Running Through Prague

The Prague Half Marathon was yesterday. I first heard about this race months ago from my good friend and running buddy, Lori. After running the Boston Marathon together in 1998 and a half marathon last May, we had hopes of doing this race together, but it was not to be. Prague is a long way to travel for a race. Any other time, that would have been the case for me, too, but on March 29, 2008, the whole thing was just a few blocks away. So, of course I had to do it. I knew it was the right decision when I picked up my race number – 227 – that’s my high school field hockey number (22) and college number (7)!

It was a good running day overall – partly sunny and in the high 40s – the only drawback was a nasty headwind at times. There were more race participants than I had expected and to say that the field was international would be an understatement. All announcements were made in Czech, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch.

During the first part of the race, we charged over a bridge with a full view of the Prague Castle in front of us (yes, castle!). We then ran along the river and back into a part of Prague that I don’t think many tourists see. It still has a communist feel. Next, we hit the New Town, then the Old Town, more river and done! Somehow, after Kilometer 12, the kilometers just ticked by. Matt, Caroline and Luke were waiting for me at the 1 Km and 9 Km marks and then saw me finish. It was such a boost knowing they’d be waiting. Some Thunderbirds even came out to cheer me on. I ran in 1:38.24 and was the first American woman to finish (but I don’t think there were too many of us.).

The best part was that I felt good at the end of the race. I was able to fully enjoy the post-race party at our place and enjoy some good Czech pivo (beer) that I’d sworn off for two whole days in preparation for the race. Life in Prague is good.

Mary

Back from the Beach

Hi again from Monterrey. Today is the beginning of our final week in this city. Next week at this time we will be on our way to Prague!

We returned last night from a 4 day jaunt to Playa del Carmen. It was a wonderful trip which we all enjoyed. Matt has been extremely busy with school obligations. Two weeks ago, he took a 6 day trip to New York for an International Development Trek and then started 3 days of finals the day after he returned. Needless to say, we hadn’t seen much of him and what better way to catch up than on the beach! He literally finished his last final and we jumped into a taxi for the airport.

We stayed at a little hotel called La Rana Consada (The Lazy Frog). It had a real Carribean feel to it and was 2 blocks from the beach and less than a block from 5th Avenue, Playa’s main drag. We had 3 great beach days in the aquamarine sea. Caroline and Luke had fun playing in the sand and jumping the waves (with some help from us). We enjoyed strolling 5th Avenue, having dinner and window shopping. Mitch, Heather and Dylan arrived with Heather’s parents the day before we left. Caroline and Luke had fun playing Mr. Potato Head with Dylan and Luke and Dylan enjoyed racing each other up and down the hall. Caroline and Luke adore their cousin and their Uncle Mitch and Auntie Heather. It was great to spend some time with them, though much too short.

It’s hard to believe that our time in Mexico is drawing to a close. The places we’ve been – Puebla, Monterrey and Playa del Carmen – have all been different, but we’ve enjoyed each of them and it is with mixed emotions that we move on from here. Prague, no doubt, will offer many more rewarding experiences. Until next time -

Back from the Beach