B2B - Back to Basics

Back to blogging with mobile. Few things just happen and you get a tppic to discuss about. You just love to write when its related to your new passion. Yhis is a real short account of my running shoes.

It was evening of 16 th December 2013 a day after tour de India cycling event. I was determined to participate in half marathon in Jan 2014 n on 16 DEC I was out shopping for shoes. Like most I wanted to buy a highly cushioned shoes. Bought a good pair n continued with it for a week or two before going for new pair.

This new pair was just an extra addition that I wanted and this new shoes felt good. It was like spring n yet soft and I set good new records. Things were good n I was running about 2 3 kms a day and then came by birthday. My Bestie gifted me a book Born to Run and it is famous for turning half of running population to barefoot running and I was no exception. Going direct barefoot ain't good given the condition of roads. So I went for canvas shoes that has minimum cushioning and wears off quickly and making your running close to barefoot.

I ran my 10.5km qualifying in June 2014 with same shoes. Bought a couple of more n used then in my first half marathon. Training continued with the 2 new sets. I increased my running volume last month. Thanks to few books, apart from volume, I have mixed up different running speeds in my cycle. Things were and still are good. After shoes I finalised few shorts to be used. Now I no more run in cotton t-shirts. Normal water is what serves up my purpose of hydration. ( used glucon D in summers n doesn't make much difference). Was planning to go more modern on running and then my shoes called me back to basics. Around 30 to 40 miles of week was enough to wear off my shoes till the end. I started with canvas since it has thin sole and wears off quickly. This is precisely the reason now I will be moving away from them.

Old shoes are back on and next few weeks I'll finalise my pair. Right pair is necessary for smooth transition. 10miles a day and new shoes could easily derail me. Just 6 months to go for full marathon and so can't reduce my mileage. Just hope for the best. Also thanks to Mahindra n Mahindra for keeping me in Mumbai till October. By October I wish to build up stamina to take me all the way to 42 kms within 4 hours. Then the so called sharpening period will start where I would like to increase my speed n build up a aerobic and mental support system to carry me upto 50 kms minimum.

Start of 2 Crucial Months

     It is already passed midnight, meaning it is 18th of June today. I am having my final MTech Project presentation and couple of hour of work yet to be done on the PPT. Culmination of thoughts since a month, watching past marathon races on youtube and finally TVF - Pitchers - 'Tu Beer Hai' gave me the push required to write down this post.


Three Categories

1. What I wanted/wished for myself (3/5 years ago)
2. What I really want for myself to get to my post ten year future image
3. What is being forced on to me due to reading books and peer pressure

     Need to fill in the contents in the above three categories. Never really thought of breaking down my bigger Image or goal into small steps. Next two months is the Perfect Time. Okay, so what's with this next two months, when do they exactly start from. Calculations are based on slight assumption that I will have my Job joining post 19th August. As mentioned earlier, my MTech Presentation will be over today and then only small work remains to be done. So, I won't be having any major academic work to be undertaken. So from this weekend to mid August I have approx two months of stay in Mumbai. My first of many overseas (outside Mumbai) assignment will be starting at the end of this period. My visits to college will be reduced to once or twice a week. In short, I am free free free !!!

     It will be good if I can figure out my role in the company much early and equally important to identify its role in my life. I'll be reading loads (minimum 6) of books and writing quite a few blog posts too. I wanted to write something else too but somehow I don't recall it. Anyway, let me ended it here. One of my rear posts since December of 2013 that I am not mentioning my favorite activity !!!

Rise or Perish 

Reflecting on First Half of 2015

     Finally I gather some time and courage and energy to put down some facts and experimentation stuff that's going on. They say Well begun is Half done, and 2015 for me is one such entity. Half marathon, Goa trip and three ball basic juggling pattern, all well.. The highs need to be compensated by some lows and in this case it was project. Japanese classes started off great for a week and soon i was lagging. At the end its all about priorities and Juggling and Running topped my list. Two approaches possible, one is to go month by month or consider activity by activity, I chose activity detailing.

Project

     Since the placement season in December I have been slow in project work. The project is basically signal processing and in the later half it was about regression and predicting future results. I learnt how to work with neural networks and different forms in which they can be used. Thanks to huge support from my sir who gave an assurance that its okay if things don't work out, at least I tried something and it didn't work. So, no big deal. This eased off the pressure a lot and some good amount of work was finished up by the beginning of May. That's all for project, will be having final presentation in next week and then wrap it up asap. This will also mean end to IIT hostel life, it will be missed once the college ends, currently I am just going with the flow and enjoying the Campus !

Japanese

     As soon as the class started for second module we had a test consisting of previous module. Result was too bad, made small small comebacks in small class tests. I never really built up on the vocab and grammar part wasn't great too. The final test was one of the best ones and then again I stopped studying. Its full of up and down and up and down again. Current scene - JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is on 5th July and have started very slow and very steady progress for it. Thanks to one of my Japanese classmate, Nidhi, I am now learning more and faster. Memrise can also be credited, its an Android base app for languages and covers more than 30 languages..

Reading

     Reading too took a back step in the initial months. Just ordered couple of new books or so. I tried reading a book on juggling and reading more about Israel and ISIS and all. The enthusiasm lasted for a week or two and I was off. But I am back now, reading books like - 'My Life My Rules', 'The Winning Way by Harsha Bhogle', '5pm to 9am Entrepreneur', etc. One thing is for sure, now I am no longer attached to just sports or biographies. I will reading few books on running and about mind in the coming months.

Guitar

     First of all thanks to Preeti (my childhood friend) for lending me her Guitar to practice on. Equal thanks to Ajinkya Joshi (My IIT batchmate), for guiding me through. Now my own journey, start was Awesome, learnt few songs in a month. I focused mainly on Leads, my personal preference. In the initial months, Nidhi was my Guitar partner and so that kept me motivated. I continued for a month after she left but couldn't find enough motivation to keep me going. In running, I could and still go for miles and miles without a training partner. I won't say its my passion, but there is something I need to prove to myself and world and everybody that I can and so I run. Running for the right reasons. Guitaring, I am yet to find one. Last month I started to learn the chords basic and let me tell you, its tough. May be it is this difficulty that has kept me away from playing since couple of weeks. Expect me to be back soon..

Juggling

     Started of with tennis balls and three ball basic cascade. Took me a week or so to learn it and couple of months more to master it. Between that I also started making different types of juggling balls by reading online guides. Ordered a set of bean bag balls (used by beginners) and learnt few three ball tricks. Then the allergies and cold and cough kicked in and I was forced to be away from juggling for a month. You may like to read my previous post - Weird Allergies.. Then I ordered few costly stage juggling balls from US, thanks to my BRO Pratik for making the purchase and shipment possible and quick. Meanwhile I also started with ring juggling and learnt few tricks. Things were getting bored up with three balls and arrival of five identical balls, I started with 4 balls basic pattern. Next uphill task is 5 balls which may take 1 to 6 months to learn. I hope I learn it quick. Also by July end I may get my juggling clubs shipped too.

     Meanwhile, I contacted Yoshi Chladny, a juggler from Montreal. He performed in IIT in Mood Indigo and I happened to have first hand experience to learn club juggling. He was here for his show, but somehow I found a chance to learn to hold and toss clubs. Although it was for 5 mins, but I guess it was one major and final push I needed to start to learn juggling. I used online tutorials and let me tell you, there are so many good and great jugglers out there and so many are willing to share so many of their tricks and secrets. One of such juggler is Niels Duinker, a world record holder for juggling three clubs blindfolded. He recently made a new record by juggling 12 shaker cups simultaneously. I can go on and on about him, I sent him a mail and then reply came and we have been facebook friends from then. Well, it may seem a trivial and so small thing, being a facebook friend may be like no big deal, but for me it was and still is. Feels great to be in touch with Greats in their own field. Another connect I have with Niels is that we both are Mechanical Engineers :)

Running

     I would talk for hours and days and even months about running and my experiments and experiences. Post the half marathon in January I didn't run much in the coming months. I wanted increase speed and focused on changing the running technique. More precisely, I have now learnt to land on the area between toes and the balls of foot. I started small and quick distances and with ample of rest. Then the allergies came in and have been off for an entire month. Making a comeback was tough but necessary.

