It has been such a long time I watched a wonderful Indian movie. The movie was exceptionally made, and the performance of the cast was excellent. TZP sure is a one to touch your heart, commendable Aamir!
It is not the usual entertainer, as has been the norm. Aamir brings out the sensitivities very well in his effort. The movie surely pushes all of us to our childhod memories and makes us nostalgic. It is a movie that every kid, every parent can relate to. Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy doeesn't leave any complaints. And the screenplay was excellent.
I can not rave enough about the movie. It's a movie that can be watched any number of times. I felt so after watching back-to-back movies. Aja Nachle, followed by Taare Zameen Par. And no regrets for the decision. Two Thumbs Up to Taare Zameen Par!!
And yea, we all were up in standing ovation!!!
In contrast, Aja Nachle wasn't as entertaining as Shahrukh's Om Shanti Om, but the dances by Madhuri and the last musical drama were more than paisa vasool!! Storyline is a typical drama, but the dance is what the movie is about. The rest of the plot is not important.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
great ideas come out of love!!!
So, I came across this site. It was started by a dad to help his son prepare for SAT. And then he put it out there on the public space. If you are an NPR fan, you might have heard about it on radio. I saw it in one of my e-mails. And it's just a great concept I think. Here is the website: http://www.freerice.com
While you are playing and having fun, you are working for a higher cause. The way it works is..
1. You are playing a vocabulary quiz.
2. Each time you play, an advertisement appears at the bottom that generates revenue.
3. For every correct answer, 20grain of rice is donated to the needy, in association with United Nations.
I think this is a great idea, and I wish it was me who got that idea in the first place. :) Who gets such brilliant ideas!!!? I want to be in that company..
While you are playing and having fun, you are working for a higher cause. The way it works is..
1. You are playing a vocabulary quiz.
2. Each time you play, an advertisement appears at the bottom that generates revenue.
3. For every correct answer, 20grain of rice is donated to the needy, in association with United Nations.
I think this is a great idea, and I wish it was me who got that idea in the first place. :) Who gets such brilliant ideas!!!? I want to be in that company..
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Losers look back, winners look forward.. simple
Simple enough.. as said by Sir Ian Botham.
It's been a while I wrote anything on this blog. Even though there is not much to write about, I think this interview / conversation makes for a nice read.
It's been a while I wrote anything on this blog. Even though there is not much to write about, I think this interview / conversation makes for a nice read.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
why is cribbing so much fun?
Of late, I have become one big-time cribbo.. Here is raising a glass to myself!! shhh..
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs. - Confucius
Easy to comprehend - you can't be troubled by something you have no control of. Ah well! So, difficult to implement.
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs. - Confucius
Easy to comprehend - you can't be troubled by something you have no control of. Ah well! So, difficult to implement.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
A 9hrs of my life..
It was great, great fun taking pictures of Team Asha at the finish line, and just being there at the finish cheering people and seeing people finish. I don't think it will be possible to do this sort of a thing at a big marathon. Thanks to SV marathon and the small numbers, I could do it. Standing close to the official race photographer and clicking away heaps of photographs, sorting them, identifying Asha pictures with all the bib numbers. Great fun, got to wear the shoes of all those official event photographers for a day or two. :)
It was about as tiring as a marathon mentally, actually!, and I was drained & tired being up and on my feet from as early as 5AM till about 2PM. One good thing was MCM one week ago seemed a long time back, so, at least the legs were good enough to last me through. And the whole thing was lot of fun. There was disappointment at the end, in the sense the food at the volunteer tent was over by the time I was done with my coverage and by that time I was so hungry and tired that I was really pissed. Had a big chunk of dessert to keep myself happy. Got a ride home and crashed to my heart's content and my stomach's discontent!! I woke up in a trance, totally soaked in the experience. I realized.. as I was reliving the memories.. this is why:
I was excited for this event. I wanted to cheer people on. I wanted to go to different places along the course and egg runners on & take some pictures. Be there between 18-26mi. I knew what it would have meant. I knew it took a lot of effort for that, to plan the course, to plan the travel, to make arrangements & to co-ordinate. Of course, being with TeamAsha, all of that was really a piece of cake! I wanted to all this but someone up there had different plans for me. I had to be at the start/finish area since the need was there. I read this once somewhere - When you don't get what you want, that's what is called an experience! And a lovely one it turned out to be..
