A business trip, one which felt like someone decided to sponsor a 5000mi trip for me to get some 50mi on my feet. London was lovely at its peak summer (the Brits of course were complaining of too much heat, and melting roads and what not).
A short run on day1, recce of the Primrose Hill & the Regent’s Canal. The next day was all around Regent’s park, then a slice of the Hyde Park another day. The astounding sights of the Buckingham & Kensington Palace, the arches basked in the early morning twilight, with a hint of chill in the air.
I managed a couple of runs over 2hours, went half full-monty on my last long run around Hyde Park & Kensington Park, losing my way around and playing detective around Baker’s street. It is elementary, Dr. Watson!
It all came together at the Parkrun. My old pal & cycling inspiration, DLam, had me signed up for a local Parkrun at Hallow over the hill. At 9AM, with as best as the English weather can get, I set off chasing the lead runners, 3 loops around the park. This visitor, all the way from India, made it in 20mins (19:29) with some 4 runners ahead of me. I loved the chance to do another chatty lap with DLam. 4 laps, make that 400 for the next weekend!
The Parkrun is an interesting format, with a goal based, timed, volunteer driven, free event. Gives you a chance to test against yourself and an age-graded relative score.
Thank yous due to collective corporate incompetence for sponsoring the trip; to Mrs. A DLam for the beet-halwa and Tair-sadam; to DLam for the “chin-up and little finger stretching” to improve my pace.
I’m kicking myself for having missed a London Hash, but overall happy with some good, happy miles this week. A long one coming up, stay tuned!