     I started with few yoga asans specifically to beat the asthma and in a week I had gained my running posture and form back. Next task was stamina, and till today i am having difficulty in it. I can run 8 or say even push further till 10k with ease, but when you say that you need to compete in full marathon, then 10k runs are nothing but a warm up. Everyday I plan that I will go 16k but things don't just go as plan. Speed has increased marginally but not substantial enough.

     I saw few inspiring videos on youtube which helped me to be a early riser regularly. Included few routines in exercise to strengthen the core and abs muscle. I go once a month for strength training ie up and down the flyover. The main concern is still the endurance and then the speed. May end was good, waking up early and going for early run. Purchased new shorts for running to make me feel more like a marathoner. There used to be early morning talk inside me.

A- Sleep off its too early..

B- No, I have to train, I want to be a champion..

A- You ran yesterday and you will go tomorrow, take a day off now..

B- Past is past, I need to run today and build up my endurance..

A- But you slept late yesterday. Its okay to take a day off..

B- So what, I will sleep after my run. Anyway I sleep a total of 9 to 10 hours a day. Also, you need to make sacrifices if you need to succeed.

A- Okay - Go Ahead.

The problem is I don't which is heart and which is Mind. Either A is heart and B is mind or vice-a-versa. Anyway, I stop dwelling on it as long as I was up and running 5 days a week minimum. In the coming months I plan to focus on endurance and then the speed. Rainy days make it bit tougher to run but it gets compensated with cool climate and less dehydration. July is so much important, a month in Mumbai before I move onto so called professional world.

     There is an element of training which came as a big surprise from me to myself. I always had a belief eat what you like and how you like. Chocolates formed the core of it and eating up Amul's sandwiches in hostel. I had started eating Salad and sometimes fruit a year back but also had my share of sweets and rice and everything.

     I have now started following some mildly strict diet regime, simply put, I am dieting or I am on a healthy diet. Bye bye to Sweets and Sugar and Breads. Replace it with Sprouts, Fruits, more salad, some hydrating drinks, Brown Rice, Dal etc. This is to ensure that I don't put up extra weight (which is difficult to carry for 42k) and have an efficient working body. Whenever I see corn, the first thing that pops up in my mind is - Proteins and second word is corn. Such is the connection I wish to establish with all foodstuffs and foodgrains.

     It is only yesterday that I realised how big a decision I made in spur of moment. Like no sweets, no chocolates. For how long? I don't know. A year, two or a life time. Will there be any occasional exceptions, I don't want to make one and haven't made one since a week. That doing any activity regularly will be difficult and its okay to do it even say at 80% regularity will suffice. Something is better than nothing. That is changing now, I want to do it regularly.

     Recently the core and asthma fighting asans were taking a mental toll on me. Wake up at 5am and still you leave for running no early than 6.30am, just because of the other exercise is not good. So, I have decided to cut down at all major exercise and focus on stretching and running for a month so that I build up at least half marathon endurance. Once the office life starts, it will be a great struggle to find out time for running and exercise and that is when the fun starts. Will be making changes to my routine such that I focus more on strength and speed and so endurance work out just twice a week. Long way to go, 'Mada Mada Desu' - as they say in Japanese.

! Let Your Dreams Come True !

Weird Allergies !!!

     Last year I start off well with running. Mileage and speed improved each day. May be it was just good form which didn't last too long. There came a phase in August or so where I actually thought of quitting running completely. I came back to my senses and out of frustration in about a week and restarted it and rest is as they say History.

    History, well, not completely. From November to mid December I was out of practice due to numerous excuses. I was out of practice and not in the shell of quitters. I made a reasonably good come back by finishing the half marathon in mid January. That's it, again stopped running and with that all the exercises and yoga and routine was lost. Trying to change the running technique gave a good reason to reduce my running frequency twice a day.

     Juggling, that occupied the remaining time along with Guitar classes. Couple of days back the reason for my 2 month past of ill health became clear. It is as equally dreadful as funny it may sound. I had plastic allergy. Never paid attention to it till now. In school days I used to solve Rubik's cube and was really good at it. It was my dad who first thought that I had plastic allergy and so I was kept away from cube and my health back then improved (Remember, it was only 4 years ago that I realised I had Asthma). So, after improvement I was back to cubic and again ill health then again away from cube. Cycle continued. I seriously didn't pay attention to my dad's diagnosis and ignored it.

     With 2015, the new year resolution of juggling came and since 2 months I may having this cold and cough issues. This time mom thought that dad is correct and I do have plastic allergy. Juggling props are mainly plastic that I used and PVC. I still ignored, but just for fun googled it and saw few articles. Such allergies do exist. That was it, end of my Juggling Dream/Career. It is said that we learn through our experience and Running again came in for rescue.

     Running is not advisable for Asthmatic persons and more so without doctor's approval. I slowly build up stamina, resting heart beat began to drop, indicating that Heart is being more efficient. Also, Salads, Dry fruits became an integral part of my diet. Its combination of all these factors that I could say that I overcame asthma and actually knocked it down. Now, its plastics giving me a hard time. Even climbing up the stairs can be so painful and tiring that I really wonder was I really fit few months ago? Sprinting and running 15 kms easily and daily. Answer is Yes, I was fit, its just this PVCs and Plastics trying to punch me out.

     So, the reason I mentioned running in last para is this - If I can overcome asthma and pursue my dream of running a marathon, I can surely do it again, this time for the sake of Juggling. Mind you, I also have a very stiff target of Marathon for 2016. This year I missed my target by 1 hour :P .. In 2016 I will aim to finish Full marathon in under 3 hours. As the running went for a toss so did reading and also less of Blogging I do. Just a real bad patch, bad form, forces of nature, lack of determination, so many reasons to point out. One thing is for sure, when I will be on the winning side, It will be due to shear discipline, patience and faith that no hurdle is big enough to stop you from moving ahead.


All the Best to My Reader's who are fighting their own battle and chasing their Sweet Dreams :) See you all at the finish line . . . .

First Half Marathon + 2015 Resolutions

Apart from pics and fb posts, Marathon gives you a new topic to write on.. You can talk about your practice, technique, goals, diet change and what not. Then about the pre race day butterflies in the stomach, finally the race and then the post race targets..

I Ran in Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2015 (SCMM 2015) half marathon in 2 hours, 13 mins and 30 seconds..

I am just gone keep this very short and won't go into the marathon details much.. Only one incident I would like to narrate it. I saw movie Unbroken few days before the race and it had nice quote  'Moment of Pain is worth life time of Glory'.. It really helped me to get through couple of pre marathon long run practice sessions. It was about 17km somewhere and a km away from Marine Drive. I was just out and felt that suddenly something sucked out all the energy and I was not moving. Technically I was still moving at good pace, but mentally it felt as if I had stalled. So I decided to recall that quote.

I said to myself - 'Moment of Pain is worth life time of ---'.. I just couldn't complete it. Forgot the word glory. I repeated the incomplete quote several times before making a guess that the word may be Glory. I wasn't confident about the missing word, but I completed the quote with the word 'GLory' which happened to be true. So yeah, I never anticipated this kind of situation to arise. A year ago I planned for 75 min for Half marathon, by the race day I thought under 2 hours would be fine. I missed entire November and half December due to various excuses. So my pace was about 2 hour 10 mins and I thought that I may go for 2 hour mark. It turned that I finally completed in 2:13:30..

I was bit disappointed post race but still happy that I did it. A year ago I couldn't run 2.4 kms properly, now I completed 21 and was still unhappy.. It is then that I realised the meaning of - 'Yeh Dil Maange More''. ie you just want more and more. I thought I'll brake into tears once I cross the line, ie the emotions would be hard to control, on the race day nothing such happened. A bit of haphazard post race arrangement cut short the celebration. That is all.


Now for some 2015 resolutions, this is the first time I am making such resolution and announcing it publicly.

1. The short term is 800 m PG Sports. I need to complete 800 m in about 2 mins 30 seconds to stand a chance to win. Today's short run made it look like impossible.. Lets see how close I can go. So its pure speed training till Feb end.

