NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/rec/running/3236

Internet Message Format | 1992-11-20 | 2.9 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!timbuk.cray.com!shamash!freddie.udev.cdc.com!gkc
From: [e-mail] (gordon k chace x2367)
Newsgroups: rec.running
Subject: Re: jogging in London
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 20 Nov 92 14:39:06 GMT
References: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail]
Lines: 51

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (L. Rosanne M. Adderley) writes:
|> For those of you who may remember, I am the "jogger with dumb questions"

The only dumb questions are the ones that aren't asked.

|> c) remember that it's fall, and convincing myself to go outside is a real
|> challenge--although jogging in the cooler temps is actually quite pleasant

I think this a matter of personal preference.  I rather like running
in the winter.  I'm in Minneapolis so the winters are for real.  The running
paths are less cluttered with dogs and baby carriages.  A fresh layer of
snow produces zillions of sparklies when the sun comes out.  etc, etc, etc.

|> Beginning in January, I will be spending 5 months in London on a research
|> trip.  I am seeking advice on issues pertinent to the casual jogger.
...
|> rosanne adderley

I vacationed in London once for a few weeks.  I did so much walking to all
the museums, etc, that there was no need to run for exercise.  From
my street-level observations I would say that the well-known areas of
London are safer (from crime) than most large American cities.  But
it is quite crowded, especially near any Tube (what Americans call "subway")
stations.  So to avoid pedestrian collisions you might want to do your
running in the parks, some of which are quite large and scenic.  There is
one near Harrod's that has a lake you can circumnavigate, and horse
riding trails also.

I believe that it is commonly recommended that you avoid football (what
Americans call "soccer") crowds, who can be unruly during and after a game.

Oh, and remember they drive on the other side of the street.  Just before
you step off the curb, you'll habitually look the *wrong* way, see nothing,
and jump right in front of a car!

Also note that winter temperatures are quite moderate compared to cities
within the central regions of the USA.  I was there in February and never
encountered freezing temperatures and the grass remained green during the
off-season.  I was also there for one day in late September and could walk
comfortably wearing bluejeans and T-shirt.

The fastest transportation is the Tube.  Second fastest is bicycling, third
is running/walking.  Street vehicles are slowest, thanx to congestion.

The only thing I disliked about London was that food prices looked just the
same as at home, except the currency was 2/3 again more valuable!
--
Gordon K. Chace
Control Data Systems, Inc.   phone [phone]   fax [phone]
email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
RISC: Really Invented on the Sixty-six-hundred by CDC