Week 34 (August 14 – August 20) – MJ’s Running in 2022

Welcome to the thirty fourth week of running for the year 2022.

During the week of August 14-20, I had to take a break from running and did not have the opportunity to log any miles. It was disappointing not to be able to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement, but sometimes rest and recovery are necessary for our bodies to perform at their best.

Throughout the week, I focused on listening to my body and addressing any signs of fatigue or discomfort. It’s important to prioritize our overall well-being and understand that rest is an essential part of any training regimen.

Although I missed the exhilaration of a good run and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it, I made sure to stay active in other ways. I engaged in light exercises, stretching, and yoga to maintain my flexibility and keep my body active.

While taking a break from running, I also took the opportunity to reflect on my goals and reevaluate my training plan. I used this downtime to set new targets, plan future workouts, and strategize how I could come back stronger and more motivated.

As much as I missed the physical activity and the endorphin rush that running provides, I recognized that rest and recovery are vital for long-term success and injury prevention. Sometimes, the most challenging part of the journey is knowing when to pause and allow our bodies to recharge.

I look forward to getting back on track with my running routine in the coming weeks, feeling refreshed and ready to conquer new distances and achieve new personal records.

See you next week!

April 22, 2019 – Minu Tai’s Reception, Gwalior, MP, India

On April 22, 2019, the enchanting city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India, played host to the joyous wedding reception of Minu Tai and Saurabh. The grand celebration was a beautiful fusion of love, tradition, and cultural splendor, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

The venue was meticulously adorned with vibrant flowers, glittering lights, and intricate decorations, creating an ambiance of elegance and grandeur. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of delectable Indian delicacies that tempted the taste buds of the guests.

Minu Tai, resplendent in her stunning bridal attire, exuded grace and radiance as she welcomed guests with a warm smile and embraced them in loving embraces. Saurabh, the groom, stood tall and dapper, his eyes filled with adoration for his new bride.

The reception was a mesmerizing affair, complete with captivating dance performances, traditional rituals, and heartfelt speeches. Family and friends from near and far joined in the festivities, their happiness contagious and their spirits high.

The night sky was illuminated by a breathtaking display of fireworks, symbolizing the love and happiness that Minu Tai and Saurabh’s union brought to their lives and to all those around them. As the celebration drew to a close, the newlyweds took center stage for their first dance as husband and wife, a magical moment that encapsulated their commitment and unity.

The wedding reception of Minu Tai and Saurabh in Gwalior, MP, India, was a remarkable event that left an indelible mark on the memories of everyone present. It was a celebration of love, tradition, and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. As the night concluded, the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and the promise of a bright future for the newly married couple.

Next stop: Bangalore, KA, India

Week 33 (August 07 – August 13) – MJ’s Running in 2022

Welcome to the thirty third week of running for the year 2022.

During the week of August 07-13, my running journey continued with determination and a focus on improving my pace and endurance. I pushed myself to cover varying distances and challenged my limits to achieve my goals.

On August 07, I embarked on a 4.3-mile run, aiming to maintain a consistent pace. I completed the distance in exactly 1 hour, with an average pace of 13 minutes and 48 seconds per mile. It was a satisfying run, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as I pushed through each mile.

Two days later, on August 09, I decided to focus on increasing my speed. I set out for a 3.1-mile run and managed to finish it in an impressive 35 minutes and 54 seconds, averaging 11 minutes and 33 seconds per mile. It was a thrilling run, and I could feel the progress I was making in terms of my pace and overall fitness.

On August 12, I tackled another 3.1-mile run, this time aiming to maintain a steady pace throughout. Although I didn’t achieve my desired pace, I completed the distance in 1 hour, 39 minutes, and 57 seconds, with an average pace of 12 minutes and 52 seconds per mile. It was a challenging run, but I reminded myself that every run is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Throughout the week, I felt a sense of growth and progress in my running journey. I challenged myself to push harder, whether it was maintaining a consistent pace or striving for faster times. Each run was a chance to prove to myself that I was capable of achieving my goals and pushing beyond my perceived limits.

As the week concluded, I reflected on my accomplishments and set new targets for the upcoming weeks. I was determined to continue working on my speed, endurance, and overall fitness. The week of August 07-13 was a reminder of the rewards that come with dedication, perseverance, and a love for running.

To summarize, I ran 10.5 miles in 3 hours 15 minutes and so far, I have covered 264.5 miles for the year.

See you next week!

Week 32 (July 31 – August 06) – MJ’s Running in 2022

Welcome to the thirty second week of running for the year 2022.

During the week of July 31 to August 6, my running journey continued with determination and commitment. I pushed myself to cover various distances and challenged my pace to see improvements in my performance.

On August 3, I embarked on a 3.1-mile run, aiming to maintain a steady pace. I managed to complete the distance in 42 minutes and 45 seconds, with an average pace of 13 minutes and 46 seconds per mile. It was a satisfying run, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as I finished strong.

The following day, August 4, I set out for another 3.1-mile run, but this time I decided to test my speed. I increased my pace and completed the distance in an impressive 38 minutes and 34 seconds, averaging 12 minutes and 25 seconds per mile. It was an exhilarating run, and I was thrilled with the progress I was making.

