It was 4 am and dark. I went upto the Embarcaderro via 280 fwy. That time of the morning the road is silent, not a single car. I don't know whether the darkness was particular think because of the fog or whether the first rays of dawn had yet to fall upon this city. Parking was a zoo. I met my group at 5:45 after a quick half a mile warm up run.
Started at the Embarcaderro, with a quick and easy pace. The crown was energized happy. Alongside me was a gentleman running with his bionic leg. A new one. We kept pace until the Peers were over and then he took off....
I saw Sameer and the gang at the end of the Peers around the shops and restaurants before we entered Fort Mason Area. I ran with them a bit. Fort Mason itself was simply spactacular. By then it must be 6:45 am or so. The clouds were still thick but it was not pitch dark. One could see the ocean. There were quite a few runners. I saw a bib number that was in the 23000s series. From Fort Mason we entered the Presidio, the Crissy Fields part of the park. Now, the work began. The uphill gradient was pretty steep. I knew but had not trained on such a steep incline. So, i slowed my pace a bit, took shorters strides so as not to injure myself. I am happy that i did so, because half way towards the top of the hill, people were on the side, stretch and assessing their injuries. Top half, i power waked most of the way.
Now comes the bend and we are about to enter the Golden Gate Bridge..... my dream come true! Finally i enter the bridge. There is no clear view of the ocean. parly because of the fog and the railings that embank the bridge and partly because the fog is particularly thick. I could not see past the first famouse red ARC. Then i decided to enjoy this, this is what i trained. To make it up this hill and into the bridge. I had gone to much trouble and length to re-arrange so that i run the first half. I soaked it all in. I saw the back of a womans T-shirt which read "Back in February, this seemed like a good idea". Now i am on the Sausalito side of the bridge, a quick stop at the Cytomax stop just outside the bridge and back to the bridge again.
The return i don't have a clear memory, it seems i was transported. I was happy, did not feel tired yet, was at an even pace. Then we entered the Presidio again, to go down towards the Golden Gate Park. The view from here was spectacular. By now, the fog was not as thick. On my left were the hills and on my right was the ocean and on the far side the white houses at the edge of the ocean. This was simply heavenly. I took a deep breath for gratitude. That i have my health that today is a good day and that so many fellow runners are doing such a marvelous job of staying hte course. When we came out of the Presidio and down the streets, they were full of people cheering us along. They had their windows open and stereos playing musuc. The motorcycle cops to had a coffee and a smile.....
Before i knew it i was on Fulton Street, and that meant i am at the edgeo of the Golden Gate Park and so so very close to the finish. I saw my sister for a split second, she cheered me on and then was off to speak with her friend. I think it was wonderful to see familiar faces. I could hear the announcements, so i knew i was close. I could not help but pick up a spring. I don't know where the enregy comes from, but i sped up a bit and decided to keep it that way. I was under the finish line and someone was shouting to get my tracking chip. My foot could hardly keep still so taht the gentleman could clip off the chip from my shoe lace. I started walking a little and stetching. I did not feel a think. Then when i sat for a bit and tried to stand up, i noticed how soar my muscles were... But i had a smile on my face. I met Veena, Chikita, Raman, Coach Char. It was great. We celebrated our respective successes. IT was great.
WOW, after huffing and puffing and thinking that 5 miles was a huge deal, i cannot believe i am sitting hear, a day later, writing about having run for 14 miles. So my time came it at 2:45:07 and i suppose i achieved my goal of finishing under 3 hrs. I may have done better without a hill or a better hill training. I do hope that i continue to train and keep up with this fitness bug that i have... Its fun, and you meet a lot of positive people. People whose life is full, happy and full of optimism and i like that very much.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Preparations
Yesterday, i went to one market and picked up my bib, chip, cytomax and shirt. I could not locate the BIB# i originally had. Thank heavens i found the on with which i re-registered. Now, I am set.
This morning i ran comfortably paced 3 miles, stretched, stretched and then stretched some more.
I think BIKRAM'S YOGA is helping keep everything smooth and even and lubricated. I must say though, ever since i took up running, my reach has been compromised by about 2 inches. My coach says it will come back and i sure hope so. I can get into the pose, but deep penetration is difficult right now.
It was great to hear from CeeKay. She has already incorporated some suggestions, and that goes to show how motivated she is to keep the program optimistic. I applaud her for taking the high road and speaking with me again. This time much more productive conversation.
I have a smile on my face - more like a broad grin.
This morning i ran comfortably paced 3 miles, stretched, stretched and then stretched some more.
I think BIKRAM'S YOGA is helping keep everything smooth and even and lubricated. I must say though, ever since i took up running, my reach has been compromised by about 2 inches. My coach says it will come back and i sure hope so. I can get into the pose, but deep penetration is difficult right now.
