Thes are what I call accidental rave runs. I was visiting Woodstock in Oxfordshire, UK - a quaint little town 8 miles north of Oxford, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. As it turns out, Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace, a popular tourist stop. Little did I know that Blenheim Palace is set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland, and the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake. There are sheep and pheasants roaming around this vast parkland. Blenheim Palace was created a World Heritage site in 1987.
Directed by a friendly lady at the Tourist Information counter, I gamely don my running shoes and head out to Blenheim Palace, just 5 minutes jog from the hotel I was in.
View of Blenheim Palace. Didn't pay for admission into the Palace, not after paying to get into the palace grounds!
Tempo run of 18k through lots of rolling hills, quaint cottages, trees and cobblestone bridges. Made two rounds, first to Column of Victory, Combe gate and Marlborough Garden (11k), second round w/o Col Victory (7k).
Sunny weather (18 deg?) Felt tiring out after 12-15k, perhaps due to overnight flight from Sin-Heathrow. But it was a beautiful run!
April 24: A44 tempo run
After a full day of meetings, I decided on a short 10k tempo run. 5k out and back along A44 towards Oxford from Woodstock to Yarnton. It was a cool evening about 12 deg C with wind. Had to put on a windbreaker.
April 25: Oxford canal 21k
Quite by chance, David who was at dinner the evening before, was a sub-5 hour marathoner. And he told me about this splendid run by the old Oxford canal. In the old days, goods and produce were transported through this canal, pulled by horse power. These are the tracks used by horses many many years ago.
Woodstock to Langford (5k), start canal towards Oxford for 5.5k; return.
Overcast, with sunny breaks on return leg. Tired about 18k and walked last k. Cool weather (15 deg).
Who else but locals would know about this rave run? I felt deeply privileged.
Honor roll: Saucony PGT4 orange
6 comments:
Wow you real good life. Able to run all over the world.
Wow. Very nice pictures! Wish i can be there as well:)
Very nice pix from UK.
Wish I can be there :)
Traveling can cause all sorts of problems for the training schedule - jet lag, weather, unfamiliarity, lack of suitable venues etc. So I make do with what I can get ... sometimes, I get pleasant surprises, which make it all worthwhile!
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