The day started early for us, even as it ended late for other Asha volunteers and co-ords the previous night. A bunch of us landed at the Asha tent in the morning, and almost required was neatly packed and taken care of. We just had to be there. :) There was not too much to do, really, early in the morning at the hospitality tent but for taking care of the stuff that was there and answering few questions some people had about Asha, and preparing for the marathoners. Soon, they were pouring in. By the time Raghav was back, we knew it was time to get ready for warriors to return home. The SAMOSAS were there, and the work had begun. And soon I headed off to the finish line to take some pictures.
Waiting at the SV marathon finish line for the runners to finish, I was looking at all the high school children who were so happy for the finishers, cheering them, congratulating them, handing over the medals to them. It would not have been possible without them. It would not have been possible without ALL THE VOLUNTEERS. The whole atmosphere there was so festive!! Three cheers to the race organizers who bring about this event every year. Silicon Valley marathon was celebrating its 10th anniversary and I think the race was a HUGE success. At least, that's what I as an outsider and as a spectator think about it.
The spirit at the finish line was unbelievable. What made it so special was all the families and the kids that were running along the last few meters (the green carpet). Slowly, one after the other, the Asha runners returned 'home' after conquering their challenge. They were runners of different categories - first timers hoping to finish, experienced runners aiming for their personal best, expert runners pacing the experienced runners, coaches and mentors running with their mentees - they all came in at different times, but they all came in! They all crossed the finish line.
After a barren marathon earlier this year, I had decided that I would not run a small marathon again. After seeing (living) SV marathon, I have to take my words back. If it is the home marathon of Asha SV chapter, the marathon no longer remains 'small.' The Halloween outfits, the big hugs, the great cheering, the lovely water-stop-volunteers, the mentors, the helpers (people who get you through the last mile), the coaches, the assistant coaches, the friends, the family, the ultras running the marathon mainly to cheer, you name it... it was huge!! And from the pictures that I saw, I am sure it was fun all through the course. If it is TeamAsha, it ought to be fun!!! Go Team! I doff my hat to ya!!
This was just a small part of the story. The part I was witness to. The part I was part of, I was glad to be part of. :) It was not just Asha. Asha was a BIG part of it, yes. But I raise my glass to all the volunteers who were involved - Asha and non-Asha - and all the runners and their families. Metro Silicon Valley Marathon 2007 was a triumph of spirit, and my first experience as a 'marathon spectator' was memorable as hell!!
Friday, November 2, 2007
This is 'our' marathon!!!
For all the times where I lacked cheering,
I do realize how much it means
to the people who are running.
The joy at the sight of a familiar face,
I would like to share
when the runners struggle for pace.
Be assured you will be cheered,
Hugs and love
And best wishes showered.
So Go Runners! Scorch the arena,
It's all too familiar floor, so
dance like the prim[a/o] ballerina.
Time has come to give back,
let's go cheering squad.
SV marathon is in Silicon Valley
... our very own backyard!!
I do realize how much it means
to the people who are running.
The joy at the sight of a familiar face,
I would like to share
when the runners struggle for pace.
Be assured you will be cheered,
Hugs and love
And best wishes showered.
So Go Runners! Scorch the arena,
It's all too familiar floor, so
dance like the prim[a/o] ballerina.
Time has come to give back,
let's go cheering squad.
SV marathon is in Silicon Valley
... our very own backyard!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
A story in numbers...
MCM time splits
mile 5 - 0:54:51 (10:58 pace)
mile 10 - 1:46:53 (10:24 pace mile 5-10, overall 10:41 pace)
mile 13.1 - 2:24:26 (12:07 pace mile 10-13.1, overall 11:01 pace)
mile 15 - 2:47:19 (12:03 pace mile 13.1-15, overall 11:09 pace)
mile 19 - 3:28:11 (10:13 pace mile 15-19, overall 10:57 pace)
mile 22 - 4:28:05 (19:58 pace mile 19-22, overall 12:11 pace) --> hmm these last two lines don't seem right! was that how I ran? wow..
mile 26.2 - 5:19:35 (12:16 pace last 4.2mi, overall 12:12 pace!)
mile 5 - 0:54:51 (10:58 pace)
mile 10 - 1:46:53 (10:24 pace mile 5-10, overall 10:41 pace)
mile 13.1 - 2:24:26 (12:07 pace mile 10-13.1, overall 11:01 pace)
mile 15 - 2:47:19 (12:03 pace mile 13.1-15, overall 11:09 pace)
mile 19 - 3:28:11 (10:13 pace mile 15-19, overall 10:57 pace)
mile 22 - 4:28:05 (19:58 pace mile 19-22, overall 12:11 pace) --> hmm these last two lines don't seem right! was that how I ran? wow..
mile 26.2 - 5:19:35 (12:16 pace last 4.2mi, overall 12:12 pace!)
