Lend me Your Ears!

Yes, I do like this iPod and it gives me energy for my brisk outdoor runs.

But I've run into a problem - my ears are not shaped to hold for more than 2 minutes these tiny 'ear buds' which keep the music moving through my head. I guess people's ear are like snowflakes - no two are the same.

Consequently every few minutes or less, I'm adjusting and readjusting these small musical beans so they don't drop out of my ears mid-run.

Outdoors is much better as the woolly ski cap keeps them firmly in place.

I'm contemplating buying some huge earrings which would hold them somehow for the entire run, but am open to other suggestions!

New Gym, New Smells

- Exiting the tram - diesel from trucks barrelling down Evropska.

- Approaching the gym - cigarette smoke from employees and fitness gurus, who can't go too long without a fag.

- Entering the gym - body odor of squash players and those grunting away in the weight room.

- Changing in locker room - steam from the showers and a multiplicity of perfumes and sprays.

I've been to this gym before and chose this option yesterday, since my regular one closes at 8pm daily, which doesn't leave much time for Sunday afternoon city shopping and a consecutive evening workout.

This gym is much bigger and has much more options for those wishing to drop a few kilos, develop a sixpack or train for the Prague Half Marathon.

There are five courts for squash/racquet ball and many stationary bicycles, a large weight room and three treadmills - hurrah.

However, these treadmills are pre-programmed so that after 30 minutes the machine decides you need a smoke break, so it simply stops. For the non-smoker, it's not possible to start the machine again to resume running. I then played the game of mid-run jumping onto the adjacent treadmill to begin again. It's a fun game.

But today is sunny-ish, so I hope to escape the smoker regime and run through the Šárka trails!

Sidenote: I have a problem with people brushing their hair in public. Please don't.

Mysterious Prague 6 Pooper Scooper

Czechs love dogs - large, small, hairy, bald - it doesn't matter. They love them and I don't mind them, but Czech German Shepherds, Czech Cocker Spaniels and Czech Yorkshire Terriers all poo. Consequently, these little deposits do not always make it to the grass on the side of the trail upon which some folk choose to run. Instead the little doggy dupas (see October 16 post) release their surprises on the path itself.

However, though certain that this happens and a witness to these physiological events, the poo does not stay on the path for long. I don't know how it happens, but there must be some secret and caring park ranger who clears the paths (surely just for me) of all kinds of debris - leaves, branches, poo... I'm eternally grateful to him/her/it, for as the days get darker, I'm not exactly sure what I'm trodding in!

(Bet you thought I was gonna put a photo with poo in it... but didn't find any on the trail, so sorry!)

Photo Finish or Finish Photo?!

Upon receiving confirmation of my Half-Marathon registration along with my number - F901 - I was reminded of the list of items/events/discounts which are included in my participation. A new line which was not there previously stated:

FINISH PHOTO – It will be possible to order by mail or on-line via our web site. You will find more info in your technical envelope. Remember to smile while crossing the finish line!


No ordinary person will want a photo of themselves after sweating laboriously through the streets of Prague for 21 kilometres!


But the more I'm learning about runners, the more I realise that they have some peculiarities which are common amongst the lot of them... clearly wanting to have their cramps & soreness documented photographically is one of them!

Yea, though I run the valley of the shadow...

It's dark!!!

Prague's thus far mild winter has allowed me to remain outdoors for my running regime. Though I love snow, this winter I am secretly & selfishly thankful for global warming.

However, the characteristically short days of the season have sadly not changed. Leaving to run around four pm, again thanks to a gracious boss, I return to IBTS it is in a dark haze.

I come across very few people at this time in the evening now and when I do, it's not until I'm just on top of them that I know if this person is male or female, with a bike, a dog or a shopping bag or the person is actually a tree.

If you can speak it is common courtesy to greet people you come across in the Šárka trails. So when I see I am approaching a fellow path-walker/runner, I gather up all the breath I can muster to give a "I'm-not-completely-exhausted" hello!

