Sandy, a guy who runs and drinks beer with me writes describing his ECR Race #6

"Something about the human psychology that says that suffering in a group is better than suffering alone. This is found to be true across cultures. There is an age-old saying in that ancient language Tamil.

"Gumbal-oda Govinda"

A powerful invocation to the great God Vishnu, where sufferers claim kinship with each other and the lord.

Chennai Runners is one such motley crowd that believes in group suffering. Running every other day almost across different parts of the city - mostly CP Ramaswamy road or Marina and thereabouts. When you run 20 k you can cover many neighborhoods."

For more read:

http://ratracerunner.blogspot.com/

How to Escape a Cop/Drive in Chennai Without a License

Jyothi contributes once again to this blog. As usual, she is her witty self.

Shumit and I were driving on ECR on his motorcycle. Suddenly a cop pulled us over, at a standard checkpoint area, and asked to see Shumit's license. At that point, Shumit had not applied for one. He started to empty his backpack of documents, pretending to look.

"I'm so sorry, I must have left it at home," he said.

"500 rupees," the cop said. After some persuading, Shumit negotiated him down to 200 rupees. Suddenly I remembered a technique I'd read about regarding how to reduce fines, and decided to try it out. I started to abuse Shumit.

"What? You left your license at home again? I can't believe this! How can you do this?" I said raising my voice, giving him angry looks. Shumit looked momentarily confused, but then understood, and then was fighting to supress a smile.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," he said mock-solemnly. "I can't believe I did it again." I shook my head, rolled my eyes, sighed angrily, folded my arms, and put on a grouchy face.

The cop watched the scene. He must have thought a.) this guy really does have a license since his girlfriend is angry at him for forgetting it b.) poor guy is going to get a big lecture once they drive off again.
And he reduced the fine to Rs. 100!

A technique worth trying out, and definitely not restricted to females -- angry boyfriends can also produce same effect

30*30

Ram from Chennai runners writes in to our google group:

We have an important run / milestone coming up this Sunday..and look forward to participation and support..

This coming Sunday, July 15, 2007 we will do a 30x30 ECR to Mahapallipuram run. The idea is to have 30 Chennai Runners participate in the approximately 30km trek to from ECR toll booth to Mahabs. Pick up points: We will have two pick up points from the city.1) From Khader Nawas Khan Road - Shahid can take up 4 more runners in his car. For details, please contact Shahid @ skandrikar@gmail.com. (starting time 3:45 AM)2) From Dimensions - Ram, Hari, Ashwini & Murugan put together can ferry up to 10 more runners to the starting point. If you need a ride from here, pl. contact Hari @ harican@gmail.com (starting time 3:45 AM)For those who may come directly to the meeting point.. Meeting Point: Immediately after the ECR toll boothMeeting Time : 4:15 AM (We realize, it is early but we must meet on time to ensure we get a head start against the onslaught of sun and the unrelenting traffic).Starting point: Shahid's farm house which is close by ECR toll booth. (we will move from our meeting point by 4:15 & park our vehicles at Shahid's place.) Starting Time: 4:45 AM (This will give time for runners to do some stretch and get ready)Route: South on ECR all the way (KK Can you do your magic add map here?) Finish Line: Coral Surf Restaurant ( This restaurant is right at the entrance of Mahabs, just across from GRT Temple Bay. This place has a Jesus statue at the entrance and should be easy to spot. We have arranged for South Indian Vegetarian buffet consisting of Pongal / Vada & Idly costing INR 100 per person, which will served starting @ 8:15 AM). Water Points: Couple of KK's friends have volunteered to help us on this front. They would be cruising in their cars and would be carrying some water / energy drinks / snacks and first aid. They would be carrying their mobiles and can be reached via phone as well. (phone # to be updated soon) Safety First: Please note that we do not have any safety net in terms of ambulance & insurance etc.. All of us running at our own volition and it is important to adhere to safety norms at all occasions.
Always run on 'right side of the Road' facing the traffic. In doubt, slow down, let the traffic pass.
Runners on Chennai roads is relatively a new phenomenon and Chennai drivers haven't gotten used to that yet.
Do NOT run if you are not medically fit. Stop running at anytime you feel uncomfortable.
Please update your emergency contact information here. ( http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pWLzTp11AvL7MpX9FqXeJRA&inv=chennairunners@googlegroups.com&t=7622225834262692263&guest )This information is confidential and will be used only in case of emergency only. We request all ChennaiRunners to respect members' privacy.

Entry Fee: INR 100. This voluntary to defray the cost of water, snack, first aid and fuel cost of the mobile water points. If you are willing, pl. give entry fee to KK.

I plan to do the 30 k in 2:50. If that works then I will know that I can comfortably finish a full marathon in less than four hours. Watch this space next week for my timing

Biking to Mahabs

Last evening we took off on a cycling trip to Mahabalipuram. Sundar, Aarti and I, woke up from our afternoon slumber and loaded three firefox bikes onto Sundar’s car. We drove down to the toll gate and then started biking towards Mahabalipuram.

The ride was fun. I was glad that there was not much of wind that could have made our trip really hard. Personally, biking does not appeal to me that much mainly because there is a machine between the road and the biker. The machine takes care of most of the work – the gears help you push harder etc. Running on the other hand is all you…you got to push yourself and either fight with the road or make friends with it. The latter is better option.

Some things you need to remember:

a) If you are riding on ECR, plan your trip in such a way that you finish biking by the time the sun sets. The trucks are usually out of control and they do not hesitate to run you down.
b) It is convenient if one person carries a backpack with some water, Gatorade and some choclates in it.
c) Stick as a group. This is the best way to tackle the automobiles and also helps develop team-spirit.
d) Do not get de-hydrated. Sip water atleast every seven kms.
e) Enjoy the ride – As a cross training exercise, there is no need to push yourself when you are cycling. You just need to enjoy the ride and kiss the wind when it hits your face

After the ride, we hit fishermans cove and pigged out on some pasta. Sundar and I slammed two beers each. As usual, I tried to fetch my wallet out of my black bag and could not find it. I had to run to Sundar’s car and check for it…it was lying on the floor next to the door.