Conquering the Golden Triangle

[Katie204]

Did a long-ish run (for me) today - comprising a circuit of what I call the "Golden Triangle", consisting of the Limehouse Cut/River Lea, Hertford Canal, and Regents Canal in east London (Ruth will know where I mean). I also went round Canary Wharf before heading home.

I was really slow - but before I set out I was debating whether or not to do it at all. There is a scary bit of canal-side up near the Olympic Stadium, and I wasn't sure I dared. I'm so glad I did it, though. I learned some useful things, such as relaxing makes running easier, and I found out where my "tiredness" point was, so I can carry sweets with me next time to boost my sugar levels.

I did 13K in 1:45, which is hopelessly slow, but my leg held up fine, so I was happy with the day's work.

And I have beaten the gremlins - again!

[C3PO Marathon]

If you forget about the pace, just think about the fact that you can actually go out for a run that almost lasts 2 hours. That's impressive, no matter what. Congratulations! Was Canary Wharf good for a run? I visit London often, but I've never run in Canary Wharf.

[Katie204 Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Thanks, C3PO! That feels very encouraging to my snaily self!

Canary Wharf has good places for running, if you can avoid all the people wandering around with their eyes on their smartphones. The riverside is lovely, and in the middle of the Isle of Dogs there are some harbours that are quite scenic. Or you could run the whole way around the Isle of Dogs - that is about 10K in all.

The surfaces are quite hard - mostly pavements - but there are boats and things to look at, and of course the Dome and the Cutty Sark if you do the full 10K circuit.

[PippiRuns in reply to C3PO]

Good point!

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Well done, that sounds like a really interesting route.... As for the scary bit, I have a rule that if my gut tells me something isnt right, then it probably isnt. I think when we run all of our senses are on high alert ( like a cat) and we should hone in to them to our advantage! I am so glad it felt OK though. Well done for beating the gremlins!!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

That sounds like a wonderful route! Well done for a good run and for the positive thinking

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Well done , sounds like a great run.

[PippiRuns]

I don't know London very well anymore but it sounds like a lovely route. If there are scary parts, couldn't you find someone to run with? I'm so happy that I'm always running with a lot of people, especially now that the evenings are getting darker

[Katie204 Half Marathon in reply to PippiRuns]

Strangely, I find I get very stressed running with other people and having to keep up with them. I actually prefer races, where there is a huge group of people but we are each doing our own thing.

I guess I will just have to make my peace with the scary bits and run at a sensible time of day.

[PippiRuns in reply to Katie204]

I know what you mean. It is very important to run with people who run in the same pace as you. I have tried running with people who are faster. Awful!

[Eatcakeandrun Marathon]

That sounds really nice (apart from the slightly scary bit). I am on the opposite side of London, but like to run along the Grand Union Canal and the River Brent. The London marathon route goes around the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf and it is actually surprisingly interesting isn't it?!

Well done on your long run, a very respectable time too.