Or I'll Dress you in Mourning by Collins/ Lapierre

Just finished a book "Or I'll Dress you in Mourning" by the famous pair Larry Collins & Dominque Lapierre. It is an autobiography of Manuel Benitez, a famous matador from spain - who was born in poverty and dreamt of being a bullfighter all his life - taking many twists and turns including jail sentences - finally achieved success and magnificiently so, due to daring exploits in the ring. The narration is good and the pair have done it again after their much popular "freedom at midnight" on the Indian independence.


If you look at some of the bullfights on youtube video like the one,here on Manuel Benitez, you will be appalled to note that this barbaric sport still exists in Spain and countries of south america, nothing fascinating about it. But the book is definitely good read.

Sunday, 2nd January 2011 - marine drive

Went off to Marine Drive today morning to do a short run following yesterday's huge run at the MRC. Did not join Milton's group starting from Bandra nor Kaushik's group starting from Khar. Priya came with me from Bangur Nagar so we pretty much travelled together in the early morning from goregaon station though she went by the ladies compartment. When we reached NRC, there was news that there was no NRC, so next best thing - run in the marine drive which was anyway my plan. Started off slowly testing my ITBC so the pace was deliberately kept very slow - weather was brilliant for running - early morning chill coupled with a cool breeze wafting across from the arabian sea - great place to run marine drive always bustling with runners especially at this time of the year - practising for the january marathon in Mumbai. Reached NCPA turned back,, talking comfortably taking in the early morning ethereal beauty of marine drive - its queens necklace still shining and resplendent in the early morning glory as if watiing for the queen to come by. Met Mike somewhere down the road and he returned with us and also commented on my slow pace. Went a little up the malabar hill did not like the place with all kinds of poops though a steep climb, the road was not good it was curving on the sides - difficult to keep balance. on the way back ran into sunder and then ran with him for some time, going up and down few times with rohit bansal, milton etc. finished 14.30 km in 2.01.07 hours. Had breakfast at stadium restaurant.

Why we Run by Bernd Heimrich

Just finished reading a fascinating book "Why we Run" by Bernd Heimrich. Biologist, award-winning nature writer and ultramarathoner Bernd Heimrich explores the anthropological, biological and psychological side of ultraendurance and dovetails the narrative with his own running efforts including running and winning an ultra-marathon 100 kms event - lots of insights into the sport of long distance running. Must read for all long distance runners.

New Year

Started the New year with a Bang with a 27.73 kms run at the Mahalakshmi Race Course today morning. It was chillingly cold when i reached there at 6.00 a.m. with nary a few runners or walkers all possibly fast asleep after the year end revelries in their homes, buildings, or clubs. Even the horses were absent from their early morning routine. i did not carry my water bottle which i usually do, but considering the cold it was a good decision. no need for water until 14 kms. my friend Mani came after i completed about 2.2 kms and he ran with me for about 4 kms or so, before he took flight with his speed. Qureshi came in later. 10kms done snacks break - banana taken, ear muffler taken off, chilly as usual again for 4 more kms before sun slowly starts peeping out, making its first appearance in the new year. Early morning sun at mahalakshmi race course is a magnifient sight, a bright red flame. the route was two faced in the sense that from the usual starting point to about 1 kms inward, there was a good breeze and chilly conditions when you keep going round (the ground is more or less oval shaped) the suns starts hitting you from behind. 19 kms done, second banana break - more to go, still looking good as per plan. two more loops 23.65 kms done - okay to go, should reach 32 kms with ease. another round done 25.70 kms done - okay three more rounds to go - should be easy though first signs of discomfort comes in. another loop done 27.73 kms done - decided enough was enough - the sun was not letting any more distance, since it is an open ground with no shade, it becomes difficult when the sun hits you. Ideal for training for long distance and should be a challenge in the summer. Do some post run stretches, go out for refreshments at sharda bhavan at matunga - delightful place to eat - typical udupi style - had ulundu dosa - their speciality and came back home happy with a good start to the new year.

Goa River Half Marathon

If the first edition of the Goa River Half Marathon will be long remembered by all the participants, it will be for the fact that EVERY SINGLE RUNNER FROM MUMBAI SMASHED THEIR PERSONAL BEST TIMINGS IN THE DISTANCE, despite a tough course. Not only that MOHANA came FOURTH in female veteran category, BHASKER – FIFTH in the male veteran category and TANAJI – FIFTH in the men’s open category.


