The training for all the time on my feet on the trek had begun. I'm walking the route home that I had been using to run to work. This is because I do really need to get used to walking for longer periods of time and has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I was finding the running to work really hard. Honest. And besides I still have that hill to conquer. One day...
The walk is therefore the 5 miles I was running, with a bigger heavier pack and while I mostly try to walk as fast as I can without looking like one of those strange marathon walkers, I do try and appreciate the route. And quite a route it is too as I walk a lot of it through Hampstead Heath, which is one of my favourite places in London.
Beginning from the Kentish Town end, I walk past the tennis courts and then by the first pond, which is a big hit with the dogs:
Just up from here is a bench, and if you didnt know already, every single bench on the Heath (and there are a lot) has a dedication to a loved one who has passed, with a message - not a million miles away from the 'Light up a Life' event at the Hospice which occurs every November. In a testament to the character of people on the Heath, a rose had been left on this bench and it stayed there for a couple of weeks and I ran (and then walked) past it every day, seeing it change from a vibrant bright yellow to a dull brown, but still it remained untouched and respected the entire time. Something I found very moving.
Its gone now, but I like to think that the stormy weather and the passage of time has accounted for it. Further along the walk you get to the Mens Bathing pond, where gentlemen who like the company of other gentlemen tend to hang out on the grassy knoll, and can go for a swim here. I understand they like to talk about cottages a lot and seek out others who do too. Which is nice.
The powers that be at the Heath are not at all misogynistic, so there is also a women's pond for like minded ladies. I have no idea what their views are on cottages as I have never been in, and you cant see in at all. Even if you climb trees or stand on the wall. Apparently.
It all then gets a bit steep as you climb the hill that takes you up to Kenwood House which is a picturesque stately home that has been used in many films such as Notting Hill and the recently released 'Belle' which I'll use here as it began to rain while I was taking pictures and is not the best shot !
But the view down the hill and across the lake is quite something and I have one of those already:
So there it is - I'm walking this 3 times a week at present, and it takes me around 80 minutes. This will obviously need to be increased closer to the day, but I still have 3 and a half months to go so I think I'm very much on track.
Until next time...
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