2011 Streak 100/365:Walk -3.25 miles, Time - 1hr 10min, Weather - It almost feels like summer
It was the day of the Brighton Marathon and it felt like a hot summer's day. Not the best weather for running 26 miles, so I congratulate all who took part and completed the event (especially of course Adele and Tom).
I felt like a complete slacker as I followed on from yesterday's stroll with another leisurely walk. As I was back home the obvious place to go was the canal, which has both light and shade, trees and water. What more could you want?
It is the perfect place for weekend recreation and today was rich in activity. There were people out for a gentle stroll, power walkers dressed in athletic garb, traditional ramblers, and someone on on a long distance walk, complete with map and Camelback. There was also a runner in Vibram Five Fingers, which quite impressed me because the towpath is stoney with lumps, bumps and many sharp edges, which can tenderise the soles of the feet. Cyclists ranged from wobbly inexperienced riders to confident young men (who were probably going too fast bearing in mind the number of people on the footpath). Beside the water were fishermen sitting and enjoying the sun.
On the canal there was a most interesting training session. You can see in the photo some kayaks in formation, but strangely the boats have outriggers. At first I was really puzzled because canoeing is not like cycling where a kid will learn on a bike with stabilisers, you get in the boat straight away and then wobble about until you get comfortable. Anyway these people were far from beginners they were fit and proficient. it all seemed odd until I saw a trainer riding along the towpath on a bike. He had a polo shirt with a logo reading Batchworth Dragons. Ah ha it was dragon boat training excellent!
I love finding new past times and sports. Mine of running, cycling and walking are very mundane so I salute those who find more unusual obsession. The more variety the better.
If we want to encourage more people to be more active (which we do) there are worse ways than just taking them to the canal and showing them all the ways people find to enjoy themselves.
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