Sophie writes:
A couple of weeks ago I wrote an email to the agency, appealing for runners. As part of that appeal, I mentioned ‘that great feeling when you receive a smile from fellow joggers passing by’. Stuart Smith (resident marathon runner) however, pointed out that in his long history of running, not once has he received a smile, wink, nod, not even vague, glazed acknowledgement from any passing runners. He’s suggested that long blonde hair, cycling shorts and a pair of new pink trainers could be the cause of the varying reactions we each receive. Of course my immediate response was to argue vehemently that people aren’t just being friendly because I’m female and that there’s a genuine feeling of empathy and comradeship within the urban jogging scene.
But after last week, I may just be inclined to agree with him. Which was a little disillusioning. Once again, we were 3. But this time an all-female, all-blonde 3. And it would be naïve to deny the different responses we received to running with Tony and Jason last week. Not only from fellow joggers, but from passers-by, lorry drivers, car drivers, shop owners, curry house waiters… To be honest, it became a little tedious.
But then I realised; if we were spreading a little aesthetic happiness in the
East London
area, whilst enjoying our jog – surely that’s no bad thing. So Stuart, perhaps you’re right. Perhaps urban runners aren’t as inclusive and community spirited as I initially believed. But then again, maybe I’ll just carry on pretending that they are and that they’re smiling because they understand. Because that’s a nicer way to look at it.
Last week was extremely enjoyable. We went at a manageable pace and made it to 7.4km. Which we were all very chuffed with. I’m not going to bother with the street by street lowdown (we got horribly lost), but these are the things we learnt/noticed along the way:
– All of
East London
smells of Curry (even the parks).
– Running with your arms not only gives you greater momentum, but it’s a highly effective workout for the biceps.
– Running with your arms whilst looking at your feet helps you go further. Especially if you’re looking at pink trainers.
– Someone needs to invent a portable, jogging-friendly music speaker system / an i-pod device ensuring everyone’s listening to the same thing at the same time.
– Victoria Park is underrated.
– It’s fun to save a bit of energy for the final 3 minutes, and have a little race home with yourself / fellow joggers.
Until tomorrow, 1pm, reception. Hope to see you there.
