RUN 241 - The perfect run

A run doesn't get any better than this... 10+ miles through unexplored countryside from my parents house to visit my nan, going off my usual route to explore a little more, getting 'lost' and picking a new direction to run somewhere familiar again, discovering a small stream and following it, across varied terrain grass mud and hills through forests... and waiting at the end a happy face pleased to see me and a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea.

[no idea how i found this stream, but it took me home]

RUN 240 - No Swimming

After 10 miles along the beautiful south bank of the Thames in 75 degree sun heading towards Richmond from the city, the only thing i want to do is jump in that water and swim... not ever going to happen though, killer currents and bacteria... 

RUN 239 - Tide racing

The turning point of my preferred run route going west along the Thames, regardless of the time of day, the tide is always there.  The power of it is inspiring, and the effect is obvious, always plainly revealed on the return run, i like feeling part of a bigger world, having something to put ones efforts into perspective always gives me strength and confidence to complete them and push harder.

RUN 238 - Regular Route

Home to work or vice versa, its a regular route which lets me avoid public transport (but not the public!) it provides the perfect transition from one part of life to another, combined with the physical exercise, its a mental break between the two which i maintain helps me be better at both of them.

[Central St Giles, Renzo Piano]

RUN 237 - Back on the Thames again

Having been away for a while its good to be back to a familiar place, sometimes that familiarity is encouraging, other times distracting, especially on a challenging run, being reminded how much further there is to go, and how much more i'll be asking of myself can be a difficult mental struggle, but inevitably at some point that changes in my favor and becomes comforting.  

RUN 236 - The Corniche, Abu Dhabi

Business travel is not always as glamorous as it seems, there often are not opportunities to see the places you're visiting and working in... running is a great excuse to explore... the Corniche is like Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, a road, park, boulevard, beach along the waterfront.  Abu Dhabi isn't the most beautiful place in the UAE, but still a beautiful place to run.

[The Corniche Waterfront of Abu Dhabi]

RUN 235 - Greve in Chianti, Tuscany

It doesn't get much more idyllic than the rolling Tuscan countryside! an early start on a frosty spring morning exploring the hillsides, surprising a pack of dogs and not getting mauled, trying to keep the blood flowing to my frozen fingertips and wishing id brought gloves... none of it matters when the world is this beautiful!

[The countryside around a stunning Tuscan B&B]

RUN 234 - Rome, Italy

Take the chance to explore a little further and trust your instincts, run with a flexible plan and you'll never be disappointed, i always seem to discover a natural climax on runs like today at the top of a hilly Roman public park.



[A perfectly roman public scene]

RUN 233 - Rome, Italy

Being away from home is exciting as a runner, every step will be something new and unfamiliar, you're guaranteed to be surprised and delighted... its also a great way to scout out places to return to, like this hilltop cafe view hidden away near our hotel in Rome.

[A Roman hilltop view]

RUN 232 - 1940s dress design sketches in South Ken.

Even in the city there are always beautiful interesting things to see, and you see so much more when running... there may not always be beautiful vistas, sun rises over impossibly large lakes or the banks of a powerful river, but make the effort to open your eyes and you'll see so much more.

[40's dress designs in a Knightsbridge shop window]