10 Inspired Miles in Hyde Park

Six flights in seven days.

That sums up my past week. It’s not exactly conducive to half marathon training.

Though I haven’t mentioned it here yet, I’ve been in half marathon training mode since February anticipating the More Fitness Half Marathon on April 14. I’ve battled the brutal winter weather we’ve had here in New York, a terrible cough and cold and finally an unexpected family loss.

I enlisted Jess for a training plan that would challenge me and push me to reach my goals and everything was going to plan. Despite the weather, I was getting outside to run in the rain, snow and wind.

But in training things don’t always go as planned and I got sick.

I skipped a 10 miler to recover and came back during a scaled back rest week.

Then a family emergency called me out of the country to Ireland last week. I emailed Jess to ask her what I should do.

I was going to miss my second 10 miler. When it comes to training, I’m pretty particular about staying on schedule, but family comes first.

She told me to do it when I got back. Doable, but with a 12 miler looming this Sunday and unavoidable jet lag, I knew fitting this 10-miler in early in the week would become stressful.

But I’d vowed not to let training be stressful so I considered letting another long run go.

When David and I arrived in London on Friday afternoon, a drive through Hyde Park on our way to our hotel inspired me to do my long run in London.

I always travel with running shoes and weather appropriate running gear so with my mind set on it, I did some quick research to confirm my route and woke up bright and early on Saturday to tackle my workout — in spite of the London rain.

Two soggy loops of the park captured 10 miles and some beautiful scenery. The change of scenery helped the run fly by and I was able to enjoy the rest of my weekend without a long run looming.

This week I’m starting my 6th week of training with fresh legs and a clear mind ready to focus on my final four weeks before the race.

One more thing.

I’m doing a little fundraising for She’s the First, a non-profit dedicated to sponsoring girls education in developing nations. I met the founder, Tammie Tibbetts at a dinner party a few weeks ago and her cause inspired me to put my miles to good use. You can support her organization by donating any amount here.