Yesterday as I got out the 'dobry' of 'dobry den', the second person gave a friendly "Hello, Vanessa". Talk about shock! A few strides later I realised who it was and was able to holler back a friendly greeting of my own.

All that behind me, I'm off soon with a dear friend to enjoy the Prague-ham and sausages of the Christmas markets in Prague today, then return to have a feast for another friend's birthday celebration - looks to be a very demanding Saturday!
I love Prague.

Music Makes the Difference

A few weeks ago I received an old but working iPod from a good friend in the states - only now have I figured out how it works and how to keep the ear pieces from dropping after a few strides. So I took off on a chilly outdoor run this past Sunday afternoon with the Dixie Chics, Boyz2Men and many more accompanying me

I soon found myself lost in the music, singing along (granted pantingly) and forgetting about burning lungs, sore calves and the distance yet to be covered

Though I do enjoy the natural music of the Šárka Valley with the tree branches dancing overhead, the creek running next to me and the birds cheering me on, I realised today that when going through the valley with a purpose - not simply as previously to simply enjoy nature - having a few pop artists singing in your ear is a great.

Thanks, Dude!

(This is a second attempt to post this entry - Sunday this Web-blog went crazy because of my music post - here's hoping this time all is well)

Registration and Pampering

If you're curious, as was I, as to what the 650 CZK registration fee for the Prague Half Marathon is being used for - have a look at all the 'free' perks which come along with the registration for this event:


Entry Fee Includes:
• start number with electronic chip (upon a 500 CZK deposit)
• start bag
• official adidas T-shirt
• refreshment points - every 5 km + in the finish
• commemorative medal
• Intermediate time at km 5/10/15 and finish
• diploma + result book (within 4 weeks after the race)
• deposit bag & changing room
• e-mail with performance info (real / official time)
• live tracking, on-line ranking on http://www.praguemarathon.com/
• SMS with finish time (6 languages)
• Marathon Magazine
• free public transport during the race day
• free massage before and after the race
• discount coupons from adidas, Hervis sport shops and other partners
• discount entry into selected museums and historical sites
• Marathon Music Festival with more then 20 bands and dancers along the course and at the start/finish
• post race Staropramen special beer party


Shoot, it's worth registering simply for the free massages, various discounts and other offers we look forward to taking advantage of!

Not Alone!

As of 11.12 this morning, two people are officially registered for the Prague Half Marathon and running for the sake of IBTS!

Two, you ask? Yep! Anna Cheprasova (Russia), an IBTS Master of Theology student, has joined the ranks of those (me) running the Jubilee Jog through Prague! She's not only a co-runner, but an inspiration as she's a keen sportsperson and could probably run a full marathon tomorrow, on one leg! (Perhaps not)

Nonetheless, it's a great encouragement for me to keep training and it's one more who really loves this seminary and wants to help out!

If you haven't already, would the addition of my dear Russian running partner help you decide to sponsor us as we jog through Prague?

(I do apologise for committing the worst Blogging crime of going weeks without posting - It won't happen again!)

The World Wide Web and Neighbours in Nebušice

The guy at the fitness centre (well, fitness room) who has one set of workout clothes, must have gone shopping. This last visit instead of his brown jogging pants and matching sleeveless t-shirt, he sported red, white and blue striped MC Hammer pants and a non-descript faded blue shirt.

It made me think - just because his name may be Jiří, doesn't mean he can't speak English, that he doesn't spend his evenings in his flat in Nebušice searching the internet and doesn't mean that he hasn't located my blog and realised that it was him of whom I was slightly disgusted that wears the same clothes to workout each time I see him. Oh dear... Oh well.

Hello, Jiří or Tomáš or František!

A Pan of Brownies & a Steady Pace

Agh, the depression has hit. Perhaps it's not typical of those attempting to run a long distance race for the first time, but it has proven true of me. Partly this is due to the short days and partly due to my feeling that I'm not progressing much in my running regime.

