Addicted to Running

Whidbey half-marathon 2010

2010-04-11T21:17:00.001-07:00

Another half-marathon down, this time 2:28:49, could have easily shaved off 5 more min from it, but the course was just way too beautiful to run though. I had to stop every few miles to take in the view and enjoy it. This was the first marathon, I really totally enjoyed. The course is all full of rolling hills. The hills did not bother me at all since I trained for the worst in Kirkland. I

10.8 miles in Kirkland

2010-03-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

Running in Kirkland is pure torture and only for the insane! But then so is Whidbey and I signed up for that insanity months ago. So here is a 10 miler in Kirkland which will train you for Whidbey.URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3565044But after the short hike yesterday (I don't want to talk about it!), I thought I would give myself a treat and go for a quick 10 mile on

2010-02-25T19:30:00.001-08:00

URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3500116 -- tuls

8 miles

2010-02-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

My first 8 mile long run after the full marathon. Now that I live in Kirkland, I ran this in Kirkland and running in Kirkland is always a mistake. The killing hills were just too much for the first run.

Weekly running route

2009-09-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

So I am hoping to do a 7.5 - 8 mile run on weekly basis till I start training for next marathon. Here is the weekly route -URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3217262 through beautiful Kirkland waterfront.

Fundraising

2009-06-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

So, why indeed am I running. It all started with a goal to raise some money for Asha for Education. The achievement of raising $1000+ was even bigger than actually finishing the marathon. So this year when I decided to run the full 26.2 miles, I also decided that I am going to put 100% effort in fundraising. This is especially important because of the way economy is going, most non-profits are in

Finished!

2009-06-27T17:06:00.001-07:00

Done! Finished! Over! The marathon is finally over! And I completed it in a respectable time of 5:24:07. All the 6 month of training definitely paid off. I did not find the course that hilly, heat was also not that big a problem. Biggest problem was definitely the distance! The part of course till mile 9 was quite good. We ran from Tukwila to Seward park. There was only one hill which I did not

Saturday - 70 F chance rain

2009-06-23T11:47:00.001-07:00

The temperature was Sunny 80F couple of days ago. Then it was 70F and 20% chance of rain. Now its 68F and 20% chance of rain. At this rate after practicing in perfectly sunny weather, we will be running in cold. Thankfully I have done practice runs in 3 different outfits, one for each weather. 4 day to go.....

the hills of Kikland

2009-06-20T19:50:00.001-07:00

So today was last practice long run. It was not really long, probably ran close to 6 miles, but it was tough, tiring. I decided to run in Seattle, finally see the neighborhood. Since I am suppose to avoid running on hard surface, I decided to go and run at Bridle Trails State Park. ya, there is a state park smack in the middle of Redmond/Kirkland/Bellevue. Running up the the park was mostly

better better

2009-06-19T09:31:00.001-07:00

As you can see from frequency of blog post that my training has reduced so I suddenly have a LOT of free time at hand. Today finally got back on the treadmill. It felt apprehensively good. Leg was fine mostly. Ran / walked for 30 min. It was good to feel that I can still run! Took extra precaution to warm up for 10 min, then stretch the calf muscles. Then ran for 20 min @5, the normal speed. That

getting better

2009-06-18T08:54:00.001-07:00

Maybe I am speaking too early, but at least today morning there was almost no pain while walking down to office. Maybe its the shoes, I switched back to my Nike walkers for whole day walking, they are in really old shape now, but I have total trust on Nike now. Maybe its the mustard oil which I have been applying religiously to the foot now. Or its just time and rest, or its fake! Anyhow, I

Shin Splint!

2009-06-17T18:13:00.001-07:00

The thing that most runners dread happened, and I don't want to talk about it.Its called shin splint, though doctors give it fancier name to scare you even more. Mine is in on the upper part of the leg, mid-way between foot and knee. So I kind of know its weaker and stressed calf muscles, plus wrong footing, I don't know. Its the kind that gets better after you have run a couple of miles as the

