Running on treadmill​

I started the week with a resolve to run 10km in one session. I ended up doing 30km run in 5 sessions. I feel super happy about it considering it has been my first week of running in 2023. I can feel that I have built stamina, thanks to swimming.

Running on treadmill is different and harsh on the knees. But in the heat of Jaipur, it is the best bet unless you are running at 5 am each day.

30km running​

I ended up running the following:

Sunday 16th April 2023 - 5 km in 34:28 Monday 17th April 2023 - 5 km in 34:01 Tuesday 18th April 2023 - 5 km in 34:52 Wednesday 19th April 2023 - 10 km in 71:48 Thursday 20th April 2023 - 5 km in 29:23

I am glad that I took the weekly pass and ended up initiating a new exercise. I hope to have atleast a few more weeks like this in 2023.

Maxi boy​

Max, is our niece and is exactly ~ 6 years old male labrador. He is our first dog and has been raised primarily by mom and dad. As a pup, he would enthusiastically fetch a tennis ball, tirelessly running back and forth, tail wagging. Labradors are also known for their gentle and patient nature, making them perfect companions for children and senior citizens.

Max is intelligent and at times manipulative to get us to do what he wants. He has been a part of our family and our neighborhood. The kids like him and he loves them back. He greets me with the same enthusiasm even after months.

Growing up​

In the last 2 years, he has grown up, occupied in his routine and set in his ways. He enjoys lazying around and spending time in the garden. Today evening, I caught him enjoying the sunset, lying down and barely turning his head to give a nod acknowledging my presence. He has always been gracious and elegant, fearless and caring. It is indeed impressive to see him live life in the moment, doing things that he wants and caring for those he is around.

Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.​

Jhalana Leopard safari​

Location: Google Maps

It was my fourth visit to Jhalana Leopard Safari and it has always been exhilarating. To add, the safari is 2 km away from our house in Jaipur. In the middle of the Aravalis and the jungle, Jhalana Leopard Safari is a must visit and you can book following the steps here.

Aravali hills​

Embarking on a leopard safari in Jaipur is a thrilling adventure that promises an up-close encounter with these elusive and majestic big cats. Set against the backdrop of Rajasthan's rugged Aravali hills, the safari takes you through pristine wilderness and dense forests where leopards roam freely. As you navigate the winding trails in an open-top jeep, guided by expert naturalists, you hold your breath in anticipation, eagerly scanning the trees and rocky outcrops for any sign of movement. The adrenaline rush peaks when you spot a leopard stealthily stalking its prey or basking in the golden rays of the setting sun. The sheer beauty and grace of these elusive felines in their natural habitat leave you in awe, as you witness their untamed world up close. With each passing moment, you realize that this leopard safari in Jaipur is a great experience that you will want to relive soon.

Safari Videos​

Start of the week​

At the start of the week, I had set a target of completing a 10km run on treadmill. I was had locked in three things in advance:

1. Completing the 10km run without stopping.
2. Focusing on my running posture and form.
3. Stretching and cool down after the run.

Observations from 10km run today:

• I completed 5km for three consecutive days. These 5km runs were out of the blue for my body i.e. I did not run at all in the last 6 months.
• The mind plays tricks especially around some muscles feeling tired. It is very important to push through and not let the mind trick you into stopping.
• Slow pace is much better than stopping completely, even if it is for a few seconds.
• Stretching the whole body for 10-15 minutes is a must after a new activity for the muscles i.e. running after long.

On a goal setting methodology:

• I feel super happy that I slugged through running even though I wanted to stop probably 4 times in the 10km run.
• I feel closer to be able to complete a half marathon i.e. 21 km in a few months without risking injury.

18 month old​

Idika Parashar, nicknamed Oshee, is my niece and is exactly 1.5 years old today. We stepped out for a family dinner to Fort Jaipur.

The anticipation and excitement of planning a birthday party, selecting a theme, and choosing gifts for the little one is palpable for the family. While she is too young right now to eat most foods at an Indian restaurant, we enjoyed a lot of greasy food and cake while she enjoyed a bowl of jeera rice. Awaiting the upcoming years to visit her favorite restaurants in the coming years as she builds her taste buds. Happy 18 month birthday Oshee!

