Training Log Archive: BrandNewMe

Plod around suburbia.

Parkrun Roundshaw Downs

This park run is in running distance from Ray’s parents and is on the disused croydon airfield. Quite a nice rolling bit of countryside totally marred by the horrid people that walk their horrid dogs around here, letting their beasts attack you and not picking up the poo - obviously. Every time I visit I understand less why people would choose to live in the rancid armpit of Britain that is south London suburbia. Housing is very expensive, very ugly, and neighbourhoods are just so soleless. The commute is still 30mins in a train, rammed in with hundreds of others, and costing a fortune. You have to sit in an endless traffic jam to get anywhere. It’s just baffling.

Ii was lying in bed saying that I was thinking of doing the parkrun when Ray pointed out that park runs start at 9 in England and I had 26 mins to get there. Bugger. Despite my lateness I couldn’t convince my legs to pick up faster than 8:30 min miling on the way there. Not a good sign. No energy, and dehydrated.

The course is an XC course, and I was in my trainers, which didn’t help me to feel the love. There was a girl who looked about 14 in spikes though, so I was running a bit scared and made an effort from the start. First women was within about 10 metres of me the whole way, but was in spikes which gave a big advantage, esp in the second half of the course, so I couldn’t really be bothered to try to beat her. Still, a PB for the course (quicker than the past 2 christmases) so can’t complain. Run home I had to stop and walk a bit as I was v tired.

C • London is an inspiration 5

There and back.

The ‘mile block’ with Lucy. Bit short. 9:29 last Christmas so good improvement.

Work day for me. Canal, Craiglockhart loop.

Walk down Roslin Glen with the Kruuks. We lived in Roslin from 2007-2010. Ran this all the time, but haven’t been back since the move. Moved as the commute was a pig, which we had to keep reminding ourselves throughout the walk as it was so pretty.

Spent the morning making a cardboard cut out of a guy which Lucy then proceeded to spend the rest of the day firing arrows at. Dragged them out to walk up Blackford Hill mid afternoon.

Over the crags, Holyrood, up the Royal Mile to Argos, and back via meadows. Nice out. Then up Arthur’s Seat with JamJar.