Back home after a quick trip… home?

It felt a bit surreal to be back in London after moving away. OK, I lived there for over 8 years, but still. It was as sticky as usual, not too hot but I still felt like having ashower after about 5 minutes. Especially down in the tube… If Singapore can manage an air-conditioned tube, why can’t London? Eh? I squeezed in some shopping – both regular clothes and running stuff (Ben – remember Decathlon?) - I posted the running stuff home as I didn’t feel like paying Ryanair extra money to check in my bag, and besides, the postage was much cheaper anyway. I also went to see my ex-colleagues (and got some freelance work, woo hoo!), had a reasonably good Vietnamese lemongrass & chili chicken (plus pub on the way back to the house), and a lot of coffee while waiting for buses, friends etc. I did bring my running shoes after all, and the training programme gave me two options: 8k x/c or 10k with negative split. Now, where to find x/c in London…? But when I dragged myself outside at 8:02 Thursday morning (should’ve stayed away from the pub…) I discovered an undulating wood chip-covered path running round most of the local park, and not feeling too keen on speed work I quickly decided that it was a proper trail. I didn’t last the full 8k though, my belly decided to rebel (and no it wasn’t because of the lager) so I only did 5k. But that’s 5k more than a lie-in! Core done so far this week – I log it here so everyone can see when I’m slacking: Wednesday: 2 mins straight plank. Thursday: Lacking good opportunities (I know, I know…) I did some "clench and hold" while running up tube escalators. Try it, it’s hard work! Friday: 90 secs straight plank + 1 min each side (one of which spent petting the cat who decided to lie down for the night right in front of me…). Today’s plan was a nice bit of LSD, but right when it’s finally cooled down enough the thunder arrives. Not a great idea to run along straight roads with open fields on both sides… I’m hoping the rain (that just started) will get rid of the thunder! If nothing else the scary men mum always warns me about won’t be out on the prowl – I find it hard to believe they’ll be out looking for lone girls when it’s pouring down! And besides – I doubt they’re runners anyway so even I should be able to escape! Should I be scared of dodgy people when running alone? Are you?