It was great to hear from CeeKay. She has already incorporated some suggestions, and that goes to show how motivated she is to keep the program optimistic. I applaud her for taking the high road and speaking with me again. This time much more productive conversation.
I have a smile on my face - more like a broad grin.
Monday, July 23, 2007
a week from the finish line
Alright, it is exactly one week. Next Sunday i will have completed the run by this time. With the chaos with the group. I am staying focused on getting through this week and let the chips fall where they may for now. I trust that all in all things will work themselves out.
I had some wonderful conversations one-on-one with team mates and coaches. I am encouraged by their thinking and hope to contribute to improving the process for the future.
This week i plan on focusing on stretching running short distances and staying focused on my business.
One thing i learnt is that the coordinator came into my life as a teacher. She gave me material for my management training class and i learnt about my leadership style, conflict resolution capabilities. The course could not have beel titled better - "Your Achilles Heal" :)
I leave you with some new pictures.
I had some wonderful conversations one-on-one with team mates and coaches. I am encouraged by their thinking and hope to contribute to improving the process for the future.
This week i plan on focusing on stretching running short distances and staying focused on my business.
One thing i learnt is that the coordinator came into my life as a teacher. She gave me material for my management training class and i learnt about my leadership style, conflict resolution capabilities. The course could not have beel titled better - "Your Achilles Heal" :)
I leave you with some new pictures.
Friday, July 20, 2007
An Ode from my Coach
HOPE
Their young eyes look out in despair
Thier homes and family in disrepair
They look askance upon life,
Have known nothing at all, but strife.strife
Along come you, and a fortunate few
With marathon dreams and fitness new
Every step you take upon those slopes,
Helps turn their despair into joy & hope.
Every little darkness that you help turn to light,
A million wide-eyed dreams will take flight.
When you doubt yourself at that painful mile,
Just think about them and their joyous smile!
Rajeev Char
Their young eyes look out in despair
Thier homes and family in disrepair
They look askance upon life,
Have known nothing at all, but strife.strife
Along come you, and a fortunate few
With marathon dreams and fitness new
Every step you take upon those slopes,
Helps turn their despair into joy & hope.
Every little darkness that you help turn to light,
A million wide-eyed dreams will take flight.
When you doubt yourself at that painful mile,
Just think about them and their joyous smile!
Rajeev Char
Boy! What a hill training
Yesterday i joined an evening group to run with. This morning 5 am alarm was a beast as i slept at 2 am. Anyhow, Veena (the group mentor) was kind enough to have me join her group of 8. It was 6:30 pm and the sun was settling westerly for the evening rest. We started an uphill climb. It was significantly steeper than Rancho trails or my treadmill with a 1 % incline. The trail is off of Alameda de las Pulgas and Ralston at mid peninsula.
This trail kept going upwards at what seemed like at least 30 to 35% gradient. We kept putting one foot in front of the other. This group - it seems was training hard. They were in pace and did not break a sweat till 1 mile - impressive. We must have run what felt like 4 miles with two water breaks. Then we started strength training. Boy! was i in for trouble. I had bragged about my clean push ups. DID i get a chance to demonstrate or what :)
We did three sets of 10 push ups. I could keep up with seven. But i must say i did hold my own with a modest improvement. The lunges and squats were even harder. I had not tried a few stretches and weight bearing that Veena was conducting. So i learnt a lot of new things. Thanks Veena. You make an awsome mentor and i am envious of your group ;)
This trail kept going upwards at what seemed like at least 30 to 35% gradient. We kept putting one foot in front of the other. This group - it seems was training hard. They were in pace and did not break a sweat till 1 mile - impressive. We must have run what felt like 4 miles with two water breaks. Then we started strength training. Boy! was i in for trouble. I had bragged about my clean push ups. DID i get a chance to demonstrate or what :)
We did three sets of 10 push ups. I could keep up with seven. But i must say i did hold my own with a modest improvement. The lunges and squats were even harder. I had not tried a few stretches and weight bearing that Veena was conducting. So i learnt a lot of new things. Thanks Veena. You make an awsome mentor and i am envious of your group ;)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Rejuvinated and Thank you Veena!!
Oh this rafting trip has certainly done wonders for me. I so much was aching (physically and mentally) from the run training. I think getting know these women in the biotech world and also just rafting - a sport i know something about, put me back in familiar territory and i could relax and pace myself.
Also, just when i felt like my team was not working out, i had a wonderful experience. I just in a casual manner mentioned to Veena that i am struggling with html links and she asked me to mail her the content and she helped me out!! Not only that, but i also asked her to set up a intro to the band that played bollywood music at the dance night. And low and behold ! that too happened. She is fabulous.
