LSE Summer School x GoodGym, Week 9

On a beautiful summer's evening, fifteen fleet-footed runners took to the streets of London, to enjoy the sights and sounds, whilst getting to know each other a bit better.

What a difference a week makes! This time last week we had torrential rain and summer looked to be well and truly over. That's the British weather for you! This week, we were blessed with some lovely golden evening sun and the city at our feet. Our runners just kept on coming, even though there are exams looming this Friday - I always say it's good to keep on moving, even if you have a busy or stressful time ahead of you, it's the perfect way to clear your head and gear up to study hard.

This week's run took us eastwards, ducking behind the Royal Courts of Justice (which we enjoyed from the front on our return leg), out along Fleet Street and up to St Paul's Cathedral. With the weather picking up, the streets were heaving with tourists and people enjoying a post-work drink (I'm pretty sure the additional dodging here added about an extra 500m to our run!). We continued up and along past Cannon Street Station, onto London Bridge and paused briefly to admire the Monument, marking the point where the Great Fire of London started in 1666 - it's a lovely place to visit, with incredible views from the top and you even get a certificate to say you've climbed all 311 steps!

Our run now took us alongside the Thames, where we talked about how great a boat trip is along here, with views from the river on a summer's day being the best way to see the city. Another great way is from one of the many bridges, so we paused briefly at the Tower of London, before running across Tower Bridge itself. A run along the Thames on the Southbank wouldn't be complete without a group photo with Tower Bridge in the background, of course.

With some more weaving amongst the evening strollers, we found ourselves on London Bridge once more and decided to head for home - it would be so tempting to keep going, but time was ticking away! At our start point we stretched, wished each other well and said our goodbyes. I have really enjoyed sharing our wonderful city with you all and hope you enjoyed seeing all that London has to offer :)