Running like my life depends on it!

Working out with Olympian Raman

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 04:51:00 +0000

Managed to get a "light" abdomen workout with Indian Table Tennis Olympian Raman S. of Indian Oil Corporation.

Inspiring to say the least.

Core work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 May 2013 18:53:00 +0000

Recently discovered that the single leg squat is a great predictor of hip strength and mobility.

It's a bummer - only goes to show how week my hips are. I suspect that's one of the reasons why my discs slipped in the first place.

My next goal is to be able to do 3 good single leg squats on each leg. Let's see how well that works out!

Until next time.

The Athleticism of Hrithik Roshan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 09:45:00 +0000

I managed to catch about 15 minutes of "Krish" on Cartoon Network today.

It so happened that Krish decided to show up in the 15 minutes that I watched. I had read an article about Hrithik Roshan's workout and was mighty impressed by his discipline and hard work as portrayed in that article. Pretty good one about his body building efforts and how he managed to get massive and lean.

However Krish made one thing clear. Hrithik is about as athletic as Kung fu Panda. He runs like a cow. And makes it so obvious that he is on a cable during the large leaping scenes that it would have been better if they had not erased his cable from the scene.

His running action breaks momentum so much that I am even surprised he moved forward. Keanu Reeves in Matrix is also like a duck but at least he was like an athletic duck. It's so disappointing to see well built guys move like they have never moved in their lives.

Just shows how much we idolise shape over actual mobility and agility. I wonder if our stars have ever run a mile in their lives.

Until next time.

Customizing my Android homescreen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:04:00 +0000

The equipment

H/W: Samsung Galaxy S2

Os: Rooted and running Slim ROM

The Apps

Go Launcher

Simple Calendar Widget

DGT GTD (Beta)

aCalendar

ToodleTask

Quick Event

Evernote

Digital Clock Widget from Maize labs

Wallpaper Changer from J4velin Development

PicSpeed Wallpaper

The setup

I use my Galaxy S2 for everything now. I hardly ever carry a laptop - in fact my laptop has turned into a desktop in my office. As a result I have an app for almost everything. This meant a crowded homescreen set up (With Go Launcher I had close to 6 screens and had no clue where anything was). So I decided to reorganize the home screen setup for some productivity.

My objectives were:

Im a big fan of "least clicks". Every app that I needed on a day-to-day basis had to be available to me within 2 clicks (not counting the unlock)
It had to look good - otherwise there is no way I'd use it. And I get bored easily

So I broke down my usage into the following activities:

Phone (Dial, Contacts, SMS)
Notes
Email
Calendar and Tasks manager
Browsing the Internet
Reaching some people almost every day
Other
Camera to post to facebook (will explain why this gets such importance)
Other generic fun and experimentation

The setup was as follows.

I used the GO launcher set with the default theme.

Default home screen

My main or default home screen had to have the most frequently used apps.

Bang front and center is time and date since that's the quickest and most basic reference that I use the phone for. (I dont wear a watch).

Next is my agenda for the day - again something I didnt want to be clicking a lot of buttons for.

Below that is my app and contact folders. First folder on the left is my "FUN" apps. These are apps that I use on an almost daily basis mostly for fun - like Youtube, Pocket, Facebook, Google+ etc.

Next are my "UTILITIES" apps. These are things I use in a professional or work context on an almost daily basis. They include things like Google talk, Maps, Business card scanner, etc.

Next two are my contact folders. The first one (3rd in the row) is my "NEAR" contacts - people I need to reach out to on an almost daily basis in a professional or work context. These are the people who inhabit my world in the various activities that I am involved in. They include my colleagues at work, vendors who I interact with daily and so on.

The last folder is my "DEAR" contacts. These would include my family and friends and that I am in touch with on a daily basis or near daily basis. Or even someone who I have to get in touch with in a hurry - but related to family.

The order is important. The folder I need to access the most is on the right. Im right handed so the fastest access folder is closest to the right edge - no need to stretch my thumb! ;)

The last row above the dock is the evernote widget which I use like a beast for notes to photos to whatever else.

