For the Mankers! - The Guapa Run

Another donation came in quickly from great friends and strong members of the AES running community - the Mankers. The future campers that will benefit from the Ty Taylor Memorial Campship thank you, as do I. More donations can be made at this link. Thanks in advance.

For this dedicated training run, I decided to run the route that Bernie and Laura have run more than any other - the four mile route that one or the other of them run several times a week with their dog, Guapa. I'll try not to gush on Bernie and Laura too much, but they have been big supporters of my running and have probably logged more miles with me than anyone else. Read any of my past posts and the likelihood is high that one of them was there with me. Here's one post I wrote about my bromance with Bernie as an example of my gushiness.

Just like the previous dedication, I wasn't sure what I'd write about as I took off, so I just opened my eyes and waited to see what would happen to me on this run. Living in India is a lot like living in the book To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street, by Dr. Seuss. Except, the crazy things that Marco would see here are actually here and not in his mind. Almost as an answer to my dare, it wasn't long before I saw my first cool thing. It was the President's Bodyguard. As Wikipedia reports, the President's Bodyguard is an Indian Army calvary regiment. Today they are still an active regiment, tasked with the job of protecting the President of India. In addition to those duties, the mounted horseback troops are a prominent part of ceremonies in New Delhi and elsewhere.

They are based within the Rashtrapati Bahvan, or the Presidential Palace. As it occupies a sizable piece of the real estate in our part of town, we often have to run around its walls. It's not uncommon to come across the troops as they exercise the horses.

I didn't take a picture that morning, but I have in the past. It also got me thinking of the crazy animals we've come across on our runs in Delhi. Here is a sampling for you to enjoy.

The rest of the route was sadly, predictable. No crazy gutter dog on Safdarjung Road, no elephants at the Ashok and no camels. What about you readers? What's the craziest thing you've ever been surprised by on a run?

RUN STATS

Distance: 4:16 miles

Duration: 31:12

For the Whites! - The Scott White 5 Miler, Of Course

Today's run is for the Whites. They've been great running buddies for a long time and I'm proud that they are helping me raise money to build the Ty Taylor Memorial Campship at YMCA Camp Miller. If you can help too, please click on the link and donate! You'll get a dedicated run write up on this blog along with my deepest thanks.

I was hoping that Scott would join me on this run, but the arrival of old friends to Delhi made my early morning wake up difficult and his nearly impossible.

The decision of a route was easy. The Scott White 5 Miler was an obvious choice. You can read all about the intricate naming process of this run here.

I decided to focus on Scott and the things I love about him as I ran. Here are some musings:

1. Scott is coming to Minnesota this summer to join me for the race! He'll be running the Bjorkund and staying at the house for the post-race celebration. Yay!
2. Scott loves to say things about how tough the runs we do are, but he always does them. He has become an absolutely tough runner!
3. He doesn't love street dogs.
4. He's a great friend, colleague and dad.

As I opened the door, I realized that it's going to be one of those years. There was almost no temperature difference from inside the house and outside. It was 81 degrees at 5am. I turned on my music to the playlist that I made for Sunday's half marathon and when I hit the road, the song "Dog Days are Over" by Florence and the Machine was playing. Smiling, I was reminded of Scott's dislike for street dogs and decided I would count the dogs I encountered on the run. Almost right away, there were three or four. 

The day's second focus became clear as I heard the announcement of my overall pace and the split for mile 2. My pace was a respectable 8:10. The second mile split was 8:11. On the heels of my too fast start on the half, or just about any race for that matter, I was determined to focus on paying as much attention to my pace as possible. I was going to try to hold my pace for the entirety of the run. 

After another four or five street dogs on my counter, I received split 3. It was 8:15. I was off the pace by only five seconds. Trying my best to simultaneously pay 100% attention to my legs, while also ignoring it in an effort to not over-think it, mile four had slipped past me. The over-thinking had caused me to speed up to an 8:00 mile. Aghast with my 15 second discrepancy, I carried on. The funny thing about that mile though, was that I could tell I was running slightly faster. The fifth and final full mile clocked in at 8:18. In an effort to balance my pace and offset the 8:00 minute mile, I ran my slowest mile of the morning.

For the final half mile of the so-called 5 Miler, I decided to replicate Scott's most famous move - The Scott Sprint. He claims he doesn't do it on purpose, but as he's complaining about the pace or the distance (while being fully able to do it, mind you), Scott ALWAYS speeds up for the final stretch home. This is almost always unpopular with those of us that are running with him.

It was also during this last half mile that I realized had counted 12 street dogs. As I was wondering if the unlucky 13th dog was lurking in a bush waiting to attack me, the song "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk came on. I knew I'd be safe.

Thanks for the donation Scott and Melissa! More importantly, thanks for being great friends and dedicated running buddies. You make my training much more bearable. 

