The Return of the Passport Ordeal -I

I'm in Delhi again and this time around it's not a vacation or illness. The reason I'm here is to get my passport renewed. Renewed, mind you, not reissued ... read on.

Five years ago, after a lot of struggle, I was issued a passport. That passport was issued under the Tatkaal scheme. A scheme which allows people to obtain fresh passports within a week's time by paying an extra amount. The only catch being that these passports might only be valid for 5 years and not the whole 10 years. Such passports are called short term validity passports and mine is one of them.

The problem with short term validity passports is that you can't, in passport terminology, get them reissued but only renewed. Reissue means that you get a fresh passport, provided your previous passport is nearing expiration. Renewal, on the other hand, means an extension of the validity period, from under 10 years, to the whole 10 years. For example, in my case the 5 years' validity will be extended to 10 years.

Knowing all this, with complete forms, I went to the passport office. I reached there early enough to be the 6th or 7th person in the queue for the miscellaneous services (renewal is a miscellaneous service, unlike reissue). When I came to the front, I was told that renewal is going to take time ... 25 days (his exact words were "इसमें टाइम लगेगा; पचीस दिन"). He also gave me a bunch of other forms to fill. Now 25 days in babudom-speak can be an eternity. Also it requires another round of police verification.

Hoping that there will be another faster route to get it done, I didn't submit the forms. After a lot of investigation and talking to people, it turns out there isn't any faster way.

Given that I need to go for a US visa interview for my further studies, the delay in this passport renewal formality could become a disaster. My future hangs precariously.

Predicting Race Times Through Curve Fitting

You will find many race time calculators on the web, which will ask you to enter your time for a specific distance and you will get back the predicted race times for various distances. More often than not, the race times predicted are either too high or too low than what you observe in real life.

Take me, for example. My best 10KM time is 48:48. If I enter this into the runningforfitness.org race predictor, the predicted race times which I get are:

5 KM - 23:26
Half Marathon - 01:47:35
Full Marathon - 03:46:58

Whereas my best times for these distances are

5 KM - 23:06 (predicted race time higher)
Half Marathon - 01:51:23 (predicted race time lower)
Full Marathon - 04:50:26 (predicted race time significantly lower)

These race predictors take one race time and apply a formula to get all race times.

Taking the same race times which I had:

Distance	Hours	Minutes	Seconds	Equivalent Minutes
5	0	23	6	23.1
10	0	48	47	48.78
21.1	1	51	23	111.38
42.2	4	50	26	290.43

Table 1: Race Distances and Times

 Now if I take that data and plot it, here's what I get:

Figure 1: Distance Vs Time According To Race Times

The blue curve which you see in the above chart, is a polynomial curve which has been fitted onto the data points (race times). The curve is in fact almost a perfect fit, the R-Squared value being 0.99.  

The formula for the polynomial curve is:

 y = 0.0799x² + 3.3858x + 5.2075

Armed with this perfect formula, I thought I could predict race times for any distance. So I fired up IDLE and started putting in values:

>>> def CalculateTime(distance):
    time = .0799 * (distance**2) + (3.3858*distance) + 5.2075
    hours = math.floor(time/60)
    mins = math.floor(time%60)
    sec = int((time - math.floor(time)) * 60)
    print str(hours) + " hours " + str(mins) + " minutes " + str(sec) + " seconds"

    
>>> CalculateTime(10)
0.0 hours 47.0 minutes 3 seconds
>>> CalculateTime(12)
0.0 hours 57.0 minutes 20 seconds
>>> CalculateTime(21.1)
1.0 hours 52.0 minutes 13 seconds
>>> CalculateTime(42.2)
4.0 hours 50.0 minutes 22 seconds

Everything looks as expected. So I thought, let's predict other times, say for a 50K...

 >>> CalculateTime(50)
6.0 hours 14.0 minutes 14 seconds

That seemed reasonable. So what about shorter distances?

>>> CalculateTime(5)
0.0 hours 24.0 minutes 8 seconds
>>> CalculateTime(3)
0.0 hours 16.0 minutes 5 seconds
>>> CalculateTime(2)
0.0 hours 12.0 minutes 17 seconds
>>> CalculateTime(1)
0.0 hours 8.0 minutes 40 seconds

Woah! According to this model, I will be doing my 5K at a slower pace than my 10K and if I were running a 1K, I would be walking?!!

Not satisfied, I tried fitting other curves -- exponential, power, linear. But none actually gave me reasonable predictions across distances.

The polynomial curve was the only one which gave the relatively better predictions, but only for distances greater than 10KM.

The only place where I can use the polynomial formula, would be to define a lower limit of performance in a race or, in other words, the least expected time.