13 miler

2009-06-14T08:11:00.001-07:00

This week was 13 mile day as part of taper down. I decided to run in Seattle again, close to lake Union. This time the plan was to run it the other way, starting from Lake Wash Blvd to UW. Happy to note that I found the run easy. There were hills and flats, the usual of Seattle. After a 2 mile warm up, hills were not so hard. So I can run 13 miles easily, the real question is if I can still

the hills i hate

2009-06-11T12:53:00.001-07:00

or like. I have had this hate - like relationship with hills since I started running. First I obviously hated them. Till I actually started running on absolutely flat grounds of New Jersey. That is when I missed them, and started liking them (note, its not possible to love hills, however hard you try). Hills are "good" change, they suddenly wake you up, you need to start putting more effort and

15 miles

2009-06-08T09:33:00.001-07:00

When running downhill becomes harder and more painful than running uphill, then you know you have had it! That was the experience in my last 3 runs of 18, 21 and 20 miles. No so today. Today was an "easy" 15. I wanted to make sure that I find it easy, so that I am not demoralized. So I chose to run the familiar Sammamish River Trail. Its flat, I have been there many times, its familiar ground.

Donation number 1

2009-06-06T16:25:00.001-07:00

Now that I have some confidence and feel like I would actually finish the marathon, 50% of the work is done. The next 50% of work to achieve my goal is the actual fund raising. Started sending out e-mails today, and very encouragingly got my first donation within an hour! Googlers just rock when it comes to turn around time :) Still long way to go both in donation and for actual run. Lets just

4 more weeks to go

2009-06-02T09:02:00.001-07:00

a 13 mile route for next to next week.URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2879890

Final 20 mile

2009-06-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

.... before the final 26.2.This Saturday I ran my last 20 mile of the training. It was a very heartening 20 mile because I ran it with little difficulty. To be modest I would say, its mainly because the last 10 mile was almost flat, running around lake Union. I started heading towards UW from Montlake bridge. Soon I was on the old Burke-Gilman trail, running the same route I ran for training in

20 mile route UW - Green Lake - Lake Union

2009-05-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2861706

Easy 5 miler

2009-05-18T09:40:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe how easy 5 mile running is now. Ran a easy 5 mile, though still at a place of 12. Don't know how to improve that speed. This will drop down to 4 mile an hour when getting into mile 20 and 6 hr target would be a problem. My leg is bothering me too, so will have to do something about that, its really disheartening.

An easy 10 mile

2009-05-17T00:50:00.001-07:00

This was a easy weekend. I decided to run 10 miles on East Lake Sammamish trail. This was a perfect day for that since most of the trail is in shade. I started off lazily around 7:30. Ran through Marymoor Park and only East Lake Sammamish trail. It a nice gravel trail, I am guessing better for the feet than the hard tar road. 10 mile was quite easy. My right leg and knee has been troubling me

21 mile weekend

2009-05-11T12:22:00.001-07:00

Finally, I crossed the 20 mile barrier and in style with hills! Initially I had decided to drive down to Seward Park in Seattle. From there I could run down and back to Rainier Ave, taking the actual marathon course I ran last weekend, and then run up to Montlake Blvd on Lake Washington Blvd, take the bus and back. Seemed like a reasonable route for first 20 miler. But as it happens, the driving

A 20 mile route from Seward park to 520

2009-05-08T16:44:00.001-07:00

URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2804461This is a 20 mile route starting from Seward Park, one way up to Montlake Blvd bridge (to catch 545 back to Redmond). It covers part of Rock'n'Roll (till I90) and part of Seattle marathon (after I90) course and all of it is really beautiful. The best thing is that its one-way!

20 mile on Lake Wash Blvd

2009-05-04T10:46:00.001-07:00

URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2790804 + another round of Seward Park.An out and back path starting from Seward Park. Covers part of Rock'n'Roll course.

18 mile!

2009-04-25T17:15:00.001-07:00

Finished a 18 mile run today + 1 mile walk. Went all the way to mile 10 at Sammamish River Trail which is suppose to be the end of it.http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/wa/redmond/513124046910459067 Pace was slow, but hopefully it will improve as there are still 8 more weeks. Till 8 mile it was alright, easy coasting. After that it was getting a little difficult. By the time I reached

Whidbey marathon course map

2009-02-02T20:39:00.001-08:00

URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2533538Could not run this one, but its suppose to be one of the most beautiful marathons. Maybe do the half next year!