RUN STATS

Distance: 5.49 miles

Duration: 44:22

Temperature: 81 degrees at 5:13 am

Soundtrack: An absolutely serendipitous playlist!

For Chico! The Markets 4 Miler

Dear Chico,

Thanks so much for the donation! It was a good kick in the pants to get out and get running after some frustrating sleepless nights. The recipients of the Ty Taylor Memorial Campship will have you to thank for their experience at YMCA Camp Miller. I know you love the outdoors, so I know that you realize how important it is to raise the money necessary to make this a yearly, recurring campship.  Tell you other dog buddies that they can donate too, and they'll get a dedicated run like yours! They can click here - http://www.ymcacampmiller.org/donate/ty-taylor-campship-endowment/

I trust you're having fun on your new running trails. Your owner did recently show this photo on his social media feed. It looks really nice.

I am a little curious though, about the blue sky and the grass. That must be quite a switch for you, no? Do you miss the dust? Coming across a squad of horses, or camels, or elephants? Is the pastoral European landscape too boring for you? I suppose it must be. I'll tell you all about the run I did on Friday, so you can relive the Delhi Experience.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the door was the heat. It's been cooler in the mornings, but Friday morning, there was almost no difference in the air temperature inside the house and out. I certainly wasn't wearing a fashionable red jumper. Shorts and a t-shirt for my run. The second thing I noticed was the darkness. Do you still run in the dark? I wanted to do a run for you that was evocative of the great old memories I had with your running partner, but our epic Washington DC route (check the archives!) seemed a bit out of the way.

As I headed out wondering what I'd write about, it became clear early. Dogs. I mean, you're a dog. It makes sense. Especially as my run basically began with dogs barking at me and cramping my style. This first dip at Mile 1 was the first dog I got a chance to explain your run to. He agrees with me that you're very generous.

The next exciting thing that happened was the complete lack of street lights on the flyover. Running into the glare of oncoming headlights made me glad that I was on the wide sidewalks of the NDMC area. 

It's puppy season here in Delhi, which is nice, because we runners can use them as a warning sign for overprotective mamas. The first litter was at Mile 1.7 just opposite of Begum Zaidi Market. This mama dog was like you, calm and collected. She didn't even bark. The next litter was at Mile 2.4 across from Basrurkar Market. Their mama was not as uninterested in me. In fact, she let everyone know that she was not happy about my cruising by. 

As I came back out on the Shanti (Hindi for peace, as you know) Path, I wryly observed a group of four men walking with canes (but not using them for walking) and the ubiquitous Delhi dog-whacking sticks. They were only steps behind a group of about 7-8 dogs. I chose the street for a hundred meters or so, passed the lot of them and hoped for a peaceful resolution.

The final stretch home was uneventful, except that I was able to negative split my last mile.

Thanks again for the donation, I appreciate it.

Love,

jason

PS. Tashi says, "Bark, bark, woof." I don't speak dog, so I hope that's not offensive.

RUN STATS

Distance: 4.04 miles

Duration: 31:17

Temperature: 73 degrees at 5:09am

Soundtrack: The Killers - Hot Fuss

For (Newly Retired) Uncle Joe - The Squirrel Run

When I got the email showing me that Sandy and Joe had donated to the Ty Taylor Campship fund - http://www.ymcacampmiller.org/donate/ty-taylor-campship-endowment/, and Sandy asked for a dedication to Joe's new retirement, I knew I had a run for him.

The Squirrel 5 Miler.

I figure old retired guys must spend a lot of time on the porch in their rocking chairs watching the squirrels, right? Or feeding them? Or rigging up electric perches to shock the hell out them when they try to get all of the birdseed from the feeder?

In any case, this run is for my Uncle Joe! If you'd like a dedicated run, donate to the cause and help kids go to camp in the name of a dear friend.

The run started just after 5am, with my frequent running partner, Scott. He normally prefers a different 5 miler, (The Scott W 5 Miler, his name for it, not mine) but he was willing to cooperate in the dedicated run with me. One interesting thing about Scott, is that he hates street dogs. A lot. Because, you know, rabies...It was only a short time into our run when the first ones appeared and may or may not have made a move toward him. The cursing began, primarily directed at the dogs, but also at me (under his breath).

His tolerance of my routes continued as I coaxed him onto the dark path that runs along a sewage canal storm drain (not too stinky today, btw). More dogs, more cursing, increased pace.

As we turned left to begin the squirrel's head (about 1.5 miles in), we noticed monkeys. "Monkeys on your right!" Scott yelled. I weaved left. "And on your left!" I screeched to a halt just as a steady stream of monkey urine poured out of the tree above me. I turned around fully expecting what I was about to hear. I conceded to Scott's (reasonable) insistence to skip that section. So, Uncle Joe, you get a squirrel with half a head (see below).