Monday, October 29, 2007
Great run!!
The following were the other contenders for the title of this blog
- Two Thumbs Up Washington D.C.
- An account of stupidity
- It was a breeze ;)
- The M-files, Asha SV chapter
It took 3 years to recreate my first marathon experience of NYC in '04. The crowd was fabulous!! And the marines were awesome. It had been a downhill marathon experience after the run in NYC but DC was as close to it as possible (both in distance and experience). Very glad to have run it. 5 stars for the organizers and the weather Gods.
Frankly, I owe one Biiig thanks to my body for keeping up for the last 2-3 months. So, when I started the marathon itself, I was not sure how long before one of my injuries showed up. I had my fingers crossed. And it was one fun roller coaster of a ride. The fact that I ended up with a 5:20 time when I was looking for something like 4:20 will not take away the sheer joy of completing my toughest challenge so far. This was one marathon where I completely utilized all the pre-marathon best wishes.
They say the real marathon starts at mile-20. Uh oh, mine started at mile-10! I started out slow, the fact that the first mile was uphill helped that bit but it was difficult to control the pace. It was like up-a-mile and down-a-mile. It was fun - I liked the downhill part of it. :) Few miles into this up&down business, my feet did not like it. I could feel it. I remembered Shraddha say "Listen to your body," and I was watching closely for the signals. Mile 4 was my first photo-op: host and friend Srikanth on the Key Bridge. Milestone #1. :)
I was motoring along, trying to use my hands as much as possible. It was around mile 8 or 9ish that my both feet began to hurt (heel of my left foot, ball of my right foot). And I had figured the end was near. And that this was going to be a disaster. So, I consciously was not putting too much effort. Took 2min walk breaks instead of my 30-second break. Some time before mile 10, my left calf started cramping and I of course did not know what to expect in the remaining 16miles!! It was not even half-way there! How am I even going to walk it all off?!!
At mile 10, I stopped. I walked a mile. Monitored my legs. And slowly started running. The 2-minute walk breaks became 2-minute run breaks! And I began to think of what Moningi said "If it is too difficult, think about us" (undergrad friends). I sure did. After mile 11 were first signs of life (Asha company) - Raman and Nitin passed me, looking very strong. Aaah.. good. I am not lost. And boy, the weather was awesome. Gentle breeze and sunshine. I remember thinking to myself, what a shame if I have to walk all the way through the rest of the marathon in such perfect weather for running. I picked up running and kept running until I felt like. At this point, I was just enjoying my time out there, running through the DC attractions - Federal Reserve, Washington Monument, to name a few. After a few slow miles the halfway mark arrived - wow! It was amazing! 13.1mi. now, that is a good distance to run. :) Milestone #2.
It was such a perfect weather for golf too, actually. And running around the course was just not justice. Past the halfway mark, when we were going around the golf course was not great fun. Not too much crowd, not too barren either - there was this occasional orange or a banana. hats off to DC crowd, really. However, I enjoyed my stroll on the grass. I thought I better use it to reduce the stress on my feet. I became part of 'the cheering crowd' and did my bit to some Asha folks and other runners. I was not tired for that. Only my feet hurt. Then, there was another milestone. I saw Coach Martina and Deepu. Milestone #3. Go Martina!! I tried to keep up with them until mile 19 or 'Beat the Bridge' - one of the cut-off points. Felt like.. oh.. now, we can walk this off. And still get a medal. :) Martina and Deepu took off, and I followed behind at my place.
Just under the bridge (frankly I don't know what was a bridge and what was a freeway there) was G3 vehemently cheering and running around with a 'Go Asha' placard. She was just jumping around trying to catch my attention. When she did, it was a big boost of energy. That part - let's call it bridge - was one thing I did not need. A gradual uphill, and I was looking for my other friends (they were friends until yesterday) who were supposed to show up and cheer for me. Didn't find them. But found Anusha. Good job you guys. Seeing G3, Anusha and the rest of the cheering squad see us through mile 19 - Milestone #4.
That mile was 'the' longest 'mile'!! Between 19-mile and 21-mile marker. I used up my sister's wishes, fighting with all my might. But I did not realize the next mile was the second-longest ;). That was because we were running alongside runners coming in the other direction - only problem was that the anticipation of the turn around point was sapping us of the energy. mile 22 was right at the turnaround point. Just 4 more miles to go! Impressive. Now, I was just looking for familiar faces. I was thinking to myself that coach Char and Madhu should be around and I should be seeing them before I completed that 2-mile loop. And I saw them just as I was beginning to get worried! Just as I was nearing mile 23, they crossed mile 21. "Yes coach, I am doing fine." - Milestone #5.
