Last 8 miles done pre marathon. I ran up to Finsbury Park along the Parkland Walk then over to Highgate, one lap around Highgate Woods, up to Muswell Hill, and onto Ally Pally. Honestly it was a pretty perfect run - time wise, nothing special. But the weather was that gorgeous early Spring warm sun we've so been lacking recently - which makes all the more special when it does come out. The sight of the sun filtering through the trees along a straight stretch of the Parkland Walk is so uplifting. On top of that is the luxury of running through the lovely Highgate Woods early morning plus feeling like I'm on top of the world in Ally Pally with London's skyline sprawling out in front of me, also bathing in the sunlight. Gorgeous.

Running early in the morning is generally preferable for me. I feel less tired. More positive. More up for giving it my best.  I like running along the Thames Path in the morning with all the London workers. Women in suits – also in trainers, but for comfort not speed. Men lycra-ed up, curled over their racers and weaving in and out of the traffic to get to work first. Running over one of London’s bridges always fills me with inspiration. It’s an iconic site.