As 2010 draws to a close with anxiety writ large on everybody’s minds on the forthcoming and “looming as large” Mumbai Marathon in mid-January, then they can draw tremendous satisfaction from their performances at Goa River Marathon – it was a smashing performance by the runners – as would be evident from the happy and smiling faces of the runners post the race.

Goa was planning its first ever half marathon this year under the auspices of Vasco Sports Club who roped in RFL as the consultant – a coup of sorts because then at least we, having known the credibility of RFL as a top class organizer were sure of the arrangements. True to form, the organization was excellent, with 8 water & medical stops along the route, traffic stoppages for 3 hours from the start, timely start, sufficient volunteers making this first event a well oiled one.

Vasco da Gama is a sleepy little town experiencing its first burst of developments with few skyscrapers, good roads, well stocked stores, cafes, a railway station, public library and a bustling as ever bus depot.

Giles, Milton, Bhasker, Genieve, Dr. Sharma, Ritesh Patel, Krishna, Ajit Singh, Kavin, Kaushik & gang and myself left on 17th evening by Mangalore Express – we were lucky to reach Madgaon at 7.30 a.m. next morning because Ganesh & Mohana and Ashish and his friends travelling by Konkankanya later that night were delayed by more than 5 hours reaching Madgaon only by 3.00 p.m. Bhasker, myself & Genieve started our journey from Goregaon while Krishna, Milton, Ajit & Giles came from Bandra and the others reached V.T. station by 9 p.m. V.T. station was as usual jampacked with travelers galore – each jostling for that 1 square inch of space allotted to Indians in railway stations. Much before that Bhasker came into his sparkling form as usual and gave ample evidence of his upper body strength by doing gymnastics inside the local train compartment – he continued his repartee and wit when he befriended the local taxi driver from Churchgate to VT station and queried from him about Amitabh Bachchan’s rich hair – whether it was wig or real hair and what oil should he be using – the driver had to defend Bachchan, being from his same town – Allahabad.

Indian Railways known for dividing families better than divorce courts did that to our group as well – everybody was in different compartments and it required some organizational skill and talking to get Genieve sitting near us, deprived as she was of her friends Hari & Gary. The train journey went off well again thanks to Bhasker who kept us in splits and peals of laughter throughout.

Madgaon early morning was as chilly as Mumbai in December and Vasco was just stirring to life when we descended on the Vasco Residency at around 8.30 a.m. When told that we would be given the rooms only at noon, we decided to get the other business of collecting bibs done with by then. Luckily for us, Vivek Prasad had already checked into one of the rooms previous night itself, so we could keep our luggage in his room and descend into the hotel cafeteria for a well deserved breakfast.

The cafeteria was laboriously slow in delivering the breakfast of omellete and puri bhajis and pulled their trousers and started working only when Bhasker threatened to take over the kitchen. Breakfast done, we walked down to the Vasco Sports Club which was about 10 minutes away from the restaurant. Vasco Sports Club was bustling with nervous activity, being a first time experience for them, anxiety was writ large on their faces. Bibs & chips collected, t-shirts purchased, inquiries made of the pasta party, Giles & Milton started working over the route in minute detail with the RFL guys who were there– where are the hills & bridges, how will we navigate the 5km walkers who will be encountered on the return leg etc. At the bib venue we ran into a few Haryana runners – all confident of 1.08/ 1.09 timings – confident of winning the race, provided no African runners were there.

The route started from near Baina beach and after about 20 metres there was a right turn 10 metres a left turn 500 metres first climb – a flyover over the railway tracks which sort of curved like an inverted U, came down – second hill after 4 kms which was almost like the Lonavla climbs – turning and climbing for about 1 kms, then downhill, after 6 kms it was skirting the river front all the way to 10.5 kms turnaround, third gentle slope at about 7 kms. It was an out and back route so the runners had to touch 10.5 kms and come back the same way. There were water stops every 2 kms or so and volunteers were placed all along the route directing the traffic away from the runners and also holding few water bottles in their hand. There were few volunteers with relispray moving about in motorbikes offering to runners who required them. Music was blaring at few stops and three cheer girls enthusiastically waving the runners on.

The afternoon of 18th was spent earning a few hours of well deserved siesta, while the younger lot comprising of Bijay, Ajit, Krishna, Ashok Naidu, Kavin & Genieve went to the beach & few other places to experience the town.

The organizers had arranged a pasta party at HQ a hotel adjacent to the Vasco residency so all descended on that place at about 7.30 p.m. for a fantastic pasta treat – there we met runners from Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and few foreign runners – all enthusiastic about the event. By then we came to know that two Kenyans had entered the race, so Haryana runners – there is your competition.

