Today's Run
Distance: A little less than 7 km (not sure)
Time: 40 min and a few seconds (not sure, don't care)
The toughest run I've done in a long time. Towards the end, every step felt like a kilometre.
It was one of those days when you wake up in the morning and the body is saying 'No, not today... please!' But I dragged my ass out of bed and made it to Marine Drive. I ran a shorter distance for two reasons:
1. I didn't have the heart to go by the Oberoi this morning. Dunno, just didn't feel up to passing the scene of so much pain and bloodshed. Not today at least.
2. Zero energy. I was low on energy even before I began the run. I can't explain it. Neither my mind nor my body were willing today. On off days, either the mind powers the body to go on or vice-versa. Today though, both ran out on me. Literally.
I'm going to run tomorrow again. Maybe I'll run some other place tomorrow morning just for a change of scene. Let's see.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Running #36
Today's Run
Distance: 8 km
Time: 47 min 32 sec
A faster pace than the last 8 km I did so I'm satisfied. The rhythm is definitely back, so is the pleasant weather in Mumbai. I think that is definitely helping.
Distance: 8 km
Time: 47 min 32 sec
A faster pace than the last 8 km I did so I'm satisfied. The rhythm is definitely back, so is the pleasant weather in Mumbai. I think that is definitely helping.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Running #35
Today's Run
Distance: 15 km
Time: 1 hour 27 min 58 sec
I was really happy with the run this morning. I woke up by 5, got enough time to stretch, cycled to NCPA for the start of the run and was warmed up enough by the time I got there.
The most satisfying thing about the run was getting the rhythm back. I started slowly and picked up the pace gradually. On the Peddar Road downhill to Haji Ali, I was wondering if I'd struggle on the way back up, but the body responded beautifully. Everything was in synch. The breathing, the legs, the arms... I ran on auto-pilot.
I picked up even more pace on the way back and I was surprised. At some point in your running, you become almost a witness to your body. It seems to function effortlessly. Meditative at some level.
Looks like the recovery from the injury is more or less complete. :)
Distance: 15 km
Time: 1 hour 27 min 58 sec
I was really happy with the run this morning. I woke up by 5, got enough time to stretch, cycled to NCPA for the start of the run and was warmed up enough by the time I got there.
The most satisfying thing about the run was getting the rhythm back. I started slowly and picked up the pace gradually. On the Peddar Road downhill to Haji Ali, I was wondering if I'd struggle on the way back up, but the body responded beautifully. Everything was in synch. The breathing, the legs, the arms... I ran on auto-pilot.
I picked up even more pace on the way back and I was surprised. At some point in your running, you become almost a witness to your body. It seems to function effortlessly. Meditative at some level.
Looks like the recovery from the injury is more or less complete. :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
Running #33
Today's Run
Distance: 12 km
Time: 1 hour 15 min 16 sec
Wanted to test the hamstring over a longer distance and it went off pretty smoothly. Despite the time being relatively slower than before, I can feel the rhythm slowly coming back. It will be a week or two before I can run like I was before the injury. But a satisfying effort nonetheless.
Distance: 12 km
Time: 1 hour 15 min 16 sec
Wanted to test the hamstring over a longer distance and it went off pretty smoothly. Despite the time being relatively slower than before, I can feel the rhythm slowly coming back. It will be a week or two before I can run like I was before the injury. But a satisfying effort nonetheless.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Current Reading
The book I've been reading for the past couple of weeks is called 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' by Haruki Murakami. I'm enjoying it. If anything, it has stoked my desire to get back to full fitness soon and train hard.
As a fellow runner, I identify a lot with Murakami's experiences while running. In case I left you guessing, that's what the book is about. I love the little bits when he throws in some of his philosophy. Here's an excerpt I loved:
"Usually when I approach the end of a marathon, all I want to do is get it over with, and finish the race as soon as possible. That's all I can think of. But as I drew near the end of this ultramarathon, I wasn't really thinking about this. The end of the race is just a temporary marker without much significance. It's the same with our lives. Just because there's an end doesn't mean existence has meaning. An end point is simply set up as a temporary marker, or perhaps an indirect metaphor for the fleeting nature of existence."
