Carbuncle

This is a large angry red boil, the size of a two rupee coin that suddenly surfaced on the side of my rib cage. I was told that a hair follicle got pulled out and the pore got infected. I'm not sure the doc was hinting at ideas about someone pulling out the hair follicles on my torso:-)

Well, coming to why it got infected, I surfed the net and found hygiene to be the cause and before you get any ideas that I don't bathe let me tell you that the probable reason is my obnoxious habit of lolling around on the floor for about 2 hrs after my long run on weekends - instead of having a bath first!!!

The carbuncle would not burst nor decrease in size despite medication and treatment with hot water fomentation. It just kept getting ripe and looking awful. Despite all this, I ran the Kaveri Trail Marathon with this tomato sized protrusion on my side. Finally the doc sighed and said, "You have to have it surgically nicked". I sighed too because it would mean getting poked, something that makes me break out into a cold sweat.

On the appointed day, I arrived with Bryan since Monsoon had to attend office work. The poor chap kept reassuring me that it won't hurt - imagine; it should be the other way round. But then Bryan has seen his father is a wimp when someone waves a syringe in front of him:-) I was taken to the operation theatre and made to lie down. Then they did the nastiest things, despite my sharing that I have a phobia of needles and that I have passed out several times when going for a blood test. They poked me six times around the site by way of anasthesia and each time I winced and squirmed and finally broke out into a cold sweat much to the alarm of the surgeon. He muttered, probably by way of an apology, that he didn't realize I was THAT scared!

The rest of the procedure was without pain and I could feel the doc slicing and scooping and rubbing and wondered about the nasty business. I was then shown the stuff that was extracted and it was a very unpleasant sight. The surgical wound is now painful and I have to go this morning for a new dressing. Last afternoon, when upon reaching home from the surgery, I fixed myself a drink, Bryan asked me in alarm, "won't it interfere with the anaesthetic?" and I winked and told him that alcohol is also an anaesthetic. Don't they show it in the movies when they have to extract a bullet and there is no anaesthetic? They give the guy a good long swig from a bottle of whisky:-)

The Kaveri Trail Marathon (KTM)

I had this marathon on my list of "To do" marathons in India. When I was afforded the oportunity to travel as a group, I registered without a second thought. The excitement of travelling together as a group for KTM was reminiscent of college picnics. We (Ashok, Ram, Bhasker, Raj, Mahesh, Kavin, Gautam, Amit, and I – Rahul joined us later) met up at the airport looking every bit like distance runners, except for Raj who showed up in party wear We watched Bhasker unleash his charm, flirting with pretty things in skirts and getting them bewildered and amused. Kavin’ endless repertoire of “Sardar” jokes were meticulously catalogued by Ashok while he got us all in splits. The drive to Mysore took all of 5 hours with a simple but delectable lunch at “Kamats”.

Race morning had everyone scampering around for warm water, vaseline and some like Mahesh, for toothpaste. The bib pick-up venue was abuzz with runners greeting each other and blaring announcements. The first signs of something ominous in store for us came when Arvind (A1), CEO of RFL, declared on a sombre yet jovial note that, the morning is deceptively cool but the sun would come out blazing, so if you want to grab some sun-screen, now is the time; and remember guys, this race is not the one to choose for your personal best!.

Sunshine is delicious,
Rain is refreshing,
Wind braces us up,
Snow is exhilarating,
There's really no such thing as bad weather,
Only different kinds of good weather)))

The start was punctual with no fanfare. The course is a 21.1K out-and-back circuit to be done twice. The path is a trail, pock-marked with stones giving your ankles and calves a hard time anticipating the nature of the surface for your next stride. It runs alongside the river with rich verdant fields on either side; a beautiful sight if you can take in the time to stop and smell the roses. There were umpteen aid stations with food and electrolyte that had the hallmark of RFL’ flawless and efficient race planning.

