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