OK a little backdrop to the story. THe webpage where donations are uploaded is not quite user friendly. In part because most of the folks in my running team are litrally from 4 tech companies. So setting up html links is a breeze for mosts. I don't think the organizers appreciate what a challenge it is for folks outside of their industry.
So now i am off to my weekday run.
Also, just when i felt like my team was not working out, i had a wonderful experience. I just in a casual manner mentioned to Veena that i am struggling with html links and she asked me to mail her the content and she helped me out!! Not only that, but i also asked her to set up a intro to the band that played bollywood music at the dance night. And low and behold ! that too happened. She is fabulous.
OK a little backdrop to the story. THe webpage where donations are uploaded is not quite user friendly. In part because most of the folks in my running team are litrally from 4 tech companies. So setting up html links is a breeze for mosts. I don't think the organizers appreciate what a challenge it is for folks outside of their industry.
So now i am off to my weekday run.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Pleasant Cross Training - Whitewater Rafting
....So me and six other ladies went white water rafting for 2 days and 1 night at Kern River. What a marvelous time. I got to know wonderful ladies - all from Biiotech. And we tackled class 3 and class 4 rapids approximately 12 of them over 19 miles in two days - not bad at all. All in all it was a blast.
I am so glad i replaced my running experience with something positive. I know i missed my Monday Run. I will make up with track training on Tuesday.
I am so glad i replaced my running experience with something positive. I know i missed my Monday Run. I will make up with track training on Tuesday.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Is it time to withdraw?
Today was the worst interaction ever with one of my mentors. After a good 8 mile run, one would think i would be energized, optimistic and happy. Guess what, it has taken me almost half a day to shake off the experience. Today, my stomach was in knots and i threw up!
Inspite of being on time, i did not see anybody on the trail. When i went upto mile 1 i saw her stretching and strengthening. I informed her of my trying to reach her. In an entirely uncooperative spirit she informed me that she does not plan on carrying cell phone to trials and that she cannot be reached once the run begins. I have had 4 encounters with the mentor and this was an all time low. Not just for Asha, but for my experince with mentors. Having been on the boards at Toastmasters, NAWBO, RAPS, PDA, i have had - one would think- plenty of experince of all kind. This certainly takes the prize.
After stretching as well, in a somewhat chastizing toan, i was asked to catch up. Knowing this personality i certainly expect no "mentoring" - i don't think she even cares enough to fake that she cares - but i did not expect to have a discouraging experience. It is now affecting my experience with running in general and more alarmingly, how i run my company.
What i am learning is that a Mentor does not necessarily need to have expertize of what needs to be taught but rather a genuine - ernest and heartfelt (why do i need so many descriptive words?) desire to see someone else succeed.
I am giving it one more try - working with the coordination team. May be it is time to quit thereafter.
Keep checking.....
Inspite of being on time, i did not see anybody on the trail. When i went upto mile 1 i saw her stretching and strengthening. I informed her of my trying to reach her. In an entirely uncooperative spirit she informed me that she does not plan on carrying cell phone to trials and that she cannot be reached once the run begins. I have had 4 encounters with the mentor and this was an all time low. Not just for Asha, but for my experince with mentors. Having been on the boards at Toastmasters, NAWBO, RAPS, PDA, i have had - one would think- plenty of experince of all kind. This certainly takes the prize.
After stretching as well, in a somewhat chastizing toan, i was asked to catch up. Knowing this personality i certainly expect no "mentoring" - i don't think she even cares enough to fake that she cares - but i did not expect to have a discouraging experience. It is now affecting my experience with running in general and more alarmingly, how i run my company.
What i am learning is that a Mentor does not necessarily need to have expertize of what needs to be taught but rather a genuine - ernest and heartfelt (why do i need so many descriptive words?) desire to see someone else succeed.
I am giving it one more try - working with the coordination team. May be it is time to quit thereafter.
Keep checking.....
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
OK Now I need your donations - Please
OK. Today is the date i post about raising funds. I am working towards this marathon to raise funds for those children in India that will be first generation literates in their respective communities. Yes, hard to imagine but this too exists.
So the specific project i am supporting is called Sarvodaya (mercy towards all beings). It is funded througha 501(c) 3 non-profit based in the US called Asha for Education. Their website is http://www.ashanet.org/
and Charity Navigator an independent third party that ranks charities http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/topten.detail/listid/7.htm has ranked this a slm dunk charity for the past three years. Read what they say http://www.ashanet.org/index.php?page=charitynav-4star.