2. March - I read a story of 30 day 30 marathons and few other 30 day challenges. I will be doing minimum 15 kms run everyday on each day of March. So a 450 km will be covered in a month. This will be like stamina building and improving running form. Experimenting with different drinks and chocolates during the run. Pre and Post stretching and warm up and everything will be tested.

3. April  I plan to restart swimming.

4. The Bigger aim is SCMM 2016 - here I plan to run Full marathon in less than 3 hours..

5. Guitar - This will be my third attempt in learning Guitar. Gave up in a month the last two time when I tried.

6. Japanese needs to be looked after, just 3 months left in the course and I am still not sure what I am doing with it.

7. Project needs to be restarted in full swing.

8. There is small surprise skill that I am currently learning. One may expect a small glimpsy video of it by March end, stay tuned for it.. I just hope that I make it a big success.

9. Can't remember anything else. Sleeping less, meditation, breathing exercises and what not. I always plan for them and still can't hold on much to them..


Finally I am back to blogging !!!

21 changes to 13

This was suppose to be a fb status but got changed to blogspot with some additions. I know I have a pending post on my placements. But somehow I wanted to share n write lots of stuffs.
 BTW  I am placed in Mahindra n Mahindra, farm n automotive division, product developer, chennai. Package details available on personal request.


 Read a status that now is the time to prepare for mental fitness for Mumbai Marathon runners. Forget mental, I am not physically fit yet. Last muniute preparations for such a huge run, thankfully I don't have to work much in mental part. Anyway, I recall my academic days. I generally enter the last 10 days relaxed n chilled n revising a bit. N I see few of many friends starting their prep n what not. I find situations reversed as far as acad goes. In June run event too, I rested a month n again trained for a month. Repeated the same mistake now. Next 1 month is gonna be exploring the power of discipline, combined with couple of parties, mood indigo, religious function n what not. As my old blog post goes by the title - Experimenter. After a wonderful placement episode filled with all emotions, a new chapter to be added in my life - 'Experimenter turned Achiever'..

Do read my post titled - My lice as an experimenter continues.. Difficult to add link using cell phone.

About the post title. 21.1 km is half marathon distance. Which is approximately 13 miles. A big mental advantage when u see a small number like that. So the so called unlucky number er is my gonna bring so many lucky stuffs.

Suddenly, this new small and big non academic targets has added a new adventure in my life. May be I wouldn't have been in IIT if I had taken up such non acad stuffs early in my career. Hats off to those who excel or even attempt n practice both acad n non acad level at a competitative level. About me, I have started valuing my health more, something that I neglected for quarter of a century.

About the discipline stuff that I wrote. Willkeep u guys uupdated as soon as I start it. In a but shell its full of running, gym, cycling, salads, skipping, rbcs, lung capacity, bringing down normal heart beat. What out for more. Need to end this now.

PPP - Pre Placement Post

     Running - Was back from Gujarat early this month and then started alternate day long distance slow running. About 8.5 kms (not too long). Somehow I easily continued with my Cold and Cough from Gujarat and still suffering. Haven't been into running since a week. I also started skipping and restarted it again yesterday and skipped skipping today. Skipping really helps, specially to get good posture. It is since I observed since 3 days that M back is again curving and shoulders dropping down as before. Also I had planned that on 18th November I will make first 21 kms run, but will have to wait. May be a month more before I go for 15 kms + in practice. Read some books and back to Nelson Mandela along with Forge your Future by APJ Abdul Kalam. This is all from non- acad point of view.

     Placements. . . As usual this last minute preparations and revision days are boring and time just seems to have slowed down its pace. Good time to get 10+ hrs of sleep and that is one of the things I am doing. Going bit into technical details. Started with Mech core preparation and seems that I actually have lost many stuffs from memory and its gonna take Eons to make a come back. Since a week ago after consulting one of my friend (All names to be disclosed in Post Placement Post) I started with revision of specialisation of my area ie Mechanical Design. It seems hard to continue with it. Getting distracted with Facebook, songs on youtube, sleep, Guitar and all things that you can think of. Somehow, the seriousness or importance of placement hasn't sunk in.

     Couple to go, ie couple of weeks before the placement to go and I am literally counting every hour to 1st December. It is has been one of my peculiarity that I seem to change my stance on a issue after a while. Mostly after gaining more insights into the matter at hand. Something similar happening now. Wanted an ABC company initially. Now I desperately want XYZ company and may be I need PQR later. So, this 14 days are going to be tough and exciting. Thank GOD there is good amount of part to be played by Forces of Nature in placements.

     Slotting of company is not that I can control. Though higher categories company come first and others follow them. But there are chances that two companies of same category may come on two different days. There is also something called as shortlist that few companies may put up. Don't know exact details of it. We certainly do have a choice of filling up preference for companies coming on same day. Having said that I have different amount of liking for different companies and also having pressure of past performances (details in next post) it is interesting how the records stand at the end of placements.

     Pink Tie has so much now became my trade mark sign. Some perceive it in good way some in bad, but it has became my part. There are different set of formals and different occasions but same Pink Tie, which was a gift to me. There few connecting Friends and people and situations that has made it my trademark. Frankly speaking, after every use, I find myself more fond of it. Just one or two events where I went with a non-Pink tie. Let us see my mood and atmosphere on placement day which will help me choose my Tie colour.

     One last but something which seems more promising is Expansion of my 'S - Circle'. Though the expansion will be by one only. Though it is too early to predict how things will shape up with the new member, but I am being hopeful.

     Go on a vacation or trip or hibernation for a fortnight. My next post will be between 1st December to 3rd December.

Stay Fit Stay Healthy !!!

Breaking Barriers !!!

     Should have written a week ago. This is Saladous blog, having Salad and doing time pass. Running has so uch entered into each and every part of my life, even all my posts contain some or other reference to it.

     In IIT we follow pointer system, 10 being the max. In first two sem I ended up with 8.9 and in third sem it went down to 8.66.. 9.0 seemed to be like a my personal sound barrier which I thought will never be broken by me. Below is the details about by semester and overall performance. First time I am sharing my academic results in such details and making it public..

     In fourth sem I finally broke barrier of 9.0 but it was SPI is Semester Performance Index, overall I still lagged. Even after removing some extra subjects with low grade, I just couldn't cross 9..  8.9 was the closest I would have reached. Then there is this present term going on, stage one project. Scoring a 9 is rather easy and even if get a 9, I still won't break the barrier. Thanks to my guide, examiners and so many connected people and friends and my all time favorite, my Aging Lappi helped to get an AA, ie 10. Its not updated but now my CPI is finally 9+..

     There are certainly boys and girls out there who never ever went below 9, their story is completely unlike me. So, this breaking of barriers may not be a great big deal when you see the entire universe, but in my own little world it means something big. In school and college too I was good, but never the Best. Never thought that good numbers and I can go hand in hand, picture is changing now. I was like the worst among the best when it came to numbers and ranks. Each and every journey has its own peculiarity and this too has its own taste. In running I never thought as my game and had great respect for athletes. In acads I knew that being a topper is an achievement but not a big deal, I can have it and now I am half way through it.

     This also marks one more achievement, ie being a good in presentation. Though some of the graphs and mathematical contents were missing, overall it was fun. I overshoot again from the allotted time and that has been one major drawback of my presentations. As long as audience don't find it boring I am okay with it. Now the next step to climb is in December, less than 5 weeks to go and I am still not working in that direction. Its about the placements, Mech Core companies generally come by 5th or 6th December. Need to get in correct frame of mind and preparation intensity in a day or two. Plus the village visit is gonna slow down the momentum further. Hoping for a miracle to come by and get me through.

     Now, coming back to running, I started with 75 mins of target for Half marathon and revised it to 90 mins. A 9 over here too. Again my speed stays stagnant at 120 mins, not at all enough. You either get a degree and walk out, or you go home with Distinction. Same is with 120 mins and 90 mins.. Still I am being hopeful. Included skipping in my training and the posture has improved. From tomorrow I will cut off the ankle weights during skipping too.. Experts suggest that skipping or running with ankle weights will lead to injury in later stages of your life and so seems like I made a wrong investment. Health is more important though.

Happy Studying !!!

Springy Legs !!!

     This time this post is from a classroom in IITB. I am waiting for pre-placement talk to start off. Yesterday in running I could barely complete 3 kms of running. Legs just refusing to leave the ground and don't ask about the speed, it was pathetic.

