Before going for my run this evening I posted the following on my Facebook account: Alex Pavlotski: Um, how many of you folks have heard of PARKOUR, and if you have, from where? Thanks.
I was quite surprised at the volume of response. Here are the reactions.

M: Known about it for a while :-) Nat and some of his mates do it occasionally. I'm too fat :-)

T: Free-running, started by Frenchmen wasn't it? Took off in Europe to make use of the dense urban areas. Crazy cool. Makes an appearance in the latest house too.

A: have, not sure where from though

N: Hi Alex! I have there was a big article about it in the Age a few months ago - http://www.theage.com.au/news/health/spiderman-classes-near-you/2007/12/07/1196812975935.html

L: it's been around for yonks now. even hollywood and hk films have been using it in chase scenes for years

D: I know you broke yourself doing it you clumsy bastard.

D2: You! Plus numerous media references... including Top Gear.

M: I've been fascinated by it for some time now. It just looks so damn cool.There are also a couple of French movies that feature parkour, most notably Banlieue 13.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19CrlgB0ueU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPIw3cv8Zls

Seems like, even among my narrow circle of friends, word about parkour is spreading. Actually, the Age article sent to me by N served to point out a misconception I’ve been holding onto. Mat Campbell points out: “ ‘(Parkour is) not just urban … It's just one of those misconceptions. It's just as much in nature as it is in the cities."

The landscape is nearly irrelevant. At the same time, I would say it is the overwhelming prevalence of the urban environment and its inherent restrictions that draws people to this subculture. That’s certainly one of the attractions for me. I love appropriating the environment!

Notes on training: The routine is becoming less challenging as my fitness increases. I’m going to have to step up training. I’ll head into the shops to pick up some tape a chalk tomorrow. Time to create boundaries for an extra challenge.

Currently working on more comic notes but need more time. Soon I’ll quit my part-time job and dedicate myself to this full time.