Books 2024.

This post was always in my mind . I coulnt make it on time due to multiple priorities. Like 2023, I managed to read a reasonably good number of books in 2024 too. I wanted to read a lot of fiction this year. Though its not much, all the fiction I read this year was pretty interesting. 

Notable reads from my 2024 journey:

Writing that I enjoyed a lot:

The Maniac, Benjamin Labatut - A story of Jon Van Neumann. A polymath who influence the military and computing history of the United States. Part history and part fiction, this was a unique experience reading this book. Benjamin Labatut's writing makes is one hell of an experience. I highly recommend this book for anyone with interest in popular science and biographies of interesting characters  (fiction / non-fiction). 

Most inspiring:

The Rise of the Ultra Runners , Adharanand Finn - As an amateur runner who is passionate about all kinds of runs, this book satisifed my appetite and had moments that were quite motivating. Though I am a long way from longer distances, this is one book I would come back to, if I ever hit a running slump.

Unique book:

வேடிக்கை பார்ப்பவன் (Vedikkai Parpavan) : My first book on Tamil that I really loved reading till the end. Some sort of journal of popular poet Na.Muthukumar. It is a mix of facts and imagined facts that I really enjoyed. Thanks to 'TheBookshow' podcast by RJ Ananthi for introducing me to this book. 

Most informative:

Outlive, Peter Attia : Got this book after hearing him on some of the popular Podcasts.It was quite informative, especially the sections around risk markers that help figure out Cardiac issues much earlier than normal methods. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in logevity and fitness.

Club Run 2025 - A sub100 min HM !!

 Gratitude to Lord Almighty ! A dream come true . Sub140 on a road race .HM PB by 2 mins ! Thank you coach Siva for your belief that I can do it 😀. 

Special dedication to all my buddies from Miyapur Metro Runners! 

✳️Training block: 

▪️After my Bengaluru Marathon, decided to stick to shorter formats and improve my baseline timing and running economy. 

▪️Besides personal commitments forced me to stick to short distances.I switched my training ground from BHEL and Gachibowli to something closer.

▪️The 1km Miyapur Metro link road came in very helpful for this. 

▪️Many of my old friends and new regulars were running here and it gave me an extra boost to complete these long training runs.

▪️Yet,a sudden curve ball arrived in the form of a 2 week travel followed by a fall at BHEL during one of the long runs. 

So I stood on the start line without a lot of expectations planning for a 5:00 pace HM.

✳️Race execution: 

▪️With not many goals, my plan for  today's race was " f* around and findout" . I wanted to a bit aggressive with my gels usage today .

▪️1-4k : Took a sip of Unived 100g gel at start line itself. I felt energized, although the HR was high, my form was intact and i found myself pushing towards 4:50 and faster.

▪️4-12k : Continued to hold the pace .The uphills created some doubts in my mind but today I was successful in shutting my mind voice . Completed my first gel and took a sip of my second gel at 10k mark .

▪️12-17k : The fatigue started to show up . Thankfully a good friend was running close to me at similar pace. My only focus was to stick to him as long as possible. Completed my second gel around 16k. 

▪️18-19 : The most tiresome part. I recalled how I usually get slow at this point..thanks to the gels , today was different , I was able to sustain the form, even though the pace dropped a bit. 

19k to finish : At the 19k mark checked the elapsed time and I was pleasantly surprised to see the clock was 1:29:34 ! A slight ray of hope that today could be the day for a PB 😄.

It was unrelenting uphill and my mind was getting stronger by the minute. I kept my eyes on Kiran who was 300m in front of me .Soon I was at the final stretch and took some strides to cross the finish ! 

Yes I made it ! What I thought to be impossible finally happened. A sub100 HM on a road race !!