Lliswerry on Tour

 

A certain amount of concern about todays half marathon as I've not been able to maintain training to 2024 levels and this was a chance to see if any progress has been made over the last few weeks as I've been able to start running gently again.  Chrissi who normally gets quite stressed about organised races did very well until this morning, when the nerves began to creep in.

Several toilet stops later (in our room) we had made it all the way downstairs for breakfast. I looked longingly at the huge choice disappointed I could consume almost none of it. Some porridge and a lonely banana all that felt reasonable, and a bit more cherry juice, good anti inflammatory properties I hear.

Tried a new from of public transport to the race start, the metro today, getting full value of our 3 day pass.  Standing outside the technical zone, where else would you assume the master athletes of Lliswerry to assemble. Lots of pre race banter always a good way of getting rid of any pre race nerves, that and the portaloos!

The walk to the start very well co-ordinated, as were the starting pens. Its a big deal the Prague half marathon, full TV coverage, the works. These Super Halfs have certainly caught the imagination, and with one in  Cardiff, a huge welsh contingent in the pens and out en route. Great to see y ddraig goch on several corners.

My goal today was to see if, with no speed training, but some endurance muscle memory, I could grind out a sub 2 hour foundation for the months ahead. And whilst it was never comfortable, it was manageable, and the cobbles of the old town really began to get me down, and meant I missed a lot of the sights, I kept my eyes firmly on the time and stability prize. Not as firmly as I'd have liked as with 2K to go I realised I had taken the long route on the course and so had to seriously up the ante and sprint down the finishing strait to achieve 10 seconds under the 2 hour mark. But job done!

It was really hot when we left the hotel, so I took minimal clothing. Very quickly I became a lot colder as I stood around to catch up with people. Luckily the Lliswerry elites had a foil blanket and all was well with the world again. Chrissi came in under the 3 hours she had set, and looked very pleased with herself, as indeed she should be. Was a tough course, and the pressure these Super Halfs have with 3 hour cut offs must play with the mind. Not on, these are supposed to be inclusive races and they should all start thinking about honouring that.

Strolled across the river to find a lovely cafe which allowed all the maroon vesters to have a shot or two of alcohol in their warm drinks, along with beer type alcohol in their cold drinks. Tales told of everyones 13.1  (and a bit) mile journey, salt taken for those who had left it all out there, and plans made for future runs. Tis the way, one done, onto the next one!

Left everyone in high spirits, Chrissi and I walking and tramming our way back to the hotel. Took a look at some of the afternoon sport, Bryn keeping me aware of the Swans, BBC news also giving a few updates. Took the sporting theme out onto the streets of Prague, and down to the old town to a small little sports bar for a beer, to get into the Saturday afternoon traditions!

Bar was pretty rubbish so moved a couple of doors down to the Prague Beer Museum, basically a pub, where I'd seen one of their brews, Lucky Bastard, and that fulfils another random tradition if we can when away. Have a drink somewhere that has a bit of a Bastard to it. Also wolfed down some very straightforward but much needed food, cheeseburger and chips.

We were on the fringe of the old town square, where they seem to be having Easter markets now, pretty much Xmas markets, but at Easter. You get the gist? Also a chance to take a look at one of Pragues key highlights, the clock tower and the square itself. Apparently I ran through it this morning but didn't notice!

Saw a lovely little cafe and squeezed under a table, limbo style, to find some comfort in a blueberry pie and coffee. Meant the boozing (which really has to be managed these days) was curtailed and very relaxed and tasty it was too.

Only briefly paused though as we had our last appointment of the day back at the hotel, in a pre booked Beer Spa!  Felt the right thing to do after running a half marathon in the Czech Republic!

All very mellow and Thai in its look and feel, with a traditional sauna to relax the muscles. Then a jacuzzi for an hour or so with the usual scented bubbles, and beer on tap ... I mean, why wouldn't you?  I think it now has to be on the must do for trips to Prague, and ensured the day ended with the right ambience and character.