RUN 179 - Kensington Palace Gardens

Ran across Hyde Park and the Serpentine towards High St Kensington on my way west.  The parks are beautiful and packed this time of year, especially on such a hot day.  I had my camelpak with me this time though so remained well hydrated, but the sun was still pretty hot and i had to adjust my pace to keep cool, i guess i'm learning after all!  I think i got a little too much sun though, feeling quite lethargic now.  [5.12m - 46:35 - 09:06/m]

[Kensington Palace Gardens]

RUN 178 - Thank Clif for shot bloks!

Summer arrived with a vengeance this weekend, and as a runner, the heat is no friend of mine, and lately so are early mornings.  So today i find myself running through the building heat of the mid morning.  I was eager to get out the door too and didn't take enough water, probably didn't adjust my pace for the conditions either.  Basic mistakes which i've made before, told myself i'd not make again and then forgot all about my promise to myself.  Fortunately i had some Clif Shot Bloks in my belt which really help replace all the electrolytes i'd been profusely sweating out and really helped me home, this is why i don't race in the summer, since my first marathon in Chicago 2007; heat acclimatisation is perhaps the key, whether the issue is 'heat stroke' or the heat affect on blood pressure is interesting discussed here using the 2007 Chicago Marathon as a case study.  The definition of 'extreme' temperatures therefore depends on what you're accustomed to and your training.  Todays conditions were certainly 'extreme' compared to the previous months, and i was reminded of the need to prepare and consider those conditions before heading out the door.  Runtheplanet.com have some great dvise here. You, and I, would do well to take note. [7.36m - 01:02:33 - 08:30/m]

[cooling off in the shade before heading home]

RUN 177 - "Run-River Boat-Run"

Another beautiful evening, another beautiful commute; sprint down to Blackfriars, hop on the river boat (to Putney this time - bar on board by the way!) and a easy 4m run home along the south bank of the Thames over Hammersmith bridge and into Chiswick.  Heckled by some yobs, kept on running, calves were a little tight from yesterday, must remember to stretch more post run.  The boat ride is a little slow, but its a good break after the sprint down the the pier, time well spent i still believe.  [4.15m-33:22-08:02/m]

[The sun sets over the river, lighting up the route ahead]

RUN 176 - "Run Forest Run..."

I can't recall how many times some random pedestrian has spoken these three words to me as i'm running.  Usually through a city on a day which most other people might choose not to run, i think it's a compliment, at least thats the way i choose to take it.  People don't question cyclists in the same way, is it that the perceived effort of running is greater and perhaps unobtainable? not necessarily true; a 3 mile run home is perhaps as challenging as a 6/7mile bike ride.  People often don't understand why we run, especially with a backpack home from work... why not take a bus or a train?  i'm not sure why, maybe its because i know i can, or i want to find out if i can.  [5.0m-42:27-08:29/m]

[The Italian Gardens in Hyde Park]

RUN 175 - Back to the River

I haven't been feeling great the last couple of weeks, hence my reduced and sporadic running schedule, it was partly a cold which caused a cough which moved to my chest, but as that subsided, the stuffy and irritated nose persisted.  With the cough gone, I'm thinking i may have some allergies or hay fever which I've never suffered from before... i don't like it and it definitely doesn't help when running.  I'm taking something for it now and hope that it keeps it at bay.  I always think that running when you least want to is the best time to do so, the rewards are always greater.  Summers are difficult for me, i don't like running above 65/70 degrees so much, hopefully it will rain more! i do however like that!  I'm not planning any marathons through July/August and will stick to local shorter races, I hope to pick up a bi-monthly marathon schedule beginning in September and get a few races in Europe.  [4.45m-37:31-08:25/m]

[The end of the north side Thames Path as it hits Brent...]

RUN 174 - Choosing to prioritize

It's tough to find enough time in the day to do everything you want to without feeling fatigue, but what do you prioritize when it all becomes too much? Most likely the gym or wherever you exercise suffers, it's all too easy to say you just don't have the time or energy. Personally, I've never felt worse after running than I did beforehand, 'lack of energy' is an excuse I can motivate myself through. As fir the former, next time ask yourself how your time is better spent, did you get more from those 30-60 minutes than you might have got running? For me the answer is so far always "no"

[no map needed when running west, follow the setting sun]

RUN 173 - where are you running; one year on

Well, I seem to have missed my blogs one year anniversary! only by just over a week, so lets just celebrate it today! 170 [ish] posts during that time, you'd think i'd have answered the question by now and can close the book... not likely... its not that i haven't given a variety of reasons where and why i  run, its just that i know there are many more to be discovered.  I ran south towards the river today from Islington, about a mile and a half and caught the river boat to Chelsea Harbor, and then ran home from there, another 5 miles of so... i got a bit lost,and it took longer than i thought, but that isn't the point.  When i did get home, i was so energized, i had the energy and motivation to cook dinner, clean, do laundry, try on the new clothes with my wife which my mother-in-law sent us, eat dinner and shower within an hour of getting home.  I'm sure like me you've come home many times, drained from the struggle to get home by bus, train, sat in traffic and fighting through busy sidewalks.  Running makes me happy, and it makes me a better person to be around... there might not be a better reason than that, but that won't stop me running or blogging... thanks for following and hopefully you can relate to some of these rambling, runner or not. [6.17m - 50:41 - 08:12/m]

[a relaxing mid-run boat ride helps moderate the distance]

RUN 172 - [re]Learning to go with the flow

Theres nothing wrong with relearning a lesson, best to be glad you did and move on.  Its all to easy to let life dictate your routine and squeeze out those activities or responsibilities which don't seem to contribute to our basic needs.  The hierarchy of those needs is certainly up for debate, for most of us making money and paying bills usually seem to make their way to the fore.  They are however quite unimportant in meeting [most] or our psychological needs, the people, places and activities which please us are all to easily forgotten.  Taking a step back, recognizing those basic facts and checking if they've become applicable to you will in my view improve your life immeasurably more than the accumulation of money.  Of course bills need paying, but its vital that we asses our lives regularly to ensure the balance of needs is met, for yourself and those you spend your lives with.  Learning to work with the other uncontrollable aspects of your life is the key; find ways to adapt to achieve the same end result rather than vainly trying to impose old habits on constantly changing circumstances... like me, you'll be much happier for it. [5.91m - 48:45 - 08:14/m]

[England's imperial past shines even on the dullest London day]

RUN 171 - You don't have to sit in traffic or on a crowded train, run to work!

Have an expensive, hot, crowded commute by public transport? think about running; or cycling... look around as you sprint walk to descend deep underground and catch a train home, you'll see people doing things differently, you can walk up oxford street quicker than a bus.  There are no delays when you run or ride a bike home, no fighting for a seat, no sweaty peoples armpits in your face, plus you'll have combined your commute with your daily workout, saved time and its cost you nothing.  Sure it's not going to work every day, drunk running is just as dangerous as drunk driving; but three days a week should be feasible, give it a try, believe me, you'll feel empowered.  The only thing you have to watch out for is people 'running' to catch a bus or train!  [8.78m - 01:24:50 - 09:39/m]

[Tourists and people running for buses make fun obstacles!]