Run in Bali

Would you run alone in a foreign country without mobile, and cash? What if you got lost? Would you risk going alone in a deserted road early morning?

The same questions popped up in my head…

That made this run a little adventurous and memorable.

When planning the Bali trip, I had looked for running tracks in #Bali and I was lucky to get the best track near the place where we would be staying in Bali.

A day before, I had gone to the nearby #Kuta beach walking with @Manish and @Manisha. The plan had been in my mind since the time we were planning in India. I had to run on this track - a beautiful one, near a beach, I thought as I lazed on the beach with the family. Next day would be all sight-seeing as would be every day for coming 8 days. But I could just sneak out early morning when everyone was sleeping and come back in an hour. Jet Lagged? Yes.  But, I was ready to give up sleep for the experience.

So, I got up early morning, and was on the road in my running gear at around 6am. Just carried my mobile with me that had no active SIM, just a working GPS, no cash and no passport. That morning had a bit of adventure in it - to run on a new track, new country, overlooking a beach, and with just me and myself.

When I set out, the road was deserted (hardly 2-3 people), I wasn’t sure if it was safe to go alone, whether it was worth it. Nevertheless, I decided to take the risk.

I reached the start of the beach. I was a little nervous (read new country, no cash, no mobile, and early mornings alone). I asked a person about the track and he showed me the direction. I ran up in that direction. The track was one of the spectacular ones, visited by many runners. When I saw many runners flocking the track, a wave of relief rushed in.

I started the run on the track. After some time, the track narrowed, where I could see a turn, and a beach to the left. This was just out of some movie track - panoramic and serene. All I could see was the calm sea, rushing waves, still sand, flying birds, the vast open light blue sky and I could smell the early morning fresh sea.

I spent some time at the other end of the track, went to the beach area, and then started back. I passed same places, and same narrow turn came and the opposite side view was equally breathtaking.

And I ran, watched people pass by, and as it was written to happen, accidentally I missed my turn and went ahead on the route. I got engrossed watching a group of runners doing their morning workout. They looked to me like a troupe of dancers in black attire doing their morning workout on the beach. They reminded me of my Shiamak days of dance when we worked out more and danced less and yet learnt so much more in just couple of hours week of investment. And I was back to present when I saw a plane take off. I had reached other end of the track...

I had missed the turn.

It was the same place I had come a day before. So, I turned back and walked slowly so that I saw the turn I had to take to the road that led to the resort.

It is fun to be lost and to find yourself again. If you know what I am talking about, you are blessed! And if you have been never lost, may be there is still time.

When I reached back to the room, Manish and Eva were still sleeping.

I felt happy, felt so happy that day.

Simple things, simple experiences...

Workout Incident

Yesterday:
It was 4.30 am when I got up to see the time. Slept back seeing that there was still time to 5.30am.

Few days back:
I didnt know I had so much love for dance and fitness. Sleep has always been so dear to me that I didnt miss it even during exams. So, when we decided that the session will be at 6.00 am  - I was doubtful about myself. But I decided to give it a try.

For some, it may not be a big deal. But for me, who has always been waking up late, this was a challenge in itself.


Few months back:
Few days back, when we had  dance sessions from 11.00 am, I had some issue in back due to which I wasnt able to move. I was in utter pain - painkillers were not helping, hot bags were not helping. I was bed-ridden for a day. Next day, the pain was there - this was the thought that was going on in my mind - ' If I didnt get up today, I might be in bed for - dont know how many days! ' So, I gathered all my strength and got up. Walked out slowly in the drawing room. I was in pain. Sitting on the chair was a big deal for me. Just took support and sat some how on the chair. And then somehow cooked something for the family - that gave some peace of mind. Kept moving through the day and the pain was subsiding. Took more than a week to get back to normal.  It was a painful thing - but that didnt stop me to continue my dance sessions.


Few days back:
When it was the first session at 6, that night I got up twice  - once at 2.30 am and then at 5 am. Finally got up at 5.45 am, got ready and had an awesome workout session.  This continued for few days - I didnt have any issue getting up early and I AM surprised by myself.

Yesterday:
I got up at 5.45am as usual and got ready for the workout.We started sharp at 6.05am. It was the same workout I was doing. Stretching of muscles starting from head to toe. When I bent down touching the floor, knees straight and was in this position for quite some time. Then to left side of floor and then to right side. And after some time, it was time to raise slowly. I was happy today because I was not only able to touch the floor but also go a little further. When I raised slowly, I got blackout since head was down for quite some time - it was normal. But suddenly I also lost control of my body and had to sit down. So, I just laid straight on the floor for better blood circulation. I didnt have pain in my body. In few minutes, I again tried to get up and continue with the session. But again I lost control and had to sit back down. For few more minutes, I just laid down and watched my friends with a smile on my face - lot of jokes - 'aur mat karao Sir, nahi to hum bhi Sweta ki tarah let jaayenge'. I had different hot sensations in my body since my body was cooling down after the workout. I tried one more time to continue sitting down in the diamond position - but when I started going down, I again had a little giddy feeling. Been sipping water  but the feeling was not improving. Problem was I didnt have something before workout - wanted some sugar in the morning :).  So, I took some more time watching others. It was time to lie down on stomach and do the reverse for back. This I did with ease. Then got up. Still had the same feeling. Got home and had chocos and then breakfast. Got Eva ready for the school.
I was feeling physically low - but I had to get ready for my kid's Diwali celebration. I didnt want to spoil her celebration - she had been looking forward to it. So, got ready as decided - no compromise done there. And was well in time in school. When I sat in the chair in school, the same painful feeling in back reappeared. Then had the same thought - situations are decided by God, being happy is my decision. So I smiled. When it was time to dance with the kids, I danced forgetting about the pain - it was there - but my decision made all the difference. Within few hours, I was already missing my workout :). Completed the missed workout in the evening. :) And have been wanting more of it inspite of all the injuries.

And my faith in my decision has become stronger - no matter what - get up, dress up and show up. It makes sense in daily life. Be happy always - no matter what! Your decision makes all the difference.
Live life like its the last day and enjoy it to the fullest! Make a difference.

Thank you teachers!

Thank you Guruji for being there for me and guiding me at every point of life since I was born. Thank you Mummy, Papa who are my Gurus of Life,

Thank you Sadguruji for enlightening me and making me understand things which I was always looking for.

Thank you teachers who taught me to read and write. Thank you teachers who taught me to think logically and analytically - thank you teachers for showing me its as important to question as answering them.

Thank you teachers who showed me different sides of the coin and showing me my potential.

Thank you Dipti, Ashish and all my friends, colleagues, family members who have guided me at different points of life.

Happpy Teachers day to you!