This stunning central London Half Marathon, takes in some of the capital's world-famous landmarks and four of London's eight Royal Parks. The incredibly picturesque 13.1-mile route takes in many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks, and some of the world’s best known and loved Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, The Green Park, St. James's Park and Kensington Gardens.

Distance:  13.1 miles

Duration:  1 hr 38 mins 22 secs (official chip time)

Blister Count: +0 = 3  (a couple of days into the challenge, I found myself Googling the type of search only runners/walkers would - should I pop my blisters or not? The advice seemed to be unanimously 'no' - to avoid infection - and also to avoid getting them damp/wet and cold for too long. So, after today's sudden weather change and with only one more half marathon to go, I have gone for the age old, tried and tested method, of not daring to look. Can deal with that tomorrow).

Late report tonight on account of the fact my fingers were too cold to operate any sort of device earlier. 

When Emma’s mum, Judy, sent me a good luck message this morning for today’s run, she added a note to say, “I’m trying to tell the rain to stop.” To which I quickly reassured her that I love running in the rain, and wet was probably preferable to hot, for today’s run. And to a point, some of that is still the case. 

One additional plus point to the incessant rain today, for example, was that fewer tourists braved the weather (which probably cut about 0.5 miles of zigzagging off the run). However… on the flip side… umbrellas!! 😡  

It was a run of two halves today - the first half spent running in a semi-crouched posture with my head tilted at a 45 degree angle to avoid losing an eye (you try that after 11 half marathons in consecutive days); the second half was quicker (partly because I was VERY cold), hurdling stream after puddle after lake around the park (which my hamstrings were not at all amused about). 

This one wiped me out (they call these ‘challenges’ for a reason) and getting the train home in sopping wet clothes/shoes did not help. But, like I said, I love running in the rain and actually really enjoyed the run. 

One… more… left. Thanks as always for following and for the support!!