Uphill running

2009-01-30T15:25:00.001-08:00

So all this running and training and weight lifting seems to be paying off. I can not only call 8 mile an easy 8 miles, yesterday I managed to run the 1/2 miles uphill from my place to 148th in one go, and did not even break a sweat. Ok, so the latter part could be because it was so cold. Last summer when I was doing my hill training here, I could not even cover half that distance before stopping

15 miles!

2009-01-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

I ran like 15 miles today! unbelievable! This is the first time I ran over half-marathon distance. The first 12 miles were not easy, but quite doable. The last 3 miles were really hard. I finished it in a good 3hr 15min. The fact that I already had 12 miles behind me just kept me going. I did not want to give up and I made it alive. It was near perfect day to run, temp 10C, perfectly sunny,

12 miles

2009-01-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

After missing long runs because of snow and vacation, today was time to do 13 miles. The day was cold and very cloudy, suppose to rain. Still it seemed like a good day to run. I started late, 10ish. Immediately outside I could feel a light misty drizzle, a typical of Seattle day. I had to wear a light waterproof jacket, not breathable. I first ran a small 2 miler, and then another 10 miles. First

East lake sammamish trail mile marker

2008-12-16T15:32:00.001-08:00

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2442016-- tulsDon't drive your passion, let your passion drive you --- Tulika Agrawal.

8 mile

2008-12-06T16:16:00.001-08:00

ah, what a perfect day to run. Decided to run 8 miles today to get back on the course of preparing for marathon. It was a great run.-- tulsDon't drive your passion, let your passion drive you --- Tulika Agrawal.

Seafair Marathon 2008

2008-06-29T11:33:00.001-07:00

Finished with the half-marathon in 2:38, an improvement over last year.The course http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2011049This course was totally killing, one nasty hill after another. The beginning was at husky stadium and it took us over 520. Bridge run was good, but since it was the first 2 mile, it was kind of hard. The sun was also at full blast on the bridge. This is the time when you are

12 miles and more

2008-06-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Did not update for a while. There was moving and then there was cold. Now feeling good. Tried to run 12 miles last to last week. It was a total disaster, really needed those energy drinks and lighten up on full sleeves and full slacks.Weekday runs were ok, mostly practicing hills, it was good.Now time for practice is over! the show is this Sunday and weather looks great!

easy 6.6 mile

2008-06-03T03:32:00.001-07:00

Among all the packing and head aches, I ran an easy 6.6 mile on Monday. I really need to start running on weekdays to build the stamina.

New shoes and almost 12 miles.

2008-05-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Got new shoes from Nike store in orlando. Today was the day to take them out on a loong test run. The shoes did great, fitted well, and like good running shoe did not feel new. They are not as good as Rahul's, but are +, meaning can connect to my hypothetical iPod.Was suppose to run 12 miles today. Started around 6:30, good early start. First 4 miles were easy, surprisingly easy. Then had to take

almost 6 miles today

2008-05-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

Today was a good day to run. Started out a little late for the weekday, @6:45, but it was a perfect day. Temperatures in 10C, slightly cloudy, good wind. I started out thinking will run for 30 min., then thought on 45. By the time I was 30 min into the run, I was, well, totally into it. So decided to so my pending 6 mile run. Ran to the second bridge at liberty state park, did the little uphill

run-o-walk-o-run

2008-05-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good day to run. Started out on a negative note, did not want to run. Ran a little, then was very thirsty. Spent 10 minutes looking for water at liberty state park. Found it. Ran some more, walked so more. Just no mood. By 45 min and in mile 4, I had totally given up any pretense of running. Only thing that was driving my legs to move faster was the intolerable smell of water and

1st 10 miler, woohoo!

2008-05-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday I was suppose to run 10 miles, but as usual I was lazy. So then I had to go out and run that 10 miles today. It was not fun :(. Last 2 miles were a real stretch, half walking, half running and half crawling. After that coming to office, not good. Got to go and sit in the massage chair for a bit.

uphill running

2008-04-23T05:55:00.001-07:00

I was looking at the Seafair marathon course and after the bridge its all uphill, no kidding! That is scary. So I decided to devote my tuesdays to practice uphill running, on the treadmill as there are no hills in New York. This tuesday was a total disaster. I happily set my treadmill at elevation of 10 and speed of 4, that sounds easy. But 1 min into it, I was huffing and puffing as if I had run

7 mile in liberty state park

2008-04-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

First long run in long time. It was a cloudy, misty day, temperature in lower 10s, a perfect day for long run. We started towards liberty state park, went almost behind the statue of liberty. On the way back I was confused about the miles covered as it had been only 1 hr of running, so I decided to go to the waterfront. In all covered almost 7 miles, last one running, walking and dragging myself

40min run 20 min walk

2008-04-16T17:09:00.001-07:00

Ran by NY waterfront again. A solid 40 min run and then some walk. Need to do better next time. Must have covered at least 3.5 miles. Almost same course as last wednesday.

