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!