Today I hoped to wake early and run, but this ended up being waking early, hitting 'snooze', waking again, hitting 'snooze' and so on. Option two was to run after five - looking at the sky around four I thought it may be possible, but as seventeen hundred hours approached and darkness blanketed this second option was smothered.

I arrived home, ate a small piece from a half pan of leftover brownies, turned on the last bit of 'EastEnders' and debated what my next move was. Chewing on a bit bigger piece of brownie I began contemplating a visit to the small gym up the road. Getting comfortable and not able to turn off 'EastEnders' before the episode ended with Jack Branning being arrested (falsely?!?), I grabbed a much larger piece of brownie to think through the timing of buses up to the gym and back. Completing the pan of brownies I realised the combination of a full stomach of brownies and running 10K on a treadmill wasn't the best, I packed my bag for the gym.

The brownie indulgence ended up not being too much of an interference to my somewhat boring run on the treadmill. However, a few words from a more experience runner - "it's not so much the distance and speed, but find your pace and run" (or something like that) - had me moving my speed up and down until I found what fit perfect and was it not for the closing hours of the gym, I could have run for quite more than I normally would! So my last few days of depression about running is looking up a bit.

Boss of the Year Award

From 15.30 - 16.30 yesterday our telephone and internet service was unaivalable at the seminary due to some necessary and planned work.

Realising my frustration of finding times to run when it's not dark in the evenings, raining or so early in the morning the moon is wondering why I'm up, my dear boss pushed me out the door to run at that time!

I like to think of this eagerness to get me out of my office was more because he's supports my ambition to run for the cause of raising money for IBTS, rather than to get rid of his PA for an hour or so!

Nonetheless, I would happily nominate him as the BlueRibbon winner of all Bosses!

Stromovka Sun planned for Saturday

After some very gray days and a few busy ones, I've already made plans for my Saturday run! A beautiful park nearby IBTS called Stromovka is ideal for biking, walking, sausage eating and marathon training.

So with hopes of good weather and a successful completion of the Board of Trustee meetings at IBTS, I can be found bounding through the trails of Stromovka with a smile on my face, sun on my back and sausage on my mind!

Anyone looking to join? Even if just for the sausage bit?

Deceptive Dirty Windows

My regular pattern of running after I leave the office in the evening is unhappily needing to change because of darkness descending earlier and earlier.

Realisation of this came, when my great plan yesterday was to jog the paths of Prague following our Wednesday Seminar (Peter Pavlovic of ECEN on Creation Care). But by 17.30 when the seminar ended, the Czech Republic had decided the sun had done it's duty for the day and it had disappeared.

Whilst eating an entire pizza for dinner, I contemplated a new method for training - wanting to avoid the boredom of the Fitness Centre as long as possible! The only way around it was to run in the mornings before entering the office - not an entirely wonderful idea, but do-able.

Today was the first day to attempt this marvelous method. Waking up early, I saw only a slight gray fog over the valley and decided to persevere and go out for a run.

After going through morning ablutions for running preparation I left my apartment, made my way down the the front door of the building and out - only to find it was truly pouring rain. The fact that I was up and dressed before my brain realised what was happening, I was determined to get out to run.

Two minutes after stepping outside my feet were soaking wet and with futile attempts to avoid puddles and spray from cars, I returned rather quickly dripping and soaked with rain.

So dirty windows (the fog was rain!) and high ideals had me out splashing arond this morning in my persevering try for this half-marathon.

Yes, I really do love this seminary!

Whoah, we're half way there..

... livin' on a prayer! Ah, these infamous lyrics of Bon Jovi danced through my mind yesterday as I completed running 10.54Km - the half-way marker to the full half-marathon. Having only starting running at the end of August, I guess getting this far without collapsing is fairly good progress. Though 21.097 seems a depressingly long long way off.