Which leads me to the conclusion that you can't reliably predict race times through mathematical formula. What a waste of time!

Sunfeast 10K 2010: Race Report

The Sunfeast 10K 2010 went mostly according to plan. I finished the race in 48:48 which translates to an average pace of 4:51/KM.

My goals were as follows:

1. Finish -- Pass
2. Get a personal best (beat 50:36) -- Pass
3. Finish Sub-50 min -- Pass
4. Finish Sub-48 min -- Fail

I was there at the race venue (Kanteerava Stadium) at around 7:30 AM. The Open 10K was scheduled to start at 8:10 AM, shortly after the elite women's start. By that time I had managed to get myself very close to the holding area gate. This was essential because last time I was far back in the holding area and it took me quite a bit of time to get to the start line, due to which I was dodging the crowd for most of the run.

When the gate opened there was a lot of pushing and shoving. Like last year, people did jump the fencing and come on to the track. When the race was officially started, there were a bunch of people who, with the pushing and shoving going on, fell on the track. Although, I don't think any of them got seriously hurt.

The weather was cloudy before the start of the race. It seemed that we will be racing in ideal conditions. But as soon as the gates were opened and the race started, the sun came out and it remained hot for the entire duration of the race.

I stuck to my target pace for the initial stage of the race and didn't take water for the first 5 KM. Things started getting a bit tough between the 5 and 6 K mark, where we had to deal with a slight gradual incline. When I started getting side-stitches, I decided to try what Paula Radcliffe does when the pain starts: count backwards from 100. 

I kept the counting going till the last stretch. I was pretty drained out towards the end and couldn't manage a final sprint.

Regardless, a good race.

Obtaining Transcripts from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) -- How-TO

Update  September 18 2014: The original blog-post was written close to four years back. Things have changed since then. However, a lot of you have provided vital knowledge in the comments. Please look at the comments for the latest information.

This post contains details regarding the procedure for obtaining OTs from CUSAT (the college from where I did my engineering). I had a tough time getting my OTs done. This is to help others so that they don't face the same difficulties which I did.

Disclaimer: I have tried to be as accurate with the details, but there could be discrepancies as things change and memories fade. As with all things, rely on your personal judgment. If you mess things up after reading something listed below, don't blame me. I claim no responsibility. That said, if you do find something which could be corrected, let me know.

For those who don't know transcripts or Original Transcripts or OTs are official documents which you will need for higher studies. OTs will contain all your degree marksheets in a sealed envelope, with each marksheet signed and sealed by the university. You will need to mail the OTs to the (foreign) university where you want to pursue higher studies. OTs are something which you absolutely need for pursuing an MS in U.S.A.

So without further ado, here is the procedure.

1. Getting Into Administrative Block

The OTs are made by a collaboration of people, all of whom sit in the Administrative Block (from hereon referred to as ADM). The people concerned are the examination controller, the accounts department, registrar, and a host of other people.

In order to gain audience with said people, you need to first enter the ADM. If you have never entered ADM, know that you first need to get something called a gate pass. The gate pass is issued to you by the security personnel present at the room to the right of the ADM gate.

Note: You need to carry a valid proof of Identity to obtain the gate pass.

Once you get the gate pass, you will sign in a register and be allowed to go inside.

2. Meeting the Examination Controller

Once inside your first course of action should be to meet the examination controller (EC). The examination controller's office is on the 1st floor of ADM, towards the right. You will need to carry an application, requesting for OTs. The application should contain the list of universities, where you are applying to, and their respective addresses. Some universities require you to send 2 sets of OTs. If so mention both addresses.

You should show this application to the EC. Let the EC review the application. Once done, the EC will ask you to pay the required amount of cash.

Note: If you are requesting the OTs on behalf of somebody else, you will need to carry an authorization letter and the application for OTs. 

3. Paying Cash

CUSAT only accepts cash for OTs (I'm not sure about DDs). No cheques. No online transfer. So carry the required amount and a little more. The cash required when I got my OTs done in November 2009 was

1. Single OT - Rs 1200
2. Two sets of OTs to the same address - Rs 1200 + Rs 600

Note: If the two sets of OTs requested by the foreign university are to be sent to different addresses, then the cost is Rs 2400 and not Rs 1800. 

The cash counter is on the ground floor. Give the application, which you showed to the EC, to the person at the cash counter. (S)He will go through it and calculate the amount which needs to be paid. Ensure that this is the same amount which you calculated. If it's less than what you calculated, be wary and check again.

Once you pay the amount, you will be given a receipt. Safeguard this receipt. Scan it.

4. Meeting the Examination Controller, once again.

After getting the receipt, you should go to the examination controller (on the 1st floor if you remember). Show the EC the application and the receipt once again. Let the EC review it once again. If it's up to the EC's satisfaction, (s)he will stamp it and ask you to proceed towards J-Block.

