Friday 5th February 2010. My 10 year anniversary with my partner. I was in for a surprise! Told to pack an overnight bag for a night in London - I found out at the train station we had tickets for the Eurostar and a weekend in Paris! My first question was, ‘Have you got my passport?’. The response, ‘Yes, I even packed your running shoes...’. Sadly - my Nike+ was in my other trainers. But that’s not the point...

A short train ride to Paris and a days sight seeing later I found myself setting my alarm for 7am*. The plan being to get up and run early so we could enjoy the last few hours in Paris together.

*I am not a morning person. I usually run after work, before dinner. However, recently I have been doing more morning runs in a bid to maintain my training schedule. And dare I say it - I’m not finding it a massive problem getting up?!

The alarm went off... I was up and in my considerately packed running kit! But wait - what am I missing? As I mentioned no Nike+... Not only that - but I hadn’t brought any headphones out with me. I didn’t think I’d need them for a night in London! We all have habits and comforts. Rituals and routine. Without these items I felt bear as i set off! I don’t think I have ever run without music. And what would I do without knowing my pace and distance?! It was Long Run Sunday - I was due a 13.1 Mile run. This was the second half marathon run I had done. The first I completed in 1h53. I decided to hit the streets and run for 2hrs. I’d cover that distance more or less in that time.

I set off without a planned route. (Breaking a very important rule in running!) But I had scouted out the area the day before. I knew I wanted to run down to the ‘Jardin des Tuileries’. I knew roughly how to get there and that once there I could run around the park to build the mileage.

It wasn’t cold, just 5˚ and it was still dusk. I ventured onto the quite streets. Along the old cobbles and pavements. Past a club kicking out some very late partiers and towards the park. Without the distractions of music and Nike+ I was taking in a beautiful city. This was fine until I stood in a puddle not a mile in... Wet foot :0(

Eventually I wound my way to the Park. I had seen a few people about. But on the whole it was quite - I had Paris to myself. I started running the parameter - it was a real ‘pinch myself’ moment. Running in one direction I could see the Eiffel Tower. The other I could see The Louvre. Halfway through the run, I headed out of the park and along the River Seine for a while then back.

Throughout the run it got lighter. I was joined by more and more runners, joggers and walkers. A group of guys football training also appeared along with the odd tourist. The streets got nosier and even my pace seemed to pick up. It felt like as I ran, I was watching Paris wake up!.

The second hour seemed to be over a lot quicker than the first. I soon found myself stretching out at the park entrance. My partner was waiting over the road in a café for me. Before I knew it I was sat down to breakfast. Eggs benedict with salmon, fruit salad and pan au chocolat... Perfect recovery food in my book!

I was disappointed I couldn’t ‘track’ my run. But in reflection, I was secretly pleased with the excuse to enjoy running without the ties of technology. Listening to my body and taking in my surroundings. It was back to basics - me and a beautiful city. More of this please!

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