Fate or at least a dodgy second hand car salesman, prevented us heading out for our planned run along the Wandle Trail this morning. Instead we were forced to run from our front door. Finding attractive 10k routes in these parts doesn’t fill me with much enthusiasm but I pulled the map out and was pleased to spot the green diamond symbols of the Capital Ring.
I’ve had a long standing fondness for the Capital Ring, and here it is again, only a couple of kilometres from my doorstep.
We kitted up and then headed off on our adventure, leaving the water bottles behind.
I was listening to a podcast on the evolution of running and David Attenborough was describing a persistence hunt where the animal was forced to run beyond exhaustion, unable to take on water or recover under shade as he was pursued.
I felt like that. I was frothing at the mouth and begging for water.
I’ve been to Streatham Common a few times and never found it to be too inspiring but the capital ring had us approaching it from Norbury Grove. The top part of the common is wooded and has a fantastic view. It also has a glut of water fountains. I do think water fountains are terribly civilised, Richmond Park would be improved by the addition of a few.
We took in a loop around the Rookery before heading down through the Common and back on to the streets for a while to approach Tooting Bec Common.
The non-runner had only intended to stick with me for 5k but she held on for nearly 8 before settling down on a shady log and waited for me to trog around another loop of the common.
I loved this run, it gave me a greater appreciation of the place I live now, and I’m happy to see that I have some great running locations. It’s a shame they are so hilly though.
When we eventually got home, we both collapsed, a sofa a-piece, and remained there for a good hour before either of us stirred. That’s what I call a satisfying run.
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