We stuck it out and continued to the second dark path along the same sewage canal storm drain. No dogs, but I did have to slam on the brakes again as I almost ran smack into a makeshift clothesline right at my eye-level. Whether Scott thought I was attacked by a dog, or urinated on by a monkey, I'm not sure. What is certain is that there was more cursing. And maybe some urine, but not from a monkey.

The rest of the run was uneventful. I'm hoping my Crip Road runs will be less exciting when I get back to the lake this summer to celebrate with my wonderful aunt and uncle. Thanks for the donation!

RUN STATS

Distance: 5.05 miles

Duration: 46:09

Temperature: 68 degrees at 5:58am

Soundtrack: Midnight Marauders-Tribe Called Quest (RIP Phife Dog)

For Ben!

In a day of intense donating, Ben's was the first one in. This run's for you Ben!

Like most runs lately, this one started bright and early. It seems like only a few weeks ago at 6am it was dark and cold. Turns out, that was in February. It was 52 degrees Fahrenheit and dark as night. Today it was bright as midday and a pleasant 78 degrees. Mind you, it was 6am.

Usual suspects Keir and Bernie were reporting for duty this morning, so I knew I was in for a fast one. We set out for a 5 miler on the Bus Depot 5 Miler route. It's not a special route, but it's one that hasn't been done in a while, so we headed out.

Ever in search of coverage (see below), I took a turn I don't normally take. Turns out, I've run that street.

Pictured: Every street I've run in Delhi

This run goes down a street that I've affectionately(?) named Poop Street. There are soooo many street dogs on this street, it's crazy. Most of them are pretty chilled out, but the first few were pretty barky. I attempted the Jedi Mind Trick - "We don't need to bark at them. Move on."

Spotting an open gate as we hit the roundabout at Netaji Nagar Market, instead of calling out my normal "going right" "going left," I was inspired by a bit of silliness. I suggested that Bernie head right, that Keir head left and that I would split the roundabout straight down the middle.

It was all fun and games until there was no gate on the opposite side of the roundabout and I almost caught my shorts climbing the fence! Luckily, decorum prevailed and I was able to get over the fence without losing my cool (or my pants).

The next segment of the run traded dogs for monkeys, but they weren't interested in us. A few uphill segments and we were on the home stretch. Another turn designed to add to my coverage yielded an unmarked, but probably pre-run street. Time to take my Sharpie to my map!

This run belongs to Ben!

I'm dedicating runs to raise money for a campship in memory of our friend Ty Taylor at YMCA Camp Miller. Click here or here to donate. Please make sure you choose the Ty Taylor Campship option. And please let me know if you've made a donation so I can thank you!

RUN STATS:

Distance - 4.99 miles

Time - 37:51

Soundtrack - Sharon Van Etten, Tramp

Oh-and also, this. What a great day

Since March of 2012. Not bad.

For Chico!

Today's run was for Chico Q, one of the most generous dogs I've ever known. Chico has supported every fundraising campaign that I've been a part of and I'm still not sure how he earns the money, but he's not afraid to spend it. If you want to be like Chico, click here to donate! This year the money is going to create a campship for needy kids in Minnesota.

Chico's run was a modified run of one his favorite old walks, the 4K Chico's Feet route. I added a bit to make it a 3 miler.

This run surprised me quite a bit. Now that my training has picked up, finding novel routes in the short distances is getting harder. This run didn't really take me on any new roads, but it put old roads together in a new way. It was also interesting how quickly you can get to three miles with lots of twists and turns. I left school and quickly made a turn up a small hill and turned back toward school. Back to school and then away again, skirting the Malcha Marg neighborhood, Chico's favorite haunt.

Apart from raising money, training for the marathon and exploring Delhi, I have another mission. I'm addicted to coverage. I want to try to run on as many of the roads on Google Maps as I can. I've done well, run on most of the roads near my house and discovered that many roads on Google Maps aren't actually there.

With that in mind, I added a small bit to Chico's 4K to explore and add some coverage. Turns out, the road that I wanted to run on isn't actually there. Another road myth busted.

The run itself wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be. I usually skip my Thursday runs because I play soccer on Wednesday nights. That, combined with a sleep schedule-experimenting toddler and Thursday is usually a sleep-in day. But, due to Chico's generosity, I couldn't skip the run. It was an easy 3 miler and it was fairly quick. I wasn't tired due to the fact that the boy slept through the entire night! Fingers crossed for more Thursday runs.

This run belongs to Chico! Thanks for helping out!

I'm dedicating runs to raise money for a campship in memory of my friend Ty Taylor at YMCA Camp Miller. Click here or here to donate. Please make sure you choose the Ty Taylor Campship option. And please let me know if you've made a donation so I can thank you!

RUN STATS:
Distance - 3.03 miles
Time - 23:07
Soundtrack - A wicked J-Dilla mixtape!  Smell the Da.I.S.Y: The De La Soul Mixtape! Sw-weet! Download it now before it disappears.