The last few miles, I had enough to keep me going. Plenty of crowd support and the feeling that I would do fine with my feet took me through to the finish line for some more photo ops. :) Veena and G3 capturing my last mile burst (well, not really a burst) and Srikanth providing coverage towards the finish line. The last mile was a real teaser. Half-mile gradual slope out and then back again with a steep ascent right at the very end. FUN. I just tagged along one VT girl and managed the mile non-stop and also a small sprint at the end. Good finish! End of my race!! I had to dig in to my deepest mental reserves to complete it. I remember telling Raman around mile 11 that I was going to stop. I couldn't have imagined this kind of a finish then. Somehow, it was possible. I don't know how! Here is my story in numbers.
The medal is the biggest I have seen so far! All-in-all, it was a great race for me and I was on my feet at the end of it, with no cramps. Took some pictures, went back to the charity tent, had some samosas and sandwiches, got a nice massage, and missed the Asha group picture!
All through the past few months, I wondered how stupid of me to attempt what I was doing. And that maybe I was not ready for it. Why all this?!! Maybe it was not needed. Maybe I was pushing myself. Maybe. In the end, it was fun. Lot of fun. Thanks everyone!! Cheers. Happy reading, and happy recovery! I am off to the pool!!
The summit (Arlington Cemetry):
On February 23, 1945, the fifth day of the battle of Iwo Jima, Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal reflexively shot a photograph that has since attained iconic status. The picture captured, in silhouette, six soldiers struggling to hoist, on top of Mount Suribachi, an American flag they had tied onto a flagpole improvised out of a water pipe.
- Two Thumbs Up Washington D.C.
- An account of stupidity
- It was a breeze ;)
- The M-files, Asha SV chapter
It took 3 years to recreate my first marathon experience of NYC in '04. The crowd was fabulous!! And the marines were awesome. It had been a downhill marathon experience after the run in NYC but DC was as close to it as possible (both in distance and experience). Very glad to have run it. 5 stars for the organizers and the weather Gods.
Frankly, I owe one Biiig thanks to my body for keeping up for the last 2-3 months. So, when I started the marathon itself, I was not sure how long before one of my injuries showed up. I had my fingers crossed. And it was one fun roller coaster of a ride. The fact that I ended up with a 5:20 time when I was looking for something like 4:20 will not take away the sheer joy of completing my toughest challenge so far. This was one marathon where I completely utilized all the pre-marathon best wishes.
They say the real marathon starts at mile-20. Uh oh, mine started at mile-10! I started out slow, the fact that the first mile was uphill helped that bit but it was difficult to control the pace. It was like up-a-mile and down-a-mile. It was fun - I liked the downhill part of it. :) Few miles into this up&down business, my feet did not like it. I could feel it. I remembered Shraddha say "Listen to your body," and I was watching closely for the signals. Mile 4 was my first photo-op: host and friend Srikanth on the Key Bridge. Milestone #1. :)
I was motoring along, trying to use my hands as much as possible. It was around mile 8 or 9ish that my both feet began to hurt (heel of my left foot, ball of my right foot). And I had figured the end was near. And that this was going to be a disaster. So, I consciously was not putting too much effort. Took 2min walk breaks instead of my 30-second break. Some time before mile 10, my left calf started cramping and I of course did not know what to expect in the remaining 16miles!! It was not even half-way there! How am I even going to walk it all off?!!
At mile 10, I stopped. I walked a mile. Monitored my legs. And slowly started running. The 2-minute walk breaks became 2-minute run breaks! And I began to think of what Moningi said "If it is too difficult, think about us" (undergrad friends). I sure did. After mile 11 were first signs of life (Asha company) - Raman and Nitin passed me, looking very strong. Aaah.. good. I am not lost. And boy, the weather was awesome. Gentle breeze and sunshine. I remember thinking to myself, what a shame if I have to walk all the way through the rest of the marathon in such perfect weather for running. I picked up running and kept running until I felt like. At this point, I was just enjoying my time out there, running through the DC attractions - Federal Reserve, Washington Monument, to name a few. After a few slow miles the halfway mark arrived - wow! It was amazing! 13.1mi. now, that is a good distance to run. :) Milestone #2.