Prepare for the next half-marathon - Seafair

2008-04-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to run Jersey marathon because its course is flat, flattest. But winter practice and no running partner drowned all my enthu. Now again, I want to run. This time Seafair half-marathon, first time crossing 520 on foot. Half seems doable, I have already been running at least 3 regularly and 5 sometimes. I only need to decide, stick to my plan and do it. Starting training today,

3.5 mile run

2008-04-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

summer is at our door steps and with that running outside has started. Today was a really good day, bright and sunny, temp in upper 10s. So I went out for a run. Started at 14th st and went down to Murray street, a 3.5 mile round trip. I have done 5+ miles on the treadmill, but this was first long run outside. I used to think that treadmill is hard, but now outside seems much harder. Time to get

5K run for the cure

2007-09-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend I did a 5K (3.5 miles) at central park, race for cure (of breast cancer). The race had a huge turnaround. I was quite confident that I will make it, thanks to the Seattle marathon run, and I did. I can't say without breaking a sweat, my t-shirt was drenched! But that was from hot weather. It was amazing to see myself sail through it, and later ready to get going without 30 min of

Another 1/2 marathon?

2007-04-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

hmm, so its time to start training for Seattle marathon again. How 1 year just flew by. But alas I am not in Seattle. But NY offeres its own set of oppties, flatter landscape and more predictable weather. So I am thinking, just playing with the idea of running some more, complete another 13.1 miles and add them up to make a full marathon :)

woohoo!!

2007-04-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

ok, New York is not all that bad and its possible to run here :) (for pleasure and not just as part of daily commute). I finally went out running from office today. Needless to say there was no calm green trail as in Seattle, but at least there was a trail and water. And also were absent the endless hills of Seattle which was good, make it so much easier when you can run for miles on flat ground.

Seattle Marathon 2006

2006-11-26T06:32:00.000-08:00

Its finally over, and was quite a eventful run. The day started with some light snow flakes falling mixed with rain. I had to change the attire couple of times to need the changing weather. Finally I decided on synthetic socks, same green cotton pants, green chuckit inner t-shirt and while Asha outer t-shirt, cisco cap to safe the face from rain and my pink raincoat's cap to save the cap, head

Its tomorrow

2006-11-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

So the big day is tomorrow and there are predictions of rain and snow, what fun. Today I walked on that new machine for 15 min and then did yoga, mainly to relax all the muscles. I think doing yoga the day before long runs really helps.

Day 64

2006-11-24T06:28:00.000-08:00

This is turning out to be a perfect week with 4 short runs. Today I decided to run a little longer outside to make sure that this cold is not going to kill me, and the amount of clothes I am wearing is sufficient etc, kind of like a dry run. Started from my place towards 405 and then Juanita-Woodinville drive till the first signal, must be close to 3 mile round trip. Discovered that I definately

Day 63

2006-11-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

Another very cold day in November, after lot of yes and nos, decided to run outside for 15 min. The run was ok, hills are indeed somewhat easier to cross now, even in the cold. The marathon is right around the corner, keeping my fingers crossed for no rain.

Day 62

2006-11-21T06:22:00.000-08:00

Ran another 15 min on the treadmill, outside is just too cold. The variable speed treadmill run has become easier or at least possible now.

Day 61

2006-11-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

Since this is slowing down week, ran just 20 min near the house only, nothing remarkable, trying to get used to the cold.

