3:33:33

Almost one year ago, just after we moved to London, I boldly went on my first blind friend-date. I was to meet up with a girl named Jen, whose uncle is my parents' neighbour in Hawaii (such is the nature of meeting new people! Everyone knows someone...). After a few introductory emails, we met at a pub one night last October, and have been instant, close friends ever since. For several months now, Jen and I have been meeting up at least one evening per week, to go on a walk in the city - it's an opportunity to catch-up, vent about work, explore new areas, and exercise together. Our walks have become a stable part of my weekly routine, much like Jen has become a stable part of my life here in London.

About a month ago, we decided to take our walking to a new level, and signed up for a half-marathon walk in London. Since then, we have been increasing our walking distances in preparation. Last weekend, we completed a 10.5 mile walk along the Regents Canal in London, starting at Paddington Station and ending near Canary Wharf, passing through Little Venice, Regents Park, London Zoo, Camden Town, and several other unique pockets of the city.

And now, I've propped up my sore feet, literally, as we successfully completed the half-marathon walk (13.1 miles) this afternoon! As walkers of the inaugural Royal Parks Foundation Heritage Walk, we trekked through 4 Royal Parks in the city, up and down both sides of the Thames River, and passed by London's most iconic sights. At each mile-marker along the way, we received information leaflets, providing interesting trivia about the sights we were going to pass within the next mile. Without a cloud in the sky, we couldn't have asked for better weather today, and even had a mutual moment of awe along the Thames, thinking, "We can't believe we actually live here!" While the last couple of miles were brutal, the homestretch was livened up by a star-sighting in Hyde Park - actress Rosamund Pike, most known for her role in Pride & Prejudice alongside Kiera Knightley. With a walk completion time of 3:33:33 (no joke!), we have plenty of photos, fun facts, and sore muscles to show for it...

Heading to the Start Line

Outside Westminster Abbey

Trivia: Westminster Abbey, founded in the 11th Century by Edward the Confessor, has seen the coronation of every English monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066. It is the resting place of many famous names, including Charles Dickens.

Outside the Tower of London

Along the Thames (my favourite part of this city)
Trivia: It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament! It's been suggested that this is because the State would have to pay for the funeral, just as it would in a Royal House.

The 10-mile marker in Green Park
Trivia: It is believed that The Green Park owes its name to the notorious wandering eye of Charles II. King Charles reputedly picked some flowers in the Park to give to a beautiful lady and when his wife, Queen Catherine, realised that they weren't a gift for her but for his mistress, she was furious. So furious that she had all the flowers removed from the Park, leaving nothing but green grass and green trees!

The Serpentine, Hyde ParkTrivia: The Serpentine was one of the earliest artificial lakes. Its 40 acres were specifically designed to appear natural. In the mid-19th century more than 10,000 swimmers at a time used to enjoy its waters.

Just Crossed the Finish Line! 3:33:33

Also, for those of you who plan to visit us sometime, I've saved the trivia leaflets and the route map, in case you fancy a walk :). It really is the best way to see, explore, and appreciate this majestic city.

-Brandina

The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose. - Charles Dickens