On Wednesday, we took a mental health day. In the morning we went for a long run. Many of you know I’m training to hike Mount Kinabalu this May. Running has been an integral part of my training. Months ago, I hated running. Now I think I’m finally getting used to it. Come along and run with us.
We started our run in Holland Park. Actually this is Holland Walk, just outside of the park.
If you crane your neck you can see inside Holland Park. Don’t worry, we’ll be back and I’ll show you more.
I hate this hill and I’m only halfway done.
Entering Kensington Gardens
As you can see, it was a grey day.
Miles liked the Italian Gardens.
Another shot of the Italian Gardens
Long Water
A chilly, grey day to hang out by the water
Peter Pan statue
The Albert Memorial is mostly hidden by scaffolding.
I better watch my speed!
Kensington Palace
Back in Notting Hill
The entrance to Holland Park
Don’t slip on the mud!
The Japanese Garden in Holland Park
Miles found half of a tennis ball. He was a little confused but don’t worry, he brought it home
After our run we went to Scarsdale Tavern for lunch. Frank banned me from pubs this week, but didn’t say anything about taverns. And this fire felt wonderful after a cold run.
My burger with Stilton cheese and bacon. I think I deserved this.
It’s tall!
Later that night Miles was exhausted. However, he wanted to go first thing this morning.
Since I’ve been enjoying running I’m considering signing up for a 10 K this summer. Should I do it?
50 Year Project 
Very clear shots if taken whilst on the move 😉
Well I may have stopped for a few breathers occasionally. but Miles does not like to slow down much.
Excellent photos, makes me feel like I’m there.
I’m glad you liked the run. It does help keep me motivated
Beautiful pictures, and a beautiful dog too! I’ve been told if you like running then a 10k is incredibly exhilarating.
Exhilarating sounds pretty darn good. I have to admit other words come to mind, like daunting. But I prefer yours. Thanks for the encouragement!
Daunting, yes, but also an incredible achievement. Good luck!
Thanks!
i tried running back in my 20s. i just didn’t get it. my thought process was, “if i’m not going anywhere in particular, why should i want to get there faster?” lol but, yes! go for the 10K. the people i know who run love these group things. they talk about the comradely fun of it. sounds like i might like walking a 10K 😉
In the past when people asked me if I ran I would say, “Only when chased.” Fortunately I wasn’t chased that much, unless you count Miles. But now I look forward to getting out there. Thanks for the encouragement and you should walk a 10K. It does sound fun.
If you have to run they are pretty good places to do it!
Very true! I should journey to your neck of the woods. I bet there are great places to run and maybe with less people.
I am truly in awe of you! You are my hero!! You deserve bags and bags of chocolate after all that running. I don’t think I would even make it to the stop sign at the corner. You should totally do the 10k run and I will be healthy vicariously through you :)!!
It helps knowing you support me Cindy! Encouragement goes a long way.
That’s what friends are for 🙂
Thanks buddy!
Nice post!
Thanks Isobel.
Even I might be induced to run in surroundings such as these! Good luck with the training 🙂
Thanks Madhu!
I love the image of you running while taking photos 🙂 And, as always, I just love your photo captions – so fun and you always take us on a little journey with you!
Thanks Letizia. I got a few strange looks as I snapped photos.
Great post. So funny. I don’t know if I mentioned but I love Miles – you need to do a daily comic strip just based on him!
You should definitely sign up for the 10k – it gives you something to aim towards.
Well done with all your exercise.
I especially like your little treat afterwards – you need to keep your strength up after all.
Lynn 😀
I think I will sign up for the run. As for the comic strip with Miles–I’ll think about that. That little guy keeps me laughing. right now though, he’s still snoozing in bed under the covers with his head on the pillow.
Hi, I just stumbled across your blog and you’re running in my old neighborhood (I lived in Notting Hill and Kensington at various times. (I know a lot of those pubs too, needless to say.) Good luck with your project – I love that you’ve given yourself a challenge like that. I think I’ll go off and make a list of all the countries I’ve visited (a lot) and those I most want to see. Marriage has settled me down since my backpacking days but luckily my husband doesn’t mind me taking off for Tibet or Thailand as long as he doesn’t have to come too!
Thanks for stopping by. We live in Earl’s Court and moved here over a year ago. Such a fun place to live. I wish you luck with your travels. The Better Half and I both love to travel, but it sounds like your husband is supportive even though he prefers home. I’ve gone on a couple of solo trips and love that as well. Happy travels!
It’s certainly a very scenic run. I think, I might enjoy running more if I saw what you see!!! 🙂
Come on over and give it a try. And there isn’t humidity here. I imagine it gets hot and humid in Florida.
What a great place you have to run. Too funny about Miles and a half tennis ball! What differentiates a pub from a tavern?