Day 60 Week 22

2006-11-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

So its been 2 months of running (60 days). Today we ran about 8 miles near Greenlake. It was a good run, the day turned out to be perfect, cloudless sky and not so cold. The last couple of miles were on the BurkeGilman train we used to take in the initial days of running. While at Red Square, we were recalling how we used to be dead by this time, and today we ran 6 miles before this and still had

Day 59

2006-11-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Did not go for practice this Wednesday, just lazy, and made the bahana that its not a good day to run !!So anyway, to compensate, ran 2 miles today, speeds from 4.5 to 5 to 5.5. As I have always noticed, the first 1 mile is really hard and its always hard, when outside, you cannot quit in the first mile, but when on treadmill, I always quit at that time. But today I decided, I had to run, I had

Day 58

2006-11-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

As part of preparing to run in the cold, I decided to run outside. The hills do not scare me that much now, but the cold does. And it was a very cold sunny morning. I started out real bad, the first hill was the worst to climb, but after that warm up, rest was not that difficult. Ran for 30 min, uphill downhill, about 2 miles I guess, so really show. Next time will try to go out on the

Day 57

2006-11-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

Ran 20 min on treadmill, run / walk. I think treadmill is a horrible place to run, I get tired so easily, cannot even run 10 min without feeling when will it get over. Maybe outside I keep varying my speed and that's why can run. Anyway, my target is to complete the 13 miles in less than 3 hrs, beyond that it does not matter. Have to start running outside to practice running in cold.

Day 56 Week 21

2006-11-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today thanks to Aparajita, I decided to do a long run, 13 miles actually. I started with lot of apprehension as I have been out of practice for weeks now. And in the beginning it was hard, it was cold, and then the 83rd St was all uphill-downhill. The route to golden garden park was all downhill and that made it easy. After that seaside was almost flat, I was really cold at this time as being

Day 55

2006-11-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

Don't know why I did not run yesterday, guess was just lazy. Today decided to run on tradmill. Ran for 15 min at 5, little bit of elevation too. After that walked on the new machine for 20 min. Looking forward to tomorrow's big run, I hope it does not become a disaster too.

Day 54

2006-11-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Wednesday practice, did not go well, I was totally out of form and it was raining too. I made the mistake of wearing light cotton t-shirt, which was wet and sticky in just couple of rounds. We were support to do time trials and my time sort of went down. I managed to do just 6 track rounds and run back and up to the tracks. Hopefully next weeks practice will make it better.

Day 53 Week 20

2006-11-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

Back in Seattle after more than 2 weeks of out of practice. Ran a little bit, like 30min or less last to last week, but not much.Today after thinking a couple of times, decided to go out runnin in rain near the house only. It was usual uphill downhill story, ran for about 30 min, it was drizzling mildly, so not that bad.

Day 52 Week 19

2006-10-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Finally got to run the Sammamish River train again. Today was the big AllGoRhythms day, so decided not to go to madison park, Aparajita and I ran the trail starting at Redmond Library. We must have ran about 6 miles, its a very flat trail, and as close to nature as you can get in Redmond, so I always like it.

Day 51

2006-10-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wednesday hills training, was support to run 6 hills, but ended up with only 4, they are still hard, can't imagine they will ever get easier!

Day 50

2006-10-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ran on the treadmill in gym, the usual 20 min now.

Day 49 Week 18

2006-10-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

The training is almost coming to an end, and I am somewhat satisfied with it. I wanted to run upto 15 miles, but my max is still around 10, though after running 10 a couple of times, I am confident that I can run 13, and I also know that I could not have run 26 without working really hard. It was probably a conservative but good decision to shoot for half only this time. So anyway, this weekend I

Day 48

2006-10-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Ran on tradmill for 25 min, 20 of which @ 5:00 and elevation 2.0, it was a piece of cake, I cannot stop being amazed at the progress I have made in running. I have always been quite active, hiking a lot, but running was never my thing, it was the most difficult thing for me to run even from door to bus stop. Now it has become so much easier, though I would still say that its a lot of effort for

Day 47

2006-10-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday practices. We did time trials today, ran 8 lapses, 2 miles on the grounds. I did it in < 21 min!! Great progress for me, though I was dead after it was over, but it felt great to see that I have indeed become faster.

Day 46

2006-10-03T01:43:00.000-07:00

Ran for about 25 min in my neighbourhood. This area is the worst for running I guess, the uphill downhills never stop, they are just killing, but I guess good for training for that final section of marathon. Last few days for training for me!