     Today it was completely different. I felt like someone had attached springs to my legs. At times earlier this year, I have clocked 12 km/hr on endurance runs, today it was slight less than 10 km/hr. But I can't remember ever before feeling such light legs. I was tired about 60% of journey, but still could keep my pace throughout. Maybe the skipping along with ankle weights starting to show some effects. Only time will tell how far and fast I am able to go. Target speed of 14 km/hr is far ahead about still within the reach. Less than 90 days to go for the marathon. There is one certainty for sure, an adventurous journey is what I am going to go through.

     Nothing much to write under this title.

Run Fast, Run Long !!!

Retirement

     I wanted to write so so so many stuffs and posts and what not. I always used to wonder how can people who blog just leave it in between and stop writing, now I know the answer. The Blogger app for android helped me months ago to write as much as possible, time to get it back. Forgot few titles but finally here is one of a kind. As usual something related to recent events taking place in my life. I guess its better to go thought the Retirement Announcement below, before starting the with the main content.

Retirement Announcement

Sandy's Official Broadcast Network---

In most recent news it has been found Sandy is retiring from running, here is more from Sandy Himself..

"Hello, this message is for people I closely associated with my running or who knew about it. It is has been a short exciting journey n blah blah, its time to exit.

This is typical of me, I had a target or dream, went after it, showed off, boosted a lot about it n even before reaching there I am calling it a day.

It will be hard to again trust n confidence of my friends, they can call me a quitter, self boasting or whatever, at the end I just require they support.

I personally consider all this as an experiment, specially when its all over. This experiment went a long way than others and learnt many lessons.. That's all for now."

As you can see, Sandy doesn't look much upset about the call off. May he anticipated it, just a couple of days more and he will back on his track of MTech at full pace.

Stat tuned for more updates..

     Some of my close and near and dear ones received the above message from me a week ago. Now it is going out a bigger scale through this post and as I share it on facebook. It was 2nd of October and I saw women's marathon (Asian Games) and then went on for a run. I did clock faster and enjoyed my run, more importantly it was smooth run. Then I was to meet some of friends on the same day, the BEST bus didn't stop where i was standing and I instantly decided to take a run after that, almost 150 to 200 meters and I finally caught. I was like - 'Wow Sandy !!! You surely can SPRINT '.

     Since September I was thinking that should I really give up running and lot of thought processing went in it. Finally, after the eventful day, I called it a day to myself and some of my friends. Got a mixed reaction, I thought that may be from next day, ie Dusshera I will try to be as before, before I started running. Things always never go as planned, initial days were gloomy. I tore of the pages that were supposed to be first half of my book titled - 'My 21km Journey'. Posters like 'Marathon Champion' and 'Inter IIT' were removed by me which were hung on the drawer.

     So many this and that and everything just cooking in my mind, finally the news broke out to my parents (Reaction not to be mentioned here). A week or so went by and I was back again, I decided to come back just to never stop running again. Almost 5 days since i decided to make a come back and I haven't ran since then. Yesterday there was Grossy GC in IIT (Its like a mini marathon 6kms or so). I thought that this is Awesome moment to make a come back, but it wasn't to be. Got caught up in placement related activity, overall Yesterday was totally Gloomy.

     Nevertheless, I am going to make a come back. Earlier this year, while going for tennis practice session I mentioned I felt Nadalish, not because of the tennis though. It was due to the hair band, the then opening of shoelaces as soon as I finish my session or as soon as I am done running. Running longer than normal when not well or when tired. That were some good days. When I decided to make a comeback, I started feeling like Agassian (Andrew Agassi). You must be aware that I have developed an interest in reading sports bio and autobio. There came a stage where Andrew just quit. Broke his rackets, gave his costly rackets to poor children roaming on streets and telling himself - ' I am not going to need this anymore'. Later on he came back and we all know where he finished off.

     So just a couple of days more and I will be back on track. Finally I am developing spirit, fighting spirit of an athlete, of a sportsman. All through out my life I used to admire each and everyone connected to sports. No matter even if it was gully cricket. One sure shot stuff learnt in the process of playing is never quit and also that its never too late. You can always win any match no matter how bad in a position you are. Now, when I started running and playing some other sports, I automatically copy pasted that Love and respect for myself too. Less than 100 days for Standard Charted Mumbai Marathon and 50 days for my Placement season. Another big Leap taking moment of my life.

     Last week, seriously I thought of putting sticky notes in my room like - 'Don't Dream', 'Never Run', 'Quitting is easy', etc. Having gone through that rough phase, I am now a better person to achieve my dreams and Dreaming Big too.. Thanks a TON to all my friends for being with me and encouraging me to make a come back.

Dream Big and Run Long !!!!

The Worst !!!

Advantages of Extrovert

Frankly speaking I still don't understand the exact meaning of Introvert or an Extrovert, but I surely do understand the essence of it. With the placement preparations starting in campus, there are many firm coming to conduct mock GDs (Group Discussions) n PIs (Personal Interviews). Also few Alumns and expert come in to lecture us about DOs and DONTs in PI and related. I also read few books and all give direct or indirect reference about Extrovertness. They say that recruiters are interested in Extroverts. Its like they are open and easily mingle up, easy to work with, etc. Well, years ago I saw a TED talk video about Introverts. In which speaker nicely explained the personality traits of Introverts and how they are more creative than others. I am not sure if recruiters know about it, or other if the truth is something else. Anyway, time to bring in my perspective. I am going to list down advantages that I feel extroverts have.


Actually I have begin to think that Extroverts are Members of Herd Mentality or vice-a-versa. As they mingle up easily and have good social interacting ability. I may be somewhat wrong in above statement, but I am not completely wrong. Introverts are like not talking much or shy, they do somewhat different stuffs. So its like they don't have a huge network or much interaction with the world as compared to Extroverts. Having said this, let me put up couple or more points about Group mentality and/or Extroverts.

1. No one is going to ask you to stop doing what you are doing. If others are doing it in large numbers then it must be the right way, this is what is supposed.

2. Extroverts don't have to fight with yourself or with your near and dear ones about changing your personality. There is no Peer pressure as such, since you and your Peers are at same level.

3. They are heard easily. What ever one said is somewhat easily accepted and absorbed by others.

4. People who work for you, work with you or for whom you work are almost at the same level of focus. All the facilities in and around are such as to assist Extroverts. (Making a good and sensible assumption that Extroverts occupy major Chunk of population)


Like always some points may feel repetitive but that is how things are. Having said that, I don't believe in extreme of the two. Each individual has combination of Introvert and Extrovert traits, but majority are more shifted towards Extro case. This is very debatable article, since it contains my own views, which may or may not match with statistics and facts, so if you have any supporting or a different opinion please put it in the comment box or talk to me personally. Preferred is comment box, so that others can also join in the discussion.


Happy Reading !!!

Ticket to Standard Charted Mumbai Marathon (SCMM)

It was around three years back that I thought of running in SCMM, but then there was no preparation and I also I was late for registration. Started running and practicing latter that year but then stopped it again. Its been a long 2 years since then and Now I am at the doorstep of Mumbai Marathon to be held in Jan 2015. To run a half marathon you need a timing certificate. It tells that a particular runner ran (21k or 10k) in specified time. We need to clear some cut off time to be able to register for for this SCMM. Hence forth I will refer SCMM by 'marathon' only.

Just a quick recap so far, I started training for long distance in Dec 2013, some serious training. Started of with brand new good cushion shoes, then just two months in, I went for a new pair with more cushioning. It felt too good, but then a book changed the way I ran. Born to Run was the name of that book, it mentions few barefoot runners, the prominent among them was Barefoot Ted. So, instead of barefoot, I went for a thin soled canvas shoes, the one that we use in school. Things have been better from then on. Somehow I took one month break from running and all exercise and even gym.

It was May that I got back to the roads again, plain, pure raw running. No workout to build strength at all. Just running, that's all I did for two months. June 29th, there was a small run, ie 10.55km in Aarey colony that I was gonna participate to get my timing certificate for Mumbai marathon. I thought I will run in 45 or 55 mins max. My current speed in training suggested 1 hour for 10.5 kms. I never ran more than 8kms in practice, but still I was somewhat confident to finish 10k.