It was such a perfect weather for golf too, actually. And running around the course was just not justice. Past the halfway mark, when we were going around the golf course was not great fun. Not too much crowd, not too barren either - there was this occasional orange or a banana. hats off to DC crowd, really. However, I enjoyed my stroll on the grass. I thought I better use it to reduce the stress on my feet. I became part of 'the cheering crowd' and did my bit to some Asha folks and other runners. I was not tired for that. Only my feet hurt. Then, there was another milestone. I saw Coach Martina and Deepu. Milestone #3. Go Martina!! I tried to keep up with them until mile 19 or 'Beat the Bridge' - one of the cut-off points. Felt like.. oh.. now, we can walk this off. And still get a medal. :) Martina and Deepu took off, and I followed behind at my place.
Just under the bridge (frankly I don't know what was a bridge and what was a freeway there) was G3 vehemently cheering and running around with a 'Go Asha' placard. She was just jumping around trying to catch my attention. When she did, it was a big boost of energy. That part - let's call it bridge - was one thing I did not need. A gradual uphill, and I was looking for my other friends (they were friends until yesterday) who were supposed to show up and cheer for me. Didn't find them. But found Anusha. Good job you guys. Seeing G3, Anusha and the rest of the cheering squad see us through mile 19 - Milestone #4.
That mile was 'the' longest 'mile'!! Between 19-mile and 21-mile marker. I used up my sister's wishes, fighting with all my might. But I did not realize the next mile was the second-longest ;). That was because we were running alongside runners coming in the other direction - only problem was that the anticipation of the turn around point was sapping us of the energy. mile 22 was right at the turnaround point. Just 4 more miles to go! Impressive. Now, I was just looking for familiar faces. I was thinking to myself that coach Char and Madhu should be around and I should be seeing them before I completed that 2-mile loop. And I saw them just as I was beginning to get worried! Just as I was nearing mile 23, they crossed mile 21. "Yes coach, I am doing fine." - Milestone #5.
The last few miles, I had enough to keep me going. Plenty of crowd support and the feeling that I would do fine with my feet took me through to the finish line for some more photo ops. :) Veena and G3 capturing my last mile burst (well, not really a burst) and Srikanth providing coverage towards the finish line. The last mile was a real teaser. Half-mile gradual slope out and then back again with a steep ascent right at the very end. FUN. I just tagged along one VT girl and managed the mile non-stop and also a small sprint at the end. Good finish! End of my race!! I had to dig in to my deepest mental reserves to complete it. I remember telling Raman around mile 11 that I was going to stop. I couldn't have imagined this kind of a finish then. Somehow, it was possible. I don't know how! Here is my story in numbers.
The medal is the biggest I have seen so far! All-in-all, it was a great race for me and I was on my feet at the end of it, with no cramps. Took some pictures, went back to the charity tent, had some samosas and sandwiches, got a nice massage, and missed the Asha group picture!
All through the past few months, I wondered how stupid of me to attempt what I was doing. And that maybe I was not ready for it. Why all this?!! Maybe it was not needed. Maybe I was pushing myself. Maybe. In the end, it was fun. Lot of fun. Thanks everyone!! Cheers. Happy reading, and happy recovery! I am off to the pool!!
The summit (Arlington Cemetry):
On February 23, 1945, the fifth day of the battle of Iwo Jima, Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal reflexively shot a photograph that has since attained iconic status. The picture captured, in silhouette, six soldiers struggling to hoist, on top of Mount Suribachi, an American flag they had tied onto a flagpole improvised out of a water pipe.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
On my way..
The Check List
Just pack my bags, fly to D.C. and enjoy the day I guess. Thanks for all your e-mails and wishes. I will post a race report when I am back. You can track me here.
Raghu
- Fundraising
A bunch of thanks to everyone for the donations!! The FR goal has been met. And I have a spring in my step!! - Laundry race day clothes
Done. In the nick of time. :) - Call up hosts
Done. - Online checkin
Done. All set. - Hydrate yourself over the next 3 days. Do not do stupid things. :)
Hopefully, will do.
Just pack my bags, fly to D.C. and enjoy the day I guess. Thanks for all your e-mails and wishes. I will post a race report when I am back. You can track me here.
Raghu
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Marathon, Marathon
First, my earlier marathon this year needs a mention. Orange County - Jan 2007. It featured a whole of 1500 runners! But for the cheering provided by 4B, Buss, Meher & Sridhar and company by PC, I would have utterly bitterly hated the experience. Those people made my day. Coming back to the marathon.. I have not seen such a barren marathon before, and it was really very hard to run those middle miles without any people in sight. Only things that were there were blazing sun and fields around. It was then that I decided that I am going to run only when there is going to be cheering. One way to ensure that (I hope) is to have large number of runners. That was how I picked up MCM - the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.. I had read good things about it too. Now, it is within 7 days!! October 28th 2007 - the D-day is fast approaching.