5. J-Block

The J-Block is on the same floor and is a room which will remind you of the stereotypical government office. You will not see a single computer in sight and the whole room is full of files, files, and more files. You should find out the people who are responsible for your branch's transcripts and hand over the stamped application to them. They will take it from here and get your OTs ready. Be sure to get their phone number and an expected date when the OTs will be done.

But wait, this is not all. There is more, much more, to do.

6. Follow up

Just because you wrote an application and paid money, doesn't mean that your OTs will get done automatically. No. You have to follow-up. Call the university at least weekly once to get the status of your OTs.

7. Mailing the OTs

Most Indian universities which I know of, hand over the OTs directly to you. And you are expected to post the OTs to the respective foreign universities. Not so in the case of CUSAT.

CUSAT chooses to mail the OTs using regular Indian post! If you choose this method, there is no way to track the status of your OT package when it is in transit. There is a high chance of it getting lost as well. Instead I would suggest you courier it. CUSAT does provide an option to courier the OTs. But that too has its intricacies.

You can only courier your OTs through DHL.

So once the OTs are ready, you or your authorized representative has to go inside ADM and go to the people who have your OTs. Carry the cash receipt (section 3). Then you call the DHL courier chap and ask him to come to ADM.

Once he has come in, you can ask the ADM folks to hand over the OTs to the courier. Each package will cost you around Rs 1000/-

Only once you have handed over the OTs to the courier, is your job done.

8. Other Tips

1. Apply for the OTs as early as possible. Expect the university to take 2 months to process your OTs. 
2. Be polite and courteous to the people in ADM. Shouting at them is not going to get your job done any faster.
3. Get in touch with someone who has gotten their OTs done recently and get details from them.

9. Conclusion

Getting your OTs done from CUSAT is a character building experience. I hope this how-to helps you and makes your experience smoother. Although be prepared for surprises. The world would be a much duller place without them.

---

Update: 18 Novermber 2010.
A commenter (Rahul) has provided more information regarding this process. I have listed down the points presented by him.

1. You need to write a letter to the examination controller, stating your intent to apply for OTs. Please write all relevant details (including your Name , Registration no, University name and address and your own address) in this letter.

2. Get a xerox of your s7 and s8 mark list (applicable for B-Tech students).

3. As soon as you enter the main building, on the left, there will be a cash section. Deposit the money (Rs 1200 per OT). Collect the challan.


4. Climb up the stairs and come to 1st floor. On the right, you will find examination controller's cabin where a couple of people sit.

5. Submit :
a. s7 and s8 mark list.
b. Application letter.
c. chalan.

Examination controller will verify the said documents, staple them and place a stamp on these documents. Remember to keep a copy of chalan for yourself (the cash counter should have given you two copies; so you don't have to worry).

6. Insist the examination controller you want to personally hand over these docs to the J-section. Take the stamped documents and submit them to the staff in the J-section.

7. Call the J-section once a week and follow up. Please email  rahulilr05 [at] Google's Mail Site [dot] com if you need the contact number of the J-section.

---

Update: 10 October 2011.

A commenter (Thomas) added this useful piece of information on getting transcripts directly in your hand.

To get the sealed envelopes in your hand rather than sending them directly, you need to fill up the following form.

http://cusat.ac.in/03Current_Student/Forms_Download/forms/cusat_downloads/Applicationavailingdirectissuanc

Thomas: "I need to call the university to verify the exact procedure for this though."



 

Sunfeast 10K 2010: Prologue

Another edition of Sunfeast 10K is staring at us. This might very well be my last Sunfeast 10K for a long time to come.

1. Race Details

Like last year, the open 10K is scheduled to start at 8:10 AM. The route has been changed a bit.

Figure 1: Sunfeast Open 10K 2010 Race Route

Also, the race cut-off time is 2 hours --10:10 AM.

This year the race organizers have made the timing chip compulsory and due to that the registration costs were more. This means that everyone will be in one big holding area. Last year the people with the timing chips were allowed first on the course. I hope we don't see last year's chaos and commotion, when people started jumping the fence.

2. Controversy

A controversy regarding the Indian elite runners participating in Sunfeast 10K and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) seems to be brewing. The AFI looks to be discouraging the Indian athletes from participating. An IAF official states:

“All affiliated units, boards, clubs, athletes and officials taking part or associating themselves in any manner with the event will be liable to face disciplinary action, including suspension, as provided for in the AFI constitution.”

Of course, the fact that the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) has recognized and given Sunfeast 10K the gold label doesn't seem to hold much value for the AFI people.

To know more read this article from RunInfinity.