Had read about slopes and bad roads over there but who cared. I ran fast uphill then on flats and so I was excited. Well, the run started and in 3k itself you were down. Slopes so long and steep, you are running, moving your legs as fast as you can and still not moving forward.Somehow I finished half the track and we needed to take an U turn. So one might think that now its just downhill and few small climbs, but its sounds easy. Even though it was downhill, legs refuse to move. Hands stop moving and you just feel like quitting and going home. At the same time you see half marathoners, strong and steady, not tired at all. You know this isn't your field, you aren't meant for this. Was 2 kms from finish line and I saw a nice lady (wasn't able to see her face) breathing little heavily but moving strong. I got on her tail and used her as my pacer. Raced with her for last 2 kms and I felt really good. Somehow I cleared with a time of 67 mins. Ranks and position doesn't matter much. I cleared within 75mins and it's enough for getting a ticket to Mumbai Marathon.

Keep Running !!!

My Life as an Experimenter continues

I am back on track after almost a month of gap. Feels good but still it isn't easy running. Cold and cough sometimes makes me breathless and forcing me to slow down. My Bestie gave me a book Born to Run and lot has been written and discussed about barefoot running and how heavy cushioned shoes are making us more prone to injury.

Being most influenced person and wanting to try new and something different every time, I am now gonna start running on canvas. Canvas shoes have a nice thin sole and it hardly provides any softness to the foot. My form should change now and hopefully running should be easy and smooth now. It will also allow me to go at a faster pace. in last 2 months I had thrown away two shoes because the sole had worn off and I could feel the road beneath me and it was hurting me. Now, It seems I was wrong, it will certainly take sometime to get adjusted to new shoes but it is good for the long run. The knee life will be increased and running will be fun again.

I should be back in a week discussing about my experience with barefoot running.

Moving out of Comfort Zone

Seems like Things are going for a Toss. Running is getting on my nerves. Lets go for a short recap. I started planning for run from December. I increased my distance and speed my Feb end and then suddenly things gradually came to halt in March. I stopped going gym and I also decreased running distance. Haven't gone running since last 10 days.

Before December I didn't run for months and life was okay. Its only now that I feel low since I didn't go running. Partly I am occupied with other activities, partly I sleep late and sleep less and majorly its my Laziness. Something was wrong in my training patter, since after so much work out and morning run, I used to feel dull and exhausted throughout the day.

Waiting for May now, but it may be too late by then. 45 days to conquer speed and distance is tough, This is one part of the story. I forgot what the second part was as I resume writing this almost after two weeks. A short part I would like to include about department council. My friend writes a mail to all that no one has applied so far and so I go ahead and apply and realised that this is the opportunity to get things back on track. But then there were few other friends who stood up for the same post and I was not doing the required ground work correctly. Being shy I hardly did any campaigning and I just lost it. It doesn't bother me much since I know that I didn't do much and at the same time my friend worked hard for it and got it.

Back to running, I guess its when we are trying to move out of the comfort zone that things go for a toss. You need to have right motivation. Also last week I saw 4 parts of Rocky and its real inspiring. Old it is and simple and no illogical matter. I am sure that I can turn the tables and be a moderately good athlete. So many questions arise as I enter the gym. Questions like why and what will you gain by running marathon? Then I also start comparing that there are so many others already running and so whats the new thing that I will be doing. Whats on the other side of the race.

Another negative thought seeps in when I read through autobiographies of other athletes. How determined they were, focused and they knew what and why are they doing. I only know what, but I don't have firm reason to why am I doing this. Sooner or later I will find the answers and get back to all of you.

In short I can say that we all have heard that you need to get of the comfort zone. You need to do something extra or something you haven't done so far. Make sure one thing, whenever you plan to break open your protective shell, give it your 100%. Start with determination and a solid reason. Your motivation should withstand test of questions. It will certainly sail through test of time, but it should stand strong to the negative thoughts and questions that will build up in your mind whenever you are low.

If you are not sure before moving out of you good zone then life's gonna be tough for you. You will be vulnerable and lost. Reason is good or not is subjective. It should certainly not have any elements of jealousy or anger or revenge. Take small small steps which are realistic and achievable and will will lead you to your bigger goals.

Stay tuned for further articles and for my Running stories..

Its Day 7

Still no signs of me getting back on track. Standing for department election and I am so passive, not going out to meet others to talk on various issues. Though, campaign starts tomorrow or so. Haven't ever done any campaigning and also two more in my opposition, hard to fight and win back.Some small or big politics certainly going around here. Just need to wait and watch the pages unfold by next Saturday.

Day 4 and 5

The two days were bit hectic but fantastic. Didnt go for running or any exercise at all.

Monday I saw a play Piya Behrupiya, Shakespeares play translated in Hindi. Tuesday was industrial visit day. Visited Mahindra and Mahindra, NEC and also Sula Wines ;) Wednesday I stayed back in hostel and did nothing great as such. Waiting for my friend, have some academic work with him.

Thats all for now, hope to restart again from tomorrow ie 27th March 2014.

Day 3

Woke up early but slept again. No breathing exercise and no running. Don't have time in the evening too. There is a quiz in couple of hours and I am so worried. Didn't prepare well, hope it goes nice. Then there is also Shakespeare's play translated in Hindi tonight in IIT. Its called Piya Behrupiya.

There is also an industrial visit of our department in Nashik. Busy day again. Just need to be little patient. I dont have to be much critical about myself, I need to understand that it is very much okay to miss out couple of training days. Once in rhythm, then I need to be regular, desperately waiting for end sem and my RA duty to get over. Catch up with me tomorrow, may be from bus.

Day 2 and its Sunday

Waking up at 5.30am on a Sunday. Since the German classes, waking up early on Saturday and Sunday is no big deal at all. Ran two rounds from home to Sambhaji, about 4.8kms. I took some 28 mins, this pace is same as I had three months back when I started running. My personal best on this route is 12mins, and today it was 14 mins. Only positive take away today was less breathlessness. Was well in control of my breathe and hardly got tired. Speed will eventually increase soon.

Gonna meet my crush today evening. Also there is PAF (Performing Art Festival) in IITB. Aamir Khan is coming today at 11 am in campus to watch Satyameva Jayate with us and then have an interaction session, I am skipping that. I may go for cricket too. About PAF, so one of my friend (SHRI) is playing a major role in it and this is her first and last PAF performance. Action packed Sunday this is going to be.

Day 1 starts with a rest

With about 100 days to go for Mumbai Monsoon marathon, I start off today with Rest. Actually I woke up late and never got time in the evening to go for a run. I did complete the registration process.

Why and what this is all about. What I see from here is a Long blogging season, 100 days at a stretch. I can surely write whole lot over here in this single post, but let things unfold slowly. So, the post may be short and may be sweet too.

The content will be directly related to my running statistics and how I felt about the run. Easy, hard, tiring, etc. Occasionally I may add up some other parts of my life and day to spice up the cake. Let's see how far can I get with running and along with blogging.

Sprint Sandy Sprint

Last Day of Year Marks a Beginning of New Friendship

The post was written couple of days ago and it went through major and then minor changes. In the meantime suddenly I got a whole new way of introducing Roshni. I would like to Thank Ms MBiAn for reviewing the matter more than couple of times.

Normal Indian Child, no longer a student but a working Lady. Big Eyes, lots of Innocence and Child Like Qualities. As far as I can recollect she has been away from home since her graduation days. Yes, it has its own pros and cons. Post Graduation and then job, all kept her pulling away from the home. Initial months are surely difficult but then you settle in and start enjoying. One really enjoys the way she opens up her few stories out to you. You are sure learn some lessons. You just lose the track of time listening to it. You should go through some of her blog posts to know the quality of her thinking, almost 4 years since her last post. Let me now start this post.

Roshni

In Hindi 'Roshni' means Light. Many ways to associate it. I am talking about Roshni in my life, the enlightening Light. She is a friend of mine like many other of my friends and yet Unique in her own way, again like how all my friends are unique in some way or other. Friends come and leave or stay and they laugh with you, fight, care, teach you some hard lessons of life and give you those long lasting Happy memories.

