than 3 weeks back.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'min till v 50,
Asr Surat al-Mu'min till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/22/23, 07 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Andheri Ghatkopar - Asalfa Metro -
Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 0:40:48
Mileage: 4.25 Miles - 6.84 Km
Pace: 9'36"/mile - 5'57"/km
Weather: 27C; humidity 93%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 0h51m (Thursday 0h52m)
Thursday 21st reading Asr Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25),
till end, Ishaa Surat ash-Shura.
I have finished learning the Ibrahim Du'ah verses from Surat
al-Baqarah. Also, today marks our 10 year Nikah anniversary,
for which Gulzar, who has contemplated 100 ideas, decides to
organize an elaborate davat.
I feel tired, somewhat beat up, half sick, but today also,
it is a surprisingly good run. At the bottom of Khairani road,
along a small bridge that has been under repair for months,
a car has spectacularly fallen into the Nullah, dipped nose
first into the hole, its rear wheels dangling in the air.
As I reach the Masjid for Jummah, I realize that my
pant has been stained with conspicuous dark spots, while
walking on Khairani road. My "friend" remarks that I could
have washed it off while performing Wudhu, which embarasses
me. A little sick, in a semi-daze, I nevertheless manage
to control the distraction, and achieve a good devoted
Namaaz. Gulzar continues preparations for our 10th anniversary,
in the evening, we take a long walk along Khairani road to
Mohili Village Pipeline, but increasingly sick, I struggle
in the dark and chaos. Once back, exhausted, I skip Maghrib
and Ishaa prayers, and postpone sending invitations till
the morning.
21st reading before Jummah Surat az-Zukhruf,
After Jummah Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/23/23, 08 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Hills
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Main - Kailash Hill -
to LBS Marg: 0:34:39 [3.5 Miles - 5.63 Km]
RCity Mall - Amrut Nagar - Golibar - Slum Shortcut - Bhim Nagar -
Bhatwadi Short - Khairani Rd - Shangarsh Nagar
Time: 1:07:37
Mileage: 6.85 Miles - 11.02 Km
Pace: 9'52"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 97%
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbs
Phone Time: 1h05
Tired, feeling sick, I wake up in the night
in semi-panic at Gulzar's ambitious
anniversary preparations! But I discipline myself to resist the midnight
demons, and alhamdulillah, do find several episodes of sleep. I wake
up again shortly before 5, still quite foggy, wondering whether I
should run. Like yesterday though, this will turn out much better
than expected.
Casting aside all objective, I plan to go out and simply
enjoy the day. I end up settling for a hilly run, first along
Hiranandani Kailash Hill, then Amrut Nagar, and daringly ending
in the Bhim Nagar slum. Along Kailash hill, like last time,
I cross a whole troop in uniform (police or army?), I salute
them from a distance, some respond. The run feels quite good,
appropriately paced, and relaxed. On Golibar road, I daringly
opt to cut through the Bhim Nagar slum, starting
with a very steep kacha rasta section, then into the narrow
hilly alleys, before descending back to Bhatwadi.
A surprisingly comfortable run, which restores my spirits,
and some strength.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahqaf, Asr Surat Muhammad,
Surat al-Fath.
10th Anniversary -- 09/23/23
10TH ANNIVERSARY --
Gulzar's elaborate preparations for our 10th Anniversary:
she has contemplated 100 ideas, big or small, but at the
last minute, she decides to rent a space in Nahar and call people. I
worry that at such last minute, will people come?
Her preparations are over the top: She orders catering for 100,
and rents a "throne"
with decorations for us to sit, like on the day of the wedding itself,
and plans for us to wear our original clothes. She also orders
a photographer, as if for an actual wedding.
In the night, I wake-up stupidly at the embarassment and possible failure
of all this! But I struggle to discipline myself, to go with it,
like I used to do in our early days. I miss my insouciance...
I feel quite horrible Friday evening,
completely exhausted after having walked
to Pipeline after dark, for once overwhelmed by the chaos on
Khairani road. I postpone sending invitations for the event
that evening, and collapse in bed.
On saturday morning, after
run, still not feeling great, I do send the invitations
(for the same day) with my usual to-do list efficiency,
to a few friends from work,
and the Masjid ke Log. Some positive responses actually. The
Imaam asks if he should come just with Muezzin Saab, I allow
up to 10 people from the Masjid.
