Run 91. Coronavirus Ghost town. Part 2. 3/4/2020.
Knowing now that the streets would be empty, I headed for a favourite area that inherently had lots of people in the way – Chapel St in Prahran. And just as expected it was deserted. Whether it be Chapel St Windsor, Prahran or South Yarra, Chapel St looked more like the main street in a small country town. The exception was a tram, that was empty, and a tram driver who was clearly bored. I made no attempt to race the tram today as with no passengers to stop for, and no traffic, I had no chance.
Crossing the river and heading north onto Church St made no difference. Still deserted. I went from one side of the street to the other without delay and probably didn’t even need to look. Left onto Victoria St in Richmond, still nothing. As I turned left onto Punt Rd I recall the traffic in this area after Richmond won the grand final. So much had changed. I crossed the Yarra and headed up the Punt Rd hill. Then it hit me that despite the virus, the hill in Punt Rd was still the same size, no change here.
Detoured via Fitzroy and Acland Streets in St Kilda and the ghost town effect was complete. If there was nobody here then social lockdown was working. These are strange times. The runs are easier as there is less traffic to deal with. Not sure if my time of 1:44:39 is better or worse as a result.
My Three Learnings
Coronavirus has impacted a lot but not on the size of the Punt Rd hill.
Trams are faster when there is no traffic.
Chapel St is a pleasant run if there is almost no one around.