Roshni is a friend of mine I met at the end hours of 2013. Bestie was our common link and we both already knew a bit about each other, but never had a talk or meet before. We met at Bestie’s house and talked about various stuffs. Saw some funny TVF videos and literally fell on the floor while laughing after hearing Alok Nath jokes. We had Gujarati Thali near CST and then went off. This first meet deserves a real good place in this post.

We both accepted the fact that we talked with each other more in our first meeting, than what we would usually do. It was due to the Bestie that we could quickly get into comfortable zone with each other. In the mean time, I was busy writing my blog, ie midnight of 31st December. I celebrated December as a Blogging month and also I was pretty sure I will end up being in a relationship and have a Girlfriend by 31st December. Well, not all things happen the way you want. I did write many posts, but no sign of Girl Friend. I was writing my last post and it did end well. I asked Roshni to read it, since it contained her mention too. She liked it and then we discussed few things about our blogs. It is then that I decided I would write a blog about our friendship or a post on her. It was on a condition that we have some more meetings to get some content to write about.

Here, its 25th February as I write this and we just met once in 2014, in January. We plan to have a meet this weekend, lets see how far we go. Well, one more thing, on 31st she came directly from office and was a bit worried that she had her office dress on and not a party wear. Well, the second time when we met, same thing happened, she had to rush directly from the office to meeting place. Next, I will take you some key events, mainly they are related to our conversations. An attempt will be made to maintain chronological order.

In the beginning of any relation one will expect all goodie goodie talks and at times words like ‘Like’, ‘Love’, ‘Crush’, etc. We started with ‘Hate’. Some talk we had and she said I would have hated her for something and so on. It turns out that I misunderstood her and went bit off the track. Around the same time we had our first argument, which was reported. After the first argument, things were back on track and soon we were in a so called ‘Good Friend Zone’.

Gradually we talked and discussed a lot about our previous study years. Getting into Engineering and then Post graduate. Later we dwelled into more detail into our respective college lives and friends and family. She also came to know that I know more about her than what she anticipated. Then came our shopping day, Roshni, Bestie and myself. Shopped here and there. We went to some shoe shop and I just drifted for a minute or so to esquire about some running shoes. I then turned back towards the girls and found them at cash counter, finished with their shopping and payment too. It was real quick.

Then came her Bangalore Conference and we both got busy in our respective worlds. At times we talked about Dravid, our families, our just daily affairs of India. By last week of February it felt as if we knew each other since 3-4 years back. Can’t recollect much from then. Things went up and down and left and right. I was off whatsapp and facebook for more than a week. Had my Mid-Sems and as soon as it ended I was back in social range. Again our talks would go on, we talked about friendship and how people value and at times how some people hardly care about others friendship.

Like how I get ‘Happy Realisation Moments’ midway between my post, same is happening now. Till now what I was writing covered some stories that happened between us. It doesn’t say much about her in detail. Let me try to make an attempt.

Few words that come to my mind when I think of her is Childlike and Soft at heart. Big Eyes though. Initially I thought of her as Childish and realised that best way to put is that she has few Innocent Childlike qualities. Don’t ask me to name those qualities. She has faced some rough times like all of us. One thing I liked about her is that she learned from her mistake and you can see the change she brought in herself. She is closed to her parents and also her first cousins. She is slightly less negative than me and I find it easy to understand her situation. A lot more Sensitive and she may get hurt quickly if not taken care off. Thanks to her ability to learn from her mistake, she is becoming stronger day by day.

It was after this long period and just regular talks that few topics changed my perspective for my own self. I generally talk a lot, specially about my personal life, but there were some pages yet to be turned. One day while having a phone chat that those pages gradually turned. Here there was someone with whom I can discuss few things for the first time. It is in this respect that Roshni suits here a lot. Bringing a ray of Light which Lighted up a whole new perspective of mine. The light helped me discover that I have more pages in my Life than what I had been thinking so far.

We might be having a meeting this Sunday (2nd March), deadline for this post is 28th February. Under certain circumstances, I may take liberty to extend the deadline. Well, I took the liberty and extended the deadline. About the Sunday meet, will come up with it next time. More interesting, let Roshni take this task up of writing next post. Let her include her side of story and she i way better writer than me, both in terms of quality of language and depth of thoughts.

It is good to make use of Light that others bring to our life, but don't forget to reflect that back on them and also enlighten as many Life as you can.

Moving from 85 to 100 . . .

Again in bus and heading college. Late Saturday evening, bus is less crowded and so are the roads. 15 to 20 mins to write down this post.

No abstract needed here. This comes directly through my running experience. What goes inside my head. Take recent example, target was 10 rounds. Slow and easy jog, just to build up some stamina. I start off as required and after each round I tell myself that 10% done. So after 6 its 60% done. Then 7 th round is easy and smooth and so sign of tiredness. Then 8th round and half way through I make a big mistake always. I start looking at finish line and it feels I have done it. I increase speed a bit and it results in physical wearing off. But you make it through 8th round, ie 80% done.

9th round and I look around say to myself that this is second last time I am going through this. Gives a you small boost of energy and long period of exhaustion. I make it 85%, still good but a bit tired. Feels like stopping and ending the run. Thats when I bring my mind in. I say to myself, 85% was and is easy. Anyone can do it and All do it. What makes a difference is last 15%. More precisely, 85 to 90 will decide your remaining 10%. Many questions need to be answered. Will you complete the run. How will you carry yourself? Strong and quick or keep complaining? Are you thinking to get exhausted on finish line or you want to walk home tall and proud? Answer lies in your performance.

At times I have had myself completely exhausted at end, but I always did 100%. I know that this last mile is all that makes a difference. That's what separates the regular guy and an Athlete. And then there are masters and Legends.

This applies to almost all our work or activities. First is to make a habit of finishing abd then make sure you finish Strong and cross the finish line Tall. Make yourself Proud !

Manohar PremKatha

About the Title - I keep dreaming and discussing Fairytale's with my friends, mostly Love stories. My Bestie calls it Manohar Kahaniya. One of my batchmate, Sachin, coined a work PremKatha in one of our discussion and I find it attractive. We call it PK (PremKatha) and hence the post title. I won't be discussing any story here, but I will tell about observation and thoughts to such stories when I relate it to me. So, in short this is one more of those personal post. I wonder how people write such wide variety of fiction stories. Lets get started. . .

I keep dreaming of so many stories and situations, like a walk with my partner on a straight road with less vehicular traffic, hand in hand and presence of my favorite Moon. Many might have similar or same imagination too. Actually there are lots of them and lets not go on that track. Point is, whenever I talk about this, at end I say that its not going to work. XYZ relationship won't happen with me and it happens only in Movies. This certainly shows up my negative side.

So, why do I talk about them at all, because I want them to happen. I realised one of the reason it didn't happen with me is because deep inside me I believe that such things don't exist or occur in reality. I am so very wrong I suppose. I have heard so many stories which are so inspiring and which suggest a big role played my Forces of Nature that its hard to believe they actually happened. Forces of Nature - different names, some call it Luck, some call it coincidence, some other name or just a combination of all.

I was Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chasma and there came a scene of girl proposing a boy and boy was confused and the story went on. I then went deep into my brain and heart and recollected real life stories of my friends that had a Fairytale touch to it. I realised that I don't have to wait for that thing happen to me to believe. I just have to believe it exists and happens, whether it happens with me or someone else is a different topic. Running out of points now that I earlier had. So the catch is, I now firmly believe that Manohar PremKatha's do exist in reality and I feel blessed to have witnessed some of those. In near future I may be a part of one of such incidences.

Writing and Dreaming . . . .

Winter Rain Message

A message I wrote to one of my friend. A rainy morning followed by soothing afternoon. Missing a friend in Rains has a totally different feeling. Enjoy the message -

Feels like u left n sky cried. Reflecting moods n emotions of all in Mumbai connected to you. The climate is still romamtic n so these aren't sadness tears. Yup, they miss you, bt happy tears they were that fell down. Wishing a nice n pleasant all the best to you. Rains r n assurance to ppl here in Mumbai that amidst d sun n cold, d soothing rain will come by. Through messengers like me, its a message to you.
A message to you which says that after hard work n brainstorming in insti, after having not so good tym with colleagues n after everything that happened, rains will n have come to wash you off. To wash off all non good things that happened. To refresh you n make ready for next day n to make u recall about ur near n dear ones. Also its a chance for you to wear ur shoes n jump in small water puddles.

