What did you see on your run today? #481 stars the Northern Lights

Some of my friends are total rockstars, and since it is is International Women’s Day, it seems totally befitting to give a shout out to one such rockstar – the one and only Kathakoli Dasgupta, a young woman who has been part of my own running “journey” since Day One.

Literally.

There is nothing about my early days of running that Katha doesn’t know about 😛

Katha is now based in the UK, and is a regular and eloquent contributor to this blog with her chatty and informative running posts.

Today’s guest post is typical of Katha – lots of info, lots of photos and full of fun.

Let’s hear it from the lady herself:

“We have spent the last 4 days in Reykjavík.

Even though we don’t really travel light, for this trip Dave decided we should go with just cabin baggage.

It was the most frugal packing we have done. (Though ashamed to say that we ended our trip with several unworn pieces of garments—it wasn’t cold enough in Iceland!)

Dave compromised by not carrying his running shoes. He regretted it as soon as we reached the city!

The coastline had the perfect running/walking track.

Besides there was also a big pond with a track round it and a huge park, which we discovered only on our last day.

So while Dave walked, I ran.

Here’s some of the jewels from this small and calming city.

What we saw during our runs and walks in Reykjavík…. We have spent the last 4 days in Reykjavík. Even though we don’t really travel light, for this trip Dave decided we should go with just cabin baggage. It was the most frugal packing we have done. (Though ashamed to say that we ended our trip with several unworn pieces of garments—it wasn’t cold enough in Iceland!) Dave compromised by not carrying his running shoes. He regretted it as soon as we reached the city! The coastline had the perfect running/walking track. Besides there was also a big pond with a track round it and a huge park, which we discovered only on our last day.

So while Dave walked, I ran.

Here’s some of the jewels from this small and calming city.

While I tend not to ‘get lost’ on my runs/walks, choosing to follow the same path to and from, Dave always explores a new route and enjoys the element of surprise from ending up at a new spot. He walked a few miles on the coastal path and found himself by this peaceful spot just when the sun’s rays kissed the water.

Late riser that I am, I ran around here an hour later, squinting my eyes in the sunlight!

Below is Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s tallest church that towers over Reykjavík.

It is visible from almost any point in the city and is indeed a sight to behold. Its modern design (like an organ pipe) is inspired by the country’s geology and landforms.

The road leading up to the church, Skolavordustigur Street (below) is an art and design shopping street and no one goes past it without this photo!

Below: Tjornin or Reykjavik’s pond (technically a lake, but very shallow, hence a pond) is a beautiful feature that you don’t expect in central downtown.

Apparently, the pond freezes in the winter allowing for ice skating!

The Northern Lights!

We decided not to ‘chase’ the Northern Lights so as to not end up disappointed.

However, we did feel more than a twinge of disappointment when the tours on the first two nights were cancelled owing to too much cloud cover.

Then suddenly the ‘activity levels’ shot up for Saturday night on the metrological department site. The tours obviously got booked super quick. So we checked with the locals and decided to try our luck at the viewing point by the harbour, which has the least light pollution in the city.

I went in my running shoes thinking I’ll do a sprint to justify a ‘run/walk’ photo for the blog (all the time I had my fingers crossed!).

And when we saw the display (good 25 minutes!), we were mesmerised!

It was only when we returned to the hotel, I realised I hadn’t sprinted!

Though I am sure Christine would count the walk to and back from the viewing spot. (It’s also on my Apple Watch for the record!)“

Katha, you are SUCH a sweetheart and yes OF COURSE walking counts 🙂 It’s all TOF, and that’s my mantra these days, as it so happens – so walking to and from seeing the Northern Lights is totally OK 🙂

As ever, thanks, Katha.

#keeprunning #keepinspiring