The organizers had arranged a bus pick up from our hotel for 5.45 a.m. so Giles had issued a dicta to every runner to be down at the hall by 5.35 a.m. Despite that there were few late comers, but we reached the start venue well before time. The start venue was abuzz with activity – there were announcements, music, people warming up – typical of any marathon – though on a much smaller scale.

We met with Bhasker’s friends Ken & Corina, Canadians who were competing in the veteran category. The male veteran category was 45 and above while the female category was 40 & above. Ken, 57 was a 1.30 half marathoner. We also met with the two Kenyans – one a tall lanky strappling lad called Robertson and the second shorter one, both fit and raring to go. We later learned that the Kenyans were robbed of all their personal belongings so they walked all the way from Verna to the race venue - a distance of 23 kms. Luckily there were no bhasans, so the race started on time at 6.45 a.m.

The weather was pleasant at the start time and stayed that way throughout except the last 5 kms when the sun started beating down harsh on the 2.30 half marathoners. The first kms itself had the railway flyover, which was quite steep and then for about 3 kms we were still inside the Vasco town navigating past surprised and sleepy eyed Vascoans or Vascoites as it may. After 4 kms we were hit by a sudden blast of chilly winds, pleasant to the runners but at the same started the second climb, which was winding and steep, much like part of the Lonavla climbs. The going was steady pace with Genieve at my side. At around 6 kms, we were skirting the Zuari river side with river barges of the Mormugoa Port Trust lying along the coast. Also around this time we met the winner Kenyan Robertson, and soon followed by two Indians and then the second Kenyan. When the second Kenyan came by, I hollered, “come on Kenya” and he had time to give a wide toothful smile. Tanaji was lying 6th at this stage, followed by other returnees, Bhasker, Milton, Rajesh Poojari, Giles Drego, Dr. Sharma & others. Gul Panang and her trainer had gone slightly ahead but on the return loop, she had slowed down. I was with Genieve upto 10.5 kms turnabout testing my ITBS left knee whether it could hold on. With weather showing good signs and knee holding up, I decided to up my pace on the return leg, and hollered Gen to stay with me. The weather was holding good and I slowly started ticking of one runner after another I had passed by, (final count about 22 runners whom I passed on the return leg), the killer climb came by at after 16 kms – but shorter on this side – going steady met up with Mohana – shouted one kms to go, last hill over the railway tracks – which started a small tinge of cramps on the calf muscles, but pace steady, last few metres decided to sprint but cramps put paid to that effort – nevertheless finished in a PERSONAL BEST time of 2.23.32 seconds, Mohana came just behind and Genieve followed few minutes later.

Medal hung on the shoulder – met with all the Mumbai runners – came to know that everybody had smashed their personal best timings – evident from the smiles on their faces – Milton & Gen started an impromptu jig on a Konkani number which was emulated by others. Waited for a while to know the final results of our key runners – Bhasker & Tanaji – pleasantly surprised to know Mohana came in fourth in the women’s veteran category – she missed the third place by a whisker. Trudged back to the hotel, refreshed went out with the gang for a welcome and sumptuous lunch. Came back into Mumbai early morning 20th, tired, but definitely happy.







Goa is definitely the place to be next year – so guys, tick this on your running calendar – awesome route, best facilities, scenic beauty, beautiful weather – next year’s plans include a few days after the run just lazing around Goa.

Why we Run by Bernd Heimrich

Just finished reading a fascinating book "Why we Run" by Bernd Heimrich. Biologist, award-winning nature writer and ultramarathoner Bernd Heimrich explores the anthropological, biological and psychological side of ultraendurance and dovetails the narrative with his own running efforts including running and winning an ultra-marathon 100 kms event - lots of insights into the sport of long distance running. Must read for all long distance runners.

Bangalore Ultra - Mumbai runners show their mettle - Guts and glory of Haile's 25

It was probably the largest contingent of runners who travelled from Mumbai to compete in the 4th edition of Bangalore Ultra 2010 on 14th November, 2010 at Hessarghata, on the outskirts of Bangalore. Unofficially named rather emotionally after the Haile Gebrsellassie, the HAILE’S 25 conquered the tough and adverse conditions in Bangalore Ultra – in fact the toughest conditions ever of all the 4 editions held so far.


We had four runners attempting the 100K – Raj, Mahesh, Dr. Oak & Sanjay Kasle.