This marathon is different from all other marathons I have run, in the sense that I am actually trying to stick to a training regimen. And I pushing myself just a little bit. (It would be nice to beat my time for the first marathon.) And all this brought its own share of injuries. What this means is that I am more jittery before the marathon than I was before my first marathon 3 years ago!!
First it was the hip. Now it is my foot. Part by part, my body is crumbling. It needs rest and recuperation. I can't wait till the season is over! (1 week from now.) I felt good in my last long run yesterday. But marathon is a different thing. And the after-effects are a different thing altogether. So, crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. And I need as many wishes I can get.
The one thing I am certain about is that I will not miss the cheering part as long as I am running with Team Asha. Also, it is great to be running among friends - Chicken, ADP, here I come!
This marathon is different from all other marathons I have run, in the sense that I am actually trying to stick to a training regimen. And I pushing myself just a little bit. (It would be nice to beat my time for the first marathon.) And all this brought its own share of injuries. What this means is that I am more jittery before the marathon than I was before my first marathon 3 years ago!!
First it was the hip. Now it is my foot. Part by part, my body is crumbling. It needs rest and recuperation. I can't wait till the season is over! (1 week from now.) I felt good in my last long run yesterday. But marathon is a different thing. And the after-effects are a different thing altogether. So, crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. And I need as many wishes I can get.
The one thing I am certain about is that I will not miss the cheering part as long as I am running with Team Asha. Also, it is great to be running among friends - Chicken, ADP, here I come!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Injury Time, Bad Timing
You neglect stretching and strengthening, and the body comes right back at you!! I have developed heel pain. yea, new part of my body hurts! By taking part in this training program, I am experiencing all kinds of new feelings (pains)! :)
I seem to be getting hit at the most vulnerable points of my marathon training. Well, the signs do not look promising. But I am hoping the rest accounts for something. We will know very soon. It's been close to two weeks since I last ran, and this isn't a great taper going into the last few weeks before the marathon. It's been great so far moving to bay area, but I guess the law of averages is catching up (tongue-in-cheek). hope not.
I joined ASHA training little late. And I missed the all-important (in hindsight) stretching sessions. I think that is the root cause of all my injuries. Other than the fact that I am trying to push myself. Let's see how things go. As of now though, I am not sure how I am going to get across that marathon finish line!!
I seem to be getting hit at the most vulnerable points of my marathon training. Well, the signs do not look promising. But I am hoping the rest accounts for something. We will know very soon. It's been close to two weeks since I last ran, and this isn't a great taper going into the last few weeks before the marathon. It's been great so far moving to bay area, but I guess the law of averages is catching up (tongue-in-cheek). hope not.
I joined ASHA training little late. And I missed the all-important (in hindsight) stretching sessions. I think that is the root cause of all my injuries. Other than the fact that I am trying to push myself. Let's see how things go. As of now though, I am not sure how I am going to get across that marathon finish line!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Chicago 2007
This is the story of 2007 Chicago Marathon. Loads of my friends were disappointed. Having said that, it's a great experience.
2007 Chicago Marathon Disaster from Loonachic on Vimeo
2007 Chicago Marathon Disaster from Loonachic on Vimeo
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Hip, Hop
I finally had my WORST running day of my life! But yea, I live to tell the story.
I was out for a 22-miler, my longest of the training program - 3 weeks before the real one. The weather bore resemblance to how it would be in Washington D.C. I had done a 20-miler in rain two weeks back and felt great but I wasn't feeling great about my knee on the long run a week before. Moreover I was trying on new shoes. So, there were always jitters.
There were a few hills and that was good because MCM has a few hills too. But boy, were the hills killers. I barely managed to negotiate them. I started running with the whole gear - jacket and tracks, it was very chilly this morning - and got rid of them after 4 miles. May be I was doing okay till then. And may be I went slightly faster than what I wanted to.
After the 4 miles, I begun to feel pain in both my knees. Bottom and outer sides of my right knee and the bottom of my left knee. This was kind of normal to me however. And slowly the pain went on to the foot portion of my leg. Now, this I wasn't sure if it was because of the new shoes or my hip injury or if it was just that my body was beginning to crumble.
I trudged along okay, slightly in pain but managing to take gentle strides. At the 19.5-mile mark though, my body gave up. It could not keep up with my ambitions. My mind is YOUNG and stupid. And my body is old and WISE. Those 2.5 miles were through the most excruciating pain I remember. I could not land on my heel, and I walked all the way till the finish line using my left toe and my right foot. Either my hip was making me hop or the shoe didn't work out very well. Whatever it was, it wasn't a great positive ahead of the marathon. There are too many variables and I wish I had known better what the reasons for the pain were.
