Nike Running

I've taken my running activity to the next level now. I ran only on Sundays in these last few months and now it's been more than couple of weeks and I'm running like every alternate day. Thanks to my new job that I can afford sometime for running in the morning comfortably. Will try to keep this way for next coming months and would like to join in any 10K or half marathons soon. Well, that's the whole plan and let's see how it goes from here.

Well, what's different this time is I'm logging my runs through Nike Running app. To be honest, I haven't tried any of these kinda apps before, but with this week's trials gave me a good impression about this app.

Few features of the Nike Running app which I liked are:

•  Along with the distance ran and calories burnt (not of my interest) it gives the track/trail map along with the indicator or pace/comfort level. Provides options to pick the shoe worn during the run as well.
• Divides the whole run into kms with details of time taken for each km and how it progressed.
• Has facility to add friends to form a group and run. This would indirectly helps to keep up with the plan and motivates to improve.
• After each run, lists down the achievements like ran the farthest, longest and fastest km. Basically some details to keep you motivated.
• Has facility to play music on the go. This is for those who are particular about playing music while running. At least I'm not so keen about it so have not tried it yet but surely something to try in coming days.

Sure there is more to explore in this app and on different aspects of running to achieve the goal of half marathon or full. Hoping for the best.

#ChennaiRains

Past few days we have been getting updates about the rain and flood situation in Chennai and other surrounding places. It's very heartening and sad to see so many lives lost and the havoc the rains have caused in these parts of Tamil Nadu and nearby places. Just imagine, the life would have taken a harsh twist in the lives of people affected directly or indirectly in a matter of few days.

At the same time, it is encouraging to see all the help pouring in from all quarters of the country and beyond. Indian defense departments, NDRF, NGOs, companies and volunteers are rescuing those stuck, evacuating danger zones and supporting in whatsoever manner possible in this dire circumstances.

All citizens should come forward to help in whatever ways it's possible, be it the donations in terms of funds, clothing, necessary commodities etc.

And at the same time, other states or city elected representatives should introspect, assess, analyze and plan keeping these kind of adversities in mind. We are sure there are many other states and cities growing(developing?) in haphazard and unplanned ways ignoring all the standard norms while carrying out projects, constructions etc. It's kinda wake-up call for others as well.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected and with those who are still fighting the calamity.

Book: And Then There Were None

Title: And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Rating: 4/5

First and foremost, this is the first book I've read written by Agatha Christie.

The story is about 10 people with all different backgrounds being invited to a private island. The host is someone they knew about vaguely but were given valid and just enough reason for them to agree for the visit.

Upon their arrival, they were shocked to witness something of their past being revealed. Their past had something in common; some secret which led to someone else's death. The host plans to kill each one of them on that island and provide justice to all what they have done in their past.

The story gets interesting immediately after few turns of pages and the plot never takes off readers' attention. There are many twists and turns as each one of them is confronted with death. They try to find who the killer is but it will be too late. They will be dead before anyone finds out. Yes, the mystery is not solved by the investigating police as well. And don't worry, the book never ends with no answer. It does reveal the killer (or should I say, the author?!) through a smart way which the killer had devised in the plot.

Frankly speaking, during the narration I found few faults in the story like:

- Even in that dire situation when they know all of them will be dead, Mr & Mrs Rogers, the cook and help, continue to provide their service to all others obediently. And that I find very strange.

- And even in the scene where the Justice Wargrave was killed. I mean, how can a person be sitting on a chair when everybody else ran to Vera's room to find what happened there.

Till the very end, the reader is kept guessing as who is the killer and how could it happen. A good read and a different way to end as well.