2:07

Last Sunday I ran London's Royal Parks Half Marathon.  I overheard that my colleague, Paul, had just registered for the run about 8 weeks ago and signed up right away.  I've wanted to run a half marathon for a couple years now.

I have very little interest in running and actually find running to be quite boring, but there's something about completing a half marathon that is quite fulfilling.  The challenge was a fun challenge, though, and I'd love to share a little bit about the experience.

Like I said, I find running to be super boring.  I love listening to music, but a half hour of running... an hour of running... 2 hours of running is just overkill.  I might as well just be sitting in a corner staring at a wall with my headphones in.

The funny thing about running a half marathon is that one has to train for 13ish miles of running.  Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to show up and just run.  I had to run BEFORE the event.  A slight turnoff to the whole challenge.

I don't mean to put down those of you who absolutely running.  I'll just never understand it.  The training schedule said that I was suppose to run 3-4 days a week with alternate training in between.  Uhm... no thanks.  So, I ran 2 days a week with each run being slightly longer than the one before it.  It's not recommended, but it kinda worked for me.

Anywho, enough about prepping for the run.  The truly fun part about this run is that it was through a few of the major parks in central London and around some of the fun touristy destinations.

First, a map of the run.

In my head I told myself, I just need to leave Hyde Park and get back to Hyde Park.  Once I got back to the park, it was all downhill... Ha. Oh how wrong I was.

Before the run, however, the vibe in the park was amazing.  They said about 16k people showed up for this event.  It definitely outdid the 10k I did 2 weeks before where 1,400 people ran.

The morning was beautiful.  The air was a crisp 6 degrees (Celsius) and I was wearing my glorious leggings.  Unfortunately for most of you.. there is no evidence of said leggings.

Hyde Park. 08:00 and I'm heading to the bag drop

Apparently I was suppose to register for the Blue group where Paul was.  They tried to kick me out of the line and put me with the "Purples", but I made up a white lie (Paul's cousin that flew in that morning from California just to run with my cousin).  I got to stay!

Getting busier!  Bags have been checked in and heading to the starting line.  Race starts at 09:00

Every quality event needs a marching band.

So... many.... people.  Glad we started in waves otherwise we'd be shuffling to the finish line.

A pre-run photo of the birthday boy and me.  Paul ran a half marathon on his birthday! Definition of insane.  Oh, and he didn't train at all.  I don't call that 5k jog 8 weeks ago training.  Please let me know if you're jealous of my head band.

And we're off!  Only 13 more miles to go!

First destination out of the park, Buckingham Palace.  "Hey Paul! This place is famous, right?"  To which he answered, "This is Buckingham Palace!!" Ha, thanks Paul :-) Yes, this cheesy smile is how I run/smile.  What of it?

They had the option to run around the monument.  Who runs around?? Of course you always run through a gate when presented with the opportunity.

Big Ben!  I loved that they closed down all of the roads just for us.  Once in a lifetime opportunity.

There's that weird smile again. Who cares when Parliament is right next to you!?

Better shot with the sun behind us. Benjamin Grande.

Around the 5 mile mark and headed to Trafalgar Square to say hello to Admiral Nelson.  Still going strong at this point.

Exiting Trafalgar Square.  Almost back to Hyde Park for the 6 mile mark.

Half Way there!! Still going strong.  Slowed down a bit, but still on pace to break 2 hours.

So.. 1.1 miles to go and I definitely broke down and walked a few times.  Cardio was like a champ, but my legs gave out on me and I ended up walking at the 9 mile mark and a couple times between here and the finish.

But alas!  The finish line!

Paul and I adorning our Royal Parks medals proudly.  They were made out of wood.  Clever.. Park... Wood.. got it.

And the official results.  My Nike App said I crossed the 13.1 mark in 2:06, but I'll go with the official timer set by the event of 2:07.  Yes, they thought my name was Gareth as does the rest of the British population.  There's NO "E"!! :-)