London, England: On day six of the hostage crisis track meet, London greeted us with a dose of her finest August weather: torrential downpours, cold wind and foggy clouds. No matter that I am carrying clothing for only seven days and only one of the "outfits" include slacks. Me thinks I sometimes tend to over-do my minimalist-packing obsession. Happily, a miniature folding umbrella was included in my 20-inch carryon.
Dave and I took a bus that picked us up about a block from the hotel and dropped us 1/3 miles from Yotam Ottolenghi's Spitalfields location, where we were meeting our long-time family friend, Lady Katharine, for lunch with her husband and daughter. Currently one of the hottest chef's in the world, Ottolenghi brings his take on Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine to London with a vegetable-centric menu. Lots of mezze-type starters and salads, a few dishes with meat (surprisingly, even with a Palestinian co-chef, some bacon), and fabulous desserts. I have three Yotam Ottolenghi cookbooks and enjoy preparing his recipes, challenging myself, and searching-out unusual ingredients from time-to-time.



Everything was so light, so bright and very well received at our table.


Matilda (obviously) had been enjoying a bit of chocolate cake in this photo.


chocolate cake - with an inch of cream cheese icing. Both were divine.

Then we all bundled-up, and raced back to the office, Tube or bus. It was so wonderful to see our friends again and to meet Miss Matilda for the first time. She was the sweetest thing - finally warming up a bit to us at the end. Thank you, for braving the rain to meet us today.
Then back to our routine. Dave does his physical therapy and icing, I edit my photos, we have a 20 minute rest, then head back to the track. This evening we took advantage of the shuttle both directions, not wanting to face the rain again.


American Paul Chelimo, 5000m silver medalist in Rio, fell in the second heat. Another runner went down with him. Chelimo (pronounced Cha-lee-moe by everyone except the stadium announcer who oddly said Chow-lee-moo), was up quickly and sprinted back to his previous position within half a lap. Amazing. Chelimo and Ryan Hall advanced to the final to represent the USA. Duck alum, Eric Jenkins failed to advance.

Remember yesterday when the National Health Service refused Isaac Makwala of Botswana from entering the stadium due to the Norwalk virus? Well, the IAAF took up his case and allowed Makwala to race to qualify for the 200m because he missed the qualifying rounds Monday due to his illness. He had to run alone this evening, before the meet began, and he had to finish under the qualifying standard of 20.53. He did - racing in cold, pouring rain. The entire stadium cheered like crazy as Makwala sprinted solo on the half-lap. A little later, he raced - with eight other men - in the semi-final and qualified for the 200m final tomorrow night. Though South African Wayde Van Niekerk is favored to win, I think Isaac Makwala will be the crowd favorite.

But the best was saved for last. Duck alum Phyllis Francis WON - the 400m gold. WON! GOLD! She ran down Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain) and America's Sweetheart, Allyson Felix. We were jumping for joy and crying and clapping and screaming with excitement. What a night! Francis won the one-lap race in 49.92, her fastest 400m ever. See 19 photos here. The photos really show how hard it was raining. Maybe all those years of running in rainy Eugene paid off for Ms. Francis tonight?
Love me some Ducks!

Tomorrow, we do it all again.
Until my next update, I remain, your soggy correspondent.
My review of the Marriott West India Quay Hotel
You may also like:
IAAF World Championships
Official meet schedule and results
Watch the meet on NBCSN and NBC
London tourism information
London Olympic Stadium