Run around Dal Lake, Srinagar

 

Srinagar was the starting point of my this year's trek and fortunately it coincided with the Independence Day week.

Our trekking group was supposed to start on 14Aug morning to higher camps from Srinagar and I didn't wanted to miss out on a wonderful opportunity to have a morning run around the famous Dal Lake. So I decided to head out from the hotel room in the wee hours of 14th and started running towards the Dal Lake.

I was aware of high security deployment in Srinagar city and all, but to my surprise defense departments had decided to have Independence day celebratory march around Dal Lake too. So I witnessed the defense security personals stopping the traffic and routing to other directions. Even few cyclists were requested to take a different route away from Dal Lake where the celebrations was held. However I wasn't stopped. Lucky me, I went on running around the lake during sunrise with the security personals every 15-20 steps along the stretch. I felt I was being escorted like the Prime Minister or a President 😜.

On my way back, I stopped in the middle of the celebrations, near the battalions and procession, who were waiting for some VIP to arrive. I didn't miss out on clicking some photos with the army and airforce men too.

Witnessed sun rising behind the mountains, lighting up all the shikaras and the lake was a great scene to behold! 

I proceeded towards the bridge where I ended my run and took an auto back to hotel to get ready for the travel ahead.

Bengaluru 10K challenge 2022

Race Category: 10K

Timing: 59:39

As mentioned in my previous years' posts, this Bengaluru 10K challenge route is indeed tough. The 2kms elevation between 6km & 8km milestones is really tough and tests one's fitness.

Nonetheless, had a nice run and achieved ~59 mins timing. Though I was targeting a minute faster than that, I am satisfied with this timing. At one point, I felt I wouldn't cross the finish line with even sub-60. So yeah, I will take it.

TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2022

Race Category: 10K

Timing: 01:01:11

So finally we have an official run being organized in the city after the infamous pandemic lockdowns and break. And needless to say, there was extra excitement and enthusiasm amongst the runners participating in the event. So much so that the incessant rain during the wee morning of the run day didn't stop the runners from showing up at the start line.

The run was scheduled to start at 5:30 in the morning and I started from my home at 4:15 on a 2-wheeler in that rain covered in a poncho. That was quite an experience in itself. The run was flagged off sharp on time in that rain. There was so much enthusiasm and energy around, and everyone were all pumped up. I was in a pretty good head space and as usual had set a target in mind. Considering the less mileage in last few months, I had set a target of 63 mins which is about 5 mins more than my previous official run timing (PR). I didn't even realize when the rain had stopped during the run. When I think back, I clearly remember the run starting in absence of sunlight, then the dawn and in sunlight towards the end. I must say, I didn't end the run strong as I didn't see myself in great shape, though I had maintained a steady pace of about 6:00 mins/km.

When I saw the timing after crossing the finish line with a timing of 61 mins I was kinda content. And I already started thinking about the next run in Bengaluru i.e. 'Tougher 10K' scheduled in July. 

I now, in fact, have got a strong desire of taking my running to next level now. All these years I have enjoyed my running and activities. I don't want to remain in 60s mins, rather want to improve to timings of 50 mins and less. Hoping I will plan some changes immediately.