After a couple of rest days, I resumed my running routine on August 6. I started with a 3.1-mile run, but this time my pace slowed down slightly to 16 minutes and 7 seconds per mile. It took me 50 minutes and 3 seconds to complete the distance. Although it was a bit slower than my previous runs, I reminded myself that consistency is key, and every run contributes to my overall progress.

Not satisfied with just one run that day, I challenged myself further by embarking on a 4.2-mile run. I managed to maintain a pace of 14 minutes and 12 seconds per mile and completed the run in exactly 1 hour. It was a mentally and physically demanding run, but crossing the finish line was incredibly rewarding.

To end the week on a high note, I decided to do a short cooldown run of 1 mile. My pace for this run was 14 minutes and 26 seconds per mile, and I finished it in 14 minutes and 21 seconds. It was a brief run but served as a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the progress I had made throughout the week.

Overall, the week of July 31 to August 6 was filled with challenging runs, varying paces, and a deep sense of accomplishment. I pushed myself to reach new milestones and witnessed improvements in my speed and endurance. I look forward to continuing this journey and setting new goals for the weeks to come.

To summarize, I ran 14.5 miles in 3 hours 25 minutes and so far, I have covered 254 miles for the year, crossing the milestone of 250 miles for the year.

See you next week!

April 20, 2019 – Minu Tai’s Wedding, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

On April 20, 2019, the first sister of my dear friend Minu Tai got married to Saurabh in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It was a beautiful wedding that celebrated love and commitment between two people, and I was fortunate enough to be able to witness it.

The wedding festivities started a few days prior to the wedding day, with a Haldi ceremony where the bride and groom’s family members applied turmeric paste on them. This is a traditional pre-wedding ritual in many Indian cultures, and it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

The next day was the Sangeet, a musical night where the bride and groom’s families and friends come together to sing, dance, and celebrate. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone dressed in their finest attire and dancing to the beat of the dhol. It was a night to remember, and I felt honored to be part of the celebration.

On the wedding day, I arrived early at the venue, a beautiful banquet hall decorated with flowers and lights. The bride and groom looked stunning in their traditional Indian attire, with Minu Tai dressed in a red and gold lehenga and Saurabh in a beige sherwani.

The wedding ceremony itself was a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, with a priest reciting hymns and the couple exchanging vows and rings. It was a poignant moment, and I could feel the love and commitment between the two of them.

After the ceremony, we all enjoyed a delicious vegetarian meal and mingled with the other guests. There was laughter and joy all around, and it was a time to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Overall, Minu Tai’s wedding was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. It was a celebration of love, family, and culture, and I felt privileged to be able to witness it. I wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and love, and I hope their marriage is filled with joy, laughter, and endless adventures.

Next stop: Minu Tai’s reception, Gwalior, MP, India

Week 31 (July 24 – July 30) – MJ’s Running in 2022

Welcome to the thirty first week of running for the year 2022.

This week, from July 24 to July 31, I focused on my running routine and managed to cover a decent distance. On July 28, I ran 3.1 miles at a pace of 13 minutes and 48 seconds per mile, completing the entire run in 42 minutes and 53 seconds. It was a good start to the week, and I felt energized after the run.

The following day, July 29, I ran a shorter distance of 2 miles, maintaining a pace of 14 minutes and 1 second per mile. I finished this run in 27 minutes and 52 seconds, pushing myself to maintain a steady pace throughout the entire session.

After a day of rest, I returned to my running routine on July 31. I set out to cover a longer distance of 4.2 miles, but my pace slightly slowed down to 14 minutes and 25 seconds per mile. Despite the slower pace, I was determined to complete the run, and I managed to finish it in exactly 1 hour.

Later that same day, I decided to do a quick cooldown run and covered a short distance of 0.2 miles. My pace was slower than usual, at 17 minutes and 53 seconds per mile, but it was a relaxed and easy jog. I completed this run in 3 minutes and 20 seconds.

Overall, it was a productive week for my running. I challenged myself with varying distances and maintained a consistent pace throughout most of my runs. I’m satisfied with the progress I made and look forward to setting new goals for the upcoming weeks.

To summarize, I ran 9.5 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes and so far, I have covered 239.5 miles for the year.

See you next week!

Week 30 (July 17 – July 23) – MJ’s Running in 2022

Welcome to the thirtieth week of running for the year 2022.

During this week, my running routine was consistent, incorporating a range of distances and paces. Here’s a breakdown of my running sessions:

  1. July 21: I covered a distance of 4.1 miles at an average pace of 12:05 per mile. It took me 49 minutes and 33 seconds to complete this run. I maintained a moderate effort, ensuring a steady speed throughout the entire session.
  2. July 22: I opted for a shorter run on this day, completing 1 mile. However, my pace was slower at an average of 16:05 per mile. I finished this mile in 15 minutes and 59 seconds. This run was likely intended for active recovery or to complement my overall training plan.
  3. July 23: I had two running sessions on this day. The first session consisted of a 1-mile run, with a slightly slower pace compared to the previous day, averaging at 16:15 per mile. I completed this mile in 16 minutes and 8 seconds. Similar to the previous day, this run aimed at active recovery or a shorter distance.
  4. July 23 (second session): In my second run of the day, I covered the same distance as on July 21, totaling 4.1 miles. However, my pace was slightly faster, averaging at 13:59 per mile. I completed this run in 57 minutes and 22 seconds. The faster pace indicated a slightly more challenging effort compared to my previous 4.1-mile run.

