Down the river from Blackfriars

I'm out partying later so decide to get a good run in early.  I plan to run from Catford to work but get the wrong train and decide to run down the river from Blackfriars.

I know the river path well from my time in the City.  I now know the Canary Wharf end of the path.  It's hot and I am soon pretty sweaty.

I notice the Olympic rings are still on Tower Bridge before turning to run down the canals and to the docks.

8km 42:30

I am Mo Farrah

I've just watched Mo Farrah win the Olympic 5km and I am inspired to run.

I head out down the promenade. I'm feeling good so I keep on past where I ran the other day.

I run through a posh housing estate looking for a route back to the sea front. I find a footpath and it leads to the beach but it is all stones. I turn back and continue through the housing estate.

Eventually I decide to turn and head back. As I hit the promenade again I spot a runner. I try and catch him up but don't. Then I spot two other runners, I reel them in and power past.

I know the Beachy Head Marathon is coming, I need to get the run lengths up. It was only an hour but it was a good step in the right direction.

11km 59:51

Sea Mist

Took the kids to the beach today and there was a sea mist. The mist is still there for tonight's run along the promenade. I head along the lit, lively end. There are some youths and courting couples hanging around but nothing to worry about.

Despite being on holiday with 3 kids being very tiring I'm glad I got out, even if it was only for a 5km.

5km 26:17

Headwind on the way back

After a crazy-busy holiday packed day with the kids, I eventually get out for a run at 10pm. Just as I about to leave my son is sick everywhere and I have to stop and help tidy up.

I run through the holiday park and on to the promenade. This time I turn left and run in to the wind. It Is dark but I can make out the sea.

Progress is good but I remember the wind is at my back. Down a dark section I lose my bottle. I can see some people coming towards me. I turn inland through some posh houses.

I reach the main road, turn and head back. I zig zag through the strong wind. fortunately I had left plenty in the tank.

The final part back through the holiday camp I feel strong. I power up a ramp.

Now for some holiday beer...

5km 27:15

First day of the holiday run

I've been caning it a bit since my July detox came to an end. It is the first day of my holiday. The kids are excited and are into everything at the holiday camp.

Eventually, after dark I slip out. I run to the beach and down the promenade. I'm struggling in the wind.

A much older runner cruises by me. I say to him that I hope it is a headwind rather than a crosswind. He confirms it is and says it will be easier on the way back. I say that I know it will be as I have beer waiting for me.

After 20 minutes I run out of promenade and stuff. So I turn back and with the wind behind my sails I fly. The smell of the sea, the illuminations, the fishing boats. Lovely.

I've been doing some core work and I think it is starting to pay dividends.

Really enjoyable. I zip past the security guard into the camp.

With the kids, it was a struggle to get out but I'm so gladI did.

39:25 7km

All a bit fluro

My new Asics, unlike the beautifully understated last model, are fluro green.  I have some fluro blue shorts recently bought.  Couple with a red t-shirt the whole ensemble is quite err visible?

Train to Catford and through the Greenwich foot tunnel to work.

The run is still pretty good, and Greenwich has the Olympic buzz.

8km 48:52

Still Good

The same run as yesterday, Catford to Work.  A similar result, feeling great and running well.  This time the good feeling started earlier.  I didn't stop to look at any historical noticeboards so was probably a bit quicker.

8km 45:42