As a fellow runner, I identify a lot with Murakami's experiences while running. In case I left you guessing, that's what the book is about. I love the little bits when he throws in some of his philosophy. Here's an excerpt I loved:
"Usually when I approach the end of a marathon, all I want to do is get it over with, and finish the race as soon as possible. That's all I can think of. But as I drew near the end of this ultramarathon, I wasn't really thinking about this. The end of the race is just a temporary marker without much significance. It's the same with our lives. Just because there's an end doesn't mean existence has meaning. An end point is simply set up as a temporary marker, or perhaps an indirect metaphor for the fleeting nature of existence."
Running #32
I ran after a break of exactly 2 weeks and I'm rusty. I ran well within myself and put in a poor time. More important now is the recovery. Will see how the hamstring holds up this week. I have my last ultrasound physiotherapy session at Breach Candy Hospital on Friday. It's the only time I've enjoyed going to a hospital. Their physio department is pretty good. I didn't like the not running restriction though, but I know the injury was bad. It felt like something had snapped.
It's fabulous to be out on Marine Drive in the early morning running again. The cool morning breeze, those familiar faces, watching the concrete go by below my feet... back to where I should be.
Today's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 23 sec
It's fabulous to be out on Marine Drive in the early morning running again. The cool morning breeze, those familiar faces, watching the concrete go by below my feet... back to where I should be.
Today's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 23 sec
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Road to Recovery
It's been a sad couple of weeks. Last Wednesday, I had my first real sports injury, a partial hamstring tear and on Friday, I lost my mum-in-law to be.
The hamstring injury keeps me away from running for about 3 weeks, just when I was beginning to get some rhythm after a considerable break from long-distance running. And poof! My hamstring goes bust. In the midst of dealing with it, and it is a HUGE deal to me to miss marathon prep, my fiancee's ma passed away.
That took the wind out of my sails. And it was so sudden! Everything happened in a day, just like when Papa passed away over two years ago. It was really sad, even more so because she'll miss the wedding in a couple of months.
I'll be honest here. I didn't get to know her as well as I'd liked to, but we got on well. We'd make fun of my fiancee together, talk about cricket a little and exchange pleasantries. She was extremely warm and treated me like a son. I'll miss not having her around.
My fiancee's been very strong about it and I'm proud of her, but I won't write more about that here to respect her privacy. I think people's feelings on the loss of someone very dear should be kept private unless they volunteer to speak/write about it.
We've spent the last week dealing with the loss as a family and it's been tough. Like all such losses, I know this is one we will never fully get over. That's just the way death is. It leaves you wondering what just happened. Especially when it hits you so suddenly.
You wonder if everything you shared was a big dream. Those family holidays, the day your parent slapped you for doing something wrong, the surprisingly good report card you turned in every once in a while (read, 5 years in my case)... it feels like a different life. Surreal.
Where did they all go...
The hamstring injury keeps me away from running for about 3 weeks, just when I was beginning to get some rhythm after a considerable break from long-distance running. And poof! My hamstring goes bust. In the midst of dealing with it, and it is a HUGE deal to me to miss marathon prep, my fiancee's ma passed away.
That took the wind out of my sails. And it was so sudden! Everything happened in a day, just like when Papa passed away over two years ago. It was really sad, even more so because she'll miss the wedding in a couple of months.
I'll be honest here. I didn't get to know her as well as I'd liked to, but we got on well. We'd make fun of my fiancee together, talk about cricket a little and exchange pleasantries. She was extremely warm and treated me like a son. I'll miss not having her around.
My fiancee's been very strong about it and I'm proud of her, but I won't write more about that here to respect her privacy. I think people's feelings on the loss of someone very dear should be kept private unless they volunteer to speak/write about it.
We've spent the last week dealing with the loss as a family and it's been tough. Like all such losses, I know this is one we will never fully get over. That's just the way death is. It leaves you wondering what just happened. Especially when it hits you so suddenly.
You wonder if everything you shared was a big dream. Those family holidays, the day your parent slapped you for doing something wrong, the surprisingly good report card you turned in every once in a while (read, 5 years in my case)... it feels like a different life. Surreal.
Where did they all go...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Running #31
Distance: 8 km
Time: 47 min 45 sec
Was doing a distance run after a few weeks so it was a bit tiring. But it was great to be out on Marine Drive on Saturday morning! Loved it! :)
Time: 47 min 45 sec
Was doing a distance run after a few weeks so it was a bit tiring. But it was great to be out on Marine Drive on Saturday morning! Loved it! :)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Courage
This commercial drives me absolutely fucking crazy. I get such an adrenaline rush I can't even tell you.
