Mile 9 - En route

This blog post is brought to you  by 21st century smartphone technology, transport for London and the letter A. Yes, I'm writing from the comfort of the 21 bus, and probably ,if I don't type fast enough, the Northern Line south to London Bridge.

Besides the eventual solace i'll find soon in the impromptue glass of red wine and good company, today was the most Annoying run I've had since I started this insanity. I woke up this morning thinking, "oh yeah, I can totally rock two miles today, easy!" WRONG!
 Here's how it goes: I decided to make today an easy location so I could concentrate on the two miles. I decided to go up Balls Pond Rd to Highbury and Islington station, then back. Exactly two miles door to door. I started out with the usual 30 - 60 minute walk up the path to visualize the run - a tip I learned from the runners magazine I bought last week at the corner store. I walked up to Highbury Fields , worked out a few jumps and stretches in order  to 'warm up', then twas go time at the top of Highbury Corner.

Bang goes the starting gun. Off to a modest start - pacing my self, the usual. However, what I did not take in to account was the unexpectedly crowded sidewalk of which I chose to run on. Bobbing and weaving pedestrians,  jumping over construction, practically falling on my face after an unfortunate run-in with a dog leash. It felt like every obstacle one can encounter on an urban sidewalk path, I encountered today. These obstacles  of course made the run 10 times harder than usual. And also the reason today was most Annoying.

After a mile, I stopped to gather my frustrated emotions, then decided to at least try for another half mile. Thankfully I found a more solitary path. Most excitingly I discoverd an arm trick. I discovered that if I run with my arms swinging high and away from my body  - similar to the chicken dance - I can last longer. Or rather run more comfortably. At least something good came out of the day. Oh and I also discovered a lovely little river walking path less than 5 blocks from my flat. So two positives.

Right, I'm now at London Bridge station. Signing off till tomorrow.

Will add photos when I get back home. The iPhone is failing me.

Starting Line

First dance



This guy. Just run along then.