The first quarter to 10.55K was fine and we reached cruised to our half way mark in 2:09even as the sauna began building around us - an indication of the shape of things to come! Amit queried me about our plan for the next half and I could only share my feeling of impending doom, as I looked up at the blazing sun - that a 5 hr finish would be a saving grace

At the 26K mark I saw Amrita along with Rishi (who were with us till then), find her groove and surge ahead. I could only rue my inability to stay with them. Amit and I looked at our time at 29K and we agreed that 3:15 was not too bad. Raj was now falling behind due to cramps. At 31.65K, the final turn-around, I surged a little ahead of Amit, who was now stricken with ITB discomfort. The sun was beating down mercilessly and I acknowledged that this was by far the toughest marathon in the country. Bhasker Sharma with his superlative endurance had passed me by with 8K to go, commenting on my folly of not wearing a cap in this kind of heat.

At the 36K mark I was delirious with heat cramps and extreme exhaustion. A wave of dizziness hit me and I held on to the tent pole at the aid station. I grabbed a mug of water and poured it over my head. I hung in there with the determination, that despite my condition, I would finish in sub-4:45; it helps to set a fierce goal if you intend to drive yourself thru’ pain. Run like hell and get the agony over with.--Clarence DeMar

My calves were twitching now and each step jarred my quads like I was leaping off a ‘box jump’. The road was shimmering in the mirage created by the hot sun and my eyes were stinging with the glare. After an eternity of pounding trail, Mahesh came to fetch me and he threw up delusions of “only 800m to finish” - although I estimated it correctly to be 2K. It is because of him that we zipped at 5:45 pace in the last 2K and I managed my sub 4:45. You will find that if you dig deep enough there is always something to give.

I reached the finish line and was glad to see Ram, Bhasker, Ashok and Gautam, who had finished their half marathon and were kind enough to wait in the heat with no shade around. Amit and I cooled ourselves at a makeshift Jacuzzi at the finish, as we waited for Raj to come in. Well they all came in ie Raj, Sundar, Kavin, Dr Oak, Veera and Rahul. When the results were out, Madhu informed that I had placed third in the Men’ Veteran’ category. You can fight without ever winning, but never ever, win without a fight. --Rush (the Band)

I returned home with fond memories to reminisce when I lean back in my armchair, in the evening of my life. Living together even for a day, teaches you so much about a person that was hitherto hidden. I was had taken some "quiet time" out for myself and that is why people commented on Zico being "quiet and matured", when it came to describing each person from the group for their gregariousness or otherwise. This quiet contemplation helped me focus not only on my race but the issues troubling me. They are now resolved.

Shapes of ever size
Move behind my eyes
Doors behind my eyes
Bolted from within
Every drop of flame
Lights a candle in

Moon River

I've been slacking off this week. But maybe I needed it because I felt good when I lazed in bed on those days instead of going out for a run. I enjoyed the nagging ache in my legs, a remnant of the Amby Valley long run. As I drifted in and out from a dazed sleep state, Minoti kept asking me as to whether I was taking an off - I wish:-) Its just that she likes it when I am at home because somehow Dojo loves to lie down belly up and snooze next to me.

The run that I did yesterday and today made up for the slack. I managed a swift set of loops around the pond at Aarey and returned with a heaving chest. Today, I enjoyed the meetup with the group. There were new comers such as Melvin and Atul. However, most seemed to have commitments or were injured or, like Raj, had dragged themselves from a late night. The first loop at Aarey was nice with runners giving a thumbs up to each other on every U-turn. I was the sole guy that ended up doing a second loop. I enjoyed it for the opportunity to sort out my thoughts. The 21.4K that I did today was cathartic and I had my decisive moments for the issues plaguing me.

I am now feeling relaxed with a stiff "Ballatines" soothing frayed nerves and the soft strains of "Moon River". Dojo too seems to sense the mood for deep contemplation and celebration - especially since he heard Monsoon order "Lollipops" from the chinese take-away:-)

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.

Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

The Number Mysteries

I finally got the Math book I had ordered. It is an interesting analysis of the world of numbers. The very first chapter deals in Prime numbers and asks as to why David Beckham chose a jersey with number 23 on it, at Real Madrid. The reason? You guessed it; 23 is Prime. The top players in Real Madrid have Prime numbers on their jerseys. The book is rightly recommended for ages 1 - 101:-) The book has a problem offered at the end of each chapter. A problem that has eluded a solution to mathematicians the world over. As if someone reading this book will find it. Well, you never know:-)

I went out for a run with the Aarey group with all the intentions of doing a 21K but I had to cut it short because I just could not work out a pace. I hope I can recover enough to do it tomorrow. The group of runners was just a few because many are on tour. Srinivas is in Chennai, Amit in France, Madhu in Himachal and Roshni in Pedong. I do hope the group grows in strength as the build up to the Mumbai Marathon gains excitement. I am sure the article in the Hindustan Times on our group will draw attention from the running fraternity in Mumbai. There have already been a few curious queries from runners that joined our group on RFL recently. I felt disappointment at the end of the run. But then, I have been so since the last few weeks.