"Masha Allah, Bada parogaram hai" he texts back,
to my amusement.
Gulzar on her end is under stress from all preparations,
and I fear tensions at home.
She has visited neighbours in Nahar,
tried to invite her "morning walking friends".
Around 4 comes a Muslim make-up artist, with a suitcase and her
young daughter, for "make up according to Gulzar's dress". I imagine
this should take 1/2 hr, but it ends up taking 2.5 hrs!! Once done,
I can barely recognize her, so heavily painted up, she looks
like a chinese doll!! I do get used to it after the initial surprise,
and am moved by the expression of her face, the importance that
she puts in this event (badi baat hai, she repeats.
She is right). She is
upset that the decoration guy has not arranged for real
flowers, rather, plastic ones. But much time has passed, and
we haven't been able to visit the "locale" ("Lounge room in
Fiorello Building"). I have put on my nikah outfit, which actually
fits me quite nicely, I warm up to wearing it after all. Several
people have declined, in a way, taking some pressure off,
but I now worry of a possible fiasco if no-one were to attend.
We finally go around Maghrib, as it is getting dark.
We struggle to find the place!
And it has started raining, will her make-up and clothes wash out? She
struggles in her shoes bought yesterday on Khairani road.
The locale is weird, its entrance semi-concealed by parked cars,
how will people find it here if we can't find it ourselves?
And then we find the inside dirty. The "Kursi" has been installed,
but the space not cleaned. The caterers (arranged by our Muslims
neighbors) arrive, taken
aback at first how to setup. But we do find someone to clean, and things
do start to proceed.
The children have come (except Shazia, even though Gulzar
has prepared her Akhirka). Sofia brings Barkat who impressed
by the new place cannot stay still, and has to be carried back home.
Strangely, the first guest is
Darpan, who arrives punctually at 7:30, before preparations
are over.
Little by little, things look up. More people show up
from her or my friends, we receive them "throning" in the
Kursi (of which one side is depressed, making me partially
disappear in the seat) and the mood warms up.
The photographer has come and photographs the
various groups as they come.
-- Members of Masjid al-Husaynia --
Finally, the Imaam arrives with Muezzin Saab and a group of older boys from the Madrasa. A little awkward to take a photo (do they forbid it normally?). I joke that we are wearing the same kapde as 10 years ago, Gulzar hits me in the ribs for that silly joke. They settle down to eat. I catch a brief embarassed look from the Imaam before eating, does he need to throw away Paan? I visit them, small conversation. On this arrives the "Chairman", with a large family. One of his sons, à la Séraphin Lampion, insists that he will take me to Masjid on Friday's on his motorbike, and takes my number. His overbearing personality leads to a hilarious photo, where shamelessly capturing all the spotlight he squeezes me on the kursi!
-- Posing with the "Chairman" --
The Masjid valle have gone outside, I join them for a brief
conversation, ask the Imaam about his father's health, then
we part. Inside, in spite of the late hour, the 88 People
are still there, in great spirits, hilarious imitations
of the old Prana days. Gulzar and I can finally eat! But not
wanting to damage her ring, she asks for a spoon, which
Sofia has to go get at home, postponing again our meal
(it must be past 11pm). We finally eat. The servants,
a group of funny young guys from UP, put a plate in front of
me, which they intend for tips, and act very disappointed
that I do not oblige (I do not have any money). I pass
on to Gulzar who Google-pays them, funny arguments
between them.
88 Group has only remained, realizing the late hour, they decide to
go. We are left cleaning with the crew, distributing left over food.
It is past midnight when we return home, this has actually
been a resounding success!!!
-- Us, with Barkat, sitting in the Kursi --
-- The next day, first day of illness --
Illness, Barkat's death, Shifa -- 09/24/23 / 10/08/23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 09/24/23, 09 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbs (Shit, not again!!)
Phone Time: 1h03m
Temperature: 12:30: 100.8F, 38.2C -- 17:30: 100.9F, 38.3C --
21h45: 102.1F, 38.9C -- 2am: 101.5F, 38.6C
I wake up early from yesterday in a terrible state, take my temperature but normal. I do manage to sleep again after coffee and eat Advil. Feeling a little better in the morning, we decide to drive to get the Bibs in Kalina for next week's BNP 25K, but my condition abruptly deteriorates, so we renounce. Fever goes up. And Advil doesn't help much, fever continues to escalate, strong headache, body pains, incomfortable sleep throughout the day. And Sofia comes down with similar symptoms.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 09/25/23, 10 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- SICK
Temperature: 6am: 101.8F, 38.8C -- 15h: 99.8F, 37.6C --
2:30am: 99.4F --
Weight: 68 kg - 149.9 lbs
Phone Time: 1h28m
I am still feeling quite bad, another increase in temperature.
