Ashwin Blogs

My first overnight trek in the Himalayas was an unforgettable experience. I hiked alongside my elder daughter, and together we braved challenging trails, reveled in breathtaking scenery, and shared unforgettable moments. Our trek partner, Indiahikes , exceeded expectations with their delicious food, knowledgeable guides, and commitment to environmental conservation. Going into a Himalayan trek, my idea of food was hot noodles and may be hot water to beat the cold and hunger. India hikes surprised us all in this regard - Delicious breakfast, a variety of full Indian lunch and dinner, tea and snacks in the evening! A Surprise sweet at the end of each dinner was cherry on the top. We put our bodies through tough times ascending and descending through the seemingly never ending mountains and valleys. It felt like we deserved to eat delicious food after a hard day of trek. The food tastes even better with that feeling. It was not merely a treat for the palate. Having the right frame of mind...

This short blog post reflects my current state of mind that can best be described by a quote I came across a very long time ago. At any given point in time, there are at least two dogs in my mind. One asking me to make the tougher choice and another asking me to take the easier route. There is a constant fight between them. Over the years, our mind has been meticulously tuned and then fine tuned to always choose the easier option. So, in theory there shouldn’t be any real battle. Specially when it involves getting up early in the morning and run 20+ kilometres. Yet, there are times when we have to make a decision going against the dominant dog in our minds. This sometimes epic battle within our minds requires motivation from within and people around us. So which dog wins in the end. Actually, its quite simple. The one we feed is the one that wins. What more, the dog we feed becomes stronger making it an easier battle on a day-to-day basis. Yet, the moment we start feeding the other dog...

Let me start by saying that I am by no means an expert on this subject. There is plenty of content available on the internet written by expert runners,sports nutritionists and amateur runners that provide rich information to help you get started and become a better runner. Running is one of easiest sport anyone can be a part of. After all, you know how to run without anyone teaching you. However, it is an impact sport and if you are serious about running as a means to get fit, make sure you understand and follow some basic rules to avoid break down or injury. Based on my learnings, I have compiled a list of things to follow before, during and after long runs that could be useful if you are a beginner. Before the Run 1. Wear comfortable clothes for the run.  Our body generates a lot of heat and this causes friction in certain areas. It is important to provide breathing space to avoid overheating and friction related burns. 2. Use running shoes. Running shoes are specificall...

A well-known mystic once said, "If life is a race, we all should aim to get to the finish line faster". Knowingly or unknowingly we all are heading towards our finish line without experiencing life as much as we can. Just as a tree whose sole purpose is to grow fully and bear fruits & flowers, our purpose in life (if there is one) must be to develop as a person and reach our peak potential. To achieve this, we must focus inward. In a world where time flies by at the speed of light 😇 , it is easier said than done. We tend to live life one day at a time and focus too much on outcomes. So, for most part, life is a race where we don’t end up learning and improving ourselves as much as we should. However, there is one such race that teaches you many valuable life lessons and helps you know more about yourself. This virtuous race is called a “Marathon”.  Knowing who you are helps you identify who you want to be. In this post, I would like to bring out 3 such virtues th...

Mumbai is city of contrast. You can find tall skyscrapers facing a vast area of slum. People live in what can be only described as “Nano” apartments which are valued in the multiple of crores. Rental prices are sky high while cost of living is otherwise low. The stark divide between rich and poor which India is identified with can be observed in this city. Amongst other things, it’s a city on the move. Einstein would have come up with his ideas on space-time continuum much earlier had he visited Mumbai. A trip in “Mumbai local” is all you need to be inspired about space, time and how they come together to create a multi dimensional experience. You realise the value of a “square foot” when you find yourself jammed in it with a few strangers. Entire city is like particles in motion rummaging through the obstacles of space and time just to make a daily living. Just as in many other cities, from time to  time you can get a sense of being alone in the crowd. Yet, on occasions like “Ganp...

We just entered a new year and last year has been very eventful to say the least. Started of with lockdowns and restrictions and then we went back to “(ab)normal”. Towards the end of the year, the threat of lockdown is back with a sudden surge of cases in China. No-matter how a year goes by, we all prefer to end it on a high. I did manage to end mine on a new “low”. It’s not what you think though. I have the habit of checking my weight once a week. Those 30 seconds you take to prepare yourself to step on the machine and eagerly wait for the scale to settle down could be nerve wrecking. It almost brings out the feeling of waiting for exam results after all the effort you put in through the year. It’s the moment when the outcome all our actions or in-actions can be seen. More often that not, we see the scale going the wrong way. Stepping on the scale despite the week gone by has got to be the bravest thing we do 😂. Those rare moments when the scale does go in the right direction, it doe...