These days by 17.00 (5pm) Prague 6 is blanketed by a nightly fog thus making running outdoors a challenge and a fearsome adventure. So I've taken to revisiting the small fitness centre up the road. This has a tendency to become the most boring hour or so of my days!

Thankfully, for the first 20 minutes of yesterday's gym-time I was entertained by a 40-something year old Czech fellow and his trainer go through some moves for boxing. The rest of the time I flipped through fashion magazines (ug!) and pretended not to watch a guy on the weight machines (who seems to be there whenever I show up and wears the same clothes - double ug!)

My little smelly gym:

I guess it's time to do some searching for an Ipod or whatever is popular these days for listening to music in the attempt to forget that your muscles are cramping, side hurting and sweat is dripping even from your fingertips - yes, it's possible.

"Excuse me, Beautiful, Could you spare 300 dollars?"

I will never forget when I was approached on the streets of Chicago and asked this question from a yellow toothed homeless man with a twinkle in his eye.

Expecting the usual appeal for a dollar or 'spare change' I was happily surprised by his request and simply because of his creativity and good humour gave him a bit of cash. (Of course, being called "Beautiful" didn't hurt!)

Certainly the 300 USD was needed much more than my measily pocket change, so his jovial request had a sincerity behind it, but every quarter helped him feel like a bit more like a human.

Dare I ask you, dear blog-reader, for 300 dollars and hope for 50 or 10? In no way am I equating the seriousness of this man's desparate situation to my small attempt to find financial support for IBTS, but perhaps this story could remind you that every little bit helps a greater cause!

Shall I address you as "Beautiful" - will that help?

Count Down!

160 Days!!

Have you become a sponsor yet???

The list on the right margin of this Web-log has stopped growing :(

Kiwi at Three

Ugg, sore muscles again. Twas a good run and I still found myself bounding up the 47 steps on campus with surplus energy afterwards. However, at 03.37 in the morning my quadriceps were crying and I was sleepless. Something came to my mind about acid (malic, citric, lactic... who knows!) in the muscles and the lack thereof causing soreness - which could be complete nonsense, but at three in the morning it seemed plausible. Searching the refrigerator supply I ended up theiving from my roommate Gordon and snacked on a kiwi. I did sleep eventually, not quite sure if the kiwi or sheer tiredness had me sawing Zzzz's. (ah, by the way - Gordon is a guinea pig!)

Dupas Make the Difference

Living in a community comprised of people from varying countries and languages, soon the community develops its own culture and along with that its own language. IBTS is not an exception and the term 'dupa' is evidence of this. It is doubtful that in any proper language this word carries meaning, but for some long-termers at IBTS, 'dupa' is a gentle term for one's backside. Whilst running along my normal route a second path merged into mine, which had two men jogging side by side. After the paths met they commenced running a bit in front of me and an odd thing began to happen. The distance between us was lessening and slowly I was next to them and slipped passed them.

No, I do not have aspirations to be the next Marion Jones (please disregard the whole doping business in that comment), but it gave me a bit of push to think that perhaps I'm on the right track and this half-marathon is more do-able than I first thought.

Continuing my little jog I then reflected on the possible reasons I was able to pass these two. (Could they be fellow trainees in the forthcoming half-marathon?) The explanations could be many, but the most likely in this particular instance was simply the element of dupa size. Smaller dupa = swifter feet... for some time at least.

Can I Borrow Your Dog?

Yesterday's run evoked this question as I came across a few runners who had their faithful panting companions by there side. As the length of my runs extend the more I'd appreciate a four-legged furry creature to share the trail with - as well as keep me moving!

For many years, the barking, swishing tails and heavy paws had me frozen in panic or hidden behind the nearest object bigger than I. However, these days I'm searching the internet for a 'Rent-a-Dog' service in Prague - so far nothing.

No Sweat and Smiling?

...definitely the beginning of the run!

'Tis Friday and an excellent October day, what better thing is there to do than to run... hmm.