They started at 5.00 a.m. with torches in their hands or with a miners’ lamp fastened on their heads – which was an absolute must because of the darkness and also the uneven nature of the track which was a dirt track with stones and tree roots protruding from the ground – narrow tracks which allow only one person to pass with few crevices in between. By the time we started for lunch at about 1.00 p.m. Raj & Mahesh had finished 50K and were going for their 5th loop. When we reached the airport at 8.00 p.m. news came in that the race was closed out at 7.00 p.m. by the RFL organizers so those could not finish the 100k had to drop out or finish on their own with no logistics support from the RFL. Spoke to Raj, he said he & Mahesh had completed 75 kms by then, Sanjay Kasle had gone upto 82 kms and Dr. Oak wanted to continue to 100 kms regardless of the conditions.

Following runners finished the 50K successfully and Zico came third in the Senior Men’s category. Roshni Rai came third in the women’s category. CONGRATULATIONS Zico & Roshni.

Zico, Amit, Srinivas, Rahul Bharadwaj, Qureshi, Giles, Roshni Rai, Kavin, Vivek Prasad

Following runners finished the 37.5K category successfully:

Ashish, Sripad, Rohit Bansal, Madhu

Following runners finished the 25K category successfully;

Ram, Genieve, Mani, Sridhar, Mahesh Gune, Kartik, Bijay Nair

Priya Murthy successfully finished the 12.5 K category

The track was a 6.25 kms out and back loop, so the runners had to do each loop into x number of times to finish their distance. The 50K & 37.5K race started at 6.00 a.m. in cool, pleasant weather typical of early morning Bangalore. Because of the uneven nature of the track, we were careful in navigating our way through. The number of runners at this stage was not many, so it was okay to start with. The route wound through open fields and we reached the first of the three water stations at 0.5 kms itself. There were four water stations about 2 kms apart well stocked with all the provisions like banana, oranges, PBJ sandwiches, parle-g & monaco biscuits and water, lucozade & ice too. About 1 kms into the race, the route opened out into a vast plateau as far as the eye could see and this continued until we came into a forest which was near-about the 5 kms mark. The forest lasted for less than a km and then we came onto a gravel road, which took us to the 6.25K mark, which was the turnaround point for all runners. The route was undoubtedly beautiful, but all the runners had eyes for was the ground beneath because stumbles there were plenty amongst the runners and since the track was so narrow, one had to not only look down to ensure correct footing and landing but to keep looking up to sidestep the oncoming runners, some of whom were rushing by, obvious contenders for the top crowns. By the time we were mid way into the second loop, the 25K and 12.5K runners started their race and they were plenty in number, so the concentration levels had to be high at this time.

Okay, the Mumbai gang started their sojourn on Saturday morning at 8.30 a.m. flight from Mumbai which was delayed by about an hour. Good omens were promised when we espied a “Ultra Bar” inside the Mumbai airport. Bangalore was warm and sunny at around 12.00 noon and our journey to our abode for the day and after took about one hour. Soon we landed at the service apartments at the Platinum City, which was a complex of residential buildings out of which one building was slotted as service apartments. The rooms were abundantly luxurious and comfortable with sufficient beds, sofas, TVs, kitchen equipments etc. This place was absolutely beautiful with nice paver block roads to take a walk, a park, tennis courts, swimming pools and one provision store (which threatened to close when we arrived there and was promptly opened at the behest of Amit) and one medical shop which was open all the time. Two rooms of 5 beds each were allotted to us, 10 persons and rooms settled in, we went down to a sumptuous lunch of rice, dal, rasam, curds, some chinese items & bread pudding. Lunch done – we went down to the store to stock up on some items required for the evening and next morning and retired to our rooms while Kavin & Bijay went to watch the cinema and ended up with lighter wallets from a shopping spree, but no movie.

Evening time – some more items stocked up for the morrow – dinner – same items as before but no chinese this time, kheer as dessert – all promptly retired to their rooms for a good night’s rest before the ultimate endurance test the next morning. Alas, the night slumber was not without its share of drama – there were a cacophony of noises aplenty from the neighbourhood – some stray dogs were “retelling the Mahabharata” for us, there were train noises in the distance apparently from a night halter at a nearby railway station, noises from the corridor et al, made for an interesting night. 3.00 a.m. and the shrill of alarms ringing at every bed – all ready and raring to go by 4.00 a.m. Meanwhile Raj phoned to say he was already on the way to the venue (they had a 5.00 a.m. start).