KTM taper

The Kaveri Trail Marathon is round the corner and although I now need, as a seasoned marathoner, a taper of 2 weeks, I am still contemplating starting my taper 3 weeks before. The "Nirvana" run was a blast on the endurance front and the crowd of runners showed how much the group has grown over the last one year. I somehow miss my solitary long runs though.

I am in much better shape now, both physically and mentally. It has been a stressful two weeks. I am glad its behind me now and I can handle anything that' thrown at me now. The bright spots were the meetups with Bamoo and Russell. Nothing like a few tipples with good ol' buddies from your youth. There is the mail from Val and Mal urging that we do some pubs but then they too agree that the loud music gets to you after a while. Well, I cannot handle loud pubs and I don't understand the people that go there. I'd rather that the music was a soft jazz piano playing the blues.

After KTM, which I will run as a long run rather than race, there will be the Ultra in November and the Nike Run Club (NRC) too will begin. I guess I will to give a miss to the runs that the group plans in Amby Valley or elsewhere. I think it is better to mingle once in a while. Besides, I have to plan a trip to Mahabaleshwar with the family including Dojo. This will mean I have to give NRC a few misses but then I'd rather miss these for the family than for the runs. I have had my fill of fraternizing and its better that way. I have taken a break from work as I am feeling a little under the weather and listening to Bob Dylan seems like deja vu and is also making me feel good;

How many years can a mountain exist,
before it is washed to the sea?
How many years can some people exist,
before they're allowed to be free?
And how many times can a man turn his head,
and pretend that he just doesn't see?

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,
the answer is blowing in the wind.

Nirvana run for the soul

It is important for me to draw parallels with a quote that defines our collective experience on Sunday (29th August); an august gathering (though we qualify for this adjective only by virtue of inhabiting a Masonic lodge) of passionate runners of varying ability, bound together by a common thread of “aim for the sky and you will at least land among the stars”.

The quote:
"It's elevating and humbling at the same time. Running along a beach at sunrise with no other footprints in the sand, you realize the vastness of creation, your own insignificant space in the plan, how tiny you really are, your own creatureliness and how much you owe to the supreme body, the God that brought all this beauty and harmony into being."
- Sister Marion Irvine, 2:51 PR and 1984 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier
The run was conceptualised, a recce led by Ashok, to draw up feasibility and logistics, and to put in km markers, and a detailed plan for transport, accommodation, meals, water-stations and safety, drawn up a with meticulous fervour that only a die-hard, selfless runner like Venkat can.

The bulk of our runners arrived the previous evening to a damp and dusky sky and a Spartan but clean abode reminiscent of a Scottish dwelling, complete with red-brick walls and a fire place. There were introductions followed by the usual banter and then an enthralling screening of the movie, “The Boston Marathon”. It left everyone with hope in their hearts – there were many in our midst aspiring to graduate to the full marathon; a daunting prospect. It portrayed people from regular walks of sedentary life, suddenly but surely elevated to the shocking realization that they had finished a marathon. The tears of joy and embraces that the worst was over and the achievement securing their positions, admittedly in the elite list of those that crossed the finish line in a 26 mile foot race, left us all determined to give our all to the long run that is the single most important ingredient in our training mix for the full monty.

A sumptuous dinner of chicken curry, vegetable, rice, bread, salad and bananas and we wound down for the day. Pre-dawn alarms rang with varying intensity, stirring everyone from their fitful sleep and even though I tried snuggling in bed, the sounds of ablution, murmurs of restive runners, tinkle of ceramic ware made me shrug of the quilt in resignation. Refreshed with a morning cuppa, we all started out in a drizzle from our start point. Runners like Raj, Allen, Kavin, Dr Oak and others that had set out that morning from Mumbai, started out a while later. The first 4Kms being a steep and winding slope hit our runners the hardest and such pre-warm-up palpitations brought on a fearful foreboding about their fate for the rest of the way. But it all turned out to be superlative.