End Goes December

So the Awesome December comes to an end and so does my Blogging season. It was a nice month, specially till Mood Indigo. Things then went a little low, dry, boring and full of Laziness. As I write this blog, I made an increment in my Best Spent Times. It was with my Bestie and one more friend. My friend had many similarities with me, as I had discussed dozens of time with my Bestie, but today when we sat to discuss, we could hardly find two to three points. Later Rahul Dravid and few books here and there made sure that conversation went Smooth.

Had one of my Best Kaughter days today, thanks to 'Alok Nath'. Small credit also goes to Qtiyapa - TVF. Then going out for new year's dinner to end the day. Lets not talk about Dinner, already stomach is still Full. Keeping it really short and ending a wonderful month. Not sure when I will be back with my another blogging season. Stay Tune and Stay Fit !!

December Check List

Waiting for someone or something has gained a totally new purpose. After reading the book 'The Secret', I have started imagining and visualising things I want. Good marks, a girl friend, nice car, etc. Apart from this, blogging is also coming into picture. More than 40% of my total posts have been composed in past month.

I have started sharing my posts on facebook and also joined indiblogger. Got few good comments from my friends. Thanks to Shrutika (My Bestie) and Krishna Balaji ( My Batchmate), I realised that I make too many spelling mistakes and few grammatical errors too. Need to read my post before uploading to reduce the errors. Apart from this I got few compliments and words of encouragements too.

December check list, I will have to keep visiting my old post titled - Post from bus.

Cycling - Checked

Did lot of cycling in first two weeks of December. My other posts do cover a lot of cycling. Not much to discuss. Yesterday my Bestie took a ride on my cycle and it deserves a mention. Things were good till today morning but then had my first and last accident on my cycle. In order to overtake slow truck I went a little right and it was starting of divider at the point and I collided and I somersaulted and fell down on face. Luckily just a small knock on chin and big bend on front fork of cycle. Well, interesting part was after the crash, a young and nice looking girl, who was passing by, picked my cycle for me, while I was busy lifting myself. Then we both went on our respective destiny.

UPSC Mains - Checked (reporting what my Bestie said and including my views)

Started of good and then one bad paper and rest was as good as it can go. Papers were lengthy but not too difficult. It was the preparations and efforts that made exams not so difficult. Let her add other required details and conclusions.

Internship - Half Checked

My friend and I were very enthusiastic initially. Went there regularly but then due to some software problem over there, we started staying back in hostel. At times I stayed back home. But now we are at ending phase and we are going to finish it on high.

Mood Indigo - Double Checked

Last year I attended one evening show. This year I attended all evening shows and couple of late night shows. Fashion show, dance competition, singers, musicians, dancers, stalls and everything. My parents visited on 3 rd day mailny to see my hostel room. None of my friends visited me, but Mood I was going nice. Hours before last show, I came to know that my Bestie and my Somaiya batchmate were visiting me. Had great fun with them, Burgers and Frooti, etc. Specially the late evening walk.

Crush's Birthday - Unchecked

Its tomorrow. Nothing planned and nothing done. Not hoping for any surprising stuff tomorrow in respect to this matter.

Stopping to Flirt - Partially Checked

Unofficially I have stopped and retired from this work. Small amount and traces are still left in me. Formal resignation procedure will take place on 31st December and it will stop completely and here stops my post too. Going to go through draft to correct spelling mistakes.

Standing in Queue

Third day of Mood I, Aamir Khan coming for some event at 4 pm and already a long queue has developed. Let me remind you, its just 2.30 pm now. I wanted to write a blog on 'December Checklist', but looking at the time I will be spending in this line, I decided to write something. Couple of incidences where I got into middle of long queue just to get early entry.

Let me first discuss the past experiences of IIT n long line. I like to follow rules and at times follow rules coz of fear of consequences of braking it. I hated to join a line in between, seems unjustice for those who are standing since mins and even hours. I have a friend, rather bhai mera, Sachin. Half of college might be knowing him. Fearless n joyful n line breaker. It was with him that I first broke a line a overtook about 200 students in line. Once you do it and you are uncaught, you are bound to reapeat. This first time was followed by many similar events.

Last two days of Mood I, we got in between line for both evening shows in SAC. Last night we had three of our batchmates already in line. Slowly slowly one after all, three increased to 30. No one objecting and no screaming. Seems like a normal procedure over here and every one enjoys it. At times even we are the one suffering, but its fine. We love it, I guess everyone here does it. Experiences like this and brotherhood of this type makea IIT life special. It may even be the characteristic of all campus life.

Today, I am braking that tradition and standing in line from start. Expecting my parents to turn up anytime and it will great to have them. Suddenly line discpline became strict because of more security. I have a camera but its not allowed inside, this is what they say.

Since I have extra time, I can write few more lines. Mood I has been fun. Attending late night shows. One of them included classical music (flute) with Pandit Ronu. Papon n Euphoria were amazing. Standing along the barricade gives oppurtunity to be close to band. At the same time you have to handle pressure of people pushing you and fighting for prime standing spots. Standing four hours straight n jumping and rocking ain't easy.

A breaking news to make a note of is, I gave up my intention/dream of having a gf by Dec 2013. There are some 10 days left, but I gave up. Thats it. Girla started getting entry it seems. I am trying to get in with camera. Stay tuned for more updates.

Post didn't get published before. Chaos happened and I lost interest. Lots of pushing and I left the line to go some silent peace.  Then met Shri and some of her friends on my way back. So standing in line again but at the back now. Nitish n Aanish went and brought Burger for me and got chance to breach security and get in line with me. They will surely have fun.

Congrats Sandeep !!!

Hello Sandy,

A big bada wala Congratulations to you for your successful Cyclothon. I would also apologise for my late wishes, no excuses, just a big mistake on my part.

You surely clocked within 45 mins, but don't forget that the route was cut short by about 2 kms. Considering it as your first step in world of sports and athletics, your performance was amazing. Also driving back to college on cycle will be having lot of stories attached with it.

As I say and believe, it wasn't a one day miracle. 2 weeks of practice back home in Mulund played a major role. Going through busy streets at times and then into dark corners of Mulund, you surely had the most exciting work out session ever.

Going further, rather more further in your past and recalling your cycke days. Dad uses to come home tired, have dinner and get ready to rest. But then you would ask dad to take you on streets for cycle and he did accompany me. I remember that even back then you liked speed and dad had to run to catch up with me. Then my second cycle was also brought in same situation. I just couldn't wait and went to shop at the closing hours. So many memories, just can't write all here.

Another areq where you worked upon was your health. Pranayam was one part, but a big credit goes to mom for making dry fruit sweets. Early morning and late night Biurnvita Milk. (I don't intend to advertise it, but it is good). Giving you permission to cycle through eastern express way n on sea-link was a breakthrough in itself.

I am sure all this made your trip to sea-link possible. Also heard about many mishaps and management goof-ups. A reminder to you that you were and still are a Lucky Dude, since you didn't face any problems. Fullstop is definitely not the next stop. Journey has just begin and world of sports awaits you. Don't you dare loose your main focus, ie studies.

About your GF resolution, just a week more, i have seen her with you, be patient and all the Best for Future.

Bios!!!

Night before the Ride

Well, I made a lot of grammatical mistakes in the last post. I wish to reduce them as move ahead in this journey. This post is going to be a short one.

Its 46 past 12 in the midnight. Tomorrow is the Cyclothon day, Tour de India as it is said. Went to marriage n slept little in noon. I know I need to sleep and Sleepy I am. Anyway, keeping all this aside, I am awake and watching 'Jo jeeta wohi Sikandar'. In my friends room and writing this post through Android App.

I am excited, kick after kick it will be. 11.2 kms on Sea link and its going to be tough. We train on roads with buildings on both sides which block most of the wnd. Also, due to ittle traffic, there are frequent slow downs and rest periods. Yesterday I got a chance to drive through Eastern Expressway and I felt the effect of wind. Next time, will train myself more in match conditions.