I do not work, and visit Hiranandani Hospital. A new doctor diagnoses
Viral Fever without prescribing any tests, prescribes medicine
that should greatly improve ("you should feel better within three
days"), wants to consult again in 3 days (these
fevers are extremely common now he adds). He mysteriously indicates
that all illnesses start the same, that we'll see later
if things do not improve. Meanwhile, Sofia has consulted with Dr Ahuja
who prescribes a blood test on suspicion of Dengue Fever. She appears
particularly weak, can barely walk from the Rickshaw to the hospital.
I feel a little better
in the afternoon, the fever is indeed diminishing from the medicine.
I do wonder about the difference in method between the two
doctors, feeling Sofia's blood test was properly a little overcautious.
But we get a call in the evening,
it has come back positive to Dengue Fever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09/26/23, 11 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- SICK
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 1h22m
Temperature: 4:15: 101.4F, 38.5C --
A disappointing raise in temperature in the night. Huge
perspiration, causing me to shower and change clothes
in the middle of the night. And a tenacious itching sensation
all over the body, as if from allergy.
But things do improve during the day, no more fever,
pain subsiding, I work enough to attend exit meetings.
I tentatively decide to run tomorrow to test the waters,
hoping I might be able to ramp back up for Saturday's run.
Because of her Dengue diagnosis,
I worry that Sofia might get hospitalized, and scramble to sort out
Health Insurance (which we haven't used yet), before we head
to the Hospital. I have planned our finances tight this
month, I wonder how I'll be able to manage this.
Once at the hospital, Sofia's doctor indicates we can manage as is, no
need to hospitalize (phew), but monitor closely. We'll need to repeat
the blood test
tomorrow to look for concerning changes. But she seems
better overall.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf,
Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 27 (Juz 27), till end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 09/27/23, 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- Recovery Attempt
Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Lake Blvd OP - Orchard - Raambagh -
Nahar Dmart.
Time: 0:32:14
Mileage: 3.01 Miles - 4.84 Km
Pace: 10'42"/mile - 6'39"/km
Weather: 26C; Humidity 92%
Weight: 68.5 kg - 151 lbs
Phone Time: 0h55m
I have been feeling better, but running today is a questionable
move. Will it help, or will it hurt?
Unfortunately, poor sleep last night, long sleepless episode
in the middle of the night (during which I finish the first book
of Guerre et Paix), and get up uncomfortably around 4am.
I still decide to abide
by the idea of running this morning, to test the waters, and
to ramp up towards the BNP 25K on Saturday, for which I have
not given up all hope.
The first several 100 meters actually feel reassuring,
not as bad as feared, but this fragile comfort
soon wears off, feeling
very fatigued, out-of-breath and weak, in short, still sick.
I return quite disappointed, hoping this won't compromise
recovery. I have gambled on this run, and I have lost.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm,
Asr Surat al-Qamar.
Later, it turns out this run has been an utter fiasco!!
I feel exhausted, a new
sensation of weariness, and my legs feel frail, if not painful.
I return to the Hospital as planned: the Doctor scolds me when
I admit I've run
in the morning!!
He positively forbids me to participate in BNP this weekend, putting
that debate to closure. He prescribes a new set of mild medicines, confirms
that itching is a regular symptom that these should help
with. His approach is to not to test for Dengue unless necessary,
and laments that people are needlessly scared of it. I am starting to
question that strategy. Meanwhile, we perform Sofia's 2nd blood test, but
she is already doing quite well, it's going to be hard to keep her
home.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 09/28/23, 13 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 68.4 kg - 150.8 lbs
Phone Time: 0h58m
This is strange. No fever, but increasing soreness, especially in the lower
legs, calves, and a stiff back, to the point where I can barely walk!
Good news though, excellent sleep, multiple episodes of sleep with great
dreams, yet still not a clean wake-up (as in the last few days
I uncharacteristically sleep again after coffee).
