Tea and races

Busy busy weekend for a change -- venturing into central London both Saturday and Sunday, amazing.

Saturday was a girlie afternoon outing -- helping friend Carmen indulge in some 'me' (well, 'us') time before the arrival of Carmenette later this month. Five of us descended on the Langham's Palm Court to enjoy an afternoon tea of deliciously wicked cakes and devilishly delectable sandwiches (salmon, cucumber, roast beef... hold the crusts, natch). And don't forget about the scones, and the Palm Court's special cupcakes. Er, and some tea to drink as well -- though a bit superflous really. Groan... And yet I was still able to eat dinner later that night. Fancy that.

An unexpected treat of the day was spying on what looked to be a gorgeous and glamorous wedding -- the cermony was held in All Soul's Church across the road from the hotel, and the reception in the hotel's Grand Ballroom, so we were able to see the whole fantastically dressed party make their way through the lobby. The bride had a lovely, close fitting ivory lace gown, and the bridesmaids were in dusty rose. In addition, a group of about 8 - 10 older women were in vibrant fuschia and gold raw silk African dress, lending an even more joyous air to the occasion. Ah... I love weddings!

Sunday was an altogether healthier affair, as I took place in my first post-Paige running event: the Adidas 5k Women's Challenge in Hyde Park. I've done this race almost every year since it started in 1998, so it's got plenty of sentimental import for me. And this year was no different, with the special treat of both husband and baby at the finish line. I actually got a bit choked up nearing the end, thinking of Paige waiting, and hoping to do her proud (not of course that she had a clue what was going on.) That -- and thinking of Ashley's encouragement as well -- spurred me to sprint when I saw the finish line, meaning I completed the race in 30:09. Not my best time, but pretty close. And considering my limited training, and the hordes of walkers who'd started in the wrong wave I had to pass, I was pretty happy.

Unfortunately, I was concentrating so hard on those last few hundred metres, I never saw aforementioned husband and baby... but knowing they were there was (almost) good enough. And there's always next year!