Secondary screens

My two secondary screens are calendar and tasks. One I need to be able to see what's happening in the week and fix appointments if needed. With the tasks screen I need to be able to see what's immediately due and what I need to focus on at any given moment.

The calendar is a nifty app called aCalendar. I chose it because it seemed to be the only free app that had a week view widget and was also reasonably good looking. I wasn't happy that it needed the entire screen to be legible - but that kind of forced me to be choosy about what other widgets I needed. (found out I didn't need any more)

For the tasks screen I'm using a widget from DGT GTD. This was the only app that synced with toodledo and was free. Of course - note of caution - it is in Beta.

I've got two widgets - one for my short term goals and one for my tasks of the day. This keeps me centered on what I need to do at any given point in time.

Finally the docks

The default dock is the default from the GO launcher theme. Contains my dialer, contacts, app drawer, sms and browser - all buttons have been redirected to non-default apps for the same function.

The dock on the left contains

Mail
Calendar
Facebook camera
Toodletask - an app to quick add a task to toodledo
Quick Event - an app to quick add an event in Google style - Meeting with John tomorrow at 4pm, etc.

Calendar is aCalendar - it has an awesome week view and really intuitive navigation between week, day and month views.

Facebook camera is in this dock for the simple reason that I can click a picture and send to facebook instantly. This is especially useful when you are not the host and you just came across a moment worth sharing. I cant be bothered clicking the pics, sorting through the gallery later and then posting them to FB. This way its all done in 3 - 4 clicks.

Toodletask is a really small and really functional app. All it does is present a text entry. Anything you enter there goes into your Toodledo list. So its a universal inbox tool like it is recommended in GTD. (Icon customized)

Quick Event enables a really fast calendar entry because it does something very similar to ToodleTask - but for a Google Calendar. That means I can enter simple english and the app translates it appropriately into Googlese. (Icon customized)

The right dock is my fast contacts dock. It contains my most frequently called contacts. Its in the dock so I don't have to open my contacts folder. I call these people several times a day.

Other customizations

I have PicSpeed wall paper gallery to download the most amazing wall papers. The great thing about this app is that it categorizes wallpapers based on color - among many other ways. This is particularly cool because I can choose light or dark colored wall papers and still ensure that the widgets on the home screen are legible by choosing the contrast color for them.

Ive installed Wallpaper changer so my wall paper changes every 15 minute alway giving me a fresh look every time I look at it. When I have time to kill I keep downloading more wall papers so the variety keeps increasing.

I could add a couple of more "fun" widgets like weather or facebook either on the home screen or on a 4th homescreen. But I didnt find it a great value addition. I live in Chennai and the weather doesnt change much. I am not someone who needs to get my Facebook or Google+ fix intravenously. So its doesnt need to be on a home screen.

So thats it. That's how I customized my android home screen and find that the Samsung Galaxy S2 totally rocks.

Until next time.

Bloatware and the Samsung Galaxy S2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:20:00 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is a fantastic phone. But the Bloatware that comes with it from Samsung totally ruins it. I am not sure what the business justification of literally killing the phone is.

With the original configuration the S2 did not last more than half a day on a full battery charge. And I am an aggressive user in any case.

I recently rooted the phone and flashed the Siyah kernel and Resurrection Remix ROM on to it. The charge now lasts close to 24 hours. That's with my usage. I'm sure it will last more with less aggressive usage.
Kudos to android for being so flexible.

Why Android knocks the socks off the Ipad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:30:00 +0000

1. Syncing with Google contacts

My android phone was setup with my Google contacts in less time than it took for me to enter my username and password. I know that sounds illogical. But my contacts had downloaded to my phone book from Google contacts by the time I configured my email and switched to the phone book. And I have about 2000 contacts.

2. Multiple Google accounts and multiple calendars

I do agree that being from the same stable Android has a distinctive advantage. But damn it works well.

