The run home from Canary Wharf after the run in

If I can finish work in time, I plan to run home.  It's touch and go but I get my release out the door and head for home.  Despite this morning's run I feel strong.  Maybe it was the Skittles and Coffee?

I go the direct route that appears to be quickest, straight to Lewisham and then back from on the usual High Street and Beckenham Place Park woods route.  All the road junctions and traffic lights seem to go in my favour.  This is enjoyable running.

I don't feel too bad but running through the woods gives me another lift.  I manage to power up the two hills and soon I am sprinting down my road and home.  In the end quite a nice time as well for the journey.

Not sure if it was the fact my body was recovering from this morning, but I was able to push on.  Running this morning made it easier and not harder.

13.6km 1:14:33

To work via Greenwich

After running back this route on Friday I thought the run to work would be way quicker.  So after logging in to work from home, I set off.

The initial run up through Shortlands High Street is hard but then other than to dodge a few mums on the way to School it's a fairly easy run.

I decide to run through Greenwich Park.  I consider running down the road hill, but decide to take in the view by the Observatory.  Here I can see the Equestrian Centre for the Olympic Games under construction.  The size of the stands is quite impressive.  I stop to take a photo.

In Greenwich I spot the King's Arms but the "m" has dropped off or been removed.  It say's the Kings Ars.  Something else entirely...

Through the tunnel and round the docks I'm soon at work and not too tired.  I wonder about running home.

14.5km 1:27:30

Barefoot Park Run

We have some guests who have been staying with us, leaving today.  I do have time to get a quick Park Run in before we say goodbye.  After yesterday I am a little sore (good, adapting!) so I decide to do it Barefoot.

I don't really push too hard.  It's going well until 3/4 of the way round I get overtaken by the 23 minute pacemaker.  I'm pretty sure I am running faster than 23 minute pace.  He drops away and then holds on.  I know he is a strong runner and suspect he is not running a good pace.  When strong runners pace they run an even pace across the whole course.  Someone struggling to break 23 minutes, will run the downhill bits faster and the uphill bits slower but average out at 23 minutes.

In the finishing straight I see Laura from my running club is about to pass me.  I decide to not let her beat me so push on.  She doesn't look interested in fighting it out but it's enough for me to push on a little at the end.

In the end an enjoyable run.  Considering the run yesterday the time was not too bad.

5km 22:35

Run back from Canary Wharf via Greenwich

I decided to treat myself and run home from work after a particular hard work week.  I decide to run via Greenwich Park.  I run across the Isle of Dogs, under the foot tunnel.  I navigate the one way system.  It's a big, steady hill up to the observatory.  I then run across Blackheath.  I stop and get the map out as this was the bit I was not sure about.  I find my way and past Blackheath Station.

I'm listening to a fascinating podcast about physiology.  Apparently it's good to hurt.  This is your body adapting and getting stronger.  Recovery things (Ice Baths, anti-inflammatory rtc.) , prevent this adaptation.  Interesting.

After lots of rolling hills, I am at Grove Park.  I know my way back from here.  I'm now in my groove and motor on.  I'm not sure of the exact timing but I probably ran it faster than I would usually.

A fantastic run.  I'd be interested know how quick it would be on the way to work which would be far more downhill.

14.5km 1:22

Lunchtime with a new group

I had got wind of an intervals group in Canary Wharf.  I turn up and getting chatting.  It turns out that today they are running a time trial of with 2.5km or 5k.  I would certainly be running 5km.   A bit later Paul, who I know from the work running club turns up.

The standard is mixed and we start of with a warm up.  Then the race starts.  I sit middle of the pack after a while I start to worry about the time.  I also feel tired.  I decide to wimp out and only do 2.5km.  This means that I can push on harder.

I narrowly avoid being lapped and make it back in 10 minutes on the dot.  To be honest I wasn't in the mood for a time trial and was more interested in some mindless intervals.  I'd be interested to see how long the interval takes.  It was a good bunch of people and if it fits into under the lunch hour then this could be a useful session.

2.5km 10:00

Getting wet with a Pink Umbrella

Have been too busy with work and life to run recently.  I now try and take my running kit always on the off chance of a run.  Despite raining all day, I look out the window and it looks good.  Also from dropping my little girl to school I have a small pink umbrella.

I decide to get a train to London Bridge and take a likely looking train and run from there.  At London Bridge I am soon winging my way to Grove Park.

I start running (holding pink umbrella) and it is truly wonderful to be running.  Then the sky darkens and it starts raining.  Then the rain gets heavier, and heavier until I am totally drenched.  All the time holding a little pink umbrella.  I seriously consider putting it up but decide it would be too hard to run with.



I really can't wait for this rainy monsoon season to end.  Hopefully work will settle down and I can get some steady miles in to and from work.

4.5km 24:49

Quick run back from New Beckenham

Was meant to be going out tonight but it was canned at the last minute.  I got caught up at work and left late.  I jump on the train to London Bridge.  The plan is to jump a convenient train and run back from where it takes me.  In the end a Hayes Train is the winner.

I jump off at New Beckenham.  I feel tired but it's nice to run off some of the days stress.  I briefly stop for a minute walk on the last hill.  Once again I am running on part of the course for the Beckenham Relays.  It's funny how things work out.

I see my mate James and give him a wave and I am soon home.  I'm quite sweaty for a 3km run!

3km 17:03