I am quite comfortable your money will be put to good use. So please donate. Here is how. Go to my webpage on Asha's website http://www.ashanet.org/siliconvalley/marathon/runnernet/publicmypage.php?2007TA7158
At the top of the page is the link to the specific project. If you scroll all the way to the bottom there is a link to "Credit Card" which will receive yur payment and send you a tax donation receipt via email. It is quite simple - so please help.
So the specific project i am supporting is called Sarvodaya (mercy towards all beings). It is funded througha 501(c) 3 non-profit based in the US called Asha for Education. Their website is http://www.ashanet.org/
and Charity Navigator an independent third party that ranks charities http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/topten.detail/listid/7.htm has ranked this a slm dunk charity for the past three years. Read what they say http://www.ashanet.org/index.php?page=charitynav-4star.
I am quite comfortable your money will be put to good use. So please donate. Here is how. Go to my webpage on Asha's website http://www.ashanet.org/siliconvalley/marathon/runnernet/publicmypage.php?2007TA7158
At the top of the page is the link to the specific project. If you scroll all the way to the bottom there is a link to "Credit Card" which will receive yur payment and send you a tax donation receipt via email. It is quite simple - so please help.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Picture Perfect Day for 8 miles
It was fifty one degrees at 6:15 am today, slightly overcast as my car rolled into Sawyer Creek Trial (280 and Bunker Road). I was one of the early ones as i wanted to speak with my coach. I have not been keeping up with my long runs. I have only completed the required weekday runs and i panicked when i saw a 9 mile assignment for today.
He was not too rough on me. Asked me to run 8 miles or more. So i started with my regular 13 minute mile pace. I did not realize that i would have to make it to almost mile 6 till i found find my "gu Gel" to replenish me :( So i pur one step in front of the other. It was hard to make it to mile 6. Finally the replenishment. It is amazing how something that ususally tastes awful is such a craving. Anyhow i finished 8.25 (yipety yae) and clocked in at 1:40:23 - not bad given that i have run only 6 miles so far.
He was not too rough on me. Asked me to run 8 miles or more. So i started with my regular 13 minute mile pace. I did not realize that i would have to make it to almost mile 6 till i found find my "gu Gel" to replenish me :( So i pur one step in front of the other. It was hard to make it to mile 6. Finally the replenishment. It is amazing how something that ususally tastes awful is such a craving. Anyhow i finished 8.25 (yipety yae) and clocked in at 1:40:23 - not bad given that i have run only 6 miles so far.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Disappointment
Today is my all time low. My Mentor for some reason is unable to stay in touch. I left a voicemail on cell phone, home number and an email to get the specific location of Thursday run. I check my mail as late as 8 pm and did not hear back from anyone on the team. I left her a voicemail again. And this time she did respond at 8:45 pm after i had closed my computer :( This is the third time we have not communicated in a timely fashion. So i lost the chance to run once again. Each time i come back to the bay area. I will loose on opportunity to run.
I am close to considering closing this project and joining another running group.
I am close to considering closing this project and joining another running group.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
July 2
Today I ran on the treadmill. I am still in southern california and the feeble bay area traveller, just can't seem to handle the trails. It is 102 degrees here!
I ran with 2%incline, 5miles/hr speed and covered 4.5 miles. I think i faked it well. The treatmill is in a nice airconditioned room so i was indulging.
All in all, i am happy with the effort.
Today I ran on the treadmill. I am still in southern california and the feeble bay area traveller, just can't seem to handle the trails. It is 102 degrees here!
I ran with 2%incline, 5miles/hr speed and covered 4.5 miles. I think i faked it well. The treatmill is in a nice airconditioned room so i was indulging.
All in all, i am happy with the effort.
June 26
Today I ran with with the roadrunners in irvine. We ran from Heritage Park to Yale Loop to Barranca to Heritage. Total miles 5.5 Total time 1:20:12
It sure help to run with a group. The company of fellow runners cheering you as your effort and endurance diminishes, gives one a little oomph to the effort.
I like a piece of advice that a fellow runner gave me. Run 9 minutes walk one minute and keep this rhythm. At first i felt like i really did not need a walk break at 9 minutes. But i took walk breaks at 9, 19, 29 39 minutes. It paid dividens at the end. I am thankful for that.
Today I ran with with the roadrunners in irvine. We ran from Heritage Park to Yale Loop to Barranca to Heritage. Total miles 5.5 Total time 1:20:12
It sure help to run with a group. The company of fellow runners cheering you as your effort and endurance diminishes, gives one a little oomph to the effort.
I like a piece of advice that a fellow runner gave me. Run 9 minutes walk one minute and keep this rhythm. At first i felt like i really did not need a walk break at 9 minutes. But i took walk breaks at 9, 19, 29 39 minutes. It paid dividens at the end. I am thankful for that.
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