Got a bottle fitted at last moment on front tyre clamp. So an extra 1 kg weight added. We are planning to go Kanjur to Kurla via train and then drive to BKC. We will be driving our way to insti on cycle. Have to wake up at 3.45 am and leave hostel by 4.30am. It really is going to be Legendary.

I write this post fully asleep and with half opened eye. So, sorry for typing error and grammatic errors also. Though I will like to know my mistakes.

Thank You!!!

Missed Meeting with Friend

I'l narrate as the day progressed. Due to some work in college I skipped company and directly went to college in morning. I finished with my work till noon. In the lunch I had milk shake and chat, no messing in the mess. Came back to hostel to meet my hostel mates. Here one of the friend suggested a 90 min documentary.

It goes by the name of 'The Secret'. They discuss the power of positive thought and related stuffs. It was inspiring and thought provoking. I enjoyed it and intend to implement it. It really pumped me up and it had a small part to play in what happened in the evening. It was about 4 5 pm. Went for coffee. Used my new coffee for first time.

Later on I and my friend continued with some programming and theory work. Results not matching with the numerical ones. Was a bit frustrating and tiring. Was walking towards girls hostel as I had to return my friends book. A long route it is. I tried calling my friend and no answer. Tried other friend and got a chance to talk to her.

My insti is on her way to office and I saw a small window of time when I could meet her. She said she would call back and she did. Her train was at 7.22pm and so the time window shrink to a dot. She was wiling yo miss her train but I like a fool said you carry on with your train. Then i said to myself no, I have to meet her now.

I called back and told her to call back if she misses the train. I hurried up and went to bus stop. Missed a couple of bus. All the praying anf hoping and waiting for a phone ring. I prayed that some miracle will surely delay the train. I boarded crowded 403. Here is the catch, normal days I would wait 40 mins for 403 as it drops me next to my building. Today I took a small ticket to Huma ie Kanjur station. 7.27 it was and I still waited.

Now comes the big part, something that brings Smile to my face. By now it was almost certain that she left. What caught me by surprise was a lobg queue to cross foot over bridge. Going at snail's pace. Only once before have I seen such senario. This was horrible and took 10 mibs to cross a small section. Now, all the way I prayed the she got late and at end it was I who had to face all the Music. I am sure and now even more hopeful that I will meet her. Of course this December is going to be Amazing one for me.

Don't know much of her. But I am sure she too has her side of story related to this meeting. Waiting to hear her story on our next meet.

PS- purposely I didn't mention much about my friend, since that won't have altered the effect of this post a lot.

Internship at TATA Power SED

It startrd from 2nd December, near Chandivili junction. As we entered, within 15 mins we were told our project and what they expect from us and related stuff. A challenging task ia what they say n it really is. Rather its my inefficiency which is making it look likr an uphill task.

Its like solving a big assignment with a big team. Learning softwares never heard of. Main relief came when we were told that its not compulsory to be in office everyday and also there are no time limits or restrictions. Phew, took a huge burden away. Wearing a new formal each and everyday, something i dreamt of from a long back time. Watching my dad prepare for work n leather shoes, plain white hanky and a great watch. Finally I am getting to experience it..

Being in IIT, where my friends beling to all part of India except Mumbai. I never imagined that I will travel back from iff to home with my friend. TATA gave that chance. My friend will wait 15 mins n get into crowded bus which will take me home. He surely has options of other less crowded bus. He will leave it for me. About Bus, BEST has a good connectivity and equally good and co-operative are the people using it. I started liking public transport more than ever.. Total of 90 mins travel from home to office and it is totally worth it.

About the company and work environment, all I can say -'its Chill'. Only designing takes place and so all busy with some kind of design software and some kind of big printouts. Mess is small like the plant and food us good. I take my own tiffin, Somaiya ki yaad dila di. There are Owen where you can get your food heated up. What I disliked is that we have to submit cell phones at security desk. This place us under some government defence something something.. Overall a small office but an Awesome one.

My task is to analytically find natural frequency of some big structure and code it. This should act as base for other projects. Further they want to carry out some dynamic analysis too if time permits. Here's the catch- coding and that too Matlab.. I ain't best at coding, but I am certainly Better than Most for sure. A new task and new coding methodology needed. Combining Vibration Theory along with matlab, I never did it before. I hope I do a proper justice and complete the task my December end.

Wapas end se yaad aaya, bus journey about to end and mere ghar ka stop aa raha hai. See you soon, my Lovely Readers !!!

December - Starts with a Joy Ride

This post is about my Cycle ride from IIT to home. Numerically its less than 10 kms and hardly took more than 40 mins. It was a one stop journey via Mulund D-Mart. 10 kms, is hardly anything, there are normal people running more than this everyday, so what the big deal ? Big Deal lies inside me and on the road and its about braking the shackles. Manzil se behtar lagne lage hai rasste - yup, my post won't have the manzil part, but the journey part, the story before i kicked off the cycle is discussed.

People how know me, they very much know how un-sporty person I am. Hardly involved in any outdoor activity. So, a 10 km was a small, a tiny stepping stone on a new path I have choose for myself. Less Tech oriented and more fun activities like night outs, group studies, movie once a month (minimum), dominoz, etc etc. Secondly, I was to take the eastern express way to ride home, other route was slow but had small roads. So, going on a highway with cars crossing you in a blink on an eye is risky but exciting as well. Deep down in my Heart, I was having a slight bit of worry.

Thankfully I had my friends to accompany me. So, we were to do this on Saturday (7/12/2013), but one of my friend was leaving on 4th Dec and so we decided 30 Nov. The day came and none of us were in the mood to go out and we cancelled it. Next day I had to go to college for my duty and then we were to go shopping. We decided Mulund D-Mart. Now, a day before this, I had an argument with mom and I badly wanted cycle back home to prepare for an cycling event on 15th Dec and I finally got the permission from parents.

Sunday, the day came. We slept after duty and it was already 5pm when we left. To go D-Mart, LBS road, ie Huma-Dreams mall road was the good route as far as distance is concerned. We were tired and more than my friends, I was tired to ride cycle, but at same time I wanted the cycle back home for next one week. We said yes and then no and then yes and it went on. Finally we were going by bus. Something happened and I said I am taking cycle.

It had happened in the past that I decided so many things and events and gave up in middle, I was determined to change the past. I took the cycle and My friends, gave up and were ready to take the cyclous ride to D-Mart. Then the forces of Nature came in and they didn't get their cycle and had to take bus. Their support was crucial at that moment and it was final push i needed to cross the line. Road was mostly downhill and much effort was needed at all. We shopped and then I came back home and my friends returned to hostel.

Riding part was purely mechanical and being a Sunday, traffic was less and less was the exhaustion. Cycle had a loose rear mud guard which made annoying noise. About the passing of cars on blink of a car - that was not the case. I took a different route but I made it. Stay tuned, I promise there are certainly more post to be updated and written. Had my first day today in TATA Power SED as an intern. May be next post will have it. Sorry, If I miss out on any point.

Sachin and Nitish are the friends I am talking about. They are Research Assistant at IITB and doing MTech. My batchmates, Bhai hai yaar mere woh..

Post from bus..

Hii. My bestie told me about androids blog app. I am traveling in a bus from college to home. Want to write so much and same time I want to finish this post in the bus itself.

Super excited about December. Had planned for tomorrow but things not working. Anyway, December is going to be priceless. My Bestie's UPSC mains. My first internship. Also, I aim to participate in a small cycling event, mid-December. Mood I, college fest. I hope to see many of my friends in this fest and so looking forward to it.

I may write a seperate blog on each of above, as and when they occur. Christmas n more important for me is my Crush ka birthday. Its also a placement month. Job placement in campus and marriage placement in family. Thankfully, i don't have any of the above placement this year.

Guys, wrote a lot n still halfway away from home. Nice app and also better utilization of travel time.

Its almost end of the post, let's talk about something which will end this December. I try so many things, work out, music n study n so many kinds of stuff. I have a habit of leaving all half way. Not sure if this will end, but the way I flirt is certainly going to stop. Rather there won't be any flirting at all.

So this is it, an abrupt end to post.

Links to related Posts

December Starts with a Joy Ride

Internship at TATA Power SED

Night Before the Ride

Congrats Sandeep - Cycling event finished

December Checklist

Last Day of Year Marks a Beginning of New Friendship

End goes December