3. Goals

Unlike last year, I haven't been training specifically for the Sunfeast 10K. The training plan which I have been following (Jack Daniel's Blue Plan), is something which is not specifically for the 10K. Regardless, I do have goals. 

1. Finish
2. Get a personal best (beat 50:36)
3. Finish Sub-50 min
4. Finish Sub-48 min

These goals, I'm ashamed to say, look exactly like my last year's. But at the same time I feel that I'm in better shape than last year to achieve them. In fact the IISc SNT run proves that.

I'm planning to maintain a hard 4:50/KM pace from the very beginning. One thing which is certainly a deterrent to my goals is the huge crowd. I can only hope that I don't have to zig-zag too much.

Let's RUN!

IISc Science and Technology Run (SNT run) -- Race Report

Today I ran the 2nd edition of the IISc Science and Technology run or the SNT run, as it's being called. The event had a 10K, 5K, a corporate relay and bunch of other events which I didn't pay attention to. This report is for the 10K.


1. Course Profile

Figure 1: SNT Run 10K Map

The 10K run was a single loop within the IISc campus. The loop was mostly road, with a little bit of trail in the 1st half. It was not a flat course and had enough ups and downs. If you look at the map, you will see that the route crisscrosses itself at multiple places. In spite of that, I don't know of anyone who got lost.

2. Race Report

I decided to run this race on Friday (9/4/2010). It was a last minute thing. My goal for the race was to maintain a sub 5:00/KM pace and get a personal best (my 10K personal best is 50:36). Given that I have been running at paces faster than that, though for shorter distances, I thought the goal to be achievable. 

The 10K was supposed to start at 7:30 AM, but then it was announced that it will start at 8 AM. Given the recent increase in heat and humidity in Bangalore, that was not good news. The runners started assembling near the start line at around about 7:40 AM. The race got flagged off 10 minutes from then, at 7:50 AM -- 10 minutes before the announced start time. 

Given that I was at the head of the pack, I didn't have to jostle through the crowd too much. I consistently kept a pace between 4:30-5:00/KM. At the 3 KM, the heat started coming down and I had to utilize the water stops.

When my Garmin showed 8.4 KM, I saw a huge crowd under a banner cheering the runners on. My first instinct was, "Ah! Crowd support. Nice!" But then a couple of people, whom I had passed a few minutes back, were sprinting by me. And I wondered "Could the banner possibly be the finish line?" So, I asked the next runner, a woman, who was sprinting past me, "Is that the finish line?" She didn't seem to be in a mood to answer and by that time I was already under the banner. Yes, it was the finish line!

The 10K was only 8.7KM (42:19). Disappointing! I was on track for a personal best -- my average pace was 4:51 -- but it wasn't to be for no fault of my own. 

3. Pros and Cons

Pros

1. The registration process was pretty straightforward and they had the registrations open till the start of the race. 
2. There was no registration fee.
3. Even though there was no registration fee, all the runners got a t-shirt and a cap.
4. Adequate water stops.

Cons

1. This is a major one: the 10K run was 1.3 KM short! 
2. The race didn't start on time. Yes, it was only a 20 minute delay. But as runners we demand punctuality from ourselves and others. 
3. There were no distance markers anywhere in the course.

4. Conclusion

The race course was nice and challenging and if it weren't for the course being short, it would have been a really nice run.

Routine Post

Because the last time when I tried to switch on my computer, there was something burning ... and I don't know what.

• First things first. After getting rejected left, right and center last year, I finally managed to secure an admit for my MS in Computer Science. That too in UCLA. People tell me that it's a good school, but I'm more like "Hey it's in LA, so GREAT!" (Note: I am still awaiting more results).

• On to running. My sub-20-minute-5KM goal still exists and I'm training as much as I can (maybe I can do more, but then I won't be able to do all the other things which I do). I may not be able to make it in a 6 month time-frame, but it still seems possible within the end of the year. 

• For people who didn't know, I had joined Latin Dance Classes couple of months back and I'm still continuing. It's good fun and would to recommend to everyone.

• I have registered for the Sunfeast 10k which is slated to happen on May 23rd. I don't have any solid goals. I hope to do a sub-50 minute, but then that goal kind of sucks because that's the same which I had last year (I failed last year).

• I'm back to playing basketball. In fact I had been practicing all of last week for a corporate tournament which happened last weekend. We faced 3 teams (Bosch, Wipro and Repucom) and lost to each one of them, but I had a great time playing. It was almost 4 years since I had played a match. 

• Cooking has taken a back seat. I don't find it too interesting to just cook for myself. Although, if there are other people, I like to cook. 

• I'm currently reading greatbong's "May I Hebb Your Attention Pliss." I also bought "Getting Things Done." I hope I get time to read everything.