Weekend Laziness

Respite from computers and office work was found hidden in the Krkonoše mountains this past weekend. Though a gorgeous area, an attempted run was dissuaded by the many 'ups' and few 'downs' of the trails, which is a common feature of mountains around here... and elsewhere I suppose!

A few lengths of swimming in the hotel pool and sweating through intervals in the sauna and some very nice walks kept me from being too lethargic, but when Monday came around my desire to stay home overrode even the summons of the basketball court.

However, energy from a few Ukrainian chocolates and a bit of sun pulled me out from my laziness to run yesterday, for which I am glad of.

And today more sun and evening hopes for a good dinner with friends sends me again through the paths of the Sarka Valley... after a Wednesday Workshop on "Deconstructing a Happy Family" !

Money, money, money

Yep, it's now possible to transfer large sums of money to sponsor this hopeful half-marathon runner (and hopefully soon others!!) for the IBTS Diamond Jubilee!

The IBTS website has a form which you can complete to make a simple painless transaction!

Here's how!
1) Click on the "Online Donation form".
2) Fill in all the blanks.
3) Tick the "Diamond Jubilee" line under Donation Details
4) Under "Additional Information" write something like Jubilee Jog or Half Marathon (or Vanessa's suffering!)
5) Click "Send" and smile widely!
THANKS!!!!

29 Year Old Knees

They have begun to realise that this isn't a short-lived fanciful idea :(

Advice of the Irish

"Don’t forget your stretching exercises" came quite timely as Tuesday morning I awoke not wanting (nor close to able) to move - I suppose the fun of Monday's biking adventure plus the long basketball game caught up with me.

For some, the simple number of stairs on campus makes them feel they are training for this half-marathon along with me and Tuesday my muscles groaned at each step - from home to the office, the office to chapel, chapel to the office, office to lunch, lunch to office.. and so on.

So yes, though spent many hours stretching endlessly for basketball/volleyball games and practices, the importance of it was forgotten over the years.

Thanks to the advice from a Northern Irish friend and complaining calves - this seeming 'time-waster' of stretching will make it's way into my daily regime.

I love Mondays!

Today for my training I dressed-up like a giant jack-o-lantern and sped up & down the trails of Praha 6! Every Monday evening I play basketball with a colleague and some of his buddies at a gymnasium nearby. Usually we go by car, but lately he (my chauffeur) has needed to go home first to check on the slow progress of the new facade being put on his home.

So today, my mode of transport was bicycle and it was fantastic! I overestimated my time and arrived a bit early - but enjoyed sitting at a nearby park watching Czech children collecting chestnuts and running away from their parents.

It was past 20.00 (8pm) when basketball ended and I started the journey home - so rather dark! But the purchase of my new bike a few weeks ago included lights - both the "don't hit me lights" and the "I can see in the dark lights". I also donned an XL orange reflective vest, so I could be seen surely even by planes overhead!
Nonetheless, I love Monday night basketball and don't mind sacrificing a run for the exercise of a good game ... or just a game.

Kicks needed!

If it weren't for two particular lists, I would have happily and quietly skipped my training run today.

One is the list of names down the right side of this web-log who have committed to sponsor my run and support our students. Are you there yet? ... Ahem...

The second is a long blue narrow checklist outside my door. Each day that I train I note the date in a small blue box below the one before. This is an accountability chart in a sense, where Helle, my neighbour across the corridor will reward me with stickers when I'm a good trainee!

So thanks to you all for your support and stickers to get me out to run on a bright Sunday in October!

What goes up, must come down

An excellent thing about where IBTS is located in the valley is that the paths away from the seminary lead up, and the paths on the way back lead down! An ideal situation for any potential half-marathoner! Whilst still trying to figure out the pedometre loaned to me, I'm unable to record distances by kilometre when running, but instead by landmarks. The house that sells honey, the big white house with the huge menacing boxer dog, the swimming pool, the sausage roasting place. My goal before too long is to make it to McDonalds! (Maybe with the reward of an apple pie at the end)

However, speaking of sausages - running leaves much time for thought and today I contemplated the implications of a recent post on the IBTS Community web-log (blog.ibts.eu) - particularly the last bit about the contribution of meat consumption towards polluting the environment. I love meat - sausages, meatballs, pork chops, cutlets, meatloaf...