It's what I feel when I'm running the 21st kilometre of a half-marathon I've trained for, it's what I feel when I'm chasing a football I know I have no hope of reaching, it's what I feel when I'm doing the last rep of a heavy workout exercise.
I may not win, but I got Soul.
It's what I feel when I'm running the 21st kilometre of a half-marathon I've trained for, it's what I feel when I'm chasing a football I know I have no hope of reaching, it's what I feel when I'm doing the last rep of a heavy workout exercise.
I may not win, but I got Soul.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Running #26, 27 and 28
#26
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 6 sec
#27
Distance: 8 km (My stopwatch got busted, more about that later)
Time: ?
#28
Distance: 8 km
Time: ? (same reason)
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 6 sec
#27
Distance: 8 km (My stopwatch got busted, more about that later)
Time: ?
#28
Distance: 8 km
Time: ? (same reason)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Running #24 and 25
# 24 Tuesday's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 52 sec
I've decided not to think about the timing on my runs any more. I just want to enjoy my runs like I used to earlier. I've started obsessing over the timing and have struggled to accept the slower times I've been running since stopping the protein supplements.
I think I'm finally over both. This run was nice. Relaxed and easy. I don't have a runner's build. I've heavy bones. Most people can't believe I weigh 72 kgs. I don't look it at my height.
#25 Today's Run:
Distance: Unknown (13 km approx)
Time: 1 hr 17 min 42 sec
Outdoor. One of the most beautiful runs I've ever done. I ran with a couple of friends from the gym and we charted out a nice fun route.
Started at Marine Plaza Hotel on Marine Drive - Chowpatty - turned right at Kulfi Centre towards Opera House - then over Kennedy Bridge - Cumballa Hill - up the Hanging Gardens road up to Walkeshwar - down Walkeshwar back to Chowpatty and then back to Marine Plaza.
The weather was perfect. Overcast, windy and very few people out on the roads in the early morning. The most magical moment - the rain beginning to pour down as we struggled on the uphill past the Tower of Silence on the Hanging Garden road. The road is beautiful even without the rains, trees bending over the street to form a beautiful canopy with gaps just big enough to let a few rays of light through. And when it rains! Ohhhh!!! The smell was trippy.
There were moments during the run when I was in a trance, I had forgotten myself as I took in the sights, the smell of the wet earth and the cool rain hitting my face as we pounded away on the streets. I wish you were there.
P.S. Haathi, next time you're in town, get your running shoes! Mee, you're welcome to join the running group! :) So is anybody else! If anyone in Mumbai City wants to join us running on Saturday mornings, do let me know. Cheers!
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 52 sec
I've decided not to think about the timing on my runs any more. I just want to enjoy my runs like I used to earlier. I've started obsessing over the timing and have struggled to accept the slower times I've been running since stopping the protein supplements.
I think I'm finally over both. This run was nice. Relaxed and easy. I don't have a runner's build. I've heavy bones. Most people can't believe I weigh 72 kgs. I don't look it at my height.
#25 Today's Run:
Distance: Unknown (13 km approx)
Time: 1 hr 17 min 42 sec
Outdoor. One of the most beautiful runs I've ever done. I ran with a couple of friends from the gym and we charted out a nice fun route.
Started at Marine Plaza Hotel on Marine Drive - Chowpatty - turned right at Kulfi Centre towards Opera House - then over Kennedy Bridge - Cumballa Hill - up the Hanging Gardens road up to Walkeshwar - down Walkeshwar back to Chowpatty and then back to Marine Plaza.
The weather was perfect. Overcast, windy and very few people out on the roads in the early morning. The most magical moment - the rain beginning to pour down as we struggled on the uphill past the Tower of Silence on the Hanging Garden road. The road is beautiful even without the rains, trees bending over the street to form a beautiful canopy with gaps just big enough to let a few rays of light through. And when it rains! Ohhhh!!! The smell was trippy.
There were moments during the run when I was in a trance, I had forgotten myself as I took in the sights, the smell of the wet earth and the cool rain hitting my face as we pounded away on the streets. I wish you were there.
P.S. Haathi, next time you're in town, get your running shoes! Mee, you're welcome to join the running group! :) So is anybody else! If anyone in Mumbai City wants to join us running on Saturday mornings, do let me know. Cheers!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Running #23
Today's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 47 min 9 sec
Outdoor. Tiring. But I feel good now.