The first few days of the illness I felt strangely hungry, but
now I am afflicted by an abrupt loss of apetite. My taste feels odd, water
tastes sweet, salty things feel extra salty, like a loss of taste
in reverse. No fever, but occasional bouts of exhaustion, and an
undescribable bad sensation in the body and the stomach.
I do work nevertheless, for the 3rd consecutive day, dealing with exits.
I have officially called off the BNP race.
It is now clear this illness will
cause a reset in my training. Who would have thought? But I try
to take it in stride. I was questioning my regimen anyway, perhaps
this seals it? I am tempted to return to a more liberated exploratory
type of running, very free, like in the Bangalore days, less focused
on performance, and specifically, far fewer races, if any. Let's see
how I feel once health returns.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 09/29/23, 14 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- A Terrible day
Weight: 68.1 kg - 150.1 lbs
Phone Time: 0h31m
Barkat's death -
Terrible work -
Masjid -
Milad -
I am still not feeling well, extraodinarily fatigued.
I emerge from having taken rest around 10am. Suddenly,
Gulzar, who was on the balcony, hastens towards
the hall. "Barkat gir gaya", she says approaching the intercom,
but she has said it so normally, casually, that
I think it's a joke at first. But she then starts sobbing, yelling, the phone
doesn't pick up. Barkat has indeed fallen while playing there as often,
under her supervision. Terrible scene!! She returns to the balcony. I
restrain her, worried she might fall too.
Leaning over, we first just see a woman holding back a dog
looking at something on the ground.
Leaning over farther we then discover Barkat's body, neatly layed down
on the side. I restrain Gulzar from leaning further,
try to move her away from the
balcony. She wails loudly, like I've rarely heard. We stay embraced.
Sofia by contrast is strangely calm. I cannot leave Gulzar
but wonder how Sofia will
perceive it, left alone in her own grief.
And will she blame the cat's death on her mother?
The Watchman rings at the door, shows me a picture of Barkat dead on the ground.
I finally do visit Sofia. At my embrace, she finally sobs too, but much
less demonstrative. We eventually go down. They have brought the
body outside our lobby. Gulzar starts screaming again, "Barkat, mera
Baccha!!!", I again keep her embraced. Sofia, strangely calm, approaches
the corpse (which appears oddly intact), she tries to touch it, timidly,
just like barkat would touch, testing with light touches at first. I keep Gulzar
at a slight distance, partially block her view in my embrace. She means
to approach the cat's body, but both Sofia and I dissuade her.
"Daphaan karenge?"
she asks the guards. Sofia offers to follow them while we return home.
But Gulzar immediately sends me back down, to witness, and give them money.
I am reluctant to leave her alone, fearing a breakdown, but I
follow her lead. I struggle
to find where they've went. I finally catch them returning, they lead
me to the Khabar, in an obscure corner behind a generator at the edge
of the property. They have planted a small tree. I give 200 rs each.
Back home, Gulzar calms down. It has happened right before her eyes!
Barkat, more and more daring, was playing along the balcony's rail,
like he had done often before, she called him, but instead of listening,
attempted a "flip" and lost footing, his claws failing to cling on
to the wall. She heard a cracking sound from the ground, like plastic
broken, probably his skull.
Both Sofia and Gulzar are adamant they will not want another cat,
the loss is too devastating.
In the middle of all this, a crisis hits at work! Terrible pessimism,
an urge to quit, I cannot take this any
more.
Mid-day, to the Masjid for Jummah ki Namaaz.
GUlzar is calmer now, and I fear less leaving her alone.
A different Imaam delivers the Bayaan, but I am barely listening. My IMaam
performs Namaaz, uncharacteristically reciting the longer A'la /
Ghashiyah combo, and shortening Du'ah accordingly.
Outside, on Khairani road, the preparations for Milad-un-Nabi
are in full swing. Stages have been installed along the road
with sound systems, children have started waving flags, and microphones on
the entire street are playing Qawwali. I normally do not celebrate this
event, but moved by the festive atmosphere, a sort of carnival engulfing
away from the day's drama, I resolve to bring back Gulzar
later to witness.
Unfortunately, that will not happen. Work meetings drag on till
7:30 pm, by which time I am completely exhausted, still feeling
a terrible sensation of fog. I collapse in bed, to uncomfortable sleep.