But yes, I do have concern for the environment, as well. Cleaning with vinegar & baking soda rather than various chemicals. Not leaving water running when unneccessary. Recycling. The list continues, but the challenge of giving up a bit of my meaty pleasures? So yes, I had salted salmon on toast with a bit of lemon for dinner tonight and thought through limiting my intake of our farmyard friends...

But surely, these Czech sausages in my freezer consist of very little meat anyway!

Half-past September

Due to serious repair work on the boiler-system yesterday at the seminary, I was without hot water during the peak times when I attempt to do a bit of marathon training. Skipping the shower after my run was not an option preferred by my neighbours, so I took the bus up the road to workout at the fitness centre nearby – more on this gym another day.

Boredom sets in rather quickly while stomping away on a treadmill. In the states there are television sets placed above any exercisers, to help them forget what they are doing to their bodies.

Not so, in this fitness room. The wall that I’m facing is not a wall, but a mirror. Thus making it impossible to forget my silly idea of a half marathon, because staring back at me is a miserable blonde girl sweating away! I blame her for my sore muscles today.

To attempt to keep my mind occupied, I flip noncommittally through various Czech fashion magazines displayed on the table at reception. Half-way through SmeZeny (UsWomen), I was clouded in a sickenly sweet perfume scent to realise the magazine had a sample flap included. I began muttering to myself, until I recalled that I have smelled much worse in gyms in the Czech Republic.

Having fallen in love with the soothing effect of sweating through intervals in the sauna whilst in Estonia, I asked the woman behind the desk at the gym if they would be installing one. Her answer, “Yes, we will have it, maybe, half-past September.” - You try figure that out!

Introduction and Purpose

December 2007 I created a list of ‘Post-Dissertation’ activities to help motivate me to complete the final work of my Masters in Applied Theology. It worked, along with the kicks from my colleagues here. (‘Dissertation’ being the European equivalent of the Masters’ Thesis)

And now with the initials “MTh” humbly settled behind my name, it’s time to get serious about ticking the points off my list. Indeed the list has begun to shorten, but one item steadily remains and is the impetus for this blog:

Running a half-marathon!

Following a summer holiday to Estonia and being motivated by a friend’s brother who runs full marathons, I began running – well, shuffling for now– through the beautiful Šárka Valley here in Prague 6.

Up until then, my long distance running consisted of the length of a basketball court and back. Now, still at the beginning of this endeavor, I struggle to get beyond three kilometers before finding an excuse to pause – bug in my eye, blowing my nose, hiding from dogs…

It’s not easy! I’m told a regular human being can run a half marathon in about two hours. Thus far, I’m only a regular human being enough to run 30 minutes before collapsing… there’s a long road of training ahead!

But I won’t quit! Because I’ve now committed not to run for the sake of wearing some number on my back on 28 March and parade through the Prague streets, but for a purpose.

I’ve titled this Web-log the Jubilee Jog through Prague, because the International Baptist Theological Seminary, where I presently work (and graduated from) is celebrating it’s 60th year as an institution and I’m running in support and celebration of this event. If it weren’t for this, I think I would have stopped donning my Nike running shoes two days after my first run/shuffle!

Sponsor me & support our seminary & students!

A marathon is 21,097 kilometres, so there are options! You can pledge a few dollars, euros, pounds, crowns or rubles per kilometre – which hopefully will be a complete 21.097 or one total lump sum! All to go towards celebrating our IBTS 60 years of seminary training.

Reguarly on this Web-log you can read the highs and lows of my training, who has pledged their support and maybe even of some who wish to join me on the run!!!