3. Widgets, widgets, widgets

Homescreen widgets make the Android a true personal digital assistant. I've got my calendar in one screen, calls and messages in one, entertainment on one and shortcuts on one. Ipad? Sorry not available!

4. 3rd party keyboards

Typing on the Ipad sucks big time. The smooth screen makes it impossible to type three words in a row right.

On my S2, I started with Swype which is a mind blowing experience the first time you use it. For a while I was convinced I could actually take notes with my phone. Then I discovered SwiftKey. Now that's an application made on a different planet. I actually am taking notes on my phone and in fact typing this post using my phone. Something I would not have even thought of doing with my iPad. And guess what iPad doesn't allow 3rd party keyboards!

5. Flash

This is pretty much known already. You can't beat a device that plays flash with one that doesn't.

In short very happy that I have shifted to android. Go Android!

Until next time.

Todays excuse for not running

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 02:16:00 +0000

No cap, No car!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Things you need to stick to running

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:44:00 +0000

These work for me. May not be everyone's idea of motivation.

1. Good music

I have some really peppy trance I downloaded on my phone. I have a shitty Bluetooth headset from Nokia that is stereo and wireless yet is refusing to get charged. Sounds good, stays out of the way - but doesn't work always.

2. Good pair of shoes

Time to change mine.

3. Good place to run / route

Back to running at Chepauk.

4. Training plan

Putting one together.

5. Good, easy to use tracker.

I am using sparkpeople.com. By far the best tracking system I've seen. Tracks training and food on the iPad.

6. A stop watch

That's it.

Music I would think rates the highest in keeping me running.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

4 sessions in Kodaikanal and an almost 10k in Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:07:00 +0000

Did a near 10k this morning. Dimensions to Marina and back. Looks like the running in Kodaikanal helped. My knee didn't give any trouble though it still feels like there is a lump in there somewhere. Hopefully it's just a tight quad and it will pass with some more running.

Getting some new music. So am hoping the running will continue!

Till next time.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Running at Anna University

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:17:00 +0000

Did a hard conditioning work out yesterday.

2miles in 18 mins warm up
20mins running ABCs/sprint drills
3x10m start
3x20m drive
3x50m start+drive+accelerate

The third rep of the 50m killed me.

Ended with a slow 1200m jog and light stretching

Today was a long run day. Did 20 laps (8 km) very slow - 1 hour with 1 lap walk for every 2 jogged after the first 12.

Need to write out a plan now though to sustain.

Until next time!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Good music + Focus = 4 miles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 May 2011 01:54:00 +0000

4 miles at sub 10mins per mile. Managed to run 16 laps at Anna University in 39 mins. Last mile was a bummer - got a twinge running up on the left side of lower back on the 15th lap.

Went in at 6 AM. Had to be up at 0345 to make it that early. But it was quite a good change. Next step is to get a good pair of shoes and a Garmin.

Back holding up.

Until next time.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Motivation is a bth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 05:13:00 +0000

It's hard to stay motivated without a goal. It's hard to define a goal when there is no desire for an outcome.

Did a fairly intense 8x60m sprint workout last week. But am not being consistent.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Super customer service!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:47:00 +0000

I got an Airtel 3G sim for my iPad and had it cut down to microSIM size at one of the shops at Fountain Plaza. Biggest mistake. It wasn't cut right and the damn thing jammed the sim tray and it wouldn't come out.

So I took it to the apple service centre -which luckily happened to be 2 minutes from home.

The guy there took one look at, tried to pop the tray out and filled in a job sheet. 3 days later I have a new iPad!

Wow...

That's customer service. No question of trying to repair it.

I am turning into an Apple fanboy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The iPad lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:51:00 +0000

Been using the ipad for a while now. The experience has been nothing less than spectacular. Wonder how long it will last.

Here's what I use it for:

1. Reading, reading, reading
2. Email
3. Facebook, twitter, and all that jazz - most likely the first thing to drop off my list things I do with my iPad.

