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Right Hand Prima Donna Syndrome

Right Hand Prima Donna Syndrome

December 14, 20133 mins

About two years ago, during one of our Saturday morning long runs, my friend Prateek remarked “I seem to favor my right hand when carrying a running bottle”. I thought it was an interesting (though…

Thoughts on status of “married with children” women in the last 15 years or so…

Thoughts on status of “married with children” women in the last 15 years or so…

December 13, 20133 mins

[Editor’s Note: A few weeks ago, Sharmila Tagore delivered a thought-provoking lecture at the India International Center in New Delhi. The full text of her lecture is accessible on this Outlook page…

Chappal mein pachattar – my first 75k ultra

Chappal mein pachattar – my first 75k ultra

November 10, 20137 mins

[Editor’s note: Translation for my non-Hindi readers: pachattar is the Hindi word for the number 75, chappals are the Indian rendition of flip-flops, a colloquial reference to my 4mm huarache sandals…

But these animals were also created for us to consume in moderation

But these animals were also created for us to consume in moderation

November 06, 20132 mins

And what is good, Phaedrus, And what is not good. Need we ask anyone to tell us these things? – Robert Pirsig I’ve been on this Indian Vegans Facebook group for sometime now. A fairly high traffic…

Intermittent fasting for health and longevity

Intermittent fasting for health and longevity

October 21, 20133 mins

On the eve of Karwa Chauth, I thought this would be a topical post. Todd Becker (author of the Getting Stronger blog) has written on this topic at length. My contribution in this post is to summarize…

When I met a Mexican Vishy in a Texas Ghost Town

When I met a Mexican Vishy in a Texas Ghost Town

October 14, 20132 mins

[Editor’s Note: On a musical day that started with Depeche Mode, moved on to Buena Vista Social Club, and continued with Omoro Portuondo and Getz/Gilberto in the evening, it wasn’t a surprise that I…

The quest for natural running form

The quest for natural running form

September 23, 20135 mins

Years ago when I used to play squash regularly at Decathlon Club (Santa Clara), I was struggling to vault myself from a high C to a low B. One of the bad habits of C level players is that they DON’T…

The runner’s elixir

The runner’s elixir

September 21, 20133 mins

The Gauls go to battle against the hapless Romans after downing a swig of magic potion prepared by their druid Getafix. It doesn’t matter how heavily armed the Romans are or whether they got recent…

The original model of western education

The original model of western education

September 08, 20132 mins

Pic courtesy thelaughingstork.com A history professor from Colorado State University (Jonathan Rees) wrote a hysterical anti-MOOC rant (The MOOC racket) in Slate 6 weeks ago. As I pored through the…

Why I’m running Kaveri Trail Marathon for the 5th consecutive time

Why I’m running Kaveri Trail Marathon for the 5th consecutive time

September 05, 20131 mins

There are races you run for your PBs. Boring sissy flat courses like the Dubai Marathon or vibrant city courses like Chicago, New York or Mumbai where the crowds energize and propel you every step of…