Lunch time run

Near the start of our run - River Thames on the left

It is quite funny to see ang mohs in running gears galloping down Shenton Way on a hot Wednesday afternoon. Yes, I used to think those guys have nothing better to do than to sweat it out during lunch hours, taking in very polluted air and missing out on kopi-time with colleagues.

Well I did just that today - in London. Running is quite a big thing here, given that London hosts one of the world's premier marathons. So off I went, with absolute irreverence for the fact that I have not ran outdoors for 4 months, hoping to survive this 8km route.

We (just three of us) began at a rather fast pace, cutting by River Thames from the Docklands to the Tower of London. I heard that this is a popular and scenic route. And it did fill up to its name. It's amazing how people can take time off to run in this searing heat and dry weather but I see so many people running. Familiar faces at work, young and old, they were all in for the adrenaline and to take their mind off work.

The route was indeed scenic, first the cobbled streets and pretty townhouses down Narrow Street and past Grapes where Charles Dickens used to get a pint or two. Then we proceeded to Shadwell Basin, a nice enclosed water body where ducks swam and kids canoed. We then hurried past King George's Park and before arriving at Saint Katherine's Dock - a really quaint place with nice flowing mini waterfalls, houses by the river and a very serene feeling. However, at this point I was more than half dead and it doesn't help that Nelish and Ryan were a good 200m in front. I then pressed on and on seeing the Tower, doubled my pace and turned around at Guoman Hotel, just next to the Tower. The route back wasn't easy and I was tempted to walk but knowing that an hour was all I have, I had to drag the 160lbs worn machine back.



Totally knackered was how I felt after a cooling shower. Staying awake was itself another challenge for the rest of the afternoon. Good thing I had interesting stuff to do which kept me on.

Today's run is a huge challenge and it has strengthened my determination to do this on a regular basis. Perhaps London Marathon 2008 may not just be a dream.

P/S: I have told Xueyan about this route and hopefully we can take a run, if not stroll, and take in the sights. More pictures will be provided!