It’s a couple of minutes to seven. Light rain falls from a white sky. A bit of coolness on what promises to be another hot day. Heat training in London. Who would have ever thought that? Sara and I are running through St. James’s Park in the direction of Buckingham Palace. Around us hundreds of other early risers. London seems to be the running capital of the world these days.
It’s our third day in London, our second day of running. Yesterday, Sara did an eight-kilometre tempo. I joined her for my recovery run. Thanks to my long legs, our paces match. From our Wilde Aparthotel we made our way down Adam Street to the Thames and over Waterloo Bridge to reach the Southbank boardwalk.
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Millenium Bridge
Running with Sara through London is easy. She used to live here. A long time ago, so she doesn’t recognise everything. Still, it feels like a guided tour this morning. A good thing, as I haven’t figured out how to navigate on my new Coros watch yet.
I’ve said it many times, but I’m going to say it again: running through a city is a great way of sightseeing and meeting locals. Running over the Queen’s Walk we pass Blackfriars Bridge, Millennium Bridge, London Bridge and Tower Bridge, where we make a U-turn and run the same way back.
Queen’s Walk
Here and there the Queen’s Walk leaves the Thames for a moment and we have to run through narrow streets, where we almost bump into other runners. It’s early, but London is buzzing with running activity. Some runners with their shirts in their hands, spreading their sweat on everybody who runs by. Others in sweat pants and long-sleeved shirts. Some with big backpacks strapped on, making their way to work on a pair of Hoka’s, Asics’, On’s or Nike’s.
London is famous for its marathon, but anyone who wants to see a bit of the city, and have a taste of the running vibe, can lace up any day. Action guaranteed. Although it is big city running. People will size you up when you’re a hundred metres away, but a good morning or a simple raise of the hand is never returned. Community is for races and park runs. Not for early mornings in the city.
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St. James’s Park
St James’s Park and Green Park, where we are running through now, aren’t as busy as the Southbank yesterday. Still, we’re far from the only ones sneaking in a few morning miles. This time no runners to trip over around corners, but we do have to be careful not to bump into a goose, pigeon or squirrel. Back home the geese fly away, loudly complaining, even when we’re not close. Squirrels run up the trees. In London they don’t give a shit, and stay where they are.
When we make it – freshly showered – to Foyles in the afternoon, we discover again how big running is in London. In the Netherlands, I’m happy if I can find one or two running books in a bookshop. Here, there are shelves filled with them. I’ve got all the Adharanand Finn books. Richard Askwith is twice present on my bookshelves, just like a couple of other writers. Yet, I don’t have Dean Karnazes’ Ultra Marathon Man yet. So that one goes home with me. Just like Running with the Mind of Meditation by Sakyong Mipham, a Tibetan Buddhist. Every crossover I can find between yoga and running interests me.
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Chinatown
I love to bring more, but as I have already picked up a book on drawing – and bought two books in Cambridge – I decide enough is enough. I mean, I do have to carry them home. Sara has other thoughts seemingly, as there are nine in her basket. Next to the four she bought in Cambridge. Let’s say she’s in for some serious strength training tomorrow when she has to carry her suitcase.
But that’s a problem for later. Now our bellies are growling. It’s time for food. It’s time to visit Chinatown, sit down and talk about the Comedy about Spies, the play by Mischief Theatre we saw yesterday. The funniest play we’ve ever seen. After that, it is slowly time to pack and think about the way back. The next run will be in the Netherlands.
Keep on running.