Have jus started to blog with it. I do other random stuff like tracking my workouts, goals etc. But it's not very efficient at that.

Wonder if I should consider an ipad2...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Chennai

Eating 80% at every meal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 01:33:00 +0000

I have not been able to regularly work out since I hurt my back last year. The obvious result of this of course has been 4 kilos of fat in all the wrong places. I have resumed working out mid Jan this year. For a while I struggled with different work outs - primarly lost the habit of getting to the gym. Work outs were not enjoyable, appetite was not good - I wouldnt want to eat - but would eat anyway. Before and after a meal didnt feel any different in terms of satiation - just discomfort.

So I made a couple of changes:-

First was to make it a habit to get up at 5 AM everyday. I used to do it before hurting my back. But after I couldn't even walk, I used to sleep later and awake even later - sometimes as late as 9 AM. So making the change to 5 AM was a task - but that was the only thing I focussed on. Not really worrying about working out or anything else. Just waking up at 5 AM. Been doing it consistently for the last 3 weeks now.

Since I have been waking up so early, I have been able to fit in 3 -4 workouts a week now. That is making a big difference to my timing and my appetite. I feel hungry on the clock and when I finish eating I feel sated and not uncomfortable. For the last 2 weeks though I have also got into the habit of eating only 80% at every meal. Basically its just a case of being conscious of what I am eating and stopping when I feel just about to become full.

My weight has dropped from 76.5 to 74.5. Lets see if I can hit my current goal of sub-74 - I think I will.

Until next time.

Returning to running and blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:58:00 +0000

My last attempt at making an entry in this blog was on October 21, 2010 - about a month after a microdiscectomy for my L4-L5 disc. I find that its still in draft and incomplete. So this attempt is simply going to be a quick one to break the cycle.

I've been trying to get out of the pre-surgery routine of lots of TV, daily junk food and late awakening. It looks like the extruded disc that I had did more than hurt my back. The psychological impact has been significant. My best habits of getting out of bed early, eating well, staying fit, etc. have all been shot to death.

I am trying to build that base of good habits again. For the last several weeks now, I have been able to more or less consistently wake up at o500 every morning. I am also eating much less junk and there is a less of a tendency to swig at parties or evenings out.

Been reading Robin Sharma and interestingly the first thing he talks about in his book "The Leader who had no title" is about the daily habits of leaders. Ha - someday I'll be a leader without a title as well! (Of course, I think the best way to become a leader without a title is to start with one. Somebody somewhere will likely knock you down and strip it off you - so maybe I'll go and buy one)

Been doing a bit of running now - not jogging much - walking up to Pachaiyappa's and doing 60m strides. Sprinting is still way in the future it looks like. Need to get into some serious weight training before I can do that. Found that put on a track suit between sets on benchpress really helps. Can stay warm and definitely flexible.

Fixing the hack and 2 game changers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:06:00 +0000

Had a rough time finding out how to stop my blog being hacked. Figured out that my blog was configured to receive updates via email. Looks like a virus of some sort has picked up my blogs' email addresses and was mailing them. So after hemming and hawing for several days and threatening complaints to Google (just a generic threat - didn't know who to blame anyway), I decided to disable the email accounts. So far nothing has happened since then. So I think I solved the problem.

Since I am not running because of my back (which I happen to throw out again!), I thought I might as well talk about a couple of game changers. A game changer is a technology or fad that will fundamentally alter an industry or commonly prevalent paradigm - maybe even kill some paradigms. I am now officially hooked to two solid applications that I believe will change the way we work.

The first is something called FeedJournal (www.feedjournal.com). Its a kind of blog syndicater that combines various blogs into a single newspaper like interface. Personally, I read a lot - and I cant always read from a computer screen. FeedJournal is such a life saver that once a week I can print out all the posts from all the blogs that I read and I have a custom magazine with only the articles that I like. I believe this is a game changer because it could potentially change the concept of a magazine over the next 10 years or so. Imagine a world where you didn't have a traditional magazine like Time or Newsweek. Just authors whose feeds go into various custom magazines.