Not sure what the difference is really, only that Frank said no pubs. Technically this is called a tavern.
Good for you! What nice scenery to see during your run. I still dislike running, but glad you are starting to like it.
That burger looks to die for! I’d love to have that meal right now! Yummmmmmmm!
The burger was wonderful and just what I needed–or wanted 🙂
Yes you should do it…Miles is running too????
Miles will train with me, but won’t join the actual race. He and the better half will be cheering me on. Miles hates crowds.
What exactly is a 10k? 10000 meters, or something like that? Whatever it is, I encourage you to join! It will be fun! And, running is good! I love running myself! Well, the correct term would be jogging. I don’t have that much stamina for running. Anyhoo…
I think it’s a little over 6 miles. thanks for the encouragement.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Everything looks so serene. In surroundings like these, i might be induced to…not run (past that age), but stroll and stroll and loiter about and hum a song or two to myself and enjoy solitude.
I do find myself wandering around a lot here. It’s amazing how far I wander and don’t notice the distance. So much to see.
I feel as if I’ve been running too now!
There are some lovely spots to ride your bike, however, traffic can be tough at times
Ugggh, I still hate it. I like walking or cycling but not running.
walking is my preferred method, but running helps me train. and it is getting easier.
True , I do need it though, just being lazy 😉
Trust me, I love being lazy.
Lol same here , my favorite hobby 🙂
I excel at it.
you have a lovely running track. Thank you for all the beautiful photos 🙂
I think you should join the 10k, to see how fit you are 😉
I think I will. thanks!
Great to see that you are training for Mount Kinabalu! I’m so happy to follow the process and hopefully live through Mount Kinabalu again through your blogging (assuming you will blog about the trip)! As a small tip I’d say that make sure you work on going up steps and steep hills too (even if you don’t like the hill in the picture, haha), because power in the muscles will be needed 😉 Enjoy your training!
Thanks Anna. I conquered the hill again last night. I kept repeating Mount Kinabalu in my head so I wouldn’t walk instead. And I hope to blog about the trip once I return. Thanks for the encouragement!
A nice journey for sure but I’m glad i could make it sitting in front of my computer and not running. I hate running. That photo of Miles. He looks like my dog when he thought he found a nice big stone and the stone took off (it was a toad).
I wonder what Miles would think of a toad.
Bravo dear TBM, you are doing great job, I admire to you. All these photographs and words jusst make me so excited… Good Luck dear TBM, you know you would take us with you too to this experience of the hiking. Thanks and Love, nia (kisses for Miles 🙂 )
Thanks Nia. Miles loves kisses
I think you are both ready for the 10k 🙂
thanks!
A nice scenic run. It is great following you on your journey to Mount Kinabalu. You run and I’ll sit and watch you. Seriously you encourage me to get off my can and walk. Do the 10K. I am sure you will be a success at it. Your determination is shinning for all to see.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Ah thanks Francine.
Go for it – especially if yuou get to eat lunch like that afterwards!
That is a good point!
You make running look like fun! Especuially if a burger is waiting at the finish line!
The burger was delicious…seriously.
i would imagine seeing all those lovely sites helps keep you motivated, not to mention, the burger at the finish line.
I like rewards.
Miles is such a good running partner! Does he run off leash next to you or do you keep him on leash? When Reggie was running with me, I would always keep him on leash because he’d get too distracted.
That is one serious hill. There is a big hill in the park near me (affectionately known as heartbreak hill!) that always kicks my butt. You’re an intrepid runner to go out in the rain and gloom. That’s usually a good enough excuse for me to stay under the covers.
Do you run with a pack or any gear to prepare you for the hike?
In some areas we let Miles off his lead, but only when it is secluded. Miles likes to come back when he’s ready, which doesn’t always suit our time frame. I used to live at the bottom of Heartbreak Hill of the Boston Marathon. Oh boy did the runners look beat when they turned the corner.
I haven’t been running with a pack, however I can hire a Sherpa to carry my gear if I desire. I hear it helps. we’ll see.
Looks like a fabulous place to run! How are the knees feeling? I would definitely do the race! 🙂
My knees are hanging in. I’ve been doing the exercises my PT gave me. I think I may sign up for the race. Thanks!
Awesome! Today will be my third day in a row running! I only do 40-45 minutes. I did a marathon in 2001 and ran it too fast, getting myself injured for a year. Now sadly I only do short distances but running is one of the best natural highs a person can have! I couldn’t live without it! 🙂
Congrats on doing a marathon. Sorry to hear about the injury though. I don’t have to worry about going to fast–I’m really slow. Miles and the better half always have to wait for me.
Ha Ha….love that! Well that will be a better way to keep yourself injury free! 🙂
I do my best 😉
At least you have interesting surroundings in which to exercise, TBM! 😉
Very true!