My longest run ever: 32km
Last Friday, I ran for 32km, breaking the past three records of 30 and 31km which were done in 2022 and 2023.
Before breaking the record, I have already able to do half marathon (21.1km) for long running across different areas as a means to explore cities or towns. You can refer to my following images of my footprints in London which are expanding.
March 2022
May 2025
The difference between north and south London
One of the significant differences between south and north London is that there are not many rivers (or rivers are too narrow to include humans' life), not to mention they lack any canal especially when Croydon Canal was closed long time ago.
While in the north there are various waters like Regent's Canal, Great Union Canal, River Lea... which are connected to each other not only beneficial to boats but also pedestrians, runners, cyclists and tourists!
Creative benefits of running
Information through observation vs media
Both running and walking can train my observation and discovery, a kind of primary information instead of the secondary which is always available on the Internet; as well as spotting changes when visiting the same place again.
Primary information is not necessarily exclusive that you are the first one to find out, but for sure you know not because you are informed, like through social media or news channels. It’s you who observe it. Being told is different from discovering yourself since the former only provides a single, individual piece of information while you not only finds that piece but also the context which brings the story, clues, connection to other things or causal relationship to something that you may realize now or later.
Both walking and running, whether it’s across different areas or from streets to woods (or vice versa), are a kind of practice which help me develop different ways of seeing, including those which seems boring but can be interesting, as well as something which is overlooked for long. I not only spot individual objects but also some changes, like when I am from suburbs to urbans.
On photography
With smartphones it is possible to take pictures when running due to its handy nature. Photos taken during running is a collection of what you saw. Portability of the device rather than powerful features is strong enough for me to practise photography much more often so that I can focus on how to frame a photo.
Yes, I do sometimes stop for a while when running, especially if I find an interesting place which is worth visiting.
Moving can fix a lot of problems
Our brain (as well as the entire society) always reminds us of settling down so as to establish our own permanent stable life, but the idea has led to various issues from wars to diseases in history. Humans used to live in various places.
Keep moving from just going out more often to walking to running and even to become a nomad can minimise mental health issues.
I always think we should evaluate the so-called ideal kind of life by having a great house for the rest of our life with a lifelong job until retirement. We can already feel secure before achieving this kind of life successfully.