Day 45 Week 17

2006-09-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

As chuck said, running is cummulative, and so are all the other activities you do over the week. This week was I guess especially hectic, not just workouts but other running around and driving too. So I was not feeling very enthued about running today, it started in the morning itself when I did not want to wake up. So ran only about 6.5 - 7 miles today. After that as a little compensation,

Day 44

2006-09-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday hills day, and they are killing. We first ran to the tracks and then ran back to 124th St. We were suppose to run up a not to steep but very long hill 3 times. First one was the worst, second little easier, third little more, and then I decided to just run another one, it was difficult, but did not kill me. Everyday I am amazed at how much progress I have made in my fitness since the

Day 43 Week 16

2006-09-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Ran around 10 miles near the house only, ran on the Woodnwille-Bothell road towards the office, it was a nice run, quite tiring, lot of uphill and downhills, but doable. Did not go for th group run as wanted to go hiking on rainier over the weekend. It feels nice to think that I can actually just go out of the door and run 10 miles, I would not say that it was easy or getting any easier, but its

Day 42

2006-09-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Since I missed running yesterday, went today morning. Tried to run at high elevation on the treadmill, it was ok, very tiring, I could not run for long without holding on to the side rails. Need lot of practive.27 min, run / walk - 1.85 miles.

Day 41

2006-09-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Ran for 20 min - 2 miles on treadmill at 5.5, it was hard, felt like giving up a lot of times, but still could make it, running for 20 min at 5.5, can't believe it!! Feeling just great and enthued.

Day 40 Week 15

2006-09-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Back on my feet. After running for 10 miles last 2 weekends, I decided to cut back today. Ran at the madison park trail for first time, its mostly flat, did 7.4 miles. Because of the inactivity of last week, my legs started paining quite a bit, left leg calf muscles seem to be in little trouble.

fallen sick :(

2006-09-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Just when things were going great, and I was thinking that maybe I can shoot for a full marathon, I went and got myself sick!! No practice this week at all, might be able to run on Saturday, but probably not too long.

Day 39 Week 14

2006-09-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Woohoo run in central park, ran for 2 hrs, I guess between 9 - 10 miles, the last 1/2 mile of uphill was obviously the worst, but it was ok, its not that unimaginable now :)

Day 38

2006-09-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Ran for 20 min in central park again, was a easy weekday run. After that ran up a tiny hill twice, it was not that hard since the hill was small, plus of course I am in much better shape now. Planning for longer run on Saturday, maybe a full round of central park.

Day 37

2006-09-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Ran for 30min today in central park. It looks so flat, but its all up and down with a gentle slope. Aim to do a full round of the park this saturday, its going to be less than 10, maybe 8, can increase it by adding the lake, should be fun.

Day 36 Week 13

2006-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend did not run much, don't know why, work? packing? etc. etc. all excusesSaturday was on the plane whole day, so of course no running, just flying.Sunday, no chance again.Today ran for about 45 min in Central Park, yes the real one in New York. It was ok, very crowded, nothing special, our Kirkland waterfront is much better, at least it gives an illusion of free open clean air.

Day 35

2006-08-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

Wednesday practice, not running for last 2 days and hectic weekend showed. Was really tired. I was hoping that I could do the tempo runs for 20 min today, but even the first 2 strides were hard!! I think to make some serious progress, need to take lot of rest over the weekend, and also eat properly, not at random times. I hate that the practice just seems to take away all weekends. From next time

Day 34

2006-08-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

Did not run on monday, was too tired from the hectic weekend. So ran today before the weights class, it was quite hard, could not run at all, so finally walked on that new treadmill, hopefully practiced uphill run/walk.

Day 33 Week 12

2006-08-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ran 10 miles today, woo hoo!!Went to the lake early, around 7:00, ran around the lake once, 1/2 inside and 1/2 outside. Was back by 7:38, must have taken 33-35 min to run 3 miles. After that there was 10 min break as I talked to other people etc. Then started on a 7 mile course with Rishi, somehow I was full of confidence that I can do it. The first half was quite easy, 2 miles near the lake, the

Day 32

2006-08-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Friday run was getting too tiring, so I decided to run today after weights class. It was easier and harder, strength class was a warm up, and also tiring. Still managed to run 20 min @ 5.5, approx 2 miles. Every minute I was telling myself, you can do it, 2 miles is nothing, and then tomorrow you won't have to run :) A surprising improvement, I think I am going to stick to Thursday evening run

