However, the times I have been out and active, I've enjoyed every moment of it. Will go back and share some of these adventures, when there is time, but now...
So glad to be home after a few days in Vienna for a business meeting. The hotel where we stayed was not only close to the office, but to the schronbrunn palace and park, the days were long, the sun is out and hot..so why not?
The first morning was a late start as I only left the hotel at 7, bumping into colleagues on their way back from view of the palace! The only option was 2 laps around the small park nearby...both 9:30ish minute/miles, in the warm but not humid Viennese summer. I was glad, and thought I'm back in business (after all, the next event - jp Morgan corporate challenge, is only a few weeks away!) :)
Day 2, I know I must beat the clock to get somewhere. The park is big and on my doorstep - it wasn't an opportunity to be missed. Especially after a long day in a meeting room with poor ventilation and 30+ Celsius heat..being outdoors was the way to cool down..
The way to stop myself getting lost is by a search on the internet...mapmyrun ! Someone posted a 7km route which only cut through the middle of the park...in my mind I said : I can do better than that!
Unfortunately, I fell to the same fate. Through the palace gates (open 6:30) I followed other runners to an opening to the left of the courtyard. Into the main park itself, with rows of hedges almost like a labyrinth, with its share do secret well manicured gardens inside. I loved it!
Then I saw the zoo and decide to go towards the right, where the map displayed barren paths and a possibility to bypass the zoo (which was in the middle of the park)
- few runners came towards me, looking strong, and I soon know why. The second half of this park is up the hill! I decided time was better spent by turning back and heading back towards the palace...where I got good pictures behind the fountain.
After the fountain, there was another 'mountain' with a building/monument at the top. I decided to save it for day 3, should I come back, as the path down was steep and to go higher I would be rewarded with better views.
So these were the photos above that generate much interest amongst my colleagues to go running on the third day and I was almost sure that knowing my way around, there was some opportunity to regain my excellent pace on Tuesday morning and see to what lies beyond the hill on the other side of schonbrunn park.
A late night wiped out most of the 'running club' and I had the pleasure of the company of only one...who turned back after I led her to the main garden behind the palace.
Being on my own, I can do crazy things again. I decided to conquer the hill and get to the top...some runners were meandering their way up. 'Go on, it's like Primrose Hill', I started a slow jog...but had to walk.
The view, from the top, is breathtaking !
I know it isn't Salzburg but my inner playlist streamed...'climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, till you find your dream'...it was rewarding.
What lies beyond the mountain was unexpected. Some driveways and bush land led me to an unused athletics track..very small. The gate was unlocked and I saw an opportunity to 'on your marks, get set'..and did a few intervals. Running without a wristwatch, it didn't help with the time. At this point I already given up on the pace..
Then I found some very nice gardens, hanging baskets being watered, large greenhouses..an automatic lawn mower and plenty of inspiration for my garden (if I had the money to pump so many marigolds, this patch here would cost hundreds). Took a picture of the name in front of the building and the translation was: school of gardening.
It was time to head back through the bushes and along the busy road..but before then, a last sprint down the tree lined hill...it was lovely.
So here's the route.. Over 3 days I had covered 11 miles (2ish+4ish+4ish) and a fresh start to every morning. Worth it.
Now I just need to keep up with the routine at home, in a less exciting route..