Amit had arranged everything meticulously so we had three cars going to the venue with myself, Zico (as the driver), Ashish & Sripad in one car boxed in between two other cars both of whom knew the route. Amit and his friend Vineet (who was also doing the 50K) were behind the wheels of the other two cars. At the unearthly hour of 4 a.m. in the morning we saw two runners on their morning jogging routine (though one looked like a security guy on an errand) which led us to conclude – “this is what makes Bangalore the running capital of India” – their zeal to get up so early in the morning for their running. Enroute the venue, we had the misfortune of seeing a bitch lying dead in the middle of the road with five or six small puppies not knowing what to do – we ensured they were sufficiently out of the way before we resumed our journey to the venue. Even before we reached the venue we saw that the 100K runners had already started with torches in their hands and it was like the route was cutting across the road at two places.

From the parking lot we had to walk a small distance to the registration counter, which we could not navigate without Kavin’s mobile phone cum torch. Just as we were about to enter the registration post, out came Raj & Mahesh starting their 100K on a fast clip – there were not having any torches – incredible guys these!

Registrations done, bibs collected, free t-shirt, timing chips, baggage deposited – met up with Giles, Qureshi, Mani, Mahesh Gune et al – pleasantries exchanged – all ready and raring to go – loud cheer went up for the Mumbai runners – “Ganpatti Bappa Moraya”

I had originally registered for 25K, then changed category to 37.5K in view of my first full marathon in January and was looking forward to it, but a debilitating backache on Tuesday which lasted until Thursday evening prompted me to first attempt a 25K and then take things from there on – whether to attempt the last loop depending upon how the back holds up. First loop was good and comfortable but by the second loop, the sun was out, pace dropped, started stopping at each water station to consume endless cups of lucozade, throw water on my neck and head and continue in slow pace. Under the circumstances satisfied with a 25k mileage as at the end of the second loop, the back started acting up again, left knee started protesting so decided to finish with 25K in the bag. No complaints, next time and more work before the Mumbai marathon.

Race finished, cheering up other runners – some photographs, some up and down time pass runs to cheer up the runners – met up with Nigel who finished first in the men’s 50K category in an amazing time of 3.57 hours – this guy has done several 100K runs in more grueling circumstances like desert runs and up steep inclines – but he thought the heat was “well, bloody hell”. His fiancé Emma was doing the 100K and that too without any stoppage for walking and at a good pace and tirelessly. Incidentally, he had just come to India on a vacation and decided to run anyway and ended up with a medal. Wow!

One by one all our runners started coming in at the finish line – Rohit the first in the 37.5K category and Srinivas in the 50K category – the latter with a furious sprint at the end. Amit and Zico followed and then Sripad came in followed by Ashish, Qureshi, Vivek Prasad.

Giles had an attack of cramps in the third loop but waived away all vehement protest of the volunteers to ferry him to the medical station in a motorbike and continued regardless. Gen had a severe attack of stomach cramps, Srini of leg cramps and Zico & Madhu ran bravely despite their previous chest congestion & leg problem respectively. Bravo.

The ice tub was fully occupied by the runners' feet and the medical tent was in full atttendance with a dedicated team of doctors.

Meanwhile, stomach started complaining and my cheering partners Mani, Bijay & Gen became running partners as they went down the road to cheer up runners coming down the last km or so.

Lunch at the Native Village was delicious five course meal of puris, rice with sambhar, rasam, curds and followed up with kheer. No beer at the bar – they lost their licences! Meanwhile Zico & Roshni came with their plaques – for their podium finish.

We left Raj & co with a heavy heart to celebrate all the successful finishes and the podium finishes with few beers and whisky – We ended up at the airport with tired limbs, protesting legs and sleepy eyes for some more groaning news – the flight was delayed by more than an hour. Luckily we had a large contingent to pass time by which included Pravin and Hirva Varma back from their family vacation in Kerala. Caught up with some sleep in the flight and reached home at 1.00 a.m. after finishing my 6th event of the year.

A BIG THANKS to AMIT for so meticulously making all the arrangements for the travel from Bangalore airport to the hotel, to the venue and back to the airport and for the stay at the airport. Also THANKS to VINEET for helping us with the logistics. Not to forget a BIG THANKS to ROHIT BANSAL for making arrangements for the group travel bookings for all of us. Believe me, it is a big fun and a learning experience when we travel in a big group such as this to the running events.

RFL Bangalore, (Arvind Krishnan, Arvind Bharati and your team) your arrangements were excellent as usual – all meticulously done and down to the last detail – everything was razor perfect.

Many of us were attempting their first Bangalore Ultra and I am sure they would have nothing but praises for the excellent organization of this event. Thanks to RFL team for such an enriching experience.