The second is something that could have a much faster acceptance cycle than FeedJournal. I recently saw a presentation for Google Wave and was blown away. Wrangled an invitation right away and was as impressed using it as I was seeing the demo. GW's paradigm is that a Wave is like a thread that you start and share with whoever you want. All those you share with can modify or reply to your wave. Modification is particularly useful if you are collaborating on something - like say a report or a plan. Replying is useful when you are trying to get consensus on something (this is not so cool - since email already does this)

The modification feature is really something to rave about. We use it in my company for our status meetings. So I create a status wave and invite my team to the wave. Each one is tasked with updating their part of the wave. Where it gets really cool is that they can simultaneously update the wave. Think of it as a "merge" in real time - for those who are familiar with merging code.

In real time, each member of the wave can see the other updating his or her section as it is being done. So you can react right away to posts by others and get your plans in sync. For the first time, one-hour status meetings actually finish in one hour as opposed to the several hours it used to take.

Right now I'm not too clear how Google is positioning Wave. But positioned right, I believe Wave will change the way we think about collaboration and so qualifies as a game changer in my mind.

Well until I start running/sporting again, expect a lot of non-running posts from me.

Until next time.

Hacks and race walking

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:07:00 +0000

Looks like my blogger account was hacked! So posts extolling the virtues of strange sounding drugs. Rest assured I am not selling them! Thanks to George for pointing it out for me.

In the meantime, my disc prolapse is really killing me. So I have started race-walking. Check out the entry in Wikipedia for what race-walking is.

I can tell you, even though it looks funny, its no where near funny. I have been doing my 200m and 400m repeats while race-walking. What it did do on the first day was chafe my inner thighs pretty badly.

Another thing it did was introduce me to calf muscle torture. Not sure whether thats because of walking or because Im so unfit. Either way started a slow job today. Hopefully my back will sort itself out and I can lose the 3 extra inches on my stomach sometime soon. (Can't seem to lose the extra beers and whiskies though)

Until next time.

Walking on jelly

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Did a killer work out yesterday.

800m warmup
400m at 13kmph
200m at 5 kmph
400m at 14kmph
200m at 5 kmph
400m at 15kmph
200m at 5 kmph
400m at 16kmph
200m at 5 kmph
400m at 17kmph
200m at 5 kmph
400m at 18kmph
400m walk to stop.

2 x 15 reps hang cleans
2 x 15 reps push-jerk
2 X 20 reps alternating lunges
2 x 10 reps squat jumps

Whole thing took about 1 hr 15 minutes. My legs had turned to jelly (and remained jelly like for the rest of the day). The 400m repeats have got to the be the hardest workout I have done. I loved it.

Until next time.

Motivation and how to give up.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:52:00 +0000

Been struggling with motivation issues since my Chicken Pox episode and since my annual event ended.

Started playing a little shuttle this last week. Its been good. The workout itself is not that hard. I remember when I started playing squash, it took me a month to figure out how to play it and I got a hell of a work out during that time. As I got better at it, the workout became less and less strenuous. I thought I was getting better at the game.

Actually, I was getting better at figuring out which ball I could take and which I could give up on even without trying. I realized this when I found that I was getting beaten by the same guy with the same or marginally different scores.

The same thing is happening in Shuttle, only faster. Wow - the knowledge of my body is increasing rapidly. In one week, I am able to figure out all the various ways in which I can give up. Picking up some cool expertise!

Until next time.

Elizabeth Vasanthakumari, Golds and Silver, Rome - Big update!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:01:00 +0000

I've decided to keep my posts short and quick. Just like my running. Now realized that short and quick is a life truth.

Anyway, first off did some pretty interesting running in Rome. Not much - just enough to keep me warmed up. The most interesting aspect of Rome, from a running perspective, was meeting Elizabeth Vasanthakumari. She was part of the 1984 SAF Games Gold medal winning 4x400 team along with P.T. Usha. For having been one of the fastest runners of her time, Elizabeth is extremely humble. Just goes to show that greatness doesn't get into everyone's heads.