Overall, I had a productive week of running, maintaining consistency in my training. It was beneficial to include a mix of shorter and longer distances, as well as variations in pace, to enhance my overall fitness and performance. I always prioritize listening to my body and adjusting the intensity and duration of my runs as needed to prevent overexertion and minimize the risk of injury. I’m pleased with my progress and motivated to keep up the good work!

To summarize, I ran 10.2 miles in 2 hours and 19 minutes, which is not great, but will do.

See you next week!

April 13, 2019 – Homecoming, Patansaongi, Maharashtra, India

Nagpur, the winter capital of the state of Maharashtra, holds a special place in my heart. This time, my visit was to attend my sister Minu Tai’s wedding and I was super excited about it.

I reached Mumbai Terminal 2 airport and after a few hours, finally boarded a flight to Nagpur. As soon as I landed, I was greeted with the familiar warmth of my hometown. It felt good to be back.

My sister Minu Tai was on a later flight, so I had to wait for her arrival. As soon as she landed, we headed straight to our ancestral home in Patansaongi. As we entered our house, I was hit with nostalgia. So many memories from my childhood came rushing back. It was wonderful to be back in a place that holds so many precious memories.

The best part about visiting our hometown is the food. We had some amazing home-cooked meals that I missed dearly. The taste of the food here is so unique and delicious that I could eat it all day long.

After spending a few days with family, we decided to go to Nagpur for shopping. The wedding was approaching fast and we needed to get our outfits sorted. Nagpur is famous for its textile market and we wanted to explore it thoroughly. We went to various shops, and I found the perfect outfit for the wedding.

But, the highlight of the day was the food we had in Nagpur. The city is known for its spicy and delicious food. We tried various dishes like Saoji chicken, Tarri Poha, and the famous Nagpur orange Barfi. Each dish was better than the last, and I was left with a feeling of satisfaction.

After a tiring day of shopping and eating, we headed back to our home in Patansaongi. It was a long day, but it was worth it. I felt content with the shopping we had done and the food we had eaten.

As I prepare to leave Nagpur, I am grateful for the time I spent here. The warmth of the people, the delicious food, and the beautiful memories that I created will stay with me forever. Nagpur will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope to visit again soon. Until then, I bid farewell to my hometown, and to the memories that will stay with me forever.

Next stop: Minu Tai’s wedding, Nagpur, MH, India

Week 29 (July 10 – July 16) – MJ’s Running in 2022

Welcome to the twenty ninth week of running for the year 2022.

My first week back in the US and I couldn’t wait to continue my running journey even though I was missing my fiancΓ© during my travel and once I got back to my place. It was great to see my sister after almost a month and I knew she missed me.

Getting back to the running, I got out to run for the first time on Tuesday. Still on India time, I got up at around 6AM and after spending almost an hour on the phone, I got out for my usual run. For this, I chose a slightly different route around my Northville-Novi neighborhood. This route didn’t give me a proper 5K loop, so I had to turn around from a certain spot to get to my 5K. And, this went on until I decided to do something about it and that was to explore and step into an unknown territory and I am glad that I did. I discovered a new route to my usual route, and that unlocked many possibilities for my future runs. The exact distance I could cover completing this route was 5.6K, not too longer than my usual 5K and definitely not shorter than a 5K. I completed this distance in roughly 42 minutes and I think I am going to run around this loop many times.

The second run of the week came on Wednesday. The running route, timing, and distance remained the same as the last run. I ran around this new loop that I found yesterday and I couldn’t control myself from trying it out one more time. I took 80 seconds less than yesterday, giving a faster pace than I expected. I am enjoying this loop so far.

The third and the last run of the week came on Friday around the same loop like the previous two runs. This run came at slightly later time in the day. The special thing about this run was that this was my last run (for some time) in Michigan. I am moving to Austin, TX tomorrow and I am not sure when I am going to come back. I hate this feeling of unknown but I guess, that’s how the life is. I enjoyed this last run in Michigan to the fullest, around the same loop, and took even lesser time than the previous two. I completed 5.6K in almost 40 minutes, roughly 150 seconds less than my first run around this loop.

Let’s see when I come back to Michigan and continue my running here. Till then, I am excited to find out what Austin has to offer.

See you next week!

Week 28 (July 03 – July 09) – MJ’s Running in 2022

Welcome to the twenty eighth week of running for the year 2022.

This was my last week in India, so, safe to say, I didn’t run a single mile during the entire week. The amazing thing about this week was that I got to roam around India with my fiancΓ© and we got to know each other better. These were the wonderful 5-6 days that we spent together roaming around different parts of India and trying different food. I will miss her! ❀️

See you next week!

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