The Children are our future

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier
Let the children' laughter remind us how we used to be....

That was George Benson and I hummed the tune as I felt low on hearing that Bryan has high fever and has been vomitting. I am on business tour and feel helpless especially because he has his exams. He could not finish his maths paper yesterday and had cried bitterly on the phone. He was unhappy because he felt he'd disappointed me since I'd spent so much time on teaching him math. I reassured him that it did not matter. I hope he recovers and is able to give his exams.

Wet weekend

I woke up on Saturday with a mild fever and decided that its not worth taking a chance doing my long run especially since it was raining "cats and dogs". I felt the usual pangs of guilt that I encounter whenever a "hard" workout is missed. I set my alarm for Sunday morning and woke up again to the roar of wind and hard rain. I drifted off to sleep for a while and then awoke with a start thinking that it was late morning. Fortunately, I found that it was still only 6am!

Its raining its pouring
The old man is snoring
He went to bed and he bumped his head
Couldn't get up in the morning.......
Listen to the falling rain, listen to it fall....
I started my long run at a gentle pace but found the going hard. I trudged on (although it says that if you feel tired in the first 3k, you should "can the run") trusting my judgement that this would not turn out to be a "damp squib run". About half way thru' the rain came down real heavy and I looked up at the heavens, revelling in the sting of raindrops on my face. My clothes grew heavy and clung to my body as I ran thru' rivulets on the road, my feet now flapping loud. As I ran alone thru' the lush green, wet and silent forest I remembered "the loneliness of the long distance runner" (Allan Sillitoe). Most of the morning walkers had probably decided to take the easy way out by propping some pillows and drinking hot coffee while watching the news:-).

I completed my target distance feeling secure that my endurance was headed north. I reached home exhausted and ate the regulation protein and carb meal. Late morning we headed for "Haiko Supermarket" to do some much needed weekly shopping. I came home and settled down with a "Tiger" beer (another of my favourites) while tickling Dojo under his chin who looked with doleful eyes, thoroughly enjoying the pampering:-)

Back-to-back long runs

Saturday came with a sleepless night and a stressed out feeling. I woke up at 5:30am and went out for a 2 hr run so that I could "kick-start" my liver into purging my system of the toxins it must have accumulated during my 4 days tour to South India. It is said that the stress hormone, "cortisol", can run amock if its left an open field; cholesterol, blood sugar and damage to the brains neural network is the devastation it leaves behind. The only antidote is exercise or anti-depressants: you can choose!

I felt at peace the rest of the day, taking pride in the feeling that I'd dealt "cortisol" a mighty blow:-) I enjoyed teaching Bryan that evening, while Dojo lazed around in a day long snooze. The maid tells me that Dojo feels "stressed out" when I'm not around and revels in sleeping all day on my return; secure in the knowledge that I am back for a while:-)

I deliberately set my alarm for 5:30am on sunday morning as I wanted to do "back-to-back" long runs that are advised for either Ultra-marathoners or the elite. I set out feeling quite strong (dunno what magic potion I had) and ended up doing a 2:30 mins run!!! I returned feeling rightly exhausted but had to immediately make a "burji" for Bryan and Monsoon as they felt the maid can't get it right. So there I was: stir frying onions and tomatoes with haldi; tossing in chopped chicken salami and 4 eggs; topping it with finely chopped coriander and chillies.

I sat on the floor with my share of the burji and enjoyed "carbo-loading" as advised by research. I felt sore all day as we went to "Alfa" at Vile Parle to shop and to "Aarey" wherein Monsoon could take her weekly walk, while Dojo excitedly scurried around to answer nature' call in the lush greenery; wagging his tail in appreciation at the singular honour, bestowed on him, to "fertilize" the area. I bought Bryan a "fast-track" digital watch which he proudly displayed on his wrist. He looked at my own 7 yr old digital "casio" and commented sympathetically, " Da-da your watch looks old in comparison but I think its better"; so that I don't feel too bad about it:-)

I would not advise anyone, except the most seasoned and serious runners to do "back-to-back" long runs cause they "take a lot out of you". I do hope my endurance has been "kicked up-stairs" and also that "cortisol" does not dare rear its head for another couple-a-days:-)

Jam packed weekend

I really look forward to the 2nd saturday of the month cause its the only weekend in which our company is closed for saturday. This particular weekend, I had a full diary. It started with my waking up at 5am to do a 27K run, after which I had to rush home, shower, dress, grab two omlettes with bread and head towards Powai in my car, to meet up with my friends at Colgate for an interactive session on strength and running.

At noon, my bro-in-law Joe came over to take us out for lunch. Actually he likes Bryan a lot and, Monsoon & I, simply enjoy the fall out of the "treats" he gives him:-) We had some "Chivas" while Dojo did his thing about getting "familiar". We then headed off to "Tian", a truly speciality Chinese and Japanese restaurant. We had a satiating lunch of "red pepper fish", "spare ribs", "chicken in oyster sauce" etc. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that Joe gifted us (in my opinion) the most beautiful statue of "Our Lady of Fatima". It is magnificent!!!!

