new running digs

i've been meaning to join a new running group. since Christine goes home this weekend, i've decided there is no time like the present to start getting out and actually doing all the stuff i've just been talking about. niketown london has running groups that meet for FREE several times a week, and i opted for the tuesday night mixed gender run. you could choose from 3, 4, or 7 miles. since i haven't run much in the last month or so, i selected the four-mile option.

i wasn't sure what to expect but the run was awesome! you show up at the niketown store a bit early and check in your gear, which they give you an id tag for. (better than some races i've run!) then you get a chip and a reflective vest, and THEN they lead you through warmup exercises. a bit awkward but if 100 other people didn't mind doing it then i didn't either. :-)

two nice girls offered that i could run with them so i didn't get lost, and we set off for regent's park. however, i lost my new pals pretty quick due to the traffic and other pedestrians we were dodging. then i spotted a guy next to me sans headphones and struck up a conversation, which lasted the full four miles and resulted in an invite to join him and another runner for post-workout pints. woohoo!

back at the store, my buddy went to change his clothes and came back wearing...a three piece suit! he works in finance and that was what he wore to work. his friend was wearing the same getup. they both looked dapper, i looked like someone who just ran four miles in the rain. ah well.

we found a cool pub around the corner and remembering my previous vow, i ordered a fruili, which impressed my new friend. turns out it was some sort of exotic strawberry beer. it reminded me of my strawberry shortcake dolls from childhood. tasty but maybe overkill?



we hung out for another pint and some burgers, during which time i tried to explain a few american things to the lads, such as:

- the difference between country and bluegrass

- why the Cincinnati marathon is called the Flying Pig

amongst other things. all in all, was one of the most fun nights i've had with strangers and i hope i see them again next week!

the evening ended with me a bit tipsy, chasing the 55 bus down oxford street. :-)