Morning Running

I've always preferred first-thing-in-the-morning runs, but our current schedule doesn't permit that. However, I was able to work from home on Wednesday, and today is a holiday--Republic Day--so I have been able to ride to the park and run early in the morning twice this week. I've discovered an new aspect of Delhi: the morning exercise rituals. In Green Park, Deer Park, and Rose Park (three adjoining areas) the grounds are filled with morning exercisers. The majority are vigorously walking with a partner or two, and they're bundled up against the early morning chill (45-50 degrees!). Many groups are involved in yoga--sun salutations, poses, stances, and stretches. Still others are meditating, some in the classic "Ohm" position, some seated on benches, all with their eyes closed. Some of these are pushing on various pressure points on their heads and faces.

A few small groups of men are engaged in calisthentics and warmup drills. And in several spots, couples and foursomes are playing badminton, a favorite Indian sport.

As you might imagine, I'm in the small minority of runners. I infer that Indians don't look favorably on heavy breathing or perspiration. Who can blame them, with the type of temperatures they have here 6 months per year. So they look at me as if I'm an unusal circus performer doing stunts in their placid park.

Yet, running in the parks in the early morning is a delight. Delhi has a light fog every morning which lingers especially in the parks. This particular set of parks is filled with eucalyptus trees, bougainevillea, lantana, and rich green foliage. Parrots, peacocks, and other birds fly and call among the trees. Most striking of all is the quietness: there seems to be an unwritten rule that there is no talking in the park in the early hours. All those couples and groups excercising together do so silently (well, an exclamation or two comes from the badminton players). The result is a green, misty oasis in the midst of a city of 14 million.

What pleasure!