Naked in central London

To celebrate leaving work early yesterday, I went for a swim at the Oasis Leisure Centre. It's near Covent Garden and has an outdoor pool. It's also the only area (as far as I know) in central London where you're allowed to sunbathe topless.

Not that I have. I used to work in an office overlooking the leisure centre's sun terrace. I felt my image as a professional would be somewhat undermined should my colleagues catch sight of me in just a pair of pants. Especially over lunch.

Anyway, I went there last night and had a swim in the rain. Apart from a nippy sprint out to the pool, it was great. I also managed to squeeze in a quick sauna.

Squeeze being the operative. There were already three guys crammed into a very tiny space; picture a small heated shed with a bench. On entering, I found myself loitering next to the coals while the guys rearranged themselves to fit me in. I thought about leaving, but felt that would be socially awkward. The less socially awkward option was to remain, squashed in between the sweaty men. So, a typical Tuesday, then.


(Stats: 30 mins' swimming - no idea of lengths, but not many. 10 minutes in the sauna before awkwardness and heat got the better of me.)

Mr blue sky

Hoorah! The sun has finally got his hat on. An excellent excuse for a run.

As one of the first of the new year, and in the spirit of investigation, I decided to try out the 'sprint for 30 seconds, jog for four minutes technique'. Good interval training, apparently. And brilliant - if you live where people do not.

I'm not exactly Usain Bolt but I didn't feel comfortable careering at speed towards the many pedestrians on the busy London pavements. I tried running in the road, but after having to commando roll to evade a speeding Mini, a gentle pace back on the pavement was infinitely preferable.

Fortunately, part two of my exercise weekend more than compensated for the abandoned sprint training. I'm still dipping my toe into the squash world and today involved the Sunday social. Basically, you rock up and play everyone else, irrespective of experience. One of the guys I encountered had me running around like a dog chasing a stick. It was great. And by far the best interval training I've had in ages. It also more than justified the gargantuan Sunday roast I consumed this afternoon. And the chocolates. And the wine.

(Stats: 4.34 miles; 43.14 minutes; 9.57 minute/mile.)


Pic: January sunshine over Brondesbury cricket, tennis and squash club.

Running into the new year

The last time I did an Endurance Life coastal race I took so long my brother came looking for me. I've just signed up for another. On Exmoor. I vaguely know the area so at least there won't be any fears I've got lost. I've also signed up for the Regent's Park summer series: a season of 10k races on the first Sunday of every month, starting in April. After last year's marathon effort, the emphasis this year is on short and sweet with enough energy left for a nice glass of red. Drink more red wine. I feel this is one new year's resolution I may be able to keep.