Running in no humidity

Russell Square, which is always open for runners and vagabonds.

... is simply amazing. After almost two weeks of cider and every carb and milk-based sauce I could get my hands on, I decided that it was time to exercise. So this morning I went for a run around my neighborhood. Rather, I ran to every park within a twenty minute radius, only to discover that most were actually closed on weekends. Why parks would close when the working class could actually enjoy them is beyond me, but I'm sure there's some sort of good reasoning involved.

Sadly, the closest park to me is called Coram's Fields and would be an excellent running facility, except that it is solely for children. There is a posted sign that reads "Adults are only allowed in Coram's Fields if they are accompanied by a child." It goes on to emphasize that "unattended adults" are unwelcome. Which means that I either a) have to find a child or b) have to find a new park. I'm not sure which will prove more difficult.

I have noticed that the (total of two) runners around here wear these crazy '80's-inspired pants. So my Carolina blue Nike shorts did cause lots of long stares. But no one has actually demanded what in the world I was doing (ahem, Laonnois- who were totally amused/confused by exercising Americans).

I also experienced my very first "wow, I actually live here moment" today when "She's a Wild One" by Faith Hill was blasting from my ipod as I was pounding the side streets on my park quest.* And I felt/feel so very, very lucky.

* Thank goodness for trail running shoes. I bought some on a whim because I had this vision of running around rocky London parks on the 10 sunny days in the next year. They saved me from eating it on many a cobblestone path this morning.