Story updates​

In this visit to Jaipur, I got connected to several friends and acquaintances due to the habit of posting swimming or exercise stories on Instagram and Whatsapp.

I have not been active on Social Media for year, possibly because of the need of perfection. Since February 2023, I consistently post about my swim in the morning. It is a part of my goal to swim 500 km in 2023 and posting has helped me connect with like-minded friends.

Consistency​

As with most things in life, consistency is key. And I have been consistent in posting the story updates for the last 60 days.

Today, I met two of my acquaintances due to the stories updates. The initial conversation was almost identical - you are already in Jaipur and you did not make a plan to catch up in advance. I saw your story, let's catchup.

Stories were introduced by Instagram in August 2016. They are powerful and consumed by a lot of people. Most people end up consuming content on Social Media, it is quite powerful when you share life updates via Stories. It is a great way to connect with like minded people.

Running after long​

I have been able to enjoy running as much as swimming. In other words, it does not come as naturally to me. While in Jaipur this week, I decided to take a weekly pass from Quantum Fitness.

Observations from 5km run today:

• I breathe more frequently from mouth than nose. Possibly a reflex from regular swimming.
• My quadriceps muscles need to be strengthened further.
• As a new activity, I need to be consistent for a month and then review it later.

Consistent hair dresser​

I am sticky with my hair dressers. I get my hair cut from Rajesh at Style & Scissors Jaipur and Kuldeep at Looks Salon Gurgaon. While they are good hair dressers, my inclination towards not getting hair cut from them is more about me than them.

Hair cut small talk​

I got my hair cut toward from Rajesh in Jaipur. I had come to him probably after 6 months. We tend to small talk as friends, albeit he must be 15 years older than me. I asked him how have you been and he responded that things are better now. He was visibly weaker with muscle loss, looked tired and had a prominent paunch.

Asking further, I asked him what happened? and he told me that his wife was detected with cancer in November 2022. She has been undergoing the treatment in SMS Hospital and is responding fine to the treatment. He also added that Bhaiya, jab family ka koi member aise beemar hota hai toh poori family beemar ho jati hai. It is true and it did hit hard, only those undergoing through the pain can understand it.

We all have finite life and time. It is important that we cherish, live and enjoy life with people we love. May the almighty be kind on all. So is life.

We can learn a lot from kids​

Idika Parashar, nicknamed Oshee, is my niece and is around 1.5 years old now. She lives in Dubai and is a happy kid. It is always a delight when she comes and kids in general are brilliant. Spending even as little as 10 minutes with a kid improves your mood, happiness and reduces stress.

Incidents with devices​

Incidents and accidents happen with devices all the time. Some days the phone slips from my hand or earphones fall out of pocket or I spill water on the laptops. Such incidents are mostly avoidable and are upsetting in nature. Sometimes they cost time and money, sometimes I get lucky.

Airpods in black coffee​

Today afternoon, I grabbed a black coffee from the office vending machine and kept it lid open on my desk. I was looking at my screen and picked up the right airpod. I was going to listen to some music. Next thing I know, it slipped out of my hand and feel right into the cup of hot coffee straight out of the vending machine.

Coffee is best served at a temperature between 155ºF and 175ºF (70ºC to 80ºC). Coffee straight out of machine is usually around 95ºC. It took me a couple of seconds to realize what had happened. I flinched, and thought of my next move. In another couple of seconds, I rushed to the nearest sink to take the airpod out. While throwing away the coffee, I could see the steam from it. Along with the steam, my hope of the airpod surviving were evaporating.

I had the airpod in my hand and I curbed my reflex to wash it with water. Wrapping it in a paper tower, I checked for any residual coffee. Wiped fully, I went back to my desk. It was the moment of truth, and to my delight, they were still working.

Companies and trust​

Incidents like these build trust in a brand and company. It influences future decisions and since it is personal, it will be registered in my memory. The next I am in the market for earphones, Apple already has an edge, thanks to this incident.