During this time did the thought of hanging up my boots first crossed my mind. So, will I finish on a high? Or will I finish on a low? Anybody's guess!
But hey, at least, I did not get cramps in the end! Cheers!!
I was out for a 22-miler, my longest of the training program - 3 weeks before the real one. The weather bore resemblance to how it would be in Washington D.C. I had done a 20-miler in rain two weeks back and felt great but I wasn't feeling great about my knee on the long run a week before. Moreover I was trying on new shoes. So, there were always jitters.
There were a few hills and that was good because MCM has a few hills too. But boy, were the hills killers. I barely managed to negotiate them. I started running with the whole gear - jacket and tracks, it was very chilly this morning - and got rid of them after 4 miles. May be I was doing okay till then. And may be I went slightly faster than what I wanted to.
After the 4 miles, I begun to feel pain in both my knees. Bottom and outer sides of my right knee and the bottom of my left knee. This was kind of normal to me however. And slowly the pain went on to the foot portion of my leg. Now, this I wasn't sure if it was because of the new shoes or my hip injury or if it was just that my body was beginning to crumble.
I trudged along okay, slightly in pain but managing to take gentle strides. At the 19.5-mile mark though, my body gave up. It could not keep up with my ambitions. My mind is YOUNG and stupid. And my body is old and WISE. Those 2.5 miles were through the most excruciating pain I remember. I could not land on my heel, and I walked all the way till the finish line using my left toe and my right foot. Either my hip was making me hop or the shoe didn't work out very well. Whatever it was, it wasn't a great positive ahead of the marathon. There are too many variables and I wish I had known better what the reasons for the pain were.
During this time did the thought of hanging up my boots first crossed my mind. So, will I finish on a high? Or will I finish on a low? Anybody's guess!
But hey, at least, I did not get cramps in the end! Cheers!!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Joy of Injury..
I have never been injured before, and that of course obviously means that I have not experienced it before. So, I never understood how it felt to be injured and I could never really empathize with people who were fighting injuries. But now, having come off a hip injury while training for my 4th marathon, I am happy to have had seen it off and being able to come back to running.
Injury (any setback actually) teaches you the importance of things like stretching and how to gradually come out of a bad phase. I have been running for a while now, not really training very well and at the same time some how managing to complete marathons. Yes, I have ran all these years without getting injured. But what is the fun if you don't know what your limits are! I might have been very much in my comfort zone running those marathons, and hence did not injure myself. Not that I was careful to prevent the injuries. It was just that I was not pushing myself. The finish times of 4:52, 5:24 and 4:58 speak for themselves. I am still yet to better my first marathon time and hope this is the time, and I will be happy with a 4:51 time come October 28th 2007. Hope it rains in Wasington DC!
It is one thing to learn from others' experience and a whole lot different learning through one's own experience. I believe there is a great joy to it.
I am really happy for the experience. I would love to have the opportunity to advise people on a hip injury, but again, people really understand something only when they have the need to. I have had a lot of friends and family who have been through knee injuries and that is one thing where I have learnt from others' experience (when I was closest to the person who experienced it).
Cheers! As one of my coaches signs off, Happy Trails! :) And Happy Comebacks.
Injury (any setback actually) teaches you the importance of things like stretching and how to gradually come out of a bad phase. I have been running for a while now, not really training very well and at the same time some how managing to complete marathons. Yes, I have ran all these years without getting injured. But what is the fun if you don't know what your limits are! I might have been very much in my comfort zone running those marathons, and hence did not injure myself. Not that I was careful to prevent the injuries. It was just that I was not pushing myself. The finish times of 4:52, 5:24 and 4:58 speak for themselves. I am still yet to better my first marathon time and hope this is the time, and I will be happy with a 4:51 time come October 28th 2007. Hope it rains in Wasington DC!
It is one thing to learn from others' experience and a whole lot different learning through one's own experience. I believe there is a great joy to it.
I am really happy for the experience. I would love to have the opportunity to advise people on a hip injury, but again, people really understand something only when they have the need to. I have had a lot of friends and family who have been through knee injuries and that is one thing where I have learnt from others' experience (when I was closest to the person who experienced it).
Cheers! As one of my coaches signs off, Happy Trails! :) And Happy Comebacks.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Bingo!!!
