International Rescue: (Car) Parkrunners are go .....

 

0.5 down

Two 5K runs should not be the height of achievement but so much jeopardy injected through injuries this year, including ongoing and somewhat self perpetuated joint issues even over the course of this trip. Took a few anti inflamatories overnight and felt pretty ready to give the second parkrun a go on what was our final full day.

Infact felt confident to join a couple of the chaps on an exploratory 4K run to the start of parkrun. A few winding suburban roads, but heading in the general direction of the coast and we could soon smell the sea air, and see some of our running buddies emerge from the metro station to co-incide with our own early arrival.

Plenty of time for people to work out their Thai elephants, look across the water towards Malmo, plenty of shots of people wistfully gazing into the distance, would easily be the album cover for any parkrun compilation.

The intros and shout outs very welcoming and a little bit less rambling than on Thursday but can't fault the hospitality of our Danish hosts on either front.  The course a little more runner friendly today, wider tarmac paths, a bit of a breeze that switched from being a help to a hindrance depending on what part of the course you were on. My main goal was to run to feel and whilst being a bit off what I'd like to be my benchmark pace this wasn't galaxies away as has been the case for some of this year.

Enjoyed clapping others in, and getting the obligatory photos with the sign. A retake was needed as I was only half the man I used to be in the original shot. And then perhaps double the man I'd like to be when normality was restored. Soaked up the lovely coastal setting, sand, bridges, gentle kayakers and sea swimmers all integrating very gently and without urgency.

Our merry band found a nearby bakery to eat a bit of breakfast. I tried the danish sausage in pastry thing called Polsehorn.  I think we can see what might be the horn .. . Coffee was OK too as was the reflection of a bunch of satisfied runners with a job well done.

A couple of the boys ran back to the hotel but I quite while ahead and took the metro back with the rest of the gang. Needed to change out of the sweaty gear and keep enough energy so as to not waste the last few hours in Copenhagen. These would also be on two feet and conscious of my limitations.

After pulling a panicked man out of his locked car I cast aside my superhero costume and we took a walk across the footbridge into the heart of Copenhagen, Only a light plan today, looking at some of the royal palaces and churches dotted along the canals and waterways, perhaps not fully comprehending what they all were but just soaking up the history and sunshine.  Wandered off, found a tower that was round, but it turned out not to be the Round Tower.

The key building we wanted to look at was the Round Tower, church, librarty and observatory in one. Europes oldest functioning observatory, and 360 degree city skyline views. Like a helter skelter without the slide.  

Stopped in the library on the way down to look for lead piping and professor plum. Actually came across an interesting art exhibition that raised some pretty important questions about the future of the planet in a shallow yet meaningful way ... just about the level I can cope with.

It was then in search of relaxation, and a well appointed park, the Kings Garden,  seemed to be the space where the young uns took their cans and footballs, and perhaps a few fairy tale books. At the end of the main avenue in the park was Mr Andersen. He is clearly a Jack, another of his books the Wild Swans everyone turns into Swans!

A bit more meandering to colourful Nyhavn, the bustling quayside, ideal place for a beer in the sun. We relented to full tourist rip off mode, sinking a few quick Tuborgs and I wolfed down some shrimp, salmon, and haddock sarnies with chips ... chipgate at billgate with tuborgate was of course the end secnario in a busy restaurant with a large group but we took it on the chin, and found some mcjoy and comfort in the toilets.

Chrissi and I had noted a n outdoor food court across the other side of the river from Nyhavn whilst on our bikes yesterday, and took the remainder of our gang over to a high energy, frenetic, musical venue. Chrissi secured a trestle table and another couple of swift beers went down as the sun went down.  Doing nothing for my gout this holiday, but the price you have to pay to enjoy the full European experience.

The last thing on Chrissis list was a ride on a water taxi. Vicky did her best to find us one but was not to be, so we all enjoyed the sunset some more on a walk (slowly turning into a limp) back to the hotel. Very weary so some provisions from the all night garage opposite the hotel provided some final comfort and some last reflections and parkrun stat checks in the hotel lobby.

Lets almost end back where we started, parkrun geekery.  Age grade records meant both Laura and Wendy could bounce away from Copenhagen.  Which after a nights dreadful sleep, quick hotel breakfast (smoothies for vitamins) and rapid journey to the airport was our final bounce.  Facebook nonsense about chaos at checkin (get a grip people) was all of 4 minutes, and then it was biding some time before we got our call for boarding.

Homeward bound for most of the intrepid parkrunners ... see you at the baggage carousel, even you James Mac, my head, your body, what a combination ...