Running September

Two highlights. 

I ran my first half marathon this month. Just like a lot of other things in life, it seemed initially unsurmountable, but with practice, help from a running club and a schedule of weekly runs, became something I was able to ultimately do, even with a bit of a huff and a puff. It was an awesome experience on the run day, with people around the borough coming out of the houses to encourage us runners and a complete carnival atmosphere. I finished the run in 2 hours and 5 mins, which experienced peers believe is a good start.

Second, my folks came down with Covid. Despite being double vaccinated, my dad tested positive and came down with a fever. It threw us into a bit of a panic as we tried to figure out help remotely. Ultimately, it was a mild infection and within a few days both (including my mom, who never tested positive, but showed symptoms) recovered. It was a scary experience while it lasted, but we are grateful that it passed without major issues.

Augustus

August is a month of vacations and recuperation. As schools break for summer vacation and as office folk take time off from work to travel, it is usually a time for most to relax. 

This year, the ongoing pandemic, though in its waning phase has had an impact on plans. In the UK, given the high vaccination rate, travel has opened up. But folks are still hesitant, as there are varying lockdowns in the rest of the world.

We took a week’s vacation in the Welsh coast within the U, which was a welcome break despite the bleak weather. 

Most people not from the UK do not realise that Wales is a semi-autonomous country within the UK, with its own unique mores, customs and even language. Till we went there, we didn’t realise that a number in people there don’t even know English! But it is a beautiful area, with a mountainous geography, a vast coastline and some unique food.

We spent half our time near Swansea, at a place they call the Mumbles. It reminded us much of Goa in India, with its laid back culture, narrow roads running the coastline and touristy atmosphere. There is a long coastal walkway that hugs the cliffs along the sea, and we spent many a day taking in the sea views and relaxing in the beaches (for the minimal time that the sun showed its face). A local brand of Ice-cream called Joe’s is rather popular, with its creamy texture and its variety of sundaes was a worthy eat. 

We also spent a few days in a rather comfortable BnB in Avergavenny, at the foothills of the Brecon Beacons national park. The city itself is rather quaint with a pretty market, but has a lot of walking trails nearby. However, a car is much needed to explore further around, which we didn’t have access to (courtesy of much delayed driving license issues due to covid). Yet, a very restful and calm place. 

We returned home to news of Afghanistan’s fall to the Taliban and consequent mayhem all over the media. It’s sad to see a country fall into such chaos due to decisions of people in far and high places. 

On the weather front, it seems as if winter is approaching early this time. London has hardly had a summer this year, with just a week’s sunshine and rainy weather most of this month. Already the days are getting shorter and cold winds have started blowing. Hopefully, if we keep the virus at bay, it should still be a better winter than the last. 

We closed the month with a trip to Dover on the bank holiday weekend. The White Cliffs were quite a climb, but the sun and weather were surprisingly glorious, and we got a beautiful view of the sea, the flow of the ferries and the Calais coast on the far side.

June solstice

After being locked in with a prolonged winter, June was the month the Sun decided to show its face. It wasn't for long though, as a week of soaring temperatures brought along 2 weeks of thunderstorms. 

June is usually a fun month for us. Both M and I happen to have our birthdays this month. But we had a quiet celebration, much like the last year. London is still yet to unlock fully - even though restaurants and malls have reopened, indoor events are restricted. We decided to keep it a low key affair, which was a slight disappointment to M (who wanted her friends around), but she took it in her stride.

And this month I scaled my run duration too. Till the last month I had gotten close to a 10k. This month I doubled it. I also managed to use the runs to see more of London - ran all over Ealing and then did 2 weekend runs all the way into the City, to see the Palace and Westminster. London is gorgeously beautiful in the early mornings, when few are around and then greenery is fresh. I love running around Kensington gardens and St. James Park. If only India had such greenery in its cities.

We also got our second jabs this month, to become fully vaccinated. yay! No side effects this time around. Just waiting for the vaccines to be available for M. 

As the lockdown lifts and life starts going back to normal, firms have started calling employees back to office. I expect to go back in sometime next month. A lot of peer banks have already gotten back in. It usual now for calls to have a mix of in-office and remote teams. July should also see most of the US folks back in. It will be a welcome return to some semblance of normality after nearly a year and a half. But the virus hasn't disappeared yet, and that worries those of us who have to use public transport in.

We have taken advantage of the last of the lockdown days to get busy with board-games at home. Blokus is great fun. So is 3D labyrinth. Cluedo not as much. And we've got 3 sets of Legos and multiple puzzles yet to solve. Ah, the simple pleasures of home.

Mayday, Rainy Mayday.

For a month that was supposed to herald the beginning of spring, it was anything but. It drizzled, it rained, it poured, it hailed. The sun played hide and seek behind perpetual clouds.

Yet May had some fun moments. 

M learnt to cycle. I learnt how to run longer distances. We went on long walks. 

Work wise it was hectic. Quite a lot of interesting and good work

I read a couple of good books. One was the Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson. A small one, particularly by Brandon's standards. But a well written one that kept me engrossed. I have begun to love his books (particularly the Stormlight series, that is rather epic). 

Read/ listened to another on Audible - Steven Johnson's 'Where Good Ideas come from'. By far one of the best books on innovation I have consumed. I love it's vast foray into the history of innovation, and how he weaves common threads around adjacency and serendipity to highlight how one truly innovates. Something for repeated reading. 

Riding high

Yesterday news a momentous day. M learnt to cycle without balance wheels.

She has been cycle with supports for a few weeks now. And we had been hesitant to remove it.

But a stray jibe from a friend bought out some rage. And provided the incentive for her to try.

We thought she would take a few more weeks of practice. But didn't.

I held the seat behind for her to get on. She gave a little kick on the pedals. And off she went!

She didn't realize at first that I had let go and was just running behind. But soon was confident to go cruising on her own.

Bought tears to our eyes. A milestone reached. Yay!