I'm not quite sure why the outdoor runs are taking longer. The wind or weather? or do treadmills make it easier? Not sure. Either way, I'd like to work on getting better times. I hope they improve with practice.
Distance: 8 km
Time: 47 min 9 sec
Outdoor. Tiring. But I feel good now.
I'm not quite sure why the outdoor runs are taking longer. The wind or weather? or do treadmills make it easier? Not sure. Either way, I'd like to work on getting better times. I hope they improve with practice.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Running #22
Tuesday's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: Sub-45 min
Indoor, but I couldn't get the time right because I had to switch treadmills after 1 km. The one I was on sounded like it was working out harder than me.
Distance: 8 km
Time: Sub-45 min
Indoor, but I couldn't get the time right because I had to switch treadmills after 1 km. The one I was on sounded like it was working out harder than me.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Running #21
Today's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 44 min 31 sec
Indoor. The best time I've done in a while but I haven't been working out regularly so that's been at the back of my mind. It's a bit annoying. I feel lazy and lethargic when I don't go out exercising. Bleah! I've slacked a little on the exercise routines because I've been staying up late to watch the Euro '08 football matches. Thankfully it's getting over on Sunday. Looking forward to the weekend.
Distance: 8 km
Time: 44 min 31 sec
Indoor. The best time I've done in a while but I haven't been working out regularly so that's been at the back of my mind. It's a bit annoying. I feel lazy and lethargic when I don't go out exercising. Bleah! I've slacked a little on the exercise routines because I've been staying up late to watch the Euro '08 football matches. Thankfully it's getting over on Sunday. Looking forward to the weekend.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Running #20
Last Thursday's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 30 sec
Outdoor. That's all I remember of it.
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 30 sec
Outdoor. That's all I remember of it.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Running #19
Today's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 45 min 34 sec
Indoor. Inspired.
The right tracks playing at the gym, a longish rest and general feel-good factor all sort of came together to help me run this time. I don't know if I'll be able to match this on an outdoor. We'll see.
Distance: 8 km
Time: 45 min 34 sec
Indoor. Inspired.
The right tracks playing at the gym, a longish rest and general feel-good factor all sort of came together to help me run this time. I don't know if I'll be able to match this on an outdoor. We'll see.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Running # 18
Today's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 32 sec
Today's run was beautiful. Outdoor and in the rain. I was able to take a couple of minutes off my last time because it was cooler.
It felt great to have the rain hit my face on Marine Drive. Cool, refreshing and a welcome change from the sultry summer. The streets look washed, the air has that yummy rainy smell and you stick your tongue out to catch a few raindrops. If the monsoons were a woman...
Anyway, I followed-up the run with a monster breakfast. Here's what I pounded after it:
I love breakfasts! :)
Distance: 8 km
Time: 48 min 32 sec
Today's run was beautiful. Outdoor and in the rain. I was able to take a couple of minutes off my last time because it was cooler.
It felt great to have the rain hit my face on Marine Drive. Cool, refreshing and a welcome change from the sultry summer. The streets look washed, the air has that yummy rainy smell and you stick your tongue out to catch a few raindrops. If the monsoons were a woman...
Anyway, I followed-up the run with a monster breakfast. Here's what I pounded after it:
- 3 boiled egg whites
- A big glass of watermelon juice
- A slice of whole-wheat bread
- 3 of those small yellow bananas
- 3 chickoos
- A bigger glass of mango milkshake
- 6 almonds
I love breakfasts! :)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Running #17
Today's Run:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 50 min 32 sec
Outdoor. Very disappointed with the time. Happy to finish, but I've not done such a slow run for ages. A below 10km/h run.
There are two possible factors that I can attribute this to, three actually:
Distance: 8 km
Time: 50 min 32 sec
Outdoor. Very disappointed with the time. Happy to finish, but I've not done such a slow run for ages. A below 10km/h run.
There are two possible factors that I can attribute this to, three actually:
- Heat
- Humidity
- I've recently stopped taking the protein supplement I've been having for the past six months. I think the supplements really make a difference. You lift heavier at the gym for sure. Now it seems it helps you run faster too. The nutritionist at the gym told me to get started on it way back because I'm vegetarian. But I've always felt it's better to be 100% natural. I don't want to get to a stage where I'm dependent on protein supplements. If that means I have to work harder for the same result, so be it.
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