All posts filed under: Sports & Adventure

cycling, running, trekking, walking and other outdoor and indoor activities

The day I jumped out of a plane

Published by Anita

So one thing that didn’t figure on my wishlist was jumping out of a plane. Many, many thousand feet off the ground. Diving into the deep ocean is quite an adventure, and I’ve done it several times now, but if someone asked me if I wanted to jump out of a plane (till two weeks ago) I would probably say what most sane people say: “Are you crazy?!” But this was something the better half wanted to do. And of course, the supportive spouse that I am, I decided he couldn’t possibly do this alone. Let me make one thing clear though. There’s no way I was going to jump out of a plane on my own. Thankfully, they don’t allow that either. Until you log a respectable number of jumps. And yes, yes – there was a parachute involved and a very nice instructor called Ricco, who kept up the conversation and made sure I was relaxed and ready, as our little plane took off the runway. So this is what it felt like. …

Bicycling Diaries, Part 1: Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Virginia

Published by Anita

So what do you do with miles of railroads from the yesteryears, which are no longer operational? Abandon them? Thankfully, someone had better sense. Today, in the US there are quite a few of these railroads, converted into running and cycling trails. These provide a great place for those who want to indulge in these sporty activities without the hindrance of vehicular traffic. While visiting Virginia, the trail we cycled on is the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad (W&OD), now looked after by the Friends of WNOD.  This particular railroad ferried passengers between towns, from 1859 to 1968. With the increase in the number of vehicles and the improved road networks, the demand for passenger trains came down and finally they closed it down. It is a 45 mile asphalt trail for walking, running and other activities (motorized vehicles are not allowed) and there is a parallel 30.5 mile gravel path for horseback riding and hiking. So there are portions where the two trails intersect.  On weekends, these kind of dedicated trails (W&OD is one of them) …

Olaulim Backyards: Where time stands still, but a lot can happen!

Published by Anita

They had me at Richard Parker! This cosy homestay, situated in a very quiet and serene part of Goa will transport you to another world all together. Away from the buzz and the humdrum, the noise and pollution of the city, it’s a relief as you step into what is literally a “backyard”! All around is just green as far as the eye can see. And a creek that lazily winds its way into the property completing the perfect picture. And fittingly, you know why this serene place is called Olaulim Backyards. Inhabited by a motley group of permanent residents (besides the hosts and their 2 kids) – three dogs, a pony, a donkey and a cat called Richard Parker – every moment is a delight. I was lucky to spend 3 days at Olaulim, in the peak of the monsoons and I don’t think I’ve seen Goa in a more beautiful season – bathed in rain, the countryside is a shade of green that you’ll never find in a concrete jungle. The roads are inviting, winding …

Into the deep blue

Published by Anita

When I got a chance to travel to the Philippines recently, I couldn’t resist fitting in a dive. After all, the beautiful blue green waters in this region are known for it’s marine life and Manila is well placed in terms of access to the sea. On a beautiful and sunny (and I should mention hot) Sunday, we set off on our road trip to Anilao, the primary diving area around a two and a half hour drive from Manila city. My colleague, who had also recently got a taste of the underwater thrill called diving agreed to take me to the dive site and also accompany me for the dive. We were also lucky to have another colleague who is a certified divemaster, leading the dives. The highway drive was pleasant and the road was good all the way through. It actually feels a little like the US since the road signs and the construction seems to be modeled on the US. However, the countryside, the trees and the houses had a distinctly Asian …

Achilles tendon tear

The Achilles tendon tear injury: Getting back

Published by Anita

In August last year, I suffered from an Achilles tendon tear for which I had to undergo surgery. A few months ago, I wrote about being stuck in a (pink) cast. It was a frustrating time for me since I couldn’t do anything. Let alone cook myself a meal, clean or walk without getting really tired. I graduated from the cast and by December I was walking without the crutches. After around 2 weeks, I began physiotherapy for around 21 days to get back the range of motion in the ankle. However, the process of getting back to full recovery is a long and painful one. I hope this helps anyone who has sustained the injury. I think only those who have undergone the surgery and the rehabilitation process will understand the true nature of this injury, though I know it’s like stating the obvious. While there is no constant pain, there is always an underlying tightness in the area. It doesn’t feel quite right. It’s inflexible around the ankle area, the muscle has become …