It seemed to be just the perfect weekend after I played Scrabble at a local club in Los Gatos. Aah! Finally, everything in life seems to be falling in place. :) Also, I had someone rooting for me. Bonus. Now, I will have my rating with National Scrabble Association, and can play Scrabble more regularly.
It was one of the things (one of the many things) I missed while living in San Diego. San Diego is great! but not my kind of place probably. Been missing out on too many things.
Bay Area rocks!!! Bustling with energy!
It was one of the things (one of the many things) I missed while living in San Diego. San Diego is great! but not my kind of place probably. Been missing out on too many things.
Bay Area rocks!!! Bustling with energy!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
who puts the cat(s) amongst the pigeons?!
Okay, so, I was running for 12600 seconds at about 8 foot per sec pace. how boring. But I kind of made it interesting by following a new pace model - kind of a ramp-up/ramp-down model. And I think it worked. I was looking strong towards the end. These practice runs seem to be a fun exercise. :)
My rant apart, today I had run on this trail in Foster City near Oracle headquarters. first time for me and in my mind I had complaints from people about how the trail not having shade and stuff. Luckily weather smiled and it was cloudy this morning. :) Well, only for a bit, maybe, more on this later.
As I was heading out, I noticed gazillions of cats on the trail. Really, a huge number! and kept wondering where those came from. And they were quite plump. Maybe this is the place where people leave their overgrown pets or something, but whatever, as I went further ahead, I saw a whole bunch of pigeons! Wow! Who puts the cats amongst the pigeons?! Heard of the phrase many times but this was the first time I saw it actually. However, both were happy in each other's company. :) So much for the phrase!
I was beginning to enjoy the weather and the trail (right beside the bay) when it started raining half-way through. So much for the weather smiling. Now it began to cry. Sorry weather Gods! Not me. But it was fun, and I wanted to get back to the hut as soon as possible. So, it kept me motivated to keep running. :) I hope it rains on my marathon day too. But.. hope it doesn't snow!! (I am running in DC in October).
My rant apart, today I had run on this trail in Foster City near Oracle headquarters. first time for me and in my mind I had complaints from people about how the trail not having shade and stuff. Luckily weather smiled and it was cloudy this morning. :) Well, only for a bit, maybe, more on this later.
As I was heading out, I noticed gazillions of cats on the trail. Really, a huge number! and kept wondering where those came from. And they were quite plump. Maybe this is the place where people leave their overgrown pets or something, but whatever, as I went further ahead, I saw a whole bunch of pigeons! Wow! Who puts the cats amongst the pigeons?! Heard of the phrase many times but this was the first time I saw it actually. However, both were happy in each other's company. :) So much for the phrase!
I was beginning to enjoy the weather and the trail (right beside the bay) when it started raining half-way through. So much for the weather smiling. Now it began to cry. Sorry weather Gods! Not me. But it was fun, and I wanted to get back to the hut as soon as possible. So, it kept me motivated to keep running. :) I hope it rains on my marathon day too. But.. hope it doesn't snow!! (I am running in DC in October).
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
When does hummus go bad?
Hummus is easily one of my top picks for dips and snacks.. but do you know when hummus goes bad? smells kind of weird, and tastes a little sour? It still has that texture but it becomes a little more fibrous.
Yea, it does taste like that at times. At times when hummus becomes tuna!
Today, I ate meat for the first time! Did not even realize it could be tuna until I ate half of the sandwich, wondering why my hummus tasted bad.. hmm.. watch out!! Don't know how people eat tuna but my first NV experience wasn't all that great.
Yea, it does taste like that at times. At times when hummus becomes tuna!
Today, I ate meat for the first time! Did not even realize it could be tuna until I ate half of the sandwich, wondering why my hummus tasted bad.. hmm.. watch out!! Don't know how people eat tuna but my first NV experience wasn't all that great.
Monday, September 17, 2007
books
I have come across these two cool sites:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/ - this is a great great site for book lovers. Books travel on this site!! Check it out.
http://www.shelfari.com/ - And this site is one of those community sites. for book lovers, you can get your recommendations here, and then hunt for your books in book crossing. I think book crossing is a great philosophy.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/ - this is a great great site for book lovers. Books travel on this site!! Check it out.
http://www.shelfari.com/ - And this site is one of those community sites. for book lovers, you can get your recommendations here, and then hunt for your books in book crossing. I think book crossing is a great philosophy.
First Post
I just thought I would create an eco-friendly blog site to keep up with the Global Warming buzz (since I hope this blog will be the most active one). So, all those with CRTs can save lot of energy. Come to think of it, I need to turn off my home PC.
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