Morning Run: Sunday mud dodging

parkrun 156: Not so bad

Morning Run: Lighting up

Morning Run: Sign of the times

Morning Run: Slip-sliding

#running #london #winterrun #teamuk #sportstalk
I had not run since Monday as I was saving myself for [Winter Run](https://www.winterrun.co.uk/). Yesterday I did double duty at parkrun with the pre-race briefing and timekeeping. It was a bit muddy, but the sun came out so it was not too cold.

Winter Run is a 10k race around the City of London in support of Cancer Research. I think last year there were around 14,000 runners. It is by far the biggest event I have done. When I checked the trains yesterday there seemed to be a replacement bus from my stop, so I got a lift to Hitchin so that I would not have to be up quite so early. I saw a fair few people who were heading to the race as they all had the same bag that was mandatory for checking in. I met up with some work colleagues at Charing Cross. We had two Brits and two Frenchmen running plus a Polish lady supporting us, along with her cute dog.

![Doggie](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steevc/241tZ85RcRK26LdidtY59rqeFkkudocutpVXk9MY8RW5vzB7a1DbpGmrv6jAVvgUhyZBL.jpg)

We had to drop our bags off first and that was all well organised. You can see that Admiralty Arch is covered in scaffolding. The start was around the corner near Trafalgar Square. We had to go around the square and then along in front of the National Gallery. People were allocated to 'waves' to space them out, but we all went together. There was a big crowd waiting to set off. Just before this we had some rain, but it did not last for long.

![Trafalgar Square](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steevc/EqDk1gzfxYEwUkYBUFMmzcwna7ErNoAHrsteGXwTke4nfV29nGtrtnQhpF4Df88saor.jpg)

The course winds around various streets in the old part of the city with some interesting buildings. We passed St Paul's Cathedral, the Guildhall and the Royal Courts of Justice. It was not too up and down, but I was feeling every climb, especially near the end. We kept together and the younger guys may have helped me go a little quicker. With so many runners we were having to dodge around others all the time. 

There was a festival atmosphere with steel bands, drummers and choirs along the way as well as people dressed at wolves, penguins, snowmen and yetis to match the theme. I saw people making their way around on crutches or a stick, so I felt I had it easy in comparison.

The last couple of kilometres were hard work, but I pushed through to the end in Whitehall. I was happy enough with my time. My sore hip had not played up too much, but I could feel it afterwards. I think resting in the week before helped.

![Finishers](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steevc/23xVGnSnXAEPXu2GEvzTuirMUtm9kufUviN7z4zsPUEtiWAgZkcc8JWh35ZREvsae3z1a.jpeg)

At the finish we got our medals and there were some refreshments being given out too. I needed something after all that. The Hive logo got displayed around London.

![In Mhe Mall](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steevc/242rwAPdRoP7qYhxpaTYFYuqfZDaUWcj2oJHSuLd1gnHwmUjG3GUCXAGQXTumnytitfE8.jpeg)

Afterwards we posed for some photos on The Mall with Buckingham Palace in the distance. Then we went off to find a pub for a celebratory pint.

![Beer time](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steevc/23wqiRkQzVchKJbenzo8TkRxD3fXZnfZG6aW9SDQwhWcf6yWYyFv4HKyTjtLvbbVeMAsi.jpeg)

Getting home was fine. I walked up to Tottenham Court Road Tube station. Next to that is a video installation that is impressive.

![Video wall](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/steevc/23tvZuoVSLUun2BG5zGQY3GEgSPHJXqNTpRrtQLhSd2sNsnbRf5V8998sgjZBDEQNKZ62.jpg)

It was a long morning outing, but very enjoyable. I may do some other big runs, but still do not feel ready for a marathon.

Run free!

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Steve Clark

Morning Run: Winter Run 2024

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Morning Run: Sunday mud dodging

parkrun 156: Not so bad

Morning Run: Lighting up

Morning Run: Sign of the times

Morning Run: Slip-sliding

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