2005 Prague International Marathon, May 22

Since the marathon was on Sunday, Britt and I were able to get to Prague a little early and take it easy. We were able to see friends and visit our favorite spots in the city. We were pleasantly surprised by the Hotel Monica. It was located a little outside of the city center, in a cute neighborhood with great views. We were even lucky enough to have ANOTHER U.K. stag party follow us there. Oh well.

Race day couldn't have been more beautiful. I was glad I didn't have any weird joint pains, which had been bothering me during training, and so I was able to meet my goal time of 4:30. In fact, I hit it right on the nose and I wasn't even wearing a watch! I did check my splits and I progressivly got faster and faster, which was kind of cool since by the end a whole lot of people were walking.

Afterwards, however, I felt TERRIBLE. Britt was kind enough to help me up and down flights of stairs and be one heck of a coach.

So, who's coming with me on the next one?

Snaps to Britt for this shot.

Our new favorite hotel in Prague.

If we ever have a home with a pool, I want it to look JUST LIKE THIS.

The view from our room.

Here's coach the night before the big race.

Old Town Square...the start of the PIM.

Best stretch for your knees (I think).

I kind of felt like the bulls in Pamplona.

I guess this guy isn't worried about wind resistance.

This is the leader pack. They finished in under 2 and 1/2 hours, which means they ran 6 minute miles for the entire 26.2 miles!

Here we go!

Me feet were on fire! But, I was still able to manage a wave.

Headed for the finish line.

This is the look of relief.

Vanessa Visits Germany, May 7-12

My best friend decided she needed to see what all the hubub was about, so she flew out from Phoenix to spend a few days with us. Of course our beautiful spring weather had to turn to rain, because what's a vacation without the cold?

Vanessa flew into Hamburg, where the city was having its 800th birthday party for their Harbor, which was really just an excuse to put up a ferris wheel and drink beer. Well, far be it from us to not join in!

Vanessa and I were able to visit Lubeck, Flensburg, and spend an extra day in Hamburg. Mainly, we just kind of walked around taking pictures and eating a frightening amount of bratwursts. Her visit went by way too fast, but it was sure nice having her here!

Hooray! She's here!

The Hamburg Rathaus.

Interior of the Hamburg Rathaus.

We're just full of happy faces!

The Hamburg Harbor Fest from the top of the Ferris Wheel.

I guess there's two ways to look at things.

Hamburger beer. It's good.

Awwww yeah. Keepin' it real with the Hamburg bling. It's a shame you can't see Britt's bling too well, because it was particularly fetching.

Vanessa and I with our Mother's Day roses...which were given to us at the place we had lunch.

We couldn't help but take a picture of this special German drink...it's strong AND refreshing!

Vanessa participating in the "count the smiles" game.

Vanessa in front of the Puppet Museum, where she bought a very frightening poster.

Lubeck from atop one of its cathedrals.

So, so tall.

The Lubeck Rathaus.

Vanessa and I had dinner in the basement of the Rathaus (City Hall), which we learned later is a total tourist trap. Regardless, we liked it!

Britt just informed me that this car is not a bug, which totally ruins my title for this photo. So, I will call this one "Not a Bug in Lubeck."

Something about these angles just don't seem quite right.

I call this one "Red Tree".

This cathedral was built in the 12th century and we both thought it was pretty incredible to touch something that old.

Vanessa is a swinger too!

Parting shot of Lubeck.