21st reading Fajr Surat ar-Rahman, Asr Surat al-Waqi'ah,
Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28).
-- Gulzar and Barkat --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 09/30/23, 15 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 67.2 kg - 148.1 lbs
Phone Time: 1h55m
Terrible wake-up, and severe depression.
In this state I struggle to find refuge in Zikr,
when arguably I would need it the most.
Feeling still sick, it would be really great to
get out on this dreary long weekend, yet
I am still very weak. Gulzar has not slept till 2am, after dreaming of her
father. I sleep again while she goes out on a walk. I dread the next
few days.
And then, contrary to
yesterday's adamant statements, she comes back with a tiny cat, that she
has picked up in Mhada!!!! Sofia hugs her then me!
Feeling increasingly distrustful of Dr Thomas, we return to
the Hospital without
an appointement (while really doubting whether that is the right
course of action, rather than patience).
Luckily, I meet a new Dr right away. He immediately discards Dr Thomas's
prescriptions and orders a blood test, as I had been hoping for all
along. At least we'll know whether this is Dengue or not.
Back home, still very tired and foggy, hardly emerging from the
bed yet my brain feeling uncomfortably encumbered,
around 4pm, a phone call confirms
the Dengue Dever diagnostic. We return to the doctor. My
blood levels are expectedly low, likely to
get lower still, and will need to be monitored daily (because
of the upcoming holiday, blood tests will have to be performed
in the emergency room for
the next 2 days), and the possibility of hospitalization
should things deteriorate. Partly relieved by the diagnosis (at last),
partly alarmed by the potential health threat, but
my mother later tempers the severity of these
numbers, which are not that alarming. This doctor
prescribes no medicine (at least I am free of the previous nefarious
treatment), only rest. We are stuck.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mujadilah, Asr Surat al-Hashr.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 10/01/23, 16 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 66.5 kg - 146.6 lbs (!!!!)
Phone Time: 1h35m
A little better in the morning, and a very abrupt weight loss,
fueled by my recent disgust for nutrition (even drinking water
feels oddly uncomfortable).
We go out in the afternoon, perform the blood
test at the emergency room, no report till Tuesday, but they will call
in case of a problem (which doesn't happen).
We then go to Galleria. Waiting for watch repair, I
weaken again, and we return home straight, where I hardly leave the bed.
I continue to be very sore in my calves, struggling to get up or walk.
Episodes of sleep through the night, progress on Guerre et Paix.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 10/02/23, 17 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 66.5 kg - 146.6 lbs (but the scale battery is low)
Phone Time: 0h42m
Again, a difficult wake-up, feeling depressed, but leg pain
has started to subside.
I feel very foggy and nauseous, which dissipates somewhat after coffee,
and feel a little better later in the day.
We return to the hospital for another
blood test, but feeling quite confident it will be ok (indeed, no call).
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff,
Surat al-Jumu'ah, Asr Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun,
Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 10/03/23, 18 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 66.5 kg - 146.6 lbs
Phone Time: 1h03m
Again, a difficult wake-up, and difficult sleep in the night, during
which I continue to advance
in Guerre et Paix. But overall, I do feel a bit better,
soreness is mostly gone. The most annoying symptom is a rash
of tiny red dots all over my lower legs, and a very uncomfortable
feeling of dry heat in the feet, especially after dinner (a common
problem with me, but greatly multiplied!). And still occasional
attacks of nausea and break fog, sheer exhaustion.
Things do deteriorate as the day progresses. Back to headache, weakness,
dizziness... I nevertheless prepare for some meeting, which I had been
dreading. Luckily (and strangely), it gets cancelled only 15 minutes
prior, relieved, but incomprehensible. Back to bed then!
We return to the Hospital now that the holiday is over.
The Doctor orders one final blood test which comes back
almost normal. A few more days rest he advises, but no need to
consult or test unless symptoms reappear. I again end up in bed
particularly early, feeling really bad actually.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah,
Asr Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 10/04/23, 19 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 67 kg - 147.7 lbs
Phone Time: 1h26m
A better wake-up at last!
I finally do not go back to bed after coffee, and
perform my first stretching
in a long time (feeling surprisingly flexible). My weight starts to return.
Overall a better day, but still feeling
somewhat tired as the day
builds.
