maqh just cruising along

Lake Monger, my usual running track

Unlike Kings Park, I visit Lake Monger quite regularly as it's very close to my house and it became my usual running track. While preparing for the 12km "City 2 Surf" run earlier this year (which I ended up finishing under an hour and was stoked about!) you could have met me there even 3 times a week but these days when I'm back to playing soccer and (check me out...) started boxing (or rather boxercise) I try to run at least once a week. I know, sounds like I went bit exercise crazy but it's all good fun. Especially for someone who before the knee reconstruction wasn't doing anything for good few years. And Lake Monger is actually a very nice spot for a jog. Here's why.

After around 4 minutes running from my house and taking the overpass over the freeway we're there:

First couple of hundred meters the track runs along the freeway but it's not bad especially if you keep looking right.

Just in case you forgot being in Australia the signs will remind you to keep left.

7 minutes into the run and we're getting away from the freeway after passing the first corner. It can actually be pretty busy in here, in the afternoon there's always plenty of people running, cycling or walking their dogs and in the morning (say 6am - yes, I did run at that time few times...) you can find a lot of personal trainers giving someone a really hard time.

There's probably around 20 minutes of running left but if you do struggle a bit you can always enjoy what's around.

And even if you just concentrate on the track it doesn't look too bad either, a nice pass between palm trees just in front of you.

We're getting to the point where you can definitely count on seeing Perth's symbol - a black swan.

Some of them can be actually quite rude to you at times.

You'll definitely meet a lot of ducks as well.

And sometimes a pelican.

After that we're almost at the second turn.

And when you can see the city center in the background that's probably a half way my usual run (if I'm doing one lap).

Quick look at the other side of the lake.

And a moment later we can see a bit more of a city.

Getting closer to the last stretch.

If that's your first time at Lake Monger you may want to read a bit about the animals you can meet here.

One of the last looks at the water.

Than on the overpass again when we can check out the CBD once again.

Few more minutes and around 26-27 minutes mark I'm back in front of my house. Too easy :) And that's where it all happened.

From time to time I also run along the beach (but not on the sand) and will try to show you that one day as well. If I get there at sunset as I usually try you shouldn't be too disappointed.