Runners passed each other on the return leg cheering each other despite contending with their own exhaustion. Each runner emerged intermittently from a glorious medley of rolling wispy clouds, cool gushes of wind, flashes of green landscape, dark woods and the rain coming down in steel grey lances. The grey heavens pregnant with boundless rain and the black undulating asphalt disappearing into the mist brought an exciting mystery about running into the realms of the unknown – a long run is just that. Each foot strike caused a splatter from tiny puddles even as water run-off over the lips brought the taste of salt from your sweat. As we ate up mile after mile, each slap on asphalt brought pain that rose through the arch, ankles and shins. The water, bananas, Lucozade and jam sandwiches handed out by angels such as Malini, Vighnesh and Venkat’ chauffeur (I reserve my deepest respect for these selfless non-runners that stood hours in the rain and chill to hand out water to even the last runner) were received with gratitude by exhausted runners, running on pure mental strength. Along the way there were limps from low electrolyte cramps, sprained ankles, glycogen depletion, ITBS and plain exhaustion. But this carnival of pain dissipated in the chilling rain; in fact, it distilled each runner to his essence.

Each runner crossed the defined finish line to applause and high-fives and embraces. Steaming vada-pavs were handed out, from a wayside eatery to grateful hands and beaming smiles. All had come home, revelling in the deep satisfaction that - the long run puts the tiger in the cat. Several returned to the lodge to a breakfast of eggs and Poha and to plain put up their legs. Others had a longing to return home and relax. Monsoon and Bryan paid me a pleasant surprise by driving down to cheer me on but were hampered by a traffic jam in the Ghats. As I relaxed in the car, on the way back, sipping from my hip-flask, I mused as to how well our runners had trained this year to keep their endurance on a razor’ edge in preparation for SCMM, hitherto not experienced by many of them. As the buzz in my head made my eyelids droopy, I remembered another quote;

"There are people who have no bodies, only heads. And many athletes have no heads, only bodies. A champion is a man who has trained his body and his mind; who has learned to conquer pain for his own purposes. A great athlete is at peace with himself and at peace with the world; he has fulfilled himself. He envies nobody. - Coach Sam Dee - The Olympian

Ramblings

It has been a while since I blogged. There were too many things that took me by storm and I couldn't catch my breath. Last Sunday I had a nice long run. Nice, because I logged 31K after a long break in training for long runs. It was however, an exhausting and dehydrating run. By the end of it I had weak legs, a doddering pace and "postural hypotension". It took me all of 12 hrs to recover from it. I later analysed and discovered that I had suffered from "heat cramps". I researched on the topic and then formulated my own action plan to counter this in future; including an excel sheet to calculate sweat rates.

On the work front, I am deluged with new projects, product developments and forays in new markets. While this is a welcome change, I am apprehensive about being able to manage time. The intensity of travel will pick up shortly and I guess it will be back to living out of a suitcase.

I have ordered two books on Mathematics based on recommendations in "The Economist". The brief on these books states that they would interest even those that hated Math in school. I found their examples on application in everyday circumstances, rather intriguing. Besides, I thought it would add to the passion Bryan has developed for the subject. I now spend several evenings doing Math and Physics (both subjects that I love) with him, by solving difficult problems from Guide-books.

I am apprehensive about recent reports on a make-over for Aarey, ostensibly with a plan to develop an Eco-Park! I can only smirk at the thought of our state government being so concerned about the environment. The entire city is undergoing a degeneration in its civic, intellectual and social fabric and they now come up with a scheme that reeks of venality. I have started a silent campaign on my own and can only hope that God saves the space that I love.

Much of the last few weeks have been swallowed in introspection on rights and wrongs of social and behavioural attributes in people. I reached exhaustion on several occasion and wondered why I was burdening my already enervated psyche with these trivia. I thought it was worth it to save something and then I realised that all was "lost in translation" and I am better off now, with my conclusions. Indeed I feel better now:-) Last but not the least is the tipple I had with bum-chums, Bamoo and Russell, at "Prataps". It made life worthwhile as the haze of "signatures" made me mellow. When it all wore out, I was still convinced about my conclusions - so, it wasn't just the "buzz":-) Cheers!