Dinner on saturday, was an invitation from Rajni. Actually the dinner happened because, on Rajni' recent trip to London, she returned with a "Captain Morgan" rum, which she knows I enjoy a lot. Allen and family joined us too and we had some nice conversation with "paneer pakodas in coriander sauce"; a very unique preparation that Rajni' delicious punjabi cooking dished out. I surprised myself (as I seldom go for desserts) by opting for a "rabri with falooda", which caused me to swoon in delight with every spoonful.

Sunday evening was dinner at my sister, Lucy' place. It was a belated kind of party for both, Ian (my nephew) and me as we are born on the same day of the month. I gorged on fried sardines, pork vindaloo and pulao; not to forget the "black forest", I was told was "non-negotiable":-) All in all, one of the most hectic and gastronomically diverse weekends!

Guinness & Glycogen

I had a very satisfying long run on saturday, 5th July. As usual I felt the ache in my calves and achilles tendon as I limped around, all thru' the morning, at work. It is an established fact in sports medicine, that glycogen (carbohydrate) storage is enhanced after depleting the same thru' a long run and that, to aid the process, one is advised to eat or drink carbo-loaded foods. Well, I have my own "recipe" for this sports nutritional advice and that is beer. It has a healthy mix of water (which hydrates), carbohydrate (that restores Glycogen) and, not to forget, alcohol (that soothes the senses:-)

When I reached home from work, I quickly changed into comfortable clothes and reclined on the sofa with the world famous "Guinness". I am a self-acknowledged "Guinness freak" and this particular can that I held in my hand, was gifted to me by a dear friend; it was wrapped in a ribbon of "thoughtfulness and caring". I relished every sip as I felt the mild sting of its fizz and the bitter after-taste of hops grown in the Irish countryside, roasted on ignited peat and fermented in copper vats; releasing their special blend of organic compounds that react in complex ways to come up with a truly heavenly brew. Dojo sat at my feet with an adoring and curious look; understanding my bliss but wondering how this would compare with a "mutton paya" that he considers as "manna from heaven:-)

Bryan, Dojo & Euro 2008

I go the "blues" last evening because I had taken a very important decision in my life which involved "giving something away". I was comforted by a saying from the bible which preaches that "its better to give than receive". I felt very low as I reached home that evening. I fixed myself an "appertiff" and lay back on the bed with the TV screen flashing Euro 2008 replays but my mind in a rueful and contemplative mood.

The door bell sounded and Dojo scampered with a bark indicating that he was doing his "chowkidari". It was Bryan who had come in from his athletics training and my eyes lit up on seeing my boy. After his shower we wrestled playfully on the bed and Dojo, feeling envious, sounded a warning "woof" and jumped on us, as if indicating that either we include him in the "fight" or he'd spoil the "party":-) My "blues" vanished like darkness does when you switch on a light. We munched heartily on fried chicken and watched TV while Dojo crouched patiently with a hawkish look, ready to leap at the bone that would definitely be thrown his way

My "peace with the world" was complete when late that night I watched the enthralling "Germany v/s Portugal" quarter finals match. Though, I was a wee bit disappointed that Portugal lost because somehow I identify with them, being Goan and all (wink)!!!

Rain, running & rum

The end to my summer runs in sweltering heat was a relief. The sky was grey and there was the gentle pitter patter of rain drops on my window pane when the alarm went off at 5:30am on Sunday. I had a bad stomach (probably something I'd eaten on my long tour to Andhra) since the night before and would have probably gone back to sleep. But hey, this is Sunday and I wouldn't miss running in the rain after that long summer.

I intended to do a nice long run but my physical condition (I had the trots:-) and had to go in the bushes - pleeassse, I had my water bottle ok?) decided otherwise. However, the first 10K was really "cloud 9" and I sang;
Raindrops keep falling on my head
but that doesn't mean my eyes would soon be turning red
cryin' not for me - cause
I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining.......because I'm free!
Nothin' worrin' me!

Well into my 14K I felt my legs go weak. Why shouldn't they? It is clear that loose motions cause dehydration and it is amazing that I managed until then. I told you - runners throw caution to the winds! Well, I wrapped it up at 17.4K cause I'm not getting any younger. I should have had the horse sense not to have started out at all! :-)

I reached home and did the usual eggs and ham breakfast. Then we went out to buy Bryan a new school bag. He had spotted a small "Man U - Cristiano Ronaldo" bag at Hypercity and had a big argument with Monsoon. The bag' size is useless for him (besides costing 1200/-!) and I too put my foot down. We got him a beautiful (by his own admission) red rucksack costing 1100/-. I reached home, looked out the window and fixed myself some rum telling myself that its a cold rainy day (wink):-) Aaahhhh! the smooth taste of "Captain Morgan" with just a hint of coke was enough to quote;
For oft when on my couch I lie
in vacant or in pensive mood
they flash upon that inward eye
which is the bliss of solitude