Well I came back from Rome, and literally hit the ground running. The evening of the day I landed in Madras, I went to JN stadium for my yearly meet. The rest seemed to have helped. I won golds in 100, 200 and 400. Silver in the 4x100 relay - my team was a little washed out from multiple events. I ran pretty strong. Even the 400 - my favorite event - was a class act. Just goes to show good training can make a duck run.

Anyway, after that event, it was finally time for rest. I took several weeks off. Simply going to the gym and doing some light weights. Not so much for a work out but simply out of habit. It was strangely unsatisfactory. I think it was a case of remorse that my event was now over.

Anyway, I walked into Chicken Pox and that ensured that I was in bed for two weeks. Now its been 5 weeks since I was diagnosed - approximately 3 after I was certified as fully recovered. Just started running again. Managed to do a full 30 minutes yesterday.

Now that thats out of the way, I'll try to post shorter more regular posts.

Until next time.

Getting set for the 100!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:06:00 +0000

The last few weeks have been about getting set for my annual athletic meet on the 21st of June.

Been doing a lot of 40m - 120m repeats and some weight training. Feeling fairly fit. But Im not sure my endurance is where it should be. I feel a lot leaner and feel a little tired. But I expect that should go with the one week rest that begins on Saturday. I will be in Rome for that week but there's going to be no running. A lot of walking but no running whatso ever. So that should bring some life back into my legs.

I bought a new pair of spikes this morning. The previous pair that I had bought thinking I will use it during the meet in December is worn out already. The nails are ground down - almost like football studs and the soul is splitting.

A little concerned that I will have had no experience running with my new pair. But I'll have to wing it. I'll get in one session tomorrow and that has to be enough - not much choice.

So the next post is likely after the event. If I get beaten, I wont post for 6 months until every one forgets that I write a blog and then write as if the meet didnt happen.

Until then.

Getting Addicted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Posting after a long time because I was eye-deep in work for a bit. Also my work outs have been fairly irregular and inconsistent. May be that's a good thing.

Had a couple of interesting workouts in the last 4 weeks.

One was a parkour course - very beginner - that I went through at Zest Pondicherry. Btw, I highle recommend AGAINST Zest Pondicherry. There was a rat in my room - sitting in our suitcase actually - when we returned from the swimming pool that didnt have the filters running with about 50 people in the pool. Very miserable experience. I couldn't resist that plug because I was most disappointed by that resort and the way they handled the whole mess.

Back to parkour. (Parkour is free running - Akshay Khanna does that in one of the Thums Up ads).

Check out this video on Youtube

So they have this parkour course with about 19 odd stations. They have a path marked by display stones. Each stone shows an exercise and number of repetitions. You have to move (walk or run) from one station to the next completing each of the exercises. Exercises start with simple stretching and go on to more advanced one such as hanging from Roman Rings and twisting your body in circles. (Hard to describe - easier to do and show)

Some movements were tricky. For instance, there is a single horizontal bar set at about 2.5 feet at one end and rising to about 3.5 ft at the other end. You are required to hold the bar, jump over it with straight legs and twist underneath it to return to starting position. 15 reps. It was somewhat nasty.

Took me about 14 minutes to complete the course. Not sure if I did all the exercises correctly. But it couldn’t have been much harder. Over all it wasn’t a great experience but worth writing about.

Since then work again had been keeping me off the work out scene till last week. Ok, not just work. A few important parties - social obligations as they are called. Lots of liquor and unhealthy food. Very dark period of my life.

I've had about 3 sessions of intense circuits in the last couple of weeks. Mostly running 400m, 10 pullups, 10 shoulder presses, repeat 5 times kind of circuits.

Yesterday's WOD from www.crossfit.com was brutal.

21 Sumo Deadlift High pull
21 Dips
Repeat 5 times for time.

Took me 37 minutes and destroyed my upper back and deltoids. I'm sitting like an ugly insect while I type this. Fortunately today is a rest day. Going to be very aggressive in the gym tomorrow.