Day 31

2006-08-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday trainings are becoming easier, running to the fields does not kill me anymore and I can run more than 4-5 rounds on the track. Doing strides and tempo runs now and dreading the hills. Running strides reminds me so much of the time back in school during PT exam, when we were suppose to run some 400m and get points on our speed, I would run with all my strength and pray to God, please

Day 30

2006-08-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Not a good day for running. Went to the gym thinking that I will run hill, or faster, but was totally tired from the hectic weekend. Ran for like 5 min and then walked on the new machine for 10 min, that was enough exercise for the day!

Day 29 Week 11

2006-08-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today was suppose to be big running day, I had planned to run around the lake once and then do the Burke Gilman trail. Got late in reaching greenlake, so did not get a chance to run around the full lake, just did a 1.5 mile run, after that the Burke Gilman trail, it was much better than before, and I think I could have pushed myself more, I was exhausted by the end, but not totally, I could have

Day 28

2006-08-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Did not run, but walked on that new machine for 15 or something min, before the yoga class.

Day 27

2006-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

This week is turning out to be pretty good, ran today also before the weights class on treadmill15 min - 5.0 mph, 2.0 - 3.0 elevation.Treadmill is a good place to get over the dreadful hills :)

Day 26

2006-08-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today started out as one of the not so good days, I was totally tired by the time we reached the tracks. But then I did some strides, tired again, felt like that's it. Then ran another 11 minutes, tempo run and then ran back. By the end it was one of the normal days, getting better, need to keep it up :)

Day 25

2006-08-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Ran for about 40 min near Kirkland waterfront with Aparajita. Its a nice area to run, with lake on one side and mostly flat because of the lake. We ran about 2.8 miles and I was not too tired, talk about building stamina! The only problem on a weekday is too many cars.

Week 10

2006-08-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Did not run today, slept very late because of Indian Ocean concert Friday night. Instead went on a 7 mile rt hike. Hike was easy, but some exercise.

Day 24

2006-08-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today we did time trials on the track. I ran 1 mile in 11:30 minutes, kind of slow, it would be nice to increase the speed to at least 10:00, else I would just be the last person running on tracks. Ran 6 rounds without dying, so that was good.

Day 23

2006-08-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ran on Kirkland waterfront again with Marilyse. Its good to find a running partner, keeps me motivated and pushes me to run when I was to just call it quits like today :)

Day 22 Week 9

2006-08-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Ran another 6 miles today, it was easier than last time I ran the bruke-gilman trail. Next time need to try 8 miles.

Day 21

2006-08-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Great week!!Went running at Kirkland waterfront again with Marilyse from office. Its was a enjoyable run, we also went down to a beach park. Getting ready for long run tomorrow.

Day 20

2006-08-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Decided to run Kirkland waterfront with Aparajita, she could not make, so I ran by myself. This is a better area to run, lesser hills. Ran mostly on weavy way, a small street away from traffic and lined with lake facing million dollar homes :)20+ min at slow pace.

Day 19

2006-08-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ran near the new place, its all uphill downhill, killing trail to run on. Managed to run like 20 min, after that was very frustrated by the lack of flat grounds. I think I will need to go back to treadmill, this area is hopless for running more than a mile.

Week 8

2006-07-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Had to move, so did not go for practice today.

Day 18

2006-07-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

went for the Wednesday training, could finally run to the field easier. Started on the strides today, now it feels like training :) Strides seemed simple, but are hard, not sure if I got the technique though, I was trying my best. Looking forward to Saturday run. This week ran only for 2 days, so may again go for 2 outer loops around the lake, or if found company, then on bruke-gilman trail.

Day 17

2006-07-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ran in the Grasslawns park with new shoes for 20 - 15 min. The run was ok, but I was very tired, either because of lack of sleep or because the new shoes are not good!

Day 16 Week 7

2006-07-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Saturdya carpool with Palani and Aparajita. We started running around the greenlake, I was undecided if I should go for 2 rounds, 6 miles or not, basically was trying to give myself reasons why and why I should not. Luckily first time I missed the meeting point and started on the second round without noticing :), that was some motivation, finally finished 2 rounds, last mile was as usual hard,