I have finally noticed as a symptom
the uncomfortable absence of perspiration, unpleasantly
hot and very dry feeling, especially in the feet. The rash
however is nearly gone, but my extremities (hand and feet)
still feel unnaturally hot, and dry, very uncomfortable at
bedtime. And then a strange
shoulder pain in the evening, which causes me to
pray Namaaz mostly seated. I however had the strength to pray
all five Namaaz today, and am advancing towards concluding
the reading of the Qur'an.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil,
Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah;
Asr Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30), Surat an-Naba,
Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar,
Surat Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 10/05/23, 20 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 67.3 kg - 148.4 lbs
Phone Time: 1h24m
Not as good a wake-up as yesterday unfortunately, feeling hazy,
headache, and the same shoulder pain at
first, but things do improve a bit after coffee (and medicine).
Like yesterday, a good
stretching session, but it is still too early to venture out,
even for a simple walk. Still, I notice this strange absence of sweating,
very dry oppressive feeling of heat.
Like yesterday, I have the strength to pray all Namaaz, and complete
reading the Qur'an, alhamdulillah.
21st reading Dhuhr Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq,
Surat al-A'la, Surat al-Ghashiyah, Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad,
Surat ash-Shams, Surat al-Lail, Surat ad-Duha, Surat ash-Sharh,
Surat at-Tin, Surat al-Alaq, Surat al-Qadr, Surat al-Bayyinah,
Surat az-Zalzalah, Surat al-'Adiyat, Surat al-Qari'ah, Surat at-Takathur,
Surat al-'Asr, Surat al-Humazah;
Asr Surat al-Fil, Surat Quraish, Surat al-Ma'un, Surat al-Kauthar,
Surat al-Kafirun, Surat an-Nasr, Surat al-Lahab, Surat al-Ikhlaas,
Surat al-Falaq, Surat an-Naas;
Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 5 [end of 21st reading]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 10/06/23, 21 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 --
Weight: 67.5 kg - 148.8 lbs
Phone Time: 1h21m
Continued slow improvement, although at night the uncomfortable feeling
of dry heat persists, hampering sleep.
I read at length, finishing the Bataille d'Austerlitz in
Guerre et Paix.
In the morning, I wake up "late" at 6am. Again, somewhat weak, but
not that bad, perform stretching, but decide it is still too early to go out.
Masjid for Jummah: Actually, I have not gone outside in some days, and
the short walk through Khairani road, in oppressive October heat,
proves challenging, and I feel very sleepy. I don't pay
much attention to the Khutba, rehearsing instead the Ibrahim verses which
I've just finished learning. As usual, my friend reaches out to offer me
scent. My Imaam returns for the Namaaz, which I pray well, emerging
from my tired daze. Back home, I sleep after that, a particularly blessed
episode of sleep, which unlike earlier in the week, seems to
restore me fully, leaving my mind particularly clear at last!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 10/07/23, 22 Rabi al-Awwal 1445 -- First Run
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Lake Blvd - Orchard -
Lakehomes - Chandivali.
Time: 0:32:43
Mileage: 3.17 Miles - 5.1 Km
Pace: 10'19"/mile - 6'24"/km
Weather: 27C; Humidity 89%
Weight: 67.6 kg - 149 lbs
Phone Time: 1h04m
Headache during the night, and that same feeling of uncomfortable
dry heat. But I do fall back asleep, and wake up (a little after
5) to a dream of a giant Gouda Cheese (big as a truck tire),
from which we laboriously cut a paper thin slice. Strangely,
I feel excellent this morning, no dizziness, nausea or headache. I
have completed learning the few verses of Surat al-Baqara, which I pray in
Namaaz, while revising further into Surat al-An'aam. My strength
is returning.
In fact, I feel so good, and the sun is so sunny, that I decide
today will be the day (instead of Monday as planned). With some
apprehension, not knowing at all what to expect, I head out for a
short run (possibly a hybrid run), ready for anything.
This works out much much much better than expected!!
I feel
strangely good, pleasant breathing, and body loose and fluid, as
if cleansed by the illness. At a slow but comfortable pace, I
cautiously extend beyond what I had planned, more or less reproducing
the disastrous run I had performed in illness, today with resounding
success. My good form does not tarry, and I return home absolutely
delighted, giving 20rs to the boudi to celebrate, and
still reciting the new verses from the Qur'an.
-- Surah Baqara, 127 to 131 --