My diet has changed quite a bit. (Except for the 4 dark weeks)

0630 - Wake up - Protein drink - Sci-Mx Whey Protein.
0900 - Breakfast - 6 egg whites and two slices of toast with Jam
1230 - Lunch - Brown rice, Sambar/Rasam and vegetables. 1600hrs
1600 - Snack - Protein drink -
1800 - Dinner - Chicken or Fish Salad
2100 - Movie snack - large bowl of ice cream or a bucket of chocolate - my great regret in life

Much leaner now. But body fat percentage stubbornly stays at 16%. I will get my six-pack eventually - or die trying!

So will post again - hopeful soon.

Until next time.

Is every city in India better than Chennai for running?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:08:00 +0000

I spent the last week at Hyderabad and Vizag. In Hyderabad we were in the Hitec City area. Since it was a Christmas holiday the dominant theme of the holiday was alcohol. So running was not really something I focused on much. But I did get out to run two evenings - once I ran through Hitex - an exhibition area and once just outside the place I was staying in.

What struck me the most were that the streets were so clean and well paved. Maybe because this area is so far out that regular Indians don't live there. Most of the people who live there are sofware types who have travelled abroad and have been confused by the way things are done elsewhere. These people think that garbage has to be put INSIDE garbage bins. I'm sure they will soon realise that that is not the Indian way and garbage needs to AROUND garbage bins.

The roads are also clean and brightly lit. Probably because the roads are less than a couple of years old.

Anyway the running was light and easy. Couldnt do much. Hmmm - wonder if the three quarter bottle of whisky inside me had anything to do with it.

Until next time.

Working hard and the right way to tie Shoelaces!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:17:00 +0000

Been working a lot these last couple of weeks. The prospect of the recession is creating a sense of fear and urgency. So I've been focussing a lot on my company's ability to execute and deliver on what I think are our priorities these last couple of weeks.

As a result my running has taken a bit of a back seat. The last I ran (before today) was last Sunday when I ran with Chennai Runners. Did a slow 11K. Went from the usual starting place - Dimensions Gym - to Besant Nagar Beach. At the beach I did 24 pull ups and 24 dips in sets of 8. Came back to Dimensions.

It has been such a long time since I ran long and slow that certain unmentionable parts of my body were hurting on the drive back. Following that I resolved to really get back into running again. But 'tis the season to be jolly. So a lot of alcohol was moved around and processed this week.

Managed to get out this morning and go to the MCC. Hammerred out a really fast 4 laps - a tad more than a mile. Felt really powerful. I think sprinting has taken my running to another level altogether. Though stamina wise I think I need to throw in a couple of long runs each week. But in terms of just plain running action and feel, I find I'm running a lot more on the balls of the feet rather than heel-toe. And the quads and glutes are responding with a powerful kick.

So it all looks good for now. Planning to run again tomorrow morning with Chennai Runners. Probably do the same 11k route.

Found an interesting article on Runner's World about the right way to tie shoelaces. Didnt even know there was such a thing.

Long article but well worth reading and learning!

Until next time

Running like my life depends on it!

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Core work

The Athleticism of Hrithik Roshan

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Bloatware and the Samsung Galaxy S2

Why Android knocks the socks off the Ipad

Todays excuse for not running

Things you need to stick to running

4 sessions in Kodaikanal and an almost 10k in Chennai

Running at Anna University

Good music + Focus = 4 miles

Motivation is a b*t*h

Super customer service!

The iPad lifestyle

Eating 80% at every meal

Returning to running and blogging

Fixing the hack and 2 game changers

Hacks and race walking

Walking on jelly

Motivation and how to give up.

Elizabeth Vasanthakumari, Golds and Silver, Rome - Big update!

Getting set for the 100!

Getting Addicted

Is every city in India better than Chennai for running?

Working hard and the right way to tie Shoelaces!

Motivation is a bth