Running in the Monsoons

Bombay (Mumbai) monsoons.... Growing up in the city, they bring memories galore. There is something magical in this crowded but lively city with the onset of the rains. Everyone is happy, there is relief from the heat (intense this year I believe) and just like peacocks dance when it rains, people are happy to see the downpour. 

One of my most precious memories is running in pouring rain along the sea, getting drenched by not just the precipitation but also by the tumultous waves from the sea, making those runs much more delightful, and keeping one cool. The waves dash against the rocks and come crashing down on the pavement alongside. When I was around ten, we had studied that the science behind breaking the waves (by installing dykes), was obtained from the Dutch as most of the Netherlands is at or below sea level, just as several parts of Bombay are low-lying. 

Visiting my home city just by myself, minus my husband or children in at least eighteen years, has a huge advantage. Besides focussing on my parents, I am able to enjoy certain things by myself, just like enjoying a run whenever I please without worrying about when my children might awaken, what might need to be done, etc. The last two mornings, I had decided to skip my run. 

This was the first day that it was raining right as I left the house. I debated - is it prudent, will I fall sick, maybe I could do a shorter run, and eventually giving into my love for running in the rain with I just have to do this. It is less than a 5 minute run to the seaface.

The moment I hit the shore, I knew my heart had made the right decision. The early morning peace, calm and darkness too (it was only 5:30 a.m.) in the usual hustle and bustle of this busy city lends itself to the charm. I could hear the waves though it was low tide, and the rain came beating down, giving me that instant happiness shot. As the darkness paved way to the emerging daylight, with nosunrise, just grey clouds, grey skies, grey seas and continued rain, keeping me cool through my run, I knew - this is bliss! Not only did I continue down the path, I ran 6.5 miles feeling lighter and came home a much more content person, worries all taken care of :)

Alone with the Turtles

Alone with the turtles

By no means do I consider myself to be an animal fanatic. I like animals but am not crazy about them and cockroaches are something I am terrified of. However, I don't dislike them either. I am fascinated by wild animals such as tigers and big mammals such as whales. I certainly admire them. I have become bolder over the years. Traveling and doing some adventure sports has certainly helped overcome certain fears. This morning, I came about to swim in a lagoon where there was nobody but me and the turtles and fish in the water at the time. On a high from that, I was inspired to write about it.

Right now, I am holidaying on the Big Island in Hawaii where I discovered that there is this new sport called paddle boarding. This resort also has it's own private beach with a small lagoon. The lagoon is home to several fish and sea turtles. I have seen them resting against the rocks each night. Not a very confident swimmer myself, I haven't had the guts to don some scuba gear and check out the sea life. I am happy to see the ones as visible through the water, which in this case are several, with the water being so clear (it was an even more abundant riot of color in the lagoon at the resort in Jamaica last year).

Sitting at the beach for two days and watching people struggle to balance while paddle boarding, I thought to myself, I could never do this. On the second day, I got talking with this one woman who was off and about and to me she seemed to be good at the sport. She claimed she wasn't that good but thanked me all the same. The next day she saw me sitting by the water and asked if I was going to try it out. I said before I leave. In the meantime, she had given me a few tips on getting started.

Unbeknownst to me, my 13 year old son and husband, at the same time of my conversation with the woman, had gone looking for a kayak to rent. Turned out, the day was too windy, and the kayaks were unavailable, so they came back with a paddle board. Both tried their hand at it and had fun, while not quite getting the hang of it, being the non listeners, especially if I was the one giving the directions. Hubby did do alright the second time he tried it. Of course, they had to give me a turn and I tried it sooner rather than later. I was so thrilled with my success with the activity (sitting back and observing helped, as well as following the tips the woman had given me). Granted, I was still on my knees, and hadn't had the courage to stand while paddling, but it was a big step for me, one whose children are constantly making fun of my style with the one and only swim stroke I know. Delighted at my success, I couldn't wait to go try it again.

Turns out, our plan was to drive to the Volcanic National park this morning (the next morning). It meant that I had to pack in a run, a swim and try to paddle board before leaving.  Getting the run in was a no brainer. I had been waking up early enough and getting a good 5 mile loop in that traversed some beautiful views. This plan of mine meant I couldn't  have a leisurely breakfast but that isn't something I would be saddened by!

Upon returning from my run and changing to swimwear, I went to the beach house to pick the paddle board. The two workers were polite but said they opened only at 8. I responded rather disappointedly, "We are going out for the day and I was hoping to try some paddle boarding before leaving". One of them immediately asked me where I was going to and retrieved a paddle board. He told me he wasn't supposed to but was making this an exception. I was extremely grateful and happily walked to the water with the board. A Yoga instructor saw me struggle with placing the board on the water and gave me a few tips on what to do. She called me a couple of minutes later and gave me a few more tips.

With all the advice I got, I was able to have a really peaceful ride, along which I saw turtles swimming in the water. It was just me and the sea turtles in the lagoon at the time. I then saw one swimming in the middle of the lagoon, it's head bobbing up and down, which inspired me to paddle board a little more. After what I thought would be just the right amount of time without making my arms really sore, I returned the paddle board and jumped in to swim in the lagoon, again, knowing that it was just the turtles, the fish and me. After my run as well as the paddle boarding, The cool, salty waters made for a refreshing treat! Rejuvenated and ready for another beautiful day in this beautiful place on earth!