I have started running err.. jogging to get back into shape and stamina since the last couple of days. This time around, rather than jogging on a tread mill, indoor and at constant speeds, I decided to hit open ground.
However, its a huge problem in a city like Mumbai. Firstly, it is overcrowded. Secondly, you cannot run on the streets, like say a Sydney. People think you are crazy and the street dogs will chase you and if you are unlucky, might actually bite you. Thirdly, there are hardly any open places left. And fourthly, even in the open places, the crowd is just too much.
I live close to Shivaji Park, a small bit of open space thankfully still left open in this bristling city.
The first day of jog, was the 5th day of Ganesh Chaturdi. The family idon immersion (Visarjan) day. Shivaji Park was converted into a parking place for vehicles. Too many vehicles and too many people. So I ignored the occasional side stepping and slowing down to avoid people during my run. The second day was the worst. Went out late. 8 PM to be precise to avoid the crowd. But still kept bumping into people. In fact, into a lot more people than the previous day.
Realized the core of the issue – as a culture, Mumbai is filled with very rude people.They were not like it, they were forced to become like it due to circumstances. You give an inch of space, someone will occupy it. Mumbai local is a classic example, 14 to 16 standing passengers per square metre of floor space. Anyway, my sketchy post…
The other thing, I notice when jogging is